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Where would you spend an extra $75 in this rig?

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mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
FINAL EDIT: With the additional $75 I decided to go with an E6600 cpu. I had to change RAM to save $20 more dollars, but it is well worht it.

Also, it turns out the CPU cooler I had selected is now OOS, so in searching for a new one, I found a nice little clip that will allow me to mount my CNPS7000 cooler on an LGA775 socket for only $4! I'm crossing my fingers that it will fit my mobo! So with the $40 I saved there, I decided to go for the Antec Solo case. The better case was at the top of my list of all the suggestions since it can't be easily added once the system is built. A close second was the additional hdd, but I have decided to put that aside for the time being and add it a few months down the road. I also decided to swap the GPU for an ATI X1900GT for the same price as the 7600GT thanks to the great suggestion from LW07.

Thank you much for ALL the great suggestions in helping me round out my new rig!


FINAL BUILD

Mobo: Biostar TForce965PT ---$104.99
CPU:: E6600 ---$297
HSF: Zalman adapter clip for CNSP7000 to LG775 ---$3.99
RAM: G Skill (2 X 1GB) PC2 6400 ---$209.99
Video: Saphire X1900GT ---$154.99
Hard Drive: Seagate 320GB 7200.10 ---$94.99
Optical D1: Pioneer 16x DVD RW ---$32.49
Optical D2: Lite On DVD ---$19.99
Case: Antec Solo ---$89.99
PSU: Enahnce 5150GH 500W ---$69
OS: Windows Media Center ---$109.99

With Shipping = $1,230 vs my budget of $1,200

(so I went $30 over! It will be well worth it for the E6600 vs E6300. I also ended up with a nicer case and faster GPU thanks to all the helpful people in this thread!)

ORIGINAL BUILD

Mobo: Biostar TForce965PT ---$104.99
CPU:: E6300 ---$190
HSF: Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7---$29.99
RAM: A-DATA (2 X 1GB) PC2 6400 ---$229.99
Video: Gigabyte 7600GT Silent Pip II---$152.99
Hard Drive: Seagate 320GB 7200.10 ---$94.99
Optical D1: Pioneer 16x DVD RW ---$32.49
Optical D2: Lite On DVD ---$19.99
Case: Cooler Master RC-330 ---$39.99
PSU: Enahnce 5150GH 500W ---$69
OS: Windows Media Center ---$109.99
Fan Cooler Master 120mm ---$7.95

With Shipping = $1,028 vs my budget of $1,200

So what could I add that would really make a difference for around $75?

Here's some notes to consider:

This rig is for mild gaming and the usual internet, DVD burning, gaming etc...

Everyone will say to put it into graphics. I am absolutely set on this card. It will handle the little gaming I do at the moment, it's SILENT, and I plan to upgrade to a DX10 card within 12 months. So please no video recomendations.

I picked this mobo because it has what I need and it is stable. I don't need Raid, Firewire, SLI, Crossfire or any of the bells and whistles other boards offer. I chose this one because it is stable, suits my needs, mildly OC's, and had great reviews. I'm not planning on any extreme OC'ing, but I'll probably go up a little.

I chose the heatsink because I know it fits my board, it is quiet, and I don't intend to OC too much.

Other than that, I am open to suggestions! I was shooting for a quiet PC that would handle the current games I play. I was thinking of adding another Hard Drive, but not sure if I really need it. I could always get some nicer RAM, but will it really make all that difference if I'm not OC'ing too much?

Please offer your input! I didn't plan on doing Yet Another Rate My Rig thread, as I'm pretty confident in my choices thus far. But I really can't decide where to put the extra money. And as long as I have it and it's burining a hole in my pocket, the I HAVE to spend it, LOL.

I'm up for any and all suggestions. I'm pulling the trigger and putting my order in Friday (01/12/06) night, so please don't suggest any technology not immediately available.

Thanks,

Mcurphy

 
O

oynaz

Platinum Member
May 14, 2003
2,449
3
81
A really nice mouse, or a bigger/additional HDD. Extra storage space is always nice.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: oynaz
A really nice mouse, or a bigger/additional HDD. Extra storage space is always nice.
Click to expand...


Both good ideas that I have been considering. I really love my MX700 Duo, and I thought of going for the G7, but I'm not sure I want to let go of my old trustworthy MX. Very tempting though.

The hard drive is another one I am pondering. It would be nice to have an additional drive to back up files in case the Seagate ever crashed. The only thing I can't justify is adding an additional 160+GB of storage that I really don't need.

hmmm, things to think about
 
AVP

AVP

Senior member
Jan 19, 2005
885
0
76
You say you are upgrading to DX10 soon, so if are going near top of the line you might want to get a 600w psu i'd imagine. If that can be done for $30ish extra bucks or so (I have no idea haven't really looked) than you might also want a case upgrade, though your choice seems great for the money. Maybe something with a removable mobo-tray might interest you. Other than that, it looks nice. Oh and a 6400 can be had for not too much more money too, if you don't like the other suggestions, since you said you wont be OC'ing all that much.
 
R

Roguestar

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2006
6,045
0
0
Better HSF so you could run at stock without a fan (TT Tuniq Tower for example) or more hard drive space.
 
R

regnez

Golden Member
Aug 11, 2006
1,156
0
76
You could go with the Antec Sonata, if you want a quiet(er) case and like the way it looks. If not, I agree with the extra hdd recommendation. :thumbsup:

Other than that, seems like you have a pretty good setup that suits your needs.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: twitchee2
I would save it. rig looks good for your purpose. You have done your homework.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I did my home work and then some. Been researching for over a 6 weeks and I can't tell you how many things I've swapped in and out of this to get to this point! LOL I'm sure many others can relate. Going to pull the trigger and order this weekend finally, I can't wait any longer. I was really hoping to see the 650i Ultra show up, but that could be another month. And a mid-range DX10 would be nice as well!

But still...I have to spend this money, LOL. I'm really leaning towards the G7 now unless a better suggestion comes along.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: Tegeril
A 2GB flash drive for ReadyBoost =)
Click to expand...


Interesting! I know nothing about ReadyBoost. Please tell me more?

EditNM, I found the wiki

Originally posted by: AVP
You say you are upgrading to DX10 soon, so if are going near top of the line you might want to get a 600w psu i'd imagine. If that can be done for $30ish extra bucks or so (I have no idea haven't really looked) than you might also want a case upgrade, though your choice seems great for the money. Maybe something with a removable mobo-tray might interest you. Other than that, it looks nice. Oh and a 6400 can be had for not too much more money too, if you don't like the other suggestions, since you said you wont be OC'ing all that much.
Click to expand...

From what I've read, this PSU should have no problems at all with a single DX10 card that is out now. And I'm planning to go midrange, so I'm more than confident it will handle what I end up choosing. I can't justify the E6400, just not that much more in performance vs cost. Thank you for the suggestions!

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Better HSF so you could run at stock without a fan (TT Tuniq Tower for example) or more hard drive space.
Click to expand...

The mobo I have chosen has some really tight spaces around the CPU area, so not all HSF's will work. I know for sure the one I listed above does work, so I'll probably stick with that. I like the idea of no fan though. I might have to research this a bit

Originally posted by: regnez
You could go with the Antec Sonata, if you want a quiet(er) case and like the way it looks. If not, I agree with the extra hdd recommendation. :thumbsup:

Other than that, seems like you have a pretty good setup that suits your needs.
Click to expand...

Sonata was my first choice, but the shiny, easily scratched finish really turned me off :(. I was hoping with all the other quiet solutions I chose, the case wouldn't be too much of a factor.


Thanks for all the great suggestions! Keep em coming! Some really good ideas to consider so far.
 
T

twitchee2

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2004
2,135
0
0
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
I would save it. rig looks good for your purpose. You have done your homework.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I did my home work and then some. Been researching for over a 6 weeks and I can't tell you how many things I've swapped in and out of this to get to this point! LOL I'm sure many others can relate. Going to pull the trigger and order this weekend finally, I can't wait any longer. I was really hoping to see the 650i Ultra show up, but that could be another month. And a mid-range DX10 would be nice as well!

But still...I have to spend this money, LOL. I'm really leaning towards the G7 now unless a better suggestion comes along.
Click to expand...

Well if you must :D. Idk about you, but I turned into a silent freak and now even my yateloons at 7v are too loud, so you might want to look into a better case (sonata? suggested above). Also, I agree with AVP on the psu as well, sense you are going to be upping the gpu soon, but I think 500w should suffice. The rest of the suggestions are very valid and good ones as-well. Good luck with what ever you decide.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: Roguestar
Buyer's Remorse will always get you. Next month's offers are always better ;).
Click to expand...


Oh man, I hear that! That's why I can't wait any longer. I'd really like to have the E6320, a mid-range DX10 and a 650i Ultra, but they are all just another month away, LOL
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
I would save it. rig looks good for your purpose. You have done your homework.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I did my home work and then some. Been researching for over a 6 weeks and I can't tell you how many things I've swapped in and out of this to get to this point! LOL I'm sure many others can relate. Going to pull the trigger and order this weekend finally, I can't wait any longer. I was really hoping to see the 650i Ultra show up, but that could be another month. And a mid-range DX10 would be nice as well!

But still...I have to spend this money, LOL. I'm really leaning towards the G7 now unless a better suggestion comes along.
Click to expand...


Well if you must :D. Idk about you, but I turned into a silent freak and now even my yateloons at 7v are too loud, so you might want to look into a better case (sonata? suggested above). Also, I agree with AVP on the psu as well, sense you are going to be upping the gpu soon, but I think 500w should suffice. The rest of the suggestions are very valid and good ones as-well. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Click to expand...

The case is defintely the weakest point in this build, I agree. The reviews are pretty great though and I really just wanted something simple that looked nice. Quiet would be a huge plus, but the finish on the Sonata really turns me off. I transport my PC every few months to a buddy's house for gaming and I can just see what it will look like after a few trips. I've also looked at those yateloons, and I may grab a couple if mine don't do their job.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Here is a case for alsmot exactly $75, and its one of the quietest around. I use and it works for me. Antec p180.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Click to expand...


This is another case I have considered. I think I dumped it from build early on trying to budget something else in. I like everything about it except the front door panel, but that's not a big deal. Thanks for refreshing me on it! It is somehting I am going to consider!
 
T

twitchee2

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2004
2,135
0
0
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Here is a case for alsmot exactly $75, and its one of the quietest around. I use and it works for me. Antec p180.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Click to expand...


This is another case I have considered. I think I dumped it from build early on trying to budget something else in. I like everything about it except the front door panel, but that's not a big deal. Thanks for refreshing me on it! It is somehting I am going to consider!
Click to expand...

What about the door panel? I think it makes it look nice and simple but elegant. It doesn't really get in the way, it can be opened flush against the side panel if you want.
 
ScrapSilicon

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Here is a case for alsmot exactly $75, and its one of the quietest around. I use and it works for me. Antec p180.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Click to expand...


This is another case I have considered. I think I dumped it from build early on trying to budget something else in. I like everything about it except the front door panel, but that's not a big deal. Thanks for refreshing me on it! It is somehting I am going to consider!
Click to expand...

What about the door panel? I think it makes it look nice and simple but elegant. It doesn't really get in the way, it can be opened flush against the side panel if you want.
Click to expand...

some people have break plastic pins syndrome ..:) anyway ..the nicer one is this
 
T

twitchee2

Platinum Member
Dec 29, 2004
2,135
0
0
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Here is a case for alsmot exactly $75, and its one of the quietest around. I use and it works for me. Antec p180.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Click to expand...


This is another case I have considered. I think I dumped it from build early on trying to budget something else in. I like everything about it except the front door panel, but that's not a big deal. Thanks for refreshing me on it! It is somehting I am going to consider!
Click to expand...

What about the door panel? I think it makes it look nice and simple but elegant. It doesn't really get in the way, it can be opened flush against the side panel if you want.
Click to expand...

some people have break plastic pins syndrome ..:) anyway ..the nicer one is this
Click to expand...

I've broken to pins on the side panels :), haven't heard of the doors. Anyone thats another very quiet case.
 
mcurphy

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
81
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Originally posted by: mcurphy
Originally posted by: twitchee2
Here is a case for alsmot exactly $75, and its one of the quietest around. I use and it works for me. Antec p180.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Click to expand...


This is another case I have considered. I think I dumped it from build early on trying to budget something else in. I like everything about it except the front door panel, but that's not a big deal. Thanks for refreshing me on it! It is somehting I am going to consider!
Click to expand...

What about the door panel? I think it makes it look nice and simple but elegant. It doesn't really get in the way, it can be opened flush against the side panel if you want.
Click to expand...


I did not know it folded all the way flush. What a nice bonus! I don't care for door panels in general, my last two rigs have had them, both broke at the hinge after a few months, and it just seems like it would be so much easier to have my opticals available and ready without having to pull a door open and manuveur around it. But the flush thing is awesome, a very nice convenience. This case is looking better all the time. Time to do some more research on it! Thanks

Originally posted by: 8KCABrett
Bestbuy.com has the P180 for 79.99 with free shipping. . . that is when it's in stock.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the hotdeal! I may be taking advantage of this.
 
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