My first gaming PC. Help!

[Mikey02&]

Computer Build for Christmas
CPU-Intel Core i5 2500k-
$230
Motherboard- Asus P8P67 Pro-$120
Graphics- Nvidia GeForce GTX570
$250
Storage- 2TB Western Digital black
$125
Disk Drive- Samsung SH-233
$25
Memory- Corsair 8GB DDR3
$65
Power- Corsair HX850W
$160
Case- Fractal Design R3
$110
Total: $1085
I found everything but the case on eBay. I want to be able to run games like GTA IV on very high settings and run future games on these settings as well. Any recommendations that won't break the bank? Thank you!

[RickyTick]

That power supply is way too big, and way too expensive (even for ebay).
Here's a 750 watt that's still much more than you need and it's only $80 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049

If you're willing to spend $250 on a video card, then you should be looking at a GTX660 or GTX660Ti.
This one is only $215 after rebate, and has free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127699

[zburns]

Take a look at the 'terms and conditions' which you have to abide by if you purchase from EBAY. This URL: http://pages.ebay.com/coverage/index.html
----------
By comparison, if you buy new from a well known distributor, you get new components in factory sealed, static protected plastic bags if that is the way the mfg packages up their electronics. When you get the new components, they have never been used, much less 'touched' by humans other than at the manufacturer but under 'very strict handling procedures' , etc. etc..

As a new builder with no experience (I assume), you are taking a chance doing the build. Point is you need to stack the odds in your favor. Getting all new components, factory fresh, following the 'instructions' to the letter, etc., and most important, employing very good static control when handling components should get you a very good to perfect new build. It is best that you follow Rob's instructions.
-----------
I would never personally consider the purchase of used computer components or computer components not shipped in the original manufacturers packaging -- under any circumstances!! Only new components in 'sealed original manufacturers packaging' -- period !!! I speak from experience.

I know you are trying to save dollars and I understand, but not buying 'brand new components in sealed packaging is a serious mistake'!!
----------
EDIT: By purchasing new in the original packaging, you get the manufacturers 'new component' warranty! This can really matter if you make a mistake, or a board fails for no apparent reason, you can return it and get a replacement, whether it happens during the build or, anytime during the warranty period.

[Mikey02&]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1068930
What so you think about this? Way cheaper, and it has good components but again I have no experience. Would you reccomend to just buy this or make edits to my original build?

[RickyTick]

That's not bad at all. You realize it's not all assembled, right? You'll still have to put in all together.
I'm not a big fan of Rosewill power supplies, but Newegg will stand behind it if there are any problems.

[zburns]

The power supply has some 'possible really big problems'. Go to this Newegg URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182044 It is the Newegg Details (Spec) page specifically for the Rosewill Power Supply.

Scroll about halfway down until you see on the left 'Over Voltage Protection' . Just to the right of O V Protection is the following: +3.3V +5V +12V1 +12V2. This specification tells you that this power supply is 'Over Voltage Protected' for each of these voltages -- what it does not tell you is that there is NO 'Overcurrent Protection', or No Short Circuit Protection, as well as other 'protection modes' that more expensive power supplies have on them.

One example of a psu with many more 'protection modes' is this Antec PSU at this URL: http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=2457&fid=339

Both voltage and current have protection modes as follows: Full industrial-grade protection:
- Over current protection (OCP)
- Over voltage protection (OVP)
- Short circuit protection (SCP)
- Over power protection (OPP)

Note (my comments here): OCP means Over Current Protection; OVP means Over Voltage Protection; SCP means Short Circuit Protection; OPP means Over Power Protection. This Antec 500 watt psu has all these protections.

I recommend that you take the time to read the entire page on the above Antec PSU at the URL I just provided. Read it several times, then go to this URL for the Rosewill Features page at this URL: http://www.rosewill.com/products/s_485/productDetail.htm

Note on the Rosewill page that there is no Over Current Protection, only Over Voltage Protection. yet it is UL approved, a fact which 'baffles' me. There is no overcurrent protection according to the Rosewill Specification page. Therefore if the current goes up, the voltage will go down based on an increase in the current, but there is no protection circuit to shut down the psu as the current exceeds safe levels -- at least the Rosewill specs do not tell you that there is protection. Note also on this page that this PSU is only marketed thru Newegg.

Look at what I have written several times. Ask any questions. There is clearly a documentation problem. Notice that there are independent test labs that have approved this psu; however, there is a problem with the specs. There is something left out regards protection for Over current or short circuit current. The test labs would have picked up on this! You need clarification on this before making a purchase.
----------------
This comment changes the subject to a different perspective. The Power Supply literally touches or involves all of your computer components including the motherboard, RAM and most importantly the CPU. A power supply that 'goes wild' with out shutting down in microseconds can cause serious damage to other components. The Power Supply is the single most important component you purchase. My comments in the previous sentence are based on this URL (already provided above, but repeated here): http://www.rosewill.com/products/s_485/productDetail.htm
-------
Late Edit: If you go to this URL for the Rosewill PSU, they do mention other protections but provide no detail specifications, but it is reassuring: http://www.rosewill.com/products/485/ProductDetail_Overview.htm

[Mikey02&]

Ok so what I'll do is go with this build but just put in a the power supply that was suggested above and I'll just sell the Roswell on eBay? Sound good?

[Mikey02&]

And yes, I realize that I will have to put it together, no problem. I'll just be VERRRYYY careful lol

[zburns]

Ok so what I'll do is go with this build but just put in a the power supply that was suggested above and I'll just sell the Roswell on eBay? Sound good?

I assume, you are making reference to the psu in Ricky Tick's post above, this url: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371049

(In my long post, the psu rating was 520 watts and was used for an example only, not the one you should use!!)