New Build! First Try!

[ARchamps]

Hello Everyone!

I'm pretty excited about my first build and I have done some research for the past few weeks. I'm fairly knowledgeable, but still learning!

Approximate Purchase Date: 1 - 2 months. Still saving up :-P
Budget Range: $700 - $800 CAD
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Moderate Gaming, Music Production (Cubase Software), Media (videos and music), Surfing
Parts Not Required: Mouse, Keyboard, OS, Monitor
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca -- but prefer local stores for pickup (CanadaComputers.com & Tigerdirect.ca)
Country of Origin: Canada
Parts Preferences: Intel CPU
Overclocking: Maybe..
SLI or Crossfire: Likely not
Monitor Resolution:1600x1200

Here is what I have chosen so far. Please comment on my choices so far! I'm missing a MB and RAM. See my comments below.

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Mid-Tower Computer Case - ATX, mATX - $59.99 - Link (http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=033559)
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Unlocked Processor - $229.99 - Link (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072)
PSU: Cooler Master Extreme 550 Watt Power Supply - 58.99 - Link (http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/cooler-master-cooler-master-extreme-550-watt-power-supply-rs550-pcare3-us-rs550-pcare3-us/10162303.aspx?path=4f78902abcb403ecc0e8bdba8418cbb 4en02)
GPU: EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1461-KR GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) 1GB - $189.99 - Link (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130661)
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 SATA3 6.0Gb/s 1000GB (1TB) 32MB Cache - $54.99 - Link (http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=037032)

I'm a little lost in terms of picking a motherboard. I understand that a P67 will allow overclocking, but I'm likely not going to be doing any of that. The P67 is generally more expensive than H67. What would match my setup so far and is between $80 - $115 range? I picked the PSU from Best Buy because I have a $50 gift card I could use :D . Also, what RAM would suit my needs? 8GB would be ideal but I think I could live with 4GB. RAM is cheap so I think 8GB would be best.

Thank you in advance!

[Declan D]

Hey ill get the easy bit out of the way before the smart people come along. But basicly u can only have 8gm ram if you have 64bit os as you didn't state what os u had I thought I'd just add this point

[ARchamps]

Thanks for the reply! I will be using Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit). Sorry I forgot to mention that! Also, my monitor is a Dell 21" Flatscreen (DVI+VGA) with a max resolution of 1600x1200.

[RickyTick]

Just to clarify, you can have more than 8gb of ram with a 64-bit OS. However, 8gb is plenty and you shouldn't need more for a long time. I would suggest an 8gb kit that consists of 2 dimms of 4gb each. Stay with major brands, Corsair, Crucial, G.Skill, Mushkin, A-Data, Kingston, or Patriot. They're all good.

I like all your choices so far. I would prefer the GTX560 Ti over the plain GTX560, but you're looking at $40 or $50 more.

As for a motherboard, something like this would be cool.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131786

[Declan D]

Sorry if my comment was mis understood I was refering to this build and that if u wanted to use 8gb you would have to have 64bit not 32bit os
I think max for 64bit is something ludricus over 1000gb

[ARchamps]

I may get this PSU instead. Seems like a better build quality with great reviews. http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=52174&vpn=S12II%20620&manufacture=Seasonic%20Electronics

I will likely get the P67 (http://ncix.com/products/?sku=59319&vpn=P8P67%20LE%20REV%203%2E0&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1370)as it has more options etc than the Z68 (and it is a Full ATX). I'm still undecided about the GPU though. I'm not sure whether to get the Ti now, stick with the 560 or get something cheaper (like the 550 Ti) and wait until I get some more money for a better card. Decisions, decisions. How much of a difference is there between the 560 and the 560 Ti as a casual gamer?

[RickyTick]

How 'bout some reading material.
http://techreport.com/articles.x/20957
http://techreport.com/articles.x/20573

[ARchamps]

Thanks for the information. Helps my decision.

What do you think about the PSU? (Seasonic)

[RickyTick]

Thanks for the information. Helps my decision.

What do you think about the PSU? (Seasonic)

Excellent. Seasonic is top of the line stuff.

[ARchamps]

Wahoo!! I finally ordered my computer! Here is what I ended up going with:

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 - $51.19
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K - $209.69
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212+ - $25.30
MB: ASUS P8P67 B3 REV 3.0 - $154.99 (Before Rebate of $15)
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper Series DDR3 1600MHz (1.25V) - $54.99
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200 RPM - $59.99
PSU: Seasonic M12II 620W - $92.39
GPU: EVGA GTX 560 Ti - $249.99 (Before Rebate of $20)
DVD Drive: LG DVD Writer - $19.99

Total: $961.99 (After Taxes, Rebates, and use of a $50 BestBuy card)

Thank you all for your advice. It really helped! I'll post some pics when I get them :-)