[xxmaxixx]

Hi,

This will be the first time building one from scratch. Budget of 1000 USD for gaming purposes. To be able to handle anticipated games namely AC, COD, MOH etc. Am hoping that it can last me for 3 years. The cost does not include getting OS(windows 7 home 64bit). The problem now is that I am not sure how to go about selecting suitable parts by myself. If I am not mistaken PSU comes after MB, CPU and GPU? I intend to use my current HDD, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Acer 20inch S201HL, Hitachi HDS721050DLE630(partition 300GB for C:\ and 200GB for subsequent). I have 2 internal 1TB 7200 HDD 3.5" mainly for storage. Since I am using cable only, wireless would not be necessary.

Add-ons to have:
1) USB3.0 with card reader
2) Firewire 800 PCI

Based on the intended build, I think I will end up with intel i5 board, 8GB of ram, 2GB nvidia graphics. Considering to upgrade to 16GB in the near future. So far I've gotten an anti-static wrist strap and a motherboard speaker. Many thanks.

Edited by xxmaxixx, 02 March 2013 - 09:17 PM.

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Hello xxmaxixx

You have made a good start with this already by doing some research for yourself and providing us with detailed information of both what you have and what you require

For faster boot up times I would suggest an SSD though if your $1000 budget will allow for it.

To help with the build process please refer to the tutorial provided courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/

NB: The PSU is the final item of hardware to be selected so that all items of hardware are allowed for in the PSU calculator http://images10.newe...tage-Calculator

A list of parts to look over http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HbqE

[phillpower2]

Hello xxmaxixx

You have made a good start with this already by doing some research for yourself and providing us with detailed information of both what you have and what you require

For faster boot up times I would suggest an SSD though if your $1000 budget will allow for it.

To help with the build process please refer to the tutorial provided courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/

NB: The PSU is the final item of hardware to be selected so that all items of hardware are allowed for in the PSU calculator http://images10.newe...tage-Calculator

A list of parts to look over http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HbqE

[iammykyl]

Hi.

(partition 300GB for C:\ and 200GB for subsequent).

What do you use the 2nd partition on C:\ for?

[xxmaxixx]

Looks like i would be going with the recommended build. As for storage i will consider getting 80 or 120GB SSD. It will be approximately six weeks from now before buying all of the required items. Pretty sure i will exceed my total expenses for what it's worth.

Hi.

(partition 300GB for C:\ and 200GB for subsequent).

What do you use the 2nd partition on C:\ for?

Hello. I am only using it for storage purposes.

Edited by xxmaxixx, 04 March 2013 - 11:28 AM.

[iammykyl]

Hello. I am only using it for storage purposes.

Having partitions on the Boot drive should only be done as a very last resort, (except for a factory recovery one)
HDD heads can only access one partition at a time so while working on the second partition, operations on the Primary partition would have to wait, impacting on performance.

Good decision on Phillpower2's excellent build.


Do try to get the larger SSD, does not have to be the top performer, This would suit, > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227807&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Updated List. > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Hyrt


Unless I missed it, there is no mention of a OS. If you aalready have a windows OS, for this build it must be a retail ver, using an OEM ver is not permitted.

[xxmaxixx]

I saw someone selling used Windows 7 home premium retail box at a knockdown price. It comes with full box plus casing and leaflets. Was installed on desktop and no longer using due to using Windows 8 pro. Seller also said would call off Microsoft for deactivation. Should i proceed to make a bid? What are the measures i need to take note to make sure it's genuine before securing the deal?
Posted link below for reference.

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251236466200&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:SG:1123 

Edited by xxmaxixx, 05 March 2013 - 07:35 AM.

[iammykyl]

I think my wording about the OS has mislead you.

If you already have a windows OS, for this build it must be a retail ver, using an OEM ver is not permitted.

If you have a retail ver. (already in use) you can install on another computer, but only one instance can be active.
If it is an oem ver. (installed and activated) you cannot use it on another computer.

I saw someone selling used Windows 7 home premium retail box at a knockdown price.

That is about $40 cheaper, but you really don"t need a full Ver. What you get is, 32 bit, 64 bit disks, ability to move to another computer, one active at a time, Microsoft support.
Bye the time you want to upgrade you computer, 3/4 years, we will probable be on Window10. I would go for the OEM 64 bit Ver. of Windows, 7 or 8.
Windows 7 $99.99 free shipping, > http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=
Windows 8 $99.99 free shiping, > http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

[xxmaxixx]

Okay I ended up buying windows 7 home premium 64bit OEM(new). Now waiting for availability on case. Definitely buying SSD for main drive. Down to choosing either OCZ Agility 4 128GB and Samsung 840 series 128GB for SSD. How long is the warranty from OCZ? Samsung stated 5 years. For reliability should i go for Samsung? Would it be worth going for extended local warranty? As this is my first time using it, I worry based on usage it would only last me for one or two months. One more thing I intend to utilise keyboard and mouse to one ps/2. How much does it affect the performance?

Edited by xxmaxixx, 07 March 2013 - 08:20 AM.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the update. SSD lifespan you will have to research yourself as I do not have that kind of technical knowledge, so I am taking it on faith, from what I have read, a drive will last you 5+ years.
The question is hot topic, e.g., http://forum.crucial...-SSD/td-p/12702

Sorry, choosing between the 2 SSD \, I can't tell you. I do take a lot of notice from this site, and the Samsung 840 Pro is highly recommended.
> http://www.tomshardw...ark,3269-3.html

I personally would not go for extended warranty. If a reasonable price, I sometimes take out shipping insurance if it comes intestate.

I use a wired mechanicl ps/2 keyboard and a wired USB mouse.
Keyboard, http://www.tomshardw...ard,2955-5.html
The mouse bit, the debate rages on and on, and on. I would use a USB, just do not spend a fortune max $50 and up to 5 functions.

[xxmaxixx]

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
OS: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer
Total: $1212.80
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ii88
Secondary items :
1) 3.0 USB card reader combo(front panel)
2) FireWire 800 3-Port

Had to settle with 256GB due to shared computer (4 users) and will need it for programming; C++, AutoCAD etc.
Will update as soon as i bought and assembled them. You convinced me not going for extended warranty. I will be using PS/2 Y Cables (splitters) for keyboard and mouse.

Edited by xxmaxixx, 08 March 2013 - 06:56 AM.

[iammykyl]

The build looks great,
Here are my 2 add on suggestions for every build,
An anti static wrist strap like this, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16899261005
An internal mini system speaker like this, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16899261005 Your local store may have one.

Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk

I believe you meant, OS drive, as you have 2x1TB and 1x500GB drives for storage?

With 4 users, you are going to need some careful management of the computer. Some suggestions.
When you have installed the OS and driver, and updated. Anti Virus, 3rd party Fire Wall, if required and before adding other software.
Create he other 3 user accounts, limited. keep one drive for them, moving the My Docs,My Music etc. folders to that drive.

Create a drive image and emergency disks using windows built in tools, then add required programs.

Download your Mobo User Manual from the manufacturers Website as it may be more up to date than the one in the box and you can also get to know it.
Always turn off the power when working on the computer and take anti static measure even for handling parts.
Check and double check that the stand-offs on the MB mounting plate match exactly the pattern and number of screw holes in the MB. no extra ones.

Good luck.

[xxmaxixx]

Had to consider an alternative case since i can't seem to find anywhere based on my previous trip at the electronic mall. Based on where i live, shipment will be costly
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JmNR
Only replaced case to thermaltake overseer.

Edited by xxmaxixx, 12 March 2013 - 10:10 PM.

[iammykyl]

Gday.
Case looks good and has plenty of cooling. It has 5 internal 3.5 drive bays, no SSD bay. Will this meet your needs?

What would be the cost of shipping if you bought through Amazon?

[xxmaxixx]

Gday.
Case looks good and has plenty of cooling. It has 5 internal 3.5 drive bays, no SSD bay. Will this meet your needs?

What would be the cost of shipping if you bought through Amazon?

It can support 5 internal 2.5 or 5 internal 3.5. As for the SSD most likely i have to use 1 of the allocated slot. It does come with 2.5 or 3.5 size HDD bay.
Due to its size and weight economical shipment will be approximately 100 USD based on the case size only. I will still be looking for other malls for 902 before i make the decision on the case.

Edited by xxmaxixx, 13 March 2013 - 10:25 AM.

[iammykyl]

Just to satisfy my curiosity, where are you shipping to?