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Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 471

Forum Index > Tech Support
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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly.
CuraOh
Profile Joined November 2010
Chile81 Posts
August 10 2011 06:29 GMT
#9401
On August 10 2011 15:25 naolin wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 10 2011 15:21 CuraOh wrote:
Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3 ATX LGA1155 Z68 DDR3 2PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 2PCI SATA3 USB3.0 $125
http://www.ncixus.com/products/62006/GA-Z68A-D3-B3/Gigabyte/

Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus Direct Touch 4 Heatpipe Heatsink $30
http://www.ncixus.com/products/41337/RR-B10-212P-G1/COOLERMASTER/

and you could overlock if you want to


if I don't plan on overclocking right now I don't need the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus Direct Touch 4 Heatpipe Heatsink right, or should i get it anyways?

is so easy and safe and you gain a lot for doing
you steel could get the board for the future and only that you need is the cooler
naolin
Profile Joined March 2011
United States81 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 06:35:01
August 10 2011 06:31 GMT
#9402
On August 10 2011 15:25 skyR wrote:
If you don't care about USB3 or SATA3 than just get some H61 motherboard: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=59106

If you want SATA3 than get some H67 board: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=59419&promoid=1307

If you want USB3 than get some board with USB3: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=62305

Since the core i5 2500k is currently less expensive than the core i5 2500, you may want a Z68 board just so you can overclock if you wanted to: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=62697

I guess you can get a core i5 2400 for $8 less if you don't mind it being 300MHz slower: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=57964


ok i think ill go with a Z68 in case i want to overclock, now question is should i get the the heat sink now or just install it when i want to overclock

Edit: also will the XFX 450W PRO450W Core Edition Single Rail ATX 12V 34A 24PIN ATX Power Supply 80PLUS Bronze still be enough for overclocking
skyR
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada13817 Posts
August 10 2011 06:36 GMT
#9403
Yes, the power supply has more than enough power for an overclocked configuration.

You have to ask yourself if you're not comfortable with building your own configuration. Are you really going to be comfortable with installing a heatsink because heatsink installation is probably one of the hardest things you do in a build...
CuraOh
Profile Joined November 2010
Chile81 Posts
August 10 2011 06:37 GMT
#9404
still enought for overclocking
you should get the heat sink its only 30 buck and your cpu would be cooler whitout overclocking
CuraOh
Profile Joined November 2010
Chile81 Posts
August 10 2011 06:38 GMT
#9405
On August 10 2011 15:36 skyR wrote:
Yes, the power supply has more than enough power for an overclocked configuration.

You have to ask yourself if you're not comfortable with building your own configuration. Are you really going to be comfortable with installing a heatsink because heatsink installation is probably one of the hardest things you do in a build...

nicx is installing
skyR
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada13817 Posts
August 10 2011 06:39 GMT
#9406
On August 10 2011 15:38 CuraOh wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 10 2011 15:36 skyR wrote:
Yes, the power supply has more than enough power for an overclocked configuration.

You have to ask yourself if you're not comfortable with building your own configuration. Are you really going to be comfortable with installing a heatsink because heatsink installation is probably one of the hardest things you do in a build...

nicx is installing


That wasn't the question. The question was whether he should buy it now and have NCIX install it or install it by himself later when he decides to overclock. Or do you think he plans on shipping the entire computer back for a simple heatsink installation?
naolin
Profile Joined March 2011
United States81 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 06:49:23
August 10 2011 06:44 GMT
#9407
Alright so here's what I ended up with, I think i'm buying tonight, thanks everyone once again for the help, i'm the kind of person that gets paranoid about things like this and can't make up my mind, if you guys could have a look over it once more


Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 8GB 2X4GB PC3-10666 DDR3-1333 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit
NCIXUS.com SURPRISE SPECIALS! $45.04

Samsung DVDRW 22X SATA Black OEM $19.01


Coolermaster Haf 912 Black Mid Tower ATX Case 4X5.25 1X3.5 6X3.5INT No PS Front USB
Sound $55.05

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM $98.09

Intel Core i5 2500K Quad Core Unlocked Processor LGA1155 3.3GHZ Sandy Bridge 6MB $210.20

Western Digital WD Caviar Blue 1TB SATA 6GB/S 7200RPM 32MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM $67.06

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 560 Ti Fermi 900MHZ 1GB 4.0GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI Mini HDMI DIRECTX11 PCI-E Video Card
NCIXUS.com SURPRISE SPECIALS! $230.22 $230.22

PC Assembly and Testing With 1 Year Limited NCIX System Warranty (PRE-CONFIG WIN. OS If Purchased) $50.05

XFX 450W PRO450W Core Edition Single Rail ATX 12V 34A 24PIN ATX Power Supply 80PLUS Bronze - $55.36

Gigabyte Z68P-DS3 ATX LGA1155 Z68 DDR3 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI CrossFireX SATA3 HDMI Motherboard - 110.10

Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus Direct Touch 4 Heatpipe Heatsink AM2 AM3 LGA1366 LGA1155
LGA1156 120MM - $30.01
nam nam
Profile Joined June 2010
Sweden4672 Posts
August 10 2011 07:09 GMT
#9408
On August 10 2011 15:39 skyR wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 10 2011 15:38 CuraOh wrote:
On August 10 2011 15:36 skyR wrote:
Yes, the power supply has more than enough power for an overclocked configuration.

You have to ask yourself if you're not comfortable with building your own configuration. Are you really going to be comfortable with installing a heatsink because heatsink installation is probably one of the hardest things you do in a build...

nicx is installing


That wasn't the question. The question was whether he should buy it now and have NCIX install it or install it by himself later when he decides to overclock. Or do you think he plans on shipping the entire computer back for a simple heatsink installation?


I have a little side questions here. I've been checking up on having some sites assemble my computer for me but they didn't want to install a cpu cooler that ways over 600 grams and the one I had chosen was over that. Is there a valid reason for this? They claim the risk of damage on shipping is too big. Shouldn't a proper mounted heat sink (unless it's ungodly heavy or something) be able to manage this? What exactly are they afraid might happen, could it hit against other components or break off if it's a rough shipping? Just that they have such a constraint makes me want to install it myself even if it's under the limit.
Myrmidon
Profile Blog Joined December 2004
United States9452 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 07:22:41
August 10 2011 07:21 GMT
#9409
Yeah, it's a valid concern, even with fairly secure mounting. There are pictures of computer shipping mishaps, some with coolers torn off. It really shouldn't be hitting other components though...unless it falls off.

Above 600g is starting to get heavy. The thinner 120mm fan tower coolers are around 500g I think (without fan?). Keep in mind that the center of mass is something like 80 mm away (very rough guess) from the plane of the motherboard for the larger tower coolers.
nam nam
Profile Joined June 2010
Sweden4672 Posts
August 10 2011 07:28 GMT
#9410
Alright thanks, I'll take that into consideration.
LazyMacro
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
976 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 08:49:30
August 10 2011 08:35 GMT
#9411
Alright, so I've been putting together a list of parts I'm looking at buying. I'm looking for feedback and constructive criticism. Bear in mind I'm pretty noob with hardware, so I wouldn't be surprised if I've made some mistake.

A bunch of this is from Tom's Hardware June's $2000 PC build.

Mobo: ASRock Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z68
GPU: MSI Radeon HD 6970 x2
CPU: Intel i7-2600K
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 x2
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 1.5TB 7200RPM
Optical Drive: LG 12X BD-R x2
PSU: Seasonic SS-850HT
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout
Heatsink: XIGMATEK Gaia

Some random notes:
- I have two HDDs and two optical drives in that list. I don't really need the second of either, but I was told that having a second HDD would make things a bit quicker and smoother.
- The memory is a placeholder at the moment. The motherboard in that list has four memory slots and supports dual channel memory, so I'm assuming that two kits of 2x4GB each would max out Windows 7 64-bit at 16GB, right? Should I do that or stick with 8? Any recommendations on memory?
- Do I really need a heatsink?

Any input or constructive criticism is welcome.
shalesniffer
Profile Joined August 2011
Australia7 Posts
August 10 2011 09:39 GMT
#9412
Hi

I'm planning to assemble a computer for the 1st time.

I mainly play SC2 on a 23" screen thru my Alienware M11x. I want to play SC2 in ultra mode and be set for the next 2 expansions hopefully. Looking forward to Diablo 3 as well.

Can the experts please see if the build below is good. any comments will be welcome.
[image loading]]PC config[/url]



Womwomwom
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
5930 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 10:01:20
August 10 2011 09:53 GMT
#9413
@LazyMacro

That build is overkill. The GPU you need is dependent on your monitor's resolution but I can tell you that Crossfire is complete overkill and pointless. Ditch the i7 2600k and get an i5 2500k. Ditch the Z68 motherboard and get the ASRock P67 PRO3. Ditch the huge power supply and get an XFX Core 450W. The rest is fine.

- I have two HDDs and two optical drives in that list. I don't really need the second of either, but I was told that having a second HDD would make things a bit quicker and smoother.


It doesn't. Unless they were talking about RAID 0, which you should never do.

- The memory is a placeholder at the moment. The motherboard in that list has four memory slots and supports dual channel memory, so I'm assuming that two kits of 2x4GB each would max out Windows 7 64-bit at 16GB, right? Should I do that or stick with 8? Any recommendations on memory?


8GB is all you need.

- Do I really need a heatsink?


If you want to overclock, yes you pretty much need a heatsink. If you're not going to overclock, post back because myself or someone will give you more appropriate parts to buy.

@shalesniffer

Why are you getting a low profile CPU cooler? Go back and get a tower cooler that is over 150mm in height. Yes it will fit in the case you have chosen. Everything else is fine, though there isn't much point getting 8GB of memory and I think you should only get 4GB - the Americans might as well get 8GB of memory because its like $40 for them but we Australians aren't so lucky.
nihlon
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden5581 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 10:33:46
August 10 2011 10:04 GMT
#9414
@LazyMacro
+ Show Spoiler +
On August 10 2011 17:35 LazyMacro wrote:
Alright, so I've been putting together a list of parts I'm looking at buying. I'm looking for feedback and constructive criticism. Bear in mind I'm pretty noob with hardware, so I wouldn't be surprised if I've made some mistake.

A bunch of this is from Tom's Hardware June's $2000 PC build.

Mobo: ASRock Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z68
GPU: MSI Radeon HD 6970 x2
CPU: Intel i7-2600K
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 x2
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 1.5TB 7200RPM
Optical Drive: LG 12X BD-R x2
PSU: Seasonic SS-850HT
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout
Heatsink: XIGMATEK Gaia

Some random notes:
- I have two HDDs and two optical drives in that list. I don't really need the second of either, but I was told that having a second HDD would make things a bit quicker and smoother.
- The memory is a placeholder at the moment. The motherboard in that list has four memory slots and supports dual channel memory, so I'm assuming that two kits of 2x4GB each would max out Windows 7 64-bit at 16GB, right? Should I do that or stick with 8? Any recommendations on memory?
- Do I really need a heatsink?

Any input or constructive criticism is welcome.


The question is what you are planning to do with the computer? Most of it seem pretty overkill if it's only for gaming. Like two bluray drives of the same type (why?), 16 GB of memory (8 GB is plenty for most people and you don't need 16 for dual channel). If you are planning on overclocking you do need a heat sink (why else would you get that cpu?). That gpu will run games perfectly fine on its own. And why two HDDs? Get one SSD and one HDD for best performance.

If you want to do 1080p streaming and play at ultra settings or just spend some money then go for something like this from previous pages. Otherwise you could save even more money.

+ Show Spoiler +
On August 07 2011 09:16 Myrmidon wrote:
You can save more money if you build yourself and use newegg, but if you want it assembled, here's about how much it would cost:

Core i7-2600k - $310
http://www.ncixus.com/products/57960/BX80623I72600K/Intel/

Gigabyte Z68A-D3 - $125
http://www.ncixus.com/products/62006/GA-Z68A-D3-B3/Gigabyte/

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus - $30
http://www.ncixus.com/products/41337/RR-B10-212P-G1/COOLERMASTER/

XFX HD 6870 (more than enough for SC2 at 1920x1080 on ultra) - $165
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=62756&promoid=1307

Mushkin 2 x 4GB DDR3 RAM - $45
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=55544&promoid=1307

OCZ Agility 3 120GB SSD (completely unnecessary) - $195, $165 AMIR
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=61051&promoid=1307

Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB - $70
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=57131&promoid=1307

Samsung CD / DVD-RW - $19
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=60344&promoid=1307

XFX Core Edition 550W (super super way overkill) - $60
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=59615&promoid=1307

Cooler Master HAF 912 - $55
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=55583&promoid=1307

Assembly, testing, 1 yr warranty on top of warranties of individual components - $50
http://www.ncixus.com/products/7842/PC-ASSEMBLY/NCIXPC/


That was as a response to this post:

+ Show Spoiler +
On August 07 2011 07:17 AresHero wrote:
Hey TL,

I am looking to purchase a new desktop computer and would love it if you could give me a bit of advice.

Budget
~2k

Resolution
I have two 23" montiors at 1920x1080

Purpose
To do 1080p SC2 streaming

Upgrade Cycle
2~3 years, I added a larger power supply than needed in case I need/want to add a 2nd graphics card at some point. I also did the same with the motherboard as far as requirements.

To be built
Between now and next weekend

Overclocking
Probably, but I am currently thinking of purchasing though iBUYPOWER and might just have them overclock it for $50 since I have never done it before and don't want to risk fucking it up.

Operating System
yes, Win7

Like I said, I have been looking at purchasing though iBUYPOWER. Do you guys know of any other websites I might want to use instead and what you recommend as far as specs?

Here is the build I am currently looking at.

1 x Case ( NZXT Phantom Full Tower Gaming Case - Black )
1 x Processor ( Intel® Core™ i7 960 Processor (4x 3.20GHz/8MB L3 Cache) )
1 x iBUYPOWER PowerDrive ( PowerDrive Level 2 - Up to 20% Overclocking )
1 x Processor Cooling ( Liquid CPU Cooling System [SOCKET-1366] - ARC Dual Silent High Performance Fan Upgrade (Push-Pull Airflow) )
1 x Memory ( 12 GB [2 GB X6] DDR3-1600 - Corsair or Major Brand )
1 x Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 - 3GB - Single Card )
1 x Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by AMD or NVIDIA )
1 x Motherboard ( [3-Way SLI] Gigabyte G1.Guerrilla w/ Killer Network Technology )
1 x Motherboard USB / SATA Interface ( Motherboard default USB / SATA Interface )
1 x Power Supply ( 1000 Watt -- Extreme Gaming Series )
1 x Primary Hard Drive ( 60 GB ADATA S511 SSD SATA-III 6Gb/s - Single Drive )
^^small but I only plan on having the OS and maybe SC2 on it... i could get a lower read/write spec one that is a bit more expensive but has more space? The read/write on it are pretty beast compared to the other options though. It is 550MB/s Read and 500MB/s Write
1 x Data Hard Drive ( 1 TB HARD DRIVE -- 32M Cache, 7200 RPM, 6.0Gb/s - Single Drive )
1 x Optical Drive ( [10X Blu-Ray] LG BLU-RAY Reader, DVD±R/±RW Burner Combo Drive - Black )
1 x Flash Media Reader / Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer - Black )
1 x Meter Display ( NZXT Sentry 2 Touch Screen Fan Controller & Temperature Display )
1 x Sound Card ( ASUS Xonar DG )
1 x Network Card ( Killer Xeno Pro Gaming Network Card )
1 x Operating System ( Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium + Office Starter 2010 (Includes basic versions of Word and Excel) - 64-Bit )
1 x Speaker System ( iBUYPOWER 2.1 Channel Stereo Super Bass Subwoofer Speaker System )
^^I already have crappy speakers but it was $4... so meh
1 x Advanced Build Options ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower - Achieve exceptional airflow in your chassis )
1 x Advanced Build Options ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower - Basic Pro Wiring )
1 x Warranty ( Standard Warranty Service - Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
1 x Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) - No Rush Service, Estimate Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )
^^Not really rush, cheapest shipping option (*Free* but I'm sure it's built into the price)

I think the build is decent, but I am not super tech savy and assume there are some components I went overboard on and others that need to be upgraded more... thoughts?

The current price is $1995.00 after using the ibuypower %5 discount code for orders over $999. Also, I should be able to get another $100-$150 off using my student email address, bringing it to around $1900.00. Additionally there are $100+ worth of Mail-in-Rebates they offered on components with this build. I didn't bother to factor them in, however, as I have no idea what form that $$ will be in.

Any help would greatly appreciated! XD



Adjust for pricing changes or if you want some other case, gpu etc.

Though the Tom's hardware 2000 $ PC is basically for "bragging rights." so if you don't care about costs and don't mind paying for something that you might never use to its full potential then you can still go down that route.
Banelings are too cute to blow up
CharlieBrownsc
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
Canada598 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 11:15:20
August 10 2011 11:14 GMT
#9415
On August 10 2011 18:39 shalesniffer wrote:
Hi

I'm planning to assemble a computer for the 1st time.

I mainly play SC2 on a 23" screen thru my Alienware M11x. I want to play SC2 in ultra mode and be set for the next 2 expansions hopefully. Looking forward to Diablo 3 as well.

Can the experts please see if the build below is good. any comments will be welcome.
[image loading]]PC config



[/url]

Everything looks good, although I don't know much about that power supply, antec typically makes good PSUs. I'm sure someone will come by who knows everything there is to know about PSU's (myrm)

Your HDD is shit. The Seagate Green means it is 5400RPM, it's meant to be used as a mass external storage thing. Change it for a blue or black series, those are 7200RPM. If you try to use a 5400RPM as your main drive your load times are going to be terrible
SC2 ID: CharlieBrown.318, #1 bitbybit.Prime fan
Womwomwom
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
5930 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-08-10 11:29:46
August 10 2011 11:16 GMT
#9416
He has a SSD. A 2TB Green drive is fine.

That Antec is a Seasonic with some cost cutting measures. Its not as good at the Seasonic S12II I believe its derived from but its a good enough PSU for a single GPU. Its probably one of the cheapest decent PSUs that have two PCIe connectors so you don't have to deal with adapters and their caveats.

Also I don't believe it comes with a power cable considering its a budget model from Antec. Probably how Antec can lower the price compared to their competitors.
shalesniffer
Profile Joined August 2011
Australia7 Posts
August 10 2011 11:51 GMT
#9417
Thanks for the input guys.

Any suggestions on the cooling solution wom? i have no idea what to look for.

I was going to switch to a different pc case as its on sale. NZXT Lexa S Mid tower case
Womwomwom
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
5930 Posts
August 10 2011 12:08 GMT
#9418
This cooler is probably has the best price/performance. Read this article before installing that CPU cooler, it will tell you how to apply the thermal paste correctly.

As for cases, I personally wouldn't touch anything NZXT (especially early stuff like the NZXT Lexa you picked) or Thermaltake since all of their cases just look and feel really cheap (you can say that his is subjective but NZXT plastic build quality is definitely not fantastic). What exactly do you want out of a computer chassis - do you want noise reduction, lots of hard disk space, looks, connectivity? Any modern case theoretically will do well enough but depending on what you want, you might want to spend more so you're left satisfied.
hirokashi
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
United Kingdom22 Posts
August 10 2011 16:32 GMT
#9419
Note: This will be my first build!

What is your budget? Around £1000

What is your resolution? 1920*1080

What are you using it for? Mostly gaming (such as SC2 and upcoming games such as Skyrim, diablo 3 and guild wars 2) however I sometimes do a little bit of video editing

What is your upgrade cycle? Hoping to use this pc for atleast 3 years.

When do you plan on building it? Hopefully within the next month

Do you plan on overclocking? Yes

Do you need an Operating System? I have included in price

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? not really

Where are you buying your parts from? Since I live in the Uk I cant use popular websites like newegg but I like the company scan (www.scan.co.uk) As they seem to be one of the cheaper suppliers and my brother got his pc from there.They do sell their own pc's but of course you can get it a bit cheaper by building it yourself.

So I put together what I thought was reasonably good and compattible;

OS: Windows 7 £72

CPU: i5 2500k £163

Motherboard: gigabyte z68 £72

CPU Cooler: Be Quiet Dark Rock Advanced CPU Cooler £40

Ram: Corsair Vengeance 8gb 1600MHz 1.5v £50

GPU: 560 ti MSI FROZR £184

Case: Coolermaster CM 690 Pure Black Mid Tower £65

PSU: Corsair Builder series 600W non-modular £52

HDD: seagate barracuda 1tb 7200rpm 32mb cache 6gb/s 8.5ms £40

SDD: OCZ Agility 3 60gb SSD £82

Sound card: Creative Sound blaster 7.1 card £20

DVD Drive: LG SATA drive £16

Network Card: Bigfoot Killer 2100 £53


Giving a total of £910 plus £17 delivery.

So since I still have a little bit left over I was wondering should I maybe upgrade my PSU to a modular version (which might make it easier to install imo, with the added benefit of better cable routing) or possibly invest in the 120gb OCZ SSD or perhaps upgrade my 560ti to a 570.
Im not 100% sure the motherboard is compatible (or everything is) but im interested in suggestions / changes to the build, but I also had a few little questions.

1. With only a 60 gb SSD, once installing windows 7 will it have sufficient capacity to store a game or two (around 20gb) for the extra read speeds.

2.Is the Corsair H60 CPU Cooler cooler worth a little extra investment?

3. Should I be looking to buy any extras / tools such an anti-static wristband or extra thermal paste?
skyR
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada13817 Posts
August 10 2011 16:42 GMT
#9420
The motherboard already has on-board NIC and sound so you don't need discrete cards for these. If you really wanted a discrete sound card for a better sound quality for high-end speakers, you wouldn't be purchasing Creative (which are shit).

No, the Corsair H60 is not worth the extra investment. Even the heatsink you have selected now is arguably not worth the extra investment over a Hyper 212+: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coolermaster-hyper-212-plus-4-heat-pipes-with-120mm-quiet-fan-lga775-1155-1156-1366-am2-am2plus-am3

600w is unnecessary for your configuration. An XFX Core Edition Pro 450 is of higher quality and provides more than enough power for such a configuration: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-xfx-core-edition-p1-450s-xxb9-85-eff-80-plus-bronze-sli-crossfire-fan-atx

A 25nm 60gb SSD formats to roughly 52gb. Windows 7 takes roughly 17gb, Starcraft II takes roughly 10gb. So yes, you would have enough space for around 20gb of games.

The performance difference between a GTX 560 Ti and GTX 570 doesn't justify the price difference so no you shouldn't get one unless you want bragging rights or have money to waste.

A modular power supply may make it easier for a first time builder since there's going to be less cable clutter but these are much more expensive than non-modular counterparts.
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