[kmlweather]

Let me just say this is a great forum and there reside some extremely helpful people on here. I have just made an account as I am planning to build a computer in the next few weeks. I have some components picked out that I believe are compatible - but I could really use some assurance that this is true. Also, you'll notice on my list that I have a few things missing like heatsinks, fans and a case. Some suggestions on the missing items would be GREATLY appreciated.

Also if anybody wants to add on anything feel free. Still in the planning stage so changes are more than welcome.

Thanks!

CPU:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0376491
I've read good reviews and I have not had a problem with the i5 in my current desktop or the i7 in my laptop. Pretty set on this processor unless a good reason comes up not to go with it.

Motherboard:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0358125
Would like to stick with an Intel board unless there is a very convincing reason to change.

Graphics:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0369120
Would like to easily be able to run games on the highest settings.

PSU:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0348766
I'm pretty lost on this part. I believe this is good enough but please correct me if I'm wrong on that statement. Somebody suggested I might need as high as a 750W PSU.

Optical Drive:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0355159
Don't really see an issue here. Not a critical part of this build. As long as it can burn and read it's fine.

Solid State Drive:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0383871
I wanted a SSD to facilitate faster startup times. I have really enjoyed having SSD on my current laptop. Though I'm also unsure if this is a good choice or not. the reviews seem favorable on this site and others.

Hard Drive:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0352167
Obviously I want a normal HDD for less critical programs and storage. The 120GB on the SSD will not be enough storage.

RAM/Memory:
http://www.microcent...duct_id=0359910
Here is another part where I have some significant questions. The processor and mobo I have selected both say I need RAM that is either 1066 or 1333mhz but this is 1600. I've read that this is fine but it will default to 1333 unless I change it in BIOS. Will this shorten the life of any component in the machine? Also, I had originally picked RAM that was 1.65v but read that I wanted something that was 1.5v. Does the higher voltage pose a legit threat to the other components/does the higher voltage give significant benefits?

Edited by kmlweather, 21 May 2012 - 08:54 AM.

[Advertisements]

One update - I'm looking at this motherboard -

Intel BOXDP67BGB3 LGA 1155 P67 ATX Intel Motherboard

[kmlweather]

One update - I'm looking at this motherboard -

Intel BOXDP67BGB3 LGA 1155 P67 ATX Intel Motherboard

[iammykyl]

Hi kmlweather,

Just a few questions to help us get the best build for your $ with as much upgrade potential as possible..

What will be the main purpose for the rig?
In which country will you be purchasing the parts?
What is your Budget?
Have you any parts to bring to the new build, ie. monitor, brand/model, keyboard, mouse, etc.?
Have you done any work on a computer before?

[kmlweather]

Hi kmlweather,

Just a few questions to help us get the best build for your $ with as much upgrade potential as possible..

What will be the main purpose for the rig?
In which country will you be purchasing the parts?
What is your Budget?
Have you any parts to bring to the new build, ie. monitor, brand/model, keyboard, mouse, etc.?
Have you done any work on a computer before?

Thanks for the welcome!

I do a lot of different things with my computers. I do game a bit (perhaps not as intensely as others) but I do play Skyrim for instance and I enjoy FSX on all the maximum settings. Additionally, I run a lot of high end meteorology programs that are pretty demanding on the system. TO give you an idea, my current computer has an i5 in it from about two years ago with an Intel board and 4GB of RAM and it has some hiccups sometimes.

I'm in the United States and my preferred place of purchase is from Microcenter (since I can pickup in store and not worry about things being shipped etc). My budget is kind of open - obviously, I would not like to start getting up into the multiple thousands, but from what I've calculated so far I am below 1700 with my current selections (actually even lower).

I have been using a Vizio television as one monitor and a slightly older HP screen as a second monitor. I have a Logitech gaming keyboard and an HP optical mouse.

My current computer was built by me but it was a few years ago and I have been out of the game for a bit. I'm sure it will come back to me when I start the build. The thing that always bogs me down is compatibility and part selections.

[kmlweather]

It occurred to me that not having links is difficult for the folks trying to help. I edited the initial post with product links to the place where I intend to buy. Still some components missing.

[iammykyl]

The processor and mobo I have selected both say I need RAM that is either 1066 or 1333mhz but this is 1600. I've read that this is fine but it will default to 1333 unless I change it in BIOS.

A. The SB max default is 1333MHz but where the Mobo manufacturer states 1600MHz (without /OC) and providing the Mobo supports XMP profile, the RAM will run at that speed if you enable it in the BOIS.

Will this shorten the life of any component in the machine?

A. Not as far as I am aware.

Also, I had originally picked RAM that was 1.65v but read that I wanted something that was 1.5v. Does the higher voltage pose a legit threat to the other components

A. Could cause long term damage to the RAM and controller contained in the CPU as this may need to be increased to get a stable overclock, yet on the QVL RAM has been tested at both lower and higher voltage. The default for SB is 1.5v +- .05% = 1.95v Heres one thread, >

http://forums.bit-te...ad.php?t=203620 and an article, > http://www.mastersla...-core-i7-i5-i3/

does the higher voltage give significant benefits?

A. Higher voltage, NO, higher speed, yes, but depends on the application, >

http://www.anandtech...the-best-ddr3/8

Your links to you parts do not work for me.

[kmlweather]

Darn...looks like the forum URL shortening feature might have screwed up my links. I will fix tomorrow (very low on sleep here and have been sick the last two days with a nasty flu).

Also, I've done some part changing as well (most notably now favoring a i7-3770K processor due to the Ivy Bridge. In turn, I'm probably going to go with a Z77 mobo.

A lot of friends have been trying to convince me to go with the H80 water cooling kit from Corsair to battle my issue with the Hyper 212 Plus heatsink blocking RAM slots. Not sure if I want to do this...I also do not overclock much if at all...but I would like easy access to all my RAM slots.

Again, will post updated info in morning (US Eastern Time).

I really appreciate the time Thank you!

[iammykyl]

Sorry to hear you have the flu, bed rest is the best cure. Just post when you are feeling a bit better.

[kmlweather]

Here's an updated list of parts - I was also considering the Corsair H80 water cooling system because I don't like how the Hpyer 212+ blocks some of the RAM slots.

ALSO - I'm unsure of whether I'll want more power (future upgrades and such) for my PSU. I originally had picked a 520W unit but now am looking at the Antec EarthWatts 650W or the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600w...or maybe a Corsair 600W unit. I think 650W is too high but 600 is where I'd like to be. Any suggestions based on the other components? Also notice I have two motherboard options - I think I'll end up going with the Z77 (same price from my vendor). Note that these prices are rough estimates based on one website's pricing - I have found lower prices on some of the items.

'FINAL' PART LIST

Intel Core i7-3770K Processor 3.5Ghz LGA 1155
$349.99

Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 Mid Tower ATX Case
$134.99 Got this for $99.99

Arctic Silver 5 TIM
$7.99

ASUS 24x Internal DVD RW SATA Writer
$29.99

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus Universal CPU Cooler
$29.99

Corsair Vengeance Series 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL9 Dual-Channel
(two 4GB sticks)
$52.99

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti 2048MD GDDR5 PCIe 2.0 x16 Video Card (EVGA)
$174.99

DZ77BH-55K vs DP67BGB3
same Price
$174.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit OEM
$149.99

Thermaltake TR2 Series 600 Watt ATX PSU
$59.99

Western Digital Caviar blue 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6.0 3.5" Internal
$99.99

Intel 520 Series 120GB SATA 6.0 2.5" SSD
$189.99

Edited by kmlweather, 22 May 2012 - 08:02 AM.

[iammykyl]

I would use the stock cooler to begin and see how the system performs, they are very good, designed to keep the CPU within it's thermal threshold.
Info, Where heat-sink and fan are supplied with a boxed retail CPU from AMD or Intel and you decide to use an after market solution, you will void the warranty, so it is at your own risk.

Please consider this parts list, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/8IEp

Intel, > http://ark.intel.com...up-to-3_90-GHz)

SSD, not on main list, > http://www.newegg.co...ID=3067296&SID= $170

Alternative Motherboard, > http://www.newegg.co...3^13-157-293-TS
Asrock Extreme4 > http://www.asrock.co...el=Z77 Extreme4

GTX 550 ti vs HD 6850
> http://www.gpureview...1=636&card2=647
> http://www.videocard...=Radeon HD 6850
> http://www.pureoverc...id=1367&page=13
> http://www.newegg.co...2^14-130-652-TS

PSU, one of these will give you an upgrade path and are all good quality, > http://www.newegg.co...2^14-130-652-TS

[kmlweather]

A lot to read over! Thanks for the suggestions. I will have some good material to look into during my slow day at work today

[iammykyl]

Hi.

How is your build progressing? Do you need any more help?
An update would be most welcome.