Help me get away from manufactured computers!

[sherrykat]

Hi I am thinking of building a slim case pc (first time). So far nothing has really fancied my tastes like the pre-built Hp Slim or Gateway Slim desktop computers. My main concern for building a computer is aesthetics which is why it has taken me a long time looking for the right case.

Anyways I'm looking to build a computer that can handle dual monitors as well as watching tv while at least playing the newest games on medium settings (if possible). So my question is is this case suitable for my needs? Also if further down the line I wanted to change the 5 in 1 card reader to all usb (3.0 hopefully) plugs is that possible and will it match the system or look ugly?

Here is the case I am interested in:

http://www.amazon.com/XION-Desktop-Card-reader-Power-Supply/dp/B003THQS20/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1286148602&sr=8-2


I am by no means a do it yourselfer so I'm trying this out for the first time. Also if anyone has additional suggestions for slim cases that look nice (no boxy stuff) I am all ears! Thanks in advance!

 

[geofelt]

Your biggest problem will be finding a case that will hold a graphics card suitable for gaming, particularly at 1920 resolution and medium settings.
You will be looking at a 5770 or gtx460 which are $150 to $200 cards. Read this article to see where you want to be:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gts-450-radeon-hd-4850-gpu,2732-4.html

Integrated graphics are not suitable for gaming, but can handle dual monitors and tv images.


Some of the newer cases will have usb3.0 plugs in front. It will not be easy to change out the old type. Better plan on plugging into the rear of the case.

That said, the lian li V352 case will do the job for you.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112278

 

[sherrykat]

Your biggest problem will be finding a case that will hold a graphics card suitable for gaming, particularly at 1920 resolution and medium settings.
You will be looking at a 5770 or gtx460 which are $150 to $200 cards. Read this article to see where you want to be:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gts-450-radeon-hd-4850-gpu,2732-4.html

Integrated graphics are not suitable for gaming, but can handle dual monitors and tv images.


Some of the newer cases will have usb3.0 plugs in front. It will not be easy to change out the old type. Better plan on plugging into the rear of the case.

That said, the lian li V352 case will do the job for you.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112278

Thank you very much for your very informative post! I now have a very good idea of what I should look for in terms of videocards! It seems like there is a lot of problems because of my requirements (must be in a slim case), so would it be in my better interests to just buy the premade computers (e.g. Gateway, HP, Acer, etc.)?

 

[geofelt]

The strongest graphics card that is half height I could find is the sparkle GTS250 which should be strong enough for what you want. It does not come with a half height bracket which is absurd, so some bracket exchange or surgery will be needed.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187098

Graphics cards of the strength you need will also require a relatively strong psu with 24 amps on the 12v rails. That is usually 450watts or so, a strength that is probably not to be found in a slim case.

In January, the Intel "sandy bridge" processors will launch. They will include integrated graphics capability that is supposed to be twice as good as the current clarkdale processors. About the equivalent of a current $50 discrete graphics card. I think that just might suit your need for modest gaming.

If you must buy now, I think you must sacrifice graphics performance to get a slim case, or opt for a tower type small case. I use a lian-li PC Q-07 which is only 11" tall x 8" x 8" . That is actually smaller than the case you linked to in the two largest dimensions. http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product04.php?cl_index=1&sc_index=26&ss_index=67
It uses a standatd ATX power supply, and can handle a decent graphics card. Besides, it is of good quality, and cute.

 

[brennon7]

My main concern for building a computer is aesthetics

LMFAO.....

 

[sherrykat]

The strongest graphics card that is half height I could find is the sparkle GTS250 which should be strong enough for what you want. It does not come with a half height bracket which is absurd, so some bracket exchange or surgery will be needed.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187098

Graphics cards of the strength you need will also require a relatively strong psu with 24 amps on the 12v rails. That is usually 450watts or so, a strength that is probably not to be found in a slim case.

In January, the Intel "sandy bridge" processors will launch. They will include integrated graphics capability that is supposed to be twice as good as the current clarkdale processors. About the equivalent of a current $50 discrete graphics card. I think that just might suit your need for modest gaming.

If you must buy now, I think you must sacrifice graphics performance to get a slim case, or opt for a tower type small case. I use a lian-li PC Q-07 which is only 11" tall x 8" x 8" . That is actually smaller than the case you linked to in the two largest dimensions. http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product04.php?cl_index=1&sc_index=26&ss_index=67
It uses a standatd ATX power supply, and can handle a decent graphics card. Besides, it is of good quality, and cute.

Wow thanks again for the informative info! I only recently got into computers because I kinda like playing Starcraft 2 with my new friends, I usually get weird looks when I tell people about it but I think its fun!

Maybe I will wait for more info on the Sandy Bridge processors. So would it be possible to use that processor and combine its power with a dedicate graphics chip to yield better results?

 

[sherrykat]

Best answer selected by sherrykat.

 

[geofelt]

What would be the dimensions of your ideal slim case?
Is it the shape, or the size that you need?

I seem to recall seeing a slim case that had a riser card that went in the pci-e slot so that the graphics card could be mounted horizontally. I think you can get such riser cards individually also.

Do not give up on your slim case.

Starcraft 2 minimum and recommended requirements are not too high:
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=26242&locale=en_US

The grapphics recommended cards are a bit strange. A 8800GTX is a couple of tier stronger than a 3870.
And, if you will be using dual monitors, you will need something still stronger.