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Hi everyone, hope it's ok to put this here. I wanted to post this as a place-holder for my build log I plan to do in a couple months and to share my plans for my new computer with you all and maybe get some expert advice before I drop too much money on this.
I lost my main desktop computer a few months back to a power surge, and thankfully my insurance covered a good chunk of the replacement costs. However my plans to replace it got put on hold by an all-expenses-paid trip to Afghanistan for the summer, but this gives me a chance to plan this out and do it right when I get back (the extra desert money doesn't hurt either).
I want something a little bit smaller than my old rig, a CM Stacker 830, that way it's easier to take with on road trips back home, and to save a little space in my bedroom too. For that I've decided on the Lian-Li PC-A05 chassis, either the old A05NB or the new A05FNB (haven't fully made up my mind on that one). I am planning on doing a little case-modding with it, to include recessed, spring-loaded handles and an exhaust fan in the top, painting/powder coating the interior (black or red), and a custom-cut window in the side panel.
Motherboard will be the new ASUS Crosshair V Formula.
Looking at this CPU for now, but by the time I'm back state-side the new Bulldozer chips should be out, so this might change. Either way, I'll be keeping it cool with a Corsair Hydro cooler, either the H80 or H100 if I can get it to fit. Unless I get frisky and try to do a real water-cooled setup, but I'm leaning towards the H80/H100 for simplicity and easier portability.
Going all out with 16 GB of Corsair Vengeance memory with fans to keep it cool.
I already have a brand new Corsair HX850 sitting in my old case at home, along with one of these sweet EVGA GTX 560 Ti DS video cards. I plan on getting a second to do SLi. I will help them stay cool with this guy. (Got an idea for some customization with that too, but I can't reveal all my secrets just yet.)
I also already have this little beauty:a Samsung Blu-Ray drive, since I plan to use this as a hybrid gaming rig/HTPC for my bedroom.
To aid in the HTPC part of the rig, I'll be filling the second 5.25" bay with this.
Filling the void of the 3.5" bay and helping me control the noise/heat will be a Scythe Kaze Master Pro 4-channel fan controller.
Last but certainly not least, the boot drive. It's even red to match the motherboard!
So feel free to let me know what you think, I look forward to sharing my progress with you all as I finally get a chance to put this thing together when I get home.
Of course, these plans are debatable and subject to change. I do have a couple months left unfortunately.
I lost my main desktop computer a few months back to a power surge, and thankfully my insurance covered a good chunk of the replacement costs. However my plans to replace it got put on hold by an all-expenses-paid trip to Afghanistan for the summer, but this gives me a chance to plan this out and do it right when I get back (the extra desert money doesn't hurt either).
I want something a little bit smaller than my old rig, a CM Stacker 830, that way it's easier to take with on road trips back home, and to save a little space in my bedroom too. For that I've decided on the Lian-Li PC-A05 chassis, either the old A05NB or the new A05FNB (haven't fully made up my mind on that one). I am planning on doing a little case-modding with it, to include recessed, spring-loaded handles and an exhaust fan in the top, painting/powder coating the interior (black or red), and a custom-cut window in the side panel.
Motherboard will be the new ASUS Crosshair V Formula.
Looking at this CPU for now, but by the time I'm back state-side the new Bulldozer chips should be out, so this might change. Either way, I'll be keeping it cool with a Corsair Hydro cooler, either the H80 or H100 if I can get it to fit. Unless I get frisky and try to do a real water-cooled setup, but I'm leaning towards the H80/H100 for simplicity and easier portability.
Going all out with 16 GB of Corsair Vengeance memory with fans to keep it cool.
I already have a brand new Corsair HX850 sitting in my old case at home, along with one of these sweet EVGA GTX 560 Ti DS video cards. I plan on getting a second to do SLi. I will help them stay cool with this guy. (Got an idea for some customization with that too, but I can't reveal all my secrets just yet.)
I also already have this little beauty:a Samsung Blu-Ray drive, since I plan to use this as a hybrid gaming rig/HTPC for my bedroom.
To aid in the HTPC part of the rig, I'll be filling the second 5.25" bay with this.
Filling the void of the 3.5" bay and helping me control the noise/heat will be a Scythe Kaze Master Pro 4-channel fan controller.
Last but certainly not least, the boot drive. It's even red to match the motherboard!
So feel free to let me know what you think, I look forward to sharing my progress with you all as I finally get a chance to put this thing together when I get home.
Of course, these plans are debatable and subject to change. I do have a couple months left unfortunately.
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