[Ordered] Looking to build gaming PC, need feedback on components

LBrouw3r on 18/01/2013 - 15:46
Last edited 22/01/2013 - 17:52

So, I've decided to build a gaming pc, looking for a steam-box of sorts. I have all the peripherals I need so all I need is the box. Here is what I have come to, but by no means are any components set in stone.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wk2na7xym62daez/PC%20build.xls

AsRock Fatal1ty Z77
i5 3570
Corsair Vengeance 8GB Kit(4GBx2) DDR3-1600 
Kingston HyperX 120GB 
Seagate 3.5" Barracuda 1TB
HIS 2GB 7870
Coolermaster RC-K380-KWN1 K380 USB3.0 Gaming case w/Side window
Thermaltake LitePower 700Watt PSU
TP-Link Wireless N PCI-E Adapter
ASUS Black/24x DVD-RW 

Prices in the excel file. All quotes from MSY

Looking for feedback on compatability, potential cheaper/better parts. I would like to spend less than this is possible :D

Thanks in advance,

Brouw3r

Gaming

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 18/01/2013 - 15:56
    +1

    You bought an overclocking board, but a locked processor — if you want to overclock you should be getting a 3570k.

    Drop the board down to ASROCK B75 Pro3M (mATX) or ASROCK Z77 Pro3. (Regular ATX Otherwise, pay a bit more for the 3570k CPU.

    Power supply — the litepower seems to have mixed reviews on WP, and also can be fairly loud from my experience. Try an Antec VP550 or Corsair VS550 instead.

    If you plan on going with dual video cards, then choose the Antec HCG 620

    • ProspectiveDarkness on 18/01/2013 - 16:35

      I'd like to add to this.

      If you don't plan on overclocking, get a 3470 instead of a 3570. You'll be saving $20, with no noticeable difference in performance. If you do plan on it, the 3570K is the way to go. You'll need an aftermarket cooler if OC'ing, as well.

      If you plan on going dual-GPU in the future, I think it would be best to get a Z77 motherboard (the second one scrimshaw posted). Otherwise, the B75 MB should be fine.

      The Kingston SSD doesn't really have much of a reputation - so it's hard to judge the reliability of it. Personally, I would stick to Samsung or Intel (or SanDisk in a pinch), but it's really up to you.

      I think 2TB HDD's are better than 1TB in terms of $/GB at the moment, so I would recommend buying the 2TB Seagate. Your storage needs will only increase, after all.

      And I don't see any RAM selected? If it's in the excel file, I apologise - I currently can't open it. 8GB 1600Mhz from Corsair or G.skill would suffice.

  • isidore12 on 18/01/2013 - 16:33

    Personally I bought:

    Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 $30.00
    Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H Motherboard $169.00
    Intel Xeon E3 1230 V2 $239.00
    EVGA GTX 660TI $330.00

    Forget the Wifi if you play online.

    • ProspectiveDarkness on 18/01/2013 - 16:39

      Intel Xeon E3 1230 V2 $239.00

      Unnecessary for a gaming build, really.

  • Brouw3r on 19/01/2013 - 01:31

    RAM is 2x4gb 1600 corsair vengeance. Probably never going to OC anything so thanks for info on the mobo.

    What else could i do other than wifi for inet? Modem/router is cable so I can't move it and can't set up anywhere near it.

  • ethereal88 on 19/01/2013 - 07:31

    Get a 7970 or 680. The 7870 won't last long maxed out with upcoming 2013 titles.

  • Brouw3r on 21/01/2013 - 15:50

    Thanks for the help everyone, here's what I think I landed up with..

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/wk2na7xym62daez/PC%20build.xls

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/q009z2k9m8xokqz/pc%20build.jpg

    Final thoughts?

    • scrimshaw on 21/01/2013 - 15:57

      All good.

      But Windows 7? You sure? I'd just get Windows 8 Pro, and then use it's downgrade rights to get Windows 7.

      You basically get 2 OS's for the price of one. Do it the Ozbargainer way.

  • Brouw3r on 21/01/2013 - 17:06

    Do-it-yourself downgrades will be more complex with Windows 8, however, as users must first modify the PC's BIOS to boot into what's called "legacy mode." By default, Windows 8 will use UEFI-mode (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) boot on new PCs to enable some new features, including Secure Boot.

    Sounds too complicated, and it costs an extra $55. I'll look into W8 today, haven't actually used it yet :S only $9 extra for W8 (home premium?) http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9816

    • scrimshaw on 21/01/2013 - 17:17

      Yeah just go with Windows 8 Home Prem.

      I use W8 with the Classic Start8 once it is installed you can configure your own start menu, give it skins etc. and even bypass the Metro interface altogether. Once configured the Windows 8 user experience is pretty much identical to Windows 7.

  • Brouw3r on 22/01/2013 - 17:54
    +1

    Ordered today. Ended up having to get gigabyte 7870 gfx, samsung 840 ssd and a different case due to out of stock. Thanks everyone for your input.

    Brouw3r

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