First attempt at building my own

I like the first one. If you drop SLI requirements, you can save a lot (well, £60, 10%).
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So would your $600 build work with a MSI P67A-G45 Intel P67 card instead, thereby retaining future sli capacity?
 
Yes but the G45 doesn't have Military Class II components since it's an upgraded C45, where as the GD53 and up are downgraded GD65s which have the Military Class II components (but as you was specced the C45 originally, doesn't make a difference lol). The Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H is another option @ £110 which is SLI capable but it's an mATX sized board, if that bothers you. It still has 6 SATA ports and 6 USB ports if that's enough.
 
Among the P67, the GD53 is the best board for the money imo. But it's hard to come by. The 620W PSU may be a bit short for SLI. And you would have to use a molex for the extra required PCIE power adapter, but it's not a big deal really.

EDIT : Actually, the Antex 620W will be fine. Plenty of juice.
 
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What are Military Class II components? Is that just MSI marketing?

Also, I've read some criticism of MSI, are they seen as worse than other motherboard manufacturers?
 
Jaffar said:
What are Military Class II components? Is that just MSI marketing?

Also, I've read some criticism of MSI, are they seen as worse than other motherboard manufacturers?
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Gigabyte and Asus have better rep for sure. But I haven't seen any complains with the 1155 MSI boards, whereas Asus is getting some stick. And to be fair, I've had MSI boards and never had issues.

The 'military class' bascially means better quality components. Dunno what to make of those.
 
Buying a second hand Sandybridge board is also risky as it may be someone dumping a potentially faulty B2 board.
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Is there any way to tell if a motherboard is B3 (apart from it saying it on the box)?
Also, is there a way of checking whether the motherboard really is new (e.g. checking in the BIOS)?

I'm wondering what would stop someone putting an old B2 board in a B3 box and saying it's a new B3 version.
 
Jaffar said:
Is there any way to tell if a motherboard is B3 (apart from it saying it on the box)?
Also, is there a way of checking whether the motherboard really is new (e.g. checking in the BIOS)?

I'm wondering what would stop someone putting an old B2 board in a B3 box and saying it's a new B3 version.
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You can download CPU-Z and it will tell you. I don't think there's anything physically on the motherboard though, although I may be wrong.

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+ £145 for 2500k from said auction site (New retail i5) and it comes to around £610. Strenching you budget to this will be a very good idea. You can reduce this to £585 if you want to go for the 560Ti instead.
 
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Jaffar said:
This looks like a pretty good build. Any pro's / con's to the GD53 vs. the P8P67 pro?
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I'm not really sure myself although I've heard good things about MSI P67 boards. The obvious plus is that it's 40 quid cheaper and I've also heard that the Asus P67 boards have been getting a bit of stick although I don't know what for. The GD53 is MicroATX if that bothers you And to be honest, I was trying to pick the board that best suited your budget.
 
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Looks good, i agree go for 1600mhz dd3 ram, its dirt cheap at the moment.

Your other parts look good, dont scimp on the psu though vital part that one.

Its a great feeling getting all the bits together for a new build, then comes the it better sodding work when i put it together part, then the get in its all working part :)
 
Your other parts look good, dont scimp on the psu though vital part that one.
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Do you think the Antec 620W is up to the job?

Sorry for asking so many newbie questions by the way - you guys are much more helpful than our American friends over at Tom's Hardware!
 
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