Advice on multiple builds

[Kryolos]

Hello, first time I've actually posted a thread here. Usually I just lurk to get a second opinion on a list I've already made. Anyway, I'm currently trying to upgrade one computer that has a Q6600 with a SSD (only 40 to 64GB), re-do my HTPC so I can use it to play certain games on it (mostly single player that I'd rather not sit at my desk for and can sell off my consoles), use it as a functioning computer at times, and finally build another computer.


1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Will be using this computer for gaming, photoshop, 3D modeling, and video editing

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
The cheaper the better but I currently don't have a budget

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
I live in NYC - I have fairly easy access to a Micro Center

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.
HTPC: CPU, Motherboard, GPU, RAM, and PSU
MAIN Computer: CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Cooling, Monitor, and Speakers

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Corsair AX850 Power Supply, PowerCooler HD 6950 x2, Intel X-25M G2 160 SSD, Asus Sonar Essence ST(X) and Coolermaster HAF-X case

Also have a HTPC case, power supply (only 430W so most likely of no use for these upgrades), Blu-ray drive, and enough hard drives


6) Will you be overclocking?
Yes.

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
I currently have 3x 23" monitors at 1920x1080 (or 5760x1080 in EyeFinity) but am looking to "downgrade" to either a 30" (2560x1600) or 27" (2560 x 1440) for more space and so it's easier to drive.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within the month - most likely sooner.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, eSATA, Onboard Video (in case graphics crap out on me), Xfire (obviously)

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit


Now, so far I have come up with these:

HTPC:
CPU: Intel i5 2500K
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364087)
GPU: MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127608)
Went with nvidia purely because of the option to use Physx. I'm a huge Batman fan - I need to have my cape look prettier
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416)
PSU: SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095)

I plan to use the stock cooler for now because of possible clearance issues within the case. If anyone has any low-profile options that cools well - I'm all ears.

The only two concerns I have are the PSU and motherboard. I'm looking to waste as little money as possible on these while wanting a modular PSU so I can not have wires all over the place in a rather small case and also the motherboard only have 2 fan headers. But, my only other choice from MC ($60 combo) seems to be the Asrock (from what I've read here - I should stay away from).

If there's any justifiable reason that I would require a higher end motherboard please feel free to point it out.

Main Computer:

CPU: Intel i7 2600K (or 2700K if MC offers it instead by the time of purchase)
MOBO: GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364085)
Not sure if this will fit my two graphics cards and the sound card?
Now, that I've considered it - it doesn't have nearly enough fan headers for the amount of fans I have in my case (currently 8)
Also, I recall the Intel LAN chip was always preferred over Realtek. Is this still the case?
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 x2(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416)
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB or 256GB SSD (Depending on my situation at the time)

COOLING: Corsair Hydro Series H100 (I have a Silver Arrow laying around here somewhere but I want to go for something cleaner looking and I've despised having to remount the SA every time I've wanted to access the memory)

Monitor: Dell U3011, Samsung SA850 27", HP ZR30W, or ZR2740w (Currently undecided)

Finally - I plan to purchase a Crucial M4 64GB to throw into the Q6600 computer I have laying around (or I may put that into the HTPC and put the Intel 40gb in the Q6600).

One thing to note: I've been known to foolishly throw money at computer parts just so I can have matching colors. Which, is a reason I've steered clear of motherboards with the blue/white color themes (Since most of my other parts are black/gray/red). So, if there's no drastic price difference - I'd be willing to spend some more money on keeping my colors safe

Thanks in advance (and apologies for the long post!) ...

 

[Dangman]

Which HTPC case do you have?

The modular PSU is fine. That Gigabyte is pretty much your best bet for a mATX motherboard from MC that qualifies the $60 off. I wouldn't recommend Asrock due to the warranty. I also wouldn't recommend the Asus P8Z68-M Pro or Asus P8P67-M Pro due to poor newegg reviews and lack of onboard video respectively.

However the one thing I'm not sure about is that video card: IIRC, that GTX 560 TI isn't fast enough to take advantage of all that VRAM.

As for the main PC, go with the Asus P8Z68-V as it qualifies for the $60 off, has an Intel NIC, and has the UEFI interface. Although with either the Gigabyte you listed or the Asus I listed, you should be able to fit the two GPUs and a sound card just fine. Remember that both mobos have a PCI-E x1 slot right above the first PCI-E x16 slot where the sound card can go.

 

[munkle]

I have that seasonic modular psu, the only thing I would watch out for is if it will work in your htpc case (since some are small). The psu is longer because of the modular connections.

 

[TeeJayHoward]

I'm a huge fan of Seasonic power supplies - Quiet and quality. If you're interested in saving a buck or two, though, Newegg's got a thing going on for Cooler Master PSUs right now.

"15% Off Cooler Master Power Supplies with Promo Code: BLKNOVCMPS at Checkout."

 

[E4g1e]

I'm a huge fan of Seasonic power supplies - Quiet and quality. If you're interested in saving a buck or two, though, Newegg's got a thing going on for Cooler Master PSUs right now.

"15% Off Cooler Master Power Supplies with Promo Code: BLKNOVCMPS at Checkout."

Unfortunately, the only Cooler Master-branded PSUs that are any good are the expensive ones, made by Enhance (such as the Silent Pro Gold series) - and even then, their quality is not as good as comparable-wattage models made by Sea Sonic, Delta or even CWT. The lower-priced models (made by Acbel or Seventeam) are crappy or even shitty.

 

[munkle]

i agree, stay away from cheap coolermaster.

 

[Kryolos]

Which HTPC case do you have?

I have a nMEDIAPC 5000B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035&Tpk=nmedia 5000b). I actually looked inside the case last night and from the looks of it - I might actually have trouble placing the graphics card inside. There also seems to be a dead zone (for air) near the PCI slots which cause heat issues. So, I may have to actually purchase a different case.

However the one thing I'm not sure about is that video card: IIRC, that GTX 560 TI isn't fast enough to take advantage of all that VRAM.

I've never seen this mentioned before... Should I look at a 570? or possibly forget about Physx and go with AMD? The screen I have is 1080P.


Seeing as it looks like I'll need to change even more parts in the HTPC (looks like case is included now too). I'm beginning to consider leaving the HTPC as it is and maybe add a modular power supply to it. I'll probably reconsider upgrading once Ivy Bridge is out and there are more power efficient options.

Instead I may run a cable from my desktop (the one I will build soon) to the TV when I want to play certain games. This is looking like a more cost effective option for me at the moment. However, if I move the TV and the computer apart is there anyway I still can manage to do this?

I'm considering another use for the HD 6950's I have. If I were to go ahead and buy new cards. What would the recommendation be for powering a 30" monitor? Both on nvidia and amd side? Is this a bad idea? Since I've heard that AMD should be releasing their new cards before the end of the year and Keplar is due Q1 2012?

I will stay away from CM power supplies.

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Dangman]

I have a nMEDIAPC 5000B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204035&Tpk=nmedia 5000b). I actually looked inside the case last night and from the looks of it - I might actually have trouble placing the graphics card inside. There also seems to be a dead zone (for air) near the PCI slots which cause heat issues. So, I may have to actually purchase a different case.

That case has a max GPU length of 10". It wouldn't fit the GTX 560 2GB (11.5"), GTX 570, HD 6950 2GB, or HD 6970 (latter three are 10.5"). So yeah you're looking at a new case. I recommend the GD05B because it can fit a GPU of 11":
$84 - Silverstone GD05B mATX HTPC Case

I've never seen this mentioned before... Should I look at a 570? or possibly forget about Physx and go with AMD? The screen I have is 1080P.

If there are a lot more games that you plan on playing that takes full noticeable advantage of PhysX, then go ahead and get the GTX 570. But if Batman:AC is the only game you're playing that has PhysX, then ditch the GTX 570 and look at either the HD 6950 2GB or HD 6970 2GB if you want to splurge a bit.

Seeing as it looks like I'll need to change even more parts in the HTPC (looks like case is included now too). I'm beginning to consider leaving the HTPC as it is and maybe add a modular power supply to it. I'll probably reconsider upgrading once Ivy Bridge is out and there are more power efficient options.

What's the specs of your current HTPC?

Instead I may run a cable from my desktop (the one I will build soon) to the TV when I want to play certain games. This is looking like a more cost effective option for me at the moment. However, if I move the TV and the computer apart is there anyway I still can manage to do this?

Use longer cables?

I'm considering another use for the HD 6950's I have. If I were to go ahead and buy new cards. What would the recommendation be for powering a 30" monitor? Both on nvidia and amd side? Is this a bad idea?

Your current HD 6950 cards in CFX should be more than enough for a 30" monitor. Minimum I'd recommend for powering a 30" monitor is the HD 6950 2GB and GTX 570.

Since I've heard that AMD should be releasing their new cards before the end of the year and Keplar is due Q1 2012?

Correct.

 

[Kryolos]

What's the specs of your current HTPC?

Currently have an i5 650, Asus H55 Motherboard, and 4GB of G.Skill Eco Series 1333


I've looked online and it seems Batman is the only game that I care about that supports Physx. I think I can live with Batman's cape not moving as fluidly. Which means I'll most likely look at the 69XX series if I go that route.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Well if you use Photoshop a lot, then I'd stick with Nvidia to make use of their CUDA tech.