Micro atx gaming rig

[ceno-byte]

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/intelmicro.png/

i want to know if this build is good from the research i have done it seems like a good build although i might swap the mobo out for a asus maximus IV Gene-Z also i want to know if anyone has any good suggestions for aftermarket coolers that will fit in the case (Silverstone Fortress FT03) since i will overclock if i get the asus maximus instead of the gigabyte any other suggestions will be welcomed my use for this computer will be :

Gaming , Virtualization , everyday use (internet , watching movies , etc etc)

OS : Win7 64bit / Arch Linux 64bit

Budget : $1500 - $2000

 

[ScrewySqrl]

looks mostly OK.

But save yourself $110 with this case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Use the money for a copy of Windows. I don't see the point in cases over $80.

 

[Outlander_04]

Screwy the rosewill is a plastic atx case , and its supposed to be an m-ATX build

The fortress case is very funky, and more than a bit weird .

Have a look at the TJ08-e
http://www.silentpcreview.com/ss-tj08e
Slightly better cooling and potentially quieter

Also you wont need a 750 watt psu . Its not like you are ever going to crossfire .......so 650w will be fine

 

[ceno-byte]

i`m kinda set on the FT03 for a case i`m still wondering which aftermarket cooler to go for i was thinking the ZALMAN CNPS9900MAX-B

link here http://tinyurl.com/3tyjtj6

im still not sure if it would fit even though it says it can take full tower coolers

 

[Outlander_04]

SPCR have a review of the case
http://www.silentpcreview.com/silverstone-ft03
that should help with cpu cooler selection

"Fully assembled. CPU cooler and graphics card clearance is listed as 167 mm and 13.77 inches, but by our measurements, it's approximately 170 mm and 14.4 inches respectively (with the bottom intake fan removed)."

 

[ScrewySqrl]

cases are subjective. Liek I said, my own taste is cases under $80. I'd suggest the Rosewill R101/102 micro ATX cases (I have one myself) which are thin steel, and old school (everything attaches with screws), except they have a max 9.3" clearance for a video card.

 

[Outlander_04]

I have been using the same Silverstone TJ08 [ original ] for the last 4 computers I have owned .
The quality is there, and it has lasted .

Worth paying for decent quality IMO . But I couldnt care less about "tool less" . I own a screwdriver already , and generally the tool less clips are not as secure

 

[ceno-byte]

from other reviews i have read about the FT03 hdd vibration varies depending on the drive and heat varies depending on the drive as well i like it because it has such a simple and elegent look capable of being a full on rig but with a small footprint in terms of size the review from SPCR is the only one i read where they had heat issues ill have to do a little more reading and see what i can find but any other suggestions for the build i might go crossfire down the road idk yet

 

[Outlander_04]

SPCR is totally focused on noise . Vibration they hear, is of no importance to most reviewers I would guess .

 

[geofelt]

I recently changed to the Silverstone TJ-08-E.
Let me tell you it is very nice. $99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182

1) It will hold about any cooler. I use a Prolimatech megahalems. 160mm coolers should be fine.
No need for anything expensive, look at a CM hyper 212 or Xigmatek gail, each about $30.
2) The 180mm intake fan is all you need. I need no rear 120mm fan, and I even undervolted the 180 at low speed. Leeps an OC'ed 2600K and a GTX580 plenty cool and quiet.
3) Cable management is very easy.
4) For me, I had limited front to back space available. The 15" depth was what I needed.

As to your motherboard selection, there is little need to get a expensive board. Any P67 or Z68 will allow you to OC to sane levels. Just look for the features you need. The gigabyte should be fine.

 

[ceno-byte]

Best answer selected by ceno-byte.