Advice On Sandybridge Build

Valo

Valo

Valo

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I'm looking at getting a new main system and have waited for Sandybridge to come along before taking the plunge. There is a possibility that this may end up as a custom build from OcUK as I’m unable to build my own PC’s anymore due to disability.
It will be used for general office tasks, virtualisation (studying for MCSE) and light gaming.

I'll be using my existing licence of Windows 7 Professional (Retail Box), so there is no need for any OS on the spec build.
My plan is to use the SSD as the boot drive and to load essential programs (VM Ware, Office and some games etc) With the Samsung 1TB drive acting as a storage drive for non-essential programs – is that the best way of setting up the system?

This is what I've come up with from reading various reviews and other forum users Sandybridge builds.

ecdpia


Few questions I have:

I'm not sure if I really need to go with an i7? - Would I be better with an i5 and taking the difference in cost to buy a larger SSD boot drive?

I'm going to be overclocking the CPU hence the H70 CPU cooler. I want the machine to be as quiet as possible - What would be the best fans to use both on the case and the H70 to achieve this?

I went with the OCZ SSD as all the reviews I've seen say it's excellent. Is it the best SSD out there or is there another model I've overlooked?

If anyone can suggest any component changes to keep the performance but save of cash, I'm open to suggestions! :cool:
 
Its a good build.

There is cheaper ram here - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=my-104-gl&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

cheaper 750w modular psu - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=ca-116-an&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

how about dropping the blueray rom for just a dvd rom?

the ocz ssd is one of the best, the alternative is the crucial c300 64gb.

here is a very recent 120mm fan round-up - http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/120mm-fan-roundup-1.html this is part1 for the slower/quieter fans, there is also a part2 for the badboys.
 
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stulid said:
Its a good build.

There is cheaper ram here - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=my-104-gl&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

cheaper 750w modular psu - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=ca-116-an&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

how about dropping the blueray rom for just a dvd rom?

the ocz ssd is one of the best, the alternative is the crucial c300 64gb.

here is a very recent 120mm fan round-up - http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/120mm-fan-roundup-1.html this is part1 for the slower/quieter fans, there is also a part2 for the badboys.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice about the components stulid. I've had another read and dig about. I think the i7 is overkill for my needs and the i5 represents the best value for money, is hyperthreading on i7 worth the extra cost?

I've changed the SSD to Crucial. The OCZ and Crucial models are both very good and I'm happy with either, but I'd rather save some cash were I can.

I've went with an OcUK i5 bundle and I'll see if it's possible to change the cooler to the H50/H70.
Thanks for the links for the fans comparison. I know I could save more by downgrading the BD-ROM back to just a DVD-ROM, but I’d rather keep the BD-ROM for future proofing.

m6ih95


Thoughts??
 
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