My First PC Build

[CStingerGhost1]

Hey guys, just found this awesome forum! Before I talk about the build, I need to add some background here:
And before I do that, I need to clear the air real quick. I'm 16. Why am I saying this? Because it has a large influence on exactly what I build (price and lifestyle factor in here).

Now that that's over, I can tell the story. Several years ago, I got an HP laptop before going into high school. It went belly-up about four months ago. That same week, I bought a new HP ENVY dv6t-7200 with a GeForce GT 650M (pretty good). Well, the GPU was defective. HP sent me a new notebook. Four days after I got it, it had the same issue. :mad: At that point, I knew HP had an epidemic problem. Called them up and they set some special group of people to investigate and figure whether it would be best to replace my laptop again or refund it.
This is where we are now. If they choose to replace it, I'm going to demand a refund anyways. I still have until next Tuesday to do so. I'm done with HP (next laptop will be an ASUS). In fact, I'm done with laptops for now. I've chosen to go with custom-building a nice desktop. This will be a high-performance computer (for gaming, video editing, photo editing, and CAD/3D-design). I have some pretty good experience with computers (repairs, upgrading, etc.) but have never built one. I know what to do when putting it together, but I want some opinions on what exactly to get. I have composed a list of components, which will be stated below. My budget is near $1,200 (yes, I know it's pretty big for someone my age, and you might think I'm spoiled, but my parents are NOT paying for this).

Operating System: Windows 8 64-bit (I've used it before, and contrary to many people's opinions, I like it) - $100 from Newegg
CPU: Third-Gen Intel Core i5-3570K - Bundled with my RAM and motherboard for $375 from Tiger Direct
MB: ASUS Intel Z77 Motherboard - Bundled with my CPU and motherboard for $375 from Tiger Direct
RAM: Corsair CMX4GX3M1A1333C9 XMS3 4GB DDR3 RAM (I will likely upgrade to 8 gigs and 1600 Mhz sometime after getting the PC)
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 660 Ti - $280 from Tiger Direct
System Drive: Corsair Neutron Series CSSD-N120GB3-BK 120GB SSD (for Windows, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, some games, and other programs) - $120 from Tiger Direct
Hard Drive: 2 TB Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 (I'm open to better suggestions on this, however I want a minimum 1 TB and 7200 RPM) - $110 from Amazon.com
PSU: Ultra LSP750 750-Watt Power Supply - $65 from Tiger Direct
Case: Thermaltake V3 Black Edition - $30 from Tiger Direct

I want to know if this stuff is all compatible. Feel free to suggest other components. I also plan on getting two more case fans, as that case comes only with one, but has space for four.
Another thing about the fans: Anyone have any suggestions on the best placement?

[CStingerGhost1]

Chino wrote:
It's like going to the doctor. You have no idea if taking what he prescribe are going to make you feel better. But might as well, take it and see what happens lol.

Yeah haha
I used to hate messing with drivers because if I messed up it could have bad consequences (I always had laptops from HP, so getting the right drivers was a challenge).
Now that I've built my own, I can easily revert to the drivers which came with my GPU and then go from there.

[CStingerGhost1]

Hello again everybody!
I said I'd post pictures of the new build, but that's a lie :rolleyes:. Because I have a YouTube channel and I do a bunch of stuff on that, I figured it's a good avenue to show off the new computer :cool:.
Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-684gjqABSk
Thanks for all of the help!

[xeromist]

CStingerGhost1 wrote:
Hello again everybody!
I said I'd post pictures of the new build, but that's a lie :rolleyes:. Because I have a YouTube channel and I do a bunch of stuff on that, I figured it's a good avenue to show off the new computer :cool:.
Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-684gjqABSk
Thanks for all of the help!

Looks good. Congrats on a successful build. 🙂

[Chino]

Is constructive criticism allowed lol?

[CStingerGhost1]

Chino wrote:
Is constructive criticism allowed lol?

Oh God...
Yes...it is *cowers away*
What did I do wrong...?

[Chino]

Sorry I used the wrong word. It's not criticism really lol. More like my personal view or suggestions as you may call it.

Instead of using the blue banks for your RAM, I'd use the black banks. If you loosen the knot of your rear fan cable a little, you can tuck the knot beside the fan and it won't show up. I know you can do better with the cable management at the front. Black zip ties are your best friend. Oh and if you're looking to get rid of that ugly blue USB 3.0 cables coming out of your case in the future, this is what you need: Akasa USB3.0 internal adapter cable

Overall, you did a good job. I liked the video. Nice music and camera angles. Enjoy your build.

[CStingerGhost1]

Chino wrote:
Instead of using the blue banks for your RAM, I'd use the black banks.

Is there any particular reason why?

Chino wrote:
If you loosen the knot of your rear fan cable a little, you can tuck the knot beside the fan and it won't show up. I know you can do better with the cable management at the front. Black zip ties are your best friend.

Alright, I'll attempt to revise my cable management.

Chino wrote:
Overall, you did a good job. I liked the video. Nice music and camera angles. Enjoy your build.

Thanks

[Chino]

Common practice lol. Most, if not all, motherboard manufacturers recommend using the 2nd & 4th slot when using two sticks of dual channel RAM.

[CStingerGhost1]

Chino wrote:
Common practice lol. Most, if not all, motherboard manufacturers recommend using the 2nd & 4th slot when using two sticks of dual channel RAM.

Alright, the RAM cards are in the second and fourth slots now.

@xeromist: Thanks 😉