Time for a new rig

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

My present rig was built 5 years ago when Vista was brand new with only a video card update. I decided I didn't want a big tower case anymore since I don't use all the extra space. I ordered the gear over the weekend:

Intel Core i7-3770K
ASUS P8Z77-M Pro Micro-ATX Motherboard
16GB of PNY - XLR8 PC3-12800 DDR3 CAS 9 (4 X 4GB sticks)
Windows 8 64-bit OEM
Samsung 256GB SSD for boot
Seagate - Barracuda 2TB data drive
EVGA GT670 FTW video card
Cooler Master - Hyper 212 EVO 120mm CPU Cooling Fan
Corsair - Professional 650-Watt ATX CPU Power Supply
Samsung DVD writer
all going into a gorgeous SilverStone Temjin Series TJ08B-E case

I'm really looking forward to this case. My rig will be a LOT smaller and the features in this are great. I'll post up some pics after she's built.

Scorpiuscat · **Posted:** Tue Oct 30, 2012 5:06 pm

That all looks great, but it seems like your PSU is a bit underpowered, are you sure you have a big enough power supply?

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

The case limits PSU length but all the components I'm putting in should max out at 500 watts under full load. I should have plenty of extra head room. In fact, my present PSU is a 650 and with its Core 2 Duo and 9800GTX+ it probably draws more power than the new rig will.

Scorpiuscat · **Posted:** Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:04 pm

Just checking, I have been running a 1000watt PSU for some time now, but I have have a pretty high end rig right now.

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

This will be high end too but the new GPUs and CPUs use less power plus I'm dropping I'll be spinning two less hard drives. If I wanted to go SLI then a larger PSU would be mandatory. No reason to go SLI with my 24" monitor though.

Scorpiuscat · **Posted:** Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:25 pm

I have that same SSD, you are really gonna like it, I use it as my boot drive (Windows, programs, etc).

I also have a 120GB SSD "Game Drive" where all my games go and I have two 750GB HDD for storage of video and such.

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

I've got the SSD in my old rig now but it's only a 3GB port. It wasn't a lot better than my Raptor drive in this computer. I expect to be amazed when its in the new mobo.

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

Ugh, I'd already ordered the motherboard but now I've changed my mind. I ordered a ASUS Maximus V GENE Micro ATX Z77 Gaming Motherboard and I'll just have to return the ASUS P8Z77-M Pro Micro-ATX Motherboard. Too many negative reviews on the P8Z77 and going with the GENE gets me an Intel network chip over the Realtek.

Scorpiuscat · **Posted:** Wed Oct 31, 2012 3:56 pm

I have the full sized ASUS Maximus V, my first board with a Thunderbolt port.

Its a nice board with more features than I think I can use, but so far its been screaming fast and rock solid.

BULL · **Posted:** Wed Oct 31, 2012 6:04 pm

Win 8 ?

Really?

And I had so much respect for you as a fellow veteran...

Scorpiuscat · **Posted:** Wed Oct 31, 2012 6:12 pm

BULL wrote:

Win 8 ?

Really?

And I had so much respect for you as a fellow veteran...

I have a copy of Win8 that I am going to check out on one of my other comps before it ever touches the main rig, in my defense, I cant help myself when it comes to new stuff...I just gotta poke at it. :mrgreen:

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

It's too good a deal plus I wanted the improvements that are in it. Worst case is I get Stardock's add-on that puts the start button back and lets me boot right into the desktop for $5.

BULL · **Posted:** Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:20 pm

I've heard so little about Win8 other than that most reviewers HATE the interface...

Absolutely nothing about any architecture changes, for better or worse...

My understanding is that if you're not using a Surface or some similar type of technology that Win8 is a waste....

Urlik · **Joined:** Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:02 pm **Posts:** 3370

From the end of MaximumPC's review:

Quote:

The features we’ve touched upon, and some of the operating system’s more hardcore elements that we haven’t—like Windows 8’s Storage Spaces or File History feature—just about balance out the general issues you’ll deal with when confronting Microsoft’s “newbie mode” head on. It would be wrong to fear Windows 8 because of the sweeping changes (and poor follow-through) Microsoft has introduced into an otherwise fine desktop operating system. Upgrade your OS. Bask in your faster boot times. Synchronize your settings and files with Microsoft’s fluffy clouds. Heck, burn and mount ISO files—that’s a new one for Windows!

Fear Windows 9 instead. Once Microsoft cuts the cord on the classic desktop, kiss your productivity goodbye. Say hello to Microsoft marketplaces accompanying everything on the OS—much as they do now with a handful of Metro apps. Us? We plan to prepare for the desktop apocalypse by stockpiling copies of Windows ME. $100 per. Cash only.

mikeymike · **Joined:** Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:05 pm **Posts:** 2030

I would have thought in that system a 1kW PSU would be overkill by at least 500W unless the OP wants to run multiple graphics cards.

I would expect my Phenom II X4 960T system to draw more power than that Intel one as AMD's tend to be quite a bit more inefficient than Intel's. In my system (that AMD CPU, 4GB DDR3, 5770, 1 disk, two optical drives), I'm running a Corsair VX450W without problems (2.5 years old).

The 5770 wasn't top of the line, that's true, but if I could have afforded a better graphics card at the time I probably would have gone for the VX550W PSU as a bit of insurance.

My system uses about 80W idle and 186W under load (gaming) when the CPU has all six cores unlocked (I usually leave the last two locked as I don't need them yet).

I've build a couple of Core i7-2600K systems with basic graphics cards in, I think their idle usage was 50W, though it was some time ago I built them.

That MaximumPC review quote is a bizarre mixture of "everything is great!" and "we're all going to die!". Also, I don't get people who think the cloud is the best thing since sliced bread, I really don't. It would like me saying that my smart phone is going to revolutionise the way I work. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and provide extra options in the way we work, that's great. Revolution? No.

Time for a new rig

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