Mobo + CPU combos

[frau kaleun]

First off, I blame everyone who participated in this (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=183620) thread. :O:

I am looking right now at this combination for a possible upgrade.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=165182&CatId=4297

What say you, oh resident Subsim technical advisors?

Not necessarily buying from there, I haven't checked prices everywhere yet. But at first glance the price looks okay, and it has all the slots I need for the stuff I have plus another gfx card if I want to do that (AND YOU KNOW I DO) and they all appear to be in places which will allow me to use the stuff I've already got.

Gots plenty of USB connectors for peripherals, an eSata connector for my external drive, and I assume there will be no problems hooking up two internal HDDs and two DVD drives.

I will probably get a slightly larger case as I have a... mini-tower (?) now. Anyway, next size up is a mid-tower and I've been looking at some that will take an ATX board and give me a little more tinkering room inside, but are not too big too fit the space I've got which is non-negotiable.

Also I will have to upgrade to DDR3 RAM but RAM's relatively cheap and it's not like I need to have this up and running ASAP. Just looking for a good place to start.

And I'll need a new power supply so wattage recommendations, kind sirs. Will probably get another Radeon HD 5770 if/when I get a second gfx card. IIRC at least 600w is required for two of them running in tandem.

[stoppro]

That is close to what i have I also have the coolermaster tower think it was on sale at the time at 149.00 I think what you have picked out will work fine.I'm sure you will hear more.

[FIREWALL]

I'd like you to check all of this out. :yep: And I wouldn't start out with anything less than a 750 watt psu.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=ASUS+M4A79XTD+EVO+AMD+790X+Socket+AM3+Mot herboard+and+AMD+Phenom+II+X4+955+Black+Edition+Qu ad+Core+CPU+Bundle&x=14&y=17

[danasan]

First off, I blame everyone who participated in this (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=183620) thread. :O:

Gots plenty of USB connectors for peripherals, an eSata connector for my external drive, and I assume there will be no problems hooking up two internal HDDs and two DVD drives.

And I'll need a new power supply so wattage recommendations, kind sirs. Will probably get another Radeon HD 5770 if/when I get a second gfx card. IIRC at least 600w is required for two of them running in tandem.

Regarding all the drives and discs and two video cards, make sure to get a good, stable and quiet power supply. I would take 750 W to be on the safe side.

Edit: That processor is in my "physical" shop next door 120,- EURO without Mainboard, which is 101,- EURO. So we are much more expensive here in Germany

[frau kaleun]

@ Firewall: yep, I've been looking at Amazon. But so far I haven't seen prices there for the mobo and CPU that amount to less than the bundle at Tiger Direct.

Looking at NewEgg now, they have that mobo as an open box item for $70 and the Phenom II x4 965 Black 3.4 GHz for $120 with a promo code good through the end of the month. That's the same price as the combo with the 955 3.2 GHz CPU at TigerDirect. Don't know about the open box thing though, I always worry about that when buying online. :hmmm:

[kiwi_2005]

Fran sorry to burst your bubble but you should know that all this latest hardware is NOT going to make Silent Hunter III look as good as Silent Hunter 5. Sorry... :O:

Though I'm curious why the kickass PC, what other games do you play beside SH or are you looking at getting into 3dstudio max or something. Anyways the higher the hw the better 750watt sounds right, Radeon HD 5770 (wow!) Im running a pesky 9800GT works fine for all latest games so far. 2 HD 5770 will cream everything thrown at it imo.

[frau kaleun]

Eh, I dunno, I'm just in the mood. :O:

I've always intended to build my own system more or less from scratch, and I've finally gotten to the point where I feel like I know enough to do it, with a little help.

[kiwi_2005]

Eh, I dunno, I'm just in the mood. :O:

I've always intended to build my own system more or less from scratch, and I've finally gotten to the point where I feel like I know enough to do it, with a little help.

:salute: Good luck. I usually do the same but this time round I had the tech build it. It was coming up christmas holidays I couldn't wait any longer I had to have the PC now! Only work I did on it was installed window 7 and software = 6 games I had got the day before. :DL

[longam]

By all means, build your own. Its a great learning experience. Just don't get caught up in the upgrade fever, you can spend more money then the US deficit. :cry:

[Herr-Berbunch]

My two-penneth, for what it's worth.

Depending on your two gfx cards don't expect to use many or any of the other pci slots.

Go for a bigger psu, like firewall said above 750w - but make sure it's a good make, not just a mass-produced item - yes you will pay slightly more but worth it. And if suggesting a 600w is trying to be environmentally friendly, a 800w device doesn't push 800w if there's no call for it.

Regarding the case, I'd be worried about the ...not too big too fit the space I've got which is non-negotiable. part, sounds like it's squeezed in somewhere and has little or no breathing space around it. For your cpu and a pair of cards (or even one nowadays) airflow, unless you're considering water cooling, is very, very important. Get the measurements of your intended cards (same base models vary between manufacturers) add the depth of a sata/pata drive and add another good couple of inches for any cabling that needs routing that way.

Do keep us informed how it's going :yeah:

[frau kaleun]

My two-penneth, for what it's worth.

Depending on your two gfx cards don't expect to use many or any of the other pci slots.

The positioning of the slots is a crucial factor, because I want to keep the sound card I've got plus I do have an internal modem for the phone line. Not an everyday requirement as I've got DSL, but it's through the phone company and if the hi-speed goes out I can still fall back on the dial-up connection provided I've still got the stuff in place for that. It doesn't go out often, but if it does it's always when I need to go online to do things that are time-sensitive (i.e., pay bills) and I can't wait 2-5 days for them to get their act together.

From the looks of the mobo everything should fit.

Current mobo has 4 expansion slots, in this order (working down from top):

PCIe x 1 (sound card)
PCIe x 16 (gfx card)
PCI 2.2 (blocked by 2-slot gfx card)
PCI 2.2 (PCI voice/fax modem)

On the board I'm looking at

http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/SKUimages/gallery/large/A455-2903-call04x-ro.jpg

it looks like even if you have two gfx cards blocking the top PCIe x 1 and PCI 2.2 slots, you'd still have one of each free. So I'd still have a slot free for the sound card and modem.

Go for a bigger psu, like firewall said above 750w - but make sure it's a good make, not just a mass-produced item - yes you will pay slightly more but worth it. And if suggesting a 600w is trying to be environmentally friendly, a 800w device doesn't push 800w if there's no call for it.


Duly noted. :DL

Regarding the case, I'd be worried about the part, sounds like it's squeezed in somewhere and has little or no breathing space around it. For your cpu and a pair of cards (or even one nowadays) airflow, unless you're considering water cooling, is very, very important.

Oh, I'm allowing for space around it; the cases I'm looking at are roughly the same width, so I won't be losing any breathing space on either side. I'm hoping to find one that's not too much deeper, but even if it is there will still be several inches of space open behind it just to accommodate all the cables/cords. It will just sit further out on my desk. My computer sits in an alcove on one side of my desk that supports shelving over the top of it, but only about half of it is actually "inside" the alcove, the front half is completely out in the open and the back is also open... I mean, there's a wall there a few inches back, but no back panel on the alcove so air can flow through it and for all the cables and whatnot.

But there is a height limit, because it has to fit in underneath everything else with some breathing space in between... 17" is gonna be about the max.


Get the measurements of your intended cards (same base models vary between manufacturers) add the depth of a sata/pata drive and add another good couple of inches for any cabling that needs routing that way.

Everything I'd be using I already have at least one of, lol, and it all fits the case I have, altho it's a cramped enough to make tinkering a bit frustrating. I did have to move one HDD up to a higher bay to make room for the 5770 since it was longer than the card I had, but that was only to keep the cable from getting pinched in between. So I think even a slightly bigger case should be fine provided it works for the ATX mobo... just 1" more depth would work wonders in terms of me not ending up with 10,000 little nicks and scratches on my hands when I get in there and start messing with stuff. :O:

Do keep us informed how it's going :yeah:

I'm sure if I decide to build a computer from the mobo up, it will not be so much a matter of keeping you informed but of coming here screaming for help when my carefully laid plan goes inevitably awry. :D

[Herr-Berbunch]

just 1" more depth would work wonders


:o
:oops:




:har:

[frau kaleun]

It's twue! It's twue!



Edit: after some checking it looks like I can get the mobo and the Phenom II x4 965 cheaper separately, by splitting the purchase between retailers and taking advantages of current specials and rebates.

Plus I've looked at a ton of other mobos and can't find anything comparable with the configuration I want plus the I/O jacks I need for what I've alread got.

So... I might just go for it.

[FIREWALL]

I'm going to jump in for the last time before it gets too confuseing.

The CPU for the bundle from TD had matching wattage (125 watts) 955

The bigger CPU doesn't (140watts) 965

I think your on the right track and not only have happiness now but, will in the future have UPGRADEABILITY. :yep: Like bigger Vid cards.

Without alot out of pocket. :up:

[frau kaleun]

I'm going to jump in for the last time before it gets too confuseing.

The CPU for the bundle from TD had matching wattage (125 watts) 955

The bigger CPU doesn't (140watts) 965

:06:

The board supports both CPUs, I checked the Asus web site. TD has both of them bundled with it. Is there a problem I'm not seeing? It's quite possible. :O:

Now I'm really confused, I'm looking at the AMD site and both the 955 and 965 are 125W.

[FIREWALL]

If ASUS backs the bigger CPU I'd go with it. You can't go wrong and it will safely will OC to 4gb's after warrenty runs out.

And by then you'll be an ole pro. :DL

Don't worry about building your own rig. By your posts over time I've always been impressed with your common sense as well as humor.

Spend $2.00 on a ground strap. Buy it locally and they'll show as well as explain it's worth for a newbe builder. :yep:

As far as cases go there's so much variety, price and.......

I think your onto a fun adventure that should make you proud when your done. :up:

DOWNSIDE : Your family and friends will bug you to help them upgrade. :haha:

[frau kaleun]

If ASUS backs the bigger CPU I'd go with it. You can't go wrong and it will safely will OC to 4gb's after warrenty runs out.

And by then you'll be an ole pro. :DL

Don't worry about building your own rig. By your posts over time I've always been impressed with your common sense as well as humor.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. There's not much inside a desktop PC that I haven't tinkered with, taken out, put back in, replaced or upgraded, aside from the mobo and CPU. It's always been my policy not to be afraid of the machine, because... the machine will know.

In fact it's become a habit when I get a new rig, to set it all up and turn it on and then disassemble the old one right in front of it. SO IT KNOWS what happens when I am no longer happy with something. :O:

Spend $2.00 on a ground strap. Buy it locally and they'll show as well as explain it's worth for a newbe builder. :yep:

This sort of thingy?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antistatic_wrist_strap

As far as cases go there's so much variety, price and.......

Tell me about it, I think with that I'm gonna have to go to Microcenter and look at them in person. And take my measuring tape. It's just too hard to get a feel for anything like that from just a picture and list of specs.

DOWNSIDE : Your family and friends will bug you to help them upgrade. :haha:

Oh, we're already there. Almost everyone I know in "real life" is a bigger n00b than I ever was. I have one friend who used to work as the IT help person at some company, but generally I'm the person who gets the phone calls.

Person who will remain nameless: "Uh, hi, howya doin'? Listen, I let my nephew put XP on my computer and I'm trying to run Windows Update and it's telling me that I may have an illegal copy of Windows and wants me to pay $XXX for a license. What should I do?"

Me: "I've met your nephew. Buy the license."

[FIREWALL]

$99.99 on sale amazon 64 home pro sale TD bit and no relatives. :haha:

And it's yours. I think your a good peeps and I only want to help tech wise as health will help.

But I take care of my owne :yep: Nothing more, Noting less. My new or olds friends are all are in inportantant at this stage.

Not big smart postst at future as my friends comming in neer future.


You can do it. :yep:...:salute: No more posts. You will succeed. Goodbye :DL

[frau kaleun]

Oh honey. Sounds like I'm not the only one who needs to call it a night. :O:

I think your a good peeps

Good peeps:

http://www.junkfoodnews.net/JUST-BORN-MARSHMALLOW-PEEPS.jpg

Bad peeps:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_91MaiKM4ZAc/SZiRNjsfFZI/AAAAAAAAChI/O1fGn6riYPw/s400/bad+peeps.jpg

:D


Now here's a really dumb question. In this picture, which connector is the one the PSU would plug into?

http://images.highspeedbackbone.net/SKUimages/gallery/large/A455-2903-call04x-ro.jpg

It's the 24-pin ATX Power Connector, right? Or is it the 4-pin ATX Power Connector? Because I'm looking at PSUs (when I should be in bed, argh, I blame... well, me, actually, but anyway) and it says MB Power Connector, 24 pins, so... that's the first one, the one there on the side, right? But that looks like it would be a long way from where the PSU is mounted.

[Sailor Steve]

Don't know about the open box thing though, I always worry about that when buying online. :hmmm:
I suppose that's a legitimate worry, but my current graphics card was purchased as an Open-Box from NewEgg, and I've had no complaints at all. On the other hand I don't know anything, so maybe I was just lucky.

[Jan Kyster]

:hmmm: so one 5770 wasn't enough?

Don't worry about the build - since you've aimed for an Asus board, you'll be pleased with the great manual. An excellent step-by-step guide! :up:

And of course you have us! :D


And forget the silly ground strap... just touch the case, use common sense and don't touch connectors or components.

The 955 and 965 are the same CPU. AMD overclocked the 955 for you for the extra $20 and named it 965... your choice.
If choosing 955, make sure it's a rev. c3 :shifty: but I would probably go for 965 too.

750W PSU is way - way! - more than adequate! What do you have now? If more than 450W, I would keep that for a while...
Don't know if you've already settled for one, but I can highly recommend Fractal Design. Cheap and very, very good.


But how did the 5770 perform for you?


/edit: btw. your board will need both power connectors to be connected. 4-pin ATX and 24-pin ATX.

[Jan Kyster]

750W PSU is way - way! - more than adequate!Said he, who just found this landed on the carpet! :rotfl2:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z15/subject_rod/5970/oops.jpg

[frau kaleun]

I suppose that's a legitimate worry, but my current graphics card was purchased as an Open-Box from NewEgg, and I've had no complaints at all. On the other hand I don't know anything, so maybe I was just lucky.

It would probably be fine, they just won't guarantee the presence of any of the "accessories" that you'd get with a new item. Anyway I got it new for only about $10 more (after rebate) from somewhere else. :yeah:

:hmmm: so one 5770 wasn't enough?

It probably is, but with the new mobo at least I'll have the option of a second card. Who knows, by the time I get around to it, the price on the 5870 may have dropped. :D

But how did the 5770 perform for you?

Loading SH3+GWX3+10 gazillion mods with new card...

http://webservice.imagesauce.net/image/149935/160x160.jpg

Still loading...
http://webservice.imagesauce.net/image/149935/160x160.jpg

Still loading...
http://webservice.imagesauce.net/image/149935/160x160.jpg

Aaaaaand still loading...
http://webservice.imagesauce.net/image/149935/160x160.jpg

Almost there...
http://webservice.imagesauce.net/image/149935/160x160.jpg

Okay, Wilhelmshaven, here I come...

Looks around harbor...

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/medium/000/005/165/PFFFFT.png?1298459960

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll215/jorennejf/Memes/HappyRageGuy.png

http://www.paulohsms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/me-gusta-meme.jpg

Don't worry about the build - since you've aimed for an Asus board, you'll be pleased with the great manual. An excellent step-by-step guide! :up:

And of course you have us!

:yeah:

Right now I'm looking at the first week of September to get it up and running, since I'll have a week off work then and plenty of time to tinker/re-tinker/throw things/learn exciting new curse words/tear my hair out. :O:

Plus that will give me time to consider, compare and acquire whatever else I'm gonna need. If I get there sooner, fine, but that's what I'm shooting for.

And forget the silly ground strap... just touch the case, use common sense and don't touch connectors or components.

That's what I've always done, and I've never been shocked or fried a component. :yep:

The 955 and 965 are the same CPU. AMD overclocked the 955 for you for the extra $20 and named it 965... your choice.
If choosing 955, make sure it's a rev. c3 :shifty: but I would probably go for 965 too.

Newegg has the 965 for the same price as the 955 with a promo code through 5/31. :D

750W PSU is way - way! - more than adequate! What do you have now? If more than 450W, I would keep that for a while...
Don't know if you've already settled for one, but I can highly recommend Fractal Design. Cheap and very, very good.

500W, it's the one that came with the rig when I bought it. Have never looked up anything else about it so I don't know whether it's from a "quality" manufacturer or not. Given that it was included in a pre-built system, I'm guessing not. :hmmm:

Much will depend on what else ends up going into the new build, so the PSU will most likely be the last thing I look at, unless I come across some incredible deal on a really nice one that looks like a good longterm investment.

/edit: btw. your board will need both power connectors to be connected. 4-pin ATX and 24-pin ATX.

:yeah:

Maybe I should look for a Building PCs For Dummies book. :O:

[frau kaleun]

Said he, who just found this landed on the carpet! :rotfl2:



To be filed under "Do as I say, not as I do." :haha:

TBH I will probably upgrade the PSU at some point, if I want to add a 2nd gfx card it will be a necessity (IIRC the specs for 5770 x 2 recommend 600W minimum).

In addition I'm thinking I would still like to have a working computer with what's left over from the current one, and possibly "donate" it to myself at my office. Which means I'd need to keep that PSU in there... I would also have the case, the mobo, the CPU, and the Radeon 4650 that came with it that is now, sadly, homeless. :O:

Plus I've still got the copy of XP that came with it which can be reinstalled, still using XP at work so no loss there. I would just need a smallish HDD to install it on. And when I say smallish... the HDD on my current work computer? < 40 GB and not even half full. I also still have a couple of CD/DVD drives from a previous home computer. They will be older and slower than I'm used to at home but no doubt still better than what's in my current office PC, which is actually one I stole off the desk of a former employee when my own (even older) machine died.

[frau kaleun]

750W PSU is way - way! - more than adequate! What do you have now? If more than 450W, I would keep that for a while...
Don't know if you've already settled for one, but I can highly recommend Fractal Design.

Are they sold under a different name in North America? The web site only lists two retailers over here, and neither one seems to have their PSUs. Cases yes, PSUs no. :hmmm:

[Jan Kyster]

Don't worry about the PSU. Your 500W will easily drive new MB, 965 and a 5770/5870, so save the money 'till later :up:

When you add another card and/or go overclocking, then you do the upgrade. Go for min. 750W.

Btw. the 1000W Fractal Design was sold at $150 - couldn't resist.
I have a ThermalTake 850W now, which is way enough to drive a Core i7-930, one 5970 and one 5870, but once the water cooling project is complete, I plan to go overclocking.
Cable management will take me at least a day to finish and would really, really hate to have to scrap it again just because the 850W runs out of juice under heavy load... :nope:

So in advance the $150 is already saved! http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z15/subject_rod/smilies/dopey.gif


Your loading speed for SH3+GWX etc. will not be smaller by increasing GPU power.
Only more CPU power, more RAM and a faster disc will help you there... have you seen the "new" SSD drives? :D

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z15/subject_rod/smilies/run4hills.gif

[AVGWarhawk]

I have something similar to what you are looking to purchase. Phenom 9850 Black edition. 9800 GT 1 gig. 8 gig DDR 800 and Vista Home Premium 64 bit. 700 watt psu. No issues. The rig takes all comers when it comes to games. Have fun.

[frau kaleun]

Your loading speed for SH3+GWX etc. will not be smaller by increasing GPU power.
Only more CPU power, more RAM and a faster disc will help you there...

Oh, I know, it's just that the long wait is an inextricable part of the process so I figured it had to be included. :O:

have you seen the "new" SSD drives? :D

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z15/subject_rod/smilies/run4hills.gif

Oh yes, but they are still quite pricey per gigabyte IIRC. Right now I would probably buy another (or a better) big ol' standard HDD before I would invest the same $$ in, what, a 120 GB SSD? Which would be over half full by the time I got done reinstalling SH3 in several different versions plus mods. :haha:

[Arclight]

Right now I would probably buy another (or a better) big ol' standard HDD before I would invest the same $$ in, what, a 120 GB SSD? Which would be over half full by the time I got done reinstalling SH3 in several different versions plus mods. :haha:
Ha, try 40GB, if even that. :haha:

I'm itching to buy one, but it just doesn't make any sense to do so yet.

[stoppro]

I just put ssd in my older laptop. what a difference! loads up real fast now.

[FIREWALL]

Forgot it was Memorial Day weekend. TD, NewEgg, EBay, and Amazon all reminded me. :DL

Weekend sales. :woot:

[frau kaleun]

Forgot it was Memorial Day weekend. TD, NewEgg, EBay, and Amazon all reminded me. :DL

Weekend sales. :woot:

Yeah, I'm looking at cases right now. A lot of stuff with promo code discounts, rebates, and on sale.

Was looking at cases with bottom mounts for PSUs but noticed one person talking about heat from the PSU radiating up on the graphics card(s) and that's got me wondering. The bottom mount looks very convenient and sensible but I'm not sure if the heat issue is a valid concern or if the person complaining about it just had other issues that weren't being addressed. :hmmm:

Edit: looking around the internet at this issue (okay, I only checked Tom's Hardware, but still) it looks like bottom-mounted PSUs are preferred, provided the design and orientation of all the relevant hardware/vents/etc. is optimized for it. In other words, make sure the hot air is blowing in the right direction and has a way out of the case that does not funnel it towards other components.

[FIREWALL]

I'm assumeing your a non-smoker and home if fairly dust free. :DL

Pick a case with large fans with removable filters that can be cleaned and reinstalled easily.

This is what I had a couple rigs back. http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Aluminum-Tower-Black/dp/B001IZZ7N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1306544859&sr=1-1

Look at the pics get an idea of all the features.

Better link: http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2870

[frau kaleun]

I'm assumeing your a non-smoker and home if fairly dust free. :DL

Pick a case with large fans with removable filters that can be cleaned and reinstalled easily.

This is what I had a couple rigs back. http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Aluminum-Tower-Black/dp/B001IZZ7N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1306544859&sr=1-1

Look at the pics get an idea of all the features.

Better link: http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2870

I'm looking primarily at CoolerMaster and Thermaltake.

The one you linked to looks nice, unfortunately it's too big for the space I have. Max height would about 17" with some wiggle room, needs to be less than 8" wide (which shouldn't be a problem). I've pretty much resigned myself to a new case that sticks out further on the desk, since 19" deep seems to be about the norm for the nicer ones, particularly the CoolerMasters I've looked at. The Thermaltakes seem to come a tad bit smaller for what I want, but don't seem to get reviewed as well.

[FIREWALL]

Yep :yep: She was a Monster but, 1\3 the weight of a Mid tower steel case I once had.

Sounds like a mid tower then. this looks good. Bottom PSU install.

Large filtered fans and more can be installed Reasonable Price.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5633975&CatId=1509

[Jan Kyster]

I'm looking primarily at CoolerMaster and Thermaltake.*cough* http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=48

In action: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom//showthread.php?t=173293 :D

Close-to-noiseless fans, case is sound damped, filters for intakes fans...

[frau kaleun]

*cough* http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=48

In action: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom//showthread.php?t=173293 :D

Close-to-noiseless fans, case is sound damped, filters for intakes fans...

Yes, I haven't even looked at those yet. I think it was Newegg that had their cases over here. Don't know about anybody else.

Case size (WxHxD): 207.40x442x521.2mm


Er... what is that in English? :O:

[FIREWALL]

This one comes close to dimensions you want :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352002&cm_re=fractal-design-_-11-352-002-_-Product

And good fan features.

[Gerald]

This one comes close to dimensions you want :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352002&cm_re=fractal-design-_-11-352-002-_-Product I do not think it is sufficiently "long" :O:

[FIREWALL]

I do not think it is sufficiently "long" :O:

You doinker. :haha:

[frau kaleun]

You doinker. :haha:

If you guys start measuring your doinkers in here, I'm gonna have to start a different thread for my computer questions. :O:

That Fractal R3 is actually a little longer than I'd like, but the main drawback is that I'd prefer fewer internal drive bays and an extra external one.

[FIREWALL]

This one comes close to dimensions you want :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352002&cm_re=fractal-design-_-11-352-002-_-Product

And good fan features.

Let's try this again. :DL

[Gerald]

If you guys start measuring your doinkers in here, I'm gonna have to start a different thread for my computer questions. :O: In this stage, the entire SubSim known, that you start the PC-related topics, then light years to go back .... nothing wrong with this at all, :DL

[frau kaleun]

Let's try this again. :DL

It still only has two external drive bays. :cry:

I stopped at Microcenter today just to look at what they had, mostly to get a hands-on take on some of the stuff I was looking at online... picked out a couple that I liked but the one I preferred has multiple reports of fan failure and unfortunately the most problematic one is reportedly a nightmare to get to and replace (being essentially built in to the top of the case) I think I'll take a pass on it. I'd even noted how difficult access to that top fan looked when I was in the store, and the reviews only confirmed my suspicions.

Am looking now at this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

but I'm still checking reviews. (Since it looks like this is a Newegg housebrand I'm not finding too many reviews when I google. Maybe Amazon.) It appears that there's an air vent below the PSU but I can't really tell if it would be possible to put a fan there, or even if that would be necessary. :hmmm: Edit: according to the video review, there's no vent for a bottom fan, just a vent below the PSU space.

Anyway here's a video review, still waiting for it to load so I can watch it all the way through.

Also looked at this Coolermaster at the store:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227

which doesn't have most fans included but that may be a plus since I'd rather just buy good ones than pay extra for pre-installed fans that turn out to be crappy. Can't remember if it had any filters, either. I think the Rosewill does. Edit: according the info at Amazon, the Coolmaster does have top and bottom filters.

Actually considering something like this for CPU cooling:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Cooling-High-performance-Cooler-CWCH50-1/dp/B002QG2H7K/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1306619021&sr=1-2

Decisions, decisions!

Edit again: should be no problem fitting the 5770 into either of these, right? Noted concerns about the "larger" cards and some cases, but I think that was with regard to 11" cards. The 5770 is 8" IIRC.

And am I correct in thinking that the PSU actually draws air in through the top and pushes it out the back? So it would not be blowing warm air up towards the inside of the case if mounted (right side up) on the bottom.

[Jan Kyster]

When you mount the PSU at the bottom, there is an air intake in the bottom. So fan will point downwards.


Actually considering something like this for CPU cooling:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Cooling-High-performance-Cooler-CWCH50-1/dp/B002QG2H7K/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1306619021&sr=1-2

The good thing about horizontal fans, like the original one, is that they not only cool the cpu, but also the surroundings.
If you replace it with that Corsair, you may find your MB being a lot hotter. Had a friend visiting the other day with that combo - he found he needed to run without side on the case to keep things stable. Problem solved by adding a side fan...


Go full-scale water! :rock: :dead: :zzz:

[frau kaleun]

When you mount the PSU at the bottom, there is an air intake in the bottom. So fan will point downwards.

Okay, so you do mount the PSU upside down, with the intake fan at the bottom. So it draws air in through the bottom vent on the case and pushes air out the back. So if it's radiating enough heat upwards into the case to overheat a GPU, it's... what? Not enough air flow above the case through the rest of the interior? Granted I've only seen one person mention that as an issue, seems like it wouldn't be a preferred configuration if that was a prevalent problem.

The good thing about horizontal fans, like the original one, is that they not only cool the cpu, but also the surroundings.
If you replace it with that Corsair, you may find your MB being a lot hotter. Had a friend visiting the other day with that combo - he found he needed to run without side on the case to keep things stable. Problem solved by adding a side fan...

That would be the plan if I went that route, just put a standard fan over the side vent to make up for the one that gets replaced by the Corsair thingy. But I don't know if I want to do that anyway, the cases I'm looking at have plenty of fan slots to create air flow.

Go full-scale water! :rock: :dead: :zzz:

Too messy. And absolutely no room for any kind of external fixtures.

[FIREWALL]

I won't go into my whole rig but I useing an ULTRA 1600 and 1200.

Bottom case mounted and both tops are cool to the touch.

The exterior of cheap PSU's will get hot.

[frau kaleun]

I won't go into my whole rig but I useing an ULTRA 1600 and 1200.

Bottom case mounted and both tops are cool to the touch.

The exterior of cheap PSU's will get hot.

Wait are you saying you have two PSUs? In one rig?

[FIREWALL]

Yep :yep:

[frau kaleun]

I think I have finally decided on this case (the Rosewill)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

as it's the only one I've found that will fit and has a drive bay configuration that will work for me. Plus I can get it from Amazon and I have a $25 gift certificate coming (and Subsim will get a little something). Although I might get this first instead:

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-TMC-6-6-Outlet-Protector/dp/B0000AKA90/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I128Q9K4DN6MHU&colid=1081UJTDTV61F

since it will allow me to get rid of the surge processor with all the plugs sticking out that I use to turn on the monitor, speakers, DSL modem, etc. It's up on the shelf above the computer for easy access but is very unsightly no matter how I try to hide most of it with well-placed knickknacks. And it makes external cord/cable management a small nightmare. With those things plugged in somewhere else and still powered on/off with one master switch, I can put that ugly SP under the desk where it belongs and just use it for the computer or even get a small UPS unit for that instead. :yeah:

[Gerald]

Sounds like a good decision, I think :DL

[frau kaleun]

Got the mobo and CPU today. They're so pretty, and have that new mobo and CPU smell. :yeah:

Of course I don't know what to do with either of them, and can't really do anything at this point anyway other than open them to make sure they look okay and undamaged. I guess I can start reading the documentation to whet my appetite for things to come. :D


Edit: another question: currently I have fans on my internal hard drives, more or less like this one:

http://www.microcenter.com/images/shared/products/0259571_672832.jpg

They just attach to the bottom of the drive, I don't know how much good they do but they were cheap and they are pretty quiet. :DL

The case that I plan on getting has a vented or mesh front, whatever, in front of the HDD cage, with a 120mm case fan in there to blow air in and through the hard drive bays. So I'm wondering if I even need these little individual fans on the drives? I ask because using them cuts the available HDD space by 1/2, since any drive with one attached takes up two spots.

Of course it's possible they won't even fit in the new case, depending on how the cage is made, so it could be a moot point. I seem to remember I had to do some grunt work to get them to fit in the current one. :hmmm:

[Jan Kyster]

Of course I don't know what to do with either of them, and can't really do anything at this point anyway other than open them to make sure they look okay and undamaged.Reading the manuals is highly recommended... :shifty: but why not fire them up? :rock:


Edit: another question: currently I have fans on my internal hard drives, more or less like this one:

http://www.microcenter.com/images/shared/products/0259571_672832.jpgUurgh - my eyes... :doh:

So I'm wondering if I even need these little individual fans on the drives?Nah, find that hard to imagine.
Espacially not with the fan in the front. Harddisks don't usually get very hot.


Good luck!
And don't forget to post some pics! :ping:

[frau kaleun]

Reading the manuals is highly recommended... :shifty: but why not fire them up? :rock:


Well, I flipped through them at least. :shifty: :O:

You were right about the ASUS mobo manual, it's very nice. I learned a lot just by looking through it, stuff you usually never find out buying pre-built unless you learn it the hard way. :yeah:

But I don't know how to fire anything up yet! :wah:

Uurgh - my eyes... :doh:

To be fair, you can only see them if you open the case. I only got them for the extra cooling, not for the lights.

Nah, find that hard to imagine.
Espacially not with the fan in the front. Harddisks don't usually get very hot.

Good to know. When I got the current machine I was on a bug about keeping things cool and not relying on so much on what came preinstalled. This case actually does have a fan in front, but I didn't know that until I got it and got in there and started tinkering with things. I think I bought the fans when I decided to pop a second drive in there.

Anyway if they're not necessary, I won't worry about whether or not they'll fit. If they do I might use them, or I can use them on whatever drive(s) end up in the old rig.

And don't forget to post some pics! :ping:

For that I will have to borrow a camera! :O:

[Gerald]

Well, I flipped through them at least. :shifty: :O:

You were right about the ASUS mobo manual, it's very nice. I learned a lot just by looking through it, stuff you usually never find out buying pre-built unless you learn it the hard way. :yeah:

But I don't know how to fire anything up yet! :wah:



To be fair, you can only see them if you open the case. I only got them for the extra cooling, not for the lights.



Good to know. When I got the current machine I was on a bug about keeping things cool and not relying on so much on what came preinstalled. This case actually does have a fan in front, but I didn't know that until I got it and got in there and started tinkering with things. I think I bought the fans when I decided to pop a second drive in there.

Anyway if they're not necessary, I won't worry about whether or not they'll fit. If they do I might use them, or I can use them on whatever drive(s) end up in the old rig.



For that I will have to borrow a camera! :O: Use your cell phone, :D

[kiwi_2005]

Good to know. When I got the current machine I was on a bug about keeping things cool and not relying on so much on what came preinstalled. This case actually does have a fan in front, but I didn't know that until I got it and got in there and started tinkering with things. I think I bought the fans when I decided to pop a second drive in there.

Anyway if they're not necessary, I won't worry about whether or not they'll fit. If they do I might use them, or I can use them on whatever drive(s) end up in the old rig.



If the HDD's dont get good air flow they will become very hot. I would leave the hdd fans installed. I have 6 fans running inside the pc, not counting the gfx card fan., sounds like a jet taking off when I start it up so I configure the bios to set some of the fans to quiet mode. Another thing the case is huge and heavy. Enough to add up to 15 hdd drives. IMO good running airflow is very important.

My old pc which I had running well for 7yrs with an upgrade of the graphics/cpu & ram twice during its life was a standard size gaming case with the fancy artwork, nobs and bells but the case was a magnet to dust which then generates more heat, I had to clean this pc twice a year within a couple of months it would be dusty I had fans blowing in & out and it was sealed to its best. This new pc I checked inside the other day for the first time 5 months old now & found not a spec of dust inside clean as a whistle. Put it down to a good PC case which is usually overlooked when buying/building a pc.

[frau kaleun]

Use your cell phone, :D

It takes crappy pictures. :dead:

[FIREWALL]

Looks like you found the right case. :up: Toss or use on something else the hdd little fans. :yep:

Build New, Stay New. :DL

[frau kaleun]

Lol, I almost didn't get it.

I have everything I buy online shipped to my work address since someone is always there during delivery hours. The day it was supposed to be delivered I went looking for it and they said nothing had come for me. :hmmm:

Well it turned out they had ordered a whole new system to replace one that died in another of our offices, and it all came at the same time as my case. So all the "computer" stuff got stacked by the back door for someone to take to the other office. Luckily I passed that way on my way out that door and saw it. :o

OTOH it would've been funny if they'd taken it over to the other place... I can just imagine someone there on the phone to Dell trying to convince them that they shipped us a case with no computer in it. :haha:

[FIREWALL]

Lol, I almost didn't get it.

I have everything I buy online shipped to my work address since someone is always there during delivery hours. The day it was supposed to be delivered I went looking for it and they said nothing had come for me. :hmmm:

Well it turned out they had ordered a whole new system to replace one that died in another of our offices, and it all came at the same time as my case. So all the "computer" stuff got stacked by the back door for someone to take to the other office. Luckily I passed that way on my way out that door and saw it. :o

OTOH it would've been funny if they'd taken it over to the other place... I can just imagine someone there on the phone to Dell trying to convince them that they shipped us a case with no computer in it. :haha:


:har: