Building Juju's New Desktop: COMPLETE!!!

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BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-04 06:31

So I am getting closer to the final time of leaving my old desktop (with parts from 2001 -2004). Was a good run, playing laggy Mabinogi, photoshop, youtubes, etc. But its time to catch up.

So last week I've been setting up some shopping list for parts to create my new desktop. There are parts I know im going to get and parts im not sure about. Budget isnt a big issue, but not entirely going for the "best". Aslong it can run Mabi lagness, Vindictus, probably good enough to run MW3 or BF3, and most importantly Autodesk Maya and stay balanced through 4-6 more years of this crazy evolution of technology.

This will be my first time heavy spending and building something like this, so im no tech pro in these area. So if there is any tech people or people that have experience with building computers, gimmie some suggestion on my list before I head out to scavenge them (2nd opinions cause most friends I talk to arnt into tech stuff)

[SIZE="5"]LIST:[/SIZE]

[SIZE="4"]CPU[/SIZE] Decided
Intel BX80601960 Core i7 960
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5765907&CatId=4074

I guess its the good choice for a 1st gen i7 CPU with 4-core. I mean there is the 6-core, but I dont need to go that far.

[SIZE="4"]MotherBoard[/SIZE] Help Needed

Im still stuck here but I know im aiming for an ASUS motherboard that can fit my 1st gen i7 CPU and Video Card im not sure mostly on what to get. But the price range im aiming for should be around $120-$200. I may drive down to FRY's electronics to talk with the guys there about it for more reference.

[SIZE="4"]Video Card[/SIZE] Help Needed

Where im mostly stuck on. Reference on the starting paragraphs but also checking the power usage [good to best quality that doesnt eat up pointless Watts] Also dont know any good brand/ models for these videocards since I've never bought/looked up any video cards that are PCI-E slotted or above ^^;

[SIZE="4"]OS[/SIZE] Decided
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5213934&CatId=4622

Im all the way for W7 Pro, did get stuck on 32-bit or 64-bit but since I dont like the 4gb ram limit on them 32-bit, im gooing for the 64-bit (unless someone can point-out something silly in my idea, would help)

[SIZE="4"]RAM[/SIZE] Alittle Decided, some help needed
Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2 x 4GB)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7104116&CatId=4534

I never had experience with rams this BIG (this desktop uses 2x 256mb ram cards lulz) So with the 64-bit OS I have the 4gb limit off and just aiming for 8gb of DDR3 ram on this Desktop. I also like the Kingston brand when it come to ram so that was my choice. If anyone knows any good brand or suggestion on rams, would help me alot.

[SIZE="4"]Hard Drive[/SIZE] Kinda Decided
Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB Hard Drive - 2TB, 5900 RPM, 64MB, SATA-6Gb/s
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7192141&CatId=4357
Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200 RPM, SATA 6G, 64MB Cache
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4438030&CatId=4357

I love Seagate <3 Also want it as a 2TB HD (I can go 3TB but wtf am I going to fill it with?) But there are two different type one that seems like the regular and the XT (that seems to have more RPM, read disk faster?) Its about $50 difference but I dont know if it will be worth it or be any different.

[SIZE="4"]Power Supply[/SIZE] Help Needed

I was thinking of going for a CoolMaster brand Power Supply (or something else). I may buy this at the electronic store when I decided on the videocard's required power.

Unless you guys know the best required or estimated ###-Watt supply needed for a desktop like mine.

[SIZE="4"]Heatsink/Cooling[/SIZE] Undecided?????
Corsair CWCH50-1 Hydro H50 CPU Liquid Cooler
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5267687&CatId=1871

Im always psyched about temperature and cooling inside computers but a friend suggested liquid cooling for a cpu. Ive seen them crazy videos of pro computers with a whole pipe system for Liquid cooling going around their desktop. But this seems nice and simple (less dangerous) to use. Im not sure if this is energy friendly but does a nice job at cooling.

Now will I be better off with the heatsink that comes with the CPU for now, invest in this watercooling, or know a good non-liquid cooling fan that does a similar quality job?

[SIZE="4"]Desktop Case[/SIZE] REALLY Decided
NZXT PHAN-002GR Phantom Full-Tower Case <333
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7335349&body=MAIN

[Image: http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/SkuImages/gallery/large/A406-2054-call01-ro.jpg]

Mostly for looks for personal pleasure (Black Green) and the size.

[SIZE="5"]END OF LIST...[/SIZE]

I think thats about it for now, I allready got a cheap temp keyboard and mouse that can go with it. Also my trustly Wacom Tablet and 2TB External HD for emergency storage. Just hope I dont get a [Lemon] ^^;

So... whatchall think?

[PS: also seriously thanks for taking some of your time reading >.< (even if its just a sentence)]
[SIZE="5"]
----------------------------------------------[/SIZE]

[SIZE="5"]JULY 5, 2011: UPDATE[/SIZE]

Funny, Fry's Electronic store had all the parts I needed, most cheaper priced

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost)
$315 [Same Price] (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] MOBO: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA-1155 (Intel Z68 bridge-set)
$190 ~~~> $210 Ended up getting the PRO versionfor the extra usb and other slots was just +$20 but remembered on the way Yoorah mentioning my case dont have slots for the e-SATA >.< well no biggy (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] OS: Microsoft Windows 7 PRO 64-bit
$135 -> $99 lol what?! Apparently it was on a special discount today, lucky me. So it was like +$4 on HomePrem to get a Pro \o/ (Newegg)

VideoCard: Use temp video device on MOBO
$0

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] RAM: Kingston 8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB(2 x 4GB),DDR3-1600MHz
$95 -> $90 -> $40 rebate \o/ They got me a different kind of Kingston Hyper X with a bigger heat spreader no biggy, but just noticed I didnt need the 1600mhz for my Intel Chip cause its limit is 1333mhz :v review says it will still run the same so I guess its still fine. (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] HDD: Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200 RPM
$140 -> $160 Spent an extra $20 to avoid getting it shipped and damaged like mnost review (TigerD.)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] SSD: Intel 320 Series 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive
$165 [Same Price] But Newegg increased the price to $195 so safe for me :D (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] Power Supply: Thermaltake 600watt
$70 -> $64 (Newegg)

Heatsink/Cooling: (Optional)
Ill check on this after checking finished Desktop Temp.

[SIZE="4"]Ordered[/SIZE]CASE : NZXT PHAN-002GR
$140 (TigerD. Exclusive Color :v)

Total: $1193 \o/ made no difference in price (but this isnt including the tax o3o)

[SIZE="5"]
----------------------------------------------[/SIZE]

[SIZE="5"]JULY 7, 2011: UPDATE[/SIZE]

Everything set! \o/

[Image: http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8681/p7071686.jpg]

[Image: http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6075/p7071687.jpg]

[Image: http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2046/p7071688.jpg]
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-04 07:27

Ok, it seems you're a bit lost. xP You put 1st gen in bold... why do you want to go for 1st gen specifically? D: The 2nd gen Sandy Bridge chips are superior, and cost less. Anyway, I'll just give you some points:

CPU: You want a Core i7-2500K or 2600K. If you are not interested in overclocking, you can get the K-less, locked version of either chip for about $10 less. I'd get the unlocked K one, personally.

Motherboard: First of all, it has to be a LGA 1155 socket type board. Next, you pick a chipset. I'd go with a Z68. If you are not interested in overclocking, go for H67 or even the cheaper H61. ASUS is a good choice, although their boards are not the cheapest.

RAM: Since the Sandy Bridge platform uses dual channel memory, you want two sticks of RAM (or 4). 2x4 GB would be the most common setup. Speed has to be at least DDR3-1333. What you picked there will work fine.

Video card: This largely depends on how much you are willing to spend. Guide here.

HDD: Go for 7200 RPM. Drives with capacities over 1TB generally have slightly higher failure rates, so keep that in mind. 2TB might be fine, I wouldn't go for 3.

SSD: You may want to consider getting a solid state drive. It's basically a small hard drive that uses flash chips for storage, rather than magnetic platters. They are expensive for the capacity they offer, but they are much faster than HDDs, so a good plan is to have a small SSD for storing Windows and your programs, together with a standard high capacity HDD for bulk storage where performance matters less. I'd go for an Intel 320 SSD for its great performance and reliability, although some would suggest going with other brands for better performance, despite the lower reliability. It's up to you.

Power supply: Cooler Master is an ok brand, but Antec is better known. Corsair is also a popular brand these days. I'd get something in the 600W range.

Cooling: Avoid water cooling. Just get a decent air cooler. I just got myself a Xigmatek Gaia and it's working nicely. There are coolers out there that will cool more, but they are heavier (which puts more strain on the motherboard) and they cost more. If you're not going to overclock, you can just use the Intel cooler that comes with the CPU.

OS: 64-bit for sure, but you don't need the Professional version... unless you have a specific reason why you do need it? Save the $40 and get Home Premium. If you're in college and are in a comp/eng related field, then you might be able to get a copy for free through MSDNAA.

Feel free to ask for clarification and/or other questions.
Sapphireoath wrote on 2011-07-04 07:49

[SPOILER="Spoiler"]Power Supply: Either Corsair or Antec are pretty good with PSU's, though just beware. It seems quite a few of the large watt PSU's have lots of cords, a few that you probably won't end up using. Its also recommended to get a power supply that has more watts then what the graphics card recommends.

Motherboard: ASUS or Gigabyte seem to be the most common choices, as for ASUS. Don't get Sabertooth X58 as they commonly have problems with RAM detection. As for recommendations on what you should get, I had a look at Newegg (I've heard all you American's saying how good they are...wish Australia had someone like them)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131703 ASUS P67 seems to be the best one within your price range ($100 - $200) There was also the P6T Delux that has really good reviews, but its about $100 or so above your price range ;(

Hard Drive: Either seems to be a good choice, judging by the reviews on that site. The noise is minimal, which is good. No one wants a noisy HD D:
(Don't do what I did and get a Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB, so noisy during heavy disk usage.)

RAM: Kingston and Corsair make good RAM, so either of those should be fine.

Graphics Card: kingofrunes had a thread asking on help for a new graphics card. Here:
Might be handy, otherwise I'm not really sure.
Personally I have an ATI 6970 and it performs really well with maxed out settings on all of my games I play, though I don't play more graphics intensive games such as Vindi. I'm sure you could easily play with maxed out settings on it as well.

Heat Sink/Cooling: Can't really help here, never used them before sorry ;(
CPU: Pretty similar to what I have (if not the same).

Hopefully I didn't miss anything... [/SPOILER]

Edit: Yoorah said it better than me ;P
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-04 08:18

Thanks Yoorah, these info cleared up alot for me ^^
So for this comp Im not planning on doing any overclocking, im not going to be doing any serious modification due to my lack of knowledge in this area.

CPU/Motherboard: I was all into 1st gen chips cause I was thinking the 2nd gen chips were all for serious overclocking and was "new?", also thought price would be high along with the motherboards for them. But you clarified it for me so I think ill look more into 2nd gen chips and motherboards

Video Card: Awesome link, still reading through it :)

HDD: Ya im going for a 2TB HDD and the 7200 RPM. But im not sure what kind of problems this better version can bring later on. One of my friend also did mention a 1TB+ can fail, but I don't know what these problems can be :C?. I dont know if the same can go for my 2TB External, sofar Im not having any problems with it and only about 20% filled. But they are great storage. I still find it funny how last year I've been burning all my important files into CD/DVDs and keep them in plastic containers and stored in my desk, then popping them into my CD/DVD drive to look through each of them rofl.

SSD: Friend also mentioned this to me, I cant believe I missed out on these. These are seriously worth investing into (maybe the 40 or 80 gb ones). If comp ever goes buggy, I can format the SSD and reinstall OS, without touching the HDD (maybe reintalling few programs) also forgot about the existance of Neweggs >:V

Power Supply: Also another question is with a stronger power supply will it eat up more electricity? like switching 600W to a 800W makes the comp eat more power? Besides that thats for the suggestion :]

Cooling: Ya fan heatsink did make more sense than Liquid since im not overclocking or doing anything cray with the desktop (or risk getting leeks on motherboard. Also avoiding those giant fans I see on them gaming comp building youtube videos XD. The Xigmatek Gaia link looks nice :]

OS: I think I went for the Professional version for this "XP productivity application". Kinda silly of me but no sure if it means im able to run old XP programs on 7 w/o buying or getting programs made specifically for W7. Also has this note saying XP-mode, im just saying, [Silly question] does Windows7 come with Windows XP?

Another big thing is if I can type Japanese on Home Prem? I really hate having only english as an option.
Sapphireoath wrote on 2011-07-04 08:35

Your computer only uses as much power as it needs, more will just mean it has more it can access if it needs it.
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-04 08:42

What about warranties? Does anyone put warranty on their parts? or which part would need an extended warranty?
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-04 21:12

Quote from Yoorah;499593:

CPU: You want a Core i7-2500K or 2600K. If you are not interested in overclocking, you can get the K-less, locked version of either chip for about $10 less. I'd get the unlocked K one, personally.

Motherboard: First of all, it has to be a LGA 1155 socket type board. Next, you pick a chipset. I'd go with a Z68. If you are not interested in overclocking, go for H67 or even the cheaper H61. ASUS is a good choice, although their boards are not the cheapest.

CPU: So I decided to go with the Intel Core i7-2600k, the $10-$20 extra for a better chip sounds like a good deal

Motherboard: Found some good LGA-1155 socket type boards around the $100-$200 range.

Z68 - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=357146&CatId=6976
Comes with a video hardware build in, tempting, but not sure how good the video performance is. If its a good for temp use to hold back on buying a video card later, I can go with that.

P67 - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7343083&CatId=6975
P67 - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7343080&CatId=6975

Good price range, no video, but how would they compare with the H67 you mentioned?

VVV

- http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7343096&CatId=6975

Nicely low priced, with video, limited to 16gb memory support

Also can all these motherboards handle installing HDD and SSD?

Also to get internet on these desktops, are they built in for motherboards? (used to those old wireless hardware installed onto old motherboard slots
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-04 21:28

HDD: Generally, when you increase capacity, you increase the required storage density. As each storage unit on the drive becomes smaller, it becomes more prone to getting corrupted. A 2TB drive won't explode, but there is a higher chance that some data on it may get corrupted.

PSU: A higher wattage PSU won't automatically use more power because of the number written on it. But at the same time, PSUs perform at peak efficiency when they are closer to 100% load. So if you were to compare a 600W PSU with an 800W of equal quality, and your system uses about 300W (this is a common range), then the 600W model will use less electricity. 800W is a waste of money unless you are planning to install multiple graphics cards and overclock everything.

OS: Yeah, Win 7 Pro lets you download a copy of Windows XP, which runs in a virtual machine from within Win 7. They call that XP Mode. It's useful only if you have a program that absolutely refuses to run on Win 7, even with Win 7's program compatibility options enabled. I don't think you need it; it was meant for companies that have ancient, custom (and crappily) built business software that they can't get to run on Win 7. And yes, you can use the Japanese IME on Home Prem.

Warranty: With most PC parts, the manufacturer warranty period is good enough. If the stuff doesn't die in a year (or on arrival), it'll probably last a long time. The only major exception here is the graphics card. Many of them run hot and as such their component life suffers.
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-04 22:21

Oops, posted without refreshing the page. xd

Indeed, there's a lot of choices when it comes to boards, due to the different chipsets. In simple terms, Z68 is Intel's flagship chipset for Sandy Bridge, as it includes all the features. The other chipsets have certain features disabled: P67 allows for CPU overclocking, but disables the CPU's built in graphics chip, so you must buy a separate video card. H67 disables CPU overclocking, but allows you to use the CPU's built in graphics processor. H61 is similar to H67, but will less ports and slots. Technically, an H61 board is good enough. I'd go for Z68 myself, though.. that $220 board is quite nice, but I'd go for the slightly cheaper non-"Pro" model: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131729

The graphics built into the CPU are indeed usable as a temporary solution until you can get something better. They perform about the same as current $40-50 graphics cards, so they are usable for gaming, but you'll have to run graphically intense stuff on low settings. You'll want something better for BF3, though.

All of those boards have built in Ethernet (wired LAN). If you want wireless, you'll have to plug in a wireless card like you're used to. xP

EDIT: Here's also something you may find useful: AnandTech's Sandy Bridge buyer's guide. It discusses the different chipsets, among other things.
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-04 23:49

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost)
$315 (Newegg)

MOBO: ASUS P8268-V LGA-1155 (Intel Z68 bridge-set)
$190 (Newegg)

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 HP 64-bit OR PRO 64-bit (Most likely going for Home Prem)
$95 Home Prem/$135 Pro (Newegg)

VideoCard: Use temp video device on MOBO
$0

RAM: Kingston 8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB(2 x 4GB),DDR3-1600MHz
$95 (Newegg)

HDD: Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200 RPM
$140 (TigerD.)

SSD: Intel 320 Series 2.5" 40GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive
$100 (Newegg)
Then theres the $110 one, whats the difference? (Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX600 Power Supply - 600W
$70 with $10 rebate (TigerD.)

Heatsink/Cooling: (Optional)
Ill check on this after checking finished Desktop Temp.

CASE : NZXT PHAN-002GR
$140 (TigerD. Only sofar :v)

Total: about $1150 dunno about tax or shipping fee (Newegg does have some good free shipping deal)

Then tomorrow ill check out Fry's Electronics for similar parts that are cheaper or similar price to cut down shopping online.

Thanks again Yoorah & Sapphireoath :]

Now will there be all the cords required to connect to all the hardware? or will I also need to go buy some?

Also hoping connecting them all together and setting up the system shouldn't be that hard ^^;
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-05 01:31

A few comments, since you're close to finalizing your build:

RAM: $95 is kinda expensive for a 8GB set of DDR3-1600. I'd look around for something cheaper, but avoid the ones with the tall heat sinks. Those can interfere with some aftermarket CPU coolers.

SSD: I'd consider getting the 80GB version. You get 2x capacity, more speed, but no 2x on the cost. 40GB will fill up fast after you install Windows, some software and games. Granted, if you're on a tight budget, you can go with 40GB and put the games on the HDD, but then they won't get the nice loading time boost that SSDs offer. The difference between the two you linked is that one comes with extra cables, which you don't need.

PSU: I just searched that model and it looks like the quality control on it is pretty bad. Lots of people are getting whining noises from it... I'd get this instead.

Case: $140 is pretty expensive for a case. If I was going to spend that much money, I'd get something more impressive, like the Antec P183. The P183 was engineered for noise dampening without sacrificing cooling performance, and is one of the top cases in that regard. But of course, if you like the green/black theme that much, then go with what your heart desires. xd Just a note: That NZXT case has a top-panel e-SATA port, but the non-Pro motherboard has no e-SATA header, so you won't be able to connect it. Not a big deal, but just saying.

The only wire that is not included is the power supply's power cable. The one that plugs into the wall outlet. You can get those for cheap anywhere, however.. or reuse an old one.

Putting the comp together isn't hard, but it requires attention to detail and patience. :P It also requires reading the manuals.
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-05 05:36

RAM: I dont mind the Kingston ones for $95 (dont see much issues than the cheaper brand) but if there are cheaper ones that offer the same quality and no errors then im down with the cheaper ones. Checked some Neweggs and found ones that are $75, but with fancy but scary case-like RAMs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-231-428&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

SSD: I can go with the 80GB version (thought about it at work if the OS + main daily use programs would eat too much space.

PSU: Saw some of those getting problems in the first 2-6 months after purchasing. I may consider getting that Antec 620w.

Case: "That NZXT case has a top-panel e-SATA port, but the non-Pro motherboard has no e-SATA header, so you won't be able to connect it. Not a big deal, but just saying." I didnt understand this part, so the Mobo has no e-SATA output, meaning I cant connect hardware that requires e-SATA input? (like what kind of hardware? old models?)

I think I got like 8 power cable lying around in my garage, at the end all these cables are the same anyway. But im more worried about bad packaging, damages out of the box, finding a Lemon :[

------------------------------------

New List:

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost)
$315 (Newegg)

MOBO: ASUS P8268-V LGA-1155 (Intel Z68 bridge-set)
$190 (Newegg)

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 HP 64-bit OR PRO 64-bit (Most likely going for Home Prem)
$95 Home Prem/$135 Pro (Newegg)

VideoCard: Use temp video device on MOBO
$0

RAM: Kingston 8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB(2 x 4GB),DDR3-1600MHz
$95 (Newegg)

HDD: Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200 RPM
$140 (TigerD.)

SSD: Intel 320 Series 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive
$165 (Newegg)

Power Supply: Antec NEO ECO 620W Continuous Power
$70 (Newegg)

Heatsink/Cooling: (Optional)
Ill check on this after checking finished Desktop Temp.

CASE : NZXT PHAN-002GR
$140 (TigerD. Only sofar :v)

Total: around $1200. Not that bad increase o3o

And most orders can be concentrated onto Neweggs.

----------------------

Funny, Fry's Electronic store had all the parts I needed, most cheaper priced

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost)
$315 [Same Price] (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] MOBO: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA-1155 (Intel Z68 bridge-set)
$190 ~~~> $210 Ended up getting the PRO versionfor the extra usb and other slots was just +$20 but remembered on the way Yoorah mentioning my case dont have slots for the e-SATA >.< well no biggy (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] OS: Microsoft Windows 7 PRO 64-bit
$135 -> $99 lol what?! Apparently it was on a special discount today, lucky me. So it was like +$4 on HomePrem to get a Pro \o/ (Newegg)

VideoCard: Use temp video device on MOBO
$0

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] RAM: Kingston 8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB(2 x 4GB),DDR3-1600MHz
$95 -> $90 -> $40 rebate \o/ They got me a different kind of Kingston Hyper X with a bigger heat spreader no biggy, but just noticed I didnt need the 1600mhz for my Intel Chip cause its limit is 1333mhz :v review says it will still run the same so I guess its still fine. (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] HDD: Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive - 2TB, 7200 RPM
$140 -> $160 Spent an extra $20 to avoid getting it shipped and damaged like mnost review (TigerD.)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] SSD: Intel 320 Series 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive
$165 [Same Price] But Newegg increased the price to $195 so safe for me :D (Newegg)

[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] Power Supply: Thermaltake 600watt
$70 -> $64 (Newegg)

Heatsink/Cooling: (Optional)
Ill check on this after checking finished Desktop Temp.

[SIZE="4"]Ordered[/SIZE]CASE : NZXT PHAN-002GR
$140 (TigerD. Only sofar :v)

Total: $1193 \o/ made no difference in price (but this isnt including the tax o3o)
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-06 07:00

Quote from BizarreJuju;500599:
Case: "That NZXT case has a top-panel e-SATA port, but the non-Pro motherboard has no e-SATA header, so you won't be able to connect it. Not a big deal, but just saying." I didnt understand this part, so the Mobo has no e-SATA output, meaning I cant connect hardware that requires e-SATA input? (like what kind of hardware? old models?)

The motherboard does have one eSATA output, but it's on the back. This is fine. But some cases have optional connectors built in, front USB ports and audio jacks being the most common. That case has an eSATA port as well, but since the motherboard doesn't have an extra eSATA connector on it (not counting the one on the back), you won't be able to make use of it. eSATA is used as a high-speed external hard drive connector, giving faster performance than USB 2.0. But you can always use the connector in the back, if you ever get an external drive with eSATA support.. so yea.

Quote from BizarreJuju;500599:
[SIZE="4"]GOT[/SIZE] RAM: Kingston 8GX HyperX Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB(2 x 4GB),DDR3-1600MHz
$95 -> $90 -> $40 rebate \o/ They got me a different kind of Kingston Hyper X with a bigger heat spreader no biggy, but just noticed I didnt need the 1600mhz for my Intel Chip cause its limit is 1333mhz :v review says it will still run the same so I guess its still fine. (Newegg)

The limit is indeed 1333 Mhz, but it is easily overclocked... which is why I recommended slightly faster RAM, should you have wanted to play with it later. The difference in performance wouldn't be that noticeable anyway. The only thing is, that tall heat spreader may interfere with some CPU coolers. x(

Grats on getting most of the parts already! Too bad you can't really start building without the case. xd
BizarreJuju wrote on 2011-07-06 08:02

Quote from Yoorah;502126:
Grats on getting most of the parts already! Too bad you can't really start building without the case. xd

Also ordered an ASUS DVD Reader SATA since the store was out of stock (Only have the PATA ones :v). They havent gotten any restock delivery for 3 weeks now :[ But they had the same NZXT Phantom Case displayed at the case area. Was very nice looking and fun to play with, too bad it wasn't the color I wanted :v

Time to start the two days of torment. :gloom:

[SIZE="5"]
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Case Arrived today, everything is set! \o/

[Image: http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8681/p7071686.jpg]

[Image: http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6075/p7071687.jpg]

[Image: http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2046/p7071688.jpg]
Yoorah wrote on 2011-07-09 00:31

Cool, parts! Beware of that carpet, though. Static electricity can fry electronics in an instant. It's best to discharge yourself before you work with electronics.

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