Build Log: Solid Lifters High-Def Performance Machine

[Solid Lifters]

I want a 'performance' machine capable of running multiple applications without delay. I plan to record my guitar playing, record PS3 HD videos of my game play, record high-def recordings from my two HDD recorders and make BD discs of all the above. Not too interested in watching BD movies, but I want to be able to without any problems. I'm not too much into gaming, but will purchase a game or two. I plan to do a lot of video encoding (storing DVDs to HDD and backup BDRs.)

I plan to add a High Def capture card... Black Magic Intensity Pro for the purpose of recording in HD from my two HD HDD recorders.

SiliconDust HDHomeRun Network-based Dual Digital HDTV Tuner Ethernet Interface - Retail
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Item #:N82E16815327005
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Rexus TopMotor DF121225BH 120mm Case Fan - Retail
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Item #:N82E16835705040
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Scythe KM02-BK 5.25" Bay Fan Controller - Retail
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Nippon Labs ICR-BB All-in-one USB +eSATA Card Reader - Retail
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Item #:N82E16820816001
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EVGA 017-P3-1291-AR GeForce GTX 295 1792MB 896 (448 x 2)-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:017-P3-1291-AR
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EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
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Item #:N82E16813188039
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$299.99


Kingston HyperX 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX - Retail
Model #:KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX
Item #:N82E16820104084
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Seagate ST310005N1A1AS-RK 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Retail
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Item #:N82E16822148321
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G.SKILL FM-25S2S-64GB 2.5" 64GB SATA II Internal Solid state disk (SSD) - Retail
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Pioneer Black 8X Blu-Ray DVD Burner w/ Software SATA Model BDR-203BKS - Retail
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COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
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CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
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COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
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Item #:N82E16811119194
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Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
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Item #:N82E16832116493
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Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
Model #:BX80601920
Item #:N82E16819115202
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$288.99

 

[Pako]

I like it! My only concern is the case. It looks small for the two heat monsters you'll have installed (the i7 chip and the GTX295 on air), but I haven't read any reviews on it. Looks like a killer setup for sure! Should be able to hit 3.4-3.6ghz rock stable with that processor at 2ghz ram will be nice! Coolermaster makes great products so I'm sure it's good to go!

So when is it getting shipped?

Edit: The reviews look great! Looks like a solid case. One thing I really like is the cavity behind the motherboard panel. Looks like plenty of room for wire management back there. 👍

 

[Bram Turismo]

That's a very, very impressive graphics card...

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Ooh, Kingston Hyper-X at 2GHz? Must check it out for my system. Really love Kingston RAM. Edit Yikes, expensive!

 

[Solid Lifters]

I like it! My only concern is the case. It looks small for the two heat monsters you'll have installed (the i7 chip and the GTX295 on air), but I haven't read any reviews on it. Looks like a killer setup for sure! Should be able to hit 3.4-3.6ghz rock stable with that processor at 2ghz ram will be nice! Coolermaster makes great products so I'm sure it's good to go!

The case has enough room. As it turns out, one of the reviewers has the same MB and GPU I plan to get! He said it fits just fine and has very low temps.

I should have mentioned I plan to OC to 3.6MHz and make sure the RAM runs at 2000, as advertised. I don't really plan to OC it, but will if I'm able to without problems. Also, heat and dust might be an issue. I live where it's very dusty and temps can reach 115 outside and 90 inside on full air!

So when is it getting shipped?

I'm waiting on the RAM to come back into stock, and I might wait a few weeks after that. I also need to shop for a new keyboard, mouse and printer. I also need a multiple card reader and need to figure out what fans I need to side mount them in the case. There's something about needing a certain fan connector type to be compatible with the case fan controller. I might also get an audio card, but I doubt that.

Edit: The reviews look great! Looks like a solid case. One thing I really like is the cavity behind the motherboard panel. Looks like plenty of room for wire management back there. 👍

That's a very, very impressive graphics card...

Only the best for my needs.

Too bad I wont be able to SLI that sucker, though. I read there's no way to do that with these cards. No biggie.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Too bad I wont be able to SLI that sucker, though. I read there's no way to do that with these cards. No biggie.

I think 1.8 Gb on a graphics card will be enough for pretty much most of the stuff you can do on a computer

Man, I need an upgrade as well very soon, I'm still running a 1Gb Dell with 128 Mb of graphics memory. It's 2 years old, but it's been rock solid, playing games like Trian Simulator, GTR, Sins of a Solar Empire, Fable: TLC, etc. without much trouble. In fact, I'm surprised by what this integrated ATI card has given me. But now in 2009, a 128 mb graphics card is far too less to enjoy anything there is to enjoy from a computer.

Meh, first I planned on getting a new Nikon D80, then those plans quickly changed into either a PS3 or an XBOX 360. Then the Nikon money went into my Fender Stratocaster, and now I want a new computer. *Sigh* I'll have to wait a little longer to buy anything new since I'm going to college, and I really would like to lay my hands on a Macbook next year...

Wow, huge off-topic now...

Anyway, good luck cooling the whole thing, but once it's up and running, I bet it's going to be a beast 👍

 

[opendriver]

The case has enough room. As it turns out, one of the reviewers has the same MB and GPU I plan to get! He said it fits just fine and has very low temps.


Too bad I wont be able to SLI that sucker, though. I read there's no way to do that with these cards. No biggie.

I do like the case, Coolermaster makes an excellent product, I own their CM690.

You can SLI 2 295's, but you would be at the 4 GPU limit for windows. Each card has 2 GPU's put into a single, but large, card. There are 2 physical PCB's.

Did you design this on a budget? there are a few cost saving alternatives to a lot of the parts listed.

 

[Pako]

Swap out that 920 for a 965 and add another GTX295 and I'll swap ya straight across.

Can't wait to see it built. In regards to dust and such, are their micro dust screens on that case? My Cosmos case has them all over for easy cleaning. They are the win for sure. I have tons of dust in my house for some reason and these screens are a must for keeping the inside clean. Monthly cleanings on the computer also help.

 

[Jay]

My sytem I got in December is similar except I got a 4870X2, originally the case I choose was too small so I had to swap it out for another.

I havent done much overclocking, only set it to 3ghz's once to see if I got many extra frames (I did but it didnt matter) so I set it back to default again.

 

[Solid Lifters]

I think 1.8 Gb on a graphics card will be enough for pretty much most of the stuff you can do on a computer

"But two is better than one, honey!" Oops; for a second there I thought you were my wife.

Anyway, good luck cooling the whole thing, but once it's up and running, I bet it's going to be a beast 👍

Thanks. I plan to get a fan for the side and the bottom. One reviewer did, and he said it cooled it down considerably. Must have for me.

I do like the case, Coolermaster makes an excellent product, I own their CM690.

That's the other case I was looking at! I really, really like that one, too. I like the color scheme of the NVIDIA case, which is NVIDIA green and a black case. Looks nice. But, the Sniper has a better name, and features I want and like.

You can SLI 2 295's, but you would be at the 4 GPU limit for windows. Each card has 2 GPU's put into a single, but large, card. There are 2 physical PCB's.

I don't understand this completely. Only 4 GPU can be used? I read somewhere it was three. I'm only interested in one (two), for now, because I think it's more than efficient.

Did you design this on a budget? there are a few cost saving alternatives to a lot of the parts listed.

Yeah, or at least I tried to build on a budget. What are cheaper alternatives to what I have listed, if you don't mind?

Swap out that 920 for a 965 and add another GTX295 and I'll swap ya straight across.

I like you, and you're a bud, but... NO!

Can't wait to see it built. In regards to dust and such, are their micro dust screens on that case? My Cosmos case has them all over for easy cleaning. They are the win for sure. I have tons of dust in my house for some reason and these screens are a must for keeping the inside clean. Monthly cleanings on the computer also help.

I cannot wait, either. I've been waiting for this day for six or seven years. My current PC was to 'hold me over until something I want' comes along. This PC will finally give me the capability I've been dying for for more than a long while.

I was reading about the dust screens for the case at Tom's but stopped to make dinner and I've lost my place. I gotta go back and read some more on it.

Thanks for all your help, guys! 👍

 

[Pako]

I like you, and you're a bud, but... NO!

So....is that......a maybe?

 

[Solid Lifters]

So....is that......a maybe?

You should know, the TRI-SLI 285 setup ran most games better than a Quad 295 setup. There's a YT video of it, too.

Since you're a gamer, I figured you'd want to keep what you got.

 

[opendriver]

Yeah, or at least I tried to build on a budget. What are cheaper alternatives to what I have listed, if you don't mind?

Everything else seemed like a good deal, but I think you can change the memory and GPU and not notice a single thing, and save about 300 bucks:


OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory-149.99

EVGA 01G-P3-1281-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card-354.99 or this one too. Just clocked slightly higher and 5 dollars more

Total-504.98
Versus- 775.98
You save-271

Then, in the future, you can add a second GTX 285 for much less, assuming the price goes down.

You could save another 20 bucks and cool better if you went with the Xigmatek Dark night

I like the looks of the V8, but id rather have something that cools better than looks nice.

 

[GT3mich]

Read this before you order your parts.
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340770,00.asp
This is the X58 board I would buy. $249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359
Here is the ram they used. $105.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227367
As for the CPU cooler I would get this while its still available.$35.99
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewproduct.asp?PID=CPU-OCZ&updepts=COOLING-CPU&DNAME=Cooling+-+CPU
I have its little brother cooling my Q6600 and really like the performance gain over the Thermaltake V1 I had.
$225 savings in parts And the MB is better.
Good luck on your build.
Edit; The Venndetta 2 isn't for Core i7. Too bad. I've seen benches on how well this cools.
OCZ does make this so it will still work but for more $
http://www.ocztechnology.com/produc..._2_1366-i7-retention_brackets-vendetta_series

 

[Pako]

You should know, the TRI-SLI 285 setup ran most games better than a Quad 295 setup. There's a YT video of it, too.

Since you're a gamer, I figured you'd want to keep what you got.

Yep, Tri 285's would do the trick, I'm running 280's. My offer still stands but understand your reluctance.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Everything else seemed like a good deal, but I think you can change the memory and GPU and not notice a single thing, and save about 300 bucks:


OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory-149.99

I really love the RAM I've selected. It operates at the frequency I want and provides excellent cooling with the large heat sinks, which is needed for the OC I plan to do with it. I don't mind the extra cost for something I really, really want and need.

EVGA 01G-P3-1281-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card-354.99 or this one too. Just clocked slightly higher and 5 dollars more

Again, it doesn't fit my needs or wants. The extra cost of the 295 to me is completely justified. I do recognize this is a decent video card, but just not what I want or need.

Then, in the future, you can add a second GTX 285 for much less, assuming the price goes down.

I can do the same with the 295, when the time comes. Not much of a selling point to me.

You could save another 20 bucks and cool better if you went with the Xigmatek Dark night

I don't like that one at all. No copper pipes, which I want. It doesn't have more pipes than the V8, which I think would be more advantageous. Also, it's A LOT noisier than the V8. Plus, it doesn't look cool.

I like the looks of the V8, but id rather have something that cools better than looks nice.

See! Even you think it looks cooler! But, there's no evidence that it actually cools 'better' than the V8. That's only based on speculation due to the higher fan speed and CFM. From the data I've gathered, the V8 is a fantastic performer and suits my needs or wants very well.

Actually, I think the Chiltech ULTRA CPU fan would be better than both, but it's pricey and wont work with the i7.

Sorry, but it looks like I shot you down on all your suggestions. But, I thank you for bringing me the options to my attention.

Thanks! 👍

Read this before you order your parts.
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340770,00.asp
This is the X58 board I would buy. $249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359
Here is the ram they used. $105.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227367
As for the CPU cooler I would get this while its still available.$35.99
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewproduct.asp?PID=CPU-OCZ&updepts=COOLING-CPU&DNAME=Cooling+-+CPU
I have its little brother cooling my Q6600 and really like the performance gain over the Thermaltake V1 I had.
$225 savings in parts And the MB is better.
Good luck on your build.
Edit; The Venndetta 2 isn't for Core i7. Too bad. I've seen benches on how well this cools.
OCZ does make this so it will still work but for more $
http://www.ocztechnology.com/produc..._2_1366-i7-retention_brackets-vendetta_series

I read that article and it only affirms my decision even further! I really, really want the rock "boulder" stability of the MB I selected. Even the review states so. Just read the reviews for either MB and you can see why I made my decision. Plus, the forums at EVGA are more supportive and faster responding. I read nothing but major support problems about ASUS and their lack of providing proper product support. For me, that's a HUGE turn off.

To make things easier for me, I'll stick to what I selected. You can read above why I'm sticking with my CPU fan and RAM, too.

Thanks for the sharing the article. 👍 I never read that one before. Again, it spells out the reason why I chose the MB I did.

Again, I appreciate the help you guys are offering me.

 

[Pako]

EVGA is builidng it's reputation as being one hell of a company for customer service. The techs are real people that are out there using the stuff, and their support and warranty's are second to none. Oh and...their products aren't half bad either.

You know.... If you were to water cool that CPU, this whole CPU fan issue goes away. Less noise, better cpu temps..... You wouldn't need to go as crazy as I did, you could simply just put a water block on the cpu and call it a day. Just a thought. It's much easier than I thought it would be.

 

[Solid Lifters]

EVGA is builidng it's reputation as being one hell of a company for customer service. The techs are real people that are out there using the stuff, and their support and warranty's are second to none. Oh and...their products aren't half bad either.

You know.... If you were to water cool that CPU, this whole CPU fan issue goes away. Less noise, better cpu temps..... You wouldn't need to go as crazy as I did, you could simply just put a water block on the cpu and call it a day. Just a thought. It's much easier than I thought it would be.

You know, I did look into that. But, don't you have to change out the fluid often? I couldn't find any definitive answers, so I lost interest.

 

[Pako]

Everything I've read is once a year to change out the fluid. If you plumb in a drain valve, changing your fluid is painless. In changing my system around, I have drained my entire system, both loops, several times already. Not a big deal with a drain valve in the line.

In my research, the only kits I would consider would be from Swiftech for example:
This kit: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swh2edukit.html
With the 1366 adapter plate for the Apogee GTZ water block: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swapforincoi.html

Otherwise, I would look at separate parts for a custom setup.

 

[opendriver]

You know, I did look into that. But, don't you have to change out the fluid often? I couldn't find any definitive answers, so I lost interest.

*snip

Ive been hearing good things about the CootIT Domino A.L.C.

Its about as good as, if not slightly better than high end air cooling. Plus it looks really cool.

As for shooting down all of my ideas, they were merely suggestions, in the end its your decision is what matters. I have the Xigmatek S1283 and it cools very well. It keeps my E7200 at 4Ghz at 39/60 idle/load

I still think its more of a "cool factor" to have water cooling if you don't use it for what it meant for.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Everything I've read is once a year to change out the fluid. If you plumb in a drain valve, changing your fluid is painless. In changing my system around, I have drained my entire system, both loops, several times already. Not a big deal with a drain valve in the line.

In my research, the only kits I would consider would be from Swiftech for example:
This kit: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swh2edukit.html
With the 1366 adapter plate for the Apogee GTZ water block: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swapforincoi.html

Otherwise, I would look at separate parts for a custom setup.

You've given me an option to the V8 cooler. I'm now going to look back into it with more detail. Don't really know if I should thank you, at this point.

Ive been hearing good things about the CootIT Domino A.L.C.

Its about as good as, if not slightly better than high end air cooling. Plus it looks really cool.

That worth a look, too. I really like the concept of water cooling. It's just the mechanics and maintenance of it all that has me a bit weary.

As for shooting down all of my ideas, they were merely suggestions, in the end its your decision is what matters. I have the Xigmatek S1283 and it cools very well. It keeps my E7200 at 4Ghz at 39/60 idle/load

I've thought my ideas pretty well. I do have concerns about the OS; if I should just hold off on the entire build and wait for Windows 7. That way the prices would be cheaper and I possibly will have better options. I'm being pretty patient, so far, and don't know when to actually dive in. I aslo understand that 6 core precessors are coming from Intel around this time, too. I want to wait 'cause I don't really see myself buying a new OS just after buying a new one. I'd probably stick with Vista until something after Windows 7.

However, I doubt Windows 7 will run well from the start, like Windows 98, Windows XP and Windows Vista, etc. But I see a lot of people are using Windows 7 Beta and it appears MS is getting A LOT of good feedback which I feel will make Windows 7 almost perfect from the start. Not sure if that's going to be really true, or not, but it is a 'feeling' I'm getting.

I still think its more of a "cool factor" to have water cooling if you don't use it for what it meant for.

My build is already 'cool' enough, on that side of the coin. However, if water cooling is going to keep things cool, while being 'cool,' I'll take the plunge.

Again, heat is a concern for me, so I'll go for whatever gets the job done best. 👍

Thanks everyone for the help, agian. 👍

 

[Pako]

I will say, with my old Q9550 and 3 8800GTX, I had a space heater under my desk. I would almost sweat when gaming for an hour plus. With the components I am running now I should be blown out of the basement by heat, but just the opposite. The air coming off the rad's are cool (cooler ambient temps help) and that radiant heat issue I had with the air setup is gone. You still need air to help cool the mother board and subsequent parts on the motherboard, but taking the heat away with water on the main heat culprits is nice. I would definately consider a block for the CPU, and if things are going good but you find the heat off of the GTX295 to be too much, add it to the loop. I think a single 295 plus a 920 at moderate voltages should be able to be cooled just fine by a single 120.3 rad. More heat caused from more extreme overclocking will require better cooling, a larger rad, and even a second loop. For stable everyday use, I would think a single loop would be fine, even for both.

 

[Solid Lifters]

I will say, with my old Q9550 and 3 8800GTX, I had a space heater under my desk. I would almost sweat when gaming for an hour plus. With the components I am running now I should be blown out of the basement by heat, but just the opposite. The air coming off the rad's are cool (cooler ambient temps help) and that radiant heat issue I had with the air setup is gone. You still need air to help cool the mother board and subsequent parts on the motherboard, but taking the heat away with water on the main heat culprits is nice. I would definately consider a block for the CPU, and if things are going good but you find the heat off of the GTX295 to be too much, add it to the loop. I think a single 295 plus a 920 at moderate voltages should be able to be cooled just fine by a single 120.3 rad. More heat caused from more extreme overclocking will require better cooling, a larger rad, and even a second loop. For stable everyday use, I would think a single loop would be fine, even for both.

Yeah, it does sound like the way to go. I'm looking into it, when I have the time. Right now is not a good time. I can only afford to fart back in and out to see what's up.

I'm going to read and study everything. I notice your link has a unit I think could fit on top of a case, but I don't think it could fit mine. I gotta research if my case is capable of allowing a water cooling radiator to be mounted on top. I doubt it, but the CM-NV690 case can, with modification, fit a water cooling radiator. If not, I'll have to think about a new case, and then fan controllers which will add more research time. Worth it, though.

 

[nick09]

If you are looking for a fan controller I'd recommend the sunbeam 20W. It comes in black and silver, plus its cheap.

 

[Pako]

Yeah, it does sound like the way to go. I'm looking into it, when I have the time. Right now is not a good time. I can only afford to fart back in and out to see what's up.

I'm going to read and study everything. I notice your link has a unit I think could fit on top of a case, but I don't think it could fit mine. I gotta research if my case is capable of allowing a water cooling radiator to be mounted on top. I doubt it, but the CM-NV690 case can, with modification, fit a water cooling radiator. If not, I'll have to think about a new case, and then fan controllers which will add more research time. Worth it, though.

It looks like you can fit a 120.2 rad for sure off the back. If your case is tall enough a 120.3 rad would fit just fine with no modifications to the case. Notice the two holes above the large 120mm fan opening on the back of the case? That's where your hose would feed from the case to the rad, out of the rad and back into the case. 3/8" ID hose should be fine.

 

[Solid Lifters]

It looks like you can fit a 120.2 rad for sure off the back. If your case is tall enough a 120.3 rad would fit just fine with no modifications to the case. Notice the two holes above the large 120mm fan opening on the back of the case? That's where your hose would feed from the case to the rad, out of the rad and back into the case. 3/8" ID hose should be fine.

Yeah, and there are two more below. I watched this video on the case I want and it's very good to review...




One about the V8 and the Aquagate S1...







I'm now doing a search on the products you mentioned.

 

[Pako]

That case is so serious. I love it!

On the coolers, I tried the Hyper 212 much like the V8. I will say, it's big and it's loud, especially if you have 2 120mm fans on it.

Not to sure on the water cooling by cooler master. Not sure if a single rad is good enough or an i7. Did it say how many watts it could take care of?

 

[NocturnalPS]

I would do a little bit more research on the Seagate's 1.5 TB.. Lots of people have been upset with that product. ... Just a warning I thought I would let you know about. Everything else looks sweet!

 

[Solid Lifters]

That case is so serious. I love it!

I too! It really fits my personality, too.

This case just has it all for me.

On the coolers, I tried the Hyper 212 much like the V8. I will say, it's big and it's loud, especially if you have 2 120mm fans on it.

I don't like it. Water cooling isn't for me. The performance isn't any better than what I want. The noise is a lot more loud than what I'm willing to put up with. Plus, it's price far exceeds what I want to pay for CPU cooling. Plus, plus, the performance doesn't justify the cost. I can get very similar performance with the V8. Even the V10, which is absolutely ridiculous looking, fall into this category. While the V10 performs better, it's twice the cost of a V8.

Not to sure on the water cooling by cooler master. Not sure if a single rad is good enough or an i7. Did it say how many watts it could take care of?

No, but the performance is equal to the V8, but it has more maintenance and more noise. I might as well just stick with the V8.

Water cooling is not for me.

I would do a little bit more research on the Seagate's 1.5 TB.. Lots of people have been upset with that product. ... Just a warning I thought I would let you know about. Everything else looks sweet!

I notice the bad reviews. But, the problem has been recognized by Seagate and there is a fix. Most people still having problems probably don't realize there was a fix and perhaps never updated the drive drivers. The reviews are improving, and I think the gamble is worth it. If not, I'll just return them.

Thanks for pointing it out, though. 👍

EDIT: Eeep! You know what? I just reread the reviews, and it's getting worse. Hmmmm... I think I'll get two 1GB drives and RAID them, but I never used RAID for anything. I guess I have something new to look into.

I'm now going to look into the 'Green' HDD from WD. I know they have a 2GB HDD, but that's three times as much as a 1GB. Too overpriced.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I notice the bad reviews. But, the problem has been recognized by Seagate and there is a fix. Most people still having problems probably don't realize there was a fix and perhaps never updated the drive drivers. The reviews are improving, and I think the gamble is worth it. If not, I'll just return them.

Thanks for pointing it out, though. 👍

EDIT: Eeep! You know what? I just reread the reviews, and it's getting worse. Hmmmm... I think I'll get two 1GB drives and RAID them, but I never used RAID for anything. I guess I have something new to look into.

I'm now going to look into the 'Green' HDD from WD. I know they have a 2GB HDD, but that's three times as much as a 1GB. Too overpriced.

I think you mean "TB"!

Western Digital drives have always served me well. The 2TB "green" has been reviewed and benchmarked very well. I'll be putting at least one into my system.