placing my order today

[in64tel]

hey guys, so I've decided to venture into PC building instead of cheaping out with a Dell.


1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Gaming, Digital Audio production, Photoshop, Media, Web browsing, Work, life

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

1,500-2,500

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

California, United States

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.

nope

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

none

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

overclocking later on, no aftermarket cooler at this point

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?

buying today, building this week
___________________________________________________________________________
goals

- Able to play Crysis admirably (don't like the game itself much but since I'm gonna be playing other high end games using this as a benchmark, maybe would like to show off some time in the future too

- silent-esque. absolute silence not necessary, but no jet engines please.
I am willing to make a compromise regarding performance & silent operation...

- Able to multitask with zero slowdown

- Able to run virtulization software

Here's what I've got so far. Critique, advise, comment if you will. Also if you know any special deals for any of the parts, let me know!

BUILD

 

[in64tel]

A few areas of concern for me -

HDD - Maybe VelociRaptor instead of x25m, then get a SSD when they go even further down in price

Case - Full tower or no? Remember, silence + cooling is what i'm after. Will I see a benefit from switching form my FT01?

Monitor - I did not include one on the list since I am getting it from Dell (have a good discount on all of them, looking at the 2408, thoughts?)

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Don't get rid of the SSD. Maybe go with an OCZ vertex. I have a 30gb one in my rig for OS and I love it. Intel makes the best SSD's but the OCZ vertex line is close and cheaper. Either way stick with the SSD.


Also I would go with a different case. Cooler Master ATCS 840. Its ultra quiet because it has a 230mm intake and 2 230mm exhaust fans that allow for good airflow and are still really quiet. I have one of these as well.

Everything else looks good.

 

[Gutcheck2009]

I think it is bad ass.

If it were me, I'd go with the EVGA mobo, because I love them, but that is one sweet system.

 

[in64tel]

Thanks for the kind words, I have put in a lot of time researching every single component in the lineup.

I heard the vertex are good, but the intel are better. The 80GB intel x25m retails for $300 right now and I'd say that's a fair price.

As to EVGA, well I've had no experience with them but they seem like a fine company. I've been using DFI in my 939 machine and it's been great, and the performance of the X58 motherboards are so similar it makes little difference. But I have read several reviews and they have said it is a very solid choice for a motherboard (+ it's on sale).

@ oillfieldtrasher, how do you feel about the Cooler Master Stacker 832 SE? If I opt for a mid tower I think I'd like the FT01, my friend has had poor experiences with the 840.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Have you thought about an H20 loop for you cpu?

 

[in64tel]

I have considered it, but I feel it is unnecessary for me.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Bad experience? Not sure why he had one but its been great for me. I am ok with any case made by cooler master. I've had many cases and the cooler masters always seem to be the best for serious builders. Not all gimicky with lights and other crap. Just straight ass kicking made for performance.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Wait till those burners go down, that's a ridiculous price

 

[in64tel]

Exactly what I'm looking for. I despise the childish looks of so many "enthusiast" cases these days.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Yeah, I like your case choice. I prefer aluminum and that's a nice case

 

[in64tel]

So all is well with my selection, no other commentators?