- Joined
- Nov 24, 2012
- Messages
- 32
- Motherboard
- GA-Z77X-UD5H
- CPU
- i5-3570K
- Graphics
- HD 4000
- Mac
- Classic Mac
- Mobile Phone
Okay, I'm working on my first ever computer build. This is going to be a mixed-use machine, with three primary roles:
Here is what I'm thinking of buying:
I have a few questions for the community:
I would also greatly appreciate any other comments/suggestions/warnings that you can provide about my proposed build. Thanks in advance for your help!
- Central server for filesharing and Time Machine backups for a pair of MacBooks
- Media PC for iTunes server and streaming Hulu/MLB/ESPN/home video to a 1080p HDTV
- General use computer (MS Office, web, light Photoshop, Xcode, light gaming, etc.)
Here is what I'm thinking of buying:
- CPU - Intel Core i5-3570K
- Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H or GA-Z77X-UP4-TH
- PSU - Seasonic X-560 or Corsair TX550M
- RAM - 2x8 GB
- HD1 - SanDisk Extreme SSD 120 GB SATA 3.0 Gb (SDSSDX-120G-G25)
- HD2 - Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM 2 TB SATA 6 GB/s (ST2000DM001)
- DVD - LG Electronics 24X SATA Super Multi DVD+/-RW with Lightscribe (GH24LS70)
- Case - Corsair Carbide 300R or Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus
I have a few questions for the community:
- Is the Thunderbolt-enabled mobo worth the extra expense? I don't currently own any Thunderbolt peripherals, but my impression is that it isn't easy to add Thunderbolt capability later.
- Am I okay with the Intel HD Graphics 4000 for now, knowing that I can always add a videocard later?
- I don't have a good feel for power supplies; do you have any wisdom to share with me on those?
I would also greatly appreciate any other comments/suggestions/warnings that you can provide about my proposed build. Thanks in advance for your help!