4/30/2013
Gaming PC build
So I've ordered all of the parts to build a gaming computer, and now I'm merely waiting for everything to arrive so I can build my first PC and hopefully get back into the world of gaming. I realise that doesn't sound like the greatest thing in the world, but my goal is just to push through these next few months with the last of the accounting exams, get on through the summer, and come out the other end a happier, successful chartered accountant (ha).
I reckon that by finally building a PC that I can use to play games on, I'll be a heck of a lot more motivated to finish up stuff at work, get home at a decent time, do the things I need to do (e.g. shop, gym, dinner) and then settle in for a little gaming on the box rather than heading to the pub or getting some wine at the store and hanging out and watching bad British television. That's the theory, at least.
The build I've developed is:
GPU: ATI Radeon 7770 HD ghz edition (1GB)
Processor: AMD X3 450 Rana CPU
Motherboard: ASRock Extreme3 970
Memory: 8GB HyperX Blu Red 1600MHz RAM
Storage: 120GB OCZ Agility 3 SATA III SSD
Power: 500W OCZ power supply
Media: Samsung 24x internal DVD drive
Case: Antec 300 black
OS: Windows 8 64-bit OEM
I can (not) thank Steven for convincing me to jump for Windows 8 rather than 7--the price was nearly the same, and I reckon 8 will be supported longer than 7, even though I use 7 regularly on the work PC. 8 should open up a few more games and graphics features while being future-compatible.
I think the only worry is probably the processor, which is potentially the weakest aspect of the build (which would affect performance). It's a triple-core, but my understanding is that I may be able to unlock the fourth core if it's not defective, and I'm pretty sure the ASRock motherboard would allow/come with whatever is needed to do the unlocking. I've never built systems before, so am a total n00b when it comes to this sort of stuff.
Otherwise, I've come across a few random negative reviews about the OCZ power supply falling over, but as long as I don't have a bad batch am pretty sure the 500 watts should be plenty. I think the GPU runs around 100W and the processor, let's assume that too, so there still should be 15-20% overhead even if maxed out, i.e. 420W max load.
The case is cheap and cheerful--plenty of room for drives (6!) and though it has no 3.5-inch drive, I have no 3.5-inch media: sorted. I think there are front USB ports and the USB 3.0 ports will be in the back (via the ASRock motherboard), so that's future-proofing too (though I bet the first iPhone to support USB 3.0 is at least one more big revision off, as in two years/cycles).
Memory had decent reviews and I think 8GB is plenty. I was able to snag the 1600MHz memory as was previously looking at G.Skill Ripjaws 1333MHz, but orders failed as everyone seemed to be out of stock. Had to change the brand but seemed fine. Apparently there's a good-value (as in price) jump from 1333MHz to 1600, but not as much beyond that. I'm hoping the 1600 will be useful for the rest of the system when not gaming too.
And I think that covers it! I'm really excited to get cracking at it, but it's still going to be a few more days before everything is assembled. The last items I ordered, the case and I think the memory, are still pending, whereas the SSD, processor and Windows are sitting in the Amazon locker near work. The motherboard and drive are already here, leaving just the PSU and GPU somewhere in between the supplier and work. Let's hope it arrives soon--for the Bank Hol weekend?
I reckon that by finally building a PC that I can use to play games on, I'll be a heck of a lot more motivated to finish up stuff at work, get home at a decent time, do the things I need to do (e.g. shop, gym, dinner) and then settle in for a little gaming on the box rather than heading to the pub or getting some wine at the store and hanging out and watching bad British television. That's the theory, at least.
The build I've developed is:
GPU: ATI Radeon 7770 HD ghz edition (1GB)
Processor: AMD X3 450 Rana CPU
Motherboard: ASRock Extreme3 970
Memory: 8GB HyperX Blu Red 1600MHz RAM
Storage: 120GB OCZ Agility 3 SATA III SSD
Power: 500W OCZ power supply
Media: Samsung 24x internal DVD drive
Case: Antec 300 black
OS: Windows 8 64-bit OEM
I can (not) thank Steven for convincing me to jump for Windows 8 rather than 7--the price was nearly the same, and I reckon 8 will be supported longer than 7, even though I use 7 regularly on the work PC. 8 should open up a few more games and graphics features while being future-compatible.
I think the only worry is probably the processor, which is potentially the weakest aspect of the build (which would affect performance). It's a triple-core, but my understanding is that I may be able to unlock the fourth core if it's not defective, and I'm pretty sure the ASRock motherboard would allow/come with whatever is needed to do the unlocking. I've never built systems before, so am a total n00b when it comes to this sort of stuff.
Otherwise, I've come across a few random negative reviews about the OCZ power supply falling over, but as long as I don't have a bad batch am pretty sure the 500 watts should be plenty. I think the GPU runs around 100W and the processor, let's assume that too, so there still should be 15-20% overhead even if maxed out, i.e. 420W max load.
The case is cheap and cheerful--plenty of room for drives (6!) and though it has no 3.5-inch drive, I have no 3.5-inch media: sorted. I think there are front USB ports and the USB 3.0 ports will be in the back (via the ASRock motherboard), so that's future-proofing too (though I bet the first iPhone to support USB 3.0 is at least one more big revision off, as in two years/cycles).
Memory had decent reviews and I think 8GB is plenty. I was able to snag the 1600MHz memory as was previously looking at G.Skill Ripjaws 1333MHz, but orders failed as everyone seemed to be out of stock. Had to change the brand but seemed fine. Apparently there's a good-value (as in price) jump from 1333MHz to 1600, but not as much beyond that. I'm hoping the 1600 will be useful for the rest of the system when not gaming too.
And I think that covers it! I'm really excited to get cracking at it, but it's still going to be a few more days before everything is assembled. The last items I ordered, the case and I think the memory, are still pending, whereas the SSD, processor and Windows are sitting in the Amazon locker near work. The motherboard and drive are already here, leaving just the PSU and GPU somewhere in between the supplier and work. Let's hope it arrives soon--for the Bank Hol weekend?
