So I was about around 4 months ago with (roughly) this build and I'm just making sure that this rig is still viable for what I want it for. As in a competitive next gen gaming rig that can compete with the current console trash as well as serve as a good image manipulation computer, primarily illustration via photoshop (as I can turn a small profit from that). Finally to serve as a media centre for music and a possible projector.
I should say that I have about £1000, but I can edge that up if it will make a difference. I really need to get an excellent wireless network adapter as cables are pretty much out of the question (I live in a listed building so I cant drill holes through walls willy-nilly) and I do play online games a fair bit. Also I will probably have to get a new OS out of my budget, so windows 7 or 8, whatever is the current opinion, but I might be able to cover that by selling my old computron.
Hey there, 4 months is fairly long for a build given the rate tech moves at, but it still looks surprisingly good. There are however a couple of this I would change, firstly I seem to say this a lot at the moment, but avoid corsair CX power supplies, they arn't anything like as good as other corsair PSU's nor really up to scratch with the market, a similar wattage, similar price modular PSU like the Antek HCG 620w is a better option. Secondly a basic aging issue is that for the same price as the 1tb HDD listed you can get a 2tb HDD these days so I can't see why you wouldn't.
Here is a updated version of your build, basically the same but set up to match current prices, new options and a couple of upgrades along the way, so its leaning on good\high performance parts at the expense of a few dollars, but its a very similar unit. You'll need to add windows and wifi, but that'll still fit in under $1000 Link: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/270rs (edit, added ultimate version with case fans, wifi, windows and a dvd writer, $1002, or less than $1030 in shipping http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/270yi)
However completely different option for you is a Mini-Itx system. I've personally always wanted to do one of these, but with some of the new cases, motherboards and AIO water-coolers these days you can do a overclocked I7 and High end graphics in a tiny case without any issues,even with features like good wifi and good on board power-phases, so truly no compromises. Here is a build I did like that, its closer to the budget limit, but much faster than the build you linked to as well as smaller: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/2707d
The updated build looks great to me, my only question regarding that and the mini-tx system is: Is the quad Intel only worth having if your overclocking? The mini system would be good, but I'm a recent convert from consoles and I know very little to nothing about overclocking, I'd prefer a higher baseline so I didn't have to.
Semi-necro this thread. Almost every part has arrived, minus the CPU Cooler, 2 TB Internal HD, optical drive and anti-stat wristband.
I have a question though, I see that the Processor comes with a heat sink+fan. Will my Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler replace that, or do you use it in conjunction with the heat sink+fan? (PC build virgin here so sorry if this is obvious)