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Title: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 01, 2015, 09:06:00 AM

My current PC has a lot of issues. Some being:

1.  Getting very sluggish since the last 2 Windows upgrades.

2.  Still using Vista! shocked003

3.  I built this one 5 years ago and the CPU is old. Using AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4800 2.51 GHz 32-bit version.

4.  Some software will not update or install because of the old CPU or Vista.

5.  Only 4 GB RAM DDR2...should be at least 8GB.

5.  Stalls on boot up possibly due to BIOS upgrades. Using ASUS M2N-E Motherboard.

So, I've decided to build a new PC this year with my Tax Refund.

Since I didn't have anywhere to go yesterday, I decided to drive to the Philadelphia/St. Davids Micro Center  (http://www.microcenter.com/)location (they have various locations across the US) on an "info gathering" mission to see what I should get and how much I can expect to pay. The staff there are VERY knowledgeable and can answer all of your questions...I've been going there almost since they opened about 25 years ago! They have a vast array of products...almost anything you could every want for a computer or other device. Training for various needs is on location as well as they can build a computer for you while you wait!...for an extra fee. Books, software, nut and bolts of various sizes and colors, PC cases, fans...you name it! Trust me, you will be impressed! And they have different sales going on every week.

So, here's what I got so far:

Motherboard
ASUS A88X-PRO Socket FM2+ ATX AMD Motherboard (http://www.microcenter.com/product/423953/A88X-PRO_Socket_FM2_ATX_AMD_Motherboard#) - The link says "Out of stock" cause I bought the last one!  (https://www.ourfamilyforum.org/FamilyForum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.docskillz.com%2Fdocs%2FSmileys%2Fskhilled%2Fhah.gif&hash=9db5b3cd707da8628a0ae7f972c28e302b389e33) This was $149.99 with a $25 instant savings and a $25 mail-in rebate! And because I purchased the CPU, listed below, they took another $40 off!  shocked003

CPU
AMD A10 7850K 4.0 GHz Black Edition Boxed processor (http://www.microcenter.com/product/427565/A10_7850K_40_GHz_Black_Edition_Boxed_processor) - This is listed at $149.99 at most places but was $119.99 there and helped me get the $40 off for the mobo above.  :happy1:

Memory
Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) (http://www.microcenter.com/product/382101/Ballistix_Sport_8GB_DDR3-1600_%28PC3-12800%29_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_4GB_Memory_Modules%29#) - 2 sticks which I may take back for faster ones and 16GB instead of the 8GB these have...not that they are bad. I just started thinking I may want more.

So...I still need to get:

1.  PC case - preferrably toolless and plenty of space for drive bays and ventilation.

2.  DVD drive - the one I have is messed up.  :censored:

3.  Fans for the case

4. Power supply unit (PSU)

5.  SSD HD drive - for my primary drive for speed.

6.  1 or 2 TB HD for storage.

6.  Graphics Card (GPU) - the mobo does have on-board graphics so that is not needed right away.

7.  Win 8.1

And maybe a few bells and whistles like lighting for the inside of the case or colored screws to match the case.

Any updates or anything else I can think of will be added to this topic. :)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on March 01, 2015, 10:12:34 AM

Sounds good so far Steve.  8)
You'll find a lot to like with Win 8.1 and a few parts that you do not... but there are work around for most.

My two top changes are to the start page, I installed Classic Shell (http://www.classicshell.net/) to replace that page full of charms. And the 'OneDrive'... my 8.1 laptop is stuck with the OneDrive icon down by my clock because, even though OneDrive can be disabled, it cannot be turned off, or uninstalled.  :censored:

Anyways... I'm looking forward to reading about your progress as you do your build.  ;D

Ps: Any idea on your final cost?

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 01, 2015, 02:51:12 PM

Not sure atm but I'm thinking around $700 or so. But I'll spread it across several paychecks so I can spend a bit more this time. It will take a bit longer to build, tho...

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on March 01, 2015, 03:43:11 PM

That doesn't sound to bad for a custom build... you have some high end parts lined up so far.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 02, 2015, 04:53:17 AM

High end???  :funny: :funny: :funny:

You mean like these?:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/400570/H8DG6-F_Dual_Socket_G34_ATX_AMD_Motherboard

http://www.microcenter.com/product/430516/Opteron_6300_Series_23_GHz_16_Core_Socket_G34_Boxed_Processor

http://www.microcenter.com/product/439711/GeForce_GTX_980_Gaming_4GB_GDDR5_Video_Card

...and that's for only 3 components! Nope, mine's mid-randged - low mid-randged.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on March 02, 2015, 07:04:27 AM

 shocked003

Whoa! Guess I'll out of touch on component prices.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 02, 2015, 07:21:51 AM

Me too!  :hah!: I knew prices would go up but WOW! I think the most expensive about 5 years ago was half of that! But I'm happy with the Mobo and CPU I've got and can still upgrade the CPU and memory later.  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 23, 2015, 09:44:35 AM

I ordered these Saturday:

Hard Drive: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJRS6FU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DVD Burner: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFRH9TA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PC Case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055Q7BR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The first 2 will be here by 8PM today. The case will be here by tomorrow 8PM. I still need a power supply and an OS. Will get those next payday....next Friday, hopefully. Then eventually, I'll get a SSD and a video card.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on March 23, 2015, 09:52:43 AM

This build is going to be a great PC.
Those are some great parts and pieces that you're pulling together Steve.  :thumbup:

I like them all, especially the HDD and that case is impressive as well.

(https://www.ourfamilyforum.org/FamilyForum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51CylMYMy%252BL._SY355_.jpg&hash=633e884f0b0c9ab6b193821fc55c3a05494fbcc8)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on March 23, 2015, 10:03:14 AM

They have a similar one with a plastic left side and I started to get that one. I usually get cases with one clear side so you can see the innards. And I get lighted fans for effect.  :banana: Not sure what color fans yet. I usually get blue cause it's my fav color but may get red to match my tablet. Not sure yet...then I'll need a matching keyboard and mouse.

My next order will be these:

Windows 8.1
http://Microsoft Windows 8.1 - Full Version (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDSI7QO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2B8V8URX9CVCU&coliid=I1BYGJUA27340F)

The PSU will be one of these 2:

EVGA 600B 80PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V/EPS12V Active PFC 600W Power Supply 100-B1-0600-KR  (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EON40CS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2B8V8URX9CVCU&coliid=IN5MKXMI5T96W&psc=1) 

Corsair CX Series 600 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Bronze ATX12V/EPS12V 552 Power Supply CX600M  (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALYOPSS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2B8V8URX9CVCU&coliid=I35VTUHCPLN4R9&psc=1)

An anti-static wrist strap:

KingWin Anti-Static Wrist Strap (ATS-W24)  (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042TLA90/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2B8V8URX9CVCU&coliid=I1G6KDG14SEL0&psc=1)

Thermal compound:

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5 Grams  (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OGX5AM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2B8V8URX9CVCU&coliid=I3LD6HVZNZQZ18&psc=1)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 12, 2015, 10:33:24 PM

I've finally decided to get this:

WD Black 2TB Performance Desktop Hard Drive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJRS628/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1R9MEDV46GREA3CKQ67D&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop)

For a project I'm working on to be publicly announced later. Stay tuned...same Bat time, same Bat channel.  :hah!:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 13, 2015, 04:18:44 AM

Whoa!!!  shocked003

Now I'm officially jealous!

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 13, 2015, 07:50:38 AM

I started to get the Green drive cause it was a lot cheaper for the same size. But it only had a 1 or 2 year warranty...depending on who you bought it from. The black has a 5 year warranty. Since I'll be keeping some very important things on it I thought it was best to go with the longer warranty.

I may not even keep it that long as they keep coming out with newer things but I like the piece of mind. I also got a 2 yr data recovery plan, in case something goes wrong.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 13, 2015, 08:31:27 AM

Sounds cool.  :2cool!!

$134 + tax... not bad for that size.  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 13, 2015, 08:41:12 AM

I think it was $9.99 for the 2 year data recovery plan too.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 13, 2015, 08:53:00 AM

Yepp... saw that too. :)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Lesmond on June 13, 2015, 12:10:13 PM

your case looks a bit like the case I got...  I paid about $40 for this

(https://www.ourfamilyforum.org/FamilyForum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cclonline.com%2Fimages%2Favante%2FCSCITDOMINATOR_BigProductImage.jpg&hash=0ee7337be0c0932fdd0b47764b1616441a913c65)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 13, 2015, 01:11:34 PM

That's a good looking case Les.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 13, 2015, 04:02:12 PM

Yes, it does. I started to get that one. But wanted one with a clear side so you can see inside it, which is what I normally get. But for some reason I still got the one without the clear side panel. Oh, well...

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 18, 2015, 08:56:43 AM

Finally installed the 2TB drive. Will copy everything from the 500GB to it tomorrow.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 18, 2015, 09:50:49 AM

2TB... now that's a big HDD!  :thumbup:

Let us know how you like it.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 27, 2015, 05:59:06 AM

Sorry, forgot to answer this... So far no problems and works very well. :)

Bought a new webcam last night. It will be delivered tomorrow:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YW7WCY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

I started to get this but then didn't see a need to spend the extra bucks for something I probably won't be using a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=pd_sim_147_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=179WMFP7FAFMQ2282729

I also got two USB extension cables:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NH12O5I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And two 32GB Micro SDHC memory cards:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M55C0NS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 27, 2015, 09:22:39 AM

Glad it's working well Steve... you've turned this build into quite some rig!  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 27, 2015, 09:27:13 AM

It's pretty good. Now all I need is a video card and a ssd drive. And maybe 8 more GB of memory.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 27, 2015, 09:39:22 AM

Quote from: Skhilled on June 27, 2015, 09:27:13 AM

It's pretty good. Now all I need is a video card and a ssd drive. And maybe 8 more GB of memory.

It never ends.  laughing7

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 27, 2015, 09:44:58 AM

Nope, eventually, I'll need to upgrade the CPU but that's probably a few years from now.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on June 28, 2015, 03:49:23 PM

Quote from: Skhilled on June 27, 2015, 05:59:06 AM

Sorry, forgot to answer this... So far no problems and works very well. :)

Bought a new webcam last night. It will be delivered tomorrow:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YW7WCY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

I started to get this but then didn't see a need to spend the extra bucks for something I probably won't be using a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=pd_sim_147_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=179WMFP7FAFMQ2282729

I also got two USB extension cables:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NH12O5I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And two 32GB Micro SDHC memory cards:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M55C0NS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

All delivered about an hour ago. Webcam works pretty well. Could use better software, tho...

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on June 28, 2015, 04:52:58 PM

Cool... Cool.  :2cool!!

You need to post up some pics Steve.  :disturbed:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on December 31, 2015, 11:22:10 AM

Well, the Christmas and birthday Gods were good to me so I've purchased a few things for Blacken...

SanDisk Extreme PRO 480GB SSD (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHRYRLY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

SABRENT 2.5 to 3.5 Inches Internal Hard Disk Drive Mounting Kit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G57BN1M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on December 31, 2015, 04:40:21 PM

That sounds like a great HDD Steve.  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on January 05, 2016, 09:53:10 AM

It is SOOOOO tiny!!! 2.75 x 3.96 x 0.28 in. (69.85mm x 100.5mm x 7.0 mm) Almost a whopping 1/4 inch thick! LOL

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on February 13, 2016, 04:48:36 PM

Got this today from Bestbuy.

EVGA - GeForce GTX 960 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/evga-geforce-gtx-960-2gb-gddr5-pci-express-3-0-graphics-card-black/4047283.p?id=1219618220101&skuId=4047283)

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on February 14, 2016, 03:11:39 AM

The spec's on that card are impressive...congrats Steve.  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on February 14, 2016, 08:16:32 AM

I'd rather have the 970 but that's out of my price range. Got it installed and so far it works well!

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Maxx on February 14, 2016, 09:43:19 AM

Looking good ! :) sounds like real fun .. I miss doing them lately , just not up to it :( and no room for any more lol!

regards,
Maxx

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on February 14, 2016, 03:09:47 PM

I'm downloading the new Rise Of The Tomb Raider now. It'll probably take all day. :P

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on February 16, 2016, 12:08:41 AM

It took a day and a half. :P

But...the game is awesome and the graphics are absolutely amazing!!!  shocked003 No lag in the game whatsoever!!!

Now, I should be getting my cable tomorrow then I can clone my c: drive and make the SSD my primary drive and can so how fast this badboy will fly.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on February 16, 2016, 03:36:01 AM

This is sounding great Steve... keep us posted.   :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on July 02, 2016, 05:56:03 AM

Got 2 new parts yesterday:

Aperture M Multi-card Reader (https://www.nzxt.com/products/aperture-m)

Corsair Vengeance 2x8GB (16GB) 2400MHZ DDR3 Memory Sticks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233585) - And the red on them matches my red fans and the red inside the case!  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on July 02, 2016, 07:03:55 AM

Both are good looking Steve.  :thumbup:
I really like that card reader and the price is surprising... thought it would be more.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on July 02, 2016, 07:33:01 AM

I've actually paid $10 more for it a Micro Center, where I got both items yesterday. I posted that website cause it showed off it's features better. That's when I realized I paid more for it! LOL But it was a "spur of the moment thing". I've always thought it would be nice to have one...

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on July 02, 2016, 07:43:39 AM

Card readers are handy when you have cameras or other appliances that need to have their cards read manually, instead of by cable. Back a few (3-4) years ago I found a card reader to be useful often because of having several different card types. Lately I just have the one camera that needs to be read and it's read using a cable.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on July 02, 2016, 07:50:44 AM

Well, everyone here has a device or 3 (including our cameras) and they all use cards. So, it would be pretty useful here as well as getting info or photos from cards of friends/family, etc.

While I was at Micro Center I saw this awesome case! It's beautiful! The case opens very easily just by pulling the little handle...both sides of the case have this. However, the sides felt a bit cheap and flimsy.

Graphite Seriesâ„¢ 760T Arctic White Full-Tower Windowed Case (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/graphite-series-760t-arctic-white-full-tower-windowed-case)

It was for less that $100 at MC and if it was sturdier I would have bought one.

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Ken on July 02, 2016, 08:14:52 AM

That is a good looking case.  :thumbup:

Title: Re: Steve's Rig 2015
Post by: Skhilled on July 02, 2016, 08:23:32 AM

Yes, I really like it and it is a lot easier to get inside the case to clean or to add/remove parts!