This site doesn't get a lot of respect around here, but this really is a great list (click "See full content" on the first post):
Tom's Hardware Forums - PERFORM THESE STEPS before posting about POST/boot/no video problems!It'll help you if you put the thing together and have one of the aforementioned problems, or, alternatively, you can read through it before you do your build to help avoid obvious first-time builder mistakes.
JohnC wrote:What kind of FPS games are you planning on playing? If you want to play games like BF4 at higher settings and on a well-populated servers you will need a more powerful video card with at least a 3GB of video memory, such as AMD's 7950 or higher. Same goes for CPU - you will need at least a quad-core CPU (preferably with hyperthreading if it will be from Intel).
JohnC is absolutely right here. That little Pentium + 660 setup you have right now will serve for some older/lighter games, but it's definitely a "gaming right now" PC and will not serve you for AAA titles going forward. Strongly suggest an upgrade to an FX-6300, FX-83xx, or Intel quad (Core i5/i7) if you can spare the money; the GTX 660 will serve for now, and can be more easily upgraded later.
JohnC wrote:Also, since you have never built a PC - I suggest taking a look at pre-built systems like Falcon Northwest's Tiki or similar ones from other system builders. There is nothing wrong in enjoying an advantage of pre-built and pre-tested system with full warranty for a little bit more money :wink:
Definitely! Given that TML's looking at a dual-core system, though, I suspect he's trying to save money, and Falcon Northwest is ... well ... Σ(・∀・;)
JohnC wrote:P.S: Whatever choice you'll go with - you should also consider buying a properly sized UPS unit (unless you already have one). I personally suggest CyberPower units, but APC's units are also a good choice.
This is good advice, but again expensive. I don't even have one! (´・ω・`)
Given what you've picked,
TML, it looks like you're trying to build a machine on a somewhat limited budget; while I appreciate and admire your desire for a small form-factor, have you considered going with a slim ATX or Micro-ATX case? You might be able to spare a lot of expense and end up with a better machine in the process. Cases like the
Cooler Master Elite 361 manage to cram a full-sized ATX motherboard, full-size power supply, and full-size GPU into a case not much bigger than a Playstation 3.