GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
So I've been incrementally doing things to my system as money allows. Went to Sandry Bridge earlier this year, upgraded my video card, got some new accessories...and my next thing is a new case.
For it's day, the Antec 1200 was a bitchin' full tower, but it's long in the tooth. The behind motherboard cable management is not good (way too little space for cables back there, otherwise you bow out the side panel) and it's just sort of big and clunky. I bought it when mid-towers were in that funky stage a few years ago where getting one that would fit a modern video card was hit or miss, as video cards were right in the process of ballooning to 10 and 11 inch monsters.
Fun history lesson laid out, I am looking to get a modern case, with great airflow, great cable management, modern materials would be nice (lighter the better), and big enough to fit a modern video card (in this case a 6870, ~9.5-10in I think) with room to spare between the drive bays and the card. It does not have to be a full tower, in fact I would prefer it not be, provided it's not tiny. I've noticed that most modern cases I see on display at a place like Fry's are longer than they are tall, and I always assumed obese video cards were the reason. Taking all these requirements, and assuming money is (mostly) not a consideration (I mean, nothing absurd), what's sort of the case people are swearing by these days?
GnomeTank, I like the Antec P280, Corsair 600T and the Fractal R3 in order of preference. They're all mid-tower cases and they're all excellent.
The P280 wins out for me because it just looks so classy, it runs quietly with the stock fans (I did add two more 120mm Aerocool fans and it was still nice and quiet), it has plenty of room and the cable management options are solid and it provides some top quality filters where you need them.
Hmm, the P280 is an excellent price, and I do like my current Antec...
But that Corsair 650D is pretty sexy. Any one have experience with it?
I'm using the Corsair 600T. It's crazy good. Quite, runs cool, and roomy. It's heavy and solid, like you want a case to feel. It made building in it really pleasurable, and the dust filters work awesome on the dog hair that collects from my mutts enjoying laying under my desk =P
So I'd imagine the 650D is just as good if not better.
I was very close to buying a 650D but every review said that while it looks objectively better than the 600T it's cooling performance was not as good as the 600T and generally not as good as other cases in it's price range and/or cheaper. I'm not a fan of how the 600T looks, so I ended up buying a Fractal Design Arc Midi and replacing all of the Fractal fans with CM R4 140's and adding two more all for less than the 650D. The Corsair 650D, Fractal Arc Midi, and Silverstone Fortress FT02 and FT03 are my favorite looking cases, but the Arc Midi offered the best bang for my buck even when I added in five $10 fans. That said, if I were buying a new case in the near future the Antec P280 would also be a strong contender, alas it was not out in November.
@Day of the Bear the 650D is internally nearly identical to the 600T but for some reason the 600T has better cooling (might have to do with revised or better fans).
The 650D is an awesome case, but considering that (here in Australia) there's roughly a $70 price increase between the two, I would buy the p280 every time
Figured I'd throw my hat in the ring here, about time for me to investigate owning a REAL PC for once in my life (and not just shitty work PCs provided to me). I'll be kind of specific here as to what the needs/wants are so feel free to piece out whatever you feel might be a good fit.
• What is your total budget? I feel like 600 is a nice solid number to get what I want but am not opposed to spending more if it makes sense long-term. 800-850 tops maybe? Of course if you can build it for less than 600 by all means, tempt me.
• What has to be included in that budget? Just an upgrade, just the computer itself or a computer with monitor, mouse and keyboard? Do you have parts from your old computer that you can use? Just the PC. See below
• Is this computer just for gaming and casual computer use or do you have other computationally intensive tasks in mind? XBMC.
• What resolution to you plan on gaming at? Mostly this should be the native resolution of your monitor. 1080p.
• Do you feel the need for cutting edge performance in the most demanding games (*cough* Metro 2033) or is good performance in most games and "good enough" performance in the most demanding games? Any particular games or upcoming games you care about? Good performance in most games and "good enough" performance in the most demanding games
• Are you biased towards either ATI/NVidia or Intel/AMD? No clue.
• How long do you want this computer to last, i.e. do you want to pay extra to try and "future proof" your computer so it won't have to be upgraded or replaced quite as soon? See first question. Not mandatory
• How important is being able to upgrade your computer at a later time? Intriguing but not completely necessary.
This will be used on dual displays (but not simultaneously) in different parts of my home. I want to be able to use the PC alongside my work PC with a KVM switch on my 23" monitor in my office. However I ALSO want this to be used as a HTPC to display on my projector at times without switching inputs. Essentially running an HDMI to my AVR and onto the projector, and a regular DVI to the monitor for regular PC use. I have no idea if this is possible but in my head it sounds plausible. Any ideas?
I would like to use my Harmony remote for HTPC use. I don't know if this is possible when using a KVM switch as the two PCs would share the keyboard/mouse. If using the Harmony is not possible some sort of media controller would be ideal when I'm running the PC to the theater.
I don't think there are any boards with wireless LAN built in, so you'll need an adapter or PCIe card.
As far as mini-ITX boards go, you're pretty limited. Newegg lists two ASRock boards that are at least Z68, although ASUS and Intel also have a bunch of H61/67 boards. I'm not sure how big a card you'll be able to squeeze into the SG07. Other than that, I would suggest sticking with Sandy Bridge, either an i3-2100 or i5-2300. Given the small space you're working with, overclocking doesn't seem like a great plan, but someone with more experience may be able to speak to that.
I'll try to chuck together a parts list tomorrow if someone doesn't beat me to it. Do you also need a keyboard and speakers or any other accessories?
Thanks! I do have a keyboard and speakers and all the other accessories so I am good. If you can give me a build other than a5heren(thanks btw)
@a5ehren I will look into and add to it or take things as i go. thanks so much. If i wanted to go with AMD, what would be a good build for mini-Itx?
Also, if I were to get a pcie card/ wireless adapter-which one would be a good one to purchase? thanks so much
My computer is going on 5 years old. I planned to do a full Eyefinity upgrade for Diablo 3, but it's a good thing I'm not holding my breath. In the mean time, I have changed speakers from my Klipsch 5.1 Promedia setup (the rear channels were collecting dust since I never used them) to a set of Swan MK200 MkII. It's a damn shame that I am using on-board sound to power these speakers, or my previous set, and I am willing to correct this immediately.
ArsTechnica's gift guide recommended the Asus Xonar Xense for their God box setup, but I can't seem to find one. Is this the card to get? Any idea why I can't find one available?
My computer is going on 5 years old. I planned to do a full Eyefinity upgrade for Diablo 3, but it's a good thing I'm not holding my breath. In the mean time, I have changed speakers from my Klipsch 5.1 Promedia setup (the rear channels were collecting dust since I never used them) to a set of Swan MK200 MkII. It's a damn shame that I am using on-board sound to power these speakers, or my previous set, and I am willing to correct this immediately.
ArsTechnica's gift guide recommended the Asus Xonar Xense for their God box setup, but I can't seem to find one. Is this the card to get? Any idea why I can't find one available?
Have a look at the Asus Xonar DX, if that's the price range you're in. It'll do what you want it to do very well.
Hmm, the P280 is an excellent price, and I do like my current Antec...
But that Corsair 650D is pretty sexy. Any one have experience with it?
I just built a new machine into a 650D. I'd have to say it's a pretty awesome case.
The cable management behind the motherboard was great (first case I've had with this feature and I love it!), there were a few spots that I wished I had a place to tie a cable down to, but I made it work.
I'm just running the stock fans in it, even with the fan controller in the "high" position it remains pretty quiet. I'm coming from an antec sonata case, which was pretty much silent, so it's only slightly louder than that. There is space for additional fans, and the corsair site sells a mesh side panel replacement for the clear window. So if you so desired you could add that in, and mount even more fans. (http://www.corsair.com/obsidian-series-650d-mesh-side-panel-insert.html)
The tool-less drive bays were great, and everything you'd want to unscrew had a thumbscrew on it.
It was really easy to get everything into the case, just the cable management part took a while getting everything just right.
It's a lot longer of a case than I anticipated, (I only really considered height when I was looking at cases), but when it arrived I wasn't sure it'd fit under my desk without sticking out (but it fits perfectly). The extra depth really adds to the roominess of the case. Plenty of space for my video card, it doesn't come close to butting up against anything, and I also have a Coolermaster 212+, and it too has plenty of space height-wise.
I just used the SATA hot-swap dock on the top tonight, it worked great. I kind of wish the little panel over the front ports flipped down and then slid into the case and out of the way. Instead it just sticks out. I'm fearful that it will eventually get broken off. Not that it's flimsy, just that it's the only thing that sticks out of an otherwise sleek faceplate.
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was that the front panel USB 3.0 ports used a pass through cable, meant to I guess wire through the interior and then out of the case and into the 3.0 ports on the back of your motherboard. This would have sucked, but my motherboard came with a little 2 port thing that you would ordinarily mount into a optical drive bay. It had a plug that went directly to the USB 3.0 header on the motherboard. So I unscrewed the hardware from that, and wired it up to the pass through cables and tucked it behind the motherboard tray.
All in all a great case, it's definitely on the pricey side, but I'm hoping it will last through a handful of builds.
on my topic of mini-itx computer...would it be a good idea to buy a pre-made similar to what I wanted to make? I was just looking around and this seemed like a good idea
In other news, I've been doing a bit of reading and saw this article that has some juicy info about AMD's 7950. The comments have some good links to more info too.
I'm planning on waiting until the GTX 600 series drop before I make my choice. What's interesting to me is that there's no reference design being released for the 6950. I wonder if this means we'll just see a continuation of the current gen's coolers on these cards. It'll certainly make my life easier if MSi release a Twin Frozr III :P
In all seriousness, I would be very surprised if you don't get a noticeable increase in quality by installing a soundcard.
Really? I abandoned sound cards back in 2007 when there stopped being a clear benefit. Any Tom's/Anand/HardOCP articles on the subject?
None that I've read, I'm going off what people who have good opinions on things have told me and my own personal experience. Normally I wouldn't really bother recommending soundcards straight off the bat, but since he's specifically said that he's unsatisfied with the audio quality I think it'll be a good idea.
It should also go without saying that you have a quality set of 'phones, too
Just to chime in, I've noticed marked improvement moving my headphones to the back port. It's unclear how much improvement I'd get from the soundcard at this point, seeing as I'm already much happier. For whatever reason the front port makes the headphones really tinny and sharp. I'm using the Sony mdr 7506 headphones, which run around $80-$100.
Soon as I order another computer part, I'll probably get the sound card anyway and I'll definitely report back if the simple $30 investment gives any notable gains. According to some amateur reviews, the sound card allows the front port to not suck, too.
1) MDR-7506: masterpiece headphones
2) I also notice that front ports for audio can be crap.
3) In the past, I've noticed remarkable differences between onboard sound and dedicated sound cards. Of course this is purely anecdotal, but in 2009 I upgraded form onboard to a nice midranged Sound Blaster and I did notice a real difference in clarity and range.
I don't think there are any boards with wireless LAN built in, so you'll need an adapter or PCIe card.
As far as mini-ITX boards go, you're pretty limited. Newegg lists two ASRock boards that are at least Z68, although ASUS and Intel also have a bunch of H61/67 boards. I'm not sure how big a card you'll be able to squeeze into the SG07. Other than that, I would suggest sticking with Sandy Bridge, either an i3-2100 or i5-2300. Given the small space you're working with, overclocking doesn't seem like a great plan, but someone with more experience may be able to speak to that.
I'll try to chuck together a parts list tomorrow if someone doesn't beat me to it. Do you also need a keyboard and speakers or any other accessories?
Thanks! I do have a keyboard and speakers and all the other accessories so I am good. If you can give me a build other than a5heren(thanks btw)
@a5ehren I will look into and add to it or take things as i go. thanks so much. If i wanted to go with AMD, what would be a good build for mini-Itx?
Also, if I were to get a pcie card/ wireless adapter-which one would be a good one to purchase? thanks so much
The second setup would let you ditch the GPU if you only play light games (MMOs, etc), but I have a hard time recommending either of these over the Intel setup unless you really need more cores.
As far as wireless cards, I've never seen a good one, and if I only had the 1 PCI-e slot I'd spend the extra for a board with it included :P.
on my topic of mini-itx computer...would it be a good idea to buy a pre-made similar to what I wanted to make? I was just looking around and this seemed like a good idea
Mini-ITX cases are pretty tough to work in. If you're nervous about doing it yourself, paying the premium for pre-built may be worth it.
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KadokenGiving Ends to my Friends and it Feels StupendousRegistered Userregular
Do monitors have to be near in size to run duo monitors? Not soon, but in the future, I would like to get a bigger monitor than my 20 inch (Which I am totally endeared to), and use that for gaming, while watching videos, putting extra stuff on my twenty inch. My card and power supply both support multiple monitors.
The Witcher is known to have screen tearing issues. I get some minor screen tearing with my xfired 6870s.
@101 yeah the zalman Z9 plus would be a much better case than that Vulcan you listed. The Vulcan isn't going to explode into flames or kill your family or anything like that, but it really strikes me as a cheap and nasty case
Thanks for all the help guys, I think I'll go with the Z9.
Gonna do a bit of shopping around on price then order asap. Really looking forward to this!
I'd pay the $10-12 more for a pair of DDR3 1600 G.Skills or Corsairs, but I've had RAM fail on me before and am outrageously picky when it comes to memory.
Eh, if it fails I can just RMA it. I've got working 4 gigs right now so I won't be without a computer, so the 10 bucks saved is pretty nice to me. Reviews are good too. I'll take my chances I think. Wooo!
In other news, I've been doing a bit of reading and saw this article that has some juicy info about AMD's 7950. The comments have some good links to more info too.
I'm planning on waiting until the GTX 600 series drop before I make my choice. What's interesting to me is that there's no reference design being released for the 6950. I wonder if this means we'll just see a continuation of the current gen's coolers on these cards. It'll certainly make my life easier if MSi release a Twin Frozr III :P
Is anyone planning on snaffling one of these up?
I'm seriously considering it, just waiting on specs and what not. I'm still trying to debate if I need a new monitor, some good sales today too... What should I be looking for, I currently have this: Syncmaster
I currently have a AMD 5870 which I don't think is the culprit but I don't know to be honest. Is there anything with my monitor that would be worth upgrading? I think 24 is as big as I'm willing to go, but I could see 27 being nice too. I don't know if you lose anything going larger or it's ok for gaming and what not. I am completely unaware of these things, so what sort of things should I look for in ratios, response times and all those other good stats.
I'll repost this elsewhere if need be, but I'd rather ask here first. I've been having regular BSOD's with memory management errors and Windows Explorer regularly crashes. My problems started last week when I had to copy a backup installation of SW:TOR from my laptop to my desktop. I've tried running Memtest86 but for some reason even when a USB drive or a CD is set to the first boot device Memtest86 won't start/load. Might that have to do with an overclocked processor or some bios setting on my P8P67 Pro motherboard? I have also run Check Disk but no errors were found.
I currently have a AMD 5870 which I don't think is the culprit but I don't know to be honest. Is there anything with my monitor that would be worth upgrading? I think 24 is as big as I'm willing to go, but I could see 27 being nice too. I don't know if you lose anything going larger or it's ok for gaming and what not. I am completely unaware of these things, so what sort of things should I look for in ratios, response times and all those other good stats.
Provided you are buying a decent panel the only thing you lose as you increase screen size is pixel density. A 1200p 22" obviously has many more pixels/square inch than a 27".
That being said and speaking as someone who has been running a 28" and then a 30" for years now, if your budget and space allow it's really very nice for gaming and even just regular desktopping to have a nice big display
I currently have a AMD 5870 which I don't think is the culprit but I don't know to be honest. Is there anything with my monitor that would be worth upgrading? I think 24 is as big as I'm willing to go, but I could see 27 being nice too. I don't know if you lose anything going larger or it's ok for gaming and what not. I am completely unaware of these things, so what sort of things should I look for in ratios, response times and all those other good stats.
Provided you are buying a decent panel the only thing you lose as you increase screen size is pixel density. A 1200p 22" obviously has many more pixels/square inch than a 27".
That being said and speaking as someone who has been running a 28" and then a 30" for years now, if your budget and space allow it's really very nice for gaming and even just regular desktopping to have a nice big display
Is that Planar linked above any good, NewEgg reviews are mixed
I'll repost this elsewhere if need be, but I'd rather ask here first. I've been having regular BSOD's with memory management errors and Windows Explorer regularly crashes. My problems started last week when I had to copy a backup installation of SW:TOR from my laptop to my desktop. I've tried running Memtest86 but for some reason even when a USB drive or a CD is set to the first boot device Memtest86 won't start/load. Might that have to do with an overclocked processor or some bios setting on my P8P67 Pro motherboard? I have also run Check Disk but no errors were found.
If your cpu is OC'd I'd try setting it back to stock and testing again. Same for memory OC if any. it's unlikely to be an unstable oc if it just cropped up, but it never hurts to test these things
I'm not familiar with planar as a brand so I can't speak to the general build quality, the specs look decent though.
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GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
@mfc144: Thanks for the 650D info. Aside from the stock fans, did it come with any places to put extra fans? Or is it just the 200mm's and the 120mm it comes with?
I'm not familiar with planar as a brand so I can't speak to the general build quality, the specs look decent though.
I just don't want to get something that is poop. Should I get a 24 or spring for a 27? Can you recommend some good choices?
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GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
I have the Asus VE278Q, and it's not terrible. It's a budget 27" to be sure, but it's fine for the gaming I do. 1080p resolution, plenty of inputs (I have my PC, XBox 360 and PS3 plugged in to it) and it looks decent enough.
@cardboard delusions mate I'd be very hesitant to just go and buy a new monitor because you're getting screen tearing in a couple of games. Unless somehow you know it's the monitor (I would be surprised if it is) I would be looking towards the software side of things. Have a look at the game dev's site for info on patches and recommended fixes for the screen tearing. Check AMD's site for info on app profiles and drivers, because I know for a fact that there has been known issues with AMD cards and screen tearing in The Witcher
Moral of story: Don't rush out and drop bulk cash on a new screen unless you know for sure the screen is, in fact, the issue
on my topic of mini-itx computer...would it be a good idea to buy a pre-made similar to what I wanted to make? I was just looking around and this seemed like a good idea
Posts
For it's day, the Antec 1200 was a bitchin' full tower, but it's long in the tooth. The behind motherboard cable management is not good (way too little space for cables back there, otherwise you bow out the side panel) and it's just sort of big and clunky. I bought it when mid-towers were in that funky stage a few years ago where getting one that would fit a modern video card was hit or miss, as video cards were right in the process of ballooning to 10 and 11 inch monsters.
Fun history lesson laid out, I am looking to get a modern case, with great airflow, great cable management, modern materials would be nice (lighter the better), and big enough to fit a modern video card (in this case a 6870, ~9.5-10in I think) with room to spare between the drive bays and the card. It does not have to be a full tower, in fact I would prefer it not be, provided it's not tiny. I've noticed that most modern cases I see on display at a place like Fry's are longer than they are tall, and I always assumed obese video cards were the reason. Taking all these requirements, and assuming money is (mostly) not a consideration (I mean, nothing absurd), what's sort of the case people are swearing by these days?
The P280 wins out for me because it just looks so classy, it runs quietly with the stock fans (I did add two more 120mm Aerocool fans and it was still nice and quiet), it has plenty of room and the cable management options are solid and it provides some top quality filters where you need them.
edit: Oh yes the 650D is pretty nice too
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
But that Corsair 650D is pretty sexy. Any one have experience with it?
I'm using the Corsair 600T. It's crazy good. Quite, runs cool, and roomy. It's heavy and solid, like you want a case to feel. It made building in it really pleasurable, and the dust filters work awesome on the dog hair that collects from my mutts enjoying laying under my desk =P
So I'd imagine the 650D is just as good if not better.
Warframe: TheBaconDwarf
@Day of the Bear the 650D is internally nearly identical to the 600T but for some reason the 600T has better cooling (might have to do with revised or better fans).
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
I'm also going to be cutting in a side panel on mine, just because I want to stare at all my fancy bits
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
• What is your total budget? I feel like 600 is a nice solid number to get what I want but am not opposed to spending more if it makes sense long-term. 800-850 tops maybe? Of course if you can build it for less than 600 by all means, tempt me.
• What has to be included in that budget? Just an upgrade, just the computer itself or a computer with monitor, mouse and keyboard? Do you have parts from your old computer that you can use? Just the PC. See below
• Is this computer just for gaming and casual computer use or do you have other computationally intensive tasks in mind? XBMC.
• What resolution to you plan on gaming at? Mostly this should be the native resolution of your monitor. 1080p.
• Do you feel the need for cutting edge performance in the most demanding games (*cough* Metro 2033) or is good performance in most games and "good enough" performance in the most demanding games? Any particular games or upcoming games you care about? Good performance in most games and "good enough" performance in the most demanding games
• Are you biased towards either ATI/NVidia or Intel/AMD? No clue.
• How long do you want this computer to last, i.e. do you want to pay extra to try and "future proof" your computer so it won't have to be upgraded or replaced quite as soon? See first question. Not mandatory
• How important is being able to upgrade your computer at a later time? Intriguing but not completely necessary.
This will be used on dual displays (but not simultaneously) in different parts of my home. I want to be able to use the PC alongside my work PC with a KVM switch on my 23" monitor in my office. However I ALSO want this to be used as a HTPC to display on my projector at times without switching inputs. Essentially running an HDMI to my AVR and onto the projector, and a regular DVI to the monitor for regular PC use. I have no idea if this is possible but in my head it sounds plausible. Any ideas?
I would like to use my Harmony remote for HTPC use. I don't know if this is possible when using a KVM switch as the two PCs would share the keyboard/mouse. If using the Harmony is not possible some sort of media controller would be ideal when I'm running the PC to the theater.
Thanks! I do have a keyboard and speakers and all the other accessories so I am good. If you can give me a build other than a5heren(thanks btw)
@a5ehren I will look into and add to it or take things as i go. thanks so much. If i wanted to go with AMD, what would be a good build for mini-Itx?
Also, if I were to get a pcie card/ wireless adapter-which one would be a good one to purchase? thanks so much
ArsTechnica's gift guide recommended the Asus Xonar Xense for their God box setup, but I can't seem to find one. Is this the card to get? Any idea why I can't find one available?
Have a look at the Asus Xonar DX, if that's the price range you're in. It'll do what you want it to do very well.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
I just built a new machine into a 650D. I'd have to say it's a pretty awesome case.
The cable management behind the motherboard was great (first case I've had with this feature and I love it!), there were a few spots that I wished I had a place to tie a cable down to, but I made it work.
I'm just running the stock fans in it, even with the fan controller in the "high" position it remains pretty quiet. I'm coming from an antec sonata case, which was pretty much silent, so it's only slightly louder than that. There is space for additional fans, and the corsair site sells a mesh side panel replacement for the clear window. So if you so desired you could add that in, and mount even more fans. (http://www.corsair.com/obsidian-series-650d-mesh-side-panel-insert.html)
The tool-less drive bays were great, and everything you'd want to unscrew had a thumbscrew on it.
It was really easy to get everything into the case, just the cable management part took a while getting everything just right.
It's a lot longer of a case than I anticipated, (I only really considered height when I was looking at cases), but when it arrived I wasn't sure it'd fit under my desk without sticking out (but it fits perfectly). The extra depth really adds to the roominess of the case. Plenty of space for my video card, it doesn't come close to butting up against anything, and I also have a Coolermaster 212+, and it too has plenty of space height-wise.
I just used the SATA hot-swap dock on the top tonight, it worked great. I kind of wish the little panel over the front ports flipped down and then slid into the case and out of the way. Instead it just sticks out. I'm fearful that it will eventually get broken off. Not that it's flimsy, just that it's the only thing that sticks out of an otherwise sleek faceplate.
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was that the front panel USB 3.0 ports used a pass through cable, meant to I guess wire through the interior and then out of the case and into the 3.0 ports on the back of your motherboard. This would have sucked, but my motherboard came with a little 2 port thing that you would ordinarily mount into a optical drive bay. It had a plug that went directly to the USB 3.0 header on the motherboard. So I unscrewed the hardware from that, and wired it up to the pass through cables and tucked it behind the motherboard tray.
All in all a great case, it's definitely on the pricey side, but I'm hoping it will last through a handful of builds.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/LAN_Party_EVO_Mini/
I'm planning on waiting until the GTX 600 series drop before I make my choice. What's interesting to me is that there's no reference design being released for the 6950. I wonder if this means we'll just see a continuation of the current gen's coolers on these cards. It'll certainly make my life easier if MSi release a Twin Frozr III :P
Is anyone planning on snaffling one of these up?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
1) MDR-7506: masterpiece headphones
2) I also notice that front ports for audio can be crap.
3) In the past, I've noticed remarkable differences between onboard sound and dedicated sound cards. Of course this is purely anecdotal, but in 2009 I upgraded form onboard to a nice midranged Sound Blaster and I did notice a real difference in clarity and range.
This board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500060
This CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995
Or
This board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500071
This CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103942
The second setup would let you ditch the GPU if you only play light games (MMOs, etc), but I have a hard time recommending either of these over the Intel setup unless you really need more cores.
As far as wireless cards, I've never seen a good one, and if I only had the 1 PCI-e slot I'd spend the extra for a board with it included :P.
Mini-ITX cases are pretty tough to work in. If you're nervous about doing it yourself, paying the premium for pre-built may be worth it.
Thanks for all the help guys, I think I'll go with the Z9.
Gonna do a bit of shopping around on price then order asap. Really looking forward to this!
SniperGuyGaming on PSN / SniperGuy710 on Xbone Live
Eh, if it fails I can just RMA it. I've got working 4 gigs right now so I won't be without a computer, so the 10 bucks saved is pretty nice to me. Reviews are good too. I'll take my chances I think. Wooo!
SniperGuyGaming on PSN / SniperGuy710 on Xbone Live
I'm seriously considering it, just waiting on specs and what not. I'm still trying to debate if I need a new monitor, some good sales today too... What should I be looking for, I currently have this: Syncmaster
$220
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A3401314
Nintendo ID: Incindium
PSN: IncindiumX
Provided you are buying a decent panel the only thing you lose as you increase screen size is pixel density. A 1200p 22" obviously has many more pixels/square inch than a 27".
That being said and speaking as someone who has been running a 28" and then a 30" for years now, if your budget and space allow it's really very nice for gaming and even just regular desktopping to have a nice big display
Is that Planar linked above any good, NewEgg reviews are mixed
If your cpu is OC'd I'd try setting it back to stock and testing again. Same for memory OC if any. it's unlikely to be an unstable oc if it just cropped up, but it never hurts to test these things
I just don't want to get something that is poop. Should I get a 24 or spring for a 27? Can you recommend some good choices?
Moral of story: Don't rush out and drop bulk cash on a new screen unless you know for sure the screen is, in fact, the issue
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better
bit.ly/2XQM1ke
If you also just want to upgrade your panel then we can point you to some nice ones
Thanks for the valuable info. Do you think a corsair h40 liquid cooling would be able to fit in the silver stone sg07/08?