£250 budget upgrade

michaelc

michaelc

michaelc

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Joined
21 Apr 2012
Posts
106
Hey guys, its me again!

Got some left over cash and I am looking to upgrade some of the components of my computer.

I currently have
i5-3450k CPU @ 3.1GHz
GeForce GTX 560 Ti
8 GB DDR3 RAM
Hannspree 19" No longer in producing screen
CoolerMaster Midi Case, it is really small which stops the airflow and causes overheat issues on the gfx card.

The 2 things I am looking for mainly is the screen and case with maybe a heatsink.

Any suggestions?
 
Also the core case does not come with any extras like fans, hdd bays and logos etc.

I'd grab a 200R or a Switch 210
 
That B grade doesn't look too bad so I will probably go for that one. As to the case, the Cooler master looks good but it hasn't got a heat sink. 200R one looks as if there isnt much to it, if you know what I mean.
 
michaelc said:
yes, the z9 does indeed look decent.
Click to expand...

You get a ridiculous amount of kit with it considering it's a midrange chassis. The U3 is improved over the Z9 plus by having a proper side window and having two USB3 ports (if you want to plug them onto the mobo header you need that adapter).

There is a Z9 plus in the clearance section for £35ish.....that is a serious bargain. I own the Z9 plus myself but if I was buying the chassis new I would get the U3 version.
 
Update:
I was able to get a mid-class heatsink from friend's old computer, he bought pre-made alienwave computer so he didnt need it anymore.

Only thing left now is the case and Screen.

A lot of you are suggesting 200R/300R however I am really tempted to purchase a good looking one, possibly similar to the z9 or CM HAF X linked before.
 
You need to check that this heatsink will actually fit your socket 1155 mobo.......sorry to state the obvious.

Case is a personal preference at the end of the day. I've done a lot of builds in the Z9 chassis and I am a fan of it simply because it's amazing value. So I do tend to spec it a lot, I am partial to spec'ing the Corsair 300R windowed variant too.

As said the Shinobi "core" has no fans or badge and grill. The non windowed variant has only one 120mm fan, the windowed one has two 120mm fans. When you compare that with the Z9 U3 that has three 120mm fans (two blue led), fan controller, digital temp display and a 4/8pin extension for the mobos aux power you start to see why it's such good value.

Hope we are helping more than hindering......I look forward to seeing what you settle on in the end :)
 
michaelc said:
Update:
I was able to get a mid-class heatsink from friend's old computer, he bought pre-made alienwave computer so he didnt need it anymore.

Only thing left now is the case and Screen.

A lot of you are suggesting 200R/300R however I am really tempted to purchase a good looking one, possibly similar to the z9 or CM HAF X linked before.
Click to expand...

the CM haf x is a stunning looking case, there is also the Nvidia version you may also like which is green :O
 
michaelc said:
Might just go all out and get Storm Stryker, haha.
Click to expand...

I have the CM Strom Trooper, would higher recommend either variant of the case! Only downfall is watercooling is the greatest, 2 x 240mm places to mount. However the case is nice and large with lots of airflow + a hidden drawer!
 
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