Building My First PC

[mlara03.celtics]

Hello Everyone

I am new to the pc building world and just wanted to ask a few questions about my new build that I am planning. I have pretty much all of my parts and just want to run it by everyone here to see if they have some good advice for this pc building novice. All suggestions welcome

CPU- Intel i5 3570K
Mobo- Asrock Z77 Extreme 6
RAM- Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (Got a good price for it)
SSD- Either Intel 520 series 120GB or Samsung 330 series 128 GB
HDD- WD Caviar black 1 TB
PSU- Corsair TX 650
Blu Ray Drive- Was a present from the wife has to be included
GPU- MSI GTX 660 Ti
Case- Fractal Design R4 (w/Window) White
Keyboard- Any Help budget is about $80 US
Mouse- HELP??? $70 US
CPU Cooler- EVGA M020-00-000234 Superclock CPU Cooler

Now For my Questions. I have been reading the forums and it seems that everyone I read advises against getting the MSI GPU. Also I am not sure about this EVGA CPU cooler I was debating whether to get the Phanteks PH-TC14CS but this EVGA cooler had better reviews on newegg. Besides that I think my other components are ok. But you guys knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You for the Help.

 

[Josh Weston]

Motherboard: don't know enough about Asrock, but I would have advised a MSI Z77A G45/GD55/GD65/MPower.
SSD: both extremely good choices, but the Samsung 830 (I take it you made a typo?) is a lot cheaper.
HDD: why not go with a green drive, if your OS and programs are going to be stored on your SSD? Quieter and cheaper
GPU: Which in particular are we talking about here?
Mouse: Corsair M60!
CPU Cooler: never heard of it before, which isn't a good thing. Generally speaking, if it's been out for a while and it hasn't been covered by one of the reviewers on OC3D, it's not good. Other good choices: Thermalright Silver Arrow, NZXT Havik 140, Noctua NH-D14, Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 2.

 

[mlara03.celtics]

Thank You for the quick reply. Sorry for the typo it is the 830 series. I read alot about this particular Mobo. Another problem since I have been saving for this system for some time I have already had this motherboard in my possesion from newegg for over 8 months would newegg swap it out for a MSI. Also I was kind of going for an all black and gold look with most of my parts except the graphics card which had a few hints of blue in it.

Anyway about the graphics card I chose the MSI 660 ti and I have since purchased it as well I got it for about $240 and I read it was a good deal since I am only planning to run this system on one screen and it is not even 1080p.
The reason I chose the cooler was the reviews on it on youtube and on newegg were very good. I was originally going to get the black Phanteks since its only about a 20 difference in price. But the reviews and the 20 dollar difference kind of schewed me towards the EVGA. Also some of these parts are greatly schewed by the budget I was on. Originally I set out to build a 1000 dollar system but I have since gone way over that and do not really want to go over the amount I have spent as of now.

Thanks for your help

 

[Josh Weston]

I try not to take much advice from those who're trying to sell you the products. Look at such videos as a chance to see the products in relation to a person, i.e. to gauge the scale, but not for actual opinions. They're just trying to get you to buy their stuff.
Instead, watch dedicated reviewers such as Tom, who simply doesn't give a crap who buys what, and isn't bias in his opinions or conclusions.

The 660Ti's a good card, and for the price you purchased it at it's a steal.
And wait, so you've had a motherboard for 8 months without it being used?

 

[mlara03.celtics]

I do watch and have watched most of TOMS videos which is funny to me since I dont really think he has ever reviewed an Asrock product. And yes the shame of it I have had this motherboard since Feb. Like I said I have been planning and ordering parts for this build for almost 9 months because of budget constraints and I know they always say order everything at once. But things happen and you want things right away and see now I am rambling sorry. Well anyway Its been here awhile and I dont know if I will be able to exchange it now but I can always try. Yes the 660 ti is supposed to be a good card hopefully its good for my needs. Thanks for your help BTW more suggestions are always welcome

 

[Josh Weston]

Can't really suggest all the much seeing as you already have the vast majority of components
Really don't think you're going to have much luck with returning your motherboard, but I guess you can always try...

 

[mlara03.celtics]

Well then I guess its Balls to the Wall forward with the Asrock if it SUCKS then I will find a good place for it to go like the DUMP. Thanks for your HELP your awesome. I have so much to learn haha

 

[Josh Weston]

Here's hoping that the motherboard turns out a winner

 

[yassarikhan786]

ASrock have improved compared to say a year ago, so I wouldn't be too worried about the motherboard choice. Good luck with the build

 

[Excalabur50]

Don't forget Vonblade is using an asrock board atm and as far as i know he has no issues with it.

 

[mlara03.celtics]

Ok... Thank You guys those words make me feel alot better of my choice. I gotta say I researched most of my parts and saw many reviews on all the parts so it was not like I made an impulse decision but I just wanted to be sure. Thank you Excalibur50 and Yassarikan786 for making me feel a small amount better about my decision and now on to returning this cooler and going Phanteks damn it should have done that from the beginning. Thanks again guys and dont worry I will be doing a Build Log and putting pics up of the build when I get to it.