[easyaddy]

I had a previous thread regarding my build ideas but due to financial issues had to postpone the dream of building myself a new computer

But now, you'll all be happy to know, i am ready and willing to fork out the necessary cash to realize my build.

All i need to know before i do this, is that I'm not buying anything stupid or have any bottle-necks in my system... and generally any other advice regarding my system is greatly appreciated.

All the components are in the 'ebuyer' list below \/

Lists | Ebuyer.com

Thanks All..

 

[Masterchiefxx17]

You don't want an OCZ PSU.

Stick with XFX or Seasonic for the PSU for top quality and a 650W will do just fine.

I personally would change the monitor to somthing like Samsung, Asus, LG, Acer.

The rest looks fine to me.

 

[easyaddy]

Alright will do, thanks for your advice

 

[easyaddy]

Ebuyer doesn't seem to stock much stuff in the way of xfx or seasonic, could you possibly recommend a similar priced alternative to the one on my list.

After a brief search i came up with this, XFX Core Edition 650W PSU - 80Plus Bronze EasyRail [P1-650S-NLB9] from Overclock.co.uk although i'm not so sure about the company or how reliable they are.

And with regards to the monitor, what kind of size will i be able to go up to? could i manage a 24" like this? LG E2442TC-BN 24" LED LCD DVI Monitor | Ebuyer.com

Thanks

 

[Vadigor]

I'll second masterchief. The XFX is indeed a better choice. Another alternative is the Seasonic 620. It may be cheaper elsewhere as overclock.co.uk only has the modular version apparently.

That list doesn't include an optical drive, I assume you're reusing one from a previous build?

EDIT: As far as monitors go, the size is a matter of preference. Most monitors in the 20-24" range should run at the standard HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 so there shouldn't be a difference in frame rate if that's what you're asking.

 

[easyaddy]

Yea I'll go for an XFX or your recommended PSU... So is Overclock.co.uk a trusted distributor then? and what do you mean by the 'modular' version? sorry my tech knowledge is somewhat limited.

Regarding the optical drive that was just me being an idiot and forgetting about it, although once I've installed the operating system (if i even need a drive for that), then i cant imagine I'll have much use for one, so may just get a blue ray drive at a later date.

And yes that was pretty much what i was asking about the monitors, i just wanted to make sure my system wasn't going to struggle to put a HD image on the screen due to weird ratios or to big a screen etc..

Thanks

 

[Masterchiefxx17]

Either PSU will do.

A 24" Monitor is nice, I currenty own one. And once you get a big monitor you'll never go back to a small one :grin:

 

[Tyree]

The XFX PSU is the better bang for buck and is made by SeaSonic.
Modular refers to more individual cabling to make a neater install.
You can never go wrong with Samsung monitors for quality/support. Acer & Asus are also good.

 

[Vadigor]

Yea I'll go for an XFX or your recommended PSU... So is Overclock.co.uk a trusted distributor then?

I couldn't say as I haven't used the site before, I just used it because you linked to it. I personally use Amazon UK for most everything I order online. Delivery is safe, fast and free and their support is also very decent as you would expect. Unfortunately they don't stock a lot of XFX or Seasonic PSUs.

and what do you mean by the 'modular' version? sorry my tech knowledge is somewhat limited.

Normal PSUs have all power cables hardwired into them. Modular versions allow you to to connect only the cables you need to the PSU, reducing clutter inside the case and this can make cable and airflow management easier. However, you'll also pay a premium as these versions can cost between 20 and 40 pounds more than the regular edition. For you, the normal version is the way to go, unless you find a modular unit for about the same price, as is the case with that overclockers link.

Regarding the optical drive that was just me being an idiot and forgetting about it, although once I've installed the operating system (if i even need a drive for that), then i cant imagine I'll have much use for one, so may just get a blue ray drive at a later date.

There are ways of converting an OEM disk into a bootable USB drive (link untested) or you can temporarily connect a ODD from another build.

 

[easyaddy]

Are there any threads in this section regarding reputable distributors? If not I'll start one, may be beneficial, (especially for beginners like me).

Yea ill probably just use an ODD knocking around at work, as you advise.

Thanks guys, anything else you'd like to add about my build that you think would be good for me to know please go ahead. The one thing I am a bit unsure of is my choice in graphics card, any comments or thoughts regarding the one I've chosen?

Thanks again.

 

[Tyree]

Are there any threads in this section regarding reputable distributors?

Scroll to the bottom of the link:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/for...ams-recommended-new-builds-2012-a-668661.html

 

[Vadigor]

Thanks guys, anything else you'd like to add about my build that you think would be good for me to know please go ahead. The one thing I am a bit unsure of is my choice in graphics card, any comments or thoughts regarding the one I've chosen?

I'd suggest the Sapphire HD 7850 as an AMD alternative. It's reported to be slightly weaker than the GTX 660 but I've found it on ebuyer for nearly 30 pound less. With that large of a difference I'd personally go for the 7850, but it's what I have installed in the PC I'm writing this on so I may be biased.

The AMD comes with free downloads of Bioshock Infinite and Tomb Raider, the Nvidia you selected offers Assassin's Creed 3 and some F2P cash. It's up to you whether that is something to consider.

 

[easyaddy]

I'd suggest the Sapphire HD 7850 as an AMD alternative. It's reported to be slightly weaker than the GTX 660 but I've found it on ebuyer for nearly 30 pound less. With that large of a difference I'd personally go for the 7850

After reading your recommendation I did some research on the two GPU's. The general consensus seems to be that the 660 is better when both are stock clocked, but as soon as you start overclocking then the 7850 surpasses it due to nvidia's strict voltage regulation etc.

I'm at a loss deciding which one to go for, can anyone offer any advice?

Cheers

P.s. I wasn't planning on overclocking to be honest but I'm not set against it. But then surely I'd have to fork out money on extra cooling if I was going to start overclocking anyway?

 

[Tyree]

OC'ing (CPU-RAM-GPU) offers no real world advantages so your decision should be based on the GPU as shipped.

 

[Vadigor]

Overclocking is a waste of time and, if it goes wrong, money. Overclocking a GPU may have more merit than overclocking the CPU, which is generally meaningless, but I wouldn't risk it. But you're right in your analysis. The question that we can't decide for you is whether the 660 better performance is worth 30 pounds to you.

My rationale is that the GTX is 18% more expensive and I can't imagine that the benchmarks put them that far apart when it comes to performance. Considering you're going for a low-budget gamer card, it makes sense to me to save the money. If you pay the extra 30 pounds to get the GTX, it's only another 10 pounds to get the 7870 which will beat it. You can repeat that exercise all the way to the 400 pound level.

If you're happy running next-gen games at high rather than ultra the 7850 will be more than adequate. At least that's what I'm counting on.

 

[easyaddy]

Hmm I see, seems I have a decision to make.

As we're on the subject of budget, I'm having some problems deciding between these two motherboards.

gigabyte-ga-z77-d3h

Vs

gigabyte-ga-z77x-d3h

The first one (z77), as you can see is about £15 cheaper, so I'm wondering if the extra sockets I would get in the z77x are worth the extra cash.

What do you guys think?

Thanks

 

[Tyree]

If you're referring to the extra GPU sockets, absolutely not.

 

[easyaddy]

Well just the extra sockets in general, or any other benefits of the z77x

 

[Tyree]

Do you need extra sockets?
LAN is onboard, Audio is onboard, one GPU socket is enough.

 

[easyaddy]

I'm not sure to be honest, maybe not for the components listed in this build, but for future upgrades would i want some of the sockets which aren't available in the z77 but are in the z77x?

Also as i'm not very tech savvy, i'm worried there may be some ability on the z77x which i would wish i had if i got the z77 (if that makes any sense at all)?

LAN is onboard, Audio is onboard

here are you saying the z77 has the same LAN and Audio ability as the z77x?

Thanks for help.