- Apr 16, 2014
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I've been a laptop user for a while now, do to the need for portability. I like the portability of it. So, with my 7 year old laptop getting a bit... outdated to put it nicely... I was thinking of making a high-portability desktop.
I came up with a plan for a mATX (so I can Crossfire later) form system that would go into a sturdy portable-case such as the StormScout II Advanced. Then modify it so I can store a monitor/keyboard easily on the side. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
The purpose of this build is mainly gaming, and basic usage (web-browsing and such). My budget is ~$1,250. I definitely don't want to go above $1,350 (before rebates). I also would like the ability to upgrade later on. Stores would be NewEgg, Amazon, and Microcenter. I need just about everything except a mouse. No significant brand-bias.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($137.05 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Logitech G230 Headset ($35.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1212.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
In the future, I will upgrade with an SSD, Windows 9 if Microsoft keeps true to their track record (good os, bad os, repeat). 2nd R9 290, 2 more RAM sticks, CPU cooler.
I will OC the CPU when I add a 2nd 290, to minimize any chance at a bottle-neck.
I think I got everything relevant. Any suggestions for a wireless solution would be helpful, and a cheaper/better alternative to the StormScout II Advanced would also be helpful. How rugged would you consider a Corsair closed loop water cooler?
Sorry for the long post and if I missed anything, thanks in advance!
I came up with a plan for a mATX (so I can Crossfire later) form system that would go into a sturdy portable-case such as the StormScout II Advanced. Then modify it so I can store a monitor/keyboard easily on the side. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
The purpose of this build is mainly gaming, and basic usage (web-browsing and such). My budget is ~$1,250. I definitely don't want to go above $1,350 (before rebates). I also would like the ability to upgrade later on. Stores would be NewEgg, Amazon, and Microcenter. I need just about everything except a mouse. No significant brand-bias.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 290 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer H226HQLbid 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($137.05 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Headphones: Logitech G230 Headset ($35.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1212.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
In the future, I will upgrade with an SSD, Windows 9 if Microsoft keeps true to their track record (good os, bad os, repeat). 2nd R9 290, 2 more RAM sticks, CPU cooler.
I will OC the CPU when I add a 2nd 290, to minimize any chance at a bottle-neck.
I think I got everything relevant. Any suggestions for a wireless solution would be helpful, and a cheaper/better alternative to the StormScout II Advanced would also be helpful. How rugged would you consider a Corsair closed loop water cooler?
Sorry for the long post and if I missed anything, thanks in advance!
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