First build cheap(ish) PC

Stu_s

Stu_s

Stu_s

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Joined
19 Aug 2011
Posts
5
Hi,

I'm thinking about building my first PC. I am new to this but from what I've read, I think that I would like to build it around the Intel Core i5 2500k processor. I currently us a PC for basic tasks but I may need it to run CAD programs in the near future. I also am considering giving up my XBox ( I'm only a moderate/casual gamer) and instead using a PC to meet my gaming needs.

My main questions are,

1, What would be a reasonably priced motherboard to get the best out of the CPU and what main features should I look for.

2, Should I go for 4 or 8 Gb of RAM (will it make a noticeable difference at my level).

3, Is there a decent, good value GPU which will meet my needs ( I'm happy with xbox quality graphics at the moment and I only use a 21" monitor)

4, Is there any one case configuration that is better than another (side fan with rear exhaust fan, or front intake with rear exhaust).

5, Will any CPU heat-sink/fan combo from a reputable manufacture be adequate?

These are probably very basic questions and although I have read some of the guides on this forum about building your first PC, I would welcome some more specific recommendations as to what would work well together to make (for my requirements) a decent system.

One more thing, I would like to take my interest in PC's further and as such I would like the system I build to be upgradable so that it can grow in quality/complexity as my knowledge and experience does.

Thanks for reading this and any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Apologies if this is posted in in the wrong format or thread.
 
providing you stick with the I-2500K:
1. If you want the board to last, look for the boards which support the upcoming PCI-E Gen3 slots, theres a couple of them out at the mo, they support the next Intel CPU's (Ivybridge) and the next batch of graphics cards (when they appear)

2. 4GB for Gaming 8GB if you are going to be getting into CAD

3. What res does your monitor run @? 1680x1050 or 1920x1080?
MSI GeForce GTX 560Ti Twin FrozR II 1024MB
or
XFX ATI Radeon HD 6870 Black Edition 1024MB

4. Some of the Silverstone cases vent hot air out of the top of the case which has proven to really help cooling!

5. Depending on your budget and how much of an overclock you are going to run will depend on your cooler choice. anywhere from the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro to the silver arrow to a closed loop water cooler H80 (or such).

As far as upgrades go, it would be worthwhile getting a good branded PSU with the ability to add another card later on down the line as games get more demanding or you decide to upgrade your monitor to something with a higher res, which needs more umph behind it.

If you would like a full spec then give us a rough budget and someone can give you an idea of what you can get for your ££
You will also need to say if you need peripherals (keyboard mouse) and or an operating system (windows)
 
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Cheers for your reply,

I realise how much I don't understand about all this now. Is there any-place on-line where I can research all aspects of computing?

I would like to stick with the i5 2500k, but I don't need a system that is always cutting edge, I just don't want it to be obsolete and unable to cope with games/applications 12 - 24 months down the line.

If 4Gb of RAM is enough for gaming then thats what I will go with to start off.

My monitor is 1920X1080 and I can't see me going much bigger in the near future

With the case what should I look for, is the case more important or the cooling. I wasn't thinking water cooling as I was thinking about spending around £20 - £35 on the CPU cooler.

Is it worth doubling up GPU's later on or would I be better just replacing an older GPU 12 - 24 months down the line, as such could I settle for a a PSU with a lower power rating (between 550W - 650W).

I dont require any perphirals, HDD's or operating system, just CPU (and cooler), motherboard, RAM, GPU, PSU and case.

Is it ok to buy used computer componets, I wasn't thinking CPUs more PSU's and cases ( seen Antec 900 on ebay selling around £40 - £45).

Overall I would be pleased if I could get the necessary components for £500 or under.

Thanks again.
 
I'd avoid the Antec 900 as it doesnt have any dust filters on the front. My 900-2 has the filters and they clog up after like a days use. It can still be pretty dusty inside, so I'd hate to see it without filters!
 
Hi Mak3r,

cheers for that it's worth thinking about, do you know of any well regarded cases that come in at a reasonable price?
 
 
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