Getting Started with Build AdvicePlanning Your First PC Build
Getting Started with Build AdvicePlanning Your First PC Build
I've been working for four decades but never assembled my own setup, so I felt it was time to start.
I'm planning a simple build, already possessing a GPU and having roughly $1,000 Canadian available.
Checking PCPartPicker suggested an Intel i5 12500 or even i5 13500 with 32 GB RAM would be suitable.
Curious about what others recommend for a beginner project.
Online gaming is my focus—nothing too demanding, so I don’t require a high-performance machine. Just something adequate for casual gaming, streaming, and light Blender work.
Thanks
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
*
Intel Core i5-12600KF 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor
($259.42 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler:
*
Deepcool AG620 BK ARGB 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler
($59.99 @ PC-Canada)
Motherboard:
*
MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($199.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory:
*
TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($70.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage:
*
Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($179.97 @ Newegg Canada)
Case:
*
Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case
($94.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply:
*
Gigabyte UD750GM 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($99.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $965.32
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on criteria*
Created by PCPartPicker
2023-12-11 04:02 EST-0500
What is the make/model of your current parts?
Can you reuse any of them?
Perhaps the case or some storage?
What is the gpu that you now own?
It is the gpu that mostly defined the psu capability that you need.
I5-12500 and I5-13500 are somewhat comparable and very capable.
One good thing is that those processors come with a usable cooler and integrated graphics.
Do not succumb to the $25 savings for buying a F processor.
Having integrated graphics is a very useful insurance policy for gpu issues and makes testing easier.
One can always add an aftermarket cooler later if needed. But unless you are running apps that can load all cores, the heat generated is not excessive.
Performance using DDR4 or DDR5 ram are comparable.
No longer do you pay a big premium for DDR5 ram and motherboards.
Pick a B760 based motherboard of either DDR flavor.
All things equal, pick DDR5.
Intel is not dependent on fast ram for performance.
Buy a 2 x16gb kit, not two individual parts. Ram must be matched.
Matx sized motherboards are usually cheaper.
m.2 devices are easy to install. I would pick perhaps a 2tb pcie ssd.
If you run out of space, it is easy enough to add more storage later.
Do not go cheap on the ssd, it is a very important component.
Samsung and Intel are major manufacturers.
Most of what we do is small random I/O so do not pay a big price premium for a fast pcie device.
Pick a case that appeals to you. Looks count, it will be with you for a long time.
As a first time builder, this may be useful to you:
MY build process:
Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a long #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
A small led flashlight is also useful.
I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16812119009...klink=true
1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:
MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool
MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.
www.memtest86.com
Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)
www.memtest.org
If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.
Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.
Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.
Opinions vary on updating the bios.
Normally, one does not update a bios unless there is a fix for something that is impacting you. I violate this rule on a new build and will update to currency up front.
Use the usb option, not the windows option.
If there is a severe problem, the impact is small.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft defender is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.
9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.
I'm using a five-year-old Dell 7050 T with an i7 6700 and want to keep this as a backup.
I have an HP Z800 workstation that's no longer working; it has a heavy case and 48 GB DDR3 RAM, though the PSU is still functional at 1,100 watts.
Most of my components will be new.
I'm looking for something straightforward for the case—maybe Corsair had some good cases a few years ago that could fit what I need.
Thanks for the build guide; it'll be useful.
From my perspective, the most cost-effective choice for such a system would likely be opting for a 12th generation Intel processor or, at least, the AM4 variant. The improvements from the 12th to the 14th generation are noticeable in certain tasks, but for optimal value, waiting until after the 15th and possibly even the 16th generation might be wiser. This approach lets you decide whether to stick with DDR4 or move to DDR5. Prices for DDR4 are rising and could result in lost performance if you choose it. If you build a complete system on the 12th generation, using a solid motherboard and other components, you’ll be well-positioned to upgrade to the 14th generation when necessary.
You can also construct a solid AM4 platform now at a much lower cost than its original price. The main concern here is that you’re restricting future upgrades for something that feels outdated. The key point is that any of the 5xxxX Ryzen chips will perform well with the use case you have in mind. Saving money by going back to older generations could mean investing more later in better power supplies, drives, RAM, and other parts. In this case, I’d suggest choosing a reliable mid-to-high quality motherboard and a Ryzen 5 processor, ensuring you have room for a substantial upgrade when the next AM5 chips arrive.
I don’t have direct experience with AMD CPU systems, and many reviews appear mixed. Some users love them while others criticize them.
On Amazon, I could find a Ryzen 7 5700X for $216, which seems like a good deal.
Keep this in mind.
I think it’s important to decide how much I want my system to stay useful in the future.
Slightly over budget, yet offers an i7 instead of an i5. Consider reducing the cost on the motherboard if you don’t require Wi-Fi.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor
($299.00 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM
($56.90 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 ATX LGA1700
($239.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
($70.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($146.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: BitFenix Nova Mesh SE ATX Mid Tower Case
($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
($119.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1013.84
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2023-12-11 18:22 EST-0500