Help with figuring out first time gaming build?

[PowerShot]

Hi all,

Recently, I got interested in building a new computer when my old one started having weird problems. But I am having trouble deciding which parts to get.

CPUs: Intel or AMD? I am kind of hesitant in getting AMD due to the Bulldozer upset. However, Intel may be too expensive since I wish to get a i5 2500k. (may do some overclocking in the future when I get more familiar with the computer)

Motherboard: No clue for AMD. If i go with the i5 maybe the MSI P67A-G43 (B3) or the Asrock Z68 Gen3.

GPU: Not sure what card to get. The graphics card slots are the place where I will plug in my monitor right? My monitor is kind of outdated since it supports only VGA. The monitor is a Samsung SyncMaster 920nw and still runs smoothly so I have no wish to replace it. So will the monitor affect my graphics card choice?

PSU: Depends on graphics.

Case: Would like to have a small window with lights?

DVD drive: Could I reuse my old DVD drive on my old computer? My old computer was a Lenovo 3000 J Series and there was an option to add a DVD drive which I picked. Would that DVD drive work with the new computer?

OS: Will get a Windows 7 Home Pre. 64 bit.

Games I would like to play: BF3, Crysis, League of Legends, L4D2

My budget is around $700-850. I will probably get my parts from NCIX.ca or in Hong Kong as I will be going back for a short vacation.

Thanks for all the ideas and responses!

[RickyTick]

If you plan to play BF3 and Crysis, you'll want to get the most powerful video card you can afford. I would suggest either an nvidia GTX560 Ti or Radeon HD6950.

The i5-2500k is an excellent choice, especially for the price.

The P67 motherboard would be fine. It offers the ability to overclock, whereas the H67 or H61 does not. Have you looked at the Z68 motherboards?

Look for a high quality psu between 550 and 650 watts. Excellent brands are: Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, CoolerMaster, or OCZ.

It would probably be fine to re-use your DVD burner, but you'll want to make sure it has the same type connection as your new motherboard. (IDE vs SATA) To be honest, you can get a high quality DVD burner for less than $25 without having to look hard.

[PowerShot]

Thanks for your reply Ricky!

Ok so graphics-wise those two cards are the choices. There won't be any problem fitting my vga monitor on the card right? Or will I need to get a adapter? http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=58303&vpn=N560GTX-TI%20Twin%20Frozr%20II%2FOC&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar This one is the same as the GTX560 Ti you suggested right?

I do not know much about the Z68 motherboards. I just noticed some people using them over the P67 haha. I heard some people had more trouble with the Z68 so I went with the P67 just to be safe.

PSU, I'll take a look. Should be a lot easier now that you helped slim down the possibilities. Modular are the one's with sleeves right? My friend told me Modular is the best for first time since I will probably do a poor job of managing the cables haha. I found a 700W http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=42359&vpn=RS700-AMBAD3&manufacture=COOLERMASTER. This will fit on the motherboard right? Although this is a bit pricey I am sure it will allow for solid future upgrades.

DVD, need to get a new one. The P67 does not take IDE. Should be not too much trouble if I try hunting for one in Hong Kong?

I forgot to mention what RAM I should use. Should I use 1 stick of 4GB or 2X2GB sticks to get to 4GB?

If I plan to overclock I will need something to cool down the i5 right? Will this do? http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=41337&vpn=RR-B10-212P-G1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER

Case: http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=57910&vpn=Z9%20Plus&manufacture=ZALMAN%20TECH&promoid=1287 This one has lights, I think...

If you guys spot an error with my choices don't hesitate to suggest a better alternative.

[ARchamps]

Do you already have a Hard Drive? Prices are sky high right now due to the flood so it would save you a ton if you did.

The heatsink is good.. I have the same one and it does the job. A little hasstle to install. I helped my friend with a build with this one and it was a lot easier. http://canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=031524

[RickyTick]

Thanks for your reply Ricky!
Ok so graphics-wise those two cards are the choices. There won't be any problem fitting my vga monitor on the card right? Or will I need to get a adapter? http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=58303&vpn=N560GTX-TI%20Twin%20Frozr%20II%2FOC&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar This one is the same as the GTX560 Ti you suggested right?
Excellent choice in video card, and yes it will come with VGA and DVI adapters.



I do not know much about the Z68 motherboards. I just noticed some people using them over the P67 haha. I heard some people had more trouble with the Z68 so I went with the P67 just to be safe.
The P67 is fine and will serve your needs. If you'd like to know more about the Z68, check out this article. http://techreport.com/articles.x/20911



PSU, I'll take a look. Should be a lot easier now that you helped slim down the possibilities. Modular are the one's with sleeves right? My friend told me Modular is the best for first time since I will probably do a poor job of managing the cables haha. I found a 700W http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=42359&vpn=RS700-AMBAD3&manufacture=COOLERMASTER. This will fit on the motherboard right? Although this is a bit pricey I am sure it will allow for solid future upgrades.
Modular psu's have detachable cables so you only have to use the ones you need. Helps cut down on the clutter. The better psu's will come with sleeves. That CoolerMaster psu wiil be just fine.



DVD, need to get a new one. The P67 does not take IDE. Should be not too much trouble if I try hunting for one in Hong Kong?
DVD burners are cheap. Just get a new one. I've seen them for less than $20 on Newegg.



I forgot to mention what RAM I should use. Should I use 1 stick of 4GB or 2X2GB sticks to get to 4GB?
Good question. Ram is usually installed in pairs, but the motherboard will definitely accept a single stick. Check prices. If the single 4gb stick is cheaper, then buy one. You can add another at some point down the road as an upgrade.



If I plan to overclock I will need something to cool down the i5 right? Will this do? http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=41337&vpn=RR-B10-212P-G1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER
Yes, nice cooler. I usually get some folks upset with this, but I'll say it again anyway. Over-clocking is over-rated. jmo



Case: http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=57910&vpn=Z9%20Plus&manufacture=ZALMAN%20TECH&promoid=1287 This one has lights, I think...

If you guys spot an error with my choices don't hesitate to suggest a better alternative.

Nice case.

[PowerShot]

Thanks for the feedback!

I will take a look around the motherboards. Any other ones worth looking?

Ya, hard drives are so expensive now. Perhaps this will do for now. http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=63468&vpn=ST500DM002&manufacture=Seagate

RAM: http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=55544&vpn=996770&manufacture=Mushkin%20Enhanced Seems like a pretty good deal.

Coolers: The Corsair cooler looks very high quality for a few dollars more. I will definitely consider it as an option.

Personally, overclocking is just an option I might consider doing in the future so I am keeping that in mind. More for fun I guess haha.