New Build Support

[Golfer38]

Hello all and thanks in advance for any help. I am slowly buying or selecting components for my build. This is my first post here but have read the forum in-depth for the last few weeks so I learn as much as I can before I post.

My budget is about $1500 or so, not including my monitor, any software (OS, etc.) or mouse/keyboard. In the past, we just took the easy way out and bought Dell. This year, my son and I want to build one with my son during the xmas vacation. He will be using it gaming, school work, etc. He will be using this for the next 5-6 years, so this is why I dont mind spending $1500 or so. I figure if I could spend this on a Dell easy.

These are the parts I already have on hand;

Windows 7

Logitech Wireless Mouse/Keyboard.

Logitech Z5500 5.1 Speaker System

SSD = Corsair 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233085

Desktop Memory = G. Skill 16GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231312

Video Card = Sapphire HD 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102909

These are the parts I am looking to complete the system;

CPU = Intel i7-950
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211

Hard Drive = Western Digital Cavier Black 7200RPM 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

MoBo = Asus Rampage III
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131666

CD/DVD Drive = Asus Black 24x
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

I need now to pick a PS, Case and Monitor and other items. I have looked and there are many options and choices.

PS =

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Monitor = I see many deals at COSTCO, NewEgg, etc. for 27" monitors for around $300. These seem to be a pretty good deal but I have read where some monitors just make things bigger but lack in the detail. So I am looking for suggestions here.

Here are some I am looking at;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236091

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001431

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254043


Cases= My son likes the colors of the fans (red, blue, etc..). So either I will buy one with these installed or by after market fans and put them in. I like the choice of having the LED's turn off and on as desired. I found a couple like that. I also like to have USB in the front for easier access. I would like to go mid tower if possible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129093

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129092

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517010

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139003

Some of the other items are;

Thermal Compund (Seems like they are all about the same - $10.00 or so)

Joystick for Flight Simulation, etc. = Many in the market, so any recommendations would be appreciated.

Here are some general questions I have;

1) Some products are bare, etc. so I would need cables, etc.. What would I need to purchase to ensure I have them all?

2) USB ports in my computer do not charge my devices (IPAD, IPOD, etc.). They sync up to my computer but do not charge. I read where they may not have the power to do this. Is this normal?

3) Would I need a CPU Cooler? I do not plan to do any overclocking.

4) I read many threads on building a computer but some seem to fall short or stop after the hardware is connected. So after my HW is installed, what do I do next? Do I need to install my OS or can I get device updates for any BIOS etc. before I install my OS. I ask this becaue I am told that some folks have problems getting things to work mostly due to outdated or conflicting drivers. Which drivers should I update first?

I know this is alot to look at, but I appreciate any feedback,

Jim

 

[jevery]

Regarding your hardware choices, you seem to know what level of performance that you're after, and you obviously have a good basic knowledge of component compatibility, so I'll leave those choices to you.
For your questions,

Here are some general questions I have;
1) Some products are bare, etc. so I would need cables, etc.. What would I need to purchase to ensure I have them all?
2) USB ports in my computer do not charge my devices (IPAD, IPOD, etc.). They sync up to my computer but do not charge. I read where they may not have the power to do this. Is this normal?
3) Would I need a CPU Cooler? I do not plan to do any overclocking.
4) I read many threads on building a computer but some seem to fall short or stop after the hardware is connected. So after my HW is installed, what do I do next? Do I need to install my OS or can I get device updates for any BIOS etc. before I install my OS. I ask this becaue I am told that some folks have problems getting things to work mostly due to outdated or conflicting drivers. Which drivers should I update first?
Jim

1. The motherboard will come with SATA cables - You should have what you need to get it running. You might want a few extensions or longer cables for better wire management, but you won't know until you're assembling so these can be purchased later after initial assembly
2. I don't believe this is normal
3. Stock cooler is OK if not overclocked, (so I've heard - actually I've never tried one)
4. I install basic OS first, then I'd check for latest BIOS, install chipset driver, audio and video drivers.

 

[Golfer38]

Jevery, Thanks for the response. On a quick note, will I have any integration issues with this build as designed? Thanks, Jim

 

[Benny Boy]

Nice homework.
How 'bout a card reader/writer? <--good place for the 3.5 on the case and some have a floppy if you use 1. Some can read & write from 1 card to another, and some won't. They also have diff. auxilary connection configurations. USB, eSata, etc...
The psu should have all the power cables necessary. As far as sata cables and any other possible items,--> when you get everything together and devise your plan, you can see what you may need to get from your local store. Nothing like having to stop during the anticipation.
Corsair is an excellent psu and there are others. However it doesn't appear any of the selections are modular. I'd go with modular because you can use only the cables(which are harnessed)needed, which will aid in cooling, which will also help with tidyness esp. with a windowed case.
Sure! You can go mid tower. Cases are so subject to personal preference and there are a lot out there. A couple things you may already know in a good case. Adequate cooling, bottom mounted psu, good cable managment, painted interior is nice with a window, and perhaps drive bays where the interface will be on the right side of the case near the motherboard.

Not so sure about that ssd. Altho I hear Samsung makes a good basis, it doesn't appear to support TRIM altho there may be a fw update to enable it. It doesn't overall compare to others. It has 1/2 the MTBF of some and is a bit slower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227591
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226153
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231379

 

[jevery]

Jevery, Thanks for the response. On a quick note, will I have any integration issues with this build as designed? Thanks, Jim

No, I don't see any incompatibilities there. Curious about the 16GB of RAM though as 8 GB's usually considered overkill - Do you have a specific application that requires that much?