Feedback on a quiet media & gaming build?

[BubbaFett33]

It's my first build, and I'm building a semi-quiet rig for:
- HDTV Video and music server (component or HDMI into 60" DLP) - 30%
- Video/image capture/editing/graphic design - 15%
- Gaming - 25%
- General email/browser, etc. - 30%

On a budget of $1500 CAD delivered Incl. taxes.

Here's what I have so far--I appreciate your thoughts and feedback:

PROCESSOR-Intel Core?2 Duo Processor E6300 using Intel Retail Heatsink and Fan
MOBO-Asus P5B Deluxe
RAM-Mushkin EM2-6400 Enhanced DDR2 SDRAM, 2GB Dual Pack
CASE-Antec Sonata II w/Antec 450W SmartPower 2.0 Power Supply
HD-Western Digital 320GB Caviar SE16 7200rpm SATA II w/ 16MB Cache
OPTICAL-Pioneer DVR-111D 16x16x8 Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Black
VIDEO-ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon X1900 256MB GDDR3
GPU COOLING-Zalman VF900-Cu Ultra Quiet GPU Cooler

One key question I have - Will the stock Sonata II PSU keep up?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Bobthelost]

I wouldn't stick all that on a 450W SPII. Perhaps you might want to think about a P150 instead, much prettier and a nicer PSU.

Why not a 7900GT and a seperate TV tuner? The AIW doesn't perform all that well compared to the normal versions and it's only got 256mb RAM on it.

 

[BubbaFett33]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
I wouldn't stick all that on a 450W SPII. Perhaps you might want to think about a P150 instead, much prettier and a nicer PSU.

Why not a 7900GT and a seperate TV tuner? The AIW doesn't perform all that well compared to the normal versions and it's only got 256mb RAM on it.

Good points. I've struggled with the case "prettiness" issue quite a bit, but it's going to be hidden from sight most of the time. I landed on the Sonata II because of price/performance considerations... I never considered the P150 though, because the site I spec'ed everything on doesn't carry that one. I'll check it out!

I considered the dual card route, but I think I'd have to go down to a 7600 to stay in-budget. The AIW was attractive to me because it covered off all of my A/V input/output/capture needs in one card (for $280 CAD)... Are there two cards with a combined cost of ~$280 CAD (~$250 USD) that you can recommend?

Thanks!

 

[Bobthelost]

Didn't realise the AIW was that cheap, in which case roll on, good choice.

 

[BubbaFett33]

I have requested price and availability on the Solo (it's a local, inexpensive supplier, and easier if they bring it in). I'm not a fan of the white 150 case...

So that leaves me needing a PSU. I'm thinking Seasonic S-12 500?

The supplier doesn't carry Seasonic either....just Antec, Enermax, Silverstone, Mushkin, OCZ and a few others.

Thoughts on a PSU if I go Solo? Is it worth chasing down the seasonic from another supplier if need be? The Enermax 485W EG495P-VE SFMA Noisetaker looks like a contender.....?

Thanks!

 

[The Boston Dangler]

I swear by Seasonic. By the way, the rig you outlined will draw about 300W at absolute maximum.
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

I would be very tempted to stick with the Sonata II. It's a very good box, and not super difficult for a first timer.

 

[BubbaFett33]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
I swear by Seasonic. By the way, the rig you outlined will draw about 300W at absolute maximum.

I would be very tempted to stick with the Sonata II. It's a very good box, and not super difficult for a first timer.

Thanks for the wattage info! I'm a bit of a rookie, and that helps a ton.

The Sonata is still in the running, based on cost alone. If the PSU doesn't cut it in a few months, then I'm no further behind, as I only have about $100CAD sunk in to the case & PSU together.

I dabbled with spec'ing out killer $250 cases with $150 PSUs, but spending $300 above and beyond the Sonata II's cost--without adding a lick of performance to the system--is a tough pill to swallow. (Remember, all this is going to be out of sight in a media closet with my A/V equipment).

Frankly, I would lean toward putting that $300 toward a new monitor, additional high speed HD space, or a few new games....

 

[drakore]

Well since silence if a factor I would change that GPU cooler to the Arctice Accelero X2, runs quiet at 100% speed. Personally I have a vf900 and love it, but at 100% it is noisier than the x2

 

[BubbaFett33]

I have never seen the Accelero or the vf900 in person, so I was just going by reviews...

You've used both, and the Accelero is quieter? If so, then that's the way to go. I just know the Radeon x1900 AIW is going to be a roaring beast with the stock GPU fan!