build Idea.

Hey,

Now, if you've seen me about the forums, you probably already know, I'm not too savvy when it comes to computers. Now you may grit your teeth as I tell you, this utterly hopeless fool, is going to be building a new gaming rig (I've built before, back when I "thought" I was clever with PCS, the rig worked fine, but... was quite poor with it's hardware).

Now this is something I am not rushing, the things I've seen are the things I deem is okay (I'm not after perfect yet). now if you have alternatives, for maybe £20 more, let me know and I'll look into it. I'm not looking at getting everything ready right now, and I'm most certainly not looking for anything which is going to cost me over £100 quid a part (baring in mind, most of the items are 2nd hand, as I'm not rich).

Basically this is a platform, something I want to gradually upgrade as time passes. I know that the AM3+ slot is obsolete now, but, for what I got the processor and mobo for, it really doesn't bother me, it's something I can change in a year or 2.

I'm looking for an input, anything that can be changed or thought about? Something I'm missing.

Possible build one-
mother board : Gigabyte 990X SLI (owned)
Processor : AMD FX 6300 3.5GHZ 6 core (owned)
CPU Cooler: Maelstrom 120K (buying)
GPU : gigabyte GTX 770 windforce 2gb (now owned)
RAM : Kingston 2x4GB 1400mhz (I have these spare, will upgrade)
PSU : CCIVO 450W (owned). Currently looking at Corsair RM650X modular Gold
HDD: 1TB HDD (looking at a Samsung 850 EVO SSD in the near future)
Optical - CD/dvd RW (owned)
Case: RaidMax Tornado (owned). Upgrading to Thermal Lake GT 10 in the future.
Fans: Noctura, 2x 120mm 12000RPM fans. (buying soon)

I know that the PSU is nearing it's limit, I would like to purchase a new one, but PC Part picker, tells me this rig will push up to 425W. Which doesn't leave much room for extra cooling fans, future upgrades, extra GPUs etc etc, (EDIT- realised this is PSU is only capable of 300W, changing ASAP).

Also I want a good case, something that will last a good while, I like the CIT Darkstar but is it a good one? Same goes to the PSU. (EDIT - Keeping current case, girlfriend getting me a thermal lake GT 10, which should last a VERY long time a.k.a "future proof" lol. A laughable notion)

Now in many respects I'm looking at building a cheap pc, a lot cheaper then most. Now this is going to sound silly, but I'm not exactly looking for Cheap parts, like some fan made in a distant land, using cheap materials. I will sink more money in it, but for now, I just want a kick starter.

(I did look at new PC's to buy, they all seemed rather good until I actually did some research on them, and found I could build a much better pc myself, and for around the same price,)

edit- Changed quite alot of material in this OP. 1st edit- changed 2 builds to 1. second edit - Added an extra GPU choice. 3rd edit, Changed the case choice. 4th edit, Changed possible PSU. 5th edit, Changed cooling fan options. 6th Edit- My arm was bent to get the 770 GPU, did a trade and managed to get it for 30 quid and two old GPUs). 7th edit, Added maelstrom water cooler.

updated severely, sorry for the double post but the context of my thread has changed ALOT. I went from 2 possible builds down to 1 definite build.

Bill1 said:

Allen, if your AMD cpu is still under warranty, using an aftermarket cooler will void your warranty. I would recommend Antec or Seasonic PSUs gold certified at 600 watts or better.
I like Noctura brand fans, and if you decide on an aftermarket cooler, also Noctura. And a Samsung 850 EVO SSD will make a big difference.

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I would have thought the warranty would be void as they discontinued the AM3+ family last year? I suppose I still have my rights as a buyer though. So you think I should stick with the stock cooler? If I do this, would I need to up my cooling system through the PC? maybe chuck on a couple of extra fans? Thanks for the info, I would've put an after-market cooler on without a second thought.

Regarding the tower case, my girlfriend said I could pick anything for my birthday if it would help with my build, I decided to go for the Thermal take 10 GT case (I saw it and fell in love). However, thatt's a while away, so for now I'm going to have to use my present case, which is poor. I mean I've got room for a 120mm intake fan on the front, there's not one on the back, so I'll probably need an out-take there, but that's about all I can do regarding cooling and this case. Do you think it will suffice? (I do have an outlet on the side, would it be better flipping this round to an in-take?)

Thanks for suggesting some PSU's, in fact it was actually quite timely. I had a little dig around, and found out my PSU doesn't have any PCI/e connectors, and not only that, but even though it states 450W, it only pushes out 300W (don't really understand why they'd brand it 450W, maybe that's it's potential?). so I'll get looking at some now, got £70 coming in tomorrow, I'm sure that will be enough for a half decent quality PSU (will be buying this new though). Speaking of PSU's, if I got a 600W continuous, and I only needed 400, would that not fry the system?

I've also bought an anti-static wrist band, which I nearly forgot about.

What do you think of the build? does it seem viable? I'm sorry for all the questions, but reviews from critics are always so different, I never know where I stand with them, and you guys here seem to have a lot of experience. You don't look down your nose on products, unless there's a good reason too. Call me a brown-noser if you want, but I trust you guys more then those reviewers!

Side Note I was looking for PSU's and I came across a Corsair RM650x modular Gold, it's a tiny bit out of my £70 budget, which I realize is low for a PSU, Seasonics and Antec golds are a lot pricier from what I've seen. However, I like the idea of being able to use what cables I want, it'll be a lot neater (my pc is a mess right now, I have no gromits/tidy-holes, so everything is cable tied everywhere). Would this PSU do the job?

I've decided, I'm not keeping the stock cooler. I've just been told that the processor I'm getting is already opened, and is being sold as pre-owned. I take it that the warranty on it will then be void. As this is the case, should I get a water cooler? I mean the 6300 should be okay for my gaming needs, but then I'll have the option to over-clock. Would it be a wise option to get one?

I'm not planning a DIY water cooler, I'd prefer to get mine ready and able (new) because I don't want to take the risk of giving my PC a shower.

DOUGIE said:

Hi Allan.
I am running sealed water coolers on all my computers now. A single Fan water cooler only costs a little more than an air cooler and they perform better than air coolers.
And you haven't got a large air cooler hanging off the motherboard.
The air cooler fins are very easy to scratch yourself on as well.

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Ah, I've heard they perform a lot better then any air cooled fan. I'm guessing you would t have them in all your computers they have to be half decent.

Any suggestions on what water cooler I should go for. And easy installation small water cooler would be preferred. There's not a huge amount of room in my rig so size is a limitation.

Is the smallest radiator fan a 120 mm? I might be able to squeeze one. But is there smaller? If there is how much does the performance degrade

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

DOUGIE said:

I use 3 different brand sealed water coolers.
I have a cooler master single and double 120mm sealed cooler in different PC's.
Don't like Cooler Master because the fluid hoses are too stiff.
Most good brands are much the same.
The other brand I have is a NZXT Kraken X42 Water Cooler.
My absolute favourite is the Maelstrom 120K. Amazing cooling.

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Well I looked up the maelstrom 120k, I was expecting to grab my partners inhaler prepared for the chunky pricetag I thought it would have. That is actually really affordable, and I'm **** sure it'll fit in this case! I think you've sorted out my CPU cooling needs @DOUGIE !

Gonna add this onto my list. Gonna get my PSU sorted out next I'm getting a little bit excited, my motherboard arrived yesterday and I got a little bit excited. I've not done any of this for years. Even though I said I'll take my time, alot of it is coming together rather quickly! in about 2-3 weeks, I might have my rig ready and able! Thanks dougie, all I need to sort out now is some RAM!

Also, as far as pc's go, how good is mine looking (considering it's all being done under £350) am I doing well or have I rushed lol

DOUGIE said:

Hi Allan.
Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier, as I had some new computer builds.
Yes, better PSU and a Samsung 850 Evo would compliment the build.
Noctura Fans, are very good as Bill said.
My favourite Ram speed is 1600 2X4
I have an FX6300. You can easily O/C with the AMD OverDrive.
I would be happy with this build with these.
As you say cases can be changed anytime.

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Brilliant, thank you very much for your input and you too @Bill1 !

Got my funds ready for a PSU, and need to get some thermal paste! I think I've got all the information I needed. If you want you can close this thread now, or await the build to be completed for updates