The PC Build Thread

[UrBaN963]

Which DC Fan controller and ARGB fan controller would you recommend?

I have the P400A so it might be a bit different, but this is how it works on mine.

I have the 3 front RGB fans (that come with the case) and the rear fan connected to the Deepcool unit. That connects to a header on the motherboard. Depending on the motherboard you have, the fan header will either support DC or DC & PWM management. Doesn't really matter which because you can just set the fan curve in the BIOS (again, depending on the motherboard).

The other fans I have connected directly to the motherboard (I have 6 fan headers in total - 1x CPU, 1 x Pump for the AIO, 4 x PWM).

As for the RGB, the front three daisy-chain together and you connect that to the motherboard on either an RGB or JRGB (Rainbow for MSI motherboards) connector.

Maybe you can state your motherboard and we can help further with this, but for that many fans, you probably want something like a Coolermaster Masterfan ARGB & PWM Fan Hub, I just don't know if they're available locally.

 

[UrBaN963]

guys anyone in cape town willing to sell second hand cpu for

ROG STRIX Z370-F and 1 stick ddr4 ram​

pm me
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjG5Nrl0Kb2AhUQi1wKHRFaBzgQFnoECAwQAQ&url=https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-z370-f-gaming-model/&usg=AOvVaw0a_WdtoAB0Egs5mtySHhro

Check Carbonite.co.za

 

[eddybsb4u]

I have the P400A so it might be a bit different, but this is how it works on mine.

I have the 3 front RGB fans (that come with the case) and the rear fan connected to the Deepcool unit. That connects to a header on the motherboard. Depending on the motherboard you have, the fan header will either support DC or DC & PWM management. Doesn't really matter which because you can just set the fan curve in the BIOS (again, depending on the motherboard).

The other fans I have connected directly to the motherboard (I have 6 fans ports in total - 1x CPU, 1 x Pump for the AIO, 4 x PWM).

As for the RGB, the front three daisy-chain together and you connect that to the motherboard on either an RGB or JRGB (Rainbow for MSI motherboards) connector.

Maybe you can state your motherboard and we can help further with this, but for that many fans, you probably want something like a Coolermaster Masterfan ARGB & PWM Fan Hub, I just don't know if they're available locally.

I think this makes sense.

I'm just waiting for the CPU. Will give you an update by Saturday.

 

[airborne]

What's a good quality ATX case?
Must have 175mm clearance for a CPU cooler.

What attributes define a high quality case?

I would prefer to buy once rather than incremental upgrades till I reach acceptable quality.

What's the Noctua of the PC case world?

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Corsair is very good

 

[eddybsb4u]

What's a good quality ATX case?
Must have 175mm clearance for a CPU cooler.

What attributes define a high quality case?

I would prefer to buy once rather than incremental upgrades till I reach acceptable quality.

What's the Noctua of the PC case world?

Phanteks P500A

 

[StrontiumDog]

What's a good quality ATX case?

Not sure what people think of this Coolermaster but i went with the CM694 as the promo material (youtube vid and web page) sold me on it. Price I am getting it at is R2120 ex VAT.

Cooler Master MasterBox CM694 Mid Tower PC Case

The CM690 line is praised for its build versatility and expansive capabilities - the new MasterBox CM694 stays true to its origin while decreasing its footprint by 10% in comparison to the original CM690 III. Using only the latest technology, the fine mesh on the CM694 achieves optimal airflow...

www.coolermaster.com

The other option I considered briefly was a Corsair but I was in a rush so at a glance and based on gut feel the CM was what I went with.

https://www.corsair.com/eu/en/Categories/Products/Cases/Carbide-Series%E2%84%A2-100R-Mid-Tower-Case/p/CC-9011075-WW#tab-overview

Like a numbnuts I didn't ask the price of the Corsair, probably much cheaper (edit: R1,079 on Takealot. Maybe I can still change my order.)

The reason for the rush was in part i wanted to get the purchase in before end of tax year but the other reason was Russian invading Ukraine, i was worried prices might shoot up. Not sure if that fear will turn out to be unfounded.

 

[_kabal_]

What's a good quality ATX case?
Must have 175mm clearance for a CPU cooler.

What attributes define a high quality case?

I would prefer to buy once rather than incremental upgrades till I reach acceptable quality.

What's the Noctua of the PC case world?

Fractal Design Meshify C

Edit: nope, only supports up to 172mm

 

[_kabal_]

I ended up going with this combo

View attachment 1249170


Could've probably managed to save about R1000 by dropping to the ASUS PRIME B660M-K (but then you lose 2 ram slots, and a NVMe slot), getting 3200MHz RAM, and a slightly cheaper SSD.

All in all there doesnt seem to be much "budget" Alder Lake stock available at the moment, unless you willing to order from multiple sources, especially on the motherboard side of things.

I will then move my 3070ti into this box, and use it in the lounge.

Kind of conned myself into building this box by telling myself I already have pretty much the best gaming monitor available (LG CX55 OLED) and that I should be using it for ALL gaming
I could say there are other "inconveniences" in my current setup, like gaming where I work, and having to reboot into Windows


Also then purchased the Corsair K63 wireless lapboard combo and a Logitech G305 Lightspeed.

Combo'd with a Series X controller, this should make for some excellent couch PC gaming

Really impressed with this ASUS motherboard (or maybe it is just a new intel m/b feature), but the motherboard comes pre installed with its network driver and then prompts you to auto install it (wasn’t finding a network during the windows 11 install, and was then semi annoyed that I would need to go to my other pc and download the drivers)

The lap board is pretty awesome too in the time I have used it to install windows and then debloat it

 

[airborne]

Thanks for the heads up on cases, but what I really want to know is what to look out for on a good case?

Like my current Evetech :vomit: Ares case is functional but made like cr⁴p, wires are stiff, clips don't hold things flush, the case sags...

 

[_kabal_]

Thanks for the heads up on cases, but what I really want to know is what to look out for on a good case?

Like my current Evetech :vomit: Ares case is functional but made like cr⁴p, wires are stiff, clips don't hold things flush, the case sags...

Without touching them and seeing them, removing panels, so that you can see good build quality, you are gonna have to go with something like reddit opinions/threads

I cannot speak to all Phanteks for example, but I have the P400S, and 2 Fractal Design Meshify C's (black and white), and in my humble opinion, the FD is a tier above the Phanteks (but this is not reflected in pricing difference if there even is any). Things like how the metal is cut/stamped and folded.

It's hard to explain, and it's like comparing the plastic of a BMW e90 with a Toyota Corolla. They are both plastic, but the BMW's quality/feel is objectively better.

Having said that, I would assume all the popular R1300-R2000 case options are all good to excellent for what you pay

 

[UrBaN963]

Thanks for the heads up on cases, but what I really want to know is what to look out for on a good case?

Like my current Evetech :vomit: Ares case is functional but made like cr⁴p, wires are stiff, clips don't hold things flush, the case sags...

You want a good brand.

Corsair
Lian-Li
Fractal Design
Phanteks

That's about it in this country.

Then, you want decent cooling. Mesh-fronted cases are generally best for this as they have relatively unobstructed airflow, so your components can keep cooler.

Then, budget dependent, a case that comes with fans pre-installed is a good option as it's a financial saving and saves time.

I would recommend these:

Corsair 5000D
Fractal Torrent
Phanteks P500A DRGB
Lian-Li 011 Dynamic

 

[airborne]

Thanks!

 

[Barbarian Conan]

Thanks for the heads up on cases, but what I really want to know is what to look out for on a good case?

Like my current Evetech :vomit: Ares case is functional but made like cr⁴p, wires are stiff, clips don't hold things flush, the case sags...

Back when I asked the question for Cyberdyne, the answer was it's like the difference between a Fiat and a Mercedes, you just know. What a stupid answer.

It's not wrong though. You just know.
Airflow is one, and some reviews compare component temperatures. Look at the HardwareCanucks and GamersNexus case reviews.
It's also the layout and space. It's things like quick release for drive bays, ample space for cable management and built-in velcro cable ties.
It's the quality of included fans.
It's looks.
It's the little extras, like the screw case you get with Phanteks.
It's the included screws which you can tighten most of the way with your fingers, which don't strip easily.
It's the ease of opening, closing and removing panels.


It's also weight... which is where my Phanteks P600S let me down. With a Ryzen 3700X stock cooler, 2 mechanical HDDs, 850W PSU and a chonky boi 1080Ti, it's 30Kg+ IIRC.
Back in the day I had a full tower Aluminium Lian Li case that was huge, but light as a feather.

My Phanteks P600S gives me the best of both worlds, with removable panels if I want mesh panels for better airflow at the expense of noise. If I close the mesh up with the magnetic panels, airflow is slightly worse, but noise is less.

 

[Neoprod]

Back when I asked the question for Cyberdyne, the answer was it's like the difference between a Fiat and a Mercedes, you just know. What a stupid answer.

Lol, Cyberdyne - great prices, terrible customer service if you dared to ask a question.

I ordered a specific revision of a CPU (think it was the q6600) from them way back when...they were happy to take my money then turn around and say we can't get you a particular stepping, you'll get whatever we get. I was like cool, can I have my money back. Then they went into a spiel about people wanting specific revisions of a CPU for overclocking - like duh. Took a week of arguing with various people before I got a refund.

Never went back.

 

[Neoprod]

You want a good brand.

Corsair
Lian-Li
Fractal Design
Phanteks

That's about it in this country.

Then, you want decent cooling. Mesh-fronted cases are generally best for this as they have relatively unobstructed airflow, so your components can keep cooler.

Then, budget dependent, a case that comes with fans pre-installed is a good option as it's a financial saving and saves time.

I would recommend these:

Corsair 5000D
Fractal Torrent
Phanteks P500A DRGB
Lian-Li 011 Dynamic

I really like the Torrent...it's funky-looking while still being functional.

But I wouldn't spend that much on a case - my birthday's coming up though, Bunny.

 

[UrBaN963]

I really like the Torrent...it's funky-looking while still being functional.

But I wouldn't spend that much on a case - my birthday's coming up though, Bunny.

"A man is only as valuable as his case..." - Turkmenistani Proverb, probably

I can definitely hook you up with a case for your birthday, let me know where to deliver.

 

[Neoprod]

"A man is only as valuable as his case..." - Turkmenistani Proverb, probably

I can definitely hook you up with a case for your birthday, let me know where to deliver.

Hehe, I was kidding. I'm too lazy to transplant stuff even for a free case

 

[wizardofid]

"A man is only as valuable as his case..." - Turkmenistani Proverb, probably

I can definitely hook you up with a case for your birthday, let me know where to deliver.

well, well rockefeller...... my bday just past, I need a 4tb hdd......too lazy to buy one *wink* *wink* lol

 

[_kabal_]

I really like the Torrent...it's funky-looking while still being functional.

But I wouldn't spend that much on a case - my birthday's coming up though, Bunny.

The torrent nano is an awesome looking case, with a surprisingly large inside. Couldn’t find it anywhere though