[Hollz]

I'm making a budget build to be used for gaming, video streaming, and possibly some video editing. I'm not looking to have the highest settings on the craziest games out there, but rather want something to get me decent enough graphics and last me another five years (current and dying system was originally built 5 years ago, with a few things swapped out, very dated now). This is my first build, as the other one was built for me and I didn't really know what was going on hehe. Now I'm trying to do it myself and have a few people to help me do the physical building if I need to. I mainly wanted to post to get some advice and a "yes, these parts should do you just fine," or "this looks good but I would recommend _______ instead," response.

I was going for around $600, right now my bill is at $640 which is still okay with me! I can still go a little higher but prefer not to, and definitely don't want over $700. The price listed is correct except I found a combo for the PCU and Mobo on microcenter which is why those have been selected.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/OwVQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker....VQ/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker....wVQ/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Tempest 210 ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M 700W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $710.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-05 19:36 EDT-0400)

and here's where I'm looking at the mobo combo

I'm only getting an SSD because I already have 2 regular hard drives I'm keeping as well as a DVD optical drive from my previous system.

So, my questions:

Does this setup look good to run games at decent graphics for a few years (again, I don't need anything fancy, just want a major upgrade from my old system ? Other recommendations welcome! After reading reviews and ratings and researching, these seemed good to me. I know the PSU might be a little overkill but it seemed to be the best value, okay to have such a large wattage?

For the SSD, I know I install Windows to it, do I install all the programs I expect to use a lot so that they will be fast? And the not so important ones/data files on the other drives if I have space issues?

Cooling - I'm not really too sure how many fans I need, I know the case comes with two I believe? And I got a fan for the processor. Do I need any additional ones? Do I need to buy thermal paste, as well?

And I originally was posting in the hardware forum because I was having comp issues (which is why I need to build a new computer haha). My friend over there, iammykal (?), wanted me to post my zipcode since I'm in the US (it's 60188).

Thanks in advance!

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Gday Hollz.


Some suggestions for your to consider.


> http://pcpartpicker.com/p/OP9a Base Total:$472.95
Bundle 1 > http://cart.microcen...microcenter.com + $234.98 =
Bundle 2 > http://cart.microcen...microcenter.com + $194.98 =


Or other bundles, > http://www.microcent...md_bundles.aspx

Follow the blue brick road, > https://maps.google....tmont, IL 60559

[iammykyl]

Gday Hollz.


Some suggestions for your to consider.


> http://pcpartpicker.com/p/OP9a Base Total:$472.95
Bundle 1 > http://cart.microcen...microcenter.com + $234.98 =
Bundle 2 > http://cart.microcen...microcenter.com + $194.98 =


Or other bundles, > http://www.microcent...md_bundles.aspx

Follow the blue brick road, > https://maps.google....tmont, IL 60559

[Hollz]

Hello again!

Oops, your first two links are trying to link to a shopping cart so I can't view what you're looking at but I think you're linking to the combo I already mentioned that I'm going to get? The 194.98 one that contains the amdfx 8320 cpu and the asus motherboard. Such a great deal! I was going to get most of the parts off newegg except for that combo, and the ssd because its same price at microcenter (figure ill prevent shipping and handling damage) And the directions are to microcenter yes? That's near my work so I was going to be heading to that one

Does it seem to be a good build? Is it ok the psu has a much higher wattage than the pcbuilder estimate? The one I picked was modular (wanted less cables) and was the best value and rated one. And do I need more fans than what comes with my case and the cpu one I'm getting? Do I need thermal paste for that too? Can't tell if it comes with or not.

Also forgot to mentioned I have a retail windows 7 home edition which why an OS has not been selected.

Thanks for getting back to me, so excited hehe

[phillpower2]

Hello

While iammyky is off sun bathing somewhwere I will chip in with a couple of pointers for you.

Gone slightly over your $700 maximum budget, I will explain why and suggest a way to possibly reduce it.

CPU, suggested a faster and less expensive alternative.

Using an aftermarket cooler, a 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 both AMD and Intel are clear on this, see below;

AMD;

This Limited Warranty shall be null and void if the AMD microprocessor which is the subject of this Limited Warranty is used with any heatsink/fan other than the one provided herewith.

Full AMD article @ http://support.amd.c...earLimited.aspx

Intel;

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

If you are going to be editing/rendering videos you will require 16GB of Ram for the best performance.

I have included an SSD within my list but if you have budget restraints you could hold off until a later date to add the SSD as you have already told us that you have two HDDs.

The GTX650Ti video card would be fine for just gaming but for rendering videos you want a 256-bit video card as opposed to the 128-bit version as the in depth video quality is so much better.

Sorry but don`t like either modular or Cooler Master PSUs so have selected a proven quality brand in Corsair.

http://pcpartpicker....ower2/saved/ynl

[Hollz]

Thanks for the response (and lol at sunbathing XD)

The reason I went with the CPU/mobo I did was because microcenter has some combo deals. I originally was going with a much lamer cpu until I saw this deal, so imo it seems like the best option. I went with FX8150 and the Asus M5A97 R2.0. I looked up the MSI one and there seemed to be a lot of complaints so figured I'd step it up to the ASUS for peace of mind, and it was only $15 more. ( http://www.microcent...md_bundles.aspx ). This allows me to spend a little more on a video card. I also read a 2013 gaming guide that mentioned videocards with 1gb will let you "scrape by" with games this year, and since I don't want to upgrade for a few years once I get this built, figured I'd go be better off with a 2gb video card.

I probably won't be doing a huge amount of video editing but thought I'd bring it up as a possible option. I talked to a friend and he also said the stock fan should be fine for the cpu if I am not overclocking (not sure how to do that and it kinda sounds scary anyway so I probably won't).

Why don't you like coolermaster? Do they have a high fail rate or does the company have bad service or something? And why don't you like modular? I kinda thought they just seemed better because you only use the cords you need? My current setup has these thick cords all over the place (looking back I should have managed them better lol) and I kinda hate it. Just wondering about your reasons.

Thanks for the advice!

[Hollz]

Saw some other people recommending corsair as well, this one states "semi-modular" (whatever that means). Again, I don't want to have to deal with too many cables if I don't have to. http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the info and suggested build Phillpower2.

Saw some other people recommending corsair as well, this one states "semi-modular" (whatever that means). Again, I don't want to have to deal with too many cables if I don't have to.

semi-modular Usually means, at least the two main cable for the MB, fixed, then some have the GPU cables. Most PSUs are tiered, OEM, budget, gamer, enthusiasts premium and crap. The Cooler Master Silent Pro M 700W is to be avoided, it's rubbish and nearly half price to get rid of it. the Corsair CX are budget, the TX are enthusiast. The Rosewill PSU is semi Modular, > http://www.newegg.co...ID=3938566&SID=
The CPP Wattagecalculator only shows wattage for the parts listed, fans/controller, most add on bits, like mouse etc. Capacitorageing, overcloccking of CPU/GPU and can't tell how many AMPS are required, You also need a bit of wiggle room in case you add more HDDs etc, so the indicated wattage is a starting point.

I went with FX8150 and the Asus M5A97 R2.0. I looked up the MSI one and there seemed to be a lot of complaints so figured I'd step it up to the ASUS for peace of mind, and it was only $15 more. ( http://www.microcent...md_bundles.aspx ).

Please look carefully at the Combo deals, the FX8150 is not included, select the FX8320 Bundle @ $194.98 or the FX8350 @ $234. 98


Unless you are dead set on the style of the case you selected, buy the Rosewill or Antec. > http://www.newegg.co...129-066:$$$$$$$ The Rosewill actually works out the cheapest.

As Phillpower2 pointed out, a SSD is not essential, It makes a difference in load time, Make some games appear smoother, makes a slight difference when benchmarking applications, but in every day use, I doubt you would notice the difference I would much rather have the capacity of a spinner and seldom shut down the computer but hibernate, it boots to a working desktop ;in about 12 seconds, even with applications and browser open.

Updated > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/OWy5 $480.94 + Bundle,

[phillpower2]

You are welcome iammykyl and thanks for pointing out the Cooler Master PSUs deficiency's

[Hollz]

Sorry, didn't get a chance to get on the comp and make a reply. Thanks for the advice! I switched out the coolermaster, also got rid of the psu fan and placed orders for my parts the other day! So excited I was able to pickup some things today and was so excited I wanted to look at my motherboard manual. I carefully took the motherboard out of the box so I could get to the manual, and eventually noticed what seemed to be some bent pins? I looked it up and it's the CHA_FAN2. I'm going to have an experienced builder help me when I DO get to building it, is this an easy fix or a reason to take it back to the store? (the store's kinda out of the way which is why I'm a little reluctant, but if I gotta return it I will. I also took two more pics to show where these pins are located if you wanted to make sure what you're looking at)

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by Hollz, 08 April 2013 - 08:04 PM.

[iammykyl]

Gday.
Now that is unfortunate and a pain.

was the box and the Anti static bag sealed? if not, you should inform the store.
It is possible to straighten pins, but you do stand the risk of breaking them off. Not something I recommend unless there is no other alternative.
In this case, I would promptly ring the store, tell them there is damage to the boards and your coming into the shop for a replacement If they give you problems, be polite but firm, insist on a replacement, not a repair. Should you happen to be a young person, take somebody older along, giving you support and shows you mean business.

Let us know the result of your call.

[Hollz]

I haven't even opened up the bag the motherboard is sealed in so I should have a pretty good case haha. Darn, very disappointing, was hoping that by going to the store I could avoid this! I'll see if I have time to make an exchange tomorrow.

[iammykyl]

Yes, I now see it is still in the bag and can't see damage to the bag itself, so looks like it was packaged already damage.

[phillpower2]

Yep best to return it now, pain as it is

[iammykyl]

Not usre if Mentioned in any of your other topics, but the following I usually include.

A How To Build, thanks to Troy and Artellos,
> http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/
A small part I think should always be included in a build, > http://www.cwc-group.com/casp.html

Please remember to turn off the power when working on the computer and also take anti static measure, even when handling parts. This can be done by occasionally touching a bare unpainted part of the computer case.

[Hollz]

Awesome, thank you! And I got my motherboard exchanged, I'm glad I took it in now rather than later. The guy remembered me and said they don't usually take back motherboards, but obviously my case was pretty solid. I also convinced him to throw in some cable ties for my troubles and he made sure to look over the new mobo with me this time. Hoping to get my newegg shipments tomorrow, then just have to wait for amazon to get off their butts and ship my ram! So excited, thanks for the advice! Ill update again if I encounter another issue, question, or finish the build!