Spec – reliability and quality is key.

[Plec]

N.B. After proof reading my below post i think i'm after guidance between the boards - mainly the H67 and Z68. But please read on as i may be missing a trick...

I should add that the monitor is a keeper and i picked the Caviar Green deliberately for its low energy consumption and reliability - speed is not issue. And i chucked the 'K' in the Z68 build as i would do a mild overclock if i went down that route.

The general gist...

I’m compiling a build for a friend who lives 400 miles away, who has plenty of funds - but still doesn’t like to spend it needlessly - and needs a build to replace the PC I built him 10+ years ago!

He uses his present system for light office work, scanning/printing and studying OS maps. However, he’s recently bought a digital camera, and is a keen wildlife/landscape photographer, and will be adding Photoshop to his software list and ‘perhaps’ skills. - plus windows 7 and latest MS Office.

Keep in mind that the build will hopefully still be running in 7+ years time and relative silence and quality are key as I want all core components to, hopefully, endure his predicted timeline. I realise it will be ancient, then, in PC terms but it should still cover his needs if his usage hasn’t changed.

Below are a few builds examples – I’m leaning more towards the H67 build at present as I feel the SB, although overkill now, will have the legs on the AMD as time plods on – plus the H67 is tried and tested and the Z68 boards are on first editions and some models have started to reveal issues (from forum banter) - this is where i would appreciate Z68 guidance...

Plus, another important factor is i wont be able to maintain/update this build (other than by post) - so stability, long/quality product guarantees and 'tried and tested' are areas to keep in mind.

Anyway, pick away as i'm unfamiliar with AMD and onboard gfx motherboards:

I don't normally do spec me threads for my personal builds but a i find second opinions are always reassuring when spending someone elses money...

 

[Plec]

i know you said the monitor is a keeper, but the price difference is so small youd want the one below
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-046-DE

Good shout, i hadn't noticed that deal - thanks.

 

[Plec]

and i think going for 8GB of RAM would help a lot.

Yes, i've 'ummed and ahhed' over the 4GB and 8GB issue - and i suspect i'll end up throwing 8gb in the basket on checkout (hard to justify with his usage/future usage).

I doubt he'll change his software in the next 7 years - but if he did he would at least be covered with the 8Gb...

 

[Plec]

Also heard the Fractals have an awful habbit of arriving damaged.

That would be a PITA but it's a great case - so would risk the annoyance of an RMA.

Do you know what part gets damaged or why this seems to be a trend?

 

[Plec]

An SSD?

Not needed - this PC is already going to be well over specced for at least the first 3 years of its life. I think the SSD would feel insulted...

Asus = Big No!

Is this one of the boards with voltage issues - or is it all ASUS Z68s?

This ASRock board is used by many across the forums and is rated highly in a lot of reviews.

Thanks I'll have a read/search as i hold forum banter in high regard - but i was gearing more towards Gigabyte and Asus as i know their BIOS/boards (i should have mentioned this),

 

[Plec]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18284606

Thanks for the link - doesn't sound encouraging...

I think i'll still risk it as the case is ideal - but if it needs rma'ing i'll ask for additional packaging on the replacement.

Although, i may look at Lian Li's site for something similar...

 

[Plec]

PC-K62?

Thanks for the suggestion but the case needs to be conservative in looks - clean lines ideally.

i.e. no panel window, no L.E.D. fans (although i would have disabled these if it had fitted all the other criteria), no hard, irregular angles etc...

Basically, black with plain and simple lines, but quality.

I would select the Antec HCG 620W for £57.

That's at a good price - thanks for the heads up.

I'll consider it but i've used Corsair for all my builds as their Guarantee/returns policy have served me well - old habits etc..

Although for a £55 PSU the postage to the Netherlands would start to feel the strain - so there's probably not a lot in it as they're both based there.

 

[Plec]

Silencio RC-550.

Very basic in looks, but a high quality case for a good price.

Thanks, that's the type look - oddly enough i have about 4 reviews on that very case tabbed in my browser along with the PC-K58.

 

[Plec]

PC-K58 It's a nice clean. Fractal Arc Midi looks nice imo.

Thanks, i'm looking at reviews/spec of the K58. I like the Fractal Arc Midi but the grid top/front may make it too noisy.

Lian-Li probably the most sober cases around. Outside your budget though.

Yes, Lian Li were my first port of call as i've owned 3 in the past - but i can't justify the price for the one i would choose.

Although the Lian Li PC-A04B would probably work...

 

[Plec]

Just re-read your OP and was wondering if you thought about the AMD Llano APUs?

TBH, i haven't - purely due to lack of product knowledge on my part, other than the odd review.

The other main factor is that i will be trouble shooting this pc over the phone, if/when it develops a fault, so ideally I wanted an environment and spec I’m familiar with.

The above is why i've picked Asus and Gigabyte boards and why i've pretty much ruled out the Phenom build. Plus, i'm now leaning heavily towards the H67 board as it's on final revisions so, hopefully, less issues/conflicts. And the Z68 doesn't seem to offer him anything of real substance that he would make use of - now or in the future. This build really is going to have a sedentry existence - unless he really develops a thing for Photoshop.

As already mentioned - this build may well be over specked for the first 4 years of its life.

 

[Plec]

Maybe he could make use of Z68s QuickSync

Thanks for the suggestion, but it's very unlikely.

Plus, the H67 boards support QuickSync (probably not as fast as Z68) but it’s disabled when using a discrete gfx – but I doubt he’ll have need of this function as he’s purely a ‘stills’ photographer and for personal use.

I should have stressed more in the OP that he’s not very computer savvy which is why i was glib about the odds of him acquiring Photoshop skills (he’s probably reading this and nodding his head in a agreement ).

 

[Plec]

?

Thanks, some food for thought - notably the case coupled with the MB (liked the pic/hotlinks)

- Not sure you need a 3rd party cooler. I suppose it wouldn't hurt.

Silence and overall low case temps are key for this build for longevity reasons. The last build i did for him has lasted 10 years - and i made it as cool and quiet as possible.

- 400W is all he need for a build like that imo. Unless he plans on adding more stuff. /

I agree, but the ~600W was selected purley for silence (well under 75%) and less stress - the 7+ year timeline being my main concern. But i think i'll be picking the Antec 620 you linked to earlier.

- I don't see him needing a 2500K either, the 2400 should be plenty.

The K was for the Z68 and it would have been clocked via turbo - but i've pretty much discounted the Z boards. And the 2500 was again picked with the 7+ timeline in mind (i know it's overkill now - but it's unlikely to be upgraded for at least 7 years+)

- Nice small aluminium case. ATX or mATX boards. Probably preferrable with mATX given the size.

Thanks, I'll give this some thought - as the case looks quite capable of keeping things cool. But this will be a personal aesthetics choice...

- 23'' Dell goodness. I don't think you'll want to inflict a TN panel on him.

TN was never going to be an option - i use DELLs myself (2209WA).

- Don't like the Caviar Green.

I'm afraid that's a non-mover - as the low voltage, rpm, heat, reliability plus WD's great rma service are a real bonus.

Thanks for the input - the mATX board coupled with the case maybe a goer - depends if he likes the smaller case. Even if he didn't the mATX board would still be a consideration (looking at reviews)...

 

[Plec]

As above.

Disagree about not getting a K chip, overclocking those new chips is as simple as entering BIOS and selecting overclock/turbo, save. Done.

They are, but I think you've missed key parts of the thread - as it's a bit of a moot point getting a K chip when buying a H67 MB - the turbo can still be enabled on a standard 2500 up to ~3.7 (if required).

As mentioned - if i buy the Z68 i would get the 'K' chip (for future options) – but his requirements really are limited - the quality and speed of the components listed are for cool running/longevity rather then required speed now.

The K was for the Z68 and it would have been clocked via turbo

 

[Plec]

An update to say thanks for everyone’s input and to let you know what i eventually ordered.

Case size became an issue so i opted for the Fractal Design Define Mini and I have to say it’s a cracking small form case.

Obviously, I had to change my MB so I opted for the Asus P8H67-M EVO.

The complete spec is as followed:

• Dell Ultrasharp U2211H
• I5-2500 3.30GHz Retail
• Asus P8H67-M EVO Intel H67 Micro-ATX Motherboard
• Fractal Design Define Mini Computer Case
• AKASA Freedom Tower (Free - as i had one spare)
• Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB)
• WD Green 1TB
• Corsair Enthusiast Series TX 650W V2 (Overkill but it was on a this week special - and should be whisper quiet with such a small power draw)
• Sony Optiarc AD-7280S
• Microsoft Desktop 2000
• Microsoft Windows 7 Bundle 64 Bit (with 500Gb WD Blue)

All the boxes are sat on the floor of my study at the moment – the case is the only thing I’ve opened.

As already stated it’s complete overkill for his needs but it ticks all the boxes for quality, cool and quiet running and hopefully longevity (i.e. 10 years+ of light apps use and photoshop).

I may get round to building it this weekend, if I have time, and if I do I’ll post up some pics. Mainly of the case as they may prove beneficial to any others who are thinking of buying a Mini ATX case.

 

[Plec]

did you miss the 23" version of the Dell ?

Yes and no.

He would have had to compromise his speaker placement with the 23" so he was happy with the 22" (small desk). And by the time he fully explained his dimension requirements I had missed the chance of buying it on the 'this week special'.

It was a good spot though – the 23” would have been ordered last month had he had the space.

pics please, and maybe a build log if youre not busy

Sure, I can upload some pics if you’re interested – but I can’t guarantee a step by step build log as I may be pushed for time.

I can certainly take some before and after pics…

 

[Plec]

I should have some pics up for you tonight - it's in the process of stability testing at the mo so it wont look pretty.

 

[Plec]

OK, quick build log.

Reminder of bundle (built for a friend with reliability, quality and longevity in mind - main usage light apps use for the next 10 years and photoshop):

• Dell Ultrasharp U2211H
• I5-2500 3.30GHz Retail
• Asus P8H67-M EVO Intel H67 Micro-ATX Motherboard
• Fractal Design Define Mini Computer Case
• AKASA Freedom Tower (Free - as i had one spare)
• Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB)
• WD Green 1TB
• Corsair Enthusiast Series TX 650W V2 (Overkill but it was on a this week special - and should be whisper quiet with such a small power draw)
• Sony Optiarc AD-7280S
• Microsoft Desktop 2000
• Microsoft Windows 7 Bundle 64 Bit (with 500Gb WD Blue)

Perfectly formed M-ATX MB

Perfectly dwarfed M-ATX MB beside the Freedom Tower.

Freedom tower sitting pretty at 26 degrees idle and ~58 load - surprisingly cool (certainly getting better temps than when it was sat on my K CPU)

more to follow...

 

[Plec]

Really impressed with this small form case

Solid construction and reassuringly heavy magnetic door

Oodles of space considering its size.

Both side panels and unused fan vents have sound proofing - and surprisingly effective.

Cables yet to be connected and hidden - but gives an impression of size.

The best value : quality 22" monitor on the market (personal opinion).

Once i've finished stability testing i'll post final pics.