New Build - Looking for advice/comments

AzetonMartin

AzetonMartin

New Member
Hey CF,

I'll be aiming at purchasing the following parts for my new pc build as my current comp is 7 yrs old and have now resorted to using my Zepto laptop as a primary.

My price range is roughly $1300-$1600 and would not want to near the $2000 mark too closely. My PC build will be primarily used for everyday tasks (forums, downloading movies, etc) and gaming (SC2 - In March, MW2, FFXIV -beta?, FFXI, Dota-ing, Dragon Age). My laptop will be my secondary which will be for work/school usage.

Case: Cool Master Haf 932

Motherboard: Asus P6T SE X58

CPU: Intel Core™ i7 Processor 920 2.66GHz w/ 8MB Cache

Memory:Mushkin XP3-12800 Xtreme Performance Redline DDR3 SDRAM (6-7-6-18), 6GB Triple Channel Kit
OR Corsair XMS3 Dominator TR3X6G1866C9DF 6GB DDR3 3X2GB DDR3-1866 CL 9-9-9-24 Core i7 Memory Kit

GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 Vapor-X

PSU: Corsair HX 750W Power Supply

HDD1-OS/Programs: Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black

HDD2-Everything else: Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black

Comments/Questions/Advice is welcome but, I do need your guys' help right now on deciding between which set of ram to get.

Of the two I listed above the Mushkin will cost $252.49 per 6GB kit and the Corsair XMS3 Dominator which will cost $300+ will only be $200 because a local forum member on another forum is selling his. So I have the opportunity to pick up 12GB of Corsair XMS3 Dominator for $400 vs if I decide to go with the Mushkin and eventually get 12GB it'll cost me $504.98.

So looking at it from another point of view would be if I missed this chance to buy from a local seller @ $400 for 12GB and have to purchase it from newegg.ca or something - it would cost me at least $600. So if you guys could comment on this situation I'm in and help me decide on which of those two rams are better, I would really appreciate it :).
 
GreekIdiot said:
I'd advise the Corsair. Awesome build by the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Corsair:1 Mushkin:0

Nevakonaza said:
All looks rather splendid,Why not ditch the 1TB hard drive for the OS/Apps and get a Solid State disk?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227393
Click to expand...

lubo4444 said:
Everything is perfect but i would suggest the same thing that Nevakonaza said.
Click to expand...

I haven't done much research on SSD and I am a little worried based on a few comments I read here and there. But is the one that Nevakonaza listed a good choice? I will do research on my own but a reason why I am considering a WD caviar black for the os/programs is because I can find a BNIB for $70.

Also, do you guys mind chimming in on the ram selection above or maybe suggest a similarily priced alternative? Thanks.
 
AzetonMartin said:
Thanks! Corsair:1 Mushkin:0





I haven't done much research on SSD and I am a little worried based on a few comments I read here and there. But is the one that Nevakonaza listed a good choice? I will do research on my own but a reason why I am considering a WD caviar black for the os/programs is because I can find a BNIB for $70.

Also, do you guys mind chimming in on the ram selection above or maybe suggest a similarily priced alternative? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I mean about the HDD 1TB is waaay tooo muchhh for OS only. The one that Nevakonaza suggested is plenty of space for the OS and it will boot a lot faster than the one you want to get. :)
 
lubo4444 said:
I mean about the HDD 1TB is waaay tooo muchhh for OS only. The one that Nevakonaza suggested is plenty of space for the OS and it will boot a lot faster than the one you want to get. :)
Click to expand...


Yeah I know, but I would also install all my programs on to that HDD as well. I guess it's time to do some research on some SSD haha. So you guys would still suggest a SSD even with a price difference of at least $100? I guess I should say I'm in Canada, so prices may be a little cheaper for you guys down in the States. So the one Neva posted is $169.99 on newegg.ca and is only 30GB.

So another way to look at it is - $70 CDN for 1TB HDD vs $170 CDN for 30GB SSD. Is the price worth the performance + less space?
 
AzetonMartin said:
Yeah I know, but I would also install all my programs on to that HDD as well. I guess it's time to do some research on some SSD haha. So you guys would still suggest a SSD even with a price difference of at least $100? I guess I should say I'm in Canada, so prices may be a little cheaper for you guys down in the States. So the one Neva posted is $169.99 on newegg.ca and is only 30GB.

So another way to look at it is - $70 CDN for 1TB HDD vs $170 CDN for 30GB SSD. Is the price worth the performance + less space?
Click to expand...


Well actually if you want to install your programs too it will be a different story then... because some programs require few GB's of space and the 30GB wont be enough but still depends what programs you want to use. The SSD is expensive because it's new technology. I hope in few months or even sooner they drop the prices a bit. For the performance it's worth the money but if you want to get one that have more free space available it will cost you a lot more. I would just use the SSD for the OS and the 1TB for programs and everything else... :) It's not worth spending a lot of money on the SSD.
 
Last edited:
I would say get an 80 GB SSD for your operating system and programs you need. Then get a TB Hd (since they are on sale) for everything else like music, school work. That way you arent paying too much for SSD but you would see some significant signs of improvement. Hell, maybe get an SSD for your laptop if its compatible with SATA. Just my thoughts... Thats what I plan on doing for my next build which ill address later in a new thread.
 
lubo4444 said:
Well actually if you want to install your programs too it will be a different story then... because some programs require few GB's of space and the 30GB wont be enough but still depends what programs you want to use. The SSD is expensive because it's new technology. I hope in few months or even sooner they drop the prices a bit. For the performance it's worth the money but if you want to get one that have more free space available it will cost you a lot more. I would just use the SSD for the OS and the 1TB for programs and everything else... :) It's not worth spending a lot of money on the SSD.
Click to expand...

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I would definitely agree with you on the SSD selection if prices were reasonable but, they aren't. So for now I think I shall stick to the two WD Black Caviars.


Drenlin said:
^ Not all programs will install tot he D: drive though...many are C: by default and can't be changed.

I'd just get a good optical drive at this point. SSD's are still too expensive for the capacities they offer, IMO.

This one is particularly fast for the price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395
Click to expand...

Hmm, yeah I think I'll stick to the WD cause I can find two 1TBs for $70 or $75 a piece.

BuddyLee81 said:
I would say get an 80 GB SSD for your operating system and programs you need. Then get a TB Hd (since they are on sale) for everything else like music, school work. That way you arent paying too much for SSD but you would see some significant signs of improvement. Hell, maybe get an SSD for your laptop if its compatible with SATA. Just my thoughts... Thats what I plan on doing for my next build which ill address later in a new thread.
Click to expand...

Hmm 80GB SSD sounds like it -might- be enough but it'll be cutting it close. I do plan on keeping this system for a while (another 7+ yrs) and it doesn't seem like I'm in dire need of a SSD. Although the improvements and performance are a lot better... I just can't see how I could spend X amount of $ for such a small drive. Like I'm assuming the 80GB will run me (in Canada) at least $300. Which is $230 more and 920GB less than what I'd get if I go with a 1TB HDD.


Any comments on the ram guys? Still need some help on that since I'll need to let the guy know if I want them or not.
 
Last edited:
Yeah I've looked into those ones too, the thing is the parts I all listed can be bought price matched at a local store and unfortunately they do not carry those ones and I don't want to wait on shipping.

So with that said, I guess I probably will go for the 12GB of Corsair even though I am actually looking for 6GB, I just can't pass up the chance to save a total of $200 on the ram.
 
Arggg... Just when I thought I was ready to get the rest of my parts I have now run into a small decision problem in regards to the case.

I was originally going with the HAF for it's excellent airflow, great cable management and spacious room. But I recently caught wind of the CM 690 II Advanced and I really really like the design. So since I'm considering the CM 690 II Advanced I'm now also considering the Antec 902 Gamer Case. Now I understand that the two are mid-tower cases and the HAF 932 is a full-tower but, I guess my question is which one would you guys suggest I go for?

Is the CM 690 II / Antec 902 able to accomodate my specs (plan on getting a second GPU in a year or so) without space issues and without hindering airflow? Should I just stick to my original choice of the HAF 932? If you guys suggest that the mid-towers are about the same in cable management, airflow, etc - which of the two mid-towers would you guys pick? Thanks!
 
AzetonMartin said:
Arggg... Just when I thought I was ready to get the rest of my parts I have now run into a small decision problem in regards to the case.

I was originally going with the HAF for it's excellent airflow, great cable management and spacious room. But I recently caught wind of the CM 690 II Advanced and I really really like the design. So since I'm considering the CM 690 II Advanced I'm now also considering the Antec 902 Gamer Case. Now I understand that the two are mid-tower cases and the HAF 932 is a full-tower but, I guess my question is which one would you guys suggest I go for?

Is the CM 690 II / Antec 902 able to accomodate my specs (plan on getting a second GPU in a year or so) without space issues and without hindering airflow? Should I just stick to my original choice of the HAF 932? If you guys suggest that the mid-towers are about the same in cable management, airflow, etc - which of the two mid-towers would you guys pick? Thanks!
Click to expand...

About the CM 690 II i think you will be able to fit everything in there. Wait for more opinions though. About the Antec 902 i have no idea. I have the HAF-922 which is mid-tower and i have plenty of room for everything.
 
lubo4444 said:
About the CM 690 II i think you will be able to fit everything in there. Wait for more opinions though. About the Antec 902 i have no idea. I have the HAF-922 which is mid-tower and i have plenty of room for everything.
Click to expand...

Well what made you choose the HAF 922? Were you considering anything else at the time of purchase? With the mid-tower, would you say you'd be confident enough to fix 2 GPUs without reducing too much space and will not hinder airflow?

I guess I just need to figure out if the extra space from a full-tower is needed.
 
AzetonMartin said:
Well what made you choose the HAF 922? Were you considering anything else at the time of purchase? With the mid-tower, would you say you'd be confident enough to fix 2 GPUs without reducing too much space and will not hinder airflow?

I guess I just need to figure out if the extra space from a full-tower is needed.
Click to expand...

I know HAF-922 has a lot of space in it but when i was looking for my parts the only thing that i had to consider is if my 5870 will fit in the case and yes it did fit. I have plenty of room there and a second 5870 will fit there without a problem. I picked HAF-922 for three things: First it has very good airflow, second it fits every ati card that's out there with no problem, third i really like how the case looks. :P
 
Haha nice nice

Man, I hate making choices!

I'm going to try and lay out a ranking system here.

Looks:
1. Antec 902
2. CM 690 II
3. HAF 932

Space:
1. HAF 932
2. CM 690 II/Antec 902

Airflow:
1. HAF 932
2. CM 690 II/Antec 902

Price:
1. CM 690 II
2. Antec 902
3. HAF 932

hmmm...
 
I do understand you it's a tough to make decisions. It took me a while to build my pc that i have in my profile. So take your time. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top