My first build in years

[Bart_Hunt]

Hey guys

My laptop blew up last week and I had enough of those already, so decided to go for desktop this time
I knew I had limited resources, so decided to go for cheaper components - I was lucky to find some promotions at OcUK
I didn't build one for ages so was a little afraid of the outcome (my last build was made in prehistoric times - Celeron 366, single core, 128MB ram etc ), but hey, let me show you what I managed to do.

First of all, let me list the components (most purchased at OC, some I already owned):
Case: Corsair 200R Compact ATX
M.B: ASRock Z77 Pro-4m Intel Z77 Micro-ATX
CPU: i5 3570 3.4 Ghz (OEM)
PSU: Corsair 2013 Edition Gamer Series GS 600W
Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer Xtreme Rev.2
RAM: GeIL Black Dragon 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 60GB
DVD-RW: LG GH24NS95 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black)
Added 2 more 2.5" HDDs from my old laptops (2x500GB, 1 x Seagate Momentus XT Hybride, 1 x Seagate Momentus 7200rpm).

There is no GPU yet - I am planing a single, still cant decide between NVidia and Radeon (GTX 670 or 7870/7950).

Below adding some photos (done with a Webcam, still a bit low quality because of auto-focus :/ )

1. This heat sink is huge


2. PSU's blue LEDs give nice ambient glow:


3. RAM with 2 red LED lights each - wish they were blue, would fit the color theme I wanted:


4. A little mess with SATA/PSU cables. These will be replaced with short transparent or blue ones:


5. I've put unused PSU cables into 3.5" HDD tray on the bottom of the case:


6. I think quite good idea what to do with to long SATA cables (red ones). On the right you can see the 12V ATX cable, managed to route it behind the motherboard - the PSU cable was just long enough - but barely



This isn't complete build yet, as I mentioned I was low on money so decided to build it in stages. In 2-3 weeks I will be adding a GPU. Also, I am planing to add some fans - was looking at Corsair AF120s (1 at the bottom, 1 at the top). I am not sure yet, but maybe I will add some blue diodes to lighten the case a bit.

Also, I am looking at different SATA cables, I have a mix of Black/Red cables now and they are simply to long. I could probably swap them for 3 short 15cm blue ones for hard drives and one longer (30cm) for optical drive.

Planing to do something with the PSU cables, maybe will try to cut some foam to cover them (not that it matters much in closed case with no window).


I am looking forward to hear your opinions

Cheers

Bart

EDIT: Still tentative on GPU - definetely Radeon, but not sure on the model yet.

 

[Bart_Hunt]

Yeah, I aalready have an idea how to do it (these made with a phone are baaad).
I will try using a Creative webcam to make photos, maybe it will work better
I mentioned 7870 thinking about the Saphire 7870 XT edition, which review is here on the forums and it puts it in line with 7950 cards and its cheaper (I dont mind that 1 GB memory less). However, this is still something I need to think about - I am on tight budget and wont be able to buy a GPU for another 2 weeks, so have plenty of time to consider all the options
For example, I could wait another month (if I survive a month without proper GPU ) and go for:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-303-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=938
According to manufacturers page, it requires 500 W PSU for single card and 8+6 PCIe power connection (card uses 350W apparently) - and my PSU meets the requirements.
But then again, I can forget about additional case fans and controller for another month, see its tricky

 

[Bart_Hunt]

That is why I said I am still tentative about it.
I will see in 2-3 weeks how much money I can get and decide then
Thanks for explaining the 'XT' for me, Ubersonic

EDIT: I removed old photo's and replaced them with ones made with webcam - slightly better but still lacking in quality.
Can't do better for now.