Pre-purchase doubts!

[Gav]

I have to replace my very old Dell pc and the desire to self build won't go away! Over the years I have upgraded memory, hard drives, PCI cards, OS etc. but I've not taken on the big challenge of a new build.

This website encourages me greatly and seems to make the process relatively straight forward, however I still have doubts about the compatibility of items and feel overwhelmed by the amount of technical specs set against each item.

I am trying to simplify things by buying the components recommended here but I am struggling to find everything in the UK. Of the components I can find, when I compare specifications there seems to be differences that give me doubts. Here's the issue I am stressing over at the moment:

I seem to be able to get a Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 new from ebay. The spec sheet says that the board will take 4x memory modules DDR3 1.5V 2200/1600/1333/800.

I have also found a new retail Core i7-860 2.8GHz. The spec sheet for this says the memory type is DDR3-1066/1333.

I can get 2GB Ballistix memory modules from Crucial which are specified as PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 1.65V.

So the motherboard info says 1.5V memory but the modules will be 1.65V. Also the processor info does not mention compatibility with DDR3-1600. Are these differences anything to worry about or should I just crack on and start ordering things and see what happens?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Gav.

[RickyTick]

Hello Gav. Welcome to the forums. If you've replaced multiple pc components before, then building one completely will not be overly difficult.

We usually refer UK people to ebuyer.com for parts. There may be other places to check there as well.

The GA-P55 motherboard is at least one generation old now. I would highly recommend looking at newer components. Check the Builds in my signature below to get some ideas on a complete build list. If you have questions after that, then jump right back in here and ask away.

[Gav]

Thanks RickyTick,

I have looked at your build recommendations and focussed on the slightly cheaper hi-end version. Here is what I can easily source over here through ebuyer and amazon:

Coolermaster CM690 II with Coolermaster GX 650W PSU (ebuyer £99.99).

MSI P67A-GD53 socket 1155 ATX (ebuyer £108.89) (I can't find the GD43 as in your build).

Intel Core i5-2500k 3.3GHz socket 1155 retail (ebuyer £164.95).

Crucial DDR3 PC3-12800 1600 1.5V (3x4GB pack, £124.79). It's strange, there seems to be very limited 4GB choices with this type of memory. There's loads of choice with 2GB modules.

WD 1002FAEX HDD, same as your recommendation (amazon £63.69).

Samsung SH-5223 22x DVD+-RW SATA (ebuyer £15)

I am a bit stuck with the graphics card. I have very low demands for graphics at the moment. Basic built-in graphics would probably be OK for now but this is not included on the MSI board. Any recommendations for a perfectly 'fine' basic card that would fit with my build?

I notice with your 'money no object' high end system that you include a CPU cooler. I take it that the retail Core i5-2500k will come with a fan that is fit for purpose?

Finally, I still have a similar question to that in my initial post. The MSI board specification for memory says DDR3 1066/1333/1600/2133 1.5V. The Crucial memory that I have selected is DDR3-1600 1.5V, so that's all fine. But the Intel spec for the i5-2500k says for memory DDR3-1066/1333 (i.e. no mention of DDR3-1600). This disparity seems to be the case with any combination that I put together, including your builds. Is this an issue or am I worrying about nothing?

Again, any thoughts from yourself on the above (or from anyone else) is gratefully received.

Gav.

[RickyTick]

The cpu will come with a cooler that will be more than adequate.

I don't see any problems using the GD53 motherboard.

You listed a ram kit that is 3x4gb. I would suggest a 2x4gb kit instead, and use the DDR3-1333. It'll probably be easier to find too.

If you're not a gamer, than you don't need a high-end video card. The Nvidia GT430 is a nice card, and not much money. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/240956

[Gav]

Thanks again RickyTick. I have placed the order for all items, including 2x4GB of DDR3-1333 and the GT430 graphics card. Let the fun begin!