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First Builds Ever (ATX/Mini ITX)

Roby
By Roby
in New Builds and Planning
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Looking to make a light gaming (mostly Diablo II/III) / regular use (browsing etc) desktop. I'd also like to be able to make upgrades in the future if possible.

 

I put together ATX and Mini ITX builds that I think would work, but some input would be great as I've never built a PC before. 


ATX Build


  • CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.18 @ SuperBiiz) 
  • CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($46.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Performance ATX LGA1155 Motherboard  ($132.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($149.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Storage: Intel 730 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($218.99 @ NCIX US) 
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($379.99 @ Best Buy) 
  • Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($95.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Peripherals: N/A
 
Total: $1,414.06
 
The lower the price can go the better. Not looking to spend a cent more than $1,500 (CAD) but I feel with my needs the price can probably be brought down more from what it is (which would be ideal).

 

 

Mini ITX Build

 

  • CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($169.99 @ Amazon) 
  • CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ Amazon) 
  • Motherboard: MSI A88XI AC Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
  • Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($139.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($149.99 @ Micro Center) 
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($379.99 @ Best Buy) 
  • Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Micro Center) 
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($95.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Peripherals: N/A
 
Total: $1,235.98
 
For some reason PcPartPicker didn't have any PSU's for a Mini ITX build. I don't know if that's just the site or if something in this build is preventing me from using the options available.
Also, again, the lower this price can go the better.
 
Thanks for the advice!
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Looking to make a light gaming (mostly Diablo II/III) / regular use (browsing etc) desktop. I'd also like to be able to make upgrades in the future if possible.

 

I put together ATX and Mini ITX builds that I think would work, but some input would be great as I've never built a PC before. 

ATX Build

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($189.18 @ SuperBiiz) 
  • CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler  ($46.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Performance ATX LGA1155 Motherboard  ($132.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($149.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Storage: Intel 730 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($218.99 @ NCIX US) 
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($379.99 @ Best Buy) 
  • Case: NZXT H440 (Red/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($95.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Peripherals: N/A
 
Total: $1,414.06
 
The lower the price can go the better. Not looking to spend a cent more than $1,500 (CAD) but I feel with my needs the price can probably be brought down more from what it is (which would be ideal).

 

 

Mini ITX Build

 

  • CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($169.99 @ Amazon) 
  • CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ Amazon) 
  • Motherboard: MSI A88XI AC Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
  • Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($139.99 @ Newegg) 
  • Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($149.99 @ Micro Center) 
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card  ($379.99 @ Best Buy) 
  • Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($34.99 @ Micro Center) 
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC) 
  • Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($95.98 @ Newegg) 
  • Peripherals: N/A
 
Total: $1,235.98
 
For some reason PcPartPicker didn't have any PSU's for a Mini ITX build. I don't know if that's just the site or if something in this build is preventing me from using the options available.
Also, again, the lower this price can go the better.
 
Thanks for the advice!

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA1u

Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA1u/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA1u/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($254.99 @ NCIX)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.98 @ Newegg Canada)

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($75.27 @ DirectCanada)

Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($71.38 @ DirectCanada)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX)

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($439.99 @ NCIX)

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($104.79 @ DirectCanada)

Total: $1248.16

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-13 21:55 EDT-0400)

 

This is an incredibly strong machine that will be able to handle anything you throw at it from day one, as well as being upgrade ready, all while coming in way under-budget.

One thing to consider about the CPU, is that there is a new set of processors coming out in early june that are supposed to be incredible at stock speeds, and even better at overclocking.  Codename: Devil's Canyon.  You will need a Z97 Motherboard to support these new CPUs, and the chip that I recommend you take a look at is the i5-4690k.

You only need 8GB of RAM, if you find that you need more, you can always upgrade, which is why I recommend starting with 8GB and seeing if you need more.  For the uses you have listed, 8GB will be more than enough.

Nothing impacts performance more than the GPU, the R9 290 is often compared to the GTX780, both are incredibly powerful GPUs.  I selected the R9 290 because it is quite a bit less expensive than the 780, and it currently comes with 3 free games.  Also, with this current motherboard, you have the capability to crossfire in the future if you ever want to drop a 2nd 290 in there and go for some extreme performance, hence the upgrade ready.

"I genuinely dislike the promulgation of false information, especially to people who are asking for help selecting new parts."

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Is there a reason you are using a last-Gen CPU in the ATX build? I would go with something like an i5 4440, 4670, 4670k they're pretty much the same price as the 3470 but with better power consumption and performance.

Also why 16GB of RAM? You could buy 8 and then use the money you saved to get an R9 290 which would give better performance.

Lastly, I wouldn't recommend choosing a Z-series motherboard if you are going with a non-K processor. You're basically spending more for an overclocking platform when you can't overclock.

I'm that guy with the GPD Win.

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PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JzIL

Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JzIL/by_merchant/

Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JzIL/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($254.99 @ NCIX)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($94.98 @ Newegg Canada)

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($75.27 @ DirectCanada)

Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($71.38 @ DirectCanada)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX)

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($439.99 @ NCIX)

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($57.99 @ Canada Computers)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX)

Total: $1143.37

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-13 21:48 EDT-0400)

 

This is an incredibly strong machine that will be able to handle anything you throw at it from day one, as well as being upgrade ready, all while coming in way under-budget.

.

This^^^

I'm that guy with the GPD Win.

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@Roby

 

If you would like an ITX Build, there is this:

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA8h
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA8h/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JA8h/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($254.99 @ NCIX)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: MSI Z87I Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($119.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($75.27 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP600 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($71.38 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($439.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case  ($74.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($104.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1290.17
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-13 21:59 EDT-0400)

 

Please note that an ITX build will not give you many possibilities to upgrade.  Also, and this is especially true for a first time builder, it will be easier to work with the standard ATX form factor.

"I genuinely dislike the promulgation of false information, especially to people who are asking for help selecting new parts."

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Thanks for all your suggestions :D I've tweaked some stuff based on your build. How is this looking?

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3JEXg

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($254.99 @ NCIX) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($28.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($162.50 @ Vuugo)  - Changed for aesthetics

Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($75.27 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Crucial M500 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($79.99 @ Canada Computers) -  Changed for good experience using Crucial

Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($439.99 @ NCIX) 

Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($123.39 @ DirectCanada) - Changed for aesthetics. Also the ventilation is a plus

Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($79.99 @ Amazon Canada) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.88 @ Canada Computers) - Added

Total: $1,334.79

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