build pc

essenbe said:

The Motherboard will disable the Integrated graphics when you install a dedicated graphics card. I would recommend you buy from someone with a very good return policy and buy enough parts to get it to run. Buy the motherboard, CPU, Ram, PSU and CPU Cooler at the same time. Put them together at least enough to get it to run and see if it has problems. Then if you have problems with some part, it can be returned and exchanged. Most stores have a limited return policy, usually 30 days. It is always easier, if you have to return a defective part, if you return it very soon after you purchased it.

Hi simrick
I thought I was going to get the parts at PCPP and you would help me with essenbe or was I mistaken?

I am going to read this thread over now so I fully understand..
If it is true that I am getting the parts at PC Parts Picker I will begin to order as long as someone is there to help.

maranna said:

Hi simrick
I thought I was going to get the parts at PCPP and you would help me with essenbe or was I mistaken?

I am going to read this thread over now so I fully understand..
If it is true that I am getting the parts at PC Parts Picker I will begin to order as long as someone is there to help.

Hi.
I think, what you should do, is look at the pricing on PCPP, to get an idea of what the prices currently are for each component. That way, you have a starting point. If you intend to purchase everything at Microcenter, then you have pricing for comparison. Microcenter may even price match, if you find another retailer with a lower price (for some components they will do that). But, to get everything from one store, I think, is a good idea, and is the way I did it, just in case I needed to return anything. Microcenter are competitive, and have a good return policy.

p.s. - I am sure there will be a charge if you want them to assemble your machine. But, they also have weekend classes, and if you check their schedule, they may have one coming up on how to build your own PC. In that case, you purchase your components from them, and have it all with you at the class, I think. Then you have the instructors right there with you as you build your system. It's quite a good option for you too, if you are able to do it. The classes are free.

maranna said:

That is a great option. The draw back is that I have to know something about what I am getting to bring to the class ad I don't think anyone will spend the time walking around gathering the parts to bring to the class. it does not hurt to inquire and I'll consider it.
Price comparison is smart shopping but usually you lose a penny then save a penny.
I mentioned in one of my posts that due to age and health it is hard to shop outside so online might be easier. Next time the boss drives around I 'll ask if we can drop into MC to ask.
Thank you

Yes! You use PCPP to select your system, take the parts list with you to Microcenter, grab a sales associate from the BYOPC section, and they will pull all the parts for you. They will be happy to put their commission stickers on each part you are buying. Then they put all the parts in the classroom, and you build your system with the instructor.

maranna said:

Is there a charge to build with the instructor, to your knowledge?

As far as I know, the classes are free.

maranna said:

I have found what seems reasonable. Could you please look it over and give an opinion?
The drive appears to be SSD and large enough for me. I did not see if there was another HDD.

There is one 250GB SSD drive in this build - no mechanical "spinner" drive. That's fine, if that's all you want/need.

maranna said:

I would like to have that clear tower even on one side if it can be arranged.

This case has a window on one side. It is a mid-tower size and you had mentioned you preferred a full tower.

maranna said:

Also, what would WiFi mean to my use. I don't think my current one is and I use Ethernet. How would it benefit me for example?

If you use an ethernet cable to connect the internet to the computer, you don't need wifi.

maranna said:

Does the Win 10 OEM have restrictions as opposed to going to store and getting Win 10 pro? Original equipment manufacturer, but I don't know if it good or bad.

There are requirements for using an OEM version of W10: You have to be installing it on a system which you will then sell (because you are the system builder, not the system owner). Additionally, the OEM W10 OS is tied to that rig alone, and cannot be transferred. A retail W10 OS (either Home or Pro) is what you buy for yourself, and it is transferable in the future.

maranna said:

Bluetooth later is OK -unless it can be installed here..

Get a USB BT adapter, now or later.

maranna said:

Does it appear to have 64 bit and sufficient USB 3.0 slots with HDMI and DVI ports?

Here are the specs of the selected MB:
Z97-A | Motherboards | ASUS USA

maranna said:

Memory seems to be 16 GB -ok?

Yes, that's fine. I believe Microcenter don't carry G. Skill, so they will select a comparable brand for you. Here is the list of ASUS Memory QVL (qualified vendors) for Z97-A MB:
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/...A_DIMM_QVL.pdf

maranna said:

I hope my Office is OK.

Should be fine, if you buy a 64-bit OS.

maranna said:

Sound -I have 2 Bose speakers.

Plug into the integrated sound connections on the MB.

maranna said:

Video- is it integrated or one I can remove - as removable is better -right?

There is "integrated video" capability in the chip. You plug your monitor into the MB and use the integrated video. The system you chose has a $300 additional video card, selected for gaming. You really don't need this.

maranna said:

Monitor, mine flickers (auto adjust) and has for months. Is it ok to keep it till I can get another?

Yes. Or, use the money saved on the separate video card and buy a monitor instead.

maranna said:

If I missed something or miscalculated please advise me - I spent hours using your builds as a reference..
Thanx again.

Here are the parts you selected:

CPU
Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor $329.99

Okay.

CPU Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler $34.88

Okay.

Motherboard
Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard $139.99

Okay.

Memory
G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory $66.99

The 2x8GB "amount" is good. As I said above, Microcenter don't carry G. Skill, so you want to get the Corsair on the QVL list I linked above.

Storage
Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive $75.99

Okay.

Video Card
Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card $343.99

You don't "need" this - you can use the integrated graphics for now and add a separate card later, if you want.

Case
Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case $54.99

Again, you mentioned you wanted a full tower, and this one is a mid-tower.

Power Supply
Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply $99.99

Okay.

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM (64-bit)

As I said above, you should get a full retail key, not OEM system builder.

Here is a picture of the connections on the MB you have selected: