Yet another gaming computer build -- need advice

[Dogzen]

This is my first attempt at a computer build and it will mostly be used by my son? I think I have what I need but I don't want to forget anything or get what I don't need. This will be used mostly by my son for gaming and internet.

$200 - CPU: Intel i5-3470 Ivy bridge 3.2GHz
$309 - Video Card: GTX 660 Ti 2GB
$200 - Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G41 LGA 155 INTEL Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX
$65 - Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2X8)
$110 - Power Supply: KINGWIN Power Force PF-850 850W
$140 - Case: NZXT Phantom Red Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower
$80 - Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM
$100 - Keyboard: Logitech G510 Black USB Wired
$50 - Mouse: ROCCAT Kova+
$18 - Optical: Light-on DVD Burner
$60 - Optical: ASUS Internal Blu-ray drive

I am worried about having to purchase software to be able to play Blue rays. I would not know what to get. I do not want to burn blue rays either, but if there was a better drive to get that did burn blue rays I would consider getting that instead.​

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I think we still need to get a wireless card, and I am not sure if we need a sound card. We will use a HD TV for a monitor, or is there a problem with doing that? These are, to be honest, just best guess as to what we need. I think they are all compatible but I could be completely wrong. The only thing I need to keep the same is the case, everything else can be changed.

I was also thinking of using Windows 7, would Windows 8 or something else be better?

Right now I am sitting at about $1,300 which is OK, I don't want to go too much higher but I am willing to get what I need.

Let me know what changes I need to make, or if I am forgetting something. I know I really don't know what I am doing, so I am very open to suggestions.

 

[LukeDJ]

My suggestions:

You have a Z77 Motherboard, which allows for overclocking, and your CPU is not overclock-ble. I would suggest upgrading to the i5-3570k, as it is only a few dollars more, and allows for overclocking. The alternative is to downgrade to a H77 motherboard if you do not plan to overclock at all.

I've also noticed that the Motherboard you linked is only $90, rather than the $200 you described. (Have you linked the wrong board???).

If you plan to overclock, and your budget is $200 I would definitely go for something like:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128544

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

I would recommend purchasing an aftermarket CPU cooler. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is a great little cooler for only $35. It will be quieter, give better temperatures and allow for much more effective overclocking if you desire.

A 850W power supply is overkill for your build, and could only be justified if you plan to SLI two GTX 660 Ti's in the future. The PSU you have chosen is also only 80 plus bronze, which is good but not great. I would recommend going quality over quantity, and go for something like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

Apart from that, I think that you have great build in the makings

 

[slh28]

Excellent suggestions above.

Only thing I would add is that is there's no way you should spend $100 on a membrane keyboard, I would suggest you do some research into mechanical keyboards. Here's a good guide which explains the different Cherry MX switch types with gifs.

 

[LukeDJ]

I agree about the Keyboard, don't waste your cash on that mushy garbage

Also, a sound card shouldn't be unnecessary unless you plan to use some heavy duty amplified headphones (I assume your using the integrated speakers in your TV).

You will need a wireless card if the PC will be somewhere far from your router/modem. However if you're close, you could save some money and just use an Ethernet cable, which will be faster as well.

 

[Dogzen]

This is the advice I needed thank you.

The $200 for the motherboard was a typo, but I will look at the suggestions and maybe get a different board if it is not too much. For the CPU I will defiantly switch to the i5-3570k.

I am going to switch my power supply to SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold.

As for the keyboard what do you think about the Rosewill RK-9000RE. If I buy it with the case, it works out to be about $60.

I think I am going to add a wireless card too. I was thinking a TP-LINK TL-WDN4800, or is this the wrong card to get?

The after market CPU cooler is a good add too.

Thanks for your help!

 

[LukeDJ]

Good power supply choice.

I would highly recommend you get a decent quality Z77 board like one of the ones I suggested.

The choice of keyboard is up to you, read up about different switch types, and look at the features the keyboard includes, read reviews etc. The Rosewill RK-9000RE is a nice keyboard, albeit a little light on features. If it's he sort of thing you want, go for it (you've got a nice deal there), just make sure Cherry Red is the Switch you want.

I'm not an expert on wireless cards (good old cable for me), but that should do the job I think.