Not bad, what about a cpu cooler? I would recommend the Corsair CPU coolers. I use them and they keep my CPU very nice and cool. You can look at the different models here and they have different prices on the different models depending on your budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=corsair+cpu+cooler&N=-1&isNodeId=1

What about graphics cards? If you need a graphics card or cards, PM me.

Do you have a Microcenter location near you, by chance? If you do, you can cut a lot off of your costs by getting one of their motherboard/processor bundle combos. Substantial cost savings.

Quote from: Skyline on January 25, 2014, 02:17:39 AM

No reason in particular to post this other than I've had fun geeking out and researching the past few days.  I haven't built a PC since around 2005 (been living in laptop world), so it's been fun to think about building something from the ground up

Case: Corsair Obsidian 350D - $99
PSU: Corsair CX430 - $45
MB: ASRock H87M Pro 4 - $73
PSU: i5 4440 - $189
Memory: Team 16GB DDR3 1600 - $140
Solid State: Samsung EVO 128GB Sata III - $90
Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB - $60
Blu-ray: LG 16x - $70

Should be able to fit all of this in under $800...

The 350D is ok, but I think the Fractal Define R4 is more solid for the same money. Keep in mind that Corsair doesn't actually make that PSU, it's a Super Flower or FSP or something. Spend a little bit more and get a Seasonic that's 80 Plus Gold. For RAM, G.Skill. I would also seriously consider spending a bit of cash on something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186058

The noise level will be reduced DRASTICALLY compared to the POS stock cooler, for half the price of a Noctua or Prolimatech.

The Define R4 is also on my "watch-list".  Along with the nanoxia deep silence series and the arc midi r2.

I ended up choosing the 350D due to it being a microATX case and all of the glowing reviews I've read about ease of install and excellent cable management (I'm a neat freak).  The last PC I bought was a full-sized monster and so I'm kind of excited about a smaller/lighter PC.   Of course, if I change to an R4 or something, then it would probably cause me to re-think my MB purchase as well.


I have G. Skill on my memory list...there's is only $10 more than what I have listed.   But, I honestly don't think there's anything special about G. Skill.  A lot of rebranded stuff just like you mentioned with the PSU.

And speaking of the PSU, I just finished having this discussion with a bunch of guys over at anandtech.  I've got  a Rosewill and Seasonic on my watch-list.  If they drop down to a good price, then I'll go that direction.  That said, the CX430 has gotten some high price for its price/quality ratio.  The review at hardware secrets is especially positive.  My system is extremely low-power, so I'm not going to be taxing it.  It has a 3-year warranty and if I get 3 years out of this PSU, then I'll consider it a win, especially since it can often be had for $25 or so after rebates.

Fair enough. Arctic Cooling also sells a similar version of that heatsink with a 92mm fan for about $20. The G.Skill recommendation was just personal experience, very high quality stuff and low failure rates.

Yep, I've read good things about G.Skill.  If the price difference stays at $10 I may go that way in the end.  I'm going to be building this system over a period of time...just buying parts a piece at a time as I see good deals on them.

I'll certainly keep the heatsink/fan combos in mind.  I know cooling won't be an issue with the stock stuff, but if the noise is too much for me then I'll be looking for an aftermarket solution. 

Any thoughts on the rest of the system?

System looks fine, but it's very odd that you're going for a 'cheaper' build while still getting a premium case.  Tons of cheaper options for the mATX platform.

The R4 is fucking massive compared to the 350D - not even close to being in the same class.  If you're eyeing the deep silence or the r4, the define mini is the better option.  Cheaper, mATX platform but with almost the exact same layout.

I'm a sucker for nice cases.  I have no real defense beyond that

The 350D just seems so nicely laid out with a lot of attention to detail.  Great cable management and no obvious corner cutting to save on cost.  It also seems like something I could grow into if I ever change my mind down the road and decide to pursue gaming, water cooling, etc. 

I'll go check out the define mini, though.