First Time Custom Build Help

Linchy · 1 Mar 2013 at 14:24

I am almost a complete console convert but I'm a bit bored of the various compromises that come with buying a pre-made system so I've opted to build one myself. The obvious issue is with the 'First Time' bit! I've done some research into it and have a fair understanding of whats what. In terms of the application of the system it will be used for mostly gaming and editing but I still want it pretty high spec.

I have found the following components (trying to keep the overall costs under £750 - ex VAT):

CPU - Intel Core i7 3770K 3.5GHz 8mb

MB - Gigabyte Z77x-DS3H ATX LGA 1155

Storage - Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM

Memory - Corsair CML 16GX3M2A1600C10 (2x8GB)

Video - EVGA GTX 670 FTW

OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bit

Are these parts all suitable, from what I can tell there are no clashes of compatibility! All you experts will notice no PSU, Case or Optical. These areas I'm not so sure on so am open to suggestions! Also, is it beneficial to have an SSD??

Any help is much appreciated and thanks in advance!

Idleman · 1 Mar 2013 at 15:40

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Something like this, £750 ex VAT. Do you have an OS?

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i7-3770K 3.50GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £279.95
1 x Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD 7950 Windforce 3X 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card with Crysis 3 & Bioshock PC Games £239.99
1 x Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £83.99
1 x Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CML16GX3M2A1600C10) £79.99
1 x Corsair Carbide 300R Mid Tower Case - Black £64.99
1 x Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache - OEM (ST1000DM003) HDD £59.99
1 x XFX Pro 550W Core Edition '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply £54.98
1 x Thermalright True Spirit 120 REV A CPU Cooler (Socket 775 / 1155 / 1156 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / FM1 / FM2) £24.98
1 x OcUK 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black) - OEM £11.99
Total : £915.85 (includes shipping : £12.50).

Linchy · 1 Mar 2013 at 15:52

Thanks mate. Can I ask why the change of Video? Just financial?

I don't have an OS no.

Whats the situation with SSD? Necessary or is it just subjective?

zakblood · 1 Mar 2013 at 15:58

cheaper and just as fast, if not faster

Linchy · 1 Mar 2013 at 16:06

oh right got ya cheers!

How much (in performance terms) does an i7 top an i5? There's quite a gap financially but does that reflect the gap technologically?

Idleman · 1 Mar 2013 at 16:14

Linchy said:
oh right got ya cheers!

How much (in performance terms) does an i7 top an i5? There's quite a gap financially but does that reflect the gap technologically?

If you don`t do too much editing and time is`nt a big factor, then the i5 would be more suitable. And the difference in price will pay for an OS.

Idleman · 1 Mar 2013 at 16:21

This will give you some idea as to the difference in performance.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/701?vs=551

Linchy · 1 Mar 2013 at 16:31

Thats my thinking exactly. That combined with the change of video card you suggested would help bring the cost down without really affecting the performance. I hear that applying a SSD will help with loading times, is this true?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Idleman · 1 Mar 2013 at 17:08

Linchy said:
Thats my thinking exactly. That combined with the change of video card you suggested would help bring the cost down without really affecting the performance. I hear that applying a SSD will help with loading times, is this true?

Thanks a lot for your help.

An ssd will make boot times and loading software a lot faster. But it is something you can add later as an upgrade.
The case I included is a very good for the price but is out of stock. It may not be to your liking but you can always change it for one that is.

Linchy · 1 Mar 2013 at 17:17

oh right so its not a necessary component. Yeh I found a case originally but there was an issue with USB 3.0 in that the MB supported it but the case doesn't have it on the front panel.

Idleman · 1 Mar 2013 at 17:51

Linchy said:
oh right so its not a necessary component. Yeh I found a case originally but there was an issue with USB 3.0 in that the MB supported it but the case doesn't have it on the front panel.

An ssd is a luxury but not essential. If it is possible to fit one into the budget fair enough but not at the expense of getting lesser components. As mentioned earlier, just get one when you can afford it.

i5 with an OS, forgot to include that in the i7 spec.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Gigabyte ATi Radeon HD 7950 Windforce 3X 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card with Crysis 3 & Bioshock PC Games £239.99
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - OEM £187.99
1 x Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £83.99
1 x Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-Bit - OEM (GFC-02050) £79.99
1 x Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CML16GX3M2A1600C10) £79.99
1 x Corsair Carbide 300R Mid Tower Case - Black £64.99
1 x Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache - OEM (ST1000DM003) HDD £59.99
1 x XFX Pro 550W Core Edition '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply £54.98
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 612S CPU Cooler (Socket 775 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / FM1 / FM2) £32.99
1 x OcUK 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black) - OEM £11.99
Total : £911.89 (includes shipping : £12.50).