The PC Build Thread

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Hi there. I have a nice gaming rig at home. but what i really want is a cheap, htpc, 1080p capable that runs CHEAP! because i calculated that my current PC could cost R500 a month to keep running because of it's 750w idling!

I have considered the ASUS EEE Box 1501 or 1505... but I can't seem to get stock in SA.

I would like to run windows 7 on it and xbmc, as well as use it for a server for IP security cameras.
 
750w on idle wow what must you run a super computer used by nasa. Nah your pc will use about 150w on idle max
 
a-person said:
Hi there. I have a nice gaming rig at home. but what i really want is a cheap, htpc, 1080p capable that runs CHEAP! because i calculated that my current PC could cost R500 a month to keep running because of it's 750w idling!

I have considered the ASUS EEE Box 1501 or 1505... but I can't seem to get stock in SA.

I would like to run windows 7 on it and xbmc, as well as use it for a server for IP security cameras.
Click to expand...

Look at an HP microserver n40l, I use one as my htpc, its power draw is very light.
 
The problem with this thread is you are getting components from so many online stores at a time that you end up wasting a lot of money in the process, also the fact that you have listed components from dodgy online stores such as purpleflytrading.

You should restrict the builds to using only one or two online stores which will save on shipping costs.
 
PC Builder's Guide

NomNom said:
The problem with this thread is you are getting components from so many online stores at a time that you end up wasting a lot of money in the process, also the fact that you have listed components from dodgy online stores such as purpleflytrading.

You should restrict the builds to using only one or two online stores which will save on shipping costs.
Click to expand...

Hi NomNom

I have launched a whole new guide, you can see it here : http://comogam.net/pc-builders-guide/
 
Hi guys,

Any recommendations, concerns and/or opinions are welcome on what you think about the below build. The RAM could be better in comparison to the other components I'm getting - was particularly looking for QVL RAM to go with the Mobo. Tried looking for decent CORSAIR RAM but had to settle for the Kingston ValueRAM in the end :cry:

All items taken from TakeAlot.com.

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H Motherboard - Socket LGA1155 (GA-Z77X-UD3H)
CPU: Intel Boxed Core i5 3570K - 3.40GHz Quad Core - Socket 1155 CPU (BX80637I53570K)
GPU: Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 - GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0 Graphics Card - 2GB (GV-N660OC-2GD)
RAM: 2x Kingston - ValueRam DRR3 1333Mhz - 4GB (KVR1333D3N9/4G)
PSU: Gigabyte Superb 620 Watt Power Supply- Sleeve Cables, Monitoring Software (GZ-SUPERB-620-C3)
Case: GMC H-80 Chassis - No Power Supply

Look forward to hearing from you.

EDIT:
Just out of curiosity, does the RAM necessarily have to be QVL to compatible with the Mobo? Would this work with the Mobo specified above even though it's not on the QVL compatibility list?
 
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Okay, so my motherboard has four DIMM slots, two orange, two purple. I tested it last night and it seems both purple slots are dead, which explains why my PC refuses to work when I put in a second stick of RAM. Now my only option is to put in two sticks of 2gb RAM in the two orange DIMM slots, but I'm a bit unsure about one thing. This is what the manual says;

For dual channel configuration, you must always install identical (the same board,
speed, size and chip-type) DDR2 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color.
Click to expand...

So, does that mean the exact same RAM, as in the same brand, or just matching specs?
 
Sigh at the high prices for the i5-3570k at the moment.

Another thing, how come rebeltech's 7870 is so expensive? Looking exclusively at the MSI Twin Frozer III Cards:

MSI R7870 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC : Rebeltech - R3786; Evetech - R2799

Evetech's offering is a special though, but I can't imagine the regular price being R1k more. For R100 more I'd much rather go for a 7950.
 
|3ash3r said:
PSU: Gigabyte Superb 620 Watt Power Supply- Sleeve Cables, Monitoring Software (GZ-SUPERB-620-C3)
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I'd rather recommend the Antec HCG-520M PSU, or alternatively the Corsair GS500 / 600.

Antec High Current Gamer 520W Modular PSU
Corsair Gamer Series 600W PSU

Both Antec and Corsair are well-known manufacturers of top class gaming PSUs. Don't be fooled by the lower wattage on (Compared to the 620W Model you listed). The output current on the 12V rails are much higher for the two PSUs I listed above; which is more important than wattage. Also, both of them have the 80+Bronze certification as well as a 3 year warranty (5 Years on the Antec).

They are a bit more expensive, but it is definitely worth it. Feel free to check out their reviews:

Review: Antec HCG-520 PSU.
Review: Corsair GS500 PSU

Even the TX550M is an excellent option: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX550M 550W Modular

I'd also recommend you buy from Rebeltech, they are generally cheaper than other online retailers, but they do take a while to restock. For example, you can get Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600MHz 4Gb modules for R227 from rebeltech, which will outperform the Kingston RAM you listed by far.

On your question regarding QVL, in my experience: Not necessarily. There is an extremely small chance that the aforementioned Corsair DIMMs would yield errors with the motherboard.

As for the GPU, a 7870 would kick the GTX660's butt all over the place, while costing less and using a lot less power. As I mentioned before though, the 7870 is for some reason insanely expensive from Rebeltech, have a look at Evetech rather: MSI R7870 Twin Frozer III 2G5/OC GHz Edition

Then on to the motherboard, you can spend about R300-500 less on a decent Z77 board from Asus / ASRock / MSI. Nothing against Gigabyte boards, the board you listed is amazing, I just think you could settle for a less expensive option. (the ASRock Z77 Pro3 retails for R1100 at Rebeltech).

Question: Are you looking to OC your components? (RAM/GFX/CPU)
 
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Edit: @Duff-man, epic post with the 9 different builds!

I'm curious as to where/when you compiled the price lists though? I'm looking at the Enthusiast build, and I only need the chassis + its contents.
 
NomNom said:
The problem with this thread is you are getting components from so many online stores at a time that you end up wasting a lot of money in the process, also the fact that you have listed components from dodgy online stores such as purpleflytrading.

You should restrict the builds to using only one or two online stores which will save on shipping costs.
Click to expand...

Especially when you deal with multiple computers. If both online stores offer free delivery after X amount, then fine. You can negotiate with some online stores and secure discounts for buying everything with them - rather get it all at one place than have to maintain a spreadsheet for each and every single PC in your home.
 
FlatspinZA said:
Especially when you deal with multiple computers. If both online stores offer free delivery after X amount, then fine. You can negotiate with some online stores and secure discounts for buying everything with them - rather get it all at one place than have to maintain a spreadsheet for each and every single PC in your home.
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Hi FlatspinZA

You can view the new PC Builder's Guide here : http://comogam.net/pc-builders-guide/

As suggested by NomNom, I've taken a new approach to the PC Builder's Guide, where instead of sourcing components at the cheapest price available from a wide host of online retailers, I've opted to rather use one store (for peace of mind), that being Rebel Tech.

The choice was due to a variety of reasons, but most importantly, many members from MyBroadband (including myself) have bought from Rebel Tech and their customer service is excellent, this I can personally vouch for. Rebel Tech will generally go out of their way to please a customer, an example of this is that if you buy your components from their store Rebel Tech will personally put together your PC free of charge. Secondly their prices are well below most of their competition, I've found that the only stores that could possibly match Rebel Tech, in terms of pricing, were Prophecy, PC International and Ikonic IT.
 
sTrideR|JP said:
Edit: @Duff-man, epic post with the 9 different builds!

I'm curious as to where/when you compiled the price lists though? I'm looking at the Enthusiast build, and I only need the chassis + its contents.
Click to expand...

Thanks man :). If you are looking for the prices just click on the component(s) that you want to view. I did a price update 2 days ago so all prices should be up to date. All components are sourced from Rebel Tech so you can purchase everything from one place (further reasons explained in the above post).

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.
 
|3ash3r said:
Hi guys,

Any recommendations, concerns and/or opinions are welcome on what you think about the below build. The RAM could be better in comparison to the other components I'm getting - was particularly looking for QVL RAM to go with the Mobo. Tried looking for decent CORSAIR RAM but had to settle for the Kingston ValueRAM in the end :cry:

All items taken from TakeAlot.com.

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H Motherboard - Socket LGA1155 (GA-Z77X-UD3H)
CPU: Intel Boxed Core i5 3570K - 3.40GHz Quad Core - Socket 1155 CPU (BX80637I53570K)
GPU: Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 - GDDR5 PCI-E 3.0 Graphics Card - 2GB (GV-N660OC-2GD)
RAM: 2x Kingston - ValueRam DRR3 1333Mhz - 4GB (KVR1333D3N9/4G)
PSU: Gigabyte Superb 620 Watt Power Supply- Sleeve Cables, Monitoring Software (GZ-SUPERB-620-C3)
Case: GMC H-80 Chassis - No Power Supply

Look forward to hearing from you.

EDIT:
Just out of curiosity, does the RAM necessarily have to be QVL to compatible with the Mobo? Would this work with the Mobo specified above even though it's not on the QVL compatibility list?
Click to expand...

Hi 3ash3er

Here are my 3 recommendations for your build:

1. I would rather you opt for an ASRock Z77 Extreme4, save around R600 and spend that money elsewhere. The Z77X-UD3H's price does not justify the minor advantages it offers over the Extreme4.

2. I would change your PSU to either a Corsair TX-650 or an Antec HCG 620. Gigabyte's PSU's have established a name for themselves in the industry, due to the fact that their former flagship Odin series had tendencies to blow up, but on a more serious note Gigabyte power supplies (along with many other cheap PSU's) don't actually provide the advertised power under 100% load. Depending on the cheap PSU, under 100% load the power output could drop by 15-20%, that's why I recommend PSU's from trusted brands such as Antec, Corsair and Seasonic (though local suppliers generally don't import Seasonic PSU's).

3. I would invest the money you saved on your motherboard and invest it in either a GTX 660 Ti (if you're not looking to overclock) or a HD7870 (if you are going to overclock). Overclocking a GPU nowadays is a fairly easy task, there are many tools that allow to to easily adjust your GPU's clocks. Though the most popular GPU overclocking tools are EVGA's Precision X, ASUS GPU Tweak & MSI Afterburner. The HD7870 could easily be pushed to GTX 670 performance levels by overclocking.

RAM doesn't have to be on the qualified vendor list to be compatible with the motherboard. The qualified vendor list is just a list of RAM that has been tested and approved by the motherboard manufacturer. There is only a very small chance that the RAM you've bought will not be compatible with your motherboard.

Finally as an optional extra recommendation I would suggest you either get 8GB G.Skill RipjawsX or 8GB Corsair Vengeance RAM.

There is not much of a performance difference between RAM clocked at 1333MHz and RAM clocked at 1600MHz, though I would recommend one of these if you want to overclock your RAM. If you are overclocking, I'd recommend the RipjawsX as it can be easily pushed to 1866MHz and with a little more effort, 2133MHz. The Corsair Vengeance sticks tend to be a little harder to overclock, however if you want your RAM to look good then you should go for the Corsair Vengeance RAM.


Hope this helps, if you have any further questions feel free to ask :)
 
7870 Hawk @ R2799! Damn! (ikonic)

To be honest I wouldn't mind to drive a few miles extra to collect components from two or three retailers, seeing that Rebeltech's pricing on the 7870 / 7850 cards is a bit screwed up at the moment T_T
 
Win a EVGA GTX 670 FTW

To commemorate the launch of my new site Comogam - http://comogam.net, I've organised a EVGA GTX 670 FTW, and I'm going to make it the prize for Comogam's very first competition.

Basically, we want you to create awareness about Comogam, by creating referral links, linking to Comogam, which we will then track using Google Analytics & Woopra Analytics.
The person who gets the most referrals will win the GTX 670.

To enter and for more details visit here : http://www.comogam.net/ext/index.php?/topic/49-competition-win-a-evga-gtx670-ftw/

Anyone can enter, and you can post as many referral links as you want.
 
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