My first real build

[TRiiGGA]

Hi OverClockers,

This is another of “those” threads but basically I’m looking to do my first build (fully, from scratch).

My current (or passing/forgetful) knowledge of PC building is about 3 years ago when I upgraded my 8/9 year old AGP board to the most I could.

So, details of my current system? (Links have been shortened)

Motherboard: MSI MS-6741 VIA K8M400 (VT8380) (details here: http://bit.ly/wJRRgt )

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3400+ running at 2.5GHz (I tried some overclocking somehow somewhere at some point it should be 2.2GHz at stock) (details here: http://bit.ly/8F24S )

RAM: DDR1 2GB (2 x 1GB PC3200) (upgraded from the 512Mb it came with a pair of matched 1GB sticks) (crucial scan: http://bit.ly/zvrPr1 )

GPU: nVidia GeForce 7800 GS 256MB GDDR3 BFG Tech OC'd version (upgraded from the 5200 it came with) (details here: http://bit.ly/xUcM0Y )

PSU: CiT 550W Dual Rail (that’s all I know, upgraded it from the 350W that came with it (because of upgrading the GPU)) (details: amazon is the best I could find for details http://amzn.to/zc0uHN )

That’s the barebones of it; I ran a dual screen set up on it with no problems for a few months before buying a widescreen.

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Anyway, what I want to build now, is something VERY similar to the build that (EvoFq3o0) has got here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18357483

I plan on buying:

Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 http://bit.ly/w1Z2Jv

CPU: Intel i7-2600k http://bit.ly/zHqQCU

RAM: 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 http://bit.ly/AAuqba

GPU: Asus nVIDIA 3D GeForce GTX 560 TI 1GB in SLi mode http://bit.ly/yTLP6s

PSU: Corsair CMPSU-750TXUK http://bit.ly/x9DG1Q

CPU Cooler: Corsair CWCH80 Hydro Series H80 http://bit.ly/Am9qwT

Now what I’m stuck on is a case that will take the motherboard and the CPU sealed cooler unit and have space for extra case fans. I also need help on a PSU that will have the right connections and power for an i7 board with an SLi setup.

Also, it will be my first time with the whole thermal paste thing and I also need a decent DVDRW drive (and MAYBE memory card reader). My current tower has a DVD-ROM drive and a DVD RW drive and a floppy drive (obsolete LOL has never really been used) and a memory card reader and audio (mic, line out) and 2 x USB 2.0 ports at the front (which have somehow become loose or something, they provide a tiny amount of power but don’t see any connections on the PC…) so please advise if I could salvage any parts from this on my new build. I also have 2 x 200GB HDD’s but on the new build I want one decent sized SSD for the OS and then a 1tb+ HDD for programs and files.

uses:

gaming, photo editing, media streaming, hd movies, general googling of course, surfing OC and vm ware, music blasting, music editing, i don't really do a LOT of video editing, not as much as photo n music anyways...


Am I forgetting something?

 

[TRiiGGA]

Edit: updated links, sorry

So basically you're saying I should go ahead and buy these parts and look at some Coolermaster cases? And no I don't really use discs but comes in handy here and there.

And the PSU's i mentioned would have the right connectors and stuff for my build?

 

[TRiiGGA]

is this mainly a gaming system or will you be doing video encoding etc? if the programs you use don't make use of hyperthreading then no point in getting the i2600k, save the money and get the i2500k.

unless any the dvd or hard disks are sata then no you can't reuse them

whats your budget? need os(win7)?

16gb ram not needed unless you do a lot of photo editing, vm machines etc

regards to hyperthreading: would it not be future-proofed for later programs? if my current system has been with me for around 8-9 years ... in other words I dont plan on getting a new system after this for another 5 years at LEAST (unless i win the lottery [which i doubt, coz i don't play LOL])

uses:

gaming, photo editing, media streaming, hd movies, general googling of course, surfing OC and vm ware, music blasting, music editing, i don't really do a LOT of video editing, not as much as photo n music anyways...

and yes i need win 7 ultimate 64 bit of course, I have 32 bit now, can I use the same licence key on the 64 bit dvd installer?

and 16gb is better priced than 8gb as far as I saw on crucial which is the only reason, and if I can have that bit more, I would want it.

AFAIK my drives are SATA, not IDE if that's what you mean? Although I haven't opened my tower in a while, would have to check later. Basically I had a motorcycle accident just after Christmas so my left arm is in a cast n left foot in stitches so I'm currently immobilised until around February I guess so I plan on buying the parts one by one or a few at a time and wait for packages to arrive.

Budget, I hear you say...? Student Loan but I am not an impulsive shopper and do have common sense, I don't really want to go over £1000. I mean the less the better, obviously ~£600 isn't realistic on a system like this, but my current PC i spent £1500 on (at the time it was the highest spec stuff I could find along with a bunch of accessories) + ~£500 on upgrades at later dates

Which is why I want to get the peak, and have it running for the next 5 years minimum. I know as soon as you buy any technology something better is already in production but oh well, if I win the lottery then who knows

Also, if I order the CPU from OC can they overclock it at max for me? I know they do it on the system configurator page but I won't be able to buy everything together like that...