Tell me what you think.

[CoolioG]

This is the current rig i'm working on and this will be my primary computer when it's done.

These are the current specs (I have not yet ordered these parts, so please tell me if these specs are not up to par.) -

• AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Triple-Core Processor
• Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 Desktop RAM
• Western Digital Caviar Blue 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
• MSI Tuner Card TV@nywhere Plus PCI Interface (with remote)
• GIGABYTE GA-MA790GPT-UD3H AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit or Ubuntu Koala 64-bit

I have not chosen a case yet and would like recommendations (because I have no idea what to look for in a case).

The main reason I'm posting is to see if these parts will work smoothly together and if they are good for some light gaming, video/ photo editing, bittorents, and tons of internet browsing and media applications.

 

[Jonathan_King]

I really like my Antec 300 case: Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Roomy, plenty of drive bays, easy to open, it has a washable air filter.

What are you wanting analyzed? You could get better, but you would pay more. Are you sure you only need a 120GB hard drive?

 

[CoolioG]

I really like my Antec 300 case: Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Roomy, plenty of drive bays, easy to open, it has a washable air filter.

What are you wanting analyzed? You could get better, but you would pay more. Are you sure you only need a 120GB hard drive?

Great looking case (and it's on NEWEGG!). The hard drive does seem a bit weak but I have a 120gb hard drive on my laptop and it's only a bit more than half filled.

 

[pparks1]

The Antec 300 is a solid case and is readily available. I've used some of the Antec 300 + BP430's at work and they have been good. (for those who like lights and windows...this case has neither) Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred + BP430 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply - Computer Cases

If you value very quiet cases, the Antec Sonata III is a fantastic choice. I have 2 computers at home using the Antec Sonata II's and I have been thrilled with them. Newegg.com - Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Computer Cases

With regards to hard drive space...with being as cheap as it is...I would go larger just to ensure you have enough space. And you probably don't really save that much money by going smaller.

For example, at NewEgg you can get a 1TB Hitachi drive for $79. Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar HD31000 IDK/7K (0S00163) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Retail

 

[Jonathan_King]

Yes, but I recommend a 7200 RPM drive for the OS drive.

 

[CoolioG]

For example, at NewEgg you can get a 1TB Hitachi drive for $79. Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar HD31000 IDK/7K (0S00163) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Retail

WOW!

 

[nate42nd]

Also, with the price of hard drives, I would get a 500GB or even a 640GB WD Blue or Black. They are just a few dollars more and you will be glad you did it.

That Hitachi pparks1 suggests looks good, but i only have experience with WD.

All the best on the build!

 

[CoolioG]

I'm opting for a Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive instead of the one I listed above. It has good reviews on NewEgg and it's 1TB, which kicks the crap out of the 120gb hd I was going to get.

 

[pparks1]

I don't usually recommend a "green" power saving model to run the operating system. Instead, I would recommend the Caviar Black 1TB...which is only $99, gives you much more performance and extends the warranty from 3 years to 5 years. Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

 

[Jonathan_King]

Coolio, you may want to consider putting your OS on a 7200 RPM drive. I think you may be disappointed with the performance you get putting your OS on a 5200 or 5400 drive.

A 7200 RPM drive is a compromise between a 5400 and SSD.

 

[CoolioG]

Hmmmmm. Ok, i'll take your words for it. Sounds good. Seems like the Western Digital Black has recieved many reviews.

 

[pparks1]

I've got a 1TB Caviar Black in my machine and used it for awhile as my storage drive. I can tell you the performance is good and the noise isn't hardly any more noticeable than any other hard drive that I have ever used. The only reason that I replaced that drive as my OS drive is that I upgraded to an SSD drive. Now, the Caviar Black is my storage drive. The cost savings on power would have taken a long time to cover the cost of the "green" series drive since I already owned the "black".

 

[whs]

The Hitachi drives seem to be good. I have an external Hitachi that never let me down. And it is very quiet. But, I am, of course, only a statistical sample of 1.

 

[nate42nd]

I must admit my WD BLACk drives are a little loud, but great performers

My WD BLUE drives are what I would recommend if a little noise bothers you

I have never tried green ones, but I'm sure they're fine

 

[pparks1]

It's possible that I just didn't notice the noise because my WD Blacks have been in quiet cases. Antec Sonata II's and Antec P182.

 

[Venths]

Hi,

I see others have already suggested you a lot. For the HDD, I too would suggest you to get 500 GB or atleast 250. These days 160 or even 250 gets filled up very soon

 

[pparks1]

I do think there are quite a number of users who do manage their space very well and don't require lots of space. However, the cost difference between very small (and usually lower performance drives) and higher capacity (higher performance) drives is usually so small...it just doesn't make sense. I mean why spend $59 on a 160GB drive if for a measily $20 more you can get 6x as much space and better performance????

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I don't see a power supply unit in your list.

That doesn't look like a demanding list of parts, so you should be fine with a high quality unit in the 400 watt area. Look at Seasonic and Corsair models.

You might consider a modular PSU to avoid cluttering up the interior. They cost a little more. Seasonic and Corsair make modular and non-modular units.

Here is a sane power supply calculator. I couldn't find your exact video card, so substituted the most demanding card I could find (5970). The calculator kicked out 361 watts. I substituted a mid range video card and the number dropped into the mid 200s.

eXtreme Outer Vision - eXtreme tools for computer enthusiasts

Another good PSU brand is Fortron/FSP Group.

Try to get a PSU that is "80 plus" certified. It will be a little more efficient and run in the middle of its power band and might save you a buck or two in operating costs.

Another good case to consider from Antec: the Solo models. Known to suppress noise very well if you prefer quiet.

But the 300 is an excellent basic case.

 

[CoolioG]

I'm currently looking at this graphics card. Is it decent? Will I be able to play, say Half Life without any lag or anything?

And, I have chosen this case. I just need to know how powerful of a psu I need. And, which are compatible with my mobo. I'm lookin at this PSU but I just don't know...

 

[whs]

I would read the 188 customer reviews on your link. Who would know better than them.