First Build - Need Advice/Suggestions!!

[Tinkering]

Hi guys,

I need a new computer and I have decided I want to build it myself. I've read a lot of useful threads on this forum, how-to's etc.

I reckon I'm up to it

I've got £400-£500 to play with initially, so substitutions will have to be made. I intend on upgrading various parts of the system in the near future when my finances allow me to. Essentially what I'm looking for is a system that will give me a solid base to work from - which I can then build on.

My Requirements:
I'm not a gamer (yet!), and I'm not interested in overclocking either (yet!). This system will be used primarily for: photoshop, web browsing, website testing, file editing - basically web development related stuff - quite often simultaneously, so multitasking ability is a must. I may get into PC gaming in the near future though, so room to expand is also a must. I use two 1920x1080 LCD monitors.

Substitutions:
(will be upgrading asap!)
I'll have to use my current OS - Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit for the time being until I can afford the upgrade to 64bit. Also I'll have to use my current, rather cheap and cheerful, graphics card which is a fanless "Sapphire HD 4670 Ultimate Edition 512MB GDDR3 HDMI DVI VGA PCI-E Graphics Card". I already have the DVD drive sorted as well as the hard drive which is a "Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM Caviar Blue"

Parts:
Below is a list of parts I think would be suitable.

Here's where I need opinions/tips on where improvements can be made!!:

Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K 3.3GHz - 1155
Motherboard: £100 budget <-- NEED OPINIONS/SUGGESTIONS!!
Memory: £40 budget <-- NEED OPINIONS/SUGGESTIONS!! (4GB@1600mhz..?)
Power supply: Coolermaster Silent Pro 700W Modular PSU (part of a special offer bundle)
Hard drive: - Will be using my current Western Digital 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache Caviar Blue, until I can upgrade.
Graphics card: Will be using my current Sapphire HD 4670 512MB card (lol!), until I can upgrade.
CPU cooler: Will be using the stock cooler - but plan to upgrade asap
CD/DVDRW: Already own a suitable drive, but plan to upgrade asap.
Sound card: Will be using on-board sound, but plan to upgrade asap.
Case: CM Storm Scout (part of a special offer bundle)

All and any replies are most appreciated

Thanks!

 

[stulid]

So your looking for two parts, RAM and MOTHERBOARD.

Your basketProduct Name Qty Price Line Total
Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3 Intel P67 Chipset (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - (Sandybridge) ** B3 REVISION ** £114.98
(£95.82) £114.98
(£95.82)
OCZ Special OPS 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (OCZ3SOE1600LV4GK) £35.99
(£29.99) £35.99
(£29.99)
Sub Total : £125.81
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DPD Next Day Parcel
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : £9.50
VAT is being charged at 20.00% VAT : £27.06
Total : £162.37


If this MSI motherboard ever comes in stock - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-167-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906 - then you can save a further £10

 

[Tinkering]

Hi stulid,

Thanks for the quick response.

Out of the Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3 & the MSI P67A-C45 which would you say is the better option, in terms of performance/expandability?

Thanks.

 

[stulid]

the cheapest, but it needs to be in stock, you are not buying from OCUK, as some of your parts are not available here.

just make sure its a B3 revision.

 

[Stoner81]

@ OP - The motherboard (if I am not mistaken) will allow you to overclock at some point if you wish to do so. I personally prefer Gigabyte motherboard but that is just personal preference based on the fact that I have used them before and never had a single issue with them.

Great find stulid!

Stoner81.

 

[Tinkering]

Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated.