Introduction
Hi,
I wanted to write a build log for my first proper build.
I want to send my props @Faceman for his help in the New Builds and Planning sub-forum. took a long time thinking and picking between a Midi-tower AMD build or a mATX intel build, after which I took another long while to plan to pick my GPU.
Background Information
I've always loved gaming and I've always been a major user of PCs. In 2007 I picked the parts for my first build as a 16 year old, however, I had it built for me instead of building it myself. It was a Intel Q6600 / 8200GT based gaming PC and really did the job at the time.
That computer was great for my needs until about 2011 when I switched to using primarily a laptop. After finishing uni and making some money working, I decided I was sick and tired of a laggy pc with a low resolution.
I really wanted something relatively compact, because I move around a lot. I also wanted something that looked great, but wasn't too flashy (i.e. no crazy cases with tons of lights).
The Aerocool Dead Silence Cube really hit my eye. It's quite sleek and understated. What I really like is the horizontal motherboard, which should prevent GPU sag and also, it makes the GPU the primary "eye candy" you'll end up seeing through the cases window.
Another strong option would've been the Xigmatek Aquila.
Final Part List & Pricing
I was on a budget, which I ended up going over by about 150€ by adding a new PSU, an SSD and going for the GTX 770 instead of a R9 265 dual-x or 270.
The primary purpose is multimedia, working and 1080/60 FPS gaming. I think this computer will do nicely for those purposes for the next 5 or so years.
- Aerocool DS Black Edition with window, mATX - paid 63€;, price in Finland 93€;
- Intel i5 4760K - paid 144€;, in Finland 204€;
- Hyper 212 EVO - 35€;
- ASUS GTX 770-DC2OC - paid 217€;, price in Finland 307€;
- Corsair CX Series Modular CX600M, 600W - paid 63, price in Finland 71€;
- ASRock Z87M Pro4, Socket 1150, mATX - paid 79€;, price in Finland 92€;
- 8GB Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X CL9 1600mhz - paid 66€;, price in Finland 79€;
- A-DATA 128GB 6Gb s SP900 paid 63€;, price in Finland 72€;
- Samsung 500GB / 7200 RPM
- Seagate Barracuda 250GB / 7200RPM
- LG DVD/RW
- be quiet!Shadow Wings SW1 140mm mid-speed paid 14€;, price in Finland 20€;
- Windows 8.1
- Watchdogs game
= 752€
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The total for this identical set-up bought from Finland for the cheapest price on each part would be 973€;
Additionally, I saved about 180€ using old HDDs, Windows 8 and a DVDRW.
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I am quite happy with the specs of this build considering what I could've got for 750€ buying parts from Finland.
Build Comments
- So far building has been quite easy and fun. I'm waiting till tonight for my CPU and GPU to arrive. Then I get to test that all my parts actually work and aren't DOA. I'm super excited to get this build ready.
Here are some pictures so far!
Build Photos
