First build, HALP!

So after getting screwed for years with overpriced, prebuilt PC's with substandard components, I've decided to finally take the plunge and build my own. This computer will be used for a lot of gaming and multi-tasking with dual monitors; I also plan to overclock. Due to initial budget constraints I have chosen the following components with the intent to upgrade to dual SLI video cards (upgrading PSU at the same time) and eventually add a liquid cooling system.

Motherboard: Asus P7P55D-E PRO LGA 1156 ATX

CPU: Intel Core i7 875k Unlocked 2.93G LGA 1156

GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1450-TR Geforce GTS 450 (req 400w)(future upgrade to dual SLI)

PSU: Diablotek PHD850 850W ATX (+12V1@30A; +12V2@30A)(future upgrade to handle dual 400w GPU)

HDD: Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 7200rpm 1TB (possibly upgrade to 2)

RAM: OCZ 4GB DDR3-1600 (future upgrade to 8/16 GB)

CPU Cooler: Cooler master Hyper N52U (until liquid cooling system upgrade)

OS: Windows 7 Home 64-bit

Optical Drive: Sonly Optiarc AD 7261S

Now come the questions, lol. I'm trying to find a suitable case for this monstrosity. Obviously since it will initially be air cooled ventilation is king. With the liquid conversion I'd like to use a bay mount resevoir and dual 120mm radiatior that I can vent through the top of the case. There are so many case configurations/designs I hardly know where to start. My budget for a case is <=$100 US. Also, does anyone know where to find waterblocks for the GTS 450 and P55 chipsets?

 

I like the Antec 300 and 900 cases.

 

Hey, thanks for the response! I checked out the Antec cases you suggested, my only concern is with the top fan in each case. The 300 has a 140mm and the 900 a 200mm fan which will leave me with no place to install a dual 120mm radiator.

 

The Cooler Master HAF912 and HAF922 are also good choices for excellent air flow under $100. One advantage CM has over Antec is a setup allowing access to the underside CPU fan/heatsink mounts without having to remove the motherboard from the case.

I know the HAF922 has routing for liquid cooling; I'm not sure if the 912 does.

As for liquid cooling, I'm not a huge fan (no pun intended). The outside of the cooling lines can develop condensation within the case (think of a room AC uint). If even one drop of condensation falls off and hits the board, POOF! I have two friends who learned this the hard way.

Good luck on your new build.

 

Yeah, the liquid inside the case is a pretty frightening concept, tbh. I was planning the liquid cool upgrade simply because I wasn't sure if it would run too hot with dual GPU setup, not to mention overclocking. In all reality, I'll spend a small fortune on heatsinks/fans before deciding there's no other way, lol.

 

I propose someone build and market an ATX case with a forced air cooling system (basically a mini AC w/ blower that keeps condensation outside the case) - blow the cold air in, suck the hot air out.

Yes, this is basically tounge-in-cheek. If there was a geek version of Seinfeld, this would be the equal of the "Man Bra".

 

Interestingly enough....Rule 34 anyone?

 

...and somewhere in the world, a guy is buying a man bra as we speak. :-D

 

Water cooling will not cause condensation, unless you are cooling the water below ambient temps. And a dremell tool will let you mount the rad pretty much where you want to! I would go with a T-line over a res setup, but that is my preference.


With todays air cooling, I would go air over water. But everyone should build at least one water cooled computer.

 

Not sure I understand what you mean here. What's the difference between the 2? Like I said, this is a planned future upgrade, haven't gotten terribly deep into it yet.

 

A T line is just a bit of the hose in an upright position. It is used instead of a space consuming Rez.

EVGA 01G-P3-1450-TR Geforce GTS 450

It is like an upside down 'T', where the bottom part is the main loop, and the upper part is the highest part of the water system. The air will go up and out of the loop.

 

I've been looking at waterblocks for my GTX 470 ($150 CDN) and if they are as pricey for the GTX 450, I would take another look at WC. Besides, I'd go for the 470 right off the bat if you will be sticking with nVidia, I think it would be worth the extra investment. Oh, I believe most GPU makers void the warranty if installing a block as you have to disassemble the GPU. Even the Coolance stuff is pricey and takes an extra slot.

 

Oops at my above post, was googling your GPU, and for some reason hit paste and did not see it. :-D

 

My comment on the condensation issue was based on what friends told me about their PCs. Now that I think more about their activities, there is a chance they confused "condensation" with overspray from a shaken beer can. :-D

Maybe one day I'll build a water-cooled monster for AVCHD editing. Until then, I'll be boring and live by the code of "If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It." :zzz

 

Condensation can only happen if you are using ice in your rez, or some exotic cooling. Straight water cooling will still be above ambient.

 

Chatting with a friend of mine tonight about CPU's and overclocking. This machine is being built for heavy video (gaming/theatre) usage and I want to be able to push the CPU in this build. Would an Intel i7-875 unlocked be better than an i7-930 for this purpose? Would the unlocked multiplier make for a faster OC or would I be able to push the i7-930 further?