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TheUnluckyOne
n00b
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2012
- Messages
- 10
Hi everybody,
I’ve been wanting to put together a parts list for a new SFF comp, just wanted to get some advice and thoughts:
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
I will be doing stuff for work (involves virtualizing Linux to use programs that are expensive on CPU and RAM), Photoshop/Lightroom, and gaming for the most part. Everything else is pretty trivial in terms of how much computer power is needed. I have no interest or any desire to OC, so no need for those considerations.
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?
I can go up to 1500USD (not including monitors), but I'm sure it goes without saying that the lower the final cost the better.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I live in Coralville, Iowa because I go to school at UIowa. I don’t think there are any computer chains here, unless Best Buy counts (it doesn’t in my mind). I used to live in California where there were Frys and Microcenters everywhere <sad face>. I’m probably going to buy most/everything from newegg because I do have several giftcards for them.
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.
The following is what I need and what I’ve been considering:
Case: SG08 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163187
I’ve seen the SG08 in person (a friend has one), and it seems like it would be easer to work with the benefit that it comes with a bigger PSU than the SG05. It seems like a lot of people are fans of the SG05 here, but I have no problems with the idea of the SG05 if the SG08 is truly unnecessary/bad/insert adjective of choice.
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157312
Costs less than the ASUS, that and the reviews I’ve read seem pretty good.
CPU: Intel Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117286
EDIT: Rocozaur (see below) suggested that I change the i7-3770 to this Xeon. Basically the same processor, but no iGPU (which I don't need), and cheaper. A great suggestion!
Graphics: Gigabyte 660 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125440
I would consider swapping this out for the non-Ti version of this card. I don’t insist on playing everything at the absolute highest settings, though it would be nice to do so.
RAM: 16 gigs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148545
I’m currently using 8 gigs, and I come pretty close to maxing out a lot since I virtualize Linux to do stuff for work. 16 gigs seems like a good idea, and it doesn’t cost prohibitively more…
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 256 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792
CPU Cooler and Fan: Prolimatech Samuel 17 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835242009
Scythe 120mm 900RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185148
From what I’ve read the Sam17 will fit on the asrock mobo without blocking the PCIE slot. As far as pairing it with a fan I’d like this system to be as quiet as possible. Since I’m not OCing, I thought I could get away with a slower fan for the purpose of quietness. I’m not sure if the 900RPM is too low. I read the review on silentpcreview.com, and they do list temps at 900-ish RPM (admittedly a different fan) and it seems to be okay.
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.
I won’t have anything to reuse (unless you count keyboard and mouse).
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.
I would prefer having more USB3.0 and SATA 6 ports for future additions in hard drives, but otherwise I don’t have any specific wants or needs aside from requiring the motherboard to be mITX. Onboard sound seems to be universal constant these days. Otherwise, anything else (RAID, firewire etc...) would just be icing on the cake.
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?
I haven’t decided if I’m going to go with a dual monitor or triple monitor setup, but right now I’m thinking about going with three 24 inch screens….so 1900x1200 *3?
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Nope.
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...)?
Given the option, I’d rather not mod anything. That being said, I don’t own any tools besides screwdrivers anyways.
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
I would like this system to be as quiet as possible. Silence is pretty important to me.
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?
I won’t be moving this system on any sort of regular basis.
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 have a 64 bit windows7. We’re good here.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I’m thinking within a month or two when my schedule clears up a bit. The longest I would probably wait is probably….December, because Christmas break and all…Oh and Christmas sales are good too.
Thanks for any thoughts
I’ve been wanting to put together a parts list for a new SFF comp, just wanted to get some advice and thoughts:
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
I will be doing stuff for work (involves virtualizing Linux to use programs that are expensive on CPU and RAM), Photoshop/Lightroom, and gaming for the most part. Everything else is pretty trivial in terms of how much computer power is needed. I have no interest or any desire to OC, so no need for those considerations.
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?
I can go up to 1500USD (not including monitors), but I'm sure it goes without saying that the lower the final cost the better.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I live in Coralville, Iowa because I go to school at UIowa. I don’t think there are any computer chains here, unless Best Buy counts (it doesn’t in my mind). I used to live in California where there were Frys and Microcenters everywhere <sad face>. I’m probably going to buy most/everything from newegg because I do have several giftcards for them.
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.
The following is what I need and what I’ve been considering:
Case: SG08 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163187
I’ve seen the SG08 in person (a friend has one), and it seems like it would be easer to work with the benefit that it comes with a bigger PSU than the SG05. It seems like a lot of people are fans of the SG05 here, but I have no problems with the idea of the SG05 if the SG08 is truly unnecessary/bad/insert adjective of choice.
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157312
Costs less than the ASUS, that and the reviews I’ve read seem pretty good.
CPU: Intel Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117286
EDIT: Rocozaur (see below) suggested that I change the i7-3770 to this Xeon. Basically the same processor, but no iGPU (which I don't need), and cheaper. A great suggestion!
Graphics: Gigabyte 660 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125440
I would consider swapping this out for the non-Ti version of this card. I don’t insist on playing everything at the absolute highest settings, though it would be nice to do so.
RAM: 16 gigs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148545
I’m currently using 8 gigs, and I come pretty close to maxing out a lot since I virtualize Linux to do stuff for work. 16 gigs seems like a good idea, and it doesn’t cost prohibitively more…
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 256 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792
CPU Cooler and Fan: Prolimatech Samuel 17 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835242009
Scythe 120mm 900RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185148
From what I’ve read the Sam17 will fit on the asrock mobo without blocking the PCIE slot. As far as pairing it with a fan I’d like this system to be as quiet as possible. Since I’m not OCing, I thought I could get away with a slower fan for the purpose of quietness. I’m not sure if the 900RPM is too low. I read the review on silentpcreview.com, and they do list temps at 900-ish RPM (admittedly a different fan) and it seems to be okay.
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.
I won’t have anything to reuse (unless you count keyboard and mouse).
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.
I would prefer having more USB3.0 and SATA 6 ports for future additions in hard drives, but otherwise I don’t have any specific wants or needs aside from requiring the motherboard to be mITX. Onboard sound seems to be universal constant these days. Otherwise, anything else (RAID, firewire etc...) would just be icing on the cake.
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?
I haven’t decided if I’m going to go with a dual monitor or triple monitor setup, but right now I’m thinking about going with three 24 inch screens….so 1900x1200 *3?
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Nope.
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...)?
Given the option, I’d rather not mod anything. That being said, I don’t own any tools besides screwdrivers anyways.
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
I would like this system to be as quiet as possible. Silence is pretty important to me.
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?
I won’t be moving this system on any sort of regular basis.
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 have a 64 bit windows7. We’re good here.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I’m thinking within a month or two when my schedule clears up a bit. The longest I would probably wait is probably….December, because Christmas break and all…Oh and Christmas sales are good too.
Thanks for any thoughts
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