Considering new build

[EpicThorn]

Ok, the wife currently has a decent system, but she wants a new one.
She has a Q9450, 4 Gig HyperX 1066Mhz RAM, 9500GT Video card, 500G Seagate HDD
I told her to keep her current hard drive, but will upgrade to an SSD later on when more cash becomes available.
Now the system I am looking at building is as follows. (All prices are in AU$)

Asus P7H55D-M Pro @ $128
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Intel Core i5 650 3.2Ghz @ $ 224
Intel® Core™ i5-650 Processor (4M Cache, 3.20 GHz) with SPEC Code(s) SLBLK

4G (2x2G) DDR3 1600 Kingston Hyper X Blue @ $144
http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/KHX1600C9D3B1K2_4GX.pdf

Asus 1G 5670 $129
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

AeroCool VX-E Pro @ $95
Aerocool PGS Vx-E

Thermaltake ToughPower XT 775 @ $178
Thermaltakeusa Â» Power Supply Â» 600W - 850W Â» Toughpower XT 775W : Toughpower XT 775W TPX-775M

Now I think the PSU should do fine considering it's a certified 80Plus, it might even be a tad overkill.
If anyone has had some personal experience with any of these products, I'd love to hear your thoughts. And those that haven't used these parts, I'd still love to hear your opinions on the prospective build components and any opinions on the use of different parts.

Cheers in advance,
Thorn

 

[A Guy]

Everything looks pretty good. The MB and Ram and PSU are all great. The case I am unfamiliar with. The GPU is good, but a lot depends on your intended use. As for the CPU, suggest you sping for another $20 and get the i5-750 (of course I am biased, see my specs )

Intel® Core™ i5-750 Processor (8M Cache, 2.66 GHz) with SPEC Code(s) SLBLC)

Much better processor IMHO. Since you are getting 1600MHz Ram, I'm assuming you plan to overclock? Only 1333MHz is supported without overclocking. If no OC planned, get some 1333MHz Ram, and you will be fine. The i5-750 is a great overclocking CPU.

A Guy

 

[smarteyeball]

What is your wife using the rig for?

I'd go for the 750 over the 650 myself as well. 4 physical cores over two will yield better performance in the long run. You could even OC the 750 up to 3.2ghz with the stock cooler.

Apart from seeing the Aerocools at MSY (I'm guessing this a MSY sourced build?) - I have no real opinion of them. By all accounts, they are decent enough.

As for the PSU, it is overkill - but that's not a bad thing. It still gives you card upgrade room.

PSU:
Power Supply Recommendations

 

[EpicThorn]

The intended use is gaming, hence the overkill PSU. I dont see the need to OC her comp, however, the higher rated RAM was there as a bit of a buffer for some tweaking.
The aim of the build was: Cheap, but enough grunt.
The i5 750 probably would be a better choice, I may include that in the build.
Yeah it is an MSY sourced build, I use them as my supplier for customers computers as they are cheap and usually have what I need in stock.
I am yet to use an AeroCool case, however, I have extensively checked them out at my local MSY. They have good weight to them (assuming that weight transfers to how rigid the case is). The airflow diagrams appearm in theory, to be good enough to keep the rig cool without too much noise.
All in all, I am happy with the build, and I think I will include the i5 750, it is only an extra $20.
Thanks for your responses guys.

Regards,
Thorn.

 

[morrowmedia]

Get one of the new corsair cases. Best investment I have ever made into a custom build computer. I got the 800D but the 700D is awesome as well. I can run burn tests on my CPU and graphics card and the inside of the case stays so cool because of the cable management and setup of system fans. Its really the best case out there IMO.

Just my .02

Zach

 

[EpicThorn]

The Corsair cases you say, Hrrmm, might have to check em out. Anyone else had any experience with them?

 

[EpicThorn]

Although the hot-swap drive bays would be of little to no use for my wifes system, the clear side panel would be nice. I dont see the point in filling a system with nice gear and having it hidden away, especially with the aesthetic standards of todays hardware. Just as much R&D goes into the aesthetic design as goes into the actualy tech being used. I might email them and ask if I can score a clear side panel for the 700D
They are a bit pricey, and look quite similar to some Lian-Li cases.