Thank you very very much for all the help in assisting me. I have learnt many new things here. Thanks again, I cannot thanks enough. Will get the stuffs checked and call for availability and also the i5 on D3. Thanks again. Truly the best tech forum.
You've probably got all the info you need now...
I think the i5's ignatzatsonic posted would be ivy bridge. New yes, but I've heard they are running hot. Personally I'd rather try and find a Sandy Bridge (proven, runs well). Might not be able to get that from your vendor though...
Ivy Bridge second Gen will probably have heat issues worked out.
As far as the mobo, if you do go with that one (I do recommend it) you can plug an ssd (64 MB - laptop style) onto the mobo itself for you OS.
However all the research I did showed it to be more expensive than just paying a few dollars more and getting a 128 sata version. Too bad, it's a cool feature of the mobo, just doesn't seem like it turned out to be as great as they had planned (it's time passed before the board was released). It also uses over rides a sata3 connector...
Another thing. It has onboard graphics with HDMI plug. I don't have an HDMI, only DVI, so I had a bit of an issue getting past the black screen at start, took a few reboots to see Bios flash really fast. You have to be ready to select BIOS, then change the input to PCIE so your video card will show the monitor.
It was frustrating because I had been through computer issues for awhile, and thought it was going to continue.
But as long as you are aware of this it is only a very minor frustration for a couple minutes, lol. (and only if you don't have HDMI monitor, if you do just use onboard graphics for first boot, change the BIOS, install card and switch monitor to it)
(seems a lot of new mobo's have some weird BIOS issues these days anyway)
SSD is a performance upgrade for sure, but it's not required. I don't have one yet and my system is still fast and stable. I think you can save that for an upgrade at a later date.
I'd rather buy two 1TB HDD's than one 2TB. If one dies you still have one...
---------
again, major things to watch for. Any of these wrong and it won't go together.
mobo socket type matches CPU socket.
PSU has enough Watts for chosen GPU
DDR3 for mobo and ram
case is full atx, mobo is full atx
Great information, sir. Thanks again.
I did some minor research on the SSD, do they come with a SATA3 cable or some sort? I heard that I have to plug it in and since this is my first SSD, do I need to do any additional settings to 'enable' it? Or just install it like a normal HDD then install OS in it?
Sorry, completely new to SSD and is really keen to learn about it.
I will be getting the nVIDIA GeForce GTX560 card and don't plan to use any onboard graphics, do I still need to worry about the issue on changing mode in BIOS? If so, this will be holding me back.
I didn't realize you were going to assemble the PC yourself.
Retail versions of SSDs usually include cables. OEM versions may not.
SSDs take the same cables as an HDD.
Windows 7 installation on an SSD is just like it is on an HDD. Windows will recognize that it is an SSD and make a few adjustments that you can confirm after the installation is complete.
During the installation, you may be offered "AHCI" controllers. Say yes to that.
Intel SSDs include a "Toolbox" that you can use to access info about your SSD and check its health.
Install Windows with just the SSD connected. After Windows is installed, connect the HDD.
Your BIOS will probably have a setting where you can turn off onboard graphics, but installing a separate graphics card should not be a problem. They are normally recognized automatically.
That mobo comes with 3 stat cables, so you're all set there.
The Bios issue really isn't too bad, only takes about 3 minutes and then it reboots. It's just something you should be aware of. My GPU wasn't recognized right away.
It's easy: boot, hit delete (when you see post screen come on for a second), advanced bios features>Init Display First>PCI. Save, reboot.
Funny, looking in the manual it says this is default, but it definitely wasn't for me.
Good luck with it.
Quote