Here's the list of potential items so far (prices in euros):
- Mobo: Asus P8Z68-V PRO/Gen3 - 172e
- CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K Boxed - 200e
- GPU: Gainward Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 GS GLH - 240e
- RAM: Kingston ValueRAM KVR1333D3N9K2/8G - 46e
- SSD: Samsung 830 series 128GB - 100e
- HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003, 1TB - 85e
- PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro M700 - 100e
- Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced (USB 3.0) - 85e
- Display: ViewSonic VP2365-LED (?) - 250e
I'm looking for a total of around 1200e or so (including monitor), my budget is reasonably flexible.
On the motherboard, I was going to go for a P8Z68-V PRO, but those don't seem to be as widely available here. The PRO/Gen3 looks like it'd do just fine though.
I was also considering the i5 3570K. It has slightly higher clockspeeds, about 18W less power consumption and only some 10 to 15 euros extra compared to the i5 2500K. Are there any reasons not to go for the 3570K instead?
8GB of RAM should be good I think (Any more seems kind of overkill), I just don't know about the exact chips. Kingston is a reputable brand as far as I know, but there's a bunch of different 4GB strips of which I can't determine which is better or worse apart from the price they are listed with. If any of you have suggestions for better deals or stuff to look out for I'd be happy to hear about it.
I was considering getting a 256GB Samsung 830 series SSD, but at a price of around 195e I'm not sure if I can justify it, so it'll probably be the 128GB one.
Another thing I'd like to hear your opinions on is the PSU. from my guestimates, checking out power consumation of the relevant parts I don't think it'd be much higher than 500-something W. Since having the PSU work at full load all the time isn't too good and having excess power is nice for any future upgrades I was thinking a 700W PSU would be reasonable. Like I said though, these are just guesses from someone who has little experience or knowledge of these things, so if 700W seems too low or too high do let me know.
I'm currently using a headset with closed-back earcups, so although my current PC's fans whizz quite loudly it's not much of a nuisance. Nevertheless I'd prefer the noise levels not to be too high and from what I've been told Cooler Master's Silent Pro series does a good job in that aspect.
My current desktop has a Cooler Master Centurion case, which I've been happy enough with. I've been recommended the CM 690, which looks like an very nice case to me, but I'm open to suggestions. I've seen some cool Antec cases as well.
A main issue is the monitor. I am absolutely unaware of what monitors are a good buy right now, save for having read an article which suggested the monitor I wrote down in the list. I'd prefer something with a bit lower a price though. Another thing is the aesthetic of the monitor itself. I'm mainly worried about the display ofcourse, but since I'm going to be looking at it a lot I'd like it to look nice.
That's about it for now I think. I'll need a mouse, keyboard, maybe a new headset and I think a dvd-drive and what not later on too, but this seems like a good start. Any advice, critics and suggestions are appreciated!
