Dangman
Ninja Editor SuperMod
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2005
- Messages
- 46,056
Don't forget faster SSD performance as well with the more expensive setup. However the cheaper setup can have similar SSD performance if you go with the Intel mITX mobo I recommended earlier. Also, another benefit to going with that Intel mITX mobo is that it has an Intel NIC. Which means that you have a better chance of higher speed LAN transfers and stable NIC. A seperate Intel NIC is $30 alone. So the $40 more for the Intel mobo with its faster SSD performance and better quality LAN is totally worth it IMO.Now, there is a clear difference in what you get for the ~$300: a nice Z68 Mobo, an overclockable CPU, a nice water cooler, with push-pull fans, and a blu-ray drive. I guess that only leaves the question: do I really need the performance, and am I really this interested in OC'ing?
So assuming that you go with the Intel mobo, the price difference is only ~$255. However, your mATX build isn't optimal either in your case: You live neear a Microcenter. As such, unlike those who don't live near a MC, you can take advantage of MC's CPU + mobo deals. While the Asus Maxiumus IV Gene-Z is an excellent motherboard, the problem is that it's not worth it in your case. Right now Microcenter will take off $50 off the cost of certain motherboards. Unfortunately, AFAIK, that Asus Gene-Z mobo does not qualify for that $50 off promo according to this chart:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/55af2b66#/55af2b66/27
However what is on that chart is the Asus P8Z68-M Pro mATX motherboard. Fairly solid motherboard with decent overclocking capability. Its normal MC price is $130. The $50 off promo knocks it down to $80. The Gene-Z is a great motherboard but not worth $100 more over the Asus P8Z68-M Pro. Though double-check with your local MC if that Maximus IV Gene-Z is part of that $50 off deal.
So if you go with the Asus P8Z68-M Pro motherboard instead, the price difference is only ~$155. But wait, there's more!
The TX650M is semi-modular in that only the PCI-E cables and a few of the molex cables are removable. Not exactly helpful when you're using those cables. I recommend this similar quality and mostly modular PSU instead which will save you an additional $16:
$100 - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W Modular PSU
The Corsair H60 is a ncie water cooler. However the HardOCP review of it compared it to the Antec Kuhler 620:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/03/22/corsair_hydro_series_h60_liquid_cpu_cooler_review/
The Antec Kuhler 620 offers slightly lower temperatures, slightly lower noise, and is $5 cheaper:
$65 - Antec Kuhler H2O 620 Liquid Cooling System
If you go with the above changes, the price difference is only $135. IMO, the mATX wins based on price to performance alone. That includes the overclocking capability and other features. If you have to have the smallest size possible, then the ITX build wins of course but its not that great from a price to performance standpoint.