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$1500 A05NB build: Help Requested

Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Messages
1
Heya, as far as some personal research, i've just spread apart and looked through forum posts here and there as well as scouring google to help me put together the aforementioned parts list.


1. What will you be doing with this PC?

Overclocking, Multi-tasking (15+ tab browsers, iTunes [resource junky], etc), Music (Quality preferred, not necessarily audiophile but something that will do M-Audio AV40's and Sennheiser HD555's justice), Coding, Minor gaming (LoL and Minecraft)

2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?

$1500~ depending on such, tax and shipping would hopefully be included. There's a little room for flexibility (~$100+) given different situations. Cost would be a really limiting aspect but I would like to keep it within said criteria as much as possible.

3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?

There is a Frys, Best Buy, and various other electronics stores around the area. Micro Center is also in driving distance (Basically, central Fremont).

4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.

  • Motherboard
  • Blu-Ray/Dvd Drive
  • CPU Heatsink
  • CPU
  • GPU
  • PSU
  • PCI Wireless Adapter
  • SSD
  • HDD (Preferably at least 2 TB)
  • Case (Settling on the A05NB at least until given better alternatives)

5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.

Starting straight from scratch, but one of the parts that already came in mail are the G.Skill Ripjaws I have in front of me.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.

RAID was actually an option I would very much prefer (for 2 Samsung F3's in RAID0).
As a preference, I would like to keep with the Z68 based motherboards and with such have enough space for a standard GTX 570 as well as a pci slot for Wireless.

7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?

Currently working with a dual 24" vertically mounted multi monitor setup, but the output quality for both are in the standard 1080p range (1920x1080)

8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.

Most likely will be on the floor, but I can always re-organize to have it sit on my desk or on a shelf.

9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?

Not very much so, I would say that when it comes to permanent changes that could permanently alter the case it would leave me worried. I wouldn't mind following guides to get a better investment overall though.

10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care

Preferably quieter, there isn't a mandatory need for such but it would be definitely favored.

11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?

Not very mobile, most likely a lan party once in a few months, but it should be fine.

12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards

I do have a copy of Windows 7 Professional from my school with a key.

13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Throughout the progression of these next few years until early next year, the main key for me right now is getting the most for the money while having a clear idea of what I need to look for.

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Additional Comments:

- I've already culminated a list but haven't necessarily looked into compatibility just yet. I wanted a second opinion if not better alternatives for this specific build.

http://amzn.com/w/PV6PHVF3AGE8

- I'm more swayed by Intel + Nvidia purely because i've had no real issues with them whatsoever in terms of hardware of course. Also, I lean more towards the green just for drivers, Physx, Cuda cores, etc.

- As mentioned, i've already went ahead and took care of the RAM, External USB Sound Card, and Windows 7

- I would like a basic raid setup alongside a quality ssd, though it would be preferred I keep my budget for the ssd under $200 and from first glance of a few google searches, that would be to stay away from OCZ like the plague. But feel free to prove me wrong?

- Through my linked amazon wish list, i've put up a basic list of the parts i'm at first considering what to get, though the real issue that just keeps bugging me are if there are better alternatives, incompatibility, and maybe hardware/software issues.

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Note: In terms of part preference I generally am not large in terms of dealing with customer service or warranties, so if possible just sticking with reliable products would be of course the best bet.

Questions:
1) Any problems in terms of spacing or anything similar within the case with said parts? Compatibility issues?
2) Alternatives? Comparable parts? (I just spent a few hours randomly web browsing to figure out parts and whatnot but haven't found a solid build yet.)
3) Various other areas of constructive criticism much appreciated!
 
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