Project: FINALLY!

[Shikarilol]

Intro
So after gaming for the past 4 years or so on a Althon II x2 Duel Core based system with a Gigabyte 9500 GT graphics card... I decided to treat myself to a new system. I've not built many computers, so I'm hoping to get some feedback on my build so I can improve my skills in time for my next build! Being a jobless student, I haven't really been able to splash out thousands on a new parts, so i'm building with the intent to add parts in the future. I hope to improve on my cable management as I've yet to have a case where I can really hide them all away... so any noob friendly tips are much appreciated!

The Components
Processor: i5 2500k
Mobo: MSI P67A-GD53
RAM: Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (Plan on upgrading or adding more)
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 460 HAWK (Plan on adding another for SLI)
PSU: Antec TruePower New Modular 650W '80 Plus Bronze'
Cooling: Antec Kühler h2o 620
Case: Zalman Z9 Plus

I will be using a few 500gb hard drives I have as well as the optical drive from my old PC.

I will be updating this when the rest of my parts arrive tomorrow!

Build Log (All photos took using a Blackberry Torch)

The first parts to arrive!





Now the wait begins for the rest... I feel like a child on Christmas eve!

Got the rest of my parts from OCUK nice and early on Saturday morning, which was good considering I had to move out in the afternoon!

Un-boxing the rest of my components...unsure why I didn't take a group shot looking back on it :s











Everything seemed to be in good order, so I got straight to work... after popping all the bubble wrap of course!



Thank you OCUK for using this stuff!

Just before i added the GPU and ran a test:



My first rookie mistake... Mounting the motherboard before threading the 8 pin power connector thought the cable routing hole!



Most components installed:



I fiddled about with the cooler trying to get it the go the right way around, but not knowing how tough the pipes are and having a time limit to build in, I let it defeat me... for now!



First full system test:



SUCCESS!

Inside shot. I have the cooling fans in push/pull exhausting the air. Anyone know the best method for these? I presumed it would be taking in cool air, but Antec seem to disagree.



A lot of work to be done:




All done on the cable management. This case is fantastic for cable management, even with my novice skills at making everything tidy! It even came with a complimentary 8 pin extender! Thank you Zalman, it turns out that I actually needed it




Here are a few more slots. The little green/white wire you can see going through the power supply cables towards the GPU is a thermometer. Does anyone know the best place to put this? Or is it down to preference?









Thats all folks!

To do list

-Fix the cooler so that to writing is the right way before it sends me crazy!
-Tidy up the wires on show... maybe even braid them.
-Get a dust filter for the side and top fans.
-Overclock it. Not sure when this will get done... possibly next week.
-Run some tests on cooling to see if I was actually worth the money I paid. I have the stock cooling and an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev 2 to compare.

I will likely update this thread when I get around to doing these things

Thanks for reading. Any tips, advice and/or feedback much appreciated.

 

[~REALiTY]

Will that 650W power supply be enough to power 2 460s (when you go SLi) and everything else?

Load power consumption from anandtech in furmark is 510W in SLi but im not sure if thats a lot to go by...

 

[jameseboy]

I recently purchased an i5 2500K also, Damn good processor. Can you inform of your temps with the khuler h20 please. Also the 650 should be plenty, i have a gtx460 and a HD4850 in my pc atm on a 650 and its fine. Also the wattage draw on the i5 systems are lower than most others.

 

[Shikarilol]

I also thought that 650w wouldn't be enough, but after Stulid from these forums advised it would be enough, i did some research and found that my PSU should be capable.

I will be posting plenty of results in my build log. I will be OCing to a minimum (My first time QQ) of 4ghz and will then do some stress and temp tests!

 

[Hyburnate]

The cameras not that bad, nice build - Can't wait

 

[-fedexer-]

Wait a second here, are you certain the PSU will survive both those cards in SLI and overclocking? I didn't think it possible on only that wattage.

 

[Shikarilol]

Right then! Sorry for the delay, I had a few issues moving back to uni. But I'm all settled now. I'll be updating the log over the next half hour or so!

 

[Shikarilol]

Wait a second here, are you certain the PSU will survive both those cards in SLI and overclocking? I didn't think it possible on only that wattage.

As far as I know... I've used several power requirement sites and they all seem to agree. However, I will do a lot more research closer to the time. I won't be upgraded to SLI for a good while though, so its no sweat right now.

 

[tidusjar]

Hey can you let me know where your going to buy the fan filters from? I have the same case!

 

[Shikarilol]

Hey can you let me know where your going to buy the fan filters from? I have the same case!

I'm thinking a cheap pair of tights tbh!

 

[shamzzz]

with that cooler, if theres enough clearance at the top you can flip it so the pipes are going into what would then be the top of the radiator. that should allow you to have the logo the right way up. I know what you mean, it drives me mad too!

 

[cerbrus2]

The way the tubbing ataches to the block gives you lee way to turn them to the right or to the left.

I fitted the exact same cooler to a friends MB

Great cooler i must Admit especialy for the money.

 

[panyan]

AH MUCH better!

 

[Shikarilol]

Ah nice! Thanks... will sort out that later.