[TheSnwbrdr3]

Hey everyone,

So I have been considering building my first computer for a while and have decided to just go for it. I have looked extensively at different ways to build a PC and have looked at different parts but don't know what the best configuration for me would be. I plan on using it for some gaming and casual video editing. Also I have a budget of around $1500.

Some information about me: I will be ordering all these parts from the US, postal code 98416. I do not have a monitor yet but that doesn't really need to be included in the price. I'm planning on buying that later anyway and have money set aside. I also don't have an OS yet but will most likely buy a 64-bit Windows.

Thank you for all your help and let me know if you need any other information from me.

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TheSnwbrdr3

Got to go out for a while but will be back online later, while I`m away have a look at the attached list of parts and see what you think http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LoS7

NB: I would consider Windows 7 Pro for the OS but wanted to check with you first.

[phillpower2]

TheSnwbrdr3

Got to go out for a while but will be back online later, while I`m away have a look at the attached list of parts and see what you think http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LoS7

NB: I would consider Windows 7 Pro for the OS but wanted to check with you first.

[TheSnwbrdr3]

Thank you for getting back so quick. This is looking really great so far. I was curious about the power supply. That is definitely the component I know least about but was wondering if it would be better to spend a little extra for a modular one? Or is that just unnecessary and doesn't help with cable management that much? Since this is my first one that I am putting together (and not taking apart first), I would like to be easy and have the best cable management possible.

Thanks again for all the help

[Vainius]

If you're looking modular one, why not this one- http://pcpartpicker....r-supply-tx650m
It's 650W but your build estimated wattage isnt even 400W, and you could save a few bucks for monitor fund.

[iammykyl]

A little caution is need when using the CPP wattage estimate. It is pretty good, but only gives the actual watts for the major parts listed. It does not include any fans, optical drive monitor/s, or other components not listed. Does not allow for capacitor ageing, any form of over-clocking or if the OP is thinking of adding another GPU.
I do use it as a base figure and calculate from there.

[TheSnwbrdr3]

Yeah I was a little curious about that well. I will probably over compensate a bit and go with something close to the 850watt one originally suggested. Any other comments on your preferences about modular vs. non-modular?

[phillpower2]

Revised PSU http://www.amazon.co.../?tag=pcpapi-20 and OS http://us.ncix.com/p...ft&promoid=1293

I personally do not like modular PSUs and would only suggest using one if you had a small form factor (SFF) case, you have the right idea with good cable management in mind and good quality brand cases often emphasize the good cable management that their product provides.

Couple of reviews about the case I suggested;

Reviewed by: Bynar (W Yorks)

Migrated my system from an NZXT Lexa to this and theres no comparison, this is better in every way. The build quality is fantastic, its an extremely solid piece of kit, and the amount of air this thing moves - wowsers! The cable managment you can perform behind the motherboard tray is a godsend as well.

Reviewed by: Chris (London)

Inside it has a great layout. I especially like the removable cages for hard drives.

The cable management potential is huge with the back panel being removable and cable tie locations being abundant on the right side of the inside case.

[TheSnwbrdr3]

Ok so I think I will go with this as the build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LDbF
It's basically the same build but with Windows 7 Pro and the 750 watt power supply.

Now I just had a few questions about things for the actual build. I have plenty of tools so that shouldn't be a problem. But I was thinking more about the extra things like the anti-static wristband. Are there any other tools I should know about/buy before the build?

[phillpower2]

Nice build if I may say so

Tips for before the build and the build itself;

Check out the build tutorial provided courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/

Download all manuals that you can for your new hardware and familiarize yourself with them while waiting for the parts to arrive, this will help the build go smoothly + it will give you a chance to ask any questions that you may have in advance.

I never use an anti static wrist strap myself, iammykyl however always recommends purchasing one and I would agree with this if the person doing the build was not overly confident.

You should only need an anti magnetic Phillips screwdriver when assembling the build.

[iammykyl]

+ 1 for the build.
The MB only comes with 2 SATA DATA cables (i believe black, check,) you will need one more for the Optical Drive.
The case does not come with a mini internal system speaker, I recommend for any build, one like this > http://www.cwc-group.com/casp.html
Check inputs on the monitor you are going to use. Decide which you want to use. Check which cable/adaptors come with the GPU, most brands are extremely mean, seldom will you see a Disport cable.

[TheSnwbrdr3]

So I was looking through monitors and I was thinking about something along the lines of this: http://www.newegg.co...82E16824236117. Thoughts? Oh and I'm planning on staying around the 23"-24" range and then perhaps expanding to a dual monitor display in a year or so.

Thanks

[phillpower2]

Best spec & price that I could find http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

[iammykyl]

something along the lines of this: http://www.newegg.co...82E16824236117. Thoughts?

Your link does not go so a specific item.
Phillpower2's choice gets good reviews except for the speakers but I don't consider it a con.
One thing to check, as you are thinking of adding a second monitor later, is it a discontinued line. > http://www.newegg.co...eId=1&name=ASUS

[TheSnwbrdr3]

Thanks again everyone for the replies. I have bought all the components for the PC and will hopefully be receiving them sometime this week. I will definitely keep you updated.

However I wanted to stay proactive about what I get done beforehand and new that I could download the most up-to-date drivers from the motherboard and graphics card websites. However, when I went and found the download site for the ASRock motherboard (http://www.asrock.co...el=Z77 Extreme4), already selected for 64-bit Windows 7, I was confused as to which of the drivers were necessary. Can you help me out with this or should I just wait until after the build and use the CD that comes with the motherboard?

Thanks for your help

[iammykyl]

Gday.

Thanks for the update.
Wait until you have done the build and use the MB CD disk, Some times drivers need to load in a sequence, the CD ensures this is correct, then you can look to see if anything needs updating.

If you have any questions about the build, ask. If you get stuck or are not sure about something, STOP and ask, we are more than happy to help.