Here's the list of the system I'm putting together. Most of the components I've already picked up, but I do have until next week to exchange them for something else. The last computer I built features a Radeon x800, AMD X2 dual core, 3GB ram, and ASUS A8V Deluxe mother board. Last hardware update I did was in 2005/2006 for a new CPU. I forced Windows 7 onto my poor unsupported hardware, which surprisingly, worked pretty ok. This machine is now just too old, loud, and dirty to use anymore. Now it's time for a new machine, and here is what I have already.
For my new machine, I'm building it to last another 7+ years. Since I'm nearly driven mad with noise and dust, I want this machine to be quiet and clean. I'm not huge into overclocking, but I do plan try it out. At least once. Here's the list:
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition case
- I've never spend good money on a case before. I got this open box and I'm loving it so far. It's a monster compared to my old case. Lots of room and LCS ready!
ASUS Sabertooth Z77
- This was a tough choice. Originally I was going to pick up the ASUS P8Z77 Deluxe, however, the improved Thermal Armor, Heat Radar, Dust Defender, and military grade components caught my attention. All that with a 5 year warranty. The Deluxe does seem like a better board, but has features I just don't think I'd use (BlueTooth, Dual band WiFi, extra USB slots, etc). If anyone has an opinion on this I'd love to hear it.
eVGA GeForce 680 SC
- I've been loyal to ATI for some time now. I've been quite happy with my x800 and my 8500 before that. I wouldn't mind checking out what NVidia has to offer, just to switch it up.
Mushkin Chronos Deluxe 240GB SSD
- After reading TomsHardware reviews on SSD's, this drive seemed like the best to get. I managed to get it for nearly $1 a GB. This will run the main OS and programs.
2x WD 1TB Caviar Black
- These will be for storage in a Raid array. Probably pick up another one for Raid 5. Caviar Black series seemed like the most reliable out of the whole family. 5 year warranty doesn't hurt either.
AX650 Power Supply
- Recommended by the MemoryExpress guy. Should do the trick.
2x Dell UltraSharp U2312HM
- Picked these bad boys up with 30% off. Later I plan to pick a third one up and mount all three with this.
BH12 Super Multi Blue
- I don't have a Blu-Ray player so it'll be nice to finally be able to watch movies now.
GSKILL RipjawX Series 16GB
- Start with 16GB, and upgrade to 32GB later. Still need to pick this up
Intel Ivy Bridge i7 Quad core
- Waiting until next Monday for prices and availability.
Some CPU cooler.
- Not sure what I'll be needing for this. Since Ivy bridge isn't yet out, I'm holding off on this. I did have my eye watching this monster.
That's it so far. Still need new speakers ($100 ish? 5.1? Logitech?) and I'm playing around with idea of water cooling this summer. I think the only thing I can bring over from my old system is the DVD Burner. Maybe a HDD. Love to hear feedback on maybe what some of you would change or add. Total price tag comes around $3000 ish.
For my new machine, I'm building it to last another 7+ years. Since I'm nearly driven mad with noise and dust, I want this machine to be quiet and clean. I'm not huge into overclocking, but I do plan try it out. At least once. Here's the list:
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition case
- I've never spend good money on a case before. I got this open box and I'm loving it so far. It's a monster compared to my old case. Lots of room and LCS ready!
ASUS Sabertooth Z77
- This was a tough choice. Originally I was going to pick up the ASUS P8Z77 Deluxe, however, the improved Thermal Armor, Heat Radar, Dust Defender, and military grade components caught my attention. All that with a 5 year warranty. The Deluxe does seem like a better board, but has features I just don't think I'd use (BlueTooth, Dual band WiFi, extra USB slots, etc). If anyone has an opinion on this I'd love to hear it.
eVGA GeForce 680 SC
- I've been loyal to ATI for some time now. I've been quite happy with my x800 and my 8500 before that. I wouldn't mind checking out what NVidia has to offer, just to switch it up.
Mushkin Chronos Deluxe 240GB SSD
- After reading TomsHardware reviews on SSD's, this drive seemed like the best to get. I managed to get it for nearly $1 a GB. This will run the main OS and programs.
2x WD 1TB Caviar Black
- These will be for storage in a Raid array. Probably pick up another one for Raid 5. Caviar Black series seemed like the most reliable out of the whole family. 5 year warranty doesn't hurt either.
AX650 Power Supply
- Recommended by the MemoryExpress guy. Should do the trick.
2x Dell UltraSharp U2312HM
- Picked these bad boys up with 30% off. Later I plan to pick a third one up and mount all three with this.
BH12 Super Multi Blue
- I don't have a Blu-Ray player so it'll be nice to finally be able to watch movies now.
GSKILL RipjawX Series 16GB
- Start with 16GB, and upgrade to 32GB later. Still need to pick this up
Intel Ivy Bridge i7 Quad core
- Waiting until next Monday for prices and availability.
Some CPU cooler.
- Not sure what I'll be needing for this. Since Ivy bridge isn't yet out, I'm holding off on this. I did have my eye watching this monster.
That's it so far. Still need new speakers ($100 ish? 5.1? Logitech?) and I'm playing around with idea of water cooling this summer. I think the only thing I can bring over from my old system is the DVD Burner. Maybe a HDD. Love to hear feedback on maybe what some of you would change or add. Total price tag comes around $3000 ish.