It's about time I upgraded now that GTA is coming out next month on the PC, the motherboard in my old PC is a bit dodgy and it's time for a freshen up.
Currently:
Case: Fractal Define R2 or R3
CPU: i7 920 @ 3.8Ghz
Cooler: Scythe Mugen
HDD: 2 x 2TB HDD
2 x 1.5TB HDD
SSD: 1 x 256GB Crucual M4 SSD
PSU: 550W Thermaltake blue PSU
GFX: Gigabyte Windforce 7970
RAM: 6 x 2GB RAM = 12GB
DVD: Internal 5.25"
I want the next one to be a compact mini-itx build, but capable of a full size graphics card.
Case: Not sure, maybe the Node 304 or the Prodigy Phenom. I like the black and the white version of these.
I quite like the large vent right by the graphics card on the node.
CPU: Not sure about this. Should I get one of the latest intel ones? Need to check performance comparison against my i7 920. Would like to do a moderate overclock to 4Ghz if possible, while keeping heat and therefore noise to a minimum.
I'm tempted to get a mini-itx x58 board and keep the i7 920 until the next CPU release...anyone know what's due out soon?
Mobo: Not sure, depends on CPU
Cooler: All in one or tower cooler? The tower cooler would direct air flow from the front of the case straight through to the back if I use the node 304. Not sure I'm sold on the AIO idea, surely the pumps make noise?
HDD: I want to cut this down to 2, max. Maybe keep my two 2TB drives.
SSD:1 x 500GB Samsung Evo - Already bought
1 x 256GB Crucual M4 SSD - May keep this, may sell it, not sure
PSU: This is tough if I use the node 304 as to leave clearance for a full length graphics card I either need to use an SFX PSU (small form factor) which is closer to 140mm in depth than the usual 160mm. Or if I'm using a regular ATX psu it probably has to be non-modular, but then that will leave a crap load of wires to jam away somewhere, and there's not much space. If it's a regular ATX modular PSU I need to carefully check the measurements to see if there's clearance. I'd like to use a regular psu that's very quiet or silent.
GFX: Gigabyte Windforce 7970 I'm keeping this, only got it in the summer.
RAM: 6 x 2GB RAM = 12GB. I could use some of my old ram sticks, except there will only be 2 slots on the mini-itx board, meaning I'll max out at 4GB I'll probably have to buy 2 x 8GB sticks.
DVD: None, I have an external usb one now.
Any thoughts or ideas?
Currently:
Case: Fractal Define R2 or R3
CPU: i7 920 @ 3.8Ghz
Cooler: Scythe Mugen
HDD: 2 x 2TB HDD
2 x 1.5TB HDD
SSD: 1 x 256GB Crucual M4 SSD
PSU: 550W Thermaltake blue PSU
GFX: Gigabyte Windforce 7970
RAM: 6 x 2GB RAM = 12GB
DVD: Internal 5.25"
I want the next one to be a compact mini-itx build, but capable of a full size graphics card.
Case: Not sure, maybe the Node 304 or the Prodigy Phenom. I like the black and the white version of these.
I quite like the large vent right by the graphics card on the node.
CPU: Not sure about this. Should I get one of the latest intel ones? Need to check performance comparison against my i7 920. Would like to do a moderate overclock to 4Ghz if possible, while keeping heat and therefore noise to a minimum.
I'm tempted to get a mini-itx x58 board and keep the i7 920 until the next CPU release...anyone know what's due out soon?
Mobo: Not sure, depends on CPU
Cooler: All in one or tower cooler? The tower cooler would direct air flow from the front of the case straight through to the back if I use the node 304. Not sure I'm sold on the AIO idea, surely the pumps make noise?
HDD: I want to cut this down to 2, max. Maybe keep my two 2TB drives.
SSD:1 x 500GB Samsung Evo - Already bought
1 x 256GB Crucual M4 SSD - May keep this, may sell it, not sure
PSU: This is tough if I use the node 304 as to leave clearance for a full length graphics card I either need to use an SFX PSU (small form factor) which is closer to 140mm in depth than the usual 160mm. Or if I'm using a regular ATX psu it probably has to be non-modular, but then that will leave a crap load of wires to jam away somewhere, and there's not much space. If it's a regular ATX modular PSU I need to carefully check the measurements to see if there's clearance. I'd like to use a regular psu that's very quiet or silent.
GFX: Gigabyte Windforce 7970 I'm keeping this, only got it in the summer.
RAM: 6 x 2GB RAM = 12GB. I could use some of my old ram sticks, except there will only be 2 slots on the mini-itx board, meaning I'll max out at 4GB I'll probably have to buy 2 x 8GB sticks.
DVD: None, I have an external usb one now.
Any thoughts or ideas?