Help with certain things in an SFF build

A

Alai

2[H]4U
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Jul 19, 2008
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Extra notes: I know this isn't the SFF forums, but the SFF forums are a bit slower. So I am posting here as well as the SFF forums for help on the components that aren't really SFF related so I can get the build together ASAP.

Ok, so I need to build my friend a (semi) budget build for an SFF gaming Lan machine for, ideally, under $1k, but the utter max should be $1.3k. He doesn't plan to OC, especially in an SFF, but a mild one should be possible, hopefully.

I have never built an SFF, but I have built regular desktops. So you guys need to help me with the SFF parts of the build (Mobo, Case, etc.).

He also needs a monitor, but is ok with 17" to 20" so we don't need to spend too much on graphics.

Case: SG01B-F or SG03B or Thermaltek Lanbox Lite VF6000BWS which is ~$100 including shipping and tax.
Mobo: No idea.
CPU: E7300 or E8400 or Q6600 which ranges from $130 to $200 with shipping and tax.
RAM: 4GB of something at 800MHz that will probably be $45 (G.Skill)
PSU: Corsair 550 for $90 from Buy.com (or EA380 for $55? Can it run this rig?)
GPU: 4850 for ~$200ish from Newegg with tax and shipping.
HSF: No idea what fits in these cases.
HDD: WD6400AAKS for $70
Optical Drive: Something less than $50 probably.
OS: Vista Home Premium for $100.
Monitor: No idea. I think I will ask in the Displays forums for this one.
Keyboard: We will probably find something really cheap.

So we are probably looking at approximately $650-$750 without a Monitor, Mobo, and HSF at minimum. At most, I think we are seeing about $1000, if I get fancy with the case and CPU. What are your recommendations for Mobo and HSF given these components and do you have any further input on the current components? Keep in mind I will probably need about $150-$250 for the monitor.
 
 
You will want a fully modular PSU for the SG01/02 which can also act as a fan if a passive is used - See Silverstone ST/Strider series.

I think the e7s are cooler than the e8s even when overclocked to 3ghz (since vcore doesn't have to be raised for some..)? Was debating downgrading because of it. If so I'd go with the e7 just for that. Less strain on the PSU if you passive, which (the PSU) gets hot.

Also, as a Lan machine which means taking it everywhere, the SUGO steel series are way too heavy.
 
Nah, heaviness isn't much of an issue. We keep in shape hahaha. Ok, I will look into these. And for the CPU, I think we will want to stick with the E7300. He only wants to keep it for around two years give or take a year. But he wants to be able to play with good performance on a 17"-20" monitor. As for the NeoPower 650, I want to keep the 550 for the modular factor and for being the same price. Also, just to be safe, I would like to get an HSF, but an [H] member recommended me one so I'm all good there. Damn, with shipping and tax, this is going to stretch the budget.
 
Alai said:
As for the NeoPower 650, I want to keep the 550 for the modular factor and for being the same price. .
Click to expand...

The Corsair 550VX isn't modular though. Are you talking about the Corsair 520HX? That costs $106 via buy.com
 
Oh... Damn you're right. Misread that. Thought it said HX hahaha. Then I guess the 650 is ok. And it is modular. But NeoPower is an ok line of PSU?
 
Antec Neo Power 500 if you're gonna get a HSF with a fan. Competition for air = fail.
 
Silverstone NT06-E and the Antec NeoPower 650 (modular) in the Sugo Silverstone case will be perfect. The 120mm fan on the PSU will draw or suck the heat away from the NT06-E heatsink. $50 though for this heatink. A PSU like a Antec NeoPower 500 will not be as effective since the 80mm fan is mounted in the back of the PSU.
 
The HSF (which he did not mentioned) is the Scythe Shuriken (he's got a post in the SFF section). the 500 Neo will not be competing for air hence advantage.
 
Hmm... Yeah, I was just mentioning that the Shuriken is reportedly bad in cooling capabilities in my other thread in the SFF forums. But $50 for an HS? Damn...

So that HS with the 650 or the Shuri with the 500?
 
if you just want a moderate overclock shuri w/ 500, if you want more nt w/ 650.
 
Ahhh.. IC. I did not know what HSF he was going to get or have. But, if he has that heatsink with the fan blowing into the heatsink, try flipping the fan and mount it where it pulls air away from the heatsink instead of blowing into it. Then, an Antec 650 NeoBlue with the 120mm fan or any other PSU with a 120 or 134mm wouldn't be so bad as the air is going in the same direction which is away from the heatsink.
 
What about.. Antec NeoPower 500 modular PSU with...

Alai said:
Hmm... Yeah, I was just mentioning that the Shuriken is reportedly bad in cooling capabilities in my other thread in the SFF forums. But $50 for an HS? Damn...

So that HS with the 650 or the Shuri with the 500?
Click to expand...
 
Well, incidentally, someone on craigslist wants to sell this system for $900:

1. Q6600 Core 2 Quad 2.4ghz Kentsfield (Top seller)
2. EVGA 780i Sli Ready motherboard (Top seller)
3. BFG 9800GTX 512mb Graphics card (Sli)
4. 64Bit Home Vista
5. Antec 900 MotherBoard (Top seller)
6. Antec 650watts Earthwatts Power Supply.
7. Samsung 750GB 7200 Hard Drive
8. 20x DVD-R CD-R Drive
9. 4gb Kingston DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
10.Zalman CNPS9700 LED CPU Cooler (Blue lighting to match the motherboard)

But I dunno. Looks more worth $750ish used.
 
Zalmans are loud fuckers, though since it seems to be a lan rig and not a main rig (or is it?) that shouldn't be a problem as the n00b next to you will probably be louder yelling at the screen.

Now that you are mentioning the 500 again, the Shuri will be fine with it. Mention the 650 with the Shuri then I'll be on your case :p

As for the CL rig, you want a lan rig but are looking at a Antec 900 tower?.... The 900 is a case not a mobo.
 
Meh.. that Zalman heatsink I just mentioned is not any better than that Scythe Shuriken heatsink under load.
 
I know the 900 is a case. That's copied and pasted from the guy's ad lol. He's bad.

And, I mean, if the 900 setup can be gotten cheaper, I dunno if my friend will complain too much.

Yeah, that looks alot better, the Arctic.
 
Yeah, that's why it would be good if I could get it for cheap. More room for a monitor.
 
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