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synexpl0it
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« on: May 14, 2008, 02:17:51 PM » |
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Hey guys, My girlfriend has been getting on to me about building her a new system. Price really isn't a factor (except for spending $300 on a case). What I'm looking for is a system that can handle gaming and video editing really well. The main factors I am looking for are sufficient cooling, quiet noise levels, and stability. From what I can gather, an Intel quad-core seems very similar in price to a dual-core so I'm thinking I'll go with that. So I'll start with my list and add some concerns or questions. Case: Sg01 PSU: Corsair 520HX Motherboard: ASUS P5E-VM CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU Cooler: NT06 Lite, Scythe Shuriken (SCSK-1000), Dynatron P6AG, or Zalman CNPS-7700cu Memory: ?? Video Card: eVGA 8800 GTS 640 I've been looking around at many cases, but I still like the Sg01 the best as far as air cooling and size are concerned. Is there one similar but more pretty (gf insists I ask  )? Is the 520 going to be acceptable or should I move up to the 620? Also, what's the best cooler for a quad in the Sg01? Can it handle the temps of a quad with air cooling? I have no idea what memory plays best with the Asus P5E. This system won't be overclocked so that isn't an issue. Im looking to start off with 4GB (2x2GB) and then up it to the full 8GB later. I'm definitely sticking with eVGA for my video card manufacturer as I've had nothing but excellence from them. My main concern is that the new card be able to drive a 22in widescreen with decently high detail for a little while. This card shouldn't break the bank and I'd prefer not to spend more than 200 or so. Basically I'm looking for the machine to be a good work horse and gaming rig. I want to make sure it has more than sufficient cooling (i'm anal about temps) and that it will be stable. I'm pretty sure I'm missing something so just ask me if things need clarification. I appreciate any comments you guys could give me.
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Invisiblemoose
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« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2008, 02:42:41 AM » |
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The 8800GTS 640 has been replaced with the 8800GTS 512, costing around $200. Though for the price, and since you won't be overclocking the CPU, you might be better off with an 8800GT 512... As far as noise goes, you pretty much can't beat Samsung's 320gig HDD. I don't have any experience with the SG01, nor can I really help out on selecting pretty cases... Though is there any reason you've got to go SFF (mATX) instead of getting a small midtower, like the Lian-Li PC-A05B? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112130
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2008, 03:09:49 PM » |
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Hey, thanks for the response. I'll have to look into those cards that you listed.
As far as the case in concerned, I'm not opposed to a small midtower, but I would prefer something more typical of a SFF like a Shuttle or something by Silverstone. I've had a Lian-Li tower and loved the build quality, but I find their smaller cases a little oddly laid out. I love the look of the LIAN LI PC-V350B, but I wonder about it's size and the weird cd drive layout.
Anybody have more recommendations?
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2008, 04:42:34 PM » |
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Hey Salamander. Great find! This looks like the perfect case. Hope it's "pretty" enough for the gf  . I liked the look of the p180 but thought it was a little big. I'll have to check out the dimensions and find the best cooler for the case. The only negatives for this case seem to be things I like. I like the 5.25 bay layouts and I don't need multiple hard drives so I have no problem removing a hard drive tray to accommodate a large graphics card. Newegg doesn't seem to carry the motherboard you suggested anymore. Is there something about it that is better than the one I listed?
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Salamander
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« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2008, 04:55:36 PM » |
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Well maybe then the G33M-S2L? but that Asus board is fine as well.. Just personal preference and little bit cheaper (i don't care for HDMI for example) and I just like gigabyte more then Asus.
Pick a PSU with a fan on the back btw..
I also like this case very much, probably get this 1 with my next build (next month).
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shinjukumaster
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« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2008, 09:53:02 PM » |
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The Silverstone TJ08 is an excellent mini-tower with enough cooling for most performance components.
I got the black version - alu front panel is sleek, and steel chassis good for cooling
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CrystalCowboy
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« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2008, 03:21:59 PM » |
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The Silverstone TJ08 is an excellent mini-tower with enough cooling for most performance components.
I got the black version - alu front panel is sleek, and steel chassis good for cooling I have a couple, and like it. It should be pointed out that the hard drive positions impinge on the choice of HSF.
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shinjukumaster
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« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2008, 05:19:10 PM » |
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The Silverstone TJ08 is an excellent mini-tower with enough cooling for most performance components.
I got the black version - alu front panel is sleek, and steel chassis good for cooling I have a couple, and like it. It should be pointed out that the hard drive positions impinge on the choice of HSF. Maybe, but not enough to matter. I'm using a Scythe Ninja, fanless. Though I do have a Silenx 120x38 at the rear case vent, and another at the front blowing over my 8800. The 120mm fan in the Tagan PSU also pulls air up over the Ninja blades. I've got a Scythe 3.5" bay fan control in the top 3.5" bay. I left out the 3.5" drive bay cover (I intend to black mesh it). This alone dropped hard disk temps by nearly 10 (TEN) Centigrade! And I've got a Ying Ting heatpipe with 40x28mm fan on the chipset... for when I OC Temps are NOT a problem.
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2008, 02:06:43 AM » |
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I decided to go with the Antec mini p180 since it fits my needs the best. It's not as compact as some cases, but it provides a good balance for components. I'd rather have a slightly bigger case and put an insane cooler in. For instance, I'm going to put the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 inside which people have confirmed fitting. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003So far I've bought the Corsair 620HX (bought at buy.com cheaper than the 520HX price from newegg), eVGA 8800GT 512, and the antec mini p180. The rest hasn't really changed except for the heatsink. I'm still trying to find the best deal on memory. So far one of the cheapest is either G.Skill or Mushkin. Don't have experience with either, but they seem to have good reviews. Thanks again for the ideas so far. Let me know if all have any other ideas.
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #12 on: May 29, 2008, 10:03:47 PM » |
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Yeah, the mushkin were actually in stock last night so I snagged them. They're not overvolted so standard 1.8 but they have great timings - 5-4-4-12. I don't plan to OC the rig so this memory will be fantastic. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731Great deal too.
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Salamander
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« Reply #13 on: May 30, 2008, 03:53:23 PM » |
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Ok nice  I just ordered the following, Same CPU cooler but special edition..  Patriot Extreme Performance 4096 MB, PC6400, 800 MHz, 4-4-4-12 , Kit Of 2 1 € 76,47 € 76,47 Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00 GHz, 1333 MHz, 6 MB, Tray 1 € 138,61 € 138,61 Antec PerformanceOne Mini P180 EU Zwart, Geen Voeding 1 € 92,39 € 92,39 Xigmatek HDT-RS1283 Red Scorpion Edition Aluminium 1 € 29,41 € 29,41 Belkin SATA Kabel Met 90 Graden Connector SATA, SATA, 45 Cm 1 € 4,20 € 4,20 NEC AD-7200 S-ATA, Bulk, Zwart 1 € 19,29 € 19,29 Antec NeoHE Power 500 Watt, 24 Pins Gigabyte G33M-S2L Motherboard, edit: changed to same motherboard as you since it seems that gigabyte can't do 2.2v with memory.
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Salamander
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« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2008, 07:20:57 PM » |
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Got all my parts... changed motherboard though again (much cheaper since i will probaly upgrade it in a year or so). MSI G33M-FI (55 euro) and now everything is in red! that is perhaps also nice...
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #15 on: June 06, 2008, 05:24:44 AM » |
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Nice. I built my girlfriend's system and it's just a beast. She's running Age of Conan with pretty much everything on High settings. The heatsink is a beast, and keeps each core at 33C. The case is well built and everything I bought really worked well together.
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Salamander
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« Reply #16 on: June 10, 2008, 12:07:32 AM » |
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So I'm using it since last weekend and it's great but 1 annoying problem  Cold boots doesn't work, clueless what's the problem.. Only clearing CMOS or changing video cards works! That said, everything else is just great! The case is great, the cooler and the performance.
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synexpl0it
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« Reply #17 on: June 11, 2008, 02:43:23 AM » |
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Weird, haven't had any issues on my end. What board did you end up going with?
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Salamander
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« Reply #18 on: June 11, 2008, 11:38:22 AM » |
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MSI G33M-FI 
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