IPS Monitor and PC Recommendation

Tigerkn wrote in post #11258709
Two drives sounds much better than one drive for me as well as I hate to keep OS all together with storage. It’s painful to move data when the OS needed to be baselined.

Yes, it is a much better idea to have a boot drive and a storage drive than to keep everything all together. The WD Green drives are great as storage (I've got two 2TB in RAID 1 in my workstation, and 15 more 2TB in RAID-Z2 in my server) but they are way too slow for anything else.

If you can't afford a decent SSD (Intel X25-M G2, OCZ Vertex 2, etc.), check out the Hybrid Seagate Momentus XT. It's a 2.5" drive (like notebook computers use and the form factor of most SSDs) so you may need a mounting adapter to get it in your case (figure $8 at NewEgg). Most reviews show that while non-repeated sequential or random tests aren't any faster than any other 7200 RPM disk, the 4GB SLC flash on board does an excellent job of caching frequently-accessed data, making real-world usage smoother. The power consumption will also be significantly lower than an additional 3.5" drive.

I'd also delete the multi-card reader. I put a Rosewill one in my build but I don't like it at all and use my Sandisk CF reader instead.

- The CF card sticks out making it easy to bump into and possibly break something
- CF cards don't seat as easily as with the stand-alone reader. If I use this thing I'll eventually bend or break a pin and possibly wreck my card.
- SD cards need to be installed label down, which is backwards to a standard reader.
- To install in the Antek Three Hundred I needed to purchase a floppy drive bay adapter, which cost almost as much as the reader.

It looks cool though

In2Photos wrote in post #11258968
LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM Item #: N82E16827106289 $19.99

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Item #: N82E16811119203 $39.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1501FASS 1.5TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Item #: N82E16822136592 $119.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply Item #: N82E16817139008 -$15.00 Instant $64.99 $49.99

nMEDIAPC ZE-C68 All-in-one USB 2.0 Card Reader w/ USB Port Item #: N82E16820132016 $9.99

2G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ Item #: N82E16820231193 $139.98($69.99 each)

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I5750 Item #: N82E16819115215 $199.99

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard Item #: N82E16813131623

Combo with:

ASUS EAH5450 SILENT/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 5450 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Item #: N82E16814121377 -$20.00 Instant
-$10.00 Combo
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-121-377
$154.98$124.98


Subtotal: $704.90

Thanks In2Photo.
What do you recommend if I would like to run with 2 HDs (500GB for the OS & 1-2T for Storage)
Please also recommend a site to shop online w/o tax and heavy shipping cost.

jasonlitka wrote in post #11259239
Yes, it is a much better idea to have a boot drive and a storage drive than to keep everything all together. The WD Green drives are great as storage (I've got two 2TB in RAID 1 in my workstation, and 15 more 2TB in RAID-Z2 in my server) but they are way too slow for anything else.

If you can't afford a decent SSD (Intel X25-M G2, OCZ Vertex 2, etc.), check out the Hybrid Seagate Momentus XT. It's a 2.5" drive (like notebook computers use and the form factor of most SSDs) so you may need a mounting adapter to get it in your case (figure $8 at NewEgg). Most reviews show that while non-repeated sequential or random tests aren't any faster than any other 7200 RPM disk, the 4GB SLC flash on board does an excellent job of caching frequently-accessed data, making real-world usage smoother. The power consumption will also be significantly lower than an additional 3.5" drive.

Wow Jason, you got a lot of HDs......
I am in low budget so can't afford anything too fancy.

Bob_A wrote in post #11263573
I'd also delete the multi-card reader. I put a Rosewill one in my build but I don't like it at all and use my Sandisk CF reader instead.

- The CF card sticks out making it easy to bump into and possibly break something
- CF cards don't seat as easily as with the stand-alone reader. If I use this thing I'll eventually bend or break a pin and possibly wreck my card.
- SD cards need to be installed label down, which is backwards to a standard reader.
- To install in the Antek Three Hundred I needed to purchase a floppy drive bay adapter, which cost almost as much as the reader.

It looks cool though

Yes, I think I am going to take out the multi-card reader. I will keep it simple by using the USB cable to connect Camera to PC.

I use the Antec 300 and love it... Extremely easy build. Excellent cooling/airflow. Moderately quiet (not silent... not annoying).

I disagree with the advice on compromising on the power supply. If anything, get something HIGHER than 650. I use the Antec EA650 as I have only 2 HDs. Got it for $49.95 plus rebate from NewEgg.

And regarding the built in multi-card reader... I easily found a front panel adapter for just a few dollars. My PC sits on the floor and I've never had a problem with bumping into it.

Tigerkn wrote in post #11266438
Thanks In2Photo.
What do you recommend if I would like to run with 2 HDs (500GB for the OS & 1-2T for Storage)
Please also recommend a site to shop online w/o tax and heavy shipping cost.

I would use either an SSD, the Seagate hybrid drive, or a WD Black drive for the OS, then use a 2TB WD green drive for storage.

Being in CA you are stuck between a rock and a hard place for gear. You either pay tax on Newegg, or pay high shipping from places like Tiger Direct. I'd shop both and hope you get a good deal. Look for combos to save extra money.

ChasP505 wrote in post #11266590
I disagree with the advice on compromising on the power supply. If anything, get something HIGHER than 650.

Why?

In2Photos wrote in post #11225498
According to my meter my system peaked at 202W during 1080p video rendering with the following:

i7 920 stock speed, all 8 cores maxed. after market cooler and 120mm fan
mobo
6GB RAM at 1333
1 3.5" internal drive (WD black)
2 DVD RW drives
2 USB card readers
ATI 3450 fanless video card
2 monitors (1680 x 1050, 1024x768 )
2 additional 120mm fans

As you can see my system is nowhere close to needing a 650W PSU.

A couple places that I read people mentioned stay away from Seagate. Should I?

I will read about SSD drive and check out its price.

Tigerkn wrote in post #11266918
A couple places that I read people mentioned stay away from Seagate. Should I?

I will read about SSD drive and check out its price.

Saegate had some issues with a certain drive but those issues have been fixed. It is all personal preference.

For SSD info, see here: http://forums.anandtec​h.com/showthread.php?t​=2069761

ChasP505 wrote in post #11266590
I disagree with the advice on compromising on the power supply. If anything, get something HIGHER than 650.

Why? The OP can get a higher-quality, lower-rated one for the same money.

For anyone who doesn't know already, power supplies are not something to cheap out on. Anandtech broke down the difference between budget, midrange, and premium PSUs: http://www.anandtech.c​om …psus-for-different-prices

In2Photos wrote in post #11266644
Why?

I've always subscribed to the PC building philosophy of having more ram, HD space, and PSU capacity than you'll ever need.

http://extreme.outervi​sion.com/PSUEngine

ChasP505 wrote in post #11267232
I've always subscribed to the PC building philosophy of having more ram, HD space, and PSU capacity than you'll ever need.

http://extreme.outervi​sion.com/PSUEngine

That is all fine and dandy WITHIN REASON!!! A 400W PSU would still leave me 200W of reserve power should I ever need it on my system. A 650W PSU isn't needed for most builds. When you start running multiple GPUs and overclocking, then it is time to start going big. But for our use, 400-450W is PLENTY!!!

In2Photos wrote in post #11267312
...But for our use, 400-450W is PLENTY!!!

Agreed, but if you find a sale enhanced by a rebate, you go for it! Black Friday is coming!

Thanks Guys!

The thought of SSD HD for the OS is sound very nice. I will read more about it night regarding cost; reliability; practicality; etc.....
I can't wait to get this over with. On the bright side, the U2311H is coming home on Monday to play with the oldie Pen4 until the i5 build is done .

ChasP505 wrote in post #11266590
I use the Antec 300 and love it... Extremely easy build. Excellent cooling/airflow. Moderately quiet (not silent... not annoying).

I disagree with the advice on compromising on the power supply. If anything, get something HIGHER than 650. I use the Antec EA650 as I have only 2 HDs. Got it for $49.95 plus rebate from NewEgg.

And regarding the built in multi-card reader... I easily found a front panel adapter for just a few dollars. My PC sits on the floor and I've never had a problem with bumping into it.

A 650W power supply is three times larger than what the OP needs. I agree with you to get more than you need, but double at 400W or 500W is plenty ... unless there's a good sale/rebate as you mentioned.

The reader I have doesn't guide the card into the pins nicely like my Sandisk stand-alone. Too much fumbling around and concern that I'll bend a pin. And it was very hard to find a drive bay adapter, especially a black one. It cost me $8.95 CAD for the adapter versus $15.99 CAD for the reader ... I must be getting old 'cause I could of sworn both were same price

Bob_A wrote in post #11274477
... unless there's a good sale/rebate as you mentioned...

I probably have more patience than most people. I had no pressure to get my last PC built, so I took nearly 4 months to plan it and collect the components. I saved several hundred dollars via combo specials, sales, and rebates.

I wouldn't skimp out on the PSU. The PSU controls the amount of energy yiu components receive, when they fail they almost always take something else in the process. In some cases the failure can kill everything in your computer. Check out http://www.jonnyguru.c​om/ for PSU reviews before buying.


The wattage isn't as important as the amps supplied on the 12v and 5v rails. Cheaper PSUs voltage fluctuate quite a bit especially as the power draw increases. There is software that you can run that can read the voltages thru the motherboard while in windows if your curious. Generally the higher wattage PSU produce more amps, but I would hardly consider 500w adequate, let alone overkill.