Critique my build please...

[paperfist]

A build that's pretty much blowing my $1500.00 budget!

Buying: USA

No brand preference other than quality is priority.

Resolution: 2048x1152 for web/ap work across 3 displays (3 DELL SP2309W). I've never gamed on more than 1 monitor before and when I do it's usually at 1680x1050. Would love to try that resolution across 3 screens!

No overclocking.

Build to happen over the next 2 weeks. Hopefully...

I already have Windows 7 Home Premium. Was thinking of buying a copy of Ultimate.

It's a dual purpose build in that it will be a gamer and a machine for business with 2-3 users logging in hence the large amount of RAM. I'll be using an ap called 'thinstuff' which allows for Remote Desktop connections.

If I understand Intel Smart Connect correctly I'll be using about 64GB of the SSD to boost the mechanical drives performance thus leaving me about 128GB of the SSD for OS and AP installs.

The 4 CD-ROMs are so I can finally burn about 400 music CDs to my computer and get with the times!

I'm having trouble with the video card selection. I need 2 DVI ports to drive my 3 DELL SP2309W monitors which have VGA/DVI/HDMI inputs. The Sapphire looked like the quietest option for that task, but it doesn't seem to be available now. The other half of the problem is for eyefinity I think I need to use a Display Port from the video card. Can anyone recommend an adapter to go from that to DVI?

I haven't totaled up all the wattage, but I think that Seasonic is good enough to power the rig.

$85.00 ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Z77 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/product/387554/Z77_Extreme4_LGA_1155_Z77_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

$190.00 Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor
http://www.microcenter.com/product/388577/Core_i5_3570K_34GHz_LGA_1155_Processor

$320.00 SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100352VXSR Radeon HD 7950 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814202003

$55.00 Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

$140.00 SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151088

$160.00 G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10Q-32GBZL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231507

$250.00 SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC256D/AM 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Desktop Upgrade Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820147135

$180.00 Western Digital Caviar Black WD2002FAEX 2TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136792

$190.00 Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116997

QTY 4 $80.00 ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

Total around $1700.00

Thanks for any offered help!

 

[mfenn]

Comments:

- Mobo: Good
- CPU: Good
- GPU: As far as I know, you can't drive more than two TMDS-style (HDMI, DVI) displays from a 7000 series card at the same time. You'll need an active adapter to convert from DisplayPort to DVI. Luckily your monitors, even with their funky resolution can be driven by a single-link adapter like this. This XFX 7950 3GB card looks to be in stock to me for $290 AR.
- Case: OK, but the Three Hundred Two would let you use the USB 3.0 headers on your motherboard.
- PSU: Extreme overkill. An XFX Core 550W will give you all the power you need for $56 AR
- RAM: Probably overkill. A multi-user environment tends to be more efficient than a single-user one because you don't have to have multiple copies of the OS kernel, filesystem cache, etc, etc. per user. What will the users be doing? If its just typical office work, +2GB per session is plenty. Thus, stick with 16GB total, this G.Skill is good for $62.
- SSD : Good drive, but too expensive for a 256GB SSD. Crucial M4 256GB is only $210. The Antec 302 comes with two 2.5" bays, so no need for an adapter.
- HDD : Way overpriced for 2TB. Grab this Seagate for $110.
- OS: Unnecessary with 16GB of RAM.
- ODD : Fine

That should get you well under $1500.

 

[riversend]

If you really want the Samsung SSD it is only $214 at Amazon.

 

[DSF]

Comments:

- Mobo: Good
- CPU: Good
- GPU: As far as I know, you can't drive more than two TMDS-style (HDMI, DVI) displays from a 7000 series card at the same time. You'll need an active adapter to convert from DisplayPort to DVI. Luckily your monitors, even with their funky resolution can be driven by a single-link adapter like this. This XFX 7950 3GB card looks to be in stock to me for $290 AR.
- Case: OK, but the Three Hundred Two would let you use the USB 3.0 headers on your motherboard.
- PSU: Extreme overkill. An XFX Core 550W will give you all the power you need for $56 AR
- RAM: Probably overkill. A multi-user environment tends to be more efficient than a single-user one because you don't have to have multiple copies of the OS kernel, filesystem cache, etc, etc. per user. What will the users be doing? If its just typical office work, +2GB per session is plenty. Thus, stick with 16GB total, this G.Skill is good for $62.
- SSD : Good drive, but too expensive for a 256GB SSD. Crucial M4 256GB is only $210. The Antec 302 comes with two 2.5" bays, so no need for an adapter.
- HDD : Way overpriced for 2TB. Grab this Seagate for $110.
- OS: Unnecessary with 16GB of RAM.
- ODD : Fine

That should get you well under $1500.

I was going to say very similar things.

 

[paperfist]

Comments:

- Mobo: Good
- CPU: Good
- GPU: As far as I know, you can't drive more than two TMDS-style (HDMI, DVI) displays from a 7000 series card at the same time. You'll need an active adapter to convert from DisplayPort to DVI. Luckily your monitors, even with their funky resolution can be driven by a single-link adapter like this. This XFX 7950 3GB card looks to be in stock to me for $290 AR.
- Case: OK, but the Three Hundred Two would let you use the USB 3.0 headers on your motherboard.
- PSU: Extreme overkill. An XFX Core 550W will give you all the power you need for $56 AR
- RAM: Probably overkill. A multi-user environment tends to be more efficient than a single-user one because you don't have to have multiple copies of the OS kernel, filesystem cache, etc, etc. per user. What will the users be doing? If its just typical office work, +2GB per session is plenty. Thus, stick with 16GB total, this G.Skill is good for $62.
- SSD : Good drive, but too expensive for a 256GB SSD. Crucial M4 256GB is only $210. The Antec 302 comes with two 2.5" bays, so no need for an adapter.
- HDD : Way overpriced for 2TB. Grab this Seagate for $110.
- OS: Unnecessary with 16GB of RAM.
- ODD : Fine

That should get you well under $1500.

Thanks for the case suggestion.

I didn't even know XFX made PSUs. I'll check that out.

For multi user it's basically going to be QuickBooks work, a few MS aps like Word and Excel. For me I always have TONS of browser tabs open, GIMP, Word, Excel, A/V, Outlook, Steam and chat clients running.

Thanks for the other suggestions, I will be switching mine out for yours.

I originally spec'd out that XFX card but someone in the video card forums said it was loud.

 

[paperfist]

If you really want the Samsung SSD it is only $214 at Amazon.

Thanks! That puts it close to mfenn's suggestion price wise. I'm kind of leaning on the Samsung as I've heard it's very reliable, but doesn't get the attention to firmware that Crucial gives.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks! That puts it close to mfenn's suggestion price wise. I'm kind of leaning on the Samsung as I've heard it's very reliable, but doesn't get the attention to firmware that Crucial gives.

Both drives are quite good and very reliable. You'd be happy with either, but the 830 is faster and $214 is a nice price for the 256GB version.

 

[mfenn]

For multi user it's basically going to be QuickBooks work, a few MS aps like Word and Excel. For me I always have TONS of browser tabs open, GIMP, Word, Excel, A/V, Outlook, Steam and chat clients running.

Yeah I think that 16GB will be plenty to support 2-3 users. With 8GB sticks you can always jump to 32GB if necessary. Windows even has a built-in way to switch editions without a reinstall or even much downtime (they are just unlocking stuff that is already there after all).

I originally spec'd out that XFX card but someone in the video card forums said it was loud.

The Double D is a bit louder than a Twin Frozr or Sapphire's cooler, but nothing to worry about IMHO.

 

[Raincity]

If your going with a bare a SSD drive. Spring for a cheap 2.0 to 3.5 converter or some double sided sticky tape. Both of the SSD mount spots in the Antec 300 V2 are worthless. Luckily my Intel drives did come with 3.5 mount kits and cables.

 

[sperho]

Here's the 3.5" drive adapter I bought - it fit well and came with plenty of screws: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s00_i00

 

[paperfist]

If your going with a bare a SSD drive. Spring for a cheap 2.0 to 3.5 converter or some double sided sticky tape. Both of the SSD mount spots in the Antec 300 V2 are worthless. Luckily my Intel drives did come with 3.5 mount kits and cables.

Thanks I forgot about the adapter

I also kind of forgot about amazon as an alternative to newegg. Not sure I'd bite, but they have used Samsung 830s for $40 less than new. hmmmmmmmm.

I didn't realize how big the Antec cases were, anyone have comments on this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811553003 Cougar case? It already has a 2.5" bay and a bottom mount fan. Biggest negative looks like there's only a spot for 1 120mm fan.

Yeah I think that 16GB will be plenty to support 2-3 users. With 8GB sticks you can always jump to 32GB if necessary. Windows even has a built-in way to switch editions without a reinstall or even much downtime (they are just unlocking stuff that is already there after all).



The Double D is a bit louder than a Twin Frozr or Sapphire's cooler, but nothing to worry about IMHO.

Alright, thanks Good point with Windows, I can just do the 'Anytime Upgrade'. According to Sapphire, their FleX cards don't need an Display Port adapter to get eyefinity to work, so I can use 2 DVI outs + 1 HDMI to get output on 3 displays. I have to check in on the Double D now to see what up with the output.

 

[thelastjuju]

My critique is the same critique I always make...

RAM is overkill, PSU is overkill.. and budget is too big to not include at least an entry level sound card.

What good are cutting edge visuals if you only have mediocre sound quality from onboard sound?

That hard drive is also not that overpriced when you consider he is suggesting you drop from a well received drive with an industry leading 5-year warranty to the industry minimum 1-year warranty drive with alarmingly poor ratings. Seagate's hard drive philosophy seems to be that hard drives are nothing more than disposable goods.

 

[paperfist]

My critique is the same critique I always make...

RAM is overkill, PSU is overkill.. and budget is too big to not include at least an entry level sound card.

What good are cutting edge visuals if you only have mediocre sound quality from onboard sound?

That hard drive is also not that overpriced when you consider he is suggesting you drop from a well received drive with an industry leading 5-year warranty to the industry minimum 1-year warranty drive with alarmingly poor ratings. Seagate's hard drive philosophy seems to be that hard drives are nothing more than disposable goods.

Ok for the RAM I know it's overkill I have one thing I want to play around with this time around for the build and that's RAM. I literally have a zillion FF tabs open, aps galore going at once on 2 monitors. I'll be throwing in a 3rd monitor so that's going to allow me to have even more *bleeping* tabs open. On top of that 2-3 users are going to be able to connect to this PC, I don't really know what's that's going to do to my useability. I will prolly take mfenn's approach and go 16GB first since I can add 2 more sticks later.

Actually you're right about sound and I couldn't agree more! I was figuring on going with an X-Fi card, I had one in my last build and BF2 sounded amazing. I see they have slightly improved the X-Fi cards, but I haven't had a chance to look into them.

 

[thelastjuju]

I would say if gaming is top priority, maybe go with an X-Fi.. but if music is the top priority, go with anything but the X-Fi.. because the X-Fi's rely heavily on artificial/simulation effects to enhance sound quality. So its nice for games, but not as nice if you're looking for the most accurate sound reproduction with your music.

The entry level Asus Xonar cards are great too.. a lot of people here are surprised with the sound clarity boost they get over onboard sound, even with the very cheapest model.

 

[Raincity]

I would say if gaming is top priority, maybe go with an X-Fi.. but if music is the top priority, go with anything but the X-Fi.. because the X-Fi's rely heavily on artificial/simulation effects to enhance sound quality. So its nice for games, but not as nice if you're looking for the most accurate sound reproduction with your music.

The entry level Asus Xonar cards are great too.. a lot of people here are surprised with the sound clarity boost they get over onboard sound, even with the very cheapest model.

Yep, The onboard sound with my new setup was far from stellar with the Realtech 892 audio. Upgraded to a cheap $20 Asus Xonar DG and it was a decent improvement.

 

[mfenn]

RAM is overkill, PSU is overkill.. and budget is too big to not include at least an entry level sound card.

Both have been addressed.

That hard drive is also not that overpriced when you consider he is suggesting you drop from a well received drive with an industry leading 5-year warranty to the industry minimum 1-year warranty drive with alarmingly poor ratings. Seagate's hard drive philosophy seems to be that hard drives are nothing more than disposable goods.

The data begs to differ.

Both WD and Seagate have bad models, but neither the ST2000DM001 nor the WD2002FAEX are one of those. Over all drives, the rates are very similar between the two manufacturers.