Non-OC Gaming Rig

[lalabom12345]

Hi all,

I'm planning to replace my current rig of almost 5 years. Have researched a bit and came out with the following items - however still have doubts on some as im not too familiar with tech stuff. I plan to buy from TradePac and self-assemble (1st time tho) at my own pace as my current rig is still functional.

I have a dual display monitor setup, both running 1920x1080. May upgrade to a 27" 2560x1440 in the next couple of years (not anytime soon). I do not plan to OC. Looking at a relatively silent rig as well.

Here goes:

CPU & Mobo: i3570 & AsusH77 V LE @ $404 (free4gb ram)
Ram: G.Skill 1600mhz value ram 4GB @ $28
ODD: Samsung 24X DVD @$22
HDD: WD Green 3GB @ $164 (Need the space for backup of photos)
SSD: Plextor M5P 256GB @ $265 (guessing this price as not stated on TradePac Pricelist)
GPU: Powercolor 7970 V2 @ $496 or MSI 7970 PE @$560 or Sapphire 7970 OC or Asus 7970 DCU @$648
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 @$154
PSU: FSP 550W Platinium @ $125
OS: Win 7 premium 64bit @$110

Assuming this is as far as my budget goes, need some advice on which GPU and motherboard to get. Have heard many bros recommending Asrock motherboard. Also, since im planing to buy a Phantom 410, does it matter if i get a mini ATX or ATX motherboard, assuming that the slots are used for x1 GPU and at most another PCI-e wireless adaptor only.

Pardon any noob questions if any..

Thanks!

 

[dinosau4]

i don't think it matters between ATX and m-Atx.

I do hope you get better cooling for your system judging your last rig you used for 5 years

 

[Ark Law]

I suggest changing the case to a Fractal Design R4 Window. The Phantom 410 has no dust-filters included and it (the R4) makes for easier long-term case maintenance (dust build-up).

Up RAM to 8GB, and I don't think 4GB valueram is still below $30, should be higher right now

 

[lalabom12345]

Thanks for the feedback =)

Dinosau: do you mean getting more case fans to improve the air temp inside the chassis?

Ark: i plan to buy from tradepac and they offer a free 4gb ram (no idea what model/brand/speed) with a MB/CPU combo so i figured that i will only require an additional 4gb to make it 8gb. Less the dust filters, the 410 phantom design really stands out tho. Tough choice

 

[TechNuB]

Mayb get lancool k62? 4 gd fans with noise damping features. I use to own 1. Might get again if I ever save enuff for a new rig now that its so cheap.

Only pro is its freaking heavy

 

[dinosau4]

yup. More air cooling and if possible go for sealed water cooling

 

[nippp0n]

For CPU, there isn't much significant difference between 3470 and 3570 when it comes to gaming.

For motherboard, you can consider Asrock no frills motherboard, Asrock B75 Pro 3M (m-atx)or H77Pro4/MVP (ATX).

For gpu, get Powercolor 7970 V2 if you are on a tight budget. If not, IMO MSI 7970 PE is a pretty decent card. However, Corbell has limited stocks, not sure if the model is still available.

For case, I'm a fanboy of NZXT P410 as well. The design really stands out. But if noise and dust are your major concerns, Fractal Design R4 is a better option.

 

[voiceoflove]

For CPU, there isn't much significant difference between 3470 and 3570 when it comes to gaming.

For motherboard, you can consider Asrock no frills motherboard, Asrock B75 Pro 3M (m-atx)or H77Pro4/MVP (ATX).

For gpu, get Powercolor 7970 V2 if you are on a tight budget. If not, IMO MSI 7970 PE is a pretty decent card. However, Corbell has limited stocks, not sure if the model is still available.

For case, I'm a fanboy of NZXT P410 as well. The design really stands out. But if noise and dust are your major concerns, Fractal Design R4 is a better option.

for this model Fractal Design R4, may i know where is the dvd slot ?

 

[MoneyFace =p]

for this model Fractal Design R4, may i know where is the dvd slot ?

It's inside...

 

[voiceoflove]

It's inside...

haha , tats a pretty cool door, how much damage for this casing....
it look pretty small

 

[nippp0n]

haha , tats a pretty cool door, how much damage for this casing....
it look pretty small

$149. There is a smaller version at $129.

 

[lalabom12345]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

I have settled for a Powercolor 7970. I realised that upon opening the package that its a V3 version with dual-DVI (1 SL and 1 DL). Just a heads up for those considering this model...

Spent almost the whole day to OTOT fix up the com and faced a problem that my old Samsung DVD writer (SH-S203) doesn't read the Windows 7 disc. Have tested with other discs and it works fine. My guess is that its too old (5 years) and not compatible certain discs. Will head down to SLS again tmr.

Ps: Have tried Fuwell, TradePac and they dont carry MSI 7970 PE. I took a look at PC Themes and didnt see it on the shelves too.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

I have settled for a Powercolor 7970. I realised that upon opening the package that its a V3 version with dual-DVI (1 SL and 1 DL). Just a heads up for those considering this model...

Spent almost the whole day to OTOT fix up the com and faced a problem that my old Samsung DVD writer (SH-S203) doesn't read the Windows 7 disc. Have tested with other discs and it works fine. My guess is that its too old (5 years) and not compatible certain discs. Will head down to SLS again tmr.

Ps: Have tried Fuwell, TradePac and they dont carry MSI 7970 PE. I took a look at PC Themes and didnt see it on the shelves too.

You should get a thumbdrive and 'burn' the Windows 7 iso into it instead. Especially when you don't foresee yourself the need to read anymore disc in the future.

 

[Владимир]

since you not planning to OC, suggest u get a Xeon 1230v2, you would be surprise how cheap it is.

 

[lalabom12345]

It was me wanting to re-use the ODD and thought that there will not be any problems. Well, lesson learnt. ^^

I guess having a ODD will still be useful in some cases like watching DVDs as i spend most of my time on the com.