New build for a new builder.

quigleyjames50 · 17 Jul 2013 at 10:26

Hi guys, I'm new here and new to PC building. I'm pretty confident when it comes to plugging things together and like to think I'm clever enough not to make any major mistakes. I'm looking to build a new computer for the home office, for architectural modelling and a bit of gaming when the work/missus allows. The spec I'm thinking of is:

Case - NZXT Phantom 410
Mobo - Gigabyte Z87-D3H
CPU - Intel Haswell i5 4670
RAM - Corsair Vengence 8gb DDR3
GPU - Nvidia GTX 660ti
HDD - WD 1TB Sata3

My questions are as follows.
1 - What are the brands to look for/avoid with the GPU?
2 - Will 8gb be enough? I'm currently rocking 2gb in my old work rig!!!
3 - Is it really worth spending an extra £100 on a SSD for the OS?
4 - Any general advice on any components that may work better for a little more money?

Currently this build fits my budget but I'm backpacking through Australia at the minute so wont be building for another 3-4 months, so I'm hoping prices may drop a bit and I can stretch the spec.

Thanks for any info or advice.

mattdunnapoo · 17 Jul 2013 at 10:32

ssd boot drives are worth it in my opinion once you have one and you go on one with out it , its just like "come on!" lol

i would swap the 660ti for this his 7950

i think its better card and also comes with 8 games you could keep or sell and get a ssd

but other then that build looks fine , not to sure on how much ram your architectural modelling programs used so not much comment there other then maybe this ram as it has high mhz

quigleyjames50 · 17 Jul 2013 at 11:21

Thanks for the quick reply!

Also forgot to mention the PSU will be a Coolermaster GX750 as a mate has one lying about that I can have and it seems a decent PSU that should be enough to run the system.

mattdunnapoo · 17 Jul 2013 at 11:32

yea that power supply should be fine ,well over more then enough ,

i probobally wouldnt go crossfire with it

you should have a good little system there, you might need to borrow a dvd drive to install windows

wesimmo · 17 Jul 2013 at 12:09

An SSD is a must for me now i've got one, especially if like me you have several apps fire up on start up.

It's the difference between switching on and it being ready after a quick pee versus having to drop the kids off while everything loads up.

Ethermaster · 17 Jul 2013 at 12:31

It would be better to ask for spec's when you have finished your backpacking and are ready to order as prices in the hardware market can change massively over night (like HDD's shot up after the flood where 90% of the worlds HDD are actually made), and new stuff is always coming out

Look forward to hearing from you once you are ready to order.

quigleyjames50 · 18 Jul 2013 at 03:34

Thanks for the replies. I know I'll be needing an optical drive and probably a couple more case fans etc I didn't include them in the spec as I figure they're pretty cheap anyway, was just after advice on major components.