Building New Computer - Parts List

[Tekker]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of researching parts to put together a new system and I'd like to get some advice on my parts list.

This system will be running win7 64-bit and it will be used for heavy media purposes like audio recording/mixing (with multiple tracks and CPU/RAM hungry effects), video editing, and photoshop so power and performance is an important factor.


CASE: Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129066

PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5-2500K - $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072

MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 LGA - $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128502

MEMORY: Kingston HyperX 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104169

POWER SUPPLY: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold (650W) - $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151088

CPU COOLER: ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019

I'm also looking at adding a couple 2TB Seagate drives down the road when the prices drop a little more. So I will have a total of 3 hard drives with a smaller drive partitioned for Windows and program files and the two 2TB drives for storage and backup.


Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
-tkr

[sttubs]

Looks to be a real solid performer with those parts.

[3dfxrain]

SSD or it's a fail computer.

[kbohip]

A few suggestions. I'd go for a 2600k for that application due to what it sounds like you'll be using the system for. I'd also go for the Antec Kuhler 620 for an excellent, quiet cpu cooler that can now be had for the same price as that Zalman hsf. On the psu front, yes Seasonic does make a very nice psu, but $150 for a 650 watt psu is way too much imo. There are much better deals to be had on psu's that are 95% the quality of the Seasonic, maybe even 100% as Seasonic makes psu's for other vendors as well. XFX, Corsair, some OCZ models all come to mind. Look up a site called Johnnyguru.com for some great reviews.

[zetachi]

Spending limits would help us also.

[Tekker]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

3dfxrain,
Haha! I would love too go with an SSD! And I still may add an SSD sometime in the future for the OS/program files, but sadly I don't have the funds at the moment.


kbohip,
Thanks, I may go for the i7 if I can find a cheaper power supply that is solid and reliable. I've looked on the johnny guru site, but he has reviewed over 230 power supplies... and I couldn't find a guide anywhere as far as choosing the best power supply at different price points. Something like that would really be nice considering how many power supplies he's reviewed!


zetachi,
I was trying to keep it close $600 (or less if at all possible), so I'm already stretching my limit a bit by going over $600. Also, depending on what I end up with, I may be pulling the CPU cooler for now and just go with a standard CPU heatsink/fan.


Thanks again everyone, your help is greatly appreciated!
-tkr

[kbohip]

If your limit is $600 definitely spend less on a psu. As I've said before, Seasonic are excellent psu's, but I've always found better value for the money. The reviews I read while shopping for my psu were usually favorable towards Corsairs, XFX's, and some of the OCZ's. I ended up going with a well reviewed OCZ 850 watt modular for $80. I love it btw. Super quiet, tons of cables, stable power, etc. It's been discontinued though.

I see NCIX has an OCZ 700 watt modular for only $50 after rebate. Newegg has it for $60 but with a $15 gift card. The updated review at Hardocp says it's a decent psu, and a review here at Pcper of a 600 watt unit also has mostly good things to say about it. Almost 800 reviews at Newegg with a 4 star average rating too.

Almost forgot, I don't see a video card mentioned in your post. Will you be using onboard video?

[Tekker]

Searching more on newegg I actually found a far cheaper 520W SeaSonic that costs $60.

SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151094

It got a really good review (9.7) from Johnny Guru.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php...print&reid=185

Do you think that is the one to go with?


Yes, I'll be using on-board video.

Thanks,
-tkr

[kbohip]

Searching more on newegg I actually found a far cheaper 520W SeaSonic that costs $60.

SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151094

It got a really good review (9.7) from Johnny Guru.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php...print&reid=185

Do you think that is the one to go with?


Yes, I'll be using on-board video.

Thanks,
-tkr

I'm going to put your proposed specs into a great psu calculator I use. Be back in a while.

Ok, according to the psu calculator, your proposed system with a 2600k with no video cards, 3 hard drives, 16gb of ram (4 sticks), 8 usb devices (a guess), and not overclocked will use about 287 watts. Keep in mind adding a video card would up the wattage. Still, even with the system I have in my specs, at idle I see around 110 watts being used and in games like Skyrim it rarely goes much above 400 watts. This is with the cpu overclocked, and the two video cards overclocked. The cheaper 520 watt Seasonic will be more than you need and it will allow you to save that $90 to put towards a faster processor which you'll be able to see the benefits with.

Here's the link to the psu calculator I use:

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/p...ulatorlite.jsp

[Tekker]

Awesome! Thanks a bunch!

-tkr

[3dfxrain]

I'm going to feel superior about SSD's.

[Johnnyblazzwa]

what video card are you running? i second or third an ssd, get a 70-80$ psu to save chips. A 32gb ssd for your OS and fav porno's is a must

[Tekker]

3dfxrain,
Haha, I definitely will go with an SSD one of these days. It's on the list when I get mo moneys.


Johnnyblazzwa,
I'm using the on-board video. And I did find a cheaper PSU for $60:
SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151094

Thanks again,
-tkr