Newbie Here, First Build, ~1k

Computer Forum New Build / Upgrade Advice
1

Hey guys,

First attempt at building my own system here, will be a Windows/Fedora Linux dual-boot for around 1k Euros.
I am planning to build a system that is suitable for a certain level of Gaming on Windows (i.e. playing a FPS like CS:GO on maximum settings with a frame rate well above 60 and also being able to play other games on high settings) as well as fully compatible (looking at you, video card) for Linux.

I have just compiled components that I think would fit my profile, but as a first time builder, I am essentially clueless, particularly on things like the mainboard and the case.

I do have a pretty good understanding of computers, operating systems and the basic things to look for in components, but am lacking the know-how of building my own system.

I am currently thinking of leaving out a CD/DVD/Blu-ray tray, as I can’t remember having used any of them for 2 years now. In case I would have to, I still have a small Notebook.

Here’s my current list, with links to the cheapest German vendor I could find for the component:
[ul]
[li]SSD: 512GB Samsung 840 Pro Series 284 Euro [0][/li][li]HDD: 2TB 7200rpm Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 69.00 Euro [1][/li][li]CPU: 4.0GHz 8-Core AMD FX 8350 145.56 Euro [2][/li][li]GPU, one of: [/li][LIST]
[li]Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 274.46 Euro [3][/li][/ul]
[ul]
[li]Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 209.13 Euro [4][/li][/ul]
[li]RAM: 8GB 1600MHz Kingston XMP KHX16C9T3K2/8X 72.51 Euro [6][/li][li]MOBO: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 102.93 Euro [7][/li][li]Power: Seasonic M12II-520 69.00 Euro [8][/li][li]Case: Corsair 450D Obsidian Series 107.76 Euro [9][/li][/LIST]

Total cost with the cheaper choices is 1017.84

I am probably going for the cheaper option on the SSD and GPU as the overall price is already a bit over 1k.
I am completely clueless on the case, don’t know what to look for there.
I think this setup should well fit my requirements, probably even very well, so that I won’t have to upgrade for a few years, which is nice.

My two main questions:
[ul]
[li]Have I forgotten any components I need?[/li][li]Are these components compatible with each other?[/li][li]Are there any components that you would recommend against?[/li][li]What case would fit those components?[/li][/ul]

Thanks a lot for the help!

Julian

EDIT: Updated components based on feedback from another forum

–
[0] Samsung SSD 840 PRO 256 GB Internal: Amazon.de: Computer & Accessories
[1] digitalo » Technik-Shop für PC, Drucker, TV, Audio & mehr
[2] AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX 8350 Vishera Central Processing Unit - Black Edition: Amazon.de: Computer & Accessories
[3] http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/2048MB-Gigabyte-GeForce-GTX-770-Windforce-3x-OC-Aktiv-PCIe-3-0-x16--Retai_856384.html
[4] getgoods – smart shopping | Shop für Elektronik, Technik, Werkzeug & mehr
[6] HyperX 8 GB 1600 MHz CL9 DDR3 HyperX Beast Desktop Memory Kit - Intel XMP: Amazon.de: Computer & Accessories
[7] Amazon.com: ASUS DDR3 1800 AMD AM3+ Motherboards M5A97 R2.0 : Electronics
[8] Seasonic M12II-520Semi-Module 520W ATX12V Power Supply Unit - Silver: Amazon.de: Computer & Accessories
[9] Corsair CC-9011049-WW Obsidian Series 450D Windowed Mid-Tower ATX High Airflow Performance Computer Case: Amazon.de: Computer & Accessories

2

Samsung SSD is overpriced IMO. You get much better value buying just basic drive. difference is minimal and 512 GB drives are expensive.

Seagate 2GB OK
FX-8350 OK

As you can get excellent R9 280 for 180 euros (like that one http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/3072MB-Asus-Radeon-R9-280-DirectCU-II-TOP-Aktiv-PCIe-3-0-x16--Retail-_956893.html ), there is no reasons to even consider GTX760. Radeon R9 290 is also much better choice than GTX770. Nvidia cards are overpriced just now on that price range.

For that processor, you want DDR3-1866 memory.

I recommend M5A97 EVO instead.

PSU OK, also consider same model but 620W version.

Case is OK if you like it and all stuff fits in. Cheaper one will also go, like Fractal R4.

3

Thanks for your reply!

I want a 512 GB drive, as I will install multiple OS’es and therefore need space, and I am also looking for quality and endurance in SSDs, so Samsung, Intel and Crucial are the brands to look for.
I am thinking of buying the 840 Evo instead of the 840 Pro though, would save me about 80 bucks for an apparently marginal difference.

Also, I want to buy an NVIDIA card because that puts me on the safe side for Linux drivers. AMD is not really convenient in that, issues are more common than with NVIDIA. Otherwise, I would definitely go for AMD, I know NVIDIA is heavily overpriced.

Could you elaborate on why I would want memory running on 1866MHz frequency?
I am wondering bc a higher frequency does not mean that it’s faster. Memory running on a higher frequency is not necessarily faster, the access latencies matter.

Any specific reasons for the evo version of the M5A97? Is this some sort of revised version?

I think if I stay with my choice of CPU, GPU and Memory, the PSU should be enough. The 620W version is a bit more expensive.

The case has been recommended to me on another forum, I think it seems really good for its price, the Fractal just looks a bit cheap.

4

Samsung Evo has non durable TLC chips. It’s also slow drive after cache is used up.

If you need Nvidia, then either wait for new models or buy something not overpriced like GTX 750.

Processor natively supports 1866 memory (without overclocking), price difference is neglible and 1866 is faster so why not? In practice 1866 is faster than 1600 unless latency difference is huge. With that processor of course.

Evo has much better voltage regulator. So more durable system, in theory. Price difference is also very small and you get firewire as bonus.

520W is also OK.

Fractal is not “cheap”. Exterior is simple looking. Interior has quite good design. But case is up to you.

5

Basically, everything Wicked Mystic has already said. I will also vouch for Fractal’s quality as I own the Design XL R2. The looks are not crazy like something NZXT might offer, but the construction is sound and the room and cutouts for cable routing are generous. I haven’t used Corsair cases, but the reviews have been positive for the ones I’ve read, so I can’t knock them either.