My First Build

[Asteyr]

Hey I'm new to this site so hows it going? Besides that I'm working on my first build but I have to admit, I don't have a great understanding of building computers. I've researched and asked friends on the basics, but I'd like some help from other builders with much more experience and knowledge. My budget is $1000AUS (I live in Sydney), though I'd be willing to go $1050 if it was necessary. The aim of my computer is gaming / web browsing / watching videos (eg for games - AC4, LoL, BL 2), and I'll only be using one monitor. In my budget I also need to include a monitor, mouse and keyboard. I will not be over clocking this time, as I want to get the hang of building a computer first, and I would like if possible an SSD and an external 500GB - 1T hard drive. Case preference isn't a vital thing but I do like the Corsair cases, even the lower costing ones. Also I don't really have a great knowledge of monitor resolution, but if there is some kind of average size I'm sure that's fine . I only need a simple $20 optical drive to read DVD/CD, but in relation to the keyboard and mouse I'm trying to get a set that'll cost around $150. If possible, I'd like to have a quiet computer with a decent amount of fans. Of course, all of these are my personal opinions, so if you think that it would be to much, please tell me your opinions and builds. Thanks for your time.

[WoodenMarker]

Do you need a copy of windows?

Why external hdd?

[Asteyr]

Do you need a copy of windows?

Why external hdd?

No I don't need an OS and my friend suggested an external hdd, but if internal hdd are cheaper then that's fine.

[WoodenMarker]

No I don't need an OS and my friend suggested an external hdd, but if internal hdd are cheaper then that's fine.

How's this look? http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2fidl

[Asteyr]

How's this look? http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2fidl

Seems interesting, I hadn't thought of a micro-ATX yet. What are the downsides of using a micro-ATX? The case seems quite inefficient in air flow, and how much fps do you think the computer could handle in one the example games? Should I scrap the SSD for now and add it later? I'm not really sure how much more efficient they are. Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to complete the build as soon as possible and I greatly appreciate the help.

[WoodenMarker]

Seems interesting, I hadn't thought of a micro-ATX yet. What are the downsides of using a micro-ATX? The case seems quite inefficient in air flow, and how much fps do you think the computer could handle in one the example games? Should I scrap the SSD for now and add it later? I'm not really sure how much more efficient they are. Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to complete the build as soon as possible and I greatly appreciate the help.

Downsides of matx are less expansion like you can't go triple/quad sli/cf and less airflow/space to work in.

How's the case inefficient in airflow?

Look up '7850 + whatever game you want to see performance of' in youtube and you will likely find the answer in the description in the videos.

Don't scrap the ssd. It makes a world of difference. Once you go ssd, you won't want to go back. Not sure what you mean by efficient.

[Asteyr]

Downsides of matx are less expansion like you can't go triple/quad sli/cf and less airflow/space to work in.

How's the case inefficient in airflow?

Look up '7850 + whatever game you want to see performance of' in youtube and you will likely find the answer in the description in the videos.

Don't scrap the ssd. It makes a world of difference. Once you go ssd, you won't want to go back. Not sure what you mean by efficient.

I like the build set up you've made. I was wondering if its reasonable to use the Corsair 200R case, since its a bigger size for more air-flow (especially since its a matx). This also allows for more space for the wiring, and since this is my first time, I'd feel more comfortable with more space to work around.  Another thing, what is the difference between the motherboard you chose and the http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga78lmtusb3? They are the same price and the gigabyte seems better.

[WoodenMarker]

I like the build set up you've made. I was wondering if its reasonable to use the Corsair 200R case, since its a bigger size for more air-flow (especially since its a matx). This also allows for more space for the wiring, and since this is my first time, I'd feel more comfortable with more space to work around.  Another thing, what is the difference between the motherboard you chose and the http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga78lmtusb3? They are the same price and the gigabyte seems better.

A m-atx mobo in a mid tower is awkward. You'd want an atx mobo for that. A nice atx mobo is a bit more expensive as well.

The Asus mobo is better than the gigabyte mobo.

[Asteyr]

A m-atx mobo in a mid tower is awkward. You'd want an atx mobo for that. A nice atx mobo is a bit more expensive as well.

The Asus mobo is better than the gigabyte mobo.

Since I really like the mid-tower Corsair cases, I think I'll increase my budget by a bit. If I got the Corsair 200r, which atx mobo should I get? Ofc I'd like a cheap one but not from an unreliable brand. And do you think I should get 120mm fans or 140mm? If it doesn't really make a difference I'll get the 120mm.

[WoodenMarker]

Since I really like the mid-tower Corsair cases, I think I'll increase my budget by a bit. If I got the Corsair 200r, which atx mobo should I get? Ofc I'd like a cheap one but not from an unreliable brand. And do you think I should get 120mm fans or 140mm? If it doesn't really make a difference I'll get the 120mm.

The 970A-DS3P would be good.

120 or 140mm for what?

[Asteyr]

The 970A-DS3P would be good.

120 or 140mm for what?

Fans for case air flow, not sure which parts I'm placing them tho

[WoodenMarker]

Fans for case air flow, not sure which parts I'm placing them tho

The stock case fans should be fine. The 200r has decent airflow as is.

[Asteyr]

Hows http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2fSHg? Ignore the missing PSU, I'm still using the corsair 430w bronze, it just disappeared off the site. I really want a cool temp in my case, so I'll probably use at least 1 extra fan. Any suggestions on where I should place the extra fan/s? I'm still a bit worried about doing this the first time, especially scratching the motherboard and getting the wiring correct.

The stock case fans should be fine. The 200r has decent airflow as is.

Forgot to quote my bad.

[WoodenMarker]

Hows http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2fSHg? Ignore the missing PSU, I'm still using the corsair 430w bronze, it just disappeared off the site. I really want a cool temp in my case, so I'll probably use at least 1 extra fan. Any suggestions on where I should place the extra fan/s? I'm still a bit worried about doing this the first time, especially scratching the motherboard and getting the wiring correct.

It looks fine. 

I'd stick with the stock fans, see how they perform and then think about adding more/replacing them if you find them unsatisfactory. I wouldn't go and buy fans before you have gotten to even experience the stock ones.

[Asteyr]

It looks fine.

I'd stick with the stock fans, see how they perform and then think about adding more/replacing them if you find them unsatisfactory. I wouldn't go and buy fans before you have gotten to even experience the stock ones.

Is the GeForce GTX 650 Ti better or worse than the current gpu? It's just cause I'd prefer getting all the things on one site / pickup to reduce cost of shipping.

[WoodenMarker]

Is the GeForce GTX 650 Ti better or worse than the current gpu? It's just cause I'd prefer getting all the things on one site / pickup to reduce cost of shipping.

Quite a bit worse. For some perspective:

650 Ti < 650 Ti BOOST < 660 < 7850

[Asteyr]

Quite a bit worse. For some perspective:

650 Ti < 650 Ti BOOST < 660 < 7850

The CPU cooler you suggested isn't available atm. When do you think it will/if at all?

[WoodenMarker]

The CPU cooler you suggested isn't available atm. When do you think it will/if at all?

Just get the 212x then: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1

It's the newer version of the 212 cooler.

[Asteyr]

Just get the 212x then: http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1

It's the newer version of the 212 cooler.

Hey again, I wasn't sure if I should of made a new thread but I need some help. I bought the Gigabyte 970A-D3P and the Corsair 200r (windowed version, other ran out) and I'm seeing problems about putting my mobo in.

First off the screw slot at the middle part of the image was pre-installed and I need to remove it. Only I'm not sure how, it seems too tight to do by hand. Another problem is the thing above It. It fits with one of the holes in the mobo but I can't place a screw in it (also seems to be a part of the case).

The next problem is that my mobo doesn't reach the 3 right-sided screw slots (which also don't seem to come out) on the right of my case. I'm pretty sure that most ATX mobo would reach those and also a few centimetres to the the left of the middle-right screw slot is a hole in my mobo but nothing there in my case.

Kinda confused here, but ty for help.

[WoodenMarker]

Hey again, I wasn't sure if I should of made a new thread but I need some help. I bought the Gigabyte 970A-D3P and the Corsair 200r (windowed version, other ran out) and I'm seeing problems about putting my mobo in. First off the screw slot at the middle part of the image was pre-installed and I need to remove it. Only I'm not sure how, it seems too tight to do by hand. Another problem is the thing above It. It fits with one of the holes in the mobo but I can't place a screw in it (also seems to be a part of the case). The next problem is that my mobo doesn't reach the 3 right-sided screw slots (which also don't seem to come out) on the right of my case. I'm pretty sure that most ATX mobo would reach those and also a few centimetres to the the left of the middle-right screw slot is a hole in my mobo but nothing there in my case. Kinda confused here, but ty for help.

It's a motherboard standoff. It's not abnormal to have the center one preinstalled. 

Why would you need to remove it?

The mobo doesn't need to reach the 3 slots. Just screw in the ones that line up. Mobos come in different sorts and sizes.

[Asteyr]

It's a motherboard standoff. It's not abnormal to have the center one preinstalled.

Why would you need to remove it?

The mobo doesn't need to reach the 3 slots. Just screw in the ones that line up. Mobos come in different sorts and sizes.

Thanks for help. But regarding the screw slot in the first image, it doesn't line up with any slots, and I've been told it will short circuit the mobo.

[WoodenMarker]

Thanks for help. But regarding the screw slot in the first image, it doesn't line up with any slots, and I've been told it will short circuit the mobo.

That's weird. I'd get a dremel and cut it off or sand it down then.

[Asteyr]

That's weird. I'd get a dremel and cut it off or sand it down then.

I think we are talking about different things. The thing that doesn't fit with the mobo is the screw-in slot and the stand-off does. I'm just wondering how to remove the screw-in slot, it looks like it has been screwed into the case, instead of being apart of it.

Ty for help.

[WoodenMarker]

I think we are talking about different things. The thing that doesn't fit with the mobo is the screw-in slot and the stand-off does. I'm just wondering how to remove the screw-in slot, it looks like it has been screwed into the case, instead of being apart of it. Ty for help.

Have you used the thumb screw that came with the case?

[Asteyr]

Have you used the thumb screw that came with the case?

I didn't screw in that part, it came already in the case, and I watched some video reviews on the case saying that they would have preferred it not coming pre-installed and to warn ATX users to remove it.