Yet another PC build thread.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-21 22:57

Working on a new gaming/general purpose computer to replace my severely outdated Dell. As I mentioned in another thread, this is my first attempt at building my own PC, so please take it easy if I did anything totally boneheaded.

Spoiler: show

Not pictured is the $200 I7 - 930 from Microcenter. Total should be $1287.78.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice. Sorry for making another build thread.

**Binkie** · 2010-08-21 23:16

Practically all boards include gigabit lan, so buying the card is unnecessary.

I said this in another thread but the samsung spinpoint f3 is one of the fastest regular drives for the same price as that seagate:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2...hput,1010.html

I remember hearing the seagate 7200.11 version having something like a 40% fail rate, 7200.12 suppose to be better though...

**Kylewhataru** · 2010-08-21 23:18

Looks good, I assume you have a reason for wanting the ethernet card? For ram I would get the $154.99 Corsair XMS3 2x3GB kit but what you have is fine, I just think it's unnecessary and you can save yourself $25-30.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-21 23:22

Nope, the ethernet card was just me being dumb. I didn't explicitly see an ethernet port being listed on the motherboard and so assumed it didn't have one.

As for the hard drive, it got cut off in the picture but the seagate was $16 off with a promo code. I was deciding between that and the Samsung, actually, but if you're right about the fail rate I'll definitely switch.

**CoronA1979** · 2010-08-21 23:46

Looks good - Seagates have decent drives atleast in my experience

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-22 00:02

Forgot to bring this up in OP, but does that seem like enough cooling? I've been reading that the gtx 470 tends to run hot.

**CoronA1979** · 2010-08-22 00:51

I would usually say no you need more cooling but I am overly shocked at my idle temps of 42-45C in a 800D case which has almost crap for intake. So, I'd say give it a shot and if need be you can figure something else out.

**Kylewhataru** · 2010-08-22 00:59

It would have to be, they can't really sell a card that will overheat on case with standard airflow (which your case has).

But if you were going to overclock it, this edition comes with a Zalman VF3000 aftermarket cooler (worth $55 by itself, so the card's bit more expensive) pre-installed: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tx%20470%20amp

I got the same version of that but for GTX480, the cooler is pretty massive though so I don't know if you'll be able to SLI because it takes up 3 slots instead of 2, I don't plan to SLI so it worked for me. If you're not gonna OC you're probably fine, unless you just want lower temps so your room doesn't turn into an oven like mine was.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-22 01:32

Ok, swapped out the for corsair xms3 and saved myself $10 on Kyle's recommendation.

Next question, does anyone have the case I listed? Some of the reviews on newegg make it sound very tough to work with in terms of cleaning fans/filters and replacing HDD/opticals.

**CoronA1979** · 2010-08-22 01:40

The case is basically a smaller version of the Antec 1200 I had, I think.. I didn't mind the 1200 but it seemed really, shallow and narrow if that makes sense. Most mid tower cases are going to be like that is my guess, though.

People say good things about the HAF 922, though. I would take a look @ that if you're dead set on a mid-tower. Or, maybe the CM Storm Scout I think it is. Just my opinion - I'm likely to not buy an Antec case again. That new BF-55 or w/e they came out w/ this year is just vomit +1 >.<

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-22 01:48

Not really dead-set on anything yet except for the I7-930.

This is another spot where my inexperience is hurting me. Can you explain what's meant by the term "mid-tower" and why I would/would not want my case to be one?

**Kylewhataru** · 2010-08-22 02:43

It's just the size of the case, full towers are taller and more spacious, and usually easier to work on because of all the room, mid tower is average size, for example your typical factory dell/gateway/etc PCs are mid towers.

**shaddix** · 2010-08-22 06:06

If you have big hands, get a full tower. I'll never get a mid-tower again, what a pain in the ass.

**CoronA1979** · 2010-08-22 08:14

Yah, basically just the size of the case. There are different size motherboards out there also and some will not fit in certain size cases. The advantage to having a Full Tower is you have alot of room to work w/ - The disadvantage is most of them are huge and they do cost more.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-08-22 23:12

Spoiler: show

Alright, new build. $1041(before rebates, I think), not including the processor. Changed RAM, HDD, case and PSU. Think I'm just about ready, but I'm still unsure about the case. If anyone has the HAF 922 or wants to recommend a different case, I'm all ears.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-10-15 04:01

Necroing this topic. Had some hiccups at work that required me to wait a bit longer before I could make my purchase. I'm planning to make my order in the next couple days but I'm not sure on a few performance things and I'm hoping people can educate me.

Is going from I7-930 to 950 worth $30?
Is the gtx-470 worth the extra $100~ over the 460? (I understand there are also some cooling/power consumption considerations here, and welcome input about them as well.)
Is HDMI 1.4 even a thing? Will i notice having/not having it?
CAS latency 7 from 9 worth $40?

I can afford the extra money, I just want to make sure I'm getting my money's worth.

Edit to add current build. I basically started over from scratch since the OP.

Spoiler: show

Obviously, there may be changes based on the advice I get here.

**Appie** · 2010-10-15 13:01

Looks like a solid built to me.

If you don't overclock, then the i7 950 is the way to go. Since you didn't list a CPU cooler in your purchase list I assume you keeping it stock? As for the PSU, fine supply, might want to consider the HX version for it being a modular PSU, costs a little more, but less clutter of wires. Vid card I wouldn't know, but I would suggest waiting another month or so if you can, for the release of ATI 6xxx cards (the ones that are supposed to surpass the 5870 which will be the 6970 I think). If anything it might result in a nice little price drop of the GTX 400 series if you still want to stick to that card.

From what I understand of HDMI 1.4 is that it's mostly for 3D and for bigger res than 1920x1080, but I'm not really informed on the matter, so not sure. As far as I see it, you won't need it.

**Artemicon** · 2010-10-15 13:16

I would personally stick with the 470 gpu or go big with the 480 but i think youll be happy with the 470, hell im happy with my HD 5870. The CPU id say no its not worth it even if you plan on overclocking it(my opinion). Dunno about the HDMI situation.

**Binkie** · 2010-10-16 00:13

HDMI 1.4 is indeed for 3D as 1.3 now far exceeds bandwidth for 1080p already.

**Deftscythe** · 2010-10-20 17:20

Well, the parts I ordered from newegg are on the way, but I'm getting the cpu and os from microcenter. Is there any reason to go with a more expensive version of 7 then home premium 64 if I'm just going to use the pc for gaming and web-browsing?

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