PARTS PREFERENCES: I need reliable brands, and the only thing I'm dead set on getting is the Intel i5 CPU.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe. Probably not right off the bat.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I plan to travel with this PC and would like to keep it LIGHT and SMALL, is there any way to fit all of this in a case (under $100). I need a tower with good airflow to keep things cool (with a HD 4890 running)
Now my question to you.. How small/light of a Case, and which ones do you suggest, can I get without changing these. (Except for maybe the MoBo, which can possibly be changed out for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128405 )
I am asking all this in hopes to have a Desktop which could be carried onto an airplane as opposed to checked.
I'd prefer the 1st case. Your build looks pretty good, the only thing that might be worth changing is the 4890, but it's not a must...
Your full size ATX motherboard choice GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R will not fit in either of the microATX sized cases.
You'd need to choose a microATX motherboard to match. microATX P55 motherboards
Which 4890 are you getting? Some of them have good double wide coolers that dump most of the heat out of the case. One of those might open up some of the microATX cube cases as a choice. Then there are some mid-size ATX cases that seem better made for travel. microATX cube cases
Replacing the stock push-pin CPU cooler with a low profile bolt thru cooler is probably a good idea.
It's not really that it's too much or too little, I just thought it seemed a little out of place in a small, cool build. Your alternatives would be a 5770 (for less heat, power, noise, space) or a 5850 (better performance, more features).
Your full size ATX motherboard choice GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R will not fit in either of the microATX sized cases.
You'd need to choose a microATX motherboard to match. microATX P55 motherboards
It's not really that it's too much or too little, I just thought it seemed a little out of place in a small, cool build. Your alternatives would be a 5770 (for less heat, power, noise, space) or a 5850 (better performance, more features).
Ok this is my latest list! Please critique it, and if I'm missing anything involved with BUILDING the actual computer, let me know. (I'm leaving out a PCU cooler, but I may add one in after I construct it)
What I'm going for: Lightweight, small dimensions, moderate power, doesn't overheat.
Grand Total of $999.36 (After Mail in Rebates and Shipping)
*I already have the OS (Windows 7 x64), Speakers, and a Mouse*
Now is there ANYTHING I'm missing? I want to be able to open the box from NewEgg and assemble the same day. I don't believe I need them, but do I need a anti-static wrist strap or thermal compound? Anything little that I'm missing?
The build looks good. You should be good to go. The motherboard will come with SATA cables and the stock HSF comes with thermal paste pre-applied. I've never used an anti-static strap, but if it makes you more comfortable you could get one.
Thank you! Thanks for all the help guys. If anyone else has any input on this build I'd still appreciate it. Just have to scrounge up the money and I'll hopefully be ordering by Saturday.
Thank you! Thanks for all the help guys. If anyone else has any input on this build I'd still appreciate it. Just have to scrounge up the money and I'll hopefully be ordering by Saturday.
I remember somebody telling me to ALWAYS get 80 + PSU and have an active PFC. I asked him will the Silverstone ST56F (same model as urs do), he said doesn't have an 80+ certification but has active PFC. 80+ PSU, release less heat, requires less power, and more efficient.
This OCZ model does have the 80 + and its cheaper and can support a HD 5850 if you want to upgrade in future (39.99 aftermail in rebates rebates) (w/o mail in rebates, 64.99 which is the prce of the Silverstone after rebates)
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341016
That looks like the perfect psu for the case. It's advertised as a smaller psu which works for my case. It's also modular which might be a plus. And like you said it 80 certified. I really appreciate that find because I was doing some rethinking on the psu just a little while ago.
Speaking of the psu. My friend had a deal of trouble hooking up the cables by himself an ended up having to go to geek squad just to connect it. Do you think hooking this thing up is one of the harder parts of putting together a pc?