Thread: New build around 1k

That motherboard is fine, but is not optimized for SLI/CrossfireX. If you are only going to keep a single card, you will be fine, otherwise, look for a motherboard that will operate in 8x/8x mode as the motherboard you have selected operates in 16x/4x mode. Don't get me wrong, you would still see benefits from SLI/Crossfire... just not as great as 8x/8x PCI-E lanes.

That PSU is a) out of stock and b) not modular. Not sure if that matters to you, but you can get a Cooler Master Silent Pro Modular for $89 after rebates:

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Silent Pro M700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

You shouldn't need the memory fans. That HAF X case should have enough air flow to keep your system cool. Save the $15 and invest it into your PSU.

What else are you going to be doing with this system? The reason I ask is because the better buy for a CPU is really the Core i5-2500K. Modern games, including those coming up on the horizon don't really require/utilize multi-threading, which is the only difference between the 2500 and the 2600. Unless you are doing video encoding, you really won't see the benefit of having the i7 vs the i5.

But if your heart is set on the i7, and I know you said you weren't going to be overclocking... but just in case, why not spend the extra $15 on the Core i7-2600K? It really is a superior processor. And a year or two from now, it may be nice knowing you have a CPU that is capable of hitting 4.5-5GHz, while the regular 2600 is limited to 3.8 GHz.

And as for the thermal paste... I have to tell you that I have been using Arctic Silver 5 for as long as I can remember. Recently, I changed to Arctic MX-4 based on research, reviews, and comparisons. The MX-4 paste is a few dollars more expensive, but it will result in superior cooling with no cure time (200+ hours for Arctic Silver 5) before reaching best results.

Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Arctic Cooling MX-4 AC-MX4 4 gram (g) All-Around Thermal Compound

Graphics card, memory, case should all be fine. Are you sure you want a full tower? There are some great mid towers out there that will fit your hardware just fine. I highly recommend the Corsair Graphite 600T and the Cooler Master Sniper Storm.

Newegg.com - Corsair Graphite Series 600T Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KXN1-GP Black Steel, ABS Plastic, Mesh bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Full towers are better if you are cramming a lot of hardware or additional components, but if you are sticking with a single graphics card and not looking to overclock, a mid tower should be more than enough and much more convenient.

Looks like HeavyG covered everything. I agree with everything said. But, I do have a few questions. Do you have a case from a previous computer to use? Also, are you planning to use any optical drives in this build?

I have a build guide for 1000$ you could check it out. But HeavyG has explained a large portion, I just have parts.
Choosing Components for Your Budget PC

I have the Corsair 600T case. I have been building systems for over 12 years. For a long time in my IT career, I was a system builder. I have literally worked with hundreds of different cases. I have never seen a case I liked better. The 600T is perfect in every way. Its only drawback is that it is big for a mid tower.
I also agree with Heavy on the memory fans. If you are not overclocking, no need for the extra money or noise. When you get that thing built, be sure and join our folding at home team

Originally Posted by stuntmanSLim

Go for Asus mainboard.
Scrap that over priced case & go for an Antec 300,does the job just fine & very cheap.
The money you have saved on the case you can put towards a better graphic card.
Scrap the thermal compound,if your not overclocking you don't need it.

I agree with the 300 (Mainly the Illusion) or the Antec 902 V3, but why Asus? Do you have justification how it is better than any Asrock, Gigabyte, or MSI motherboard? I find the Extreme4 P67 to kill the P8P67 Pro which is 20$ cheaper than the later. The Gigabytes have great features, as does Asrock, as does MSI, priced below Asus's marks. The P8P67 is overpriced at $155, basically $5 more gets you a board with 3 PCI Express 16x 2.0 (granted they run in 8x/8x/4x). But also one that overclocks and benches much better than the P8P67 itself.

I think ASUS makes great boards. My last two have been great (P35 and current P55). I recently had to do an RMA and ASUS had great support... much better then back in 2004-2005 when they had awful service. They listened to their customers and started meeting the demands. They offer products and encourage overclocking... they just don't want to replace physically damaged components due to user error.

I had a Gigabyte board fail on me within 3 weeks, as well as an ABIT IP35-Pro die out after a year. I immediately switched to an ASUS Black Pearl motherboard that lasted another 2 years while handling overclocks the entire time. When I purchased my P55 board, I went with the P7P55D Deluxe as it got great reviews as well as received the Newegg Customer Choice award..

Sure, there are other good companies... MSI and EVGA both are great, but nothing wrong with ASUS... and in many cases they will be my first choice when dealing with overclocking.

The Antec 300 is an entry level case. It looks to offer decent airflow for a small case, but nothing to support good cable management. In fact, all of the negative reviews are around the fact that this case has no cable management features.

Good cable management can help airflow, keep temps down, but also, keep things organized and looking professional. There is nothing worse than PSU cables laying all over the place, obstructing fans, and making it difficult to add hardware components.

For the same price, the Cooler Master HAF 912 will offer similar cooling, but with better options for hard drive mounting, and WAAAAY better cable management compared to the Antec 300. I think hands down, the HAF 912 is a superior case.

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

But I still think I would spend more on the Corsair Graphite 600t... But for an entry case, you can't really beat the HAF 915.