Description

Okay so I was a console gamer (PS3), but always wanted to be in the PC gaming scene. I have always had crappy laptops or store bought desktops that couldn't run World of Warcraft on the lowest of settings. This was my very first build and I am quite proud of my accomplishments. Overall, it was a very smooth process and I wish I would have converted sooner. Total build cost was about $1100

Side notes: I had some trouble screwing in the 200mm fans because the screws were not long enough to fit though the frame and bracket but i found a work-around and its all good now.

I already owned the mouse, mouse mat, headset, and TV before starting this build.

Windows 8 is awesome. People are just afraid of something different. "The only thing constant is change" remember that. I highly recommend people switch over.

Newegg tutorial videos will teach you almost everything you need to know to get started.

Comments

  • 82 months ago
  • 4 points

Nice work and good choices. I just wish cooler master would paint the inside of that case black.

As to Windows 8, glad you like it. Most of us that have a large library of games, some old and some new, may be leery of it due to the compatibility issues we have had moving from operating systems. Its not just fear, but experience.

  • 82 months ago
  • 3 points

I, too, was sceptical of Win8, but after a few months of usage, I found that I like it just as much as Win7. I have played all variety of games, from Morrowind to Far Cry 3 to Age of Empires III, and despite my initial worries about compatibility, anything that I played on Win7 works exactly the same on Win8.

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

There is one other reason, I haven't went to Windows 8, its not free. ;) If I built a pc from ground up, I would consider it.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Same here. I love it just as much, if not, even more than Win7

  • 78 months ago
  • 0 points

If you want more of the Win7 feel, try out StartIsBack.

http://www.startisback.com/

  • 78 months ago
  • 1 point

I actually like the way Win8 looks and feels. It's grown on me. Thanks though!

  • 78 months ago
  • 2 points

No problem. :)

lol, I had a similar problem with those fans as well. And believe it or not, I did the same thing you did until I found the correct screws. Picked up some longer ones from work.

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

the only compatibility problem I know about is Fallout 3, and my friends and I have an extensive library of games. I personally love 8, and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Well that stinks. I still play fallout when I get bored with whatever the latest game I have is.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I do too, there is a crack for it to let it work with Windows 8. If you need help finding it I could ask my friend to find it for you

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

Thanks Tygers. I will not be updating for a while. Since I have a retail version of Win 7, I should be fine. Thanks for the offer anyway.

  • 55 months ago
  • 1 point

Honestly, I would Just keep your win 7 and wait for win 10 free upgrade: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/about

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

They do have one that is painted black on the inside, sadly it is for Asia only: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6679

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

Well that just sucks. Good looking case either way though.

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

Does it count that I'm Asian?

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Because there is no window I'm not really mad about the inside color, but the CM Storm Enforcer is a good alternative to the 912. It has a window and black painted inside. I came very close to choosing the CM Storm instead of the 912.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I looked at that one and the scout until I got to do a build with a Corsair 400r. Bought a Corsair 500r on sale during the black friday stuff last year.

Cooler Master has some good looking stuff. I would love to have a Cosmos 2, but doubt I could talk my hand into writing that check.

  • 81 months ago
  • 2 points

I'm planning a very similar build for my first build and i'm looking to cut costs (http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/NGKe). Noticed you went with the ASRock Pro 3, Can you run dual SLI 670's on that board?

Is there any tangible benefit going with the Gigabyte UD3H over the ASRock Pro 3?

  • 81 months ago
  • 2 points

I totally could run SLI, but it wouldnt be ideal. my motherboard only has one PCI-E(3.0x16). the mother board you chose has two 3.0s(16x&8x) which is better tuned for SLI.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Looks very nice. I would suggest that you not put the price for the stuff you already had--then the Total will reflect what you actually paid. Enjoy your new PC!

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Fixed it. Thanks

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Very nice.

How are your games running on it? :-)

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I couldn't ask for better performance. Everything is super smooth.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

congrats on the new build, very nice. Gonna try Win8 on my build!

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I would recommend watching some Windows 8 tips on Newegg's YouTube channel.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

i'm really curious as to what temperatures the CPU runs on(idle and load), think you could look that up for me? i want to see how this CPU cooler performs ;)

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I'd happily test it out if you could tell me of a program or something that can tell me.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Rune Prime 95 or intelburn to test it and put it under load and use Realtemp to monitor the temps.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Idle is just under 30. Under load (w/ Intelburn on standard) my max was 61. Hope that helps

  • 81 months ago
  • 2 points

thanks :)

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

For someone who was making their PC for the first time, you definitely knew not to waste your money and you came out with a very powerful and balanced build. It's really good to be honest, enjoy it!

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

This build took me about a month to tweak and finalize. looking back, I'm embarrassed of what my initial draft consisted of. Thanks!

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Great choices, should be able to do any game you want!

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

so far so good :)

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

decent build - though I'd be leery using such a budget cheap PSU on such an expensive build.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

with it being 80 plus and having decent reviews, I wasn't hesitant in choosing it.

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

because seeing reviews like this on newegg ~ "started a fire in my case" always inspire confidence :P also check out this link to see how many bad PSUs that company puts out: http://www.johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-lemon-list.html Coolmax has been known to start fires, melt down and take other parts with it and more. Sure it may not be this specific PSU but if most all their other PSU products have these types of issues which only took me seconds to google and find I'd be scared plugging that into a $400 GPU.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Is it too late to return it? I bought it from Newegg. I'm not sure if they accept returns for buyers remorse. In any case, what power supply would you recommend?

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

if its within 30 days of purchase they do accept returns. This might be a good place to look: http://johnnylucky.org/power-supplies/psu-recommendations.html

I personally usually recommend anything from corsair, seasonic, and or xfx when it comes to choosing a PSU.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I'll take a look, thanks for the heads up.

Continue this thread
  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

how do you like the gigabyte GPU? im looking to ger the same card. nice build

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

its got a lot of nice features and its solid. i don't really know how to compare it to other boards since this is my first build. i would recommend it though.

  • 81 months ago
  • 1 point

I love this build but... YOU HAVE MY HEADSET :DDDD

  • 81 months ago
  • 0 points

haha. i love them. best there is in that price range

  • 81 months ago
  • 0 points

Indeed.

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  • 81 months ago
  • 1 point

i plan on getting the same case/fans that you did what was your workaround to getting the 200mm fans to screw in?

  • 81 months ago
  • 1 point

The screws are not long enough to go though both sets of holes on the fan bracket as well as the case. i just skipped the first set of holes on the fan and only used the second set to connect to the case.

i tried to upload a photo that i took up-close, but its being rejected. the 4th picture actually shows the bypassing of the screw. hope that helps.

  • 80 months ago
  • 1 point

Did the SSD you bought feture the full 64GB?

  • 80 months ago
  • 1 point

looking at the drive info it says 59.2GB, but i also have a 348MB partition on that same drive.

  • 79 months ago
  • 1 point

all the blue lights are just from those two 120s?

  • 79 months ago
  • 1 point

Nope. I have two 200s (front & top) and two 120s (side & back)

  • 79 months ago
  • 1 point

Hey man, just wondering how your performance is in wow now with this new rig? fps? thinking about building a similar one.

  • 79 months ago
  • 1 point

I don't remember the numbers exactly, but i was easily hitting 80-100 in Stormwind maxed out. this destroys WOW.

  • 78 months ago
  • 1 point

can you check my build, and tell me if the case fans work? i am using the same case as you

  • 78 months ago
  • 1 point

Everything checks out. I took a look at your motherboard and power supply real quick to make sure you wont run into any issues. You should be fine. i had a tricky time installing my 200mm fans but hopefully you wont.

  • 78 months ago
  • 1 point

Love this build. Did a lot of the same things in my build as you did in yours. Have you tried your hand at overclocking yet? We have the same mobo, so I'd love to know how it goes/went as I'd like to give it a shot too.

  • 78 months ago
  • 2 points

I haven't OC'd the CPU yet. I've had zero any issues or slowdowns with any games or anything. I did OC the GPU a little and I'm happier than pig in ****.

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

Hi Mark. First time builder here. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I'm using same case and mobo - but keep getting this message: "ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard has an onboard USB 3.0 header, but the Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case does not have front panel USB 3.0 ports." Does that just mean that my USB 3.0 will have to be at the back of the case? Did you have this situation? Thanks for your time.

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

not a dumb question at all. Firstly, the mobo has two types of usb v3: rear & onboard. the rear usb v3 will be available to you at all times. the onboard however will not work with this case because the front of the case is usb v2. If you wish to have EXTRA usb v3 you could get a front panel usb v3 module like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998134 its totally optional though. i didn't get one cause i didn't need nor want it. hope that helps.

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

How many chasis fan connectors does it have on it?

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

2 chasis fans, 1 power fan, 2 cpu (1: 3-pin, 1:4-pin)fans

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

I don't get it though. 2 chasis fans: I get that, it means 2 case fans. I don't get the power fan thing, does it act as a regular chasis fan?

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

power fan is normally for the fan that is the rear of the computer. is basically another chassis fan but its highly reccommended to be used in a specific way. the other two chassis fans are normally for the top and side which are completely optional.

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

So the power fan basically acts like a chassis fan right? (And how is your processor? It is fast?)

  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

yes the power fan is basically another chassis, but with a specific use. As for my processor, yeah i guess. i don't know how to gauge it or anything. i love it and i don't have a single regret getting it.

  • 76 months ago
  • 1 point

Real nice build, what kind of monitor do you have and do you like it?

  • 76 months ago
  • 1 point

im still using the Toshiba 32" Class 720p 60Hz LCD HDTV as my monitor. i prefer this setup to smaller screens because i do like to watch and play from my bed. i bought a mini wireless keyboard w/ touchpad so that made my dream come true. if and when i replace my monitor it will have to be a 32" and 1080p.

  • 76 months ago
  • 1 point

What's the airflow in that case with those 200's and the 120?

  • 76 months ago
  • 1 point

Front 200 & side 120= in. Top 200 & rear 120= out.

  • 72 months ago
  • 1 point

How is the RAM? I see you rated it only 2/5 stars. Can you explain why? Thanks!

  • 72 months ago
  • 1 point

one of the sticks died within a couple of months. Im an probably a edge case, but i still need to remove stars for reliability

  • 64 months ago
  • 1 point

I was going to do something similar with my case, but after seeing that the power LED is red, here I am with red fans

  • 63 months ago
  • 1 point

I love the LEDs in it and i wanted to make mine blue too. if you dont mind i am wodering if you kept the original 2 fans in and added more or what you did. I see you have the front and top 200mm and the side one is led. but did you keep the back and the upper front one stock?

  • 62 months ago
  • 1 point

no, i swaped all the fans out for clear with blue LEDs

  • 63 months ago
  • 1 point

Nice computer! I haven't built a computer yet but from the past few months I have learned a ton. Saving up for a new computer with the same case and would I would like to have the computer glow with LED lights. Are those case fans or LED lights in there? That thing really does look awesome!

  • 62 months ago
  • 1 point

the fans have built-in LEDs

  • 53 months ago
  • 1 point

I had the same case! I used it for two years and recently upgraded to a Phantom 410 by NZXT, trust me a case upgrade is worth it once you have the money

  • 82 months ago
  • 0 points

Curious to Windows 8. I like how Windows 7 navigates through things, is Windows 8 just as easy? Also, is there any programs that can change windows 8 to the windows 7 format, but still keeping the os as windows 8.

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I would say easier. Almost everything in Win8 is integraded with each other. and is so easy to find and customize to your preference. I don't know know about backwards compatibility, hopefully somebody else could elaborate on that issue.

  • 82 months ago
  • 0 points

How are Asrock boards with overclocking?

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

I haven't overclocked yet, but it is begging to be used in that way. I would suggest using Google.

  • 82 months ago
  • 0 points

hows the keyboard?

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Only problem is that the LEDs stay on even though the computer is off, but the LEDs are not too bright so its not really a big problem. Its really solid though. Well worth it.

  • 81 months ago
  • 1 point

through a wierd work-around, if i shutdown the pc via steam's big picture mode the LEDs turn off.

  • 81 months ago
  • 2 points

Nice mate! I got the keyboard and I really like it. Turns out it is the USB detection for sleep in BIOS option is messed. I had to play around with it so now it works :)

  • 82 months ago
  • -2 points

720p -_-

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

yeah :/ this TV is a year-and-a-half old. i might upgrade to a 1080 27" but i don't think its worth it now

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Why a TV and not a monitor?

  • 82 months ago
  • 2 points

I had it for a while, months before this build was even conceived. I'm reusing it instead of buying a monitor. i see no reason to upgrade now.

  • 82 months ago
  • 0 points

You have a 670 and play on 720p........

  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

once again.... I've had this TV way before i built this computer and i see no reason to Upgrade if the picture is still good

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  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Mouse: 60 @ amazon Mouse Pad: 15 @ amazon TV: 299 @ BestBuy

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  • 82 months ago
  • 1 point

Thanks

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  • 77 months ago
  • 1 point

college dorm haha