First Build - Brand New to the Building Game

[immanguyener]

Okay so here's the deal. I've been playing on my Dell XPS 1530 Laptop for the past 2 years.
I've just wanted a decent gaming computer that can play games like League of Legends on all Very High settings with good FPS.
I also want it to be able to play Diablo 3 or WoW, which I would play if I could, but I can't on my laptop...

EDIT: I will also be using it to edit 1080p GoPro Videos.

I am also on a $750 budget.
I am a freak for always trying to have the best, but really just help me out on what I really need.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

What I have chosen comes out to be around $824.

So here is the list of components that I want to buy:

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40739&sku=C13-5720
C13-5720 ::Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B Vengeance Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2x 4GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, Intel XMP Ready, Unbuffered(0.3 lbs) - 49.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073162&sku=I69-2500
I69-2500 ::Intel Core i5-2500 BX80623I52500 Processor - Quad Core, 6MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 3.30 GHz (3.70 GHz Max Turbo), Socket H2 (LGA1155), 95W, Fan, Retail(0.8 lbs) - 209.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6046364&sku=T925-3046
T925-3046 ::Thermaltake CLP0564 Frio Dual 120mm Universal CPU Cooler - LGA1366, LGA1156, LGA775, LGA2011, AM3, AM2+, AM2. "Received The Overclockers Tech Gold Award"(4.15 lbs) - 49.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=41126&sku=E145-0552
E145-0552 ::EVGA 01G-P3-1557-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti SuperClocked Video Card - 1GB, GDDR5, PCI-Express 2.0 (x16), Mini-HDMI, Dual DVI, DirectX 11 SLI Ready, (1.3 lbs) - 144.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2406888&sku=A455-2042
A455-2042 ::ASUS P8Z77-V LX Intel 7 Series Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2 (LGA1155), Intel Z77 Express, 2400MHz DDR3 (O.C.), SATA III (6Gb/s), RAID, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, PCIe 3.0, CrossFireX Ready(2.6 lbs) - 139.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6430030&sku=C283-3122
C283-3122 ::Cooler Master RC-430-KWN1 Elite 430 Mid Tower ATX Case - ATX/Micro-ATX, USB, Audio, 120mm Blue LED Fan, Black(12.8 lbs) - 39.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276574&sku=ULT-LSP550
ULT-LSP550 ::Ultra LSP550 550-Watt Power Supply - ATX, SATA-Ready, SLI-Ready, 135mm Fan, Lifetime Warranty w/ Registration(4.45 lbs) - 49.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744345&sku=TSD-2000AS4"]TSD-2000AS4 ::Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB Serial ATA Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gb/s(1.6 lbs) - 119.99

tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6078414&sku=A455-5022
A455-5022 ::Asus DRW-24B1ST 24X Internal DVD Burner - DVD±R 24X, DVD+RW 8X, DVD-RW 6X, DVD±R (DL) 12X, DVD-RAM 12X, CD-R 48X, CD-RW 32X, SATA, 2MB, Black, OEM(1 lbs) - 19.99

I apologize for the lack of links. I found out after I linked them all... haha

[WarJames]

for video editing you might want a i7 2600 because hyper threading will decrease video conversion times

and yeah get that graphics only if you want to upgrade later ( you could even totally cut the graphics card out untill you save up for a 560gtx or greater ) as there is graphics cards inbuilt into the cpu

and just use stock cooler till you upgrade that later as well... stock is sorta OK

[immanguyener]

Thanks for the response!
I will probably get the i7 after my next paycheck.
So I'll just wait a couple weeks.
As for the graphics card should I wait and get a better one?
I'm not really in a hurry to build a computer.
I just need one before I go off to college in August, which means I need enough time to build it too.

[WarJames]

yeah thats a really great system for yourself... just add these things later

560gtx or higher (or ati equivilent, ati has no 3d tho) and a nice cooler for it
a cooler for your nice CPU
an SSD 128gb or greater

I would also recommend the AZrock z77 mobos I have found them marvellous with many features that actually work solid
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=19867
they are very very nice


other than that there is nothing better that you could get until next year
without spending many thousands of dollars

edit: im not sure if your getting a i7 2600"K" < the k means its unlocked and can be overclocked if you ever need it ie 3.2ghz to 4.8ghz with a good cooler

[immanguyener]

I don't think I'm getting the 2600k as I have no idea what overclocking is.
Could you briefly explain this?
And as for the motherboard you recommended me the AZrock, does that specific one have built-in graphics as well?

[Deleted]

It's the usually CPU that has built-in graphics, not the motherboard. And with a $750 budget you should NOT go for the i7-2600 with a Z77 motherboard. The PSU you chose out also sounds like it's the type that likes to fry your whole system. You should go for something more like this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($51.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($35.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: OCZ 700W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $725.92
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-06-08 02:09 EDT-0400)

Comparison between GPUs here, the one in my build is the blue one.

[immanguyener]

Thank you Anderzon for the help!
I feel kind of stupid making that motherboard comment, but now I'll never do it again haha.
As for the build you suggested... I will probably do as you said.
However, is there anything that I could invest into now instead of upgrading later that would help me in the long run?

[WarJames]

overclocking these days is easy as sliding a slider to 4.5ghz and restarting the computer

yeah the 2500k will be more than enough... I was only suggesting the 2600k for "somewhat" faster video conversions

that z68 will only support last gen processors .... the z77 will allow for a upgrade of processor in the future... somthing you prolly wont do

so again will be more than sufficient... (z68)


and dont worry bout the silly questions... its only recently onboard GPU has moved from MOBO to CPU

i was put off by your comment "I am a freak for always trying to have the best" more hehe

id still get nvidia tho... ive prolly had about 15 cards from both companies and nvidia is the best (for your video card)

[Deleted]

that z68 will only support last gen processors .... the z77 will allow for a upgrade of processor in the future... somthing you prolly wont do

Z77 is the same socket as Z68(LGA 1155), so it supports the exact same processors. I usually recommend Z77 motherboards, but I found no boards which offered more or the same amount of things as the Gigabyte Z68 in the price range.

id still get nvidia tho... ive prolly had about 15 cards from both companies and nvidia is the best (for your video card)

That is your opinion. AMD and Nvidia both are good manufacturers, and cards from both companies are viable. In the price range, there's no card that beats the Radeon 7850, and that's why I recommended it.

[immanguyener]

Okay thanks for the replies!
I have a couple more questions.
What's the difference between these two graphic cards?
newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121623
pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd52dh

Also, is building the computer itself easy?
I will also need an OS, but I'm sure I can get that from my college.

[Deleted]

What's the difference between these two graphic cards?
newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121623
pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-ax78502gbd52dh

The ASUS isn't reference cooled, which means it will run much quieter and cooler than the Powercolor card.

Also, is building the computer itself easy?

Yes, buildiing computers are fairly easy. Just watch some videos and read some guides on building computers. This thread may be to your help.

[Deleted]

That specific PSU (from OCZ) isn't exactly the best quality and 700W is total overkill for an AMD 7850. Any of the below will be better quality, yes they'll cost a little bit more but it's worth it in my opinion, the OCZ 700 is $70 before MIR as well:

SeaSonic M12II 520W $60
OCZ ZT Series 550W $70 $50 after MIR

Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 1 - Choosing Your Components
Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 2 - The Build
Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 3 - Installing Windows & Finishing Touches

Or these videos from ASUS, showing you how to:

ASUS How-To - Get Started Building a PC
ASUS How-To - Install Inside the Case
ASUS How-To - Install CPU, CPU Fan, & Memory
ASUS How-To - Cable Management

[immanguyener]

I just noticed that you left out a cooler or fan?
Do I need one with this build?

[Deleted]

If you intend to do some overclocking then yes its recommend getting an aftermarket heatsink.

CPU Cooler: Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $29.99
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-06-08 12:58 EDT-0400)

This one is cheap, performs pretty good and is quieter than some of the other choices in the same price range.

[immanguyener]

Thank you for all your input!
I greatly appreciate all the help you've given me!
Thank you again for helping me out!

One more question.
When I get the money, is it worth getting a SSD Crucial M4 128gb drive?
It sounds nice to have.
If so, how would I put it into the MoBo?
I've searched that it may need a cable that connects the 2.5 inch pin to a 3.5 inch pin?
I am getting the z68 Gigabyte mobo

[Deleted]

In my opinion SSD is definitely nice to have, smoother feeling operating system, faster loading games/programs etc. everything feel snappier. It doesn't have any effect on FPS in games just so you're aware.

You connect it with a SATA cable to the SATA connection on your motherboard. Best performance if you can connect it to a SATA III (6Gb/s) port. 2.5 inch is the size of the drive. If for some reason there isn't mounts/screw holes for 2.5 inch in the case you can literally just tape it to the side/bottom of the case (Velcro/double sided tape).

[immanguyener]

Hey guys. Thanks for the input. If anyone wants to know, Micro Center has a bundle with a processor that gets you $50 off the any motherboard with Intel Processors. I was just there in Duluth, GA.

[immanguyener]

Okay so guys. I put the components together via the Newegg tutorials, and I'm in the process of booting it for the first time in an external build. (outside the case)
I have the video card, RAM, and fan in. When I boot it via the power pins, I don't get a splash screen.

Nevermind. I plugged the HDMI into the MoBo, not the GPU.

[Butler to Baby Sloths]

The computer will only boot if you have a processor installed (with a heatsink on it).

[immanguyener]

Yeah I had the processor in too haha. The first times, I had the HDMI plugged into the MoBo, but I plugged it in the GPU and it splashed