First build on ~$400 Budget

[Newt1]

Greetings,

First time building my own computer, although I'm somewhat familiar with the process. Looking to build something that can play games (WoW, TF2, etc.), but not concerned about new, cutting-edge titles. Just looking to get my feet wet on the building process while taking advantage of some Black Friday deals.

Just want to make sure I'm not making any glaring mistakes with parts and compatibility. Already have operating system, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 TigerDirect) <- Price not updated on PCPP, yet.
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($14.99 Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($59.99 Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($24.99 Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 Amazon
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7750 2GB Video Card ($59.99 Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($16.99 Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer (15.99 Newegg)

Total: $380.90

Only issues that PCPartPicker finds is the case and front USB slots. After poking around, I've found that the Antec 300 ATX does have front slots. Looks like just some out of date info.

(Can't hyperlink to PCPartPicker, but can copy/paste PCPartPicker.com/p/p4Xy )

[windfish]

nothing i can see at the moment, but very nice job, you got some nice deals and have quite an amazing computer for your budget.

[Klutzington]

I agree with Windfish. I saw the $400 budget and I thought you wouldn't really get anything. Then I saw your list. Very nice.

HOWEVER

If you drop the CPU cooler (the i3 comes with one, right?), I would highly suggest you drop the 7750 and go with this Radeon 7770 OR this Nvidia GTX 460.

With the 7770, you'll be paying $435 in total ($420 after rebate).

With the GTX 460, you'll be paying $405.

I'd go with the the 7770, but that's up to you.

BUT

If you don't mind spending more upfront, go with this Radeon 6870. It'll be $455 upfront (yikes!), but $425 after rebate.

I'd go with the 6870 since it's pretty much equivalent to the GTX 560 Ti. Then I'd go with the 7770. Lastly I'd go with the GTX 460.

[Newt1]

If you drop the CPU cooler (the i3 comes with one, right?)

Honestly didn't even notice that, just saw the great deal on it. On the item description, it says fan included. Any chance of the included fan needing to be replaced with a more reliable one, or is that not a common issue?

With the video cards, I'm teetering back and forth between the 6870 and the 7770.

Reading reviews, it sounds like heat & noise is a big issue with the 6870, while I'm not reading any complaints about the 7770 with its dual fans. With only a $5 difference between them, will there be a noticeable upgrade from the 7770 to the 6870 graphics-wise?

[Spongeballs]

Honestly didn't even notice that, just saw the great deal on it. On the item description, it says fan included. Any chance of the included fan needing to be replaced with a more reliable one, or is that not a common issue?

No. Intel's stock cooler is more than enough for an i3.

[yurano]

With the video cards, I'm teetering back and forth between the 6870 and the 7770.

The MSI 7770 is $80 after $30 rebate: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=724...5&promoid=1030

Apparently the Newegg version is sold out =/

[Newt1]

So, I'm fairly settled on the 7770, now.

Between the MSI 7770 and the Sapphire 7770, should I be worried at all about the prices being 79.99 vs. 114.99, or is the MSI just that good of a deal? As far as I can tell, they're the same card.

Seeing favorable reviews on both cards, just making sure I'm not missing something.

[yurano]

Between the MSI 7770 and the Sapphire 7770, should I be worried at all about the prices being 79.99 vs. 114.99, or is the MSI just that good of a deal? As far as I can tell, they're the same card.

MSI is considered a better brand and its on a super duper black friday sale. The MSI 7770 in question usually retails for $120 or so: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-vid...77702pmd1gd5oc

[Newt1]

Alright, so MSI it is, then.

Just going to double check, regarding your link.

You posted earlier about the MSI 7770 for $80 on NCIX, and I've found it for $70 on TigerDirect, now. The link you posted above, is that a different model? Price is $20-30 higher.

Just want to make sure before a final purchase.

Edit:
Looking at PCPP, it has the cheaper 7770 listed as the 'Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition' ($70) vs 'Radeon HD 7770' ($110)
Big difference? Or just go with the cheaper one?

[yurano]

Alright, so MSI it is, then.

Just going to double check, regarding your link.

You posted earlier about the MSI 7770 for $80 on NCIX, and I've found it for $70 on TigerDirect, now. The link you posted above, is that a different model? Price is $20-30 higher.

Just want to make sure before a final purchase.

Edit:
Looking at PCPP, it has the cheaper 7770 listed as the 'Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition' ($70) vs 'Radeon HD 7770' ($110)
Big difference? Or just go with the cheaper one?

I'd just go with the cheaper one. A $40 difference is 10% of your budget.

[Newt1]

Final build:

PCPartPicker.com/p/p6MY
(Couple retailers switched around)

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 TigerDirect)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($74.99 Newegg) [-$15.00 Rebate]
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($24.99 Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($109.99 TigerDirect) [-$40.00 Rebate]
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 Newegg) [-$15.00 Rebate]
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($36.99 Newegg) [-$20.00 Rebate]
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer (15.99 Newegg)

Initial Cost: $477.92
Rebates: -$80.00

Final Cost: 397.92

I think I got exactly what I was looking for, along with a better video card than what I was initially looking at, all while staying under $400.

Thanks very much, folks. You are all gentlemen and scholars of the highest order.