New Build MOBO, CPU & CPU Coolee Questions

VEK

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I need help with MOBO, CPU & CPU cooler for a new build (to replace an older computer running XP Pro 32 bit which seems about to die).

I want to purchase parts today. Will use existing monitor, keyboard & mouse, as well as existing XP Pro OS. Have new OCZ Agility 120 GB SSD to use for the boot drive and will re-purpose drives from other machines for storage.

I will want to run XP Pro 32 bit on the new build because several software programs I need to use from time to time only function in a 32 bit environment. I might want to dual boot the new machine to 2000 Pro. The new build will be connected to my Win 7 and other machines in a wired network.

I like a full size MOBO as I don't like to work with "crowded" spaces and like to have a decent number of expansion card slots. The machine will not be used for any graphics intensive stuff, so I would be happy with onboard graphics in this build. Will use a full tower case, likely a CoolerMaster (because I liked working with the HAF 932 Advanced in my first build).

My initial thought is to go with either the ASUS P8Z77-V LE PLUS LGA 1155 Intel Z77 ($170) or the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 ($125) for my MOBO & the Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32100 for my CPU. Is there reason for me to spend the extra $45 for the ASUS P8Z77?

I would also appreciate any thoughts on the best CPU cooler for the $ in this setup, as well as best memory for the $.

This is only my second build, so any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!
 
Solution
if your going to go with full tower the 932 advanced is a good buy, or a Antec Eleven hundred (i know its not a full tower BUT has almost the same space as the 932

Shockattackr

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Ok soo all the ASUS board has that is different then the ASrock is i believe the Integrated Wireless adapter you can get with the Asus. (saves an extra Xpansion slot if you have a wireless card)

If your going to overclock anything I suggest keep it stock it will run fine on that. and for Ram seeing as your not going to be gaming hard on it, I suggest G Skill Ripjaws 2x2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231310

 

VEK

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Thank you for your help.

I looked at the Antec Eleven hundred on Newegg, and liked what I saw and the reviews I read on NewEgg, so I'll go with it.

Since first writing today, I did some more searching searching on MOBOs and came across the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293 on NewEgg for $135, which I think might be a better compromise for me because I'll be losing the front eSATA port from the HAF and this MOBO has a rear eSATA port, but it's another ASRock - so does that mean no wireless adapter again? I'll be using one or two PCI slots for card(s) to hook up the front ports, so want to really think through what I leave off the MOBO that might require future add-on cards....

I'm kind of leaning toward a pair of 4GB memory sticks, even though the XP Prox32 won't see all 8gbs. I figure I may as well start off with a pair of fours, as I'm likely going to want to install my XP Prox64 OS license eventually when I either (a) upgrade all the old software I want the old XP Pro to be able to run, or (b) replace that software with something else. I'll take your advice on the G Skill Ripjaws 2x2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz, of course - my only concern would be whether they stand up high enough to cause conflicts with my aftermarket CPU heat sink - New Egg doesn't give dimensions on the Ripjaws, but I'll hunt around the Web and see if I can find them somewhere.

On to my remaining concerns:
First: An aftermarket heatsink for the CPU. My initial thought is the COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099. The reviews are good as far as cooling capability, but several indicate that it extends quite high off the MOBO, which concerns me using a smaller tower. However, it looks like the Antec is actually .3" deeper/wider than the full tower HAF (which I managed to get that heatsink into), it doesn't seem like that should be a problem?

A power supply - I'm leaning toward 650 to 850 watts, but think 650 is likely enough for what I'm doing with this machine? What do you think of: (a) CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020; (b) COOLER MASTER GX Series RS650-ACAAD3-US 650W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171052; (c) PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III 600W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703036 (I'm not crazy about the aesthetics of this one, but can certainly deal with it for a better fit otherwise); or (d) Ultra LSP650 650-Watt Power Supply - ATX, SATA-Ready http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276573&CatId=1483 (really like this last one for its $60 price & like the multiple connectors, but don't want to skimp into stupidity). I'm not overly concerned about having a modular PSU, because there is plenty of room to tuck away any unused cables behind the MOBO in the Antec Eleven Hundred case. I'm very open to any other thoughts you might have on the power supply issue.

Again, thanks for all of your help!
 

VEK

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Picked up the Antec Eleven Hundred & an ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 because I decided to do a Hackintosh build & that MoBo will apparently allow me to do that. Sop far, so good. Thanks for everyone's help :) .
 

VEK

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Thanks! A well written and very informative review. I will start checking all my parts on Overclockers.com from now on. I gathered from the Overclockers review you linked that I should add an intake fan. Do you have any suggestions? Size, placement, etc.?