[m-ITX] Upcoming Build + Log!

Hardware Motherboards
1

Finding specs for my upcoming build, but dunno if I should go Z or H77. I'm not going to overclock. Only enable Intel TurboBoost 2.0. Are there any benefits for Z77 over H77 except for better overclocking and onboard SSD caching (which I don't need)?

Specs so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 + passive heatsink (max 80mm height)

MB: ??? cheap Z77 board (ASRock?) or ASUS P8H77-I

RAM: 2x 8GB. Corsair Platinum looks nice! Need reliable, fast and stable RAM modules.

GPU: GTX 660 or HD7870

PSU: SeaSonic X-560W

Storage: 64GB Cucial M4 (OS) + 2x 500GB WD Black

Case: Lian Li PC-Q25

Optical: External USB drive

So... yeah. Any opinions on the build? Something I should change?

2

OK, I'll just ask some questions now...

Best low-profile heatsink (<80mm height)? Must be silent - passive prefered.

2x 4GB DDR3: [CL7 @ 1600 MHz] vs. [CL9 @ 1866 / 2133 MHz]

--- OR ---

2x 8GB DDR3 [CL7 @ 1066 MHz] vs. [CL9 @ 1866 MHz]

Lownoise HD7870?

Thanks.

3

OOOH i see where this is going i like it im building my brother something similar im even paying for it but the more the merrier right? although i think im gonna go bitfenix prodigy so i aint got the low profile coller problem hmmmmm il see if i can find something to suit you.

4

hmmm just stumbled across this looks nice and made by phanteks 130W tdp too.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-010-PT&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=

5

The PSU fan will suck air from the CPU socket area, so if I chose a good enough heatsink, a CPU fan won't be needed. Noctua NH-L12 looks awesome... but fans.

This one looks awesome too: http://thermalright.com/products/index.php?act=data&cat_id=35&id=99

Use the 140mm as intake fan. Hmm. -EDIT- Dammit. Does not exist in Denmark. Noctua, here we go!

6

Budget?

7

Don't think about it. Just keep in 3 things in mind:

- No overclocking

- Silent

- Power efficient, but powerful components.

8

but...but.. the budget is the core of my being

lol I'll do my best to keep it reasonable

9

CHALLENGE!!! Haha.

You may keep budget in mind, but I don't mind paying a little extra for better components :)

10

Bump.

Kingston HyperX LoVo looks pretty awesome. 2x 8GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.35v -> run them at 1.25v

Performs just like regular 1600MHz CL9 modules. Tempting? Tempting.

11

Bump.

New PSU found: SIlverStone ST55F-G: http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=351

550W 80+ Gold rated, fully modular, and it's only 140mm long (like the Corsair CX430)

See pic for 140mm (L) PSU in the PC-Q25: http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/7493/dsc01436qz.jpg

(Taken from HardForum.com)

Now I'll just wait for 'em to come to Denmark...

12

sorry havent been on since my post here the other day. but yeah your choices are looking pretty good

 

13

Glad to hear.

Monitor just "died". More like fucked up. But I'm going to kill it soon. It's only an ASUS VW222U, no one is going to miss it.

Now looking for a used 22" monitors (1680 x 1050) - with superior picture quality over the ASUS monitor...

14

im looking for a big "main" monitor just cant decide wether i should go 2560x1440 or 2560 x 1600 or a 120hz monitor -.- 

15

24" 1920x1200 is nice. Not sure if there's a 120Hz monitor with 1920x1200 res or higher.

16

I think there's a 120Hz monitor with 2560x1440 resolution.

 

17

sorry work has been calling me on my days off (GRR) and on the days off and my spare time I've been fixing computers locally (bum's got to get payed)

NOW I'm getting to work on it

18

Update - Got my hands on an EIZO S2202W-HBK monitor (1680 x 1050). Running 1280 x 800 from notebook - picture is good, guess it will get even better once I get a desktop to run full resolution!

---EDIT---

3DGameMan did a review of the SilverStone ST55F-G: 100% kickass reward.

Sure gonna get my hands on one of 'em now!!!

19

I've changed my mind about the 16GB Kingston LoVo (2x8GB) DDR3 memory. They cost like 4x more than the 8GB (2x4GB) kit, same specs.

RAM: Kingston LoVo 2x 4GB DDR3 @ 1600 MHz CL9 1.35V - operate @ 1.25V