Computer Build Help

This is my first computer build so i need help. I have been wanting to build a computer for awhile and I am almost done with finding the parts for the build. I want to use this computer for mostly school work, but can still handle playing games and creating and rendering videos for YouTube. I have already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse. The PC Part List is all the things I want to get. The cases i am still deciding on. I still need to put on the list a mother board and graphics card. I need a new mouse later on so you can put that in there too The list is just a guide line. My budget is $600 to $800, but lower is better.

Cases:

NZXT TEMPEST EVO

Sharkoon T9 Series

PC Part Picker:
PC Part List

That computer would have been great for just general purpose PC activities, but throw gaming into the mix and the CPU becomes insufficient. If you aren't playing anything very modern or intensive, an AMD APU-based system would be good too. Below is an alternate non-APU system.

Case: Antec Three Hundred - This is mid-ATX case that should more than handle your needs. If you were getting enthusiast-level graphics cards or running SLI or Crossfire, I would suggest a full ATX case. $54

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3 AM3+ - This is an AMD 970-based motherboard, great for almost all tasks. The only thing I would say against a 970 board is that they are not really designed for multiple GPU's and, depending on the manufacturer, may not be the best choice for extreme overclocking. $89

GPU: XFX CORE Edition FX-777A-ZNF4 - This is part of AMD's new Radeon 7000 line. It's a great mid-range GPU. $139

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 - This should be more than enough for almost any graphics card you put in it. $69

CPU: AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3GHz - This is a bit more powerful than what you've put on your parts list. $139

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - This should be more than enough RAM for your uses. $45

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB - Depending on your space needs... $74

ODD: Sony Optiarc 24X DVD Burner, Bulk Package Black SATA Model AD-7280S-0B - A basic drive is all you need. $18

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM - You need this, alternatively, you can use the Windows 8 RP until release and buy it then. Note that if you go this route, you will have to blow away your Windows 8 install as in-place upgrades are not supported between RP and RTM. $99

Grand Total: $733

If you want an APU build, replace the motherboard and CPU with the following and remove the graphics card: GIGABYTE GA-A75-D3H FM1 AMD A75 and AMD A8-3870K Unlocked Llano 3.0GHz.

I think i am going to stay with the type of parts that i have and just find better/ cheaper parts

...it is the same type of parts, only AMD instead of Intel. The APU is AMD's take on a CPU integrated GPU. The FX-6100 is about as expensive but more powerful than the i3 dual core you've chosen. The APU build is best to getting close to the low end of your budget, the other FX system is a good middle ground.

You are missing a motherboard in your list and you would definitely want a graphics card with it since your gonna do some gaming.

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You are missing a motherboard in your list and you would definitely want a graphics card with it since your gonna do some gaming.

I have mentioned that i needed help finding those.

The ASUS P8H77-V LE LGA 1155 Intel H77 is a decent motherboard, but you're going to be needing a better CPU for games or rendering and you need a graphics card.

I do game on a AMD FX-6100 that was suggested build for your computer. the 6100 is nice processor for a average gamer

I3 is a dual processor
AMD fx-6100 is a six core processor
most gaming software are design for multiple core not 6 but you get better performance from having 6 cores. (not in game bur overall better perforance)

Intel is more stable in gaming and more extensive parts
AMD is for mid range bugets pc's

I use an AMD FX-8150 and it is stable in gaming. Stability is caused by large number of factors, rarely does CPU design hinder performance on either Intel or AMD. The FX-6100 design, though, in terms of marketing, is six cores, the unique design of FX binds two cores closely together so they aren't truly independent. Depending on how the program is coded, you will see a performance gains if the six "cores" are utilized effectively. Games are more heavily tied to GPU performance rather than CPU, but it still is important to get one powerful enough to feed data to the GPU while processing everything else. Games typically take advantage of two cores, a few use four, and none use more than that.

Ok I'll go with AMD but I am wondering if you can switch out the AMD prossesser for an intel one? (after computer is built)

You would have to buy a new motherboard if you wanted to change over to a Intel processor but it's completely unnecessary to do that.

the reason why you cant interchange the cpu after the initial setup is they use different packaging/pin outs to differentiate between Intel CPU and AMD

Newer CPUs uses

AMD2/AMD3/AMD3+ AMD Example Socket
775/LGA 1155/2011 LGA 1156 Intel Example CPU sockets

Windows Disc


If you buy OEM disc you cannot interchange the motherboard without breaking the license to use Windows (OEM means original equipment manufacturer and its tied to that specific motherboard and type
However you can buy the same motherboard model and type to replace the motherboard.

Retail disc (more expense) do not have this limitation They can be use in several motherboard

To further clarify the difference between OEM and Retail versions of Windows.

OEM versions are tied to one motherboard and cannot be moved without breaking the license.
Retail versions can be moved between PC's. Not installed on multiple PC's at the same time.

I'm only going to build one pc so OEM is good