Micro-ATX build (first)

[alsega]

Hi guys,

I am currently using a macbook (5 years old) and it is time for a new computer. Wanted to buy an IMac, but the the price is twice as much as any PC equivalent, and since I don't like to throw away my money, I want to make an as cheap as possible computer, thus the build.

I've never built a computer, so there could be many newbie mistakes, so please comment.

The goal was to make a small desktop PC, that could run casual games (Diablo 3) on high settings. Also, I am a mechanical engineer so I need to run some 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CATIA V5.

I'm going for a Micro-ATX computer, buying everything from Newegg.ca.

CASE : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112218

PSU : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148027

PCU : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078

Motherboard : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131716

RAM : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

Graphics : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500224

HDD : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Optical Drive : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

OS : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total : 720$ with taxes and shipping.

I know the graphic card is a bit on the low end, but I am kinda getting lost with all the options.

Please comment, I don't know if the parts are good, well priced, etc.

Thanks alot,
Alexis

 

[johnb35]

You definately need to change the psu to something better as Apevia is a cheap brand that won't last.

Corsair psu - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

 

[alsega]

Thanks alot ! That is exactly the kind of thing I absolutly have no idea on.

In terms of space, do you think the case is big enough to fit everything ?

I chose a micro-ATX motherboard, but the rest are pretty standard parts.

 

[claptonman]

Yes, the case is micro ATX and so is the motherboard. That's all that really matters. You're good to go.

 

[alsega]

Would it be better to perform this switch ?

MB : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121506

HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na&AID=10521304&PID=4169961&SID=30jx6lg2pz2g

In total it is a 10 bucks addition. Is the performance boost from the HDD worth it ? Is the MB better or worse ?

Thanks for the comments, it is very appreciated.

 

[claptonman]

I'd go with the Seagate. More room. They will be about the same speed, no real difference.

And the Asus motherboard seems fine. You won't see a difference between them.