Need build opinions

M

Mustin

n00b
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
54
Finally, after 5 years, I am going to start a new build for my personal computer. The computer will be used primarily for streaming hd programs, but I am looking forward to FEAR 2 and Diablo 3. The system probably wont be overclocked. Also, water cooling will be installed for noise levels. My wife hates the noise my computer makes now and if I had a new 4870 she would nag, nag, nag.... Any opinions are welcome, especially since this is only my second build.

Here we go:

APEVIA X-QPACK-BK
BFG Tech ES SERIES ES-800 800W
DFI LP JR 790GX-M2RS
AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION Agena 2.6GHz
Danger Den MC-TDX for AM2 Processors
CORSAIR TWIN2X4096-6400C5
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3160815AS 160GB
Western Digital VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS
ASUS DRW-2014L1T DVD burner
2) ASUS EAH4870X2
2) Danger Den DD-4870
DDC-12C 3.2/acrylic top w/ reservoir RAD-3110 probably small for application
tubing will be copper w/brass compression fittings

BenQ E2400HD Glossy Black 24"
Window Vista 64
 
Hmm.. soo many things I would adjust on that build. First and foremost, I would turn to the darkside and go with an Intel build. I say this because I am an AMD fanboy but, I had no choice. LoL. BTW, what's your budget on this build?
 
Agreed. If you're building totally new and your last rig lasted 5 years then you probably want to step into a Intel Quad system these days. I like the display choice though.
 
In addition to HardwareGuru's recommendation and questions, I have a few questions/recommendations as well:
- Why do you have that Seagate 7200.10 160GB drive for? Is it suppose to serve as backup or something?
- Can that Apevia X-Qpack actually fit in all that water-cooling gear?
- Will you be overclocking?
- Don't buy the ES-800 from newegg.com since you can get it for $60 cheap from www.ewiz.com.
- Ditch the Corsair RAM and go with this cheaper but similar performing RAM:
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $50
 
OOK lets start with the top:
Do you need or really want a mATX case or is it changeable ?

I would get this PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=750tx Better cheaper corsair is very reliable

Waiting for case response to give Mobo sugestion

either this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017 for quad or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 for dual,

I am not familiar with water cooling.

Maybe a Gskill http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207 instead of corsair but up to you corsair RAM is great, this depends on budget.

2x 4870x2 I am thinking that it's a BIT overkill for 24" 1920 x1080 res? but I have been told there is no such thing as overkill in [H]ardforums. One of those will be more then enough but i would go with visonteks ( lifetime warranty and ASUS RMA isn't famous)

Not well versed in monitors either

Please keep in mind that if you state budget this could become much more accurate, and could change A LOT, that and when you will purchase and the case question
 
O danny beat me to it XD.get his Gskill thats the right one, I linked the wrong one ^ ^.
 
First and foremost, I would turn to the darkside and go with an Intel build. I say this because I am an AMD fanboy but, I had no choice.
My present computer is AMD/ATI with no problems. Not looking for insane processing. Just something reliable when it comes to the processor and board. I know the board is fairly new and no track record but it met my requirements. As far as the processor, I wasnt to keen on spending a lot for high Ghz. Thought about going with just a dual core, but opted for the Quad.

Budget is $4000 or less. I would prefer less.

- Why do you have that Seagate 7200.10 160GB drive for?
For the OS and basic everyday needs. I have a 150GB and have yet to fill it and if I need more for movies and such then I will use and external. The velocirapteor is for gaming

- Can that Apevia X-Qpack actually fit in all that water-cooling gear?
Its been done by a member on this board I cant remember the link though.

- Will you be overclocking?
Probably not

Do you need or really want a mATX case or is it changeable ?
Would like to stay will a smaller form factor because I hate having a massive case. I have a mid-tower atx now and hate the size. Future goal to place computer inside electrical closet near amp rack. Yes the closet will have cooling and ventilation.

2x 4870x2 I am thinking that it's a BIT overkill for 24" 1920 x1080 res? but I have been told there is no such thing as overkill in [H]ardforums
I am going to us a 24" for space constrants. A 30" will be after we move to another house with more bedrooms... ie. computer in the future.
 
4000$ I am going to faint, one thing I need clarified are you looking for a dream PC that will run everything on max at absurd resolutions, and still have left over power for the future?

If so I will leave danny to build his dream PC for you :D
 
Get these:

Antec P182
QX9770
10x WD Velociraptor 300GB and RAID 0 them.
ASUS Rampage Formula II
16GB DDR3
Koolance PSU-1300ATX-12N Liquid Cooled Power Supply
HT Omega Claro Halo XT
4870X2 CF
30" monitor

I can list speakers and headphones and such, but I don't know if you need them.
 
It's very difficult to build a water cooling setup around a SFF system. It can be done, though.

Regardless, space is still going to be an issue. Why aren't you willing to go with a single, larger capacity HDD like the 300GB VelociRaptor or the WD6400AAKS?
 
etherone said:
4000$ I am going to faint, one thing I need clarified are you looking for a dream PC that will run everything on max at absurd resolutions, and still have left over power for the future?

If so I will leave danny to build his dream PC for you :D
Click to expand...

A PC that lasts me for another 5+ years. Runs quiet, reliable, and can play any game I want with no hick-ups. Sorry, the $4000 will include the OS, monitor, and other software, but very little. Examples: Office 07, dvd backup programs, etc...
 
+1 to this. But, I would get a Coolermaster Stacker 830 Full Tower case painted for $780 instead.

Alai said:
Get these:

Antec P182
QX9770
10x WD Velociraptor 300GB and RAID 0 them.
ASUS Rampage Formula II
16GB DDR3
Koolance PSU-1300ATX-12N Liquid Cooled Power Supply
HT Omega Claro Halo XT
4870X2 CF
30" monitor

I can list speakers and headphones and such, but I don't know if you need them.
Click to expand...
 
tiraides said:
It's very difficult to build a water cooling setup around a SFF system. It can be done, though.

Regardless, space is still going to be an issue. Why aren't you willing to go with a single, larger capacity HDD like the 300GB VelociRaptor or the WD6400AAKS?
Click to expand...

It is difficult, but size is a factor and so is sound. Hence the SFF and H20 cooling.

HDD capacity is low because I usually delete games after completed, and only reload them when I reminisce.
 
Mustin said:
A PC that lasts me for another 5+ years. Runs quiet, reliable, and can play any game I want with no hick-ups. Sorry, the $4000 will include the OS, monitor, and other software, but very little. Examples: Office 07, dvd backup programs, etc...
Click to expand...

Considering your $4000 budget and longevity requirement, I highly highly recommend that you wait for Intel's Core i7 CPUs due out sometime this month. However the problem is that there won't be a mATX x58 mobo at launch or for sometime after launch. So yes you would have to get/stay with a mid-tower case. But the Core i7 would be your best bet for a longer living system with performance up to task.

Either way, ditch that Seagate 7200.10 160GB drive since it's pretty slow for the price. I highly recommend going with the WD6400AAKS for the speed improvement. The increased storage is just a side benefit.
 
Thanks for all the help. I am going to take all these suggestions to heart and see what else I can come up with. I am also going to check out dimensions on mid towers.

I highly highly recommend that you wait for Intel's Core i7 CPUs due out sometime this month. However the problem is that there won't be a mATX x58 mobo at launch or for sometime after launch.

Wouldnt a Core i7 add substantial price increase? Based on being the newest architecture.
 
Yes but it will cost much less then 4000 to make the build.

You might want to consider building a 2000$ PC which is high end, and then in 2 years time making a 2000$ upgrade, that will guarantee longer longevity, because and I am sure I am not alone on this, but future proofing is shaky at best and considering the rate we have been moving this past year, the TOP PC of today will be the average in 3 years time.
 
etherone said:
Yes but it will cost much less then 4000 to make the build.

You might want to consider building a 2000$ PC which is high end, and then in 2 years time making a 2000$ upgrade, that will guarantee longer longevity, because and I am sure I am not alone on this, but future proofing is shaky at best and considering the rate we have been moving this past year, the TOP PC of today will be the average in 3 years time.
Click to expand...

Average for mobo and cpu... low end for graphics.
 
Mustin said:
Wouldnt a Core i7 add substantial price increase? Based on being the newest architecture.
Click to expand...

Roughly a $300 increase over your current setup assuming no price gouging.

~$300 for the cheapest Core i7 CPU
~$300 for a X58 motherboard
~$175 for 4GB of DDR3 1600 RAM
----
Total: ~$775

Still perfectly doable with your $4000 budget.

Though etherone has a point: You'll get more value out of your money by going with a $2000 build today and then build another $2000 build in 2-3 years from now. You do give up increased speeds now but in return you gain increased speeds later on.
 
Let me ask this question then. What would be the best combo for a SFF running CF and H2O cooling. We all know it can be done but obviously not as easy as mid or full-towers.

Price is no problem.
Parts must be available by no later then Feb. 09
Running 24" res. , high fps, w/ highest game settings. 30" is overkill.
 
Mustin said:
Let me ask this question then. What would be the best combo for a SFF running CF and H2O cooling. We all know it can be done but obviously not as easy as mid or full-towers.

Price is no problem.
Parts must be available by no later then Feb. 09
Running 24" res. , high fps, w/ highest game settings. 30" is overkill.
Click to expand...

Too early to say with a Feb 09 date. New parts and price cuts will happen quite a bit in four months. Now if you were planning on a Nov 08 build, then I recommend this:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
DFI Lanparty JR P45 T2RS Intel P45 mATX Motherboard - $160
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $50
2 x VisionTek 900250 Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB PCI-E Video Card - $1100 ($550 each)
 
Mustin said:
Let me ask this question then. What would be the best combo for a SFF running CF and H2O cooling. We all know it can be done but obviously not as easy as mid or full-towers.

Price is no problem.
Parts must be available by no later then Feb. 09
Running 24" res. , high fps, w/ highest game settings. 30" is overkill.
Click to expand...

Yeah Feb 09 is lightyears away . In three months the 4870x2's will surely have come down in price so that's good for you. DDR2 might start creeping up a tad in price because I cannot imagine it will stay this cheap forever, but maybe it will for a few more months. A q9550 is surely going to be a bit less as well. If price is not an issue as you say you're real dilemma then will be with the possible introduction brand new components hitting the market Q1 09
 
Danny Bui said:
Too early to say with a Feb 09 date. New parts and price cuts will happen quite a bit in four months. Now if you were planning on a Nov 08 build, then I recommend this:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
DFI Lanparty JR P45 T2RS Intel P45 mATX Motherboard - $160
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $50
2 x VisionTek 900250 Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB PCI-E Video Card - $1100 ($550 each)
Click to expand...

Thanks again for all the help. If by some chance a mATX board with CF and core i7 before my next birthday then its a go.
 
Now we're talking ^ ^.
P5Q-EM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131336 $134.99
or GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-DS2H http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128353 $126.99 ($106.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate pdf ) For mobos that is. this is because of mATX case req, unfortunately i7 isn't supported by mATX boards

Take Danny's advice on RAM and hardrive the previous PSU mentioned, the corsair will still do fine, VisionTek 4870x2 is my preference, but any you feel comfortable with is fine only factor is RMA reputation and Lifetime warranty on VisionTek as opposed to usual 2 year warranty.
Proccessor wise I'd now go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041 because your not OCing and I don't see any need to get anything better until at least 2-3 years from now games now are GPU intensive.
keep the display in opening post and I have nothing against your optical drive, but you might want to consider a blu-ray reader/burner, but that's an easy upgrade later on.

And this case was recommended to me by friend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163078 $139.99
 
LoL of the century Danny B has beat me to it again ^ ^

Question for Danny, any specific reason you chose DFi over Gigabyte or the P5q?
 
etherone said:
Question for Danny, any specific reason you chose DFi over Gigabyte or the P5q?
Click to expand...

The Gigabyte's PCI-Ex16 slot is gimped to x4 speed which is a pretty damn stupid move on Gigabyte's part IMO. But the main reason why I recommended the DFI over the Gigabyte and Asus mobos is that the DFI is the only Crossfire capable Intel mATX mobo out now. The OP did ask for a Crossfire capable SFF setup....
 
The Gigabyte's PCI-Ex16 slot is gimped to x4 speed which is a pretty damn stupid move on Gigabyte's part IMO. But the main reason why I recommended the DFI over the Gigabyte and Asus mobos is that the DFI is the only Crossfire capable Intel mATX mobo out now. The OP did ask for a Crossfire capable SFF setup....
Click to expand...

Stupid me i am sorry guys, completely forgot.
 
etherone said:
LoL of the century Danny B has beat me to it again ^ ^
...
Click to expand...

I stopped trying... he's a college student... he has all the time in the world, lol. I love it, though... he saves me a whole lot of typing; and so does tiraides and a few other guys. :p Thanks guys! :D

etherone said:
Stupid me i am sorry guys, completely forgot.
Click to expand...

Its not your fault... its Gigabyte's. ;)
 
enginurd said:
I stopped trying... he's a college student... he has all the time in the world, lol. I love it, though... he saves me a whole lot of typing; and so does tiraides and a few other guys. :p Thanks guys! :D
Click to expand...

LOL! No prob man! Gotta help out our elders and all:D
 
SFF extreme gaming systems are very pricey. I can understand the need for mobility if you take your PC to a lot of LANs or something like that (I took mine to work everyday, back in college); but if it just sits on your desk or in your room somewhere, ditch the SFFness unless you like paying a lot for something thats not really needed.

Alai said:
Yeah, it's fun beating old people.
Click to expand...

Ok, I ain't that old! :rolleyes: :p
 
enginurd said:
SFF extreme gaming systems are very pricey. I can understand the need for mobility if you take your PC to a lot of LANs or something like that (I took mine to work everyday, back in college); but if it just sits on your desk or in your room somewhere, ditch the SFFness unless you like paying a lot for something thats not really needed.
Click to expand...

I was trying to do something off the beaten path, kinda.:rolleyes: I am getting really excited about this build and if worse comes to worse, I can always transfer the most expensive parts(4870x2) of my build to a full atx board. Especially since, the video cards are going to cost 400 more than a board and cpu.

Once again, thank you everyone for all the help and I am looking forward to showing off my crappy work.

Cheers,
Jeremy
 
Good luck. SFF always has heat problems... I can't imagine the headache you might have with the 4870X2.
 
Mustin said:
I was trying to do something off the beaten path, kinda.:rolleyes: I am getting really excited about this build and if worse comes to worse, I can always transfer the most expensive parts(4870x2) of my build to a full atx board. Especially since, the video cards are going to cost 400 more than a board and cpu.

Once again, thank you everyone for all the help and I am looking forward to showing off my crappy work.

Cheers,
Jeremy
Click to expand...

Well, if you're up to the task, at least aim high and don't say your work will be crappy. :p
 
enginurd said:
Well, if you're up to the task, at least aim high and don't say your work will be crappy. :p
Click to expand...

Going to do the best I can to clean up everything. Have a few ideas but dont know if it will work until i get all of the components.:)
 
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