[Rustiness]

Hi there.

I won't waffle. I'm trying to decide whether to build a computer from scratch or just buy an x51 (Alienware™) miniature gaming desktop. If I were to go with the x51 I would buy the mid-range version ( http://www.dell.com/...d=alienware-x51 ).

However, a truck-load of people are saying "oh no, don't get alienware. you can make a 2x better machine for half the price."

The following are the components I have found and liked so far.


PSU: http://www.corsair.c...ies-cx500.html/ (A different PSU is not totally out of the question but I already have this sitting next to me, so.) Thinking about it, I doubt 500 will be enough. I would get this one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/241548

CPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/251596

MOBO: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/276562

RAM: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/147903 (Already have 2 sticks that I can also shove in there.)

GPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/267865

HDD: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/272944

Optical Drive: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176026

Operating System: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/259863

Case: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172779

It comes to a total of about £675 ($1,046) with the alternative (x51) coming in at about £839 ($1,303). Prices include shipping & delivery.


I need to know if there's anything in the list that won't fit, will blow up, break other components, might come alive and kill me while I sleep, you know. Is the case big enough? All the questions a newbie might ask, I need answering.

Obviously the specs for the custom-built PC are in the links but below are the specifications for the x51 I would buy.



Which CPU is better? Which GPU is better?

I'm not a heavy gamer but it would be nice to play games like BF3 (obviously) on above average graphics.


Any advice/help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan.

[Rustiness]

Also, I forgot to mention I live in the UK.

Therefore sites like newegg.com are of little to no use to me.

[phillpower2]

Rustiness

A couple of pointers for you;

The Z68 platform MB has been upgraded so consider the Z77 platform as it has more future upgrade potential.

The i5 Sandy Bridge CPU is still an excellent CPU but this also has progressed to the Ivy Bridge, also look at the price comparison.

Dual channel Ram works best (more stable) when fitted in matching spec and same brand pairs also see below regarding a MBs QVL;

For the best and most stable performance you should where possible purchase a CPU and Ram that have been tested and approved by the motherboard manufacturer, this is referred to as the QVL ( qualified vendors list ) understand though that there are too many products released for them all to be tested so other hardware will be compatible but not proven to be.

Your choice of video card is ok but the GTX 480 and the HD 7850 are better and cost only slightly more, see benchmarks http://www.videocard...=Radeon+HD+7850

The optical drive will do the job.

The right OS to get the best from 8GB of Ram.

Case is cheap but purchasers mainly appear happy with it.


An alternative list for you to consider (- the OS) http://pcpartpicker.com/uk/p/bPPr

[Rustiness]

Great, thanks for the advice.

I've also been getting help from various other sites (because it's better to know too much and nothing at all ), and this is what I've pretty much settled on:

PSU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/257232

CPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/251596

GPU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/253958

MOBO: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/351598

RAM: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/264750

HDD: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/272944

Optical Drive: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176026

Operating System: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/259863

Case: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/233740

Total: £692 ($1,069). Prices are rounded and include shipping/delivery.

What are your thoughts? Does everything seem compatible? I'm a little worried about the RAM with that CPU cooler (space wise). Taken the cooler off the list.

Here's the main specs:

Quote

Processor: Intel Core i5 2500 3.3GHz 6MB Cache

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64 BIT

Graphics Card: Gigabyte GTX 560Ti OC 1GB GDDR5

Memory: G.Skill 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz RipjawsX + 2x 2GB (Crucial sticks that I bought a few months ago.) = 12GB total.

Hard Drive: Seagate 500GB Barracuda SATA-III 7200RPM 16MB Cache

How would that compare to the x51 I was considering (below)?



Thanks,

Ryan.

[phillpower2]

Nice build

One very important thing I must make you aware of is that you do not need the additional heatsink and CPU fan and if you did use it you would void your CPU warranty, Intel are clear on this, see below;

Quote

• 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 available @ http://www.intel.com...b/CS-009862.htm

Use the cash saved and put it towards a 2500k or 3570k http://www.scan.co.u...mart-cache-34x-

Off back to work now so I will check out all your other parts for compatibility when I return later on today.

[Rustiness]

Awesome, thanks mate.

I was on the edge with the CPU cooler anyway so I think I'll just take it out.

So you reckon the stock HSF should leave enough room for all 4 RAM slots to be occupied?

Also, I'm not sure if I want to upgrade the CPU right now. My budget is kind of like, "the less I spend, the better". I think the 2500 will suffice for the casual/light-medium gaming that I plan on doing.

Thanks again, I look forward to hearing from you.

Edit: I've updated my previous reply.

Edit: Updated it again with a different but similar case.

[phillpower2]

Wise decision regarding the aftermarket CPU cooler

Quote

So you reckon the stock HSF should leave enough room for all 4 RAM slots to be occupied?

Yes

Quote

I think the 2500 will suffice for the casual/light-medium gaming that I plan on doing.

Yes it will

Quote

Edit: Updated it again with a different but similar case.

Good case and it also looks more like a gamers case so I understand why you like it.

[Rustiness]

Awesome! Well thanks for everything mate.

Couple more pay days to go and I'll place the order. It's going to be agony because I only work part-time.

Cheers.

[phillpower2]

You are welcome
Any further questions please ask.