Little Help with PC Building

[Stretford01]

I hate asking for help but,

I may be getting an injection of money and I think I need a pretty good gaming pc so I need some help with building!
Here are the specs: (subject to change)
Processor: Intel core i7-3770 Quad-core 3.4 GHz
RAM: Corsair 8gb X 2 DDR3
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 2048mb
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Monitor: Asus VS228H-P 22-in Full HD
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 - Mid Tower Computer Case
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2 TB HDD SATA 6gb/s
OS: Windows 8 Pro
Disk drive/webcam/mouse/keyboard

So my questions are:
What am I missing?
What power supply should I get?
Is it value for money? (€850 approx.)
Will everything fit together?

I'll ask more if I get the things too.
Thanks

 

[VegnaTurtle]

Processor: Intel core i7-3770 Quad-core 3.4 GHz
RAM: Corsair 8gb X 2 DDR3
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 2048mb

So my questions are:
Is it value for money? (€850 approx.)

I don't know much about gaming PC setups. I know a bit more about gaming laptops though.
Given that, there are 3 things I look for when I'm shopping for a strong setup and a budget of ~$1500, not too much more from your approximation. From the stand of the 3 things we're looking at, your machine is ready to go. You're going to run a large handful of games on mid settings very well, and most likely be able to squeeze out good performance on high settings! Your processor is good, stick with it. 8gb RAM is just about all you need.
Value for price? Yeah. If you can get away with spending less than €1141.99 (about $1500) on a high end CPU+GPU, then you've struck a deal.
Now, if these things fit together. I honestly have no clue. This would be for someone far more experienced than me to enlighten you. I certainly wouldn't want you to bottleneck your system!
(note: you probably shouldn't take everything said above straight to heart.)

 

[nomsahoy]

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

According to my power calculations, you need a 250 minimum, but you should never do the minimum. You'd like it a lot better if you got a PSU to last you through two builds. I'd recommend getting a 450 watt or 500 watt PSU with 80+ efficiency. If you're not too comfortable with building, I recommend a modular PSU. Ask what it is if you want later, I want to declutter this first post as much as possible.

Here's a good list of PSU:

Spoiler

The Corsair Builder PSU series, silverstone PSUs, thermaltake. Make sure the one you get has the 80+ efficiency rating. It's practically a must. Feel free to ask me why.

What VegnaTurtle said about your RAM. All you need is 8gb. Now, if you're doing stuff like video recording and video rendering, it could be useful. Are you actually getting 16gb of RAM, and why? Also, what RAM are you getting specifically? The memory clocks? Anyways, I am guessing 16gb video stuff since you are getting a 2tb hard drive, which moves on to...


Storage! Are you actually getting 2 tb of hdd space? And will you actually use it all? My presumption is you are a video/photographer enthusiast. I won't stop you from getting what you want. But I do think it would be better if you got an SSD and 1tb hdd instead. But hey, your choice on why you're getting 2tb. I could tell you a lot more about storage.

The case. Do you like how it looks? Cos it's gonna sit on or by your desk. Nah, seriously, the front headers are USB 2. Are you sure you're fine with that? Just a heads up if you forgot about that. I do advise finding a case with USB 3.0 front ports, especially when you're not having a small budget (don't say you do, you're getting an i7 with a 650)


A small point is the CPU cooler. Are you getting an aftermarket cooler (not using the cooler with what comes inside the CPU box)? You don't need one, but if you don't like the noise or temperatures, feel free to get one.


Finally, what do you know about building? Do you need any further instruction asides from what you have already? Also, GROUND YOURSELF WHENEVER YOU CAN.

EDIT: So far, everything you've given me seems compatible, asides from the RAM itself.

DOUBLE EDIT: T^T It's not ever waste of money to build. But I do see some areas that lack attention

 

[Stretford01]

Well, here's the revised spec:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1jsrj
May as well tag VegnaTurtle and nomsahoy as you guys helped me!
If someone could find me a Bluetooth card for around $10-12 I would be grateful!
I'm buying from the US because it's cheaper than the UK.

 

[nomsahoy]

Sorry for the 12 hour later response, but I'm going to tell you to wait another 7 hours or so as I go to bed. I will tell you it will be worth the wait. You didn't order these right? I sure hope not! I've plenty to say in the morn.

 

[Stretford01]

nomsahoy
I haven't ordered them yet, as I am on holidays, but I am looking forward to see what you say!
If you're wondering what time it is here where I am, it was 1:52 pm when I wrote this.
Also, should I overclock the processor and the gfx card? If you think I should, could you give me a guide on how to do it, and what to overclock it to.

 

[nomsahoy]

Haha, you can't overclock the video card with that PSU! That's what I was going to say, have a read:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Coolmax-V-500-Power-Supply-Review/1366
It doesn't have the power necessary for a graphics card, and it probably won't be able to support you motherboard alone. I did say to get a PSU with an 80+ efficiency rating! These two will probably support your needs. I'm not sure about the first one though. But if you're planning on over clocking, this is the one I'd recommend.

Haha, if you're going to ask about overclocking at all, something tells me this is your first build. No.
But if you really want to, decide how much you need to. What kind of gaming will you do? Triple A games like Skyrim on Ultra with mods? 3D rendering in Maya, Blender, Ray tracing in After effects? Video recording and uploading? Audio work? You'll easily get most of these done without overclocking. (Except for Skyrim on Ultra with mods, but I think you'll get above 30fps with a bit of strain at times. Your monitor is 1600 x 900)

Spoiler: If you plan on overclocking your first build

Anyways, you can overclock the CPU. According to the best forums ever about overclocking, you shouldn't go any higher than 4.2 ghz, but that's with stock cooling. Of course, you have the professionals saying you can go 4.52 ghz with stock cooling. But I don't know why you're going with that CPU cooler if you plan on overclock. As this article says, the cooler you have focuses on quiet cooling, not performance; under a full loaded CPU, the temperatures will reach 85 Celsius according to the article, but that's with an i2, which is quite a dated CPU. But hey, the article isn't terrible to use as a reference comparing it to stock cooling. It pretty much competes on par with the stock cooling of i2. I expect it probably performs the same as the i7 stock cooler, just a little more quiet.

Now actually moving on to the actual overclocking, Linus is a pretty decent guy for tutorials. Video is much better than having me to explain it through text or Teamspeak.
Yes, it is worth the 9 minutes and 15 seconds. Where do I have the patience to go look up the articles, look for alternatives, read the reviews? I watched a 4 hour tutorial on building PCs. I could link you it.

Overclocking the GPU, there is software for that, and it will be much better than using BIOS to overclock the GPU.
http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm
http://www.evga.com/precision/

 

[Stretford01]

I took you're advice, and here's the result:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1jPry
I did some other things, like change the processor to 4770K, graphics card to MSI GTX 650 Ti Boost, and changed the motherboard, power supply, CPU cooler, HDD and optical drive!
And yes, it is indeed my first build, as you know, because I was a noob at picking things!
Thanks for your help so far too, nomsahoy !

 

[nomsahoy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-320-057

I don't know about a bluetooth PCI or PCIe card. But here you go.

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Excl...-2&keywords=bluetooth card&tag=vglnk-c1001-20

Yeah...

Anyways, best of luck! (Handle the CPU with care, it's 300 USD and you make me scared if you attempt to over clock on your first build with that :c )

Need help building? If not, see you in <insert typical bandwagon pc master race slogan>

 

[Stretford01]

I may need help building, so if you have any tips, videos or guides, I would be grateful!
I may or may not overclock the CPU, but I might overclock the GPU.

nomsahoy
Is there a difference between ATX and mATX motherboards?

 

[Tuna]

So, I'm just gunna go ahead and tag IntensiK and give you a little bit of insight. What other uses besides gaming are you planning on using this PC for? Most everyone on reddit and among professional PC-builders will agree that a well clocked quad-core i5 will perform exactly the same or better for games than a similarly clocked i7. This is because the hyperthreading used on i7 effectively makes the processor (kind of)true 8 core, and most games only support 4 cores. In fact, when trying to utilize more cores than the game was designed to run on, it can slow down because the processor now has to allocate which cores do what work before doing the work, instead of having the game pre-determine. (Correct me if I'm wrong, computer-savvy people! Nobody is ever correct) Anyway, an i5 will cost you less money, wont get as hot, and is generally easier to over-clock (if you're into that). If, however, you are planning to do intensive video editing, 3d rendering (think CAD, autocad, solidworks, maya, lightworks, etc) or math related massive-scale processing (engineering majors wooooo..?) an i7 will absolutely fit you better, simply because it can handle the raw volume of processing faster.

The next major thing I would like to bring up is the GPU. The 650Ti boost is a great card; but its a generation old now. IF you plan on overclocking, I would highly suggest grabbing an HD Radeon 7870 GHz, as these cards can clock comfortably up to HD7950 levels and cost less. If you plan on keeping it stock, or are a nvidia fanboy like me, I would suggest shelling out a bit more for the newer HD79xx or GTX 7xx series, as they are much more future-proof, (usually) have higher OC ceilings, and use newer processor architectures (less heat, more efficiency). If you plan on downgrading to an i5 for less money, consider upgrading your GPU to possibly a GTX760/770, HD7870/7950/7970.

EDIT-----
So I went and revised the last build you had posted.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1jUIG
I switched you to a slightly more expensive 2x4Gb ram as that wont bottleneck as much as 1x8Gb. "Downgraded" the processor to a 80$ cheaper i5, and put in a sapphire HD7870 Ghz edition GPU. Also, you're using a micro-ATX Mobo, which will be smaller than average. If you go with a regular ATX Mobo, and then a mid-tower case(YOU CAN FIND GOOD MID-TOWERS FOR 40-50 BUCKS) you'll have a lot more room to expand and upgrade in the future, it wont get as hot because there is more area to dissipate heat, and will cost significantly less. BUT, if you have the money to spend anyway, and case aesthetics are very important to you, go for it!

 

[IntensiK]

Tuna took the words right out of my mouth. Unless you plan on playing old games I suggest you upgrade your GPU. You do not need an i7 for gaming unless you plan on streaming/rendering/using the 4 hyperthreads etc. Downgrade to an i5 and use the extra cash to bump up your GPU.

Here's a good place for you to start: http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcforme and http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc

Edit: Here's my one week old build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1jVGf

It came out to approx. $1,170 because of the deals they had a few weeks ago (cpu+mobo combo -$80 & 7970 for $300). You can get a SERIOUS gaming pc with the budget you have.

Here's some benchmarks to look at comparing your GPU choice against the "bang for buck" competition: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/854?vs=782

If you stick to Nvidia, choose a 760/770. If you go for an AMD go for a 7870+.

 

[nomsahoy]

Haha, what Tuna and Intensik said!

most games only support 4 cores.

Well, almost everything. After 2 years of reading interweb debates, I'd rather not get into the argument about single core performance or what games actually support multicore rendering. I recommend you read up yourself, Stretford01, and decide what's best. This kind of information is highly debated among the pc enthusiast community. I'm not going to take sides, I'm just saying you should read a little bit before you decide what CPU is best for you productivity, gaming, or both.

One thing that would help us out the most is answering the question we all asked. What are you going to do with this computer (asides from gaming, what you said in your first post)? D: That would help tremendously in deciding what kind of core components you need.

Anyways, the best building tutorial is




and finally, my favorite youtube personality and spokesman (I don't know if that's the right word)


Watch them completely. And watch the extra thermal paste video from the last one, which I've hyperlinked for you.

 

[Stretford01]

Thanks for the advice guys!
Here's the updated version:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1k6CG
Also I already was watching the Newegg tutorial nomsahoy!
Also if you guys have any more tips for the parts, my budget is around $1190 (or €900 as I see it!)

 

[Tuna]

Thanks for the advice guys!
Here's the updated version:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1k6CG
Also I already was watching the Newegg tutorial nomsahoy!
Also if you guys have any more tips for the parts, my budget is around $1190 (or €900 as I see it!)

I reallllly think it would be a good idea to get dual channel RAM (2x4gb modules instead of 1x8gb). A single stick of 8gb ram can bottleneck because it cant retrieve or send information as fast as two 4gb modules can.

Also, if you'd rather performance > aesthetics, you could get a cheaper (I MEAN WAY CHEAPER) case (NZXT makes some nice ones see HERE and HERE) and then go dual 8gb RAM modules. Or possibly get an IPS monitor.

 

[Stretford01]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1k85P
I like my case, and I've heard good things about corsair cases too, so I'm sticking with that.
How much is an IPS monitor? I don't have much more money in my budget to shell out. If it's $80-$100 I'll get it.

 

[nomsahoy]

IPS monitors are pretty top notch at displaying colors. That being said, I don't see so one being able to fit what's left of your budget. The cheapest I've ever seen not on sale is 150 USD. If you really want it, you could take Tuna's advice and get a cheaper case (the NZXT source, then there's an actual probability of getting an IPS monitor)

 

[Tuna]

Intensik and I got a great deal on some dell 23" IPS displays, however, They are discontinued, and I don't think you'd want to get them now anyway. His arrived with a line of stuck pixels. Mine has been perfect, however, and is easily the best screen I ever used.

Unfortunately, its $220 now. meh :/
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/dell-monitor-s2340l

 

[Stretford01]

Are modular psu's worth it? I have about $35-$40 to spend on one, but I can't find a 500w one for that amount.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1ktRJ

 

[Tuna]

Just a quick question, since I see you having the case listed from a microcenter, do you actually live near a microcenter? Because almost all of their products are in-store pickup only. So if you're not near one, the case might have to change.

Also, I know I sound like a broken record, but it would probably be better to get a cheaper case, and a better PSU. As Intensik said to me, If the PSU goes, everything goes. You don't want to skimp out on a crappy PSU.

 

[nomsahoy]

Just a quick question, since I see you having the case listed from a microcenter, do you actually live near a microcenter? Because almost all of their products are in-store pickup only. So if you're not near one, the case might have to change.

Also, I know I sound like a broken record, but it would probably be better to get a cheaper case, and a better PSU. As Intensik said to me, If the PSU goes, everything goes. You don't want to skimp out on a crappy PSU.

Just because it's listed Microcenter does not mean he's getting it there ;D

Manirelli made the site to sort by price of retailer. I'm sure there are ways to change it, but that does not necessarily mean he's getting it. It lists other retailers such as Newegg and Amazon. Of course, he has to consider the other prices he's actually purchasing the parts for, which I think he did. (And as far as I know, Microcenter is US based, no stores in the UK I think)

Stretford01 For a first time builder, it's a nice luxury to have a modular PSU. You just take the cables you need and plug them in. Not like nonmodular PSUs where you have to hide the extra cables. Not a pleasant experience for first time builders, but again, just a luxury. Not really a necessity. You have more than enough power for your build, and it's 80% efficiency. Guaranteed to actually gain at least 80% of advertised wattage (which is 400w if you don't feel like doing the math)

EDIT: now my head's gone and get mixed up. doing some math right now.

Edit #2: Nah, it's nothing. Although I'm more than sure you went over 850 euros. Or pounds. Whatever your first post says. Hey, your budget is your budget, if you want to go over, whatever. I hate converting euros into usd and vice versa. Don't want to do anymore work.

 

[Stretford01]

It's around €900. Since I live in Ireland, I think I need Newegg to ship to my uncle in the US, and then post the stuff to me. It's cheaper than buying in Ireland/UK because of more deals. Unless I find a decent tech shop around here (which I probably won't) I'll have to choose between the UK or the US. If there's any neweggish style shop in the UK with combos and sales, I'll try to buy stuff there.

Other than that, I'll look into a better PSU.

 

[Tuna]

The reason I made a big point about the microcenter is because if he has to buy it from another retailer it will be 129.99 USD.

 

[Stretford01]

Bumpity bump!
Hey Tuna nomsahoy .
Here's what I've come up with.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1BO9K
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1519.16&From=USD&To=EUR
I've added about 250 euro more to my budget, and this is what it looks like.

 

[Tuna]

OOOH. THAT GFX CARD THOUGH -splooge-

Looks pretty darn good. If you still have budget and want something that will noticeably up your speed, you might want to invest in a 64 or 120gb solid state drive to use as a boot drive. There was a sale somewhere recently that had 120gb's for around 90 bucks, which is a steal. Aside from that, looks great! Since you have no plans for overclocking, you don't need any liquid cooling, but if you ever do get the OC bug, invest in a good water-cooling system first.