First build, could use some advice.

[Bender1]

Hello, I'm new here but this seems like the place to bounce some ideas around. Basically I was going to get myself a computer as a graduation present until I found out building one from scratch is much cheaper and more rewarding. So after some initial research and fact finding I have a build I'd like to get an opinion on.

I'm currently within my budget trying to stay within 1100USD, but I would prefer to stay around this price range to have money to put towards a monitor.

CPU:Intel Core i5-2500k Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 (219.99)

Motherboard:Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H-MVP LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard (114.99)

RAM:Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2X4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 128000) Desktop Memory Model(45.99)

GPU:SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition OC 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (299.99)

HD:Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (109.99)

PSU:SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply (84.99-15.00mail in rebate=69.99)

Case:COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (59.99)

Drive:LITE-ON DVD Burner- Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM (17.99)

Misc:COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-124K-GP 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack (13.99)

Total:952.91

So that is what I have so far. A few things I am questioning, is the RAM I have (DDR3) compatible with the rest of the build?

I have that extra pack of 120mm fans because the reviews I have read on the case have all been stellar, the only complaint I have seen is not enough fans to keep everything cool. But it seems like the GPU and the PSU both come with their own fans. So is the 4 pack of fans a waste of money?

I intend to use this computer mainly for gaming within my budget if that helps any responses.

I hope I've covered all the bases, can't wait to hear the feedback.

Thanks in advance!

 

[BarbaricSoul]

All the components will work together without issue(including the RAM you have selected). Personally, with a Z77 chipset motherboard, I would go ahead and get a 3570k over a 2500k. Otherwise you may as well get a Z68 chipset motherboard. About the fans, I would hold off and see what the stock fans are capable of for yourself. The CM HAF case has been a long time favorite of gamers/enthusiasts for a long time.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Save yourself a few bucks.
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167535

 

[Bender1]

Thanks for the replies and advice! At 10 dollars more I think I am going with the 3570k. One final question, I understand that the PSU is important to the build, so is the one that I have selected sufficient for my build?

 

[Cortex]

Yes. Sufficient and very good.

 

[Bender1]

Thank you for the speedy reply Cortex! Looks like I'm about ready to start ordering the parts!

 

[cdawall]

There are cheaper better ones out there. You can also use the stock fans without an issue they are just fine. Replacing the OEM coolermaster fans with coolermaster fans is a little redundant.

 

[Bender1]

I see what you mean cdawall about the fans, seems kind of silly now. What cheaper better PSU's are out there? I'd like to save on costs a little if possible.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

What cheaper better PSU's are out there?

None on Newegg for under $69.99. Might be one or two just as good or marginally better, but they would be the same price.

 

[MT Alex]

If you are spending $300 on a GPU, I'd look into some of the 660ti cards just released, especially since you are building this for gaming. They give the 7850 quite a spanking. Check out some of wizzard's reviews.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

If you are spending $300 on a Gould, I'd look into some of the 660ti cards just released, especially since you are building this for gaming. They give the 7850 quite a spanking. Check out some of wizzard's reviews.

Alex you should sell your 5870s are get 2 GTX660ti's.

 

[Bender1]

So after looking at the GTX660ti I am pretty sure I'm going to move up to that, especially works out since it's currently being bundled with Borderlands 2 as a bonus.

Would that affect my build at all or would I still be pretty solid?

 

[manofthem]

660 is good to go, it'll work with your other components. Looks like you have a nice build coming.... Only thing I would say (and I just said it in another thread) is to add in an ssd for boot drive, OS, programs, and a few games when you have the available funds. It's so nice to have, can't imagine going back now!

 

[Bender1]

Great! Thank you all very much! I think I'm going to go ahead and get those parts shipped my way!