New Build Case Advice

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 09:56

Hey Guys,

I know there are plenty of threads like these, but i was wondering if you would lend some of your wisdom to the new boy. I will be sure to keep you posted with photos of the build.

So for years I have been one of those guys who thinks he can put a computer together no problem, and have always really wanted to do my own. I have helped with others but never had the chance (well I did once but thats another story...

). I was looking into get a desktop for my final year at uni and I was hoping to get a pre-configured unit, but I just cant get what I want, so its time to bite the bullet and DIY it (at last!)

Now I think I have all the vital components covered (im lucky that my gf has done this before) but im so stuck on case choices its stupid. I wanted to get something nice and sexy cool, with the potential for both upgrading and modding later on, when im finally earning a decent wage.

I was looking at these cases;

- Raidmax Aztec
- Raidmax Sagitta 2
- NZXT Hush (Black)
- NZXT Alpha
- NZXT Tempest
- NZXT Lexa

Basically cases that are something a bit different, something that other people dont have. Anyway after a lot of reading through forums and reviews and such im down to a few different, classier (i think - although there is still something about the raidmax...) cases;

- Coolermaster 690 (now one of my favourites)
- Antec 300
- Antec 900 (don't like this one as much)
- NZXT Tempest
- NZXT Hush

I honestly think it will be the Coolermaster. I think there is a lot of potential for expansion and modding. But, what does everyone else think and will all my components fit inside the case?

- Q9550 CPU
- 1 x GTX280 GPU
- 4 X 2GB Corsair DDR2 (8GB Total)
- Asus P5N-D 750i SLI motherboard
- 500 GB Samsung Spinpoint F1 HDD
- Samsung DVD Burner
- USB Card
- 630W HiperPower SLI PSU
- Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Cooler
- Might grab some extra 120 fans too and maybe a cathode or two

Sorry for the essay guys. Any advice you can lend would me golden.

Thanks again guys

Orpheus

Chimerical · 23 Sep 2008 at 11:03

Lian Li A17 is the best. It's more expensive than the Antec 900 though.

Out of that list though, the Antec 300 or Coolermaster 690 win. Components will fit fine (and I'm guessing the CPU cooler will be okay).

Have you actually bought the components all already?

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 11:18

Nah haven't bought the components yet. Im still waiting for a company to pay me the petrol expenses they owe me and grab my student loan (god iv missed you) next week. Then the build can begin!

My budget for a case is about £60 - £70/80
The 900 is the top end of my budget really.

Otherwise i would so go for a coolermaster HAF.....
mmmmmm......HOFF.....er......HAF.....

Chimerical · 23 Sep 2008 at 11:39

Avoid that 750i Motherboard then.

Even this is better than that:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...P43 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 11:53

Why? Whats wrong with that motherboard?

The only reason i chose that board was because it seems widely used and i was thinking of SLI-ing two gtx280's in the future. I also need to know if two of those cards would fit into the Coolermaster, if anyone knows.

Thanks again

nicktay2605 · 23 Sep 2008 at 12:04

And get a different PSU, Corsair have a good rep.

Chimerical · 23 Sep 2008 at 12:09

Orpheus said:
Why? Whats wrong with that motherboard?

Everything. Put it this way, I wouldn't want to load 8GB of RAM into that chipset and expect it to work. SLi is pointless if you're going to wait for the future. By then there will be something faster out.

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 12:24

After looking over a load of reviews on the board im in total agreeance (is that a word?).
So what would you recommend given the specs of my PC? that Gigabyte or something abit more hefty?

Thanks for all the advice, really appreciate it,

Orpheus

Chimerical · 23 Sep 2008 at 12:30

Anything Asus P5Q related will rock.

This Should be good also:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...P45 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 13:19

So would you not recommend any SLI motherboards then?

UPDATE;

I read some good things about this card;
EVGA 750i SLI ForTheWin

Anyone got any experience?
Im probably not going to be overclocking, certainly not at the moment anyway. I just want the possibility that when im earning enough money instead of updating a load of components i can just buy another gtx280 (and maybe a bigger PSU if i dont get a 1000w in the first place).

Thanks

Kelt · 23 Sep 2008 at 14:58

Have you considered the HAF 932? Going to be my next case.

EdGey · 23 Sep 2008 at 16:34

nicktay2605 said:
And get a different PSU, Corsair have a good rep.

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 16:39

Yeah i will look at a different PSU and as for case, i already mentioned that my limit is about £70/80, so HAF is out of the question this time round.

Kelt · 23 Sep 2008 at 19:34

Orpheus said:
Yeah i will look at a different PSU and as for case, i already mentioned that my limit is about £70/80, so HAF is out of the question this time round.

Heh, missed that post!

Chimerical · 23 Sep 2008 at 19:44

Orpheus said:
So would you not recommend any SLI motherboards then?

UPDATE;

I read some good things about this board;
EVGA 750i SLI ForTheWin

Thanks

Yeah, that board should still suck harder than lung cancer. The NForce 7 DDR2 chipset is way old anyway, its just a modified 6 series with PCI-E 2.0.

Not worth the money or the option of SLi, overclocking or not.

Orpheus · 23 Sep 2008 at 22:00

Surely SLI is a good thing? Especially in my job? Im a car designer and use a lot of rendering and 3D modelling programs so if i want to upgrade my computer in the future surely its easier and better to SLI, dividing the workload between more GPU's, than it is to pile it all on one?!

So what would be the best motherboards with and without SLI on my budget? £130 is as top as i can go, not a penny more.

Thanks