[Build Help] Canadian First Timer! Would love some input for choosing parts.

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

TypeItemPrice
CPUIntel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor$229.99 @ Newegg Canada
CPU CoolerCooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler$34.98 @ NCIX
MotherboardASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard$139.99 @ Canada Computers
MemoryG.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory$44.99 @ Newegg Canada
Hard DriveSeagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive$146.36 @ TigerDirect Canada
Power SupplyAntec 650W ATX12V Power Supply$84.99 @ Amazon Canada
Optical DriveAsus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer$22.99 @ Newegg Canada
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)$105.92 @ TigerDirect Canada
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available.$810.21
Generated 2011-12-01 23:43 EST-0500

Hey guys, long time reader of buildapc but first time poster. Been getting some great advice from you guys about PC parts but I'm actually terrified of building the damn thing as it seems daunting. But everyone who talks to me says that its not hard at all, so I'm gonna give it a shot this Christmas.

First off, let me tell you my goals with this PC. Its mostly a gaming PC, and I wish to play FPS games like BF3, TF2, the upcoming CS:GO on 60-70 fps average. I've only had laptops before and I'm sick and tired of having slowdown when someone throws a smoke grenade. I have heard about SLI and overclocking but I don't know how to do it. SLI seems like a cool idea as you get the power of 2 GPUs if I'm not mistaken. This build was made with the hopes of being able to play current PC games without updating for at least a few years. And now for a few questions.

  • I don't know much about cases and what is advantageous between them. Is there a case that you guys are partial to?
  • GeForce 560 Ti vs. 560 Ti 448? I've told you my goals, and the price difference is approximately 50-70 dollars on the cards. Reviews seem good for the 448, and reddit seems partial to both selections.
  • Power supply. Is 650W enough for my build? Does SLIing require more power, should I worry about futureproofing the Power Supply?

Any other general thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your help guys! To the comments!

Posted Dec 2, 2011, 4:42 AM UTC

1024
Loading comments…