Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: j500ss on November 23, 2014, 02:43:57 PM
-
So my HP Pavilion is on her last legs. It's at least 6 years old, and has been slightly upgraded over the years. I am one of those who just has no time and desire to build my own rig. I have been told that Cyberpower and Asus are pretty good for off the shelf, and should be fairly easy to upgrade.
Now please note, the only gaming I do is AH. Otherwise it is just a PC for general everyday web surfing and what not. I like the looks of the game now on my rig with the NVIDA GeForce 9400GT card I have, but I know there is much more to see than what I am seeing and experiencing.
My basic confusion starts with processors, does a person want i5 or i7? Quad core? I know I would prefer to go with a NVIDA card personally. I am also aware I am stuck with Windows 8, but that is ok. I'm coming off Vista :lol
I have thus far found things like:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-desktop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive/6750096.p?id=1219238018386&skuId=6750096
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-zeus-mini-desktop-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive/4233005.p?id=1219097024689&skuId=4233005
These 2 fall into the max $$$ amount I want to spent, and I am assuming that because they have the GTX 760 cards, they should out perform the 750's that most other desktops have.
So with that, will the 760 work with a HDTV? I have like a 32" Insignia LCD sitting behind me doing nothing at the moment
I know they are off the shelfs, but will they do? and are they a big improvement over what I have is the real question
Thanks
JDog
-
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Black_Friday_AMD_8-Core/
This is what I got, and so far, it's great! No issues at all, and I'm running it on a 32" LCD TV. The resolution on the desktop is rather crappy, but I think that's more a factor of the TV than the computer, and I have a better 32" LED coming in the mail tomorrow.
If you would rather Nvidia, they have this on sale as well:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Black_Friday_Deal_Z97-I5/
-
For gaming (especially AH) a high clock speed i5 gives you more bang for buck than an i7. Ready built computers are always a tradeoff with quality and price. If you can build yourself or get someone to build for you (even an independent computer store) you'll get a lot more computer for your dollar.
-
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Black_Friday_AMD_8-Core/
This is what I got, and so far, it's great! No issues at all, and I'm running it on a 32" LCD TV. The resolution on the desktop is rather crappy, but I think that's more a factor of the TV than the computer, and I have a better 32" LED coming in the mail tomorrow.
If you would rather Nvidia, they have this on sale as well:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Black_Friday_Deal_Z97-I5/
Your rig was ready to plug and play when you got it?
One of my huge issues with building my own is I have zero clue as to what is compatible with what. I have always kind of been lead to believe certain components work well with each other, and that changes on a nearly daily basis.
3 blocks away is a small computer shop, they advertise that they do custom builds. I have no real clue what exactly to tell them I would want to use in terms of components.
Though the i5 processor is a good start it seems
-
This is the one my brother in law got a few months ago, was a bit cheaper back then.
https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=995475
A couple months after he had it it got messed up due to one of the kids, a phone call later it was all up and running. He gets good numbers flying AH with it and has most of the eye candy turned on. Good service, worked strait out of the box, decent price.
-
That link from Fugitive isn't that bad of a deal TBH. Pretty decent components overall IMO.
As mentioned, you can build your own, or have a custom shop build it for you for a small fee - my shop I've used for 17 years now will assemble/install/update current drivers for 50$ Canadian, which makes it worth my time/money, as I can easily do it myself, however if any components don't work out of the box they instantly replace them, as well as test everything prior to sending it out the door. Like a previous poster has said, you can pick and choose the exact/best components you wish this way, and usually end up with a better more purpose built gaming machine for your money in many cases.
Look up Kool's thread here, a lot of great info and a superb system built for around 11-1300 in that thread. It's similar to the box Fugitive recommended but with a 970 vid card and a few other changes.
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Not yet purchased)
Video Card: 970 video card - not sure which he bought.
Case: Corsair C70 Military Green (Green) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Also, Karaya put up a recent build for around 1300$ that is pretty much one of the better gaming budget machine builds you can do right now IMO. It comes with a decent sized SSD drive, and nearly all quality Corsair parts, except the CPU cooler, which is a still excellent Cooler Master 212, one of the most popular in the price range. If you can stretch a couple hundred from your budget, this here system will last you much longer than any other option in the price range out there, as well as give you SSD performance and great game performance - you'll be able to run anything at max or close to it IMO. This build stands head and shoulders above the first couple links in the OP IMO.
Configuration #: 1GF6HT
Configuration URL: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1GF6HT
Product Name: CyberPower Z97 i5 Configurator (NO MONITOR)
Price: $1,391.00
_____________________________ _____________________________ ____________
*BASE_PRICE:[+715]
CAS:Corsair Carbide 300R w/ USB 3.0 [+30]
CD:24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
CPU:Intel® Core™ i5-4690K 3.5 GHz 6MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified) [+20]
CS_FAN:Maximum Corsair AIR Series AF120 Performance Edition 120MM High Airflow Case Fan [+39] (Maximum Corsair AIR Series AF120 Performance Edition 120MM High Airflow Case Fan)
FAN:* Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler w/ PWM fan - Efficient Cooling Performance [-3]
HDD:256GB ADATA SP610 SSD + 1TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo [+97] (Single Drive)
KEYBOARD:AZZA Multimedia USB Gaming Keyboard
MEMORY:8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/2133MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Vengeance [+43])
MOTHERBOARD:* GIGABYTE Z97X-UD3H-Black Edition ATX w/ Intel GbLAN, 3 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 1 PCI, 1 x M.2, 1 x SATA Express, or 6x SATA 6Gb/s (Extreme OC Certified) [+75]
MOUSE:AZZA Optical 1600dpi Gaming Mouse with Weight Adjustable Cartridge
OS:None - FORMAT HARD DRIVE ONLY
POWERSUPPLY:750 Watts - Corsair RM750 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply [+96]
SERVICE:STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR [3 Year Labor, 1 Year Parts] LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
VIDEO:NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 Video Card (Maxwell) [+279] (Single Card)
-
Your rig was ready to plug and play when you got it?
One of my huge issues with building my own is I have zero clue as to what is compatible with what. I have always kind of been lead to believe certain components work well with each other, and that changes on a nearly daily basis.
3 blocks away is a small computer shop, they advertise that they do custom builds. I have no real clue what exactly to tell them I would want to use in terms of components.
Though the i5 processor is a good start it seems
Talk to the custom shop, they'll know exactly which components you can use. It's not rocket science really although can feel intimidating if you haven't done the research.
Tell them you want this much ram (8-16Gb) this much hdd space (or ssd) this much clock speed or higher (3Ghz for example) and a display card (GTX770,970 or Radeon 270x, 280x etc) and an optical drive capable of burning at least dvds. Bluray is still expensive. They'll give you prices on the components and the job cost.
-
Your rig was ready to plug and play when you got it?
One of my huge issues with building my own is I have zero clue as to what is compatible with what. I have always kind of been lead to believe certain components work well with each other, and that changes on a nearly daily basis.
3 blocks away is a small computer shop, they advertise that they do custom builds. I have no real clue what exactly to tell them I would want to use in terms of components.
Though the i5 processor is a good start it seems
Yep. All of the parts were assembled, the drivers were installed, I literally just plugged it in, turned it on, downloaded AH and was playing within 20 minutes.
-
Your rig was ready to plug and play when you got it?
One of my huge issues with building my own is I have zero clue as to what is compatible with what. I have always kind of been lead to believe certain components work well with each other, and that changes on a nearly daily basis.
If they match both physically and numerically, they'll work together. Fine tuning is for those who care about the last frame. Play with http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/ (http://www.pcpartpicker.com), they have a nice builder which can be set to only show compatible parts. That will help you get the best bang for your buck. We'd like to see your compilations here for evaluation, too.
3 blocks away is a small computer shop, they advertise that they do custom builds. I have no real clue what exactly to tell them I would want to use in terms of components.
Though the i5 processor is a good start it seems
Three blocks away, and you're planning to let your future rig tossed around across the continent?!? Show your neighbour that you appreciate them being around by making yourself their valued customer instead of being a number in an enormous database.
-
If they match both physically and numerically, they'll work together. Fine tuning is for those who care about the last frame. Play with http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/ (http://www.pcpartpicker.com), they have a nice builder which can be set to only show compatible parts. That will help you get the best bang for your buck. We'd like to see your compilations here for evaluation, too.Three blocks away, and you're planning to let your future rig tossed around across the continent?!? Show your neighbour that you appreciate them being around by making yourself their valued customer instead of being a number in an enormous database.
Yup many times smaller busineses are so hungry for customers that they come to switch your broken parts for you if need be. I've had small companies come to fix stuff even on weekend.
-
Here is my new rig: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-essentio-desktop-12gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5818001.p?id=1219159703994&skuId=5818001 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-essentio-desktop-12gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5818001.p?id=1219159703994&skuId=5818001)
It runs all the settings maxed out at about 50fps. Ive had it for about a month now and have been very happy with it.
-
Here is my new rig: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-essentio-desktop-12gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5818001.p?id=1219159703994&skuId=5818001 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-essentio-desktop-12gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5818001.p?id=1219159703994&skuId=5818001)
It runs all the settings maxed out at about 50fps. Ive had it for about a month now and have been very happy with it.
The graphics card is a 30 dollar part. It will probably have problems with the next AH generation. This is the problem buying ready built computers - it comes with subpar parts but you may not be able to upgrade the computer if the power supply is only enough for the R9 255.
-
The graphics card is a 30 dollar part. It will probably have problems with the next AH generation. This is the problem buying ready built computers - it comes with subpar parts but you may not be able to upgrade the computer if the power supply is only enough for the R9 255.
When you go to order the PC, there are 2 different types. The AMD version and the one that i have, which is i7 with NVIDIA GTX750.
Here is my current one: http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51AD/overview/ (http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51AD/overview/)
Here is the other version: http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51BC/ (http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51BC/)
-
When you go to order the PC, there are 2 different types. The AMD version and the one that i have, which is i7 with NVIDIA GTX750.
Here is my current one: http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51AD/overview/ (http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51AD/overview/)
Here is the other version: http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51BC/ (http://www.asus.com/Desktops/M51BC/)
Even the 750 retails sub 100 bucks and has only 1 Gb display memory. A very poor choice for the i7. A smarter build would have the much cheaper i5 and at least a 770 for about the same money, preferably 970.
-
I have to agree Ripley on the choice of the 970 .. I have one now and it works great ...
-
Well here is one build I kind of threw together: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rMZFxr
Still over the $1000 mark I had set for myself, going to go back and search around more.
-
IMO. You already slightly exceeded your budget. Forgo the 770 for an EVGA 970 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487070 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487070). You'll thank yourself in the long run. Much more card, for not much more money.
Good build otherwise.
-
This is from what I see basically the same rig. http://secure.ncixus.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=7FC0B554-E5E0-4B9A-9D10388EE09BF6D7-6170989#PCTop
OS installed and ready to go.
1 year warranty
970 graphics card
Only thing I am unsure of is if I really would need the Hydro cool option
Not sure I would ever need to OC anything.
From what I see it pretty much has anytning I could need for AH, and a PC
-
This is from what I see basically the same rig. http://secure.ncixus.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=7FC0B554-E5E0-4B9A-9D10388EE09BF6D7-6170989#PCTop
OS installed and ready to go.
1 year warranty
970 graphics card
Only thing I am unsure of is if I really would need the Hydro cool option
Not sure I would ever need to OC anything.
From what I see it pretty much has anytning I could need for AH, and a PC
If you want to pay 200 bucks extra for a ready computer that one is probably a good option.
-
If you want to pay 200 bucks extra for a ready computer that one is probably a good option.
Well as I see it, I am actually only paying about $75 for pretty much the same unit as my pcpartspicker choices.
Maybe I am missing something?
I can't imagine anyone is going to build a rig for less than a couple hundred, plus you have various shipping costs for components coming from various suppliers.
Just looking at it from all angles sir, but I do appreciate the feed back for sure
:salute
-
Well as I see it, I am actually only paying about $75 for pretty much the same unit as my pcpartspicker choices.
Maybe I am missing something?
I can't imagine anyone is going to build a rig for less than a couple hundred, plus you have various shipping costs for components coming from various suppliers.
Just looking at it from all angles sir, but I do appreciate the feed back for sure
:salute
You're right the difference is small. If you're happy with the components go for it. You get warranty as a bonus.
-
You're right the difference is small. If you're happy with the components go for it. You get warranty as a bonus.
Actually in going over it again, I was wrong. Sorry about that
With the NCXIS, I had no additional drive other than the ssd, and the MOBO in that unit I question a little bit.
Going to take my current pc parts picker list down town this week hopefully and see what they say.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qCtKGX
CPU is a bit slower than my original, but I think it should run anything coming from HTC just fine.
I have no need for any real upgraded cooling for this one, and the Corsair case should be plenty of cooling on its own.
I also added the GTX 970, lots of choices in that card, really kind of confusing actually, but I think the one I picked should do ok.
Estimated wattage usage drops quite a bit as well over the original setup, so with that I feel really good about the PSU choice.
As far as assembling it all, that I have no real issue with, it's all the loading, formatting, fine tuning, and making it go is where I am pretty much clueless, but I will figure it out, or have someone do it for me :lol
Thanks all
:aok
-
You might want to get a slightly better processor for the same price. You had chosen an i5-4570@3.2 GHz, while 4590 is only +$3, 4670 +$17 and 4690K@3.5 GHz +$27. Although you may not be able to tell any difference in normal use, why not get the best item allowed by your budget. The extra 0.1 GHz might be the critical step between average and good.
-
You might want to get a slightly better processor for the same price. You had chosen an i5-4570@3.2 GHz, while 4590 is only +$3, 4670 +$17 and 4690K@3.5 GHz +$27. Although you may not be able to tell any difference in normal use, why not get the best item allowed by your budget. The extra 0.1 GHz might be the critical step between average and good.
Not only the extra 0.1Ghz but newer architectures are often faster even when using same clock speed.
-
Agree with both Biz and Rip on the CPU.
Also, bear in mind that the ACX coolers are loud and can disrupt the airflow within the case. I now prefer the Reference Cooler, which is what I linked. The one I linked is a faster clock, which may not seem like much, but it is.
-
Well I am going to start the ordering process and assemble myself. I suspect it will take a bit of time as I have had enough other issues come up that I just am not sure I want to drop all the needed $$$ all at once.
I talked with the local shop near me and they told me they could really not get components and build a rig any cheaper than I could. They will install the OS I provide and get everything in order and test for $75, which I thought was ok.
They did point out that I probably should consider more memory, going form 8 to 16, not sure it is necessary, but I am considering it.
This is what I am going with: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CHt9FT
I'm sure there will be extras... Case fans and what not but when finally done. I should have enough computer to last me quite a while.
-
Well I am going to start the ordering process and assemble myself. I suspect it will take a bit of time as I have had enough other issues come up that I just am not sure I want to drop all the needed $$$ all at once.
I talked with the local shop near me and they told me they could really not get components and build a rig any cheaper than I could. They will install the OS I provide and get everything in order and test for $75, which I thought was ok.
They did point out that I probably should consider more memory, going form 8 to 16, not sure it is necessary, but I am considering it.
This is what I am going with: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/CHt9FT
I'm sure there will be extras... Case fans and what not but when finally done. I should have enough computer to last me quite a while.
75 bucks for assembly and OS install is well worth it if you haven't done the job before. Of course if you choose to learn it now, you'll continue saving that 75 bucks in the future.
-
Well I am going to start the ordering process and assemble myself. I suspect it will take a bit of time as I have had enough other issues come up that I just am not sure I want to drop all the needed $$$ all at once.
The build will take 2-3 hours depending on how careful you are. Add an hour or two for cable management if you want the interior completely clean of cables (a good portion of that will be spent modifying the case). Another 3-5 hours to install the OS, drivers, applications, move data and tweak settings and you're up and running.
One full day or a leisurely weekend ought to do it.
Even if you let the shop do part of this you're still going to be stuck with 80-90% of it so why not just do it yourself. Then you know it's done right. OS install is an hour at most and simply requires following the prompts. That's an easy $75 savings.
-
So it's done!! I am still learning how to deal with dual drives, which if you have never done and your SSD is limited in size can be a pain. In the end I went with the i5-4690K, arctic freeze pro7 cooler, gigabyte z97-d3h, EVGA 970 card, 8mb of ram, 120gig SSD, 1tb HDD, 600w PSU.
The actual build is SOMEWHAT easy, however if you have NEVER done one, it in ways it kind of blows. There really are no set instructions, and there will be moments you find your self saying " what do I do with this plug"? or "what fool uses all black wires in a case and does not mark polarity"
I used a Corsair 230 case, it's an ok case from a buildability standpoint, and from an airflow standpoint it seems to be to be great! VERY quiet!! I have a total of 5 fans overall ( not including the GPU fan) and you really cannot hear it run.
I have been in game, but not actually played yet. I just got all my settings and mappings done Sunday for flight, still have to do mapping for GV's yet.
I cranked everything upa nd turned about everything on with the exception of the environment slider, I turned that up just a bit off minimum setting. It's a totally different looking game!!
The $75 to have someone else deal with the OS install, and all the drivers was well spent to me, I just wish I had known to be more specific on what exactly to install on the HDD vs SSD. It's a live and learn thing, very satisfied with the rig thus far. Hope to actually get some stick time this week in on of the arenas
:salute
-
So it's done!! I am still learning how to deal with dual drives, which if you have never done and your SSD is limited in size can be a pain. In the end I went with the i5-4690K, arctic freeze pro7 cooler, gigabyte z97-d3h, EVGA 970 card, 8mb of ram, 120gig SSD, 1tb HDD, 600w PSU.
The actual build is SOMEWHAT easy, however if you have NEVER done one, it in ways it kind of blows. There really are no set instructions, and there will be moments you find your self saying " what do I do with this plug"? or "what fool uses all black wires in a case and does not mark polarity"
I used a Corsair 230 case, it's an ok case from a buildability standpoint, and from an airflow standpoint it seems to be to be great! VERY quiet!! I have a total of 5 fans overall ( not including the GPU fan) and you really cannot hear it run.
I have been in game, but not actually played yet. I just got all my settings and mappings done Sunday for flight, still have to do mapping for GV's yet.
I cranked everything upa nd turned about everything on with the exception of the environment slider, I turned that up just a bit off minimum setting. It's a totally different looking game!!
The $75 to have someone else deal with the OS install, and all the drivers was well spent to me, I just wish I had known to be more specific on what exactly to install on the HDD vs SSD. It's a live and learn thing, very satisfied with the rig thus far. Hope to actually get some stick time this week in on of the arenas
:salute
You'll regret getting only a 120Gb SSD. It will fill up fast and you'll hate running stuff off the hdd after you get used to the SSD speed :)
-
That may be true regarding the smaller SSD, in one of my boxes that's all that's in there, a 128 Samsung 830, but he always has the option of adding another larger SSD later, should be space for it NP. It's true the smaller SSDs only allow for a couple of your favorite games, if you have more than 4 or 5 games on Steam, the folder usually won't fit. There IS a Steam program out there however that you can move whatever game you're playing at the time from your Steam folder on the old type spinner drive over to your SSD, and then switch games around as you see fit or need to. It's on the front page of PC Gamer right now, I'll link it later if anyone cares, as it's a great little tool for those with small boot SSD drivers to be able to play whatever game of choice they want on that SSD drive, and then move it back to the spinner Steam folder and swap out a newer game when it comes along.
Great build, I'm glad you got it and worked everything out. Really nice system you've put together. Regarding assembly for beginners, I wish you had posted something, there are several youtube videos, one from fellow Canuck Linus at Linus tech tips that walks you through every single step of the process, and makes it a lot easier for first timers, or even old timers when technology changes since the last build. Oh well, you're finished now, and off to game you go. Good CPU choice, most sites agree that i5 cpu is the best bang/$ for gaming, and I commend your choice of Corsair for a case, I'm a Corsair fanboy when it comes to their cases, and a lot of their other products as well, but especially the boxes. Congrats, again, nice little unit there, great bang/$.
edit - Here is the link to SteamTool Library manager and the story on PC Gamer about it. I'm using it now, works great, very simple, no bugs or crashes in any games yet, as the box the missus uses has a smaller 120 ish GB Samsung ssd like I said, and so far so good.
http://www.pcgamer.com/whats-the-best-way-to-move-steam-games-to-and-from-an-ssd/
-
Thanks Gman
When the time comes for another build I will be staying with the Corsair box, just a bit higher end one :) Yea, space is NOT an issue in the box at all. The only near issue I had was with the CPU cooler, there is no way 2 more sticks of ram would ever fit. I suspect had I gone with the low profile sticks it might be possible. I've already decided that if I have to have more RAM, I'll just go with 2x 8
So far as the small SSD goes, well that is live and learn. I really don't game much at all, and I am sure a time will come when I do add a second one, or just a bigger one and run a fresh install of the OS.
Basically all that I have on the SSD is the OS, Avast, and CCleaner, everything else including AH is on the HDD
A squaddie( 1Wolf) turned me on to a site that shows how to move things around with Win7 and also optimize the use of SSD's and HDD's in combination. Thus far it is working pretty good I think.
-
I was going to get a really large Corsair case as well, their 750 I think it was at the time, but seeing it, it was just TOO big.
I went with a couple C70s, they were on sale for 100$ Canadian, which was about 2/5 off and a great deal. I really liked them because they had spring loaded rubber folding handles on both sides of the top, making picking it up and moving it around a lot easier. Even when building the system, this came in handy many times IMO, and the missus likes to go to the local LAN parties in Alberta, so hauling the box out of the car and such = perfect. Good overall case as well, nice window, lighting, great ventilation and expandability. I've always been really impressed with Corsair's cases, always been great quality and well thought out IMO.
Don't worry about the SSD thing, as I said, it's not a HUGE deal, you can always put your primary games you play on the remaining space which should be at least 40 or 50gb if not way more, after your OS and other primary programs and such. Plus, for 100 to 150$ you can always add another mid 200gb range drive in the future, and off you go, right. I honestly don't find much of a performance hit if any running games on the spinner drive on our one box with the small SSD drive, a little slower booting the game, but that's really the only negative.
-
I like the Fractal Design Arc Midi 2. Room up the yin yang for running cables and multiple boons for offset fans/radiators. All I have are four 140mm fans at 18db and 15db LEPA fans that replaced the wind tunnel fans on the H80i.
-
I was going to get a really large Corsair case as well, their 750 I think it was at the time, but seeing it, it was just TOO big.
I went with a couple C70s, they were on sale for 100$ Canadian, which was about 2/5 off and a great deal. I really liked them because they had spring loaded rubber folding handles on both sides of the top, making picking it up and moving it around a lot easier. Even when building the system, this came in handy many times IMO, and the missus likes to go to the local LAN parties in Alberta, so hauling the box out of the car and such = perfect. Good overall case as well, nice window, lighting, great ventilation and expandability. I've always been really impressed with Corsair's cases, always been great quality and well thought out IMO.
Don't worry about the SSD thing, as I said, it's not a HUGE deal, you can always put your primary games you play on the remaining space which should be at least 40 or 50gb if not way more, after your OS and other primary programs and such. Plus, for 100 to 150$ you can always add another mid 200gb range drive in the future, and off you go, right. I honestly don't find much of a performance hit if any running games on the spinner drive on our one box with the small SSD drive, a little slower booting the game, but that's really the only negative.
I'll tell you what's big. My maxi tower. It barely fits under my computer table lol. OTOH space is no issue even though I have 5 hdds + the SSD in it (and used to have a watercooling setup).