Windows 7: Any Advice For My First Custom Build

I have been saving up for ages to build my first custom computer. I have done a lot of repairs on desktops and laptops and have learnt all I know from the internet because I enjoy. So I want to go the whole way and build my own beast.

Money: 500-600 pounds is my budget. Possibly slightly more.
Uses: Video editing, loads of downloading, loads of watching movies. Lots of multitasking of greedy software
Case: I really dont know but from my research so far I quite like the Coolermaster Storm Enforcer Mid Tower OR Cm Storm Mid Tower. I like their designs but any suggestions welcome.
PSU: Not sure at all- any advice on what I need?
RAM: Probably 8gb Corsair ram?
Motherboard: Not sure at all- any advice on what I need?
CPU Cooler: Not sure at all- any advice on what I need?
CPU: i5. I DO NOT overclock or do much gaming.
HDD: I am not sure because I dont really think I need a SSD and they are more expensive. In total I want at least 1TB or more space but not sure if I should just get a hard drive/s or a SSD as well.
SDD: See above
GFX Card: I dont do much gaming but do use a lot of video software etc but no where as near as much as some people do.
FAN: Most people place a lot of emphasis on fans/ coolers but for my above reasons I dont think I need to worry to much and 1 should be enough. What do you reccomend?



I know there is a lot of blanks but any help would be useful. I know you guys are super clever but I love computers and want to build a powerful, fast, and reliable computer to last. Please help.

Post a link to a few sources from which you might buy parts so we can look over their stock.

I'd probably try to get you to get an SSD and an HDD. Use the SSD just for Windows and applications and put all data on the HDD. The SSD will probably add more overall enjoyment for the 75 or 100 pounds you might pay for it than a similar expenditure on any other part.

But post sources for your parts.

Do you have to buy Windows within that budget, or do you already have a retail copy?

You can probably omit the video card to begin with and get one later on if you find on-processor graphics aren't sufficient. I have a general use i5 PC and don't use a video card.

A quality PSU in the 500 watt range will be plenty.

Thanks for the reply, I am not really sure where to buy although I have heard that ebuyer is a good site. I dont mind using several different sites. I already have a copy of windows 7 on a retail disk so that isnt an issue. Any advice for parts like the motherboard.

Could be tough, these are US and actually a banging system !

WOW! I do like this system alot! Does the fact that the processor is bundled with the mobo mean its not as good? Anything similar on a UK website?

No bundling means that both items are discounted a bit and matched for good use together. Amazon UK would be a starting point then I'm sure others will come to the rescue with UK company options. But this give you some ideas and model numbers to look at. Oh and don't forget the OS ! lol

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/

Cheap Laptops, Computers and Cheap LCD TVs | Ebuyer.com

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That is an awesome build.
I think it's a bit over the OP max budget, but that's an OP decision.

If it was me, I'd drop the GPU from the initial purchase based on the OP uses (no gaming).
The built in 3570K graphics may work well for the OP uses (Video editing programs).
Dropping the dedicated GPU would reduce heat, noise, power consumption, another device, cost, ...

If the built in graphics don't work well enough, a dedicated GPU can be added later.

David, excellent point on the graphics card.

Here is a first attempt, all from ebuyer.com. All quality components. Tax and shipping not included. You might want to throw in a few pounds for case fans, depending on what your chosen case comes with.

SSD included.

Total of below is 468 or 475, plus the case, depending on whether you choose the mATX or ATX motherboard.


Antec TruePower New 550W Modular PSU | Ebuyer.com
Antec True Power New; 550 watt PSU; manufactured by Seasonic; modular; 65

Crucial 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz Memory Kit Mt/s CL9.. | Ebuyer.com
Crucial 2 x 4 GB RAM; DDR3 1333 MHz; 36

Intel Core i5 3570 3.40GHz Socket 1155 6MB L3 Cache.. | Ebuyer.com
Intel i5 3570 CPU; 165

Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Socket 1155 VGA DVI HDMI 8 Channel.. | Ebuyer.com
Gigabyte Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Socket 1155 VGA DVI HDMI 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard; 87

Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H Socket 1155 VGA DVI HDMI 8.. | Ebuyer.com
Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H Socket 1155 VGA DVI HDMI 8 Channel Audio mATX Motherboard; 80

WD 1TB 3.5" SATA-III 6Gb/s Caviar Blue Hard Drive.. | Ebuyer.com
WD Blue HDD; 1 TB: 69

Samsung 64GB 830 Series SSD - 2.5" SATA-III.. | Ebuyer.com
Samsung 830 series 64 GB SSD with bracket; 53

Case; Coolermaster or Antec of your choice sold without PSU

Graphics card: none

CPU cooler; stock Intel