Please recommend and advise

[whimsywhimsy]

First off thanks in advance for looking at my post.

1. PC used for playing DOTA, DOTA2, browsing, SQL Server occasionally, watching youtube. Intend to build a system that is not too expensive and doesn't consume a lot of power. want a medium size unit, not too big. I want decent sound if possible. my speaker now is a JBL onTour... yeah I know.. not much of an audiophile lol... but this speaker kicks ass.

2. 1200 - 1400 SGD (964USD to 1125USD)

3.Country: Singapore or any websites that ship to singapore at a decent price.

4. Intel Ivy bridge preferred. Prefer lower power consumption parts.

5. Building from scratch.

7. Run on stock cooler and stock speed.

8. 23"/ 24" at native resolution. I don't mind or don't know enough to mind

9. In 1-2 months time depending on when I get my parts.

no software needed, just the 64 bit OS.

So far the list that I have come up with:
CPU: Intel I5 3570K,
Motherboard: H77 Pro4-M
No Graphics card.
Storage: Intel 330 120gb
PSU: SilverStone 400W (ST400) w/PFC
Monitor: AOC i2352Vh (1920×1080@60Hz)
RAM: 4x2 Samsung Green Memory DDR3 (heard about this but can't find it online?!)
Keyboard: logitech G15
Mouse: G500 (upgrade from MX518 ^^!)
optical drive: samsung
Casing: I want something like a special Corsair 600T but..it's huge! I saw some mATX case from Lian Li etc... they just look like a box... ugh... any ideas?
Wifi card: do I still need to get this or do mother boards nowadays come with this. sorry for the noob question.
Misc: anything else I missed?

thanks again

 

[lehtv]

CPU If you don't OC, don't pay the premium for a K-processor. Otherwise, good.
Mobo Good
GPU DOTA and DOTA2 aren't very demanding so you should be fine without a discrete GPU
Storage Do you mean Intel 320? That's a SATA 3gb/s drive, while your mobo supports 6gb/s drives. I'd recommend Crucial M4 or Samsung 830, though other choices may be viable as well depending on price and availability.
PSU Good unit as long as the price is right. Where are you looking up these parts?
Keyboard Far as I know, that is discontinued. Do you already own it?
Mouse Apart from specs, I'd definitely consider G500 a downgrade. MX518 has fewer design flaws, it's just a better and more functional mouse overall. Also, Optical > Laser. G400 would be more of an upgrade over MX518 as it's based on the exact same design. But I don't really see why you need a new mouse at all if your MX518 works and is in good condition.
Case Fractal Design Define Mini?

Misc: anything else I missed?

I want decent sound if possible.

--> entry level sound card like Asus Xonar DG/DS/DX

 

[whimsywhimsy]

CPU If you don't OC, don't pay the premium for a K-processor. Otherwise, good.
Mobo Good
GPU DOTA and DOTA2 aren't very demanding so you should be fine without a discrete GPU
Storage Do you mean Intel 320? That's a SATA 3gb/s drive, while your mobo supports 6gb/s drives. I'd recommend Crucial M4 or Samsung 830, though other choices may be viable as well depending on price and availability.
PSU Good unit as long as the price is right. Where are you looking up these parts?
Keyboard Far as I know, that is discontinued. Do you already own it?
Mouse Apart from specs, I'd definitely consider G500 a downgrade. MX518 has fewer design flaws, it's just a better and more functional mouse overall. Also, Optical > Laser. G400 would be more of an upgrade over MX518 as it's based on the exact same design. But I don't really see why you need a new mouse at all if your MX518 works and is in good condition.
Case Fractal Design Define Mini?

--> entry level sound card like Asus Xonar DG/DS/DX

Hi! Thanks for the jiffy response,

I wanted the 3570K because of the HD4000, is there one without k but with the HD4000? I dunno I just want some strong graphics in lieu of a discrete. it's a difference of SGD29 here.

No I really mean the Intel 330? Oh I did not know that, I just picked it because it was newer
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/intel-330-series-ssds-official-prices-start-at-89/
I already have the keyboard and i bought the g400 today haha. my mx518 has problems clicking but then again it is more than 5 years old.
I will most probably be sourcing for parts locally i guess, I will take a look at the casing and ssd you recommended.

Thanks again, your input makes me confident in my choices haha.

 

[mfenn]

Storage Do you mean Intel 320? That's a SATA 3gb/s drive, while your mobo supports 6gb/s drives. I'd recommend Crucial M4 or Samsung 830, though other choices may be viable as well depending on price and availability.

The 330 is Intel's new "low-end" SSD. It's basically an SFF-2281 with Intel's custom firmware. It is rather pricy like all Intel SSDs though, so I would recommend that the OP compare prices on the Crucial M4 and Samsung 830.

 

[lehtv]

I see, was unaware of this new SSD. However I'd say Crucial M4 is a better buy as it's a tested-and-tried reliable drive, and probably faster too. Hopefully it won't be more expensive; in the US it is cheaper.

I wanted the 3570K because of the HD4000, is there one without k but with the HD4000? I dunno I just want some strong graphics in lieu of a discrete. it's a difference of SGD29 here.

Forgot about that, sorry. Well, you have two choices - pay the premium for HD4000, or spend on a discrete GPU like 6570 which will easily outperform the HD4000 for a small difference in price. http://www.anandtech.com/show/5626/ivy-bridge-preview-core-i7-3770k/11 (5570 = 6570)
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5626/ivy-bridge-preview-core-i7-3770k/11

 

[whimsywhimsy]

I see, was unaware of this new SSD. However I'd say Crucial M4 is a better buy as it's a tested-and-tried reliable drive, and probably faster too. Hopefully it won't be more expensive; in the US it is cheaper.

Forgot about that, sorry. Well, you have two choices - pay the premium for HD4000, or spend on a discrete GPU like 6570 which will easily outperform the HD4000 for a small difference in price. http://www.anandtech.com/show/5626/ivy-bridge-preview-core-i7-3770k/11 (5570 = 6570)
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5626/ivy-bridge-preview-core-i7-3770k/11

Hmmm looks like the crucial M4 is getting everyone's votes, I might just go for the 128gb version... is it rather pricy here in singapore... 249 SGD... I see that it is only about half the price for deals in the usa... le sigh~

the fractal define mini looks good, I also saw the silverstone tj08-e, but again that is pricey in singapore... maybe I should start looking harder for online ship to singapore deals. anybody can recommend a wifi module? I saw the ASUS wifi go, ... is that good? I like asus products, I have a 10 year old asus laptop that works but obviously it's obsolete.. lol. Anyway thanks again for your advise.. .still reading up on the mother board.. it sure has a lot of functions... even ... dehumidifying? ... omg mbs have come a long way... lol.

 

[mfenn]

The M4 and 830 are just alternative suggestions. By all means get the the 330 if it is cheaper for you.

As for Wi-Fi, it is pretty much a crap shoot with PCI cards and USB devices, some are good, some are crap, even in the same price range. I personally never use it on a desktop, so hopefully somebody will chime in with a good (or bad) experience.

 

[weez82]

I've been very happy with Edimax for wireless PCI cards. Im using this one right now

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315096

And used this one before it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041

Never had a problem with drivers or disconnecting. Sold performers.

Ive also used a Rosewill card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166012 and that didnt disconnect either but didnt have as strong a signal

EDIT to add usb adapter

I also have this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315091 and it to has solid drivers and doesnt disconnect but has a very weak signal

 

[lehtv]

I've been very happy with Edimax for wireless PCI cards.

Same here. I had an Edimax in my PC for wireless, but don't have it installed at the moment as I don't need wireless. It worked flawlessly.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

they do ship to singapore for a 15 fee, thats not too bad! man the local shops sure are cutthroat! I will definitely be getting this then.

ah i see, so wifi modules depend on the luck of the draw (kinda) ok no biggie. I think all that is left is bargain hunting...

my spreadsheet shows that this will cost me about 1400, hopefully i can find more discounts, thank you all for your kind advise.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

oh yeah, I recently read that OS now depends on the config and even the slightest change will render the license void. is there like an OS that just tags to the motherboard? and how much should I expect it to be, I'm aiming for a home license here but there seems to be a few variants (oem, developer etc), it cost about SGD120 which is about ~100 USD. Any advise on this? I'm just afraid taht as soon as I include a GFX in the future or hard disk it will force me to reformat -_-

 

[volcane]

oh yeah, I recently read that OS now depends on the config and even the slightest change will render the license void. is there like an OS that just tags to the motherboard? and how much should I expect it to be, I'm aiming for a home license here but there seems to be a few variants (oem, developer etc), it cost about SGD120 which is about ~100 USD. Any advise on this? I'm just afraid taht as soon as I include a GFX in the future or hard disk it will force me to reformat -_-

OEM versions are tied to the motherboard. Cheaper than full retail versions but technically they are meant to be bought by "system builders".

Don't worry, you will only invalidate an OEM windows license if you change the motherboard. You can add graphics cards, hard disks and even change processors with no penalty.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

Thanks!

OEM versions are tied to the motherboard. Cheaper than full retail versions but technically they are meant to be bought by "system builders".

Don't worry, you will only invalidate an OEM windows license if you change the motherboard. You can add graphics cards, hard disks and even change processors with no penalty.

 

[bononos]

....
the fractal define mini looks good, I also saw the silverstone tj08-e, but again that is pricey in singapore... maybe I should start looking harder for online ship to singapore deals. anybody can recommend a wifi module? I saw the ASUS wifi go, ... is that good? I like asus products, I have a 10 year old asus laptop that works but obviously it's obsolete.. lol. Anyway thanks again for your advise.. .still reading up on the mother board.. it sure has a lot of functions... even ... dehumidifying? ... omg mbs have come a long way... lol.

I think at this point even cheap netgears/dlinks are fine. A simple homemade reflector shield using aluminium foil for wifi adapters/antennas can work wonders.

Have you gone to check up the prices online for the shops at SLS or just go there to pick up some prices. Prices should be comparable to the states except for the rebates/hot deals.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

Yes I am using the reflector, but for the router LOL! it's a cheap like dinky dink, I'm not sure if it's made right cause it only boosted my wifi by a bit.

No I haven't had time to go to SLS to check it out. I am only getting home by 830 and I'm kind of tired by then. I have been surfing online, falling in love with the Silverstone TJ08-e, it is a tad bit more expensive though... would FUNAN offer the same price as SLS?

Thanks!

I think at this point even cheap netgears/dlinks are fine. A simple homemade reflector shield using aluminium foil for wifi adapters/antennas can work wonders.

Have you gone to check up the prices online for the shops at SLS or just go there to pick up some prices. Prices should be comparable to the states except for the rebates/hot deals.

 

[Cerb]

The M4 and 830 are just alternative suggestions. By all means get the the 330 if it is cheaper for you.

As for Wi-Fi, it is pretty much a crap shoot with PCI cards and USB devices, some are good, some are crap, even in the same price range. I personally never use it on a desktop, so hopefully somebody will chime in with a good (or bad) experience.

For any gaming, I avoid wifi like the plague. Knowing how much latency/CPU time it will incur is not easy, unless there's a wealth of positive FPS player reviews or something. That said, I've had the best luck, by far, with Ralink-based cards, and the venerable Linksys WRT54GL. So far, I have yet to have anything but great success replacing a random Belkin, Dlink, SMC, etc., with a WRT54GL flashed w/ DD-WRT or Tomato. Lack of N is the only real problem. Compatible N routers can still often be scarce and/or pricey.

+1 on lehtv's mouse comments. The G400 is the MX518's replacement, using a new version of the same sensor series, it's within 1 gram of the same weight, and current version out there (Logitech printed on the clear sealing stickers) even has no angle snapping. The G500 has a similar body, but the side buttons, weight/balance, and sensor, are all very different. If you like the MX518, and want an upgrade, the G400 is the one. If you like the shape of the MX518, but want something heavier, with a few extra bells and whistles (like the scroll wheel), the G500 is a fine mouse to get, but it is like the MX518 in shape only.

 

[bononos]

Yes I am using the reflector, but for the router LOL! it's a cheap like dinky dink, I'm not sure if it's made right cause it only boosted my wifi by a bit.

No I haven't had time to go to SLS to check it out. I am only getting home by 830 and I'm kind of tired by then. I have been surfing online, falling in love with the Silverstone TJ08-e, it is a tad bit more expensive though... would FUNAN offer the same price as SLS?

Thanks!

I don't use a reflector for the modem router, using a homemade reflector and experimenting with orientations on my adapter worked wonders.



I don't live in Singapore but have visited SLS way back and I have no idea if the new Funan is worth going. Download the pricelists from hardwarezone to check.

 

[lehtv]

and current version out there (Logitech printed on the clear sealing stickers) even has no angle snapping.

Really? That's interesting. I think I might need a new mouse... . I swapped away from MX518 because of angle snapping.

 

[volcane]

whimsywhimsy,

Just realized you're from Singapore. Well, hello from your neighbor up north!
Don't know how the prices in Singapore are compared to Malaysia, but in your next foray across the causeway into Kuala Lumpur, check out Low Yat Plaza.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

HELLO!

wow that's far lol.

whimsywhimsy,

Just realized you're from Singapore. Well, hello from your neighbor up north!
Don't know how the prices in Singapore are compared to Malaysia, but in your next foray across the causeway into Kuala Lumpur, check out Low Yat Plaza.

 

[Cerb]

Really? That's interesting. I think I might need a new mouse... . I swapped away from MX518 because of angle snapping.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1197269/g400-angle-snapping-removed
I've only had mine for a week now, but the only negative seems to be the lack of rubberized coating. Allegedly, you can swap shells between the MX518v2 and G400, so I may have to try that, at some point (would require buying new feet, but that would be a good excuse to get hard feet, so...)

 

[whimsywhimsy]

me too haha, so far it's fabulous I'm using it for work though lol.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1197269/g400-angle-snapping-removed
I've only had mine for a week now, but the only negative seems to be the lack of rubberized coating. Allegedly, you can swap shells between the MX518v2 and G400, so I may have to try that, at some point (would require buying new feet, but that would be a good excuse to get hard feet, so...)

 

[whimsywhimsy]

Hi guys, thanks to your suggestions I have bought most of the parts except for the casing. here is a picture:

Due to some stock availability I have opted for other parts ASUS motherboard P8H77 M le and Phillips monitor. Not in the picture are my Samsung rams and a crucial ssd. I cannot find any silverstone casing or lian li - A04B... will update again when I have built it. Total price for everything will be around S1360.

 

[mfenn]

No picture?

Anyway, let us know if you run into any problems during the build process.

 

[whimsywhimsy]

Argh, I don't have my casing yet been pretty busy at work I'm already dead tired when I come home. The problem was they didn't have the TJ08-E in stock and it will only arrive in June. omg... I'm so unlucky.

Been really lusting after cases, even considered the Silverstone PS07, NZXT Vulcan, Thermal Take A30, Lian Li A04, Define Arc Mini. I just found out that the define mini is really heavy, actually most fractal cases are, but when I don't have a case... even ugly ones are starting to look desirable... (must... control... self.... ) HULK SMASH lol, pretty funny movie.

I would get the PS07 if the front wasn't so plasticky. Almost wish there was some easy mod to display the front fans. I think they look cool. I'm so tired I'm having problems sleeping right now ... argh HULK SMASH. Hopefully this weekend I will settle the final piece of my casing. After that I will take pictures Thanks for your help offer.

No picture?

Anyway, let us know if you run into any problems during the build process.