Associate
- Joined
- 13 Jun 2011
- Posts
- 127
- Location
- Liverpool
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.
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.
Last edited:
I didn't think it possible on only that wattage.