"Aesthetic" PC upgrade build, looking for your opinions.

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BenRiedstra

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Sep 7, 2013
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10,510
Hi guys, I am looking to do an "Aesthetic" Upgrade on my current system which is lacking airflow and looks quite poor (Bought from a pre-made so cable management is up to my liking's).

The parts which I am transferring from my old build to my new build will be:
*MOBO: GA-z77-d3h
*CPU: i5-2500k
*CPU Cooler: CM hyper 212 evo
*GPU: EVGA GeForce gtx 670 (Reference)
*RAM: 16gb Patriot ddr3 1600mhz
*Mass Storage: 3tb Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm
*Sound Card: Asus Xonar DGX pci-e
I would like to upgrade these things but it all comes down to cost and at the moment, these parts of my system are holding up and perform for what I need them to.

These are the parts which I am considering getting as upgrades. (I live in New Zealand so costs are going to be different as exchange rates etc. I will list the cheapest I can find in NZ as a guide):
*Case: Fractal Design Define r4, White/Windowed ($220 nzd)
*PSU: Aurum GOLD 650 ($145 nzd)
*Boot SSD: Samsung 840 evo 120gb ($170)
*OS: Win 8 ($140) [I don't want to buy a new OS, but I've read its the only way to reinstall Windows without having an install disk already]
*Case Fans: Corsair AF 140 x1 ($35), Corsair SP 120 x2 ($60), Corsair AF 120 x2 ($60)

The total of this upgrade is around $830 nzd, which I feel is way too high for this. I want to know if there is better options (price to performance wise) for these components, although I would like to keep the Define r4 as my case.

Thanks for the help and I hope to be posting a follow up in the coming months for my completed upgrade :D
 
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geofelt
A GTX670 will run on a psu of 500w. I have no problem with overprovisioning a bit to 600-650w. It will run quieter and be enough for a future upgrade to a card as good as a titan or GTX690.

I do not have access to the prices you may pay in NZ.
But, here is a handy list of psu's sorted by quality tiers.
Outside the US, I think Seasonic may be one of the more reasonable high quality brands.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

On the windows reinstall issue, a oem pc usually has either a windows dvd or a means to create one.
Or.. you could perhaps order one from the vendor.

I do not have experience with windows 8, but if it works like 7, you should be able to reinstall since the license will still be valid on the same...
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,295
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174,240
1. Your copy of windows 7 is still good. The license is attached to the motherboard which you are transferring.
I doubt that you have the room to clone your hard drive and os to a ssd.
But, you can borrow any windows 7 dvd and use it to install. They are all the same. I think you can download a legitimate ISO too.
It is good to have the dvd for recovery if you need it. You can reuse the activation code which should be on a sticker somewhere on your case.
Or. you can run a program called "magical jelly bean keyfinder" to display it.

And.. I tried w8 and disliked the metro interface. Go to a store and see if you like it.

2. The case is a nice one that comes with two good 140mm fans. That is all you should need.
I would try them out first, you can always add fans(and the associated noise) later.

3. Is there a problem with your current psu? If it is a cheap unit, by all means change it out. You will never recoup the price premium paid for gold rating.
 
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BenRiedstra

Honorable
Sep 7, 2013
9
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10,510
Thanks for the swift reply, My current PSU is made by "Great Wall", I havent heard anything really about them and I dont really trust them if their cars are anything to go by ;). I currently use Win 8 which I love. Can you suggest a cheaper alternative to the PSU and is there a guide to point one geo?
Cheers.
 
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BenRiedstra

Honorable
Sep 7, 2013
9
0
10,510

^
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,295
4,145
174,240
A GTX670 will run on a psu of 500w. I have no problem with overprovisioning a bit to 600-650w. It will run quieter and be enough for a future upgrade to a card as good as a titan or GTX690.

I do not have access to the prices you may pay in NZ.
But, here is a handy list of psu's sorted by quality tiers.
Outside the US, I think Seasonic may be one of the more reasonable high quality brands.
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

On the windows reinstall issue, a oem pc usually has either a windows dvd or a means to create one.
Or.. you could perhaps order one from the vendor.

I do not have experience with windows 8, but if it works like 7, you should be able to reinstall since the license will still be valid on the same motherboard.
If you do a clean install on the ssd, prepare first by using windows easy transfer to export your settings and perhaps some files. You can use your 3tb hard drive as the destination.
Disconnect the hard drive and install the os on the ssd. Be certain that the sata mode is ahci to enable trim. If you leave it connected, windows will try to place a hidden recovery partition on the hard drive, complicating things.
After the install, you can reconnect the hard drive and all your files will be available to you.
You can use easy transfer to import your settings and some or all of the exported files.
 
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