Need help on my college build!

[pchangover]

Ok, I need some of your opinions on my parts selection for my new build. This will be a full blown, wallet crushing, killer comp! This expense is going to be part of my college loan, so I am not going to worry about it too much, lets just say I am not paying much for college. :)

Ok, now to the good stuff. I want this comp to be full of killer hardware and killer cooling, it doesn't matter if its expensive, as long as it isn't ridiculously expensive and not that much of an upgrade, I want to spend money, but not waste it. :banana:

Here is my current build config:
CPU:
Intel Conroe E6600 - ($369.68) already preordered from tankguys
Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $153.99 (ZZF)
Memory:
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - $250.00 (ZZF)
Case:
GIGABYTE 3D AURORA GZ-FSCA1-ATB Black - $134.99 (Newegg) - Already Ordered
PSU:
OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W - $159.99 (Newegg - $20 MIR)
Video:
MSI RX1900XTX-VT2D512E Radeon X1900 XTX - $449.99 (ZZF - $100 MIR)
Monitor:
Dell 2407 FPW - $697.69 (Dell)
Sound:
SENNHEISER HD580 - $154.99 (ZZF) - Already Ordered
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music -$81.99 - (Newegg) Already Ordered
Hard-Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500GB x 2 = $439.98 (Newegg - $40 MIRs)

I am keeping my raptor from my current rig

Misc:
ATI TV Wonder Elite - $96.99 - (ZZF - $20 REBATE) - Already Ordered
Sony DDU1615/B2S 16X IDE DVD-ROM - $25.49 (ZZF)
SONY 16X DVD±R, 5X DVD-RAM Write DVD Burner - $60.45 (ZZF)
Canon PIXMA MP500 Photo All-In-One Printer - $164.99 (ZZF)
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Speaker - $137.79 (BestBuy pickup)
Windows XP Professional - $139.99 (ZZF)

Carrying acces:
Headroom headphone bag (http://www.headphone.com/products/system-bags/headroom-headcase-headphone-bag.php) - $46.00
Zalman clip-on mic (Newegg)
Geargrip LCD Widescreen harness (http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=12076) - $58 (CyberGuys) [Wait until 8-3-06 to order]
Geargrip Lan Bag - $55 [Wait until stock to order]

----------------------------
Hardware total: $3667.57
Rebate total: $210.00
Hardware total less rebates: $
Hardware money spent so far: $838.64
Remaining: $


---------------------------
Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $83.74 (Jab-Tech)
DD - Tyee X1900 Waterblock - (DD) +
Thermochill PA120.2 - (DD) +
Thermochill Neoprene gasket - (DD) +
Plastic Snap Tubing Clamps - (DD) +
DVD Instructions - (DD) - 0.99 lol +
Polypropylene "T" - (DD) +
Dangerden D5 - (DD) +
Dangerden Delrin Fillport - (DD) +
7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Masterkleer Tubing - (DD) +
+ = Danger Den total with coupon - $307.24
Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $26.90 (Performance-PCs)
2 x Pentosin G11 & some sweet "gel-stuff" thing - $17.02 (Petratechshop)
RadGrillz™ Stripes 2x120 Aluminum Black - $26.10 (Performance-PCs)
HoseCutter- $10 (Performance-PCs)
Papst 120mm fans x 5 = $83.95 (Performance-PCs) #
Arctic Ceramique 22g = $10 (Jab-Tech) #
18" SATA II Cable - Black x 3 = $12 (Jab-Tech) #
LOGISYS 12" DUAL UV COLD CATHODE KIT - $5.00 (Jab-Tech) #
Round Dual IDE Device Cables 18" - Black = $5 (Performance-PCs) #
120mm Anti-Vibration Fan Gasket - Black x 5 = $15 (Jab-Tech) #
Scythe Premium Aluminum Hard Drive Cooler - Black - $9 (Performance-PCs) #
Enermax Security Screws - $10 (Performance-PCs) #
Chrome Thumb Screws x 20 = $8 (Performance-PCs) #
PP Wire Management Kit = $10 (Performance-PCs) #
120 mm Fan Grill x 2 = $3.00 (Performance-PCs) #
3pin extension cable x 3 = $9.00 (Sidewinder) #
Noise Isolator = $23.00 (Sidewinder) #
100 fan screws = $5.00 (Sidewinder) #
Akasa Paxmatt - $18.00 (Sidewinder) #

==========================
Cooling total: $501.95

Grand Total: $
Grand Total less rebates: $
Grand remaining: $
==========================

Now what are your guys opinions on this stuff? :stick:

This will not only be my question thread, but also my build thread. I want you guys to put the XS touch on my comp! Thanks again guys/gals!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[couppi]

The difference between 3/8" and 1/2" ID is pretty small. If you need the room, might as well just inlet mod a MCP350 and enjoy the lower heat dump.

Other than that, it looks great!

[[XC] moddolicous]

I havent heard much about the mushkin PSU, but they usually make good stuff. I would def recommend the OCZ 700w. I dont know much about your water cooling setup, better off making a thread in the water cooling section. Are you sure you can fit all that in the thermal take tsunami case? I never heard of the company hightech, are they good. Other than that it looks good.

[Praxis1452]

Bigger Rad =) X-Flow is CRAP. Also DDC Ultra. You don't need to cool the chipset but if you have the DDC Ultra it'll be fine. Get 7/16ths tubing. It'll be good if you post it in the Water cooling forum. You'll get tons of helpful comments.

[pchangover]

Okay, what rad do you recommend Praxis? I will look into the 7/16", as I have heard good things about it, tighter fit, so less leakage, etc. Which is the DDC Ultra? I only know of the 650 and thats the latest one.

moddolicous, HIS is the company, think of the older radeon cards that came retail packed with a sweet cooler, back in the day.

Thanks for the help, I will make a seperate post in the watercooling section.

[pchangover]

Also, on the case issue. I was looking for a nice case with the ability to lock the front panel, and side panel. That way nobody could access the power buttons or my goodies inside. I am paranoid about college! :)

[[XC]Atomicpineapple]

I dont think the P5WD2-E Premium supports Core 2 Duo. You'll be wanting the P5W DH if you still want to go with Asus.

[pchangover]

I dont think the P5WD2-E Premium supports Core 2 Duo. You'll be wanting the P5W DH if you still want to go with Asus.

Really? Hmm I guess that will increase my cost a little then. I am still crossing my fingers that there will be better boards out by the time I build.

[pchangover]

Okay, for the case, I have narrowed it down to the following:

Thermaltake Tsunami:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133132

Thermaltake SOPRANO VB1000BWS:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133145

Lian Li PC-6070Bplus II:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811112102


I love the PC-6070, except it doesn't have a window and it looks a little tight on space.

I needed a case that had a door that locked and was relatively secure. What are your opinions?

Thanks,
Brody

[Major_A]

Gigabyte Aurora 3D case, two 120MM exhaust fans and a two grometed holes for WCing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811233003

[yaddam205]

Okay, for the case, I have narrowed it down to the following:

Thermaltake Tsunami:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133132

Thermaltake SOPRANO VB1000BWS:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133145

Lian Li PC-6070Bplus II:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811112102


I love the PC-6070, except it doesn't have a window and it looks a little tight on space.

I needed a case that had a door that locked and was relatively secure. What are your opinions?

Thanks,
Brody


Out of those cases there the Tsunami is the best option there.

[Shift]

Geez everyone is going to college:D

I've had people tell me that the bought the Tsunami only to have their components heats up.

I like this Asus mobo, it's Crossfire ready, but not sure if it's Conroe ready (pretty sure though)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131025

For the case, I'd go for the Antec P180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154

Corsair has DDR2 800 RAM on sale
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

Hope the build goes well, enjoy

[pchangover]

No Lian Li PC-6070Bplus II case love? This is the case that really got me thinking last night. I figured I could mount the PA120.2 at the top of the case with a slight mod.

I love the Aurora 3D, except its a full tower and way too big to be lugging back and forth from school.

I am starting to lean away from the Tsunami, even though it has some sweet features, and looking towards the lian-li if the opinions on it are good. The P180 has the upside down board right? If so, I have heard that the Asus board with the heatpipes don't fair well with being upside down, resulting in a higher temp.

Thanks for the help,
Brody

[Richie P]

The P180 mounts the board in the standard ATX way...it's not BTX and therefore not upside down so no probs with the heatpipes. Consequently, the problems you have with the P180 is that you need long PSU cables for it - especially if you have the 4 pin ATX connector in the top left position on the mobo, you'll need an extender.

In relation to your set up tho, i doubt you could fit a watercooling set up in the P180...it's not a huge case and designed for good airflow more than watercooling. Plus with the make up of the panels and such, it's quite heavy...30lbs i think i read? So, I wouldn't recommend it.

A lot of people on here like the coolermaster stacker cases...not sure if they've got one with the bits and bobs you need.

[Sanborn]

I don't know what kind of loan you are taking out but I hope you dont need to eat, do laundry, or pay rent ;)

[Shift]

Wait, so you're going to bring it back and forth from school, then why are you water cooling it?

All that water cooling gear will add some weight, not to mention, will make the case fragile. Why not just add a nice HSF to the CPU, and get an after-market fan for the GPU.

Here is a pretty nice sorta portable case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119098

Here are a few sweet Silverstone cases
SILVERSTONE SST-TJ05B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163038)
SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SST-TJ06B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163035)

[pchangover]

Wait, so you're going to bring it back and forth from school, then why are you water cooling it?

All that water cooling gear will add some weight, not to mention, will make the case fragile. Why not just add a nice HSF to the CPU, and get an after-market fan for the GPU.

Here is a pretty nice sorta portable case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119098

Here are a few sweet Silverstone cases
SILVERSTONE SST-TJ05B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163038)
SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SST-TJ06B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163035)

I understand it will add some weight, no problem.. I am a big dude. As for the fragility.. I plan on securing the hell out of everything that would be loose in that case.. nothing will be moving around, I guarantee it! :) :banana:

[Shift]

Instead of the Tsunami, I'd go for this solid awesome Ultra case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2188612&CatId=0


Waaaaaaay better than the Tsunami, IMO. I have that Ultra case and it is perfect in performance and price!

I'd seriously go for that Ultra case.

[Major_A]

I love the Aurora 3D, except its a full tower and way too big to be lugging back and forth from school.
So are 99% of the other cases listed in this thread. I'm not saying you need to get the Aurora but it isn't bigger or heavier than those others listed.

Instead of the Tsunami, I'd go for this solid awesome Ultra case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2188612&CatId=0


Waaaaaaay better than the Tsunami, IMO. I have that Ultra case and it is perfect in performance and price!

I'd seriously go for that Ultra case.
I have the Chieftec version of this case. Fully loaded with the standard goodies it probably weighs over 50 pounds. When I transfer my case 30 feet to my garage to dust it out I feel like I'm about to pull a disk in my back.

[pchangover]

Ok. I updated my first post with all of my new parts/prices.. Hows it looking now?

[Major_A]

Seems like my friend's dorm at Texas A&M didn't have cable TV. I think his roommate had a small TV with rabbit ears. If that's the case I don't really see a need for TV tuner card.

[pchangover]

Seems like my friend's dorm at Texas A&M didn't have cable TV. I think his roommate had a small TV with rabbit ears. If that's the case I don't really see a need for TV tuner card.

I just wanted a tuner card for some PVR action... I also have an HDTV lcd tv already here..

[Sanborn]

dude....don't watercool your system in college. You are underestimating the severe pain in the ass that will become when you have to transport it every quarter/semester.

Plus I give it 4 months before you pass out on your futon and some drunk guy pours beer into it ;)

[pchangover]

dude....don't watercool your system in college. You are underestimating the severe pain in the ass that will become when you have to transport it every quarter/semester.

Plus I give it 4 months before you pass out on your futon and some drunk guy pours beer into it ;)

HAHAH.. I am seriously debating not doing it but... I miss watercooling, its been a few years :(

EDIT* Updated first post again.. I just keep adding :banana::banana::banana::banana: to it!

[Sanborn]

Someone spilled beer on the front of my brand new HDTV about 2 years ago when I was in the dorms, took me a week to get the blood stains out of my carpet (haha jk)

[pchangover]

Someone spilled beer on the front of my brand new HDTV about 2 years ago when I was in the dorms, took me a week to get the blood stains out of my carpet (haha jk)

lol.. thats whats nice about PSU.. there isn't any carpet! :slobber:

[Sanborn]

Is this your first year in the dorms? Unless you have a ton of seating in your dorm I suggest going to a hardware store or something and buying carpet to thrown down.

Of course....I go to Ohio University and our dorms were tiny (but fun, i guess)

either way...get yout ass some carpet you can throw away at the end of the year.

[pchangover]

Is this your first year in the dorms? Unless you have a ton of seating in your dorm I suggest going to a hardware store or something and buying carpet to thrown down.

Of course....I go to Ohio University and our dorms were tiny (but fun, i guess)

either way...get yout ass some carpet you can throw away at the end of the year.

Haha.. ok will do. There isn't much seating.. only the 2 beds and 2 desk chairs. I think I might get a bean bag or something... not sure yet.

[[XC] Angstrom]

HAHAH.. I am seriously debating not doing it but... I miss watercooling, its been a few years :(

EDIT* Updated first post again.. I just keep adding :banana::banana::banana::banana: to it!

I'm taking a water cooled rig to college in a few weeks. Then again I have my own (lockable) room in a quad.
Why is it so difficult to transport? You mean for people with external rads? I'm all internal, and I got a PC Tote XL (handle) which can take the weight of my PC-75 and PA120.3.

Plus, a drunk guy won't be able to figure out how to take off the cap of my delrin fillport :D

[Magnj]

From Experience let me give you some general tips.
-Keep it smallish
-Keep transportation in mind...water might get risky if you move it around alot
-Temp. In dorms it gets hot because usually no AC so make sure that thing doesnt get too hot. Better to keep the temps safe than to go for that extra 100mhz
-Stability. If this is your only PC...Make sure it will run and make sure your documents are safe. You don;t need to be losing school work.
-Cost. While it might sound cool...your biggest concern may not be your computer after a while...don;t blow your wad on a PC and leave nothing for food and excitement

Oh and have fun

[Sanborn]

I second the hot thing, I ran my window AC unit of my dorm thru winter.....and I live in Ohio

[pchangover]

Well I am thinking about shaving a few dollars off here and there, but I think this is generally what I am going to get. I still definitely want to watercool it.. as it will all be internal. I hope to get everything ordered by next week.

Things I am debating right now:

The lcd.. should I jump for a 2007fpw since it is HDCP compliant?
Case.. I am seriously thinking about sticking with a beautiful Lian-Li PC-6070Bplus and fitting that damn rad up top.. I think it can be done.

[pchangover]

Plus, a drunk guy won't be able to figure out how to take off the cap of my delrin fillport :D

On that note.. is there any known way to physically LOCK the port? Kind of like one of those special case screws that require a tool to open, and no I am not talking about Tbits or star bits, it actually has a lock on it.

[[XC] Angstrom]

A triple or double rad might cause problems with the PSU in that case, I highly recommend the PC-75B - and get Maxxxracer to do the top panel mod for the radiator if necessary. He did a great job on mine.

Once you get set on regular PC components, head to the Liquid Cooling forum - you'll get more responses.

All your components are pretty good, personally I am getting the G.Skill PC-6400 HZ model for the Micron D9 chips, and an Intel Bad Axe (because i've gone off ASUS for crappy service and 2T RAM bug).

Get Petra's delrin fillport.

[[XC] Angstrom]

On that note.. is there any known way to physically LOCK the port? Kind of like one of those special case screws that require a tool to open, and no I am not talking about Tbits or star bits, it actually has a lock on it.

Nope, unless you just lock the fillport inside the case (ie don't attach to top panel).

[[TAG]Imp]

Ur gettin burned on the x1900xt and the ram. there's much cheaper xt's out there, and on the ram, u can find cheaper sticks that are just as good.

[pchangover]

Imp']Ur gettin burned on the x1900xt and the ram. there's much cheaper xt's out there, and on the ram, u can find cheaper sticks that are just as good.

please point me to them! I have searched.. Asus has the best bundle for its price and the corsair is just good at that price.

[pchangover]

Okay, updated parts list. I am getting ready to order this all by the end of the week.

[Teratism]

Instead of finding a lock for it, why not make a part that hides it like a trap door? Thus most people won't be able to find said hole unless they actually know the item you are using or have seen you open it.

[pchangover]

Instead of finding a lock for it, why not make a part that hides it like a trap door? Thus most people won't be able to find said hole unless they actually know the item you are using or have seen you open it.

yeah I actually thought about this... I will probably have time to mess with it before school starts. Maybe a little piece of black aluminum would do it.

[Shift]

Well I would reconsider the case. There is hardly space for a pump in that case, let alone all that gear and tubing. Also here is a $290 X1900XT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142063) (after $100 MIR).

[pchangover]

Well I would reconsider the case. There is hardly space for a pump in that case, let alone all that gear and tubing. Also here is a $290 X1900XT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142063) (after $100 MIR).

Well I already ordered the case so I can see if there is enough room. I am telling you man that I really need a case with a door that locks.. priority numero uno! As for the connect3d card.. does it have a lifetime warranty? I am trying to find a card for cheap that has an awesome warranty service. I really want the HIS X1900XT but its OOS and has an ETA of 8/14/06.. way too late for me. Any other place that sells the HIS X1900XT for cheap?

[Something Sexy]

Regarding your monitor purchase. Before buying any new dell monitor, please read the last few pages of the LCD buyers guide...also read these forums before purchasing.

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board?board.id=dim_monitor

[pchangover]

Yes I have been keeping up with that thread.. I have posted multiple times.

I wish there was a better 24" screen available that had HDCP compatibility.. but there isn't! :(

[Shift]

Here is a pic posted by mhorgel with his 3d Aurora case. Hope you can fit your gear in.49725

Also, I don't understand what you are asking. The 3D Aurora has a lock on it's door, right above the firewire port

[Something Sexy]

Yes I have been keeping up with that thread.. I have posted multiple times.

I wish there was a better 24" screen available that had HDCP compatibility.. but there isn't! :(


Yea it is a shame that most of the current HDCP monitors from good companies are crap. I was looking into the Gateways cause they seemed to be pretty solid monitors but I slowly lost interest in worrying about HDCP now.

[Vice]

I would get a 700 ocz gamexstream rather than that mushkin.

Cheaper, and its a really solid psu.

[Magnj]

ANTEC SOHO is big...surely room for water cooling and has a lock o nthe drive bay cover and side door. Just don;t loose the keys ;)

[pchangover]

Also, I don't understand what you are asking. The 3D Aurora has a lock on it's door, right above the firewire port

Thats what I said.. the 3D aurora HAS a lock.. most cases don't.. lol

I will see if I can fit everything. He is using a HUGE pump, so I should be fine with the D5.

[Shift]

Thats what I said.. the 3D aurora HAS a lock.. most cases don't.. lol

I will see if I can fit everything. He is using a HUGE pump, so I should be fine with the D5.


O LOL. If you are searching for more cases with locks, than you should check out the TT Eureka. It has a lock on the side panel, if you dig that;),
EDIT: Basically alot of the Thermaltake cases have locks on the side panel. The Shark series, the Kandalf series, the Armor series, and the Eureka series all have side panel locks.

[pchangover]

O LOL. If you are searching for more cases with locks, than you should check out the TT Eureka. It has a lock on the side panel, if you dig that;),
EDIT: Basically alot of the Thermaltake cases have locks on the side panel. The Shark series, the Kandalf series, the Armor series, and the Eureka series all have side panel locks.

I like the look of the shark AND it has a lock on the front panel! WHOO If I don't think I will have enough room with the Aurora this week then I will order that one.

Thanks,
Brody

[Shift]

The shark is nice, but it seems the Eureka is longer since it can handle E-ATX mobos. It has more space. If the 3d Aurora doesn't work out, than you might want to try the Eureka.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133011

Hope all goes well:).

[ex2cib]

make sure you get filters to put on every single intake/exhaust fan in your case...just one of the tips i wish i had been given before going to college and dorm life. dust is crazy

btw, i second the guy that said the gamextream 700W over the mushkin 650

[Teratism]

A bunch of cases by thermaltake have locking mechanisms like the armor series.

For a 24" monitor if you are willing to wait a little bit (or if you are impatient order it straight) you can get a Benq 24" monitor full Hd blah blah blah.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=812

From what I read/heard is they make the Dell's too but since they are making this under their own name they will fix all the dell problems so it will be the one 24 incher to dominate and slaughter the rest during its free time of not playing games.

[Something Sexy]

I second the airfliters on your fans. When I used to live in the dorms, oh man it was sooo nasty with dust. I would have to clean it out every few weeks which was a pain in the ass.

[pchangover]

Yeah I am pretty experience with dust right now as my house is always dusty.. so I should be OK. I have also decided to order the 2407 tomorrow and if the BenQ comes out within a month I will get a refund and order the BenQ... I love the sound of the BenQ, but I really don't want to wait until 9-15.

So you guys really think that the OCZ Gamestream is better than the mushkin?

[Something Sexy]

I haven't used a Mushkin PSU yet but my OCZ is SOLID, the volts hardly ever change by even a .01

[pchangover]

Okay.. I have gotten most of my parts by now. Does anyone know where I can buy a neoprene gasket for my PA120.2 rad? Every e-tailer is sold out and I can't figure out where to find that type of material locally. Any ideas?