Help with AMD 965, ATI 5870 Micro ATX build

[cib24]

Hey everyone,

I need help with my new PC build after thinking over my size and portability needs. I am in the process of putting together a high end AMD Phenom II X4 955/965 gaming rig with either an ATI 5870 (if prices go below $400 anytime soon) or an ATI 5850. Originally I had built a PC with an NZXT Hades case in mind but realized that it would not be very portable or space friendly. Thus, I have decided on the following build but need help identifying the best possible Micro ATX case out there along with the best low profile CPU cooler. I would prefer a case with the best possible airflow and lightness but airflow comes first.

It must be noted that I do plan on overclocking to the highest degree on stock voltage which should be somewhere between 3.6-3.8 ghz while also having the ability to upgrade to crossfire in the future (thus, overclocking the video cards is unnecessary).

MSI 890GXM-G65 - $125

ATI 5850/5870 - $300-$420

Seasonic X750 - $180

AMD Phenom II X4 955/975 - $160-$180

G.Skill Ripjaws Series 7-8-7-24-2N CAS 7 - $120 (might need to re-think this, heatsinks might get in the way)

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB - $90

Sony Optical Drive - $22

Gigabyte GM-M8000X Mouse - $60

Micro ATX case - ??????????? NZXT Rogue, Lian-Li PC-V351, Silverstone SG03, Thermaltake Lanbox, etc.

Low-Profile CPU Cooler - ??????? Scythe Shiruken, Zalman, etc.



I know this build might seem a bit impossible to do with good cooling but I'd really like to try to find something that suits my needs without having to sacrifice anymore.

Also, if you have any better suggestions on the parts I've already selected please feel free to give your opinions.

Thanks!

 

[cib24]

Hmm...it appears with the NZXT rogue you can use a regular cpu cooler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38g9uS3h_EQ

And the 5870 fits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJNeGBUWFIs

Still, 20 lbs is quite a lot for a case and it looks bulky as hell.

 

[flyboy86]

First off here is a good site for CPU coolers
http://www.frostytech.com/top5_lowprofile_heatsinks.cfm

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297
This memory still has a heat spreader but it is shorter than the G.Skill you picked.

As for the case, Newegg doesn't have any in stock right now. I don't know where you were planning on getting your parts, but Newegg generally has the best prices, at least in the US.

 

[cib24]

The parts will likely be determined based on shipping costs since I live relatively near to Frys, Microcenter, and Mwave. If newegg has the best prices with free shipping they will get some of my orders as well or for parts I can't find at the other stores.

I'm still not sure about the case though. The antec p180 seems nice but looks more like a mid-tower and the cube cases are very spacious but quite heavy. Ugh, I knew finding a small case would be difficult due to the humongous length of the new graphics cards. haha.

 

[flyboy86]

Here is another Antec case that might interest you. It is close to the P180 is size but half the weight.
Antec 600 = 15.3 lbs
Antec P180 = (31.00 lbs assuming it is not one of the mini P180 = 20.9 lbs)

 

[cib24]

Alright, so I think I'm going to attempt to do a Silverstone Sugo sg03 with a Corsair H50. Also, rather than using a 5870 I will step down to the 5850 and crossfire later when and if I ever need it. Should be a tight fit but apparently it works very well. Now I just need to decide on the 120 mm fan. I'm thinking a Yate Loon might do the trick.