Sandybridge new build advice

[noobybooby]

After my current machine died a couple of weeks ago, I've been waiting for Sandybridge to build a new system.

This is my first build, so I'm a noob at this. Anyway, I've done a fair amount of research and I'm quite happy with the following spec, but any helpful tips would be appreciated. Also, if I've missed anything, like basic compatibility issues, please tell me.

My uses are going to be normal stuff - internet, email, TV, word/excel, lots of multitasking. As for gaming, I bought an xbox a few months ago, so I don't plan to use this computer for that, hence I've decided against a graphics card. I can always get one later if I want.

Budget wise - the cost below is a rough guide. I don't have a strict limit, but I don't want to waste any money either. I'm really looking for reliable, good value parts. Here it is:


Guts
CPU - Intel 2500 - £200
I have no plans to overclock

Mobo - Asus P8H67M EVO or PRO or M - £80 - 100
Yes, I want the H67 chipset, because I have no plans to overclock and want the option to use the integrated graphics. I understand that the Asus has UEFI which means very quick boot times, and its bios UI is supposed to be clean, which would be good for a noob like me. Also the reviews say it is marginally better than Gigabyte's H67 offering.

But I don't know which of the Asus H67 motherboards is suitable for me - I can't really tell the difference - advice?

RAM - 2 x 2GB DDR3 - £50
I don't need anything fancy. This seemed fine, any better suggestions?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-203-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

GFX card - none


Storage
HDD - Samsung F3 HD103SJ 1 TB - £40

SDD - at a later date
I plan to buy one when the next gen are released in the next month or so, which should hopefully push prices down a little

DVD Drive - ?
What's the best and quietest internal DVD drive you'd recommend?
Also thinking of getting the Samsung Bluray SH-B123L.


Engine
Case - Fractal R3 - £80

PSU - Corsair AX 750 - £135
This is just a rebranded Seasonic X-760 with a longer warranty. I know it's expensive, but I figure I shouldn't scrimp on the PSU - and it's the cheapest quality semi-passive PSU I can find.

CPU cooler - Corsair H50 - £55

Fans - 4 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120mm - £50

*2 vertical intake fans on the front
*1 horizontal exhaust fan on the bottom
*1 vertical fan replacing the stock fan with the Corsair H50

I know some say to get 2 fans for the H50 in a push/pull configuration, but as I won't be overclocking, I can't imagine it'll be necessary.


Fancies
TV tuner - Blackgold TV card - 110


Tools
Antistatic Mat and wrist strap - Lindy - £20
Better to be safe...

Cable management - ?
Are velcro ties like these appropriate for internal managament:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisual-Chun...WPQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294346021&sr=8-1

Can you recommend anything for easy internal cable management? I don't like the slim plastic ones because I find it hard to tie and untie them!

 

[cmndr_andi]

Hi there,

I would suggest switching the RAM to this to save a few quid.

As for the PSU the 750w is a nice unit but totally overpowered for your uses. Instead I would have a look at the Seasonic X-400 this is a totally fanless unit and costs £20 less than the AX 750.

I would also suggest looking at the Thermalright HR-02 cooler - for passively cooling the CPU (also add a single extra fan to the R3 case and run it off the included fan controller).

Finally I would strongly recommend you go for the i5 2500K. Its only a few quid more than the 2500, has a more powerful onboard graphics core and a will have a much higher resale value.

 

[noobybooby]

Hi there,

I would suggest switching the RAM to this to save a few quid.

As for the PSU the 750w is a nice unit but totally overpowered for your uses. Instead I would have a look at the Seasonic X-400 this is a totally fanless unit and costs £20 less than the AX 750.

I would also suggest looking at the Thermalright HR-02 cooler - for passively cooling the CPU (also add a single extra fan to the R3 case and run it off the included fan controller).

Finally I would strongly recommend you go for the i5 2500K. Its only a few quid more than the 2500, has a more powerful onboard graphics core and a will have a much higher resale value.

Thanks for the reply.

I'll take a look at the GeIL RAM.

As for the PSU - I was thinking of possibly adding a gfx card at some point in the future and figured that the X-400 wouldn't be enough. So the next cheapest passive/semi-passive quality PSU was the Corsair. I know 750W is overkill, but I don't think 400W gives me enough headroom.

Re 2500K - I know about it's overclocking potential and resale value, but I hadn't heard about it having a more powerful onboard graphics core - do you have a source?

 

[cmndr_andi]

As for the PSU - I was thinking of possibly adding a gfx card at some point in the future and figured that the X-400 wouldn't be enough. So the next cheapest passive/semi-passive quality PSU was the Corsair. I know 750W is overkill, but I don't think 400W gives me enough headroom.

Thats fair enough - its not a lot more money and you are getting a great PSU with tonnes of headroom for upgrades.

Re 2500K - I know about it's overclocking potential and resale value, but I hadn't heard about it having a more powerful onboard graphics core - do you have a source?

Have a look at this page, near the bottom under the sub-heading "More Differentiation".