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First PC build- gaming! please confirm spec choice


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#1
Locla

Locla

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Hi all :)

I'm pretty sure these specs are compatible and all but I just want to get as many opinions as possible before I start buying stuff. With my system I would want to at least be able to play dawn of war 2 on ultra settings with no lag.

The other thing I'm not sure about is whether I should get a separate heatsink and thermal paste from the stock CPU?

Here's the spec list:

Mobo: MSI 1155 Intel P67 4xDDR3 SLI Crossfire USB3.0 ATX
http://www.amazon.co...Q/ref=de_a_smtd

CPU: Intel Sandybridge i5-2500K Unlocked Core i5 Quad-Core Processor
http://www.amazon.co...ASIN=B004FA8NX2

HDD: Western Digital 500GB SATAIII 6Gb/s 16MB Cache
http://www.amazon.co...23194607&sr=8-1

GPU: Asus 1GB GeForce GTX 560TI DirectCUII PCI-E
http://www.amazon.co...23266212&sr=8-1

RAM: G.Skill RipjawsX
http://www.ebuyer.co...12800cl9d-8gbxl

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-B123L/BSBP 12x Blu-ray Player
http://www.amazon.co..._cp_computers_3

PSU: Coolermaster RS-700AMBAD3-EU Silent Pro M 700W Modular Power Supply
http://www.scan.co.u...e-eps-12v-quiet

Case: NZXT M59 Black Mid Tower
http://www.scan.co.u...-window-w-o-psu

Monitor: Asus 24-inch VH242H Wide Gaming LCD TFT Monitor
http://www.amazon.co...W/ref=de_a_smtd

Thanks in advance! :)
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#2
Locla

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Also going to use this heatsink if its good:

Thermaltake Frio CPU Cooler
http://www.amazon.co...23283981&sr=8-1
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#3
Locla

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Anybody got any advice/ confirmations as to the specs? I don't mind going up or down a £100 if its for a good reason. Please, I have absolutely no prior experience here!

:)
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#4
muhib1996

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As you focus for gaming, you should use NVIDIA (NOT ASUS) GeForce 9500 GT 1 GB or later versions of it. I use this Graphics Card and am able to play almost any games with high graphics. And all the other specs are enough.
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#5
Locla

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Thanks a lot for info, I have changed a few components around now, but I may keep the higher end GPU so I can add another one later and still have a good video unit. Ty :)
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#6
Macboatmaster

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This is the BRIEF specification of the Asus graphics card you list.

Specifications
Product Specifications
GeneralBrand:Asus
Item Height :40 millimetresItem Width:11.1 centimetres
MemoryRAM Size:1024 MB
Computer Memory Type:DDR SDRAM
Graphics Card Description:GeForce GTX 560TI - that is the Nvidia graphics engine.


Nvidia do NOT market - graphics cards - in the way you wish to buy one.
Asus, Zotac, MSI, Gigabyte are just four of the brands available.

This LINK here will show you what I am explaining.
http://www.geforce.c...-560ti/shopping

Many graphics cards are based on the Nvidia graphics engine.


NOW to turn to your build in general.

If this is your FIRST build

Please, I have absolutely no prior experience here!


Please see this link

http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/

This is a guide produced by Troy and Artellos two Staff members of GeekstoGo
There is a wealth of information in the link, with images and you will find it useful.

My personal advice if you have NEVER built a computer before and CERTAINLY if you are not fully conversant with such matters as anti-static precautions - which are vital. Correct positioning of stand-offs for the motherboard and many other matters is to READ that guide VERY carefully.

You should not be put-off by what I am now going to tell you - but you need to proceed slowly - checking and rechecking each step of the build.
There are no prizes for speed of build in this.

It does not matter if it takes two days, or even longer.

If that computers boots when you first switch on - you will feel great.

If you rush the job and all that happens is a brief indication of power to the motherboard and the fans - and then a shut-down with no boot - you will I know from early experience - feel totally disheartened.

You would NOT be the first person to ruin a motherboard or a CPU by the most simple of errors.

If I WERE YOU and from experience - and it was MY FIRST BUILD - then I would obtain a computer which was working - but beyond its useful life. For instance the speed of the CPU - lets say it is 1.2Ghz - the ram and the total capacity of ram that MAY be used - makes it unworthy of upgrade.
Then strip down that computer as far as you can. - it is not necessary to remove the CPU from the motherboard - but take out as much as possible including the motherboard itself.

This is the ideal way to learn about such matters as locating the motherboard in the correct position - according to the CASE and the securing points on the board. Inserting ram, graphics cards (even if this old computer does not have one) it may very well have some card in the PCI slots of the board. Connections of the PSU to the motherboard etc.

REBUILD IT and see if it still works.

If you want an example of WHY you should follow carefully and SLOWLY the advice in the link I have given you and my advice - See this link.
http://www.geekstogo...d-wont-turn-on/

I will post back further when I have exmained each component of your planned build



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#7
Locla

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I see what you mean, that is a minefield of graphics cards! Which one do you think I should go for?

BTW I've made a few changes to the above build now, here's the updated parts, and my total list of things to buy so far:

Mobo: MSI P67A-G45 (B3)
http://www.europc.co...ign=europcfeeds

CPU: Intel Sandybridge i5-2500K Unlocked Quad-Core Processor
http://www.amazon.co...ASIN=B004FA8NX2

RAM: G.Skill RipjawsX
http://www.ebuyer.co...12800cl9d-8gbxl

PSU: OCZ ZT Series 750W Modular
http://www.ebuyer.co...y-ocz-zt750w-uk

Optical Drive: LG GH22NS70.AUAA 22x DVD-RW SATA
http://www.amazon.co...23469822&sr=8-1

Case: NZXT M59 Black Mid Tower
http://www.scan.co.u...-window-w-o-psu

Monitor: HannsG 21.5" Wide LED DVI Monitor x2
http://www.misco.co....LED-DVI-Monitor

Heatsink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
http://www.play.com/..._$ja=tsid:11518

Wireless Adapter: Edimax 300Mbps Wireless 802.11 b/g/n PCI Express Adapter
http://www.scan.co.u...express-adapter

Thermal paste:
http://www.amazon.co...23466872&sr=8-1

140mm top x2 fan: Akasa AK-195-WH White Illumination 140mm Fan
http://www.overclock...rodid=FG-056-AK

120mm front single fan: COOLERMASTER Blue LED 120mm Case Fan
http://www.overclock...=57&subcat=1816


I already have a HHD that I'm willing to recycle due to the current prices.

The total expense of that list comes to £674.99, about £850 with a GPU I'm estimating(?). Not too bad for a gaming build, or am I missing something? (Apart from the GPU)

Input needed! :)

Edited by Locla, 12 December 2011 - 12:59 PM.

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#8
Locla

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Just saw rest of message, for some reason it wasn't there before xD

Thank you for your advice; while having no prior experience building a computer from scratch, I have had a few pokes around computers, and know the *general* process of removal and installation of components.
That isn't to say that I don't expect at least a few 'What the... moments!' :)

I have read the guide on this site, which I found very helpful, I've also read a number of other guides and cross- referenced them to get the best reassurances of how to go about my build.

I think your recommendation to strip down an older computer as far as I can and then rebuild it is a great idea- I'll do that asap!

I'd much rather do everything right and have it take a couple of days- I enjoy this kinda thing anyway- than to get it wrong quickly :(

Anyways, I've posted the updated specs, please let me know if you reckon its a good gaming build! :D
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#9
Macboatmaster

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I think your recommendation to strip down an older computer as far as I can and then rebuild it is a great idea- I'll do that asap!



When I posted that advice, I had of course no idea whether you had ever even inserted ram etc.
YOU must of course decide how much study and testing you need.

There is one thing that is certain

That isn't to say that I don't expect at least a few 'What the... moments!'


That is best experienced on the old practice dismantle and build - not on your NEW expensive build.


Researching each component will take a long time.
I will post but it may not be today

1. If you go to the motherboard manufacturers site - they will list RAM tested with that board and they will have a list of CPU`s

2. If you go to the site for the CASE, it will very likely tell you the max size of graphics card.

3. You then find those details on the site for the card. - You would not be the first to buy a graphics card that will not fit in - but that is most relevant to small form factor cases.
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#10
Locla

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Very true.

CPU is listed, but neither the RAM nor the PSU are listed on the M/board's manufacturer's list of tested compatability. I have read that, with these two components, there is a degree of flexibility with compatibility. What do you think?
Actually, I guess it would be silly to not get something on their check list like RAM, but their PSU check list is rather limited, and that PSU was recommended by 2 people. What's your views here?

The case supports 10" graphics cards so that should be ok. (The one I had selected was 9")

No worries regarding time! I'm not going to order anything for a few weeks yet, need to save up. Hopefully this build will be ok for a couple years w/o upgrading :)
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#11
Macboatmaster

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http://uk.msi.com/pr...tml#/?div=Basic

Link to your motherboard. Suitable CPU`s shown on the link on Support and then CPU support
Memory on Same link and then Test report. - with more or less all possible Good quality widely known memory tested.

Basic Memory suitability shown main page detailed spec
Posted ImageMain Memory

• Supports four unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 1066/1333/1600*/1866*/2133*(OC) DRAM, 32GB Max
- Supports Dual channel mode

Please DO NOT be annoyed with me - but

CPU is listed, but neither the RAM nor the PSU are listed on the M/board's manufacturer's list of tested compatability


When you prepare for that build and start the build - the degree of care you need and the exactness of procedure and checking is VITAL
If I did not stress that - I would NOT be giving you my best advice.

DO NOT BE PUT OFF - you CAN do it - but those details were there.
That is NOT in any way meant to be insulting.

Have a look at that last link on my post 6. - it shows perfectly what can go wrong.


That all said - I will post again when I have examined ALL your planned build, it will NOT be today. Probably late tomorrow.


NOW the praise.
You should pat yourself on the back.

You have done WELL.

Many people as I said have bought the case, got to the stage of inserting the Graphics card in the motherboard slot and then realised it was too large for the case.

YOU checked and found the relevant details.

WELL DONE



When you build this you will on what I have seen have an excellent system.
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#12
Locla

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Ahh ok. I did post on some other forums, and the replies I got confirmed my spec list, and so gave me the impression that it's not a neccessity to adhere exactly to the Mboard's manufacturer's compatability list!

I've been reading through the GPU list for P67 MSI Mboards and they seem to be limited to higher- end cards. The list for SLI/ CFX is even more limited than single GPU's. Is this a marketing scheme, or do I have to buy a high end card? (or two)
I'm feeling a bit swamped with all the different components I may have to swap around- I dont mind doing the research at all, I just don't know where/how to begin now! :)

Edited by Locla, 11 December 2011 - 04:41 PM.

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#13
Locla

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Oh no worries, I deffo don't feel insulted! The fact that your giving your advice is extremely appreciated.
Hehe thanks!
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#14
Macboatmaster

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1. I have now checked all your components - they are OK, as far as can see.

However, as with any query of this nature, the final responsibility must rest with you of course. I only mention that just in case, I have missed something - which I do NOT think I have.

2.

Ahh ok. I did post on some other forums, and the replies I got confirmed my spec list, and so gave me the impression that it's not a neccessity to adhere exactly to the Mboard's manufacturer's compatability list!


Well I cannot comment - and would not wish to do so any way. All I can say is, you must decide and compare the advice you have received with the detail of the advice you have received elsewhere

3. I have the following observations on your planned build.
A.. The ram 1600Mhz is listed by MSI on the motherboard specification RAM details as for OVERCLOCKING
I do not know if you have seen that.
Here is some more detail
Overclocking: Overclocking is pushing your computer components speeds past the manufacturer defaults to attain better performance. You can do this generally with processors, video cards and RAM. Overclocking can sometimes improve performance but can also reduce the life of the component and will almost always require more power and produce more heat.

My advice is DO NOT overclock - that motherboard, processor and graphics etc. will serve you well. They WILL NOT gain performance from any degree you can perceive by driving them harder than the manufacturers standard intentions.

B. NO - you do not have to use ONLY the graphics, ram or indeed even the processors tested and certified as PASS by the motherboard manufacturer. In my opinion, there is a definite benefit in doing so.

C. Be careful in your use of the thermal paste - Many people believe that the paste IMPROVES the flow of heat from the CPU to the cooler. That is not in fact the case. The thermal paste is used to ensure that any TINY imperfections in the surface of the CPU and the heatsink are catered for by the paste. TOO MUCH is inadvisable. Guidance will be provided on the processor leallet and the thermal paste packet.

D. Do not be concerned about the recommendations of the graphics on the motherboard site and become too involved in that. Most of it relates to using TWO graphic cards. The main benefit from that is that they share the load on the GPU`s when HEAVY demand is placed on them.

Good luck and please post back with any queries.
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#15
Locla

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Excellent; I was expecting to have to make lots of changes to the build after looking at the Mboard lists. And of course, I am solely responsible; thanks for taking a look.

A. I must have missed it when I first looked, checked again and I saw it where you said.
Interesting point about overclocking, I was planning to do so immediately, thinking that it would make a noticeable difference- perhaps something to do in a year or so if it's needed.

B. Good to know for future reference.

C. Thanks for info. I had read about these imperfections, and will follow the instructions that come with.

D. When future games software is developed I plan to use two graphics cards in SLI (or CFX) to compensate.
In your opinion, is the GTX 560Ti a good card to invest in? If so, I'll begin comparing the various brands to find the best bang for buck card, thanks to the very informative article on GPUs on this site :)

Thanks again!

Edited by Locla, 11 December 2011 - 04:44 PM.

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