New build and transfers or wait for low profile card?

Vay

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My system specs:
Manufacturer: Dell
Model: Studio 540s (slim)
Processor: Intel Core 2 quad CPU Q8300 @2.5GHz
Memory RAM: 4 GB
system: 32bit

My sister bought this for me, but she didn't know a lot about computers. This one came with integrated graphics; the Intel G45 chipset. Now the problem is that I am trying to play mass effect 1 and 2, but the intel brand is not supported as well as having bad specs to play the game with. I have decided to transfer the motherboard (model 0M017G), which I think is micro ATX form factor, to either the Antec 902 or the Antec 900 case, but the supported motherboard form factor for the 900 includes m-atx, and I am wondering did it mean Micro-atx or mini-atx? So my other option would be antec 902 case if the micro atx form factor is not supported for the 900 (for the 902, it lists specifically that it supports micro atx motherboards). I will be getting the MSI R5770 Hawk GPU and the XFX 650W or lower. I am also considering lower priced builds. Also, I have read that some Dell motherboards may be incompatible with some cases because of the screw set up..anyone know any more about this?


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week for transfer build.

BUDGET RANGE: around $400 (before or after rebates, doesn't matter)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, some graphics softwares.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I only need GPU, PSU, and computer case that fits micro ATX and big PSU as opposed to my current slim PSU in my slim case.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: one with good customer service and good prices.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: no preference, whatever is best.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: no preference

MONITOR RESOLUTION: current monitor has 1280x1024 max resolution, but I am expecting an upgrade to a larger resolution monitor.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: If know of a good case that has got good ratings without a lot of lights beaming out, I would consider it over the antec 900 or 902, since those lights IMO are really unnecessary (although I could try to disable the LED, but I don't know yet since I don't have the case).

Antec 900:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
Antec 902:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058
MSI r5770 HAWK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490
XFX 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207002

Another option for me is to wait for the MSI r5670-PD512 to come out and stick with my slim case for now. The problem here is that the summer is going by and I will have to start college soon and that means no more gaming. Does anyone know if the r5670-PD512 will come out? I have searched for this and sent MSI an email with no results.
 

Vay

Distinguished
Sep 6, 2009
44
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18,530

Vay

Distinguished
Sep 6, 2009
44
0
18,530


For the LIAN LI case, the 5 external drive 5.25" drive bays I thought were really unnecessary as it probably decreased the amount of 3.5" drives. I wouldn't be watching 5 movies at once or anything like that, or am I missing something? Although I do like the liquid cooling option that the LIAN LI has, even though I have never built a liquid cooled system before, or any system at that. Also, if you have the case, how many USB cables can be plugged in the front?

I have searched for some Mid tower micro atx cases, but don't know if they are better than the LIAN LI. I will most likely be sticking with the new case for a long time:

Cooler master RC-690
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
cooler master centurion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119106