TOTAL NOOB building his first rig !

[Kamikaze KiD]

Hi everyone !!

So this is gonna be my first ever build and I was hoping to get some feedback from everyone in case I've chosen poor quality parts or incompatible parts.

So heres the badboy
Corsair Carbide 300R Compact Gaming Case with Window
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/corsa...usb-30-w-o-psu

Intel Core i5 3570K

Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H USB 3.0 Intel Z77 Socket 1155 Ivybridge Ready Motherboard with USB3
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/gigab...b-dvi-d-hdmi-a

Gigabyte HD7870 OC AMD/ATI Graphics Card - 2GB
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/2gb-g...l-dvi-hdmi-mdp

Seagate 1TB SATA 3 Performance Hard Drive OEM ST1000DM003
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1tb-s...he-8ms-ncq-oem

Corsair CP-9020015-UK CX 750W Power Supply (PSU)
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/750w-...n-atx-v231-psu

Corsair Memory Vengeance Blue 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel Desktop
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/8gb-(...9-9-24-xmp-15v

I am hoping to overclock the i5 in a year or two, so is that mobo good enough?
Another question I have is regarding the PSU, it's the basic model from corsair and I don't want it blowing up and taking the rest of the components with it lulz anyone got any experience with it?

If anyone has experience with any of the parts I have chosen or any feedback to the list then please share, I am a total newb but I wanna try and make this a perfect first build.


Thank you!

EDIT: PSU has been changed to http://www.ebuyer.com/279547-corsair...-cp-9020002-uk

And I am going for different ram, but do heatsinks on ram make a difference?

[hesham1516]

You can't go wrong with an Asus motherboard, but I can't be bothered to look up hard facts to back it up but just have a look

If you do not plan to ever use more that 1 graphics card, you can drop a few watts for better efficiency maybe? Or modular cables? or both?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...-crossfire-atx This one looks good, but EVGA and power supplies... Why does that worry me?
Edit:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500w-...ps-12v-fan-atx yeaaa this one better

And for the graphics card, you may want to pick up one with Tahiti architecture if they don't cost too much extra like this one:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=56&subcat=411
Scan don't seem to stock any Tahiti's at the moment though, though I am not too familiar with AMD products so there may be one there.

If you still have cash to spend, maybe an SSD cache?

CustomPC magazine usually have decent recommendations for different types of builds, go sneak a peak at your local newsagents

Other than that, there were no incompatible hardware combos or anything, looks good, good case choice

[Samwood]

Agree with hesham1516 on the PSU.

Defiantly add an SSD, without one even the best systems feel sluggish.

[Zerox]

I would be wary of budget Corsair CX PSUs. There is a reason why they are cheap, and the reason is because Corsair have used cheap components on the CX PSUs, namely poor capacitors which will limit the lifespan of the unit. It is not a deal-breaker of course, but something to keep in mind

I would have pointed you towards the Corsair TX series, but there seems to be a rather large problem revolving around a faulty psu fan. However I would recommend that you take a look at these models by XFX.

They are made by seasonic, the main maker of quality psu units, and are identical to the Corsair TX series, good quality japanese capacitors and all, but without the annoying fan problem. The price is not too bad either, and 650W should be plenty to support a single gpu, overclocked 3570k setup.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...uiet-fan-atx-v
(£72.78) semi-modular version

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...12v-fan-atx-v2
(£65.58) fully wired version

Otherwise:

Case fine, but here is a cheaper amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006I2H0YS/?tag=pcp0f-21
CPU standard
Motherboard fine
GPU and Memory are sensible choices

If you can, try and find the extra money for an ssd to use as a boot drive & games storage. Recommended Sandisk Extreme 120GB, rather nice value. (£70.97)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSS...8055410&sr=1-7

[c12038]

To be honest Just change your PSU choice

one of these will surfice

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/630w-...an-atx-v23-psu

http://www.ebuyer.com/192111-ocz-fat...u-ocz550fty-uk

Take your pick

Also take a look at this

http://www.ebuyer.com/363523-gigabyt...-gv-r787oc-2gd

This is some serious GFX card for the price same card you picked but cheaper and instock

[Willzzz]

I'd get a lovely Seasonic PSU:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/550w-...et-fan-atx-psu

I'd also be kinda tempted by this:
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/...roductId=53474

[Bonebreaker777]

I'd also be kinda tempted by this:
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/...roductId=53474

Avoid reference coolers?

[Kamikaze KiD]

Hi everyone, thanks for the replies! since this is my first time posting on this forum I wasn't sure whether I could post links from stores other than scan lol

You can't go wrong with an Asus motherboard, but I can't be bothered to look up hard facts to back it up but just have a look

If you do not plan to ever use more that 1 graphics card, you can drop a few watts for better efficiency maybe? Or modular cables? or both?
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...-crossfire-atx This one looks good, but EVGA and power supplies... Why does that worry me?
Edit:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500w-...ps-12v-fan-atx yeaaa this one better

And for the graphics card, you may want to pick up one with Tahiti architecture if they don't cost too much extra like this one:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=56&subcat=411
Scan don't seem to stock any Tahiti's at the moment though, though I am not too familiar with AMD products so there may be one there.

If you still have cash to spend, maybe an SSD cache?

CustomPC magazine usually have decent recommendations for different types of builds, go sneak a peak at your local newsagents

Other than that, there were no incompatible hardware combos or anything, looks good, good case choice

Thanks for the reply mate! Yes everyone has told me I could drop the watts even if I plan to OC and upgrade the GPU in the future.
I am current looking at this http://www.ebuyer.com/279547-corsair...-cp-9020002-uk
Its modular and its on sale! Plus with 5 years warranty!

Also, I shall definitely be adding on an SSd in the future when I get more money

The problem with the GPU you linked is that its around 15 quid more expensive and it has one year less warranty. Whereas gigabyte is 3 years and is based on UK. Will I see a significant increase in FPS if I go with that sapphire card? I can't find any benches for it.
Thanks for the reply mate

Agree with hesham1516 on the PSU.

Defiantly add an SSD, without one even the best systems feel sluggish.

Yes SSD will be added later! Thanks

I would be wary of budget Corsair CX PSUs. There is a reason why they are cheap, and the reason is because Corsair have used cheap components on the CX PSUs, namely poor capacitors which will limit the lifespan of the unit. It is not a deal-breaker of course, but something to keep in mind

I would have pointed you towards the Corsair TX series, but there seems to be a rather large problem revolving around a faulty psu fan. However I would recommend that you take a look at these models by XFX.

They are made by seasonic, the main maker of quality psu units, and are identical to the Corsair TX series, good quality japanese capacitors and all, but without the annoying fan problem. The price is not too bad either, and 650W should be plenty to support a single gpu, overclocked 3570k setup.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...uiet-fan-atx-v
(£72.78) semi-modular version

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-...12v-fan-atx-v2
(£65.58) fully wired version

Otherwise:

Case fine, but here is a cheaper amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006I2H0YS/?tag=pcp0f-21
CPU standard
Motherboard fine
GPU and Memory are sensible choices

If you can, try and find the extra money for an ssd to use as a boot drive & games storage. Recommended Sandisk Extreme 120GB, rather nice value. (£70.97)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSS...8055410&sr=1-7

Any source on the fan problem? Im asking because I'm really tempted to buy this now http://www.ebuyer.com/279547-corsair...-cp-9020002-uk And its hybird modular, what do you think?

I saw that case on amazon but I wanted a clear window lulz also I shall be adding a SSD later on
thanks for the advice!

To be honest Just change your PSU choice

one of these will surfice

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/630w-...an-atx-v23-psu

http://www.ebuyer.com/192111-ocz-fat...u-ocz550fty-uk

Take your pick

Also take a look at this

http://www.ebuyer.com/363523-gigabyt...-gv-r787oc-2gd

This is some serious GFX card for the price same card you picked but cheaper and instock

yup I was going to buy it from there but I wasn't sure if I could post links from there! Cheers mate!

I'd get a lovely Seasonic PSU:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/550w-...et-fan-atx-psu

I'd also be kinda tempted by this:
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/...roductId=53474

The gigabyte works out to be cheaper due to Aria delivery, and also I'm not to familiar with VTX3D's customer service? they are located in taiwan and I've heard stories of ppl not being able to get their GPU replaced under warranty where is GIGABYTE gives 3 year warranty plus its located in the UK

[mikeo01]

GPU suggestion
PSU suggestion

HDD is fine, extra 32MB cache than the £52 version on scan.
Board is fine, if you are thinking about overclocking think about a different cooler.

Watch out on the DRAM, it's quite high so think about what cooler you may want to avoid height issues.

Your case is cheaper on Amazon

RAM cheaper on Dabs
I know it's CL10 but the latency difference is in ms.

[Kamikaze KiD]

GPU suggestion
PSU suggestion

HDD is fine, extra 32MB cache than the £52 version on scan.
Board is fine, if you are thinking about overclocking think about a different cooler.

Watch out on the DRAM, it's quite high so think about what cooler you may want to avoid height issues.

Your case is cheaper on Amazon

RAM cheaper on Dabs
I know it's CL10 but the latency difference is in ms.

I was looking for 2x4GB tho so I can use the dual channel on the mobo

[mikeo01]

There are a lot of dual channel memory kits on Scan, timing latency isn't a big concern, so whether it be rated as CL9 or CL11 there won't be hardly any difference, unless you measure in ms

So I'd go for a lower height RAM or cheaper Corsair RAM.

Or you could opt for cheaper RAM and go triple channel?

[Kamikaze KiD]

There are a lot of dual channel memory kits on Scan, timing latency isn't a big concern, so whether it be rated as CL9 or CL11 there won't be hardly any difference, unless you measure in ms

So I'd go for a lower height RAM or cheaper Corsair RAM.

Or you could opt for cheaper RAM and go triple channel?

I definitely will be going for lower height ram such as the corsair XMS

One thing I wanted to ask though, do heat sinks on RAM actually help or are they just for aesthetics?

[Pob255]

PSU 520w-to-600w range
XFX 550w http://www.ebuyer.com/413805-xfx-pro...n-p1-550s-xxb9 not modular but a very good unit made by seasnic
modular http://www.ebuyer.com/174182-ocz-mod...-ocz600mxsp-uk a Sirtech (aka Highpower) unit ripple isn't great but it is in ATX specs, so not great if your trying to push high overclocks.

Case
I quite like the 300r but it is a bit expensive esp the windowed version
Have a look at the lancool K63 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/lian-...x-side-window- best toolless features of any case bar other lancool/lian-lan case, LanCool is a subdivision of Lian-Li, they take the Lian-li aluminium cases and redevelop them for steel construction)
Also the coolermaster CM 690 II lite http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coole...e-sata-w-o-psu would want to buy a couple of extra fans for it but it's still a good case
HAF 912 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coole...g-case-w-o-psu
Another I'd put forward for consideration is the casecom CL86 http://www.ebuyer.com/367336-casecom-cl-86-case-cl-86 now this case is BIG it's a copy of the coolermaster HAF-X so it might be a bit too large for your needs but it's a great price

couple more
Antec 302 http://www.ebuyer.com/391870-antec-a...761345-15321-8

How about Coolermaster Strom enforcer + GX 650w psu http://www.ebuyer.com/270605-cm-stor...-1000-kwa-650w
The storm enforcer is the same internal frame as the HAF 912 it's a mid tower but the extra width makes them nice to work in

[Kamikaze KiD]

PSU 520w-to-600w range
XFX 550w http://www.ebuyer.com/413805-xfx-pro...n-p1-550s-xxb9 not modular but a very good unit made by seasnic
modular http://www.ebuyer.com/174182-ocz-mod...-ocz600mxsp-uk a Sirtech (aka Highpower) unit ripple isn't great but it is in ATX specs, so not great if your trying to push high overclocks.

Case
I quite like the 300r but it is a bit expensive esp the windowed version
Have a look at the lancool K63 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/lian-...x-side-window- best toolless features of any case bar other lancool/lian-lan case, LanCool is a subdivision of Lian-Li, they take the Lian-li aluminium cases and redevelop them for steel construction)
Also the coolermaster CM 690 II lite http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coole...e-sata-w-o-psu would want to buy a couple of extra fans for it but it's still a good case
HAF 912 http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coole...g-case-w-o-psu
Another I'd put forward for consideration is the casecom CL86 http://www.ebuyer.com/367336-casecom-cl-86-case-cl-86 now this case is BIG it's a copy of the coolermaster HAF-X so it might be a bit too large for your needs but it's a great price

couple more
Antec 302 http://www.ebuyer.com/391870-antec-a...761345-15321-8

How about Coolermaster Strom enforcer + GX 650w psu http://www.ebuyer.com/270605-cm-stor...-1000-kwa-650w
The storm enforcer is the same internal frame as the HAF 912 it's a mid tower but the extra width makes them nice to work in

Thanks for the reply, I prefer a windowed case just so I can look into it

however, that said I am currently looking at this http://www.ebuyer.com/321337-coolerm...c-692a-kkn5-bw
what do you think?

[hesham1516]

After actually looking into it as a potential buyer, this power supply looks like a really good choice.

Unlike what I recommended last night, any 7870 would be fine, if you plan to get a pricier one, a straight up upgrade would be smarter rather than messing around with finding the best 7870, in the end it will still be 7870 and not a 7950. Just look out for good cooling and warranty I guess, your the gigabyte might be fine.

As someone mentioned earlier, you may want an aftermarket cooler on your cpu over the stock one, like an Arctic freezer i30, but check to see if your cpu is an OEM model or not as OEM cpu's do not come with the intel cooler, just the cpu alone.

[mikeo01]

I have to be honest I don;t like that case, the CM 690 I prefer windowed cases too, I don't have one but it's good. Personally I'd go for the Lian LI K63B you posted, plenty of cooling power, nice cable management and appearance wise I prefer it. Both are good choices though.

PSU, I personally own a XFX power supply and they are great, good for their price.

As for memory heatsinks, no they aren't really anything fancy unless you want to seriously overclock your RAM. DDR3 RAM runs at a lower temperature than DDR2 at lower voltages too. I have the Corsair XMS, small heatsink on top but got it mainly because of the price. Other than that memory heatsinks are for serious DRAM overclocks.

I heard the GX PSUs from CM aren't too good.