New Family PC

[elkin2k]

I am looking for a quality all around system, will use as a media center for office software, and very light video editing(kids soccer games and such). My range is $700 to $1000. I will add video card in future if needed but will try onboard video first.

This is what i have so far. Let me know what you think of this build



Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80

SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3

ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk

Which of those 2 psu will be better? Do i need the extra power if i add video card later like a gtx 560? and what is a good quality case that is very quiet. Will pay a little extra for it if needed.

Thanks in advance

[jdeb]

That all looks good. Either power supply will work if you end up getting a GTX560. The HD3000 video is all your going to need for what your using it for. You would be better served getting an ssd for caching if you can swing the price...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167092
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148441

I just did a build with a Antec P280 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case and they are very quiet. They have polycarbonate side panels and silicone grommets for the hard drive's. Should help you a great deal if you end up going with a GTX560 but I do not think you will need one of those.Excellent case. The Power Supplies you chose are virtually silent as well.

Newegg.com - Antec P280 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

[elkin2k]

So i am going with the corsair tx650 and the antec p280. Does anyone have any experience with micro center. I can get everything from them for about $300 cheaper than newegg but i have never dealt with them.

[rwest]

Well known store. I have one near me and go there occasionally. I've never ordered from them though. The guys on staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They even let me use thier pc to pull up Newegg's prices while in store for comparison. They will price match also. I'd reccomend them.

[elkin2k]

What benefits would i get from the ssd vs the regular hdd. I know it helps load programs faster but other than that, what would justify the higher price. If i go the ssd route which hdd would i pair it up with. would i need a caviar black or could i just get some other brand hdd for storage that isnt as expensive.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by elkin2k What benefits would i get from the ssd vs the regular hdd. I know it helps load programs faster but other than that, what would justify the higher price. If i go the ssd route which hdd would i pair it up with. would i need a caviar black or could i just get some other brand hdd for storage that isnt as expensive.

The cavair black would be for your data and OS. The SSD would be for SRT(Intel Smart Response Technology) so you can take advantage of the Z68 chip-set. It greatly enhances the overall performance. It is a very nice feature but you would need to install it along with the OS as defined in the motherboard manual.

Here is a link that explains the technology.
AnandTech - Intel Z68 Chipset & Smart Response Technology (SSD Caching) Review

[elkin2k]

So this is the final build.I will end up getting a 64gb SSD later when prices go down some and set it up with SRT. What do you think? is there anything you would change

LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM

Antec P280 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1502FAEX 1.5TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650M 650W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B


ASUS P8Z68-V/GEN3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 ...

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

[jdeb]

Just a heads up... You will have to re-install the OS if you decide to go with the SSD and SRT.

You must install your OS with the BIOS set to RAID mode even though initially, you'll be dealing with a single drive. After the OS install, follow up with all drivers including RST storage driver. Make sure the SSD is connected at this point and obviously both should be connected to the Intel controlled SATA ports.

That is a very nice build but the power supply is overkill... However, you may be adding a video card later so that is good.

[Bob338]

Curiosity and not to highjack the thread, but I'm planning a very similar build with the board and processor for office use, etc., no games. What is the minimum PSU wattage for that board and processor, no video card in future? I have a Corsair CX430 for a spare and was considering using it.

[elkin2k]

I'll keep that in mind. Going to buy everything today. Thanks again for all your help.

[glc]

The CX430 was definitely not one of Corsair's better units, but assuming it's not defective, it's sufficient.

[Bob338]

Thnx!