[OsanGar]

I'll keep this straight and to the point, this is my first time building a computer, and I would appreciate any help that I could get in checking for compatability issues along with help in deciding whether or not I should be sticking with the stock fans/heatsink for both the case and the processor. It's not on the wishlist below, but I plan on using Windows 7 for my OS and on buying my peripherals directly from a store instead of online in order to get a better feel of the size and shape/feel of them.

Here's the link to my public wishlist on NewEgg: http://secure.newegg...Number=20695406

Edited by OsanGar, 28 June 2012 - 07:49 AM.

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OsanGar

With the exception of your choice of PSU brand you have chosen a list of quality components but the balance may not be right for your intended use, please tell us what the computers main use will be and let us see if we can both save you money and maximise your budget.

Couple of pointers for you, the Z68 platform MB has already been surpassed by the Z77 platform MB which has more future upgrade potential and which will help you get the best out of the i5-3570 CPU and 8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for Windows 7 64-bit so depending on your planned use having 16GB of memory could be a waste of both Ram and your cash.

For PSUs to trust and PSUs to avoid see http://forum.pcmech....ide-inside.html

[phillpower2]

OsanGar

With the exception of your choice of PSU brand you have chosen a list of quality components but the balance may not be right for your intended use, please tell us what the computers main use will be and let us see if we can both save you money and maximise your budget.

Couple of pointers for you, the Z68 platform MB has already been surpassed by the Z77 platform MB which has more future upgrade potential and which will help you get the best out of the i5-3570 CPU and 8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for Windows 7 64-bit so depending on your planned use having 16GB of memory could be a waste of both Ram and your cash.

For PSUs to trust and PSUs to avoid see http://forum.pcmech....ide-inside.html

[OsanGar]

Thanks for your reply, for the most part, I plan on using this computer for gaming, and I will probably be running multiple programs at one time: a game, Skype, Firefox, and possibly others. Regarding the Z77, I think I'll get the P8Z77-V LK ( http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131837 ) since I would prefer not to pay an additional $100 for a motherboard, and based off of the PSU link that you gave me, I'm thinking about getting this one which should be compatible unless I've missed something: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139010 Would you be able to tell me whether or not you think that I should stick with the stock fans that come with the case?

[phillpower2]

You are welcome and thank you for the additional information

and I will probably be running multiple programs at one time: a game, Skype, Firefox, and possibly others

8GB of Ram is fine for this but if you were editing a lot of video/s or doing intensive 3D work I would suggest 16GB of Ram now as opposed to having to add more later.

The alternative MB and PSU suggestions are both very good items, please keep in mind that a PSU should not be selected until all other hardware is decided on and confirmed as available, this will ensure that an allowance can be made for future possible upgrades such as a second video card or HDD and thus remove the need to also upgrade the PSU.

The case is very nice but it is also very expensive, the cooling fans are capable but does the case also have removable, washable dust filters which aid the cooling fans in keeping the air moving freely and make the users life easier when it comes to keeping the inside of the case clean which is a must.

We have your budget and know the intended use so if acceptable I will put you a list of parts together for you to look over, it will be built around the proposed i5-3570 CPU.

I have included an SSD for your OS and other important programs/games, this will make boot up times faster http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b0Wa

An alternative video card http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID= and benchmarks http://www.videocard...GeForce GTX 480

Let me know what you think as we can swap items to suit.

Edited by phillpower2, 28 June 2012 - 12:17 PM.
Links added.

[OsanGar]

All of that looks great aside from the full tower which is too large for my desk, I was hoping to find a nice mid-tower for my build, and I think I'll also go with the second video card you mentioned, being that the first one is only slightly better than the second and not worth an extra $80 in my opinion. Do you have any suggestions regarding a fair-priced mid-tower case with good cooling?

Edit: I think that I've found a case and I've added it to PcPartPicker: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b16a anything else that I should look out for or change? Also, what should I do for a wireless card; I can't seem to find many although they may be known by a different name than that.

Edited by OsanGar, 28 June 2012 - 01:18 PM.

[phillpower2]

The case you have included does not have any USB 3.0 ports so check out the two cases @ http://www.newegg.co...ases - ATX Form)-_-Antec-_-11129021&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= or http://www.newegg.co...ases - ATX Form)-_-Antec-_-11129180&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Good call on swapping to the GTX 480

anything else that I should look out for or change?

No - settle on a case and you are good to go

NB: The 750W PSU is more than enough for your present list of hardware but adding a second GTX 480 in the future would require a PSU upgrade, use the PSU calculator @ http://images10.newe...tage-Calculator

[OsanGar]

Ok, so in case I decide to upgrade, I'll go with this PSU: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817371050 and then for the case, I'd like to go with this one that you showed me: http://www.newegg.co...ases - ATX Form but I can't seem to find it on PcPartPicker: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b1nl

Edited by OsanGar, 28 June 2012 - 02:20 PM.

[phillpower2]

PSU Case now included http://pcpartpicker.com/p/b1pS
Nice build and better still if you can get it for under a $1000

Couple of tutorials for you courtesy of Troy/Artellos and Digerati respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/ and http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/

Please keep us posted on your progress and if you have any questions feel free to give us a shout.

[OsanGar]

Awesome, I can't thank you enough for helping me.

[phillpower2]

Glad I was able to help and like I say we are here if you need us

Network card options http://www.newegg.co...N82E16833166063 or http://www.newegg.co...N82E16833166054

[iammykyl]

Great build guys.

Please consider adding the following.

> http://www.newegg.co...8^35-186-038-TS
> http://www.newegg.co...N82E16899261005

[OsanGar]

I think I'll go with the RNX-N250PC2 for the network card, but I'm not sure what I would need the Thermal Material Remover for while the anti-static wristband I'll be purchasing at Fry's with my peripherals. Also, I'm not exactly sure how to add the networking card to PcPartPicker; if you could do that one thing, I would really appreciate it.

[iammykyl]

but I'm not sure what I would need the Thermal Material Remover for

Your heat-sink will come with a pre applied pad, adequate, but using a better thermal solution should give you lower temps,if you go this route, you would need the cleaner to ensure the heat-sink is perfectly clean.

Phillpower2 will be able to adjust the CPP.

[OsanGar]

For now, I don't plan on overclocking and I should be fine heat-wise, but if I do decide to upgrade or overclock it, I'll apply a new thermal paste.

[phillpower2]

For now, I don't plan on overclocking and I should be fine heat-wise, but if I do decide to upgrade or overclock it, I'll apply a new thermal paste.

I concur with iammykyl regarding the application of a better quality thermal paste whether you are overclocking or not, an alternative option if you have access to some is to use industrial alcohol to clean and prep the heatsink.

iammykyl

I am not sure that you can add anything other than what is on the stock PCPartPicker list

OsanGar

Overclocking may require an aftermarket heatsink and CPU fan to be fitted and this will invalidate your CPU warranty;

• damage to the Product due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, abnormal electrical, mechanical or environmental conditions, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or improper testing;

Full article @ http://www.intel.com...b/cs-009862.htm