Moving on from old Alienware ALX case

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Tophers

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Guys, I need help with ideas on how to proceed. I have a massive Alienware ALX case bought back in 2008 (ancient, I know).

I would ideally like to change it for a smaller form factor. Something in the medium range.

Here are the components I have and want to keep:

  • ASUS GTX680-DC2-4GD5 GeForce GTX 680 4GB Video Card
    8 GB 240 pin 1333 MHz memory
    1 TB SSD

Here is a list of things I believe I need (feel free to add):

  • Motherboard
    Power supply
    Case

I am fairly knowledgeable on computer parts and assembly but the voice of experience is nice.

What cases/motherboard combos would you recommend?

Thanks very much in advance!
 
Solution
TheMentalist
1200W is more than enough for this build, you can reuse that, saves some buck(fits in the case).
But if you want to buy a new one, get a 650W power supply, will work with the GTX 680 and allows some minor upgrading.
For multiple graphics cards in the future, get a 750W+ unit.
Here's a calculator: http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Recommended brands are XFX/Seasonic/EVGA.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

The memory speed isn't a big deal in gaming rig's.
1333 vs 1600 is a difference of barely 3-4fps in most games.
You'll be fine with 1333. But you can always get a new kit for the system if you want to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWgzA2C61z4
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TheMentalist

TheMentalist

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What do you think of a microATX build? Something like the Fractal Design Core 1500 or Corsair Obsidian 350D will be nice and small.
Fractal_Design_Core_1500_Core_2500_Core_3500.jpg

Also, what CPU are you using? A new motherboard might need a new CPU if it's an older socket one.

 
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Tophers

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Dec 16, 2014
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TheMentalist, first thanks for responding.
The microATX form factor may be a bit too small. I was just hoping to slim down some. I think mid tower form factor would be fine.
Any thoughts on NZXT H440 (Razer design)?

Also, as for motherboard it seems that the Asus Maximus VI FORMULA seems to be popular.
There are a couple of bundle offers for the Intel Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor and the Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor. From what I have read on this site, the 4770 seems to be an overclockers dream.

Any thoughts on that?
 
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TheMentalist

TheMentalist

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For a gaming rig the i5-4690K is the way to go. It performs and overclocks very well. You'll be better of with the 4690K or 4790K. Overclocks better then the 3570K/3770K plus they work with the newer chipset(Z97).

A couple of motherboards that I would suggest:
ASUS Maximus VII Hero
ASUS Z97-Pro
Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK
Gigabyte Z97X Gaming 5

The Formula is a great motherboard but it's overpriced imo. The Hero performs just as well.
If you it fits in your budget then go for it if you like the way it looks.

The H440 is an awesome case and looks pretty nice too.
Have you checked the Corsair Obsidian 450D? That's a nice mid tower too.
 
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Tophers

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Dec 16, 2014
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TheMentalist, thanks very much for the suggestions.

The Hero does indeed look like a suitable alternative. As for the processor, apart from some additional onboard memory, the i7 has HyperThreading which is nice but only if you have a lot of processes running.

My gut is telling me the i5 is fine for my tastes.

OK so I think I am almost set. One thing I am looking to splurge on is liquid cooling to reduce noise and heat. The NXZT Kraken seems nice. Any thoughts?

Thanks again!
 
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Tophers

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Dec 16, 2014
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Thanks again. So a couple more things:
Power supply and memory.
For power supply, I am currently running a 1200 Watt one that is huge. Do you have any suggestions for first calculating the wattage I would need under the current config and any general suggestions for brands/models?

For memory, I have 1333 MHz dimms right now but I am wondering if it's worth it to buy new ones with a higher clock speed. Any thoughts?

Thanks again!!
 
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TheMentalist

TheMentalist

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1200W is more than enough for this build, you can reuse that, saves some buck(fits in the case).
But if you want to buy a new one, get a 650W power supply, will work with the GTX 680 and allows some minor upgrading.
For multiple graphics cards in the future, get a 750W+ unit.
Here's a calculator: http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Recommended brands are XFX/Seasonic/EVGA.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

The memory speed isn't a big deal in gaming rig's.
1333 vs 1600 is a difference of barely 3-4fps in most games.
You'll be fine with 1333. But you can always get a new kit for the system if you want to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWgzA2C61z4
 
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