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voklskier4452
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2008
- Messages
- 2,112
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), 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).
PC will be used as an HTPC/1080p gaming rig.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
CPU will be OC'd to 4.5ghz. GPU will be OC'd to what I can safely get away with.
3. 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 would like to stay under $500 for my upgrades.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Bestbuy, I work there so I get discounts and they pricematch online stores now.
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
GPU, 250gb+ SSD, Case, Storage drive.
6. 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.
Asrock z77e-itx
Intel 3570K
Silverstone 450w gold PSU
8gb 1600mhz Ripjawz
Coolermaster Gemini S524
2x Cougar CF-V12HP
120gb Sandisk Extreme SSD
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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.
If I were to change motherboards, mini pcie wireless is a must have. Must also be ITX.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1080P
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
It is going to go into a TV stand, so looks should be considered. Minimal LEDs is also a plus. I will be getting a PS4 so an optical drive is not needed.
10. 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...)?
I have a dremel and your standard screwdrivers, pliers, etc. I can get access to a CNC come august. I also have a crimper and wire strippers for custom wires.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care.
Silence is not a must but I don't want to hear it if I can avoid it.
12. 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?
It will rarely be moved but I value the volume a case takes up.
13. 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.
Win 8 64bit.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
GPU would likely be purchased immediately, case as well unless I have to wait for the case to be released (NCase). New SSD would likely be towads the end of summer.
-The way I see it, the NCase M1 would be a perfect fit for me since I have always loved brushed aluminum. But I am curious what else is out their since I can't find any SFF ITX cases that would allow for my current cooler to be used.
-For a GPU I am thinking this one. Since it is pretty cheap after the rebate and is nice and compact. If I were to get an Ncase then I would want to stick with a blower style cooler and their don't seem to be any on the AMD side.
-SD, I am open to pretty much anything out their as long as it is reasonable priced and is not any slower then my current Extreme.
If anyone has any outlandish suggestions such as switching to an AMD APU I am all for hearing that out as I haven't dont much research into those yet. Thanks!
PC will be used as an HTPC/1080p gaming rig.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
CPU will be OC'd to 4.5ghz. GPU will be OC'd to what I can safely get away with.
3. 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 would like to stay under $500 for my upgrades.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Bestbuy, I work there so I get discounts and they pricematch online stores now.
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
GPU, 250gb+ SSD, Case, Storage drive.
6. 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.
Asrock z77e-itx
Intel 3570K
Silverstone 450w gold PSU
8gb 1600mhz Ripjawz
Coolermaster Gemini S524
2x Cougar CF-V12HP
120gb Sandisk Extreme SSD
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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.
If I were to change motherboards, mini pcie wireless is a must have. Must also be ITX.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1080P
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
It is going to go into a TV stand, so looks should be considered. Minimal LEDs is also a plus. I will be getting a PS4 so an optical drive is not needed.
10. 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...)?
I have a dremel and your standard screwdrivers, pliers, etc. I can get access to a CNC come august. I also have a crimper and wire strippers for custom wires.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care.
Silence is not a must but I don't want to hear it if I can avoid it.
12. 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?
It will rarely be moved but I value the volume a case takes up.
13. 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.
Win 8 64bit.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
GPU would likely be purchased immediately, case as well unless I have to wait for the case to be released (NCase). New SSD would likely be towads the end of summer.
-The way I see it, the NCase M1 would be a perfect fit for me since I have always loved brushed aluminum. But I am curious what else is out their since I can't find any SFF ITX cases that would allow for my current cooler to be used.
-For a GPU I am thinking this one. Since it is pretty cheap after the rebate and is nice and compact. If I were to get an Ncase then I would want to stick with a blower style cooler and their don't seem to be any on the AMD side.
-SD, I am open to pretty much anything out their as long as it is reasonable priced and is not any slower then my current Extreme.
If anyone has any outlandish suggestions such as switching to an AMD APU I am all for hearing that out as I haven't dont much research into those yet. Thanks!