Just another first time builder.

[iBontu]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Strictly gaming, no video editing or anything like that.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

Want to keep it around $700.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

Canada.

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

NCIX and Newegg.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

No brand preference, just don't want cheap components that will fail in 3 months.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

No peripherals needed, just the core components.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Don't have any plans to overclock.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

1680x1050

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

Within the next couple weeks.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

Nope.


This is what I've come up with:

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A85X-ITX Mini ITX FM2 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (White) Mini ITX Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $689.72

Really like the Prodigy case and would like to stick with it if I could, not many Mini ITX motherboards for AMD though. Hoping you guys could help me by tweaking anything you see that needs it.

 

[mj79]

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($53.79 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)

Total: $737.70

 

[mj79]

That is what I initally had as my build before I started adding things here and there .. I also think you would benefit alot with switching to that video card.. Been looking at it for a while now, and seems to be more than enough for almost anything out there on max settings


Just tack on another $25 or so for the added cost of your psu and case

 

[videogames101]

forget the SSD and upgrade that GPU

reasoning:

"Strictly gaming, no video editing or anything like that."

"Want to keep it around $700."

the stock cooler will work fine, no need for an H60

reasoning:

"Don't have any plans to overclock."

 

[Sleepingforest]

The Prodigy and the mITX form factor are really holding you back in terms of power. If it's a matter of space, there are many equally small mATX cases:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI B75MA-P45 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($62.54 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($235.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $703.14
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-27 17:01 EDT-0400)

At the very least, don't get an APU and drop the water cooling. You may also want a larger storage space than just an SSD; a 120GB SSD is going to fill up after about 3 games, and it's really bad for SSDs to be used to 100% capacity (keeping it under 80% full is preferable for maximum performance and longevity).

 

[iBontu]

Not really a matter of space, just aesthetics. I do have a 1TB HD that I will be using, SSD is for OS and 1-2 games. Changed a couple things:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy (White) Mini ITX Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $696.73

Also, doesn't need to play all games on ultra, but would like it to run smooth on around medium.

 

[Sleepingforest]

You can save a little money by going B75 instead of Z77 (no difference for your usage) and by getting a slightly slower processor, the i5-3350P (it won't make a difference in games). Those savings allows you to get a 7790, which is a bit faster.

Otherwise, solid build.

 

[Termie]

The Prodigy is entirely form over function. If it's the style you like, then go for it, but keep in mind that it's larger than many Micro ATX cases, and you're paying a lot extra for reduced functionality. In my opinion, Mini-ITX has too many compromises to build in a case the size of the Prodigy. If you want to build a shoebox-sized system, that's what Mini-ITX is for.

You cannot use a mATX motherboard in the Prodigy, which is what you posted in your second post OP, so I think you should start over from scratch.

Do you want to build small, or do you want a larger gaming system?

I can help you, but we have to narrow down what you're trying to do. Here's how I would start out:

(1) i3-3220 or FX-6300 CPU: $130
(2) B75 or 970 motherboard: $70 ($100 for mini-ITX)
(3) 120GB SSD : $100
(4) 8GB RAM: $50
(5) 500W PSU: $50
(6) Case: $50 (mATX), $60 (Prodigy)
(7) Video Card: $170 (HD7850 or GTX650Ti Boost)

That's $620 for mATX or $660 for Mini-ITX.

By the way, I'd suggest you just ask us for ideas, rather than throw out multiple PCPartPicker builds that wouldn't actually work.

 

[iBontu]

Have taken your suggestions in mind and switched to an ATX case. Going to stick with the 7770 considering it runs most games pretty well, can always upgrade later for future, more demanding games. Z77 motherboard provides a good upgrade path from what I can tell. Updated build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($187.43 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($71.67 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $698.85

 

[Termie]

Have taken your suggestions in mind and switched to an ATX case. Going to stick with the 7770 considering it runs most games pretty well, can always upgrade later for future, more demanding games. Z77 motherboard provides a good upgrade path from what I can tell. Updated build:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($187.43 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($71.67 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $698.85

Good build. Everything will work together.

But two questions:
(1) you started with a mini-ITX case and then jumped to ATX. Did you look at micro ATX?
(2) what time of gaming do you want to do? The 7770 is the absolute minimum card you need for serious gaming, and I'd recommend a more powerful card.

By the way, you picked a more expensive z77 motherboard despite the fact that you have a locked cpu that can't take advantage of it. You should be looking at an h77 board. And that will almost certainly be micro ATX.

 

[Sleepingforest]

The CPU upgrade path matters much less than the GPU upgrade path. Don't gimp your GPU just so you can have overclocking potential in the future, especially since clockspeed has a negligible effect in many games.

Seriously, in a gaming PC, the GPU is the most important part. If you want the PC to have gaming longevity, the GPU is the place to invest the most money (until you get to the top end)--not the CPU, not the motherboard, and not the case.

 

[iBontu]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I have swapped the motherboard out for a cheaper one and upgraded the GPU. Updated:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($187.43 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($71.67 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Fractal Design Integra R2 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $718.85

 

[Sleepingforest]

In the interest of getting you under the budget, get a B75 motherboard--for your usage, it is no different. Also, look at the NXZT Source 210 Elite for a cheaper white case option.