First PC Build

I am currently in the process of planning my first self-built PC. I'm going rather cheaply with a sub $500 budget for my first try. Afterwards, I do plan on making something that is a bit gaudier. Here is what I have so far:

-Intel Core i3-4160 3.6 GHz LGA 1150 Boxed Processor
-ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
-Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL9 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (Two 4GB -Memory Modules)
-WD Blue 1TB 7,200 RPM SATA III 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive WD10EZEX - Bare Drive
-Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case
-EVGA 430W 80+ Watt ATX Power Supply
-Samsung SH-224DB24x SATA Internal DVD Burner OEM - SH-224DB/BEBE
-Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)

Suggestions and advice are welcome.

Wouldn't go with the case since it got no cable management; BTW where's the GPU?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FTD4vK a little build of mine, I would suggest spending 20$ extra on the 750Ti version.

if you do not with to spend more than 500$ http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FbrxQ7 lowered the CPU to gain more GPU power.

@PredatorRules: I didn't put a GPU in it since this PC is just a test run. I'm more or less just looking for something that is relatively inexpensive and easy to assemble (for practice purposes). Honestly, I plan on giving this one to my grandparents, and keeping my next build after I familiarize myself with the process. For my grandparents, I imagine that the Integrated graphics should be enough... If not, please let me know.

Hmm... I'll look into the 750Ti version. I imagine that cable management would only add to the ease of assembly. Thank you.

I threw a video card into the build... I'm looking into case alternatives

Ok, I assume it for media purposes, lower the RAM to 4Gb it will suffice for Internet browsing etc.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QmJ7qs added SSD, don't know if your grandparents store a lot of data or not but you could just dump the 1Tb HDD and enlarge the SSD into 120Gb.

GPU is not required, if anything just buy something real cheap 20-40$. like the Nvidia G7XX series, as you've said to add to the ease of assembly.

At this point. Only get a GPU if you need something the internal can not do.

The internal one is surprisingly good. I mean still nothing compared to a dedicated one, but for your grandparents I assume it will be plenty enough.

Yeah, you'd be surprised that I've played Diablo, World of Tanks and many more games using my HD4000 inergrated laptop GPU.

Alright, I've changed the case, nixed the video card, lowered the RAM, and replaced the HDD with an SSD. Here is what the build currently looks like: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/W3kcvK

Yeah, a SSD is likely to add to the speed of the machine (in terms of boot time), but they are expensive. I was surprised when I looked at those prices.

-What are some other changes that should be made? Also, does anyone have any advice about the assembly process or where I can acquire more information? Is it best to just get the parts and JUMP IN?

A) Wouldn't get OEM version of Windows simply because people tend to move their OS into new hardware and well OEM doesn't allow it, so you've thrown 90$ to the trash instead of spending 100$ in the 1st place.

B) Try replacing your SSD into EVO 850 series by Samsung, MX100 by Crucial, Corsair are great as well, Kingston, Sandink, Intel and A- Data.

C) 70$ on a MOBO that a 40$ do the same, so waste of money there, if you like ASRock you could get something similar at 40$.

Linus build guides are great on his channel on YouTube.

@PredatorRules: Alright, I've nixed the OEM OS, switched to a Samsung 850 EVO series SSD, reduced the cost of the motherboard. Here is what it looks like now: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZJdnJx.

-Also, are their any notes on assembly a N00b like myself should be aware of? Or is this just a jump in, and try it sort of experience? I've been reading tutorials and watching YouTube videos to prep myself, so I think I have a good idea about how this is supposed to work in theory. I'm just looking for warnings and advice. Anything is appreciated.

Uh am I the only one that has noticed that his board is a atx and not a micro atx? The tower only takes a micro atx or itx, so the motherboard would not fit.. For a microatx I would recommend a case like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133274&cm_re=Thermaltake_v21-_-11-133-274-_-Product Thermaltake v21 case.. Highly customizable.. Good airflow, can fit the biggest video cards.. Good cable management, and affordable.

@sSubZerOo: In the latest list, I switched the motherboard to a Micro ATX (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q2cCVn). It should be fine (I think). Should I still switch the case for the extra advantages?

If you're doing a practice build then you should go with G3258 CPU. You can mess around and learn a bit of overclocking.
This would be a pretty good practice build with a decent GPU.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jmcCVn

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor - $64.99
Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard - $45.98
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory - $57.99
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive - $44.99
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card - $124.99
Case: Thermaltake VM30001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case - $38.99
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply - $34.99
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) - $87.89
Total: $500.81

@insane_metalist: Hmm... That looks good. To be honest, I'm struggling with the CPU. For the money, even without overclocking, the Pentium seems superior to the i3 I was looking at. For some strange reason, I'm hesitant to even look at a Pentium because I think extremely old-school (Blue-Man Group) thoughts.

Also, if I overclock the CPU, isn't it necessary to use a new CPU cooler (not the one bundled with the CPU)?

It'd be a better combo for the money since you're getting a decent GPU with that CPU.
You could do some overclocking but nothing major on a stock cooler.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO would solve that problem.

@insane_metalist: This makes sense. However, I am a little worried about the compatibility warning that arises with that particular motherboard. I assume that updating the BIOS isn't terribly complicated, but not knowing what is involved, makes any task seem daunting. For that reason, I switched to a more expensive motherboard. However, doing this makes adding the video card unfeasible given my sub $500 budget. Anyway here is what we're looking at http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZGp9Q7

@highlander0659: In that case go with i3, it would be a better fit.

@insane_metalist: Okay... So I think I'm going back to this build. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q2cCVn
I think that this build will be relatively simple to build and a good way to 'get my feet wet' in terms of this process. Please let me know if I am forgetting anything or should modify something.

What about if grandpa or grandma wants to play BF4 Ultra at 4k?

Jokes aside the build seems fine, if all they are using it for is web browsing and some media then the integrated gpu is fine. If you are set on micro-ATX just replace the mobo with a mATX one. Follow previous suggestions for cases. My first build was an mATX one, I used the Thermaltake case with the large handle on top which i think is discontinued now. It probably would have been easier to do a standard atx mid tower but it wasn't too difficult. Good luck. Also, I doubt you will be doing any overclocking but if so get some Arctic Silver for the cpu, the stock paste might be okay but that is something I always switch out on my builds overclocking or not.

Nice, nothing special, just follow the tutorials on YouTube.

LOL

If you can plug in wires and know how to use screws it will not be difficult. I learned how to build PCs by watching tutorials and visiting forums years ago. Now there should be even more info out there.

The most difficult part of assembly (for me) is plugging in the front panel connectors to the mobo and installing cpu coolers. Front panel connectors are just tiny and trying to get them in the right spot while checking the manual frequently is a little painstaking. Some cooler mounts require some adjustment and sometimes a little extra force. Just depends on the mounting type. I've had coolers set without a hitch and others took some patience. This being said neither are difficult, just a little more effort than other steps. Cable management also requires some thought and can be cumbersome if you don't have the necessary space and have a non-modular PSU.

My first build I actually had a HDD that was DOA. Took me forever to diagnose the problem but once I bought a new HDD everything worked flawlessly. Sometimes problems occur but don't let it dissuade you. After that one hiccup all my other builds were problem free (knock on wood).

@killerbasa: Thank you all. So, I'm switching my case from a Fractal Design Core 1100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case to a Corsair SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case... or should I go with the Thermaltake VM30001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case? Also, I'm afraid that I might be cheaping out on the power supply. Is that alright? Anyway here is what I'm looking at as of right now. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Q2cCVn. Should I just go for it as is?

@highlander0659: I just finished building my first PC a little over a week ago, watching youtube videos and reading about it helped a good amount. It took around 3 hours to build and install windows while being extra careful and dealing with (very) slight CPU/motherboard BIOS compatibility issues.

One thing that helped the most was making a checklist in excel that I could run down and make sure everything was finished at each stage (doing a POST, checking motherboard standoffs, everything plugged in, fans facing the correct way, etc).

Also a magnetic screwdriver makes it so much easier too.

Good luck! I enjoyed it and would do it again if someone asked me to help them.

Go for it already.

There's nothing wrong with the PSU, you can spend extra to get Gold rated PSU, won't change much.

Alright I think I'm pretty much done with the build.... but it won't boot-up... Occasionally when I plug it in, only the fans run (both the processor and case fans). I have no idea what the problem could be....

Make sure all cables connected properly...power to GPU, CPU cooler to MOBO, 24pin to MOBO, sata + power to HDD/SSD

Ok, I'm no expert computer builder, but I've built a few. First thing I'd worry about is overheating, and sense your a beginner, I'll ask some beginner questions. Did you apply cpu past between the cpu and the motherboard? I believe most cpu's come with some on them, but a LITTLE bit more doesn't hurt. Just a little dad gum it, too much is bad as well, lol.

Have you pushed everything in snugly? Yeah, sounds dumb, but noobs to PC building are trying not to break things, and it's hard to learn how hard you really need to push that RAM to be sure all pins are touching.

Are all the fans plugged in? This ones an easy one to miss (even though you did say your fans are running), but if your cpu fan isn't plugged in, that thing's not gonna boot. Also on that note, is everything plugged into your power supply, including your mother board? So the mother board needs power and your hard drives need power and again, all your fans, then any other extras like dvd-roms and such.

Also, when I had a similar thing happening, with just the fans coming on, it was a power supply problem. My problem was that I had a defective one, and replaced it and boom, all was well. That's a possibility, or your power supply isn't big enough for what your wanting it to do. I know! I didn't look at all the specs, this is just a general idea, forgive me, I'm lazy.

This is the joy of PC building, ANY part can be defective right out of the factory. If you have multiple sticks of ram, take em all out but one and see if it boots. If it doesn't, go to the next one and try again. If you have a spare power supply, plug it in, does it boot? No? Then on to the next thing! I think this may be the main reason us PC peeps keep so many spare parts lying around.

Oh boy, is that helpful in ANY way? LOL I'll be honest, I'd be willing to get on skype with ya and take a look at what your do'n if you want. Let me know! Peace!

@PredatorRules: Yeah, I strongly felt that is was the 24 pin connector from the PSU to the MOBO... Altering its position seems to determine whether the fans turn on or off. When I have them in 'snugly', they don't seem to work. Then I thought it was the positions of the on and off switch connectors from the case to the MOBO... but I've changed them around a million times as well, but to no avail. The RAM clicked in just fine during installation, and I think the CPU was installed correctly. All of the fans seem to be working better than anything else, since they run at least some of the time.... I think that I'm just going to go to bed, and will resume trying when I wake up.

Alright it works! It was the 24 pin connector... I underestimated the amount of force that needed to be used there.... It hurt my fingers... Thank you all for guiding me through this successful build.

@highlander0659: Glad to know it worked. It was fun reading this topic. Thank you for that.