[Kbear]

Hello!
I am working on my first computer build.
I will be using it for gaming. I would have really liked to stay at about $900 or less but with the parts that I have compiled I have gone slightly over. I am willing to be flexible when it comes to budget. I also know that I will need a OS, and I plan on purchasing Windows7 64bit. I already have a mouse and keyboard.

Building my own computer will be a great learning experience for me so please be gentle if I have forgotten something or something is not compatible.

I will link the list of parts I have compiled from my Newegg wish list.
Please let me know if there is anything I should change around!

Here is the list:

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811119197

ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131701

EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) FPB 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130625

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020

Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115073

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231314

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148697

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor W/Speakers
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824236052

Edited by Kbear, 06 January 2012 - 10:03 PM.

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I have added some guidance points for you to consider;

Hello!
I am working on my first computer build.
I will be using it for gaming. I would have really liked to stay at about $900 or less but with the parts that I have compiled I have gone slightly over. I am willing to be flexible when it comes to budget. I also know that I will need a OS, and I plan on purchasing Windows7 64bit. I already have a mouse and keyboard.

Building my own computer will be a great learning experience for me so please be gentle if I have forgotten something or something is not compatible.

I will link the list of parts I have compiled from my Newegg wish list.
Please let me know if there is anything I should change around!

Here is the list:

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811119197
A less expansive alternative http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066 I prefer this case as it has removable washable dust filters.

ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131701
I suggest that you change this to a Z68 platform MB as they have better future upgrade potential. Alternative MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) FPB 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130625 Alternative card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127573

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020 Good choice of PSU both brand and output + plenty of headroom for future upgrades.
For future reference never choose a PSU until all other components are decided on, you should then use a PSU calculator such as http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/ (example only) to ensure you have a good, clean and stable power supply with an 80% efficiency rating.

Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115073
A better CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072 as cores are unlocked.

Ram chosen from the MBs QVL http://www.newegg.co...14900CL9D-8GBSR

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231314
Before purchasing use the MBs QVL (qualified vendors list) to ensure you choose Ram (and a CPU) that have been tested and approved.

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148697 A good deal.

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor W/Speakers
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824236052 A screen with a 2ms response time would be better

You will need to purchase some TIM (thermal interface material) such as Arctic Silver 5 see the tutorial courtesy of Digerati http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/

[phillpower2]

I have added some guidance points for you to consider;

Hello!
I am working on my first computer build.
I will be using it for gaming. I would have really liked to stay at about $900 or less but with the parts that I have compiled I have gone slightly over. I am willing to be flexible when it comes to budget. I also know that I will need a OS, and I plan on purchasing Windows7 64bit. I already have a mouse and keyboard.

Building my own computer will be a great learning experience for me so please be gentle if I have forgotten something or something is not compatible.

I will link the list of parts I have compiled from my Newegg wish list.
Please let me know if there is anything I should change around!

Here is the list:

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811119197
A less expansive alternative http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066 I prefer this case as it has removable washable dust filters.

ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131701
I suggest that you change this to a Z68 platform MB as they have better future upgrade potential. Alternative MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) FPB 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130625 Alternative card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127573

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020 Good choice of PSU both brand and output + plenty of headroom for future upgrades.
For future reference never choose a PSU until all other components are decided on, you should then use a PSU calculator such as http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/ (example only) to ensure you have a good, clean and stable power supply with an 80% efficiency rating.

Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115073
A better CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072 as cores are unlocked.

Ram chosen from the MBs QVL http://www.newegg.co...14900CL9D-8GBSR

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231314
Before purchasing use the MBs QVL (qualified vendors list) to ensure you choose Ram (and a CPU) that have been tested and approved.

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148697 A good deal.

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor W/Speakers
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824236052 A screen with a 2ms response time would be better

You will need to purchase some TIM (thermal interface material) such as Arctic Silver 5 see the tutorial courtesy of Digerati http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/

[Kbear]

I actually like that case a lot, thanks!

Other than that does everything look alright together?

[phillpower2]

Added a couple more pointers for you
Alternative MB http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157271 note the Ivy Bridge and PCI-3.0 upgrade ability.

[Kbear]

Thanks for those pointers I will follow those as well. Silly me.. I had forgotten to add the optical drive I was looking at http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827100057

I will also purchase that TIM you mentioned

[phillpower2]

Ram that is on the MBs QVL http://www.newegg.co...14900CL9D-8GBSR
MBs QVL http://www.asrock.co...8 Extreme3 Gen3 see the window to the upper left for the supported CPUs and Ram.
Consider adding an SSD for your OS and get faster boot times + add a smaller HDD for data only, you can always add an additional HDD in the future should you need and hopefully by then the cost will have come back down. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820227725
Video card http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127573 if we can save you enough money on other components consider upgrading to the 256-bit 560ti

Not a bad burner but in my opinion the ASUS is a better option http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827135204

I will also purchase that TIM you mentioned

Good to hear, when you build a new rig you want to know it has been put together to the best of your ability, some but not all thermal pads on new components are not as efficient as Arctic Silver 5 and so cannot be relied upon 100% so for a couple of bucks you are less likely to fry a new CPU or MB.

Just noticed, they are giving away the optical drive you mentioned with the HDD you also chose, go for that deal but still add the SSD - you have saved enough if you go for the alternative MB I suggested.

[Kbear]

Okay I will post all the parts that I am thinking of that have changed with your suggestions (just to keep my mind organized haha). I have also changed the monitor because I found one with no speakers (I already have some).

I will post the list in just a second.

[Kbear]

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811129066

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822148697

MSI 22X Internal Burner Black IDE Model DH-22AP
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827100057

Hanns-G HK241DPB Black 23.6" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824254068

MSI N550GTX-Ti Cyclone OC GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127573

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231461

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM


G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231461

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813157271

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 ...
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115072

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

Total: 1,049.89 as of right now I am maxed out budget wise.

[phillpower2]

Something wrong somewhere as I get it to $988.77 before the mail in rebates but including shipping costs, the Arctic Silver 5 cost and the reduced monitor cost are not included though.




EDIT
You have included the optical drive cost when it is bundled free with your HDD, please see post #6.

Ok, just added the cost of the items in your post #8 and the total is $947.78 including shipping cost but mail in rebates Not deducted.

By the way the link for the PSU above takes you to your Ram

Edited by phillpower2, 07 January 2012 - 10:34 AM.

[Kbear]

Is that including the 99.99 for the OS too?

Hehe the link for my psu is http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139020 sorry about that!

Edited by Kbear, 07 January 2012 - 10:38 AM.

[phillpower2]

You havn`t included a link to your OS or TIM in post #8 so those costs were not included in my total.
Cost now = $1047.77 + whatever the TIM costs

[Kbear]

Alright, after adding everything the total is 1,016.49 with the promo codes and shipping. After the rebates it comes down to 973.49. Im happy with that. This being my first build I am a bit hesitant though!

Thank you soo much for your time and help, I really appreciate it!

[phillpower2]

Alright, after adding everything the total is 1,016.49 with the promo codes and shipping. After the rebates it comes down to 973.49. Im happy with that. This being my first build I am a bit hesitant though!

We are here to help you and this includes walking you through the whole process if needs be, two things that I suggest you do while waiting for you components to arrive 1: download the manuals from the manufacturers website and familiarize yourself with the parts 2: read the tutorial provided courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/ and the TIM topic provided by Digeratihttp://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/292223-thermal-interface-material/

Thank you soo much for your time and help, I really appreciate it!
You are welcome and let us know if you need us

[Kbear]

I will be sure to look at all of the readings!

Just one more quick question, since the HDD is a bare drive will I need to purchase any additional connectors? I see that the mobo comes with 2 SATA cables.

[phillpower2]

Two SATA cables is enough, one for the HDD and one for the optical drive.