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[DJ88]

Yeah you guys are right. I'll just leave out the traditional hard drive.

So I made this build based off the Excellent build from the small form factor guide.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F6mfnQ


How does this look? Would it be capable of running Elite: Dangerous on the OR?

 

[The Llama]

Yeah you guys are right. I'll just leave out the traditional hard drive.

So I made this build based off the Excellent build from the small form factor guide.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F6mfnQ


How does this look? Would it be capable of running Elite: Dangerous on the OR?

Save an extra $100 and get an R9 290 and you'll be perfect.

 

[tarheel91]

Yeah you guys are right. I'll just leave out the traditional hard drive.

So I made this build based off the Excellent build from the small form factor guide.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F6mfnQ


How does this look? Would it be capable of running Elite: Dangerous on the OR?

280X can be had for $30-50 less than a 760 and will perform better. R9 290 can be had for $340-370 and will perform considerably better than either.

 

[mkenyon]

Yeah you guys are right. I'll just leave out the traditional hard drive.

So I made this build based off the Excellent build from the small form factor guide.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/F6mfnQ


How does this look? Would it be capable of running Elite: Dangerous on the OR?

You just want the standard Phenom. The Phenom M is for mATX, rather than ITX. I'd also second the other folks about the 280X or 290.

*edit*

Actually, I'm not sure about the 290 on a BP550 PSU, I'd have to do a little searching.

 

[kharma45]

You just want the standard Phenom. The Phenom M is for mATX, rather than ITX. I'd also second the other folks about the 280X or 290.

*edit*

Actually, I'm not sure about the 290 on a BP550 PSU, I'd have to do a little searching.

For the 290/290X I'd push up to 600w just to be safe, esp. if OCing is involved.

$50 for the Hive 650w http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-power-supply-hive650

I would link direct to Newegg but it keeps redirecting to the UK site :\

 

[mkenyon]

Yeah, that'd be plenty.

However, I'm not so certain I'd be happy about a 290 in a Phenom. I'd probably prefer an mATX case and motherboard with that kind of GPU power. It'd set you up for better upgrades along the way as well.

Something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($389.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1097.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-05 16:47 EDT-0400

That gives you room to add a sound card later should you choose to. I'd imagine Oculus Rift with something like virtualized surround on some really nice IEMs would be out of this world awesome. Definitely want something like a SoundBlaster Z.

 

[Tablo]

Everything should be here in a few days, can't WAIT
Shit I might even get a GTX 880 in January, would get one at launch, but I want a nice camera sooner.

 

[Exuro]

I just found an ibm model m keyboard at savers!

Half the keys don't work! D:

 

[mkenyon]

Your pic says "old 670". I'm sure you meant, "still amazing 670".

What a card.

 

[Hawkian]

Fractal case + giant noctua/prolimatech tower + prolimatech mk-26 GPU cooler:

Heyyy, speaking of Corsair fans..

Would the SP120 or AF120 be the better choice for intake through two fans on the front of the case in a very tight spot (drive cages the air will have to flow around)?

 

[Tablo]

true dat, I cannot wait to see how it performs without my i7 980X bottlenecking it in most games now! (looking at you Planetside 2...)
OMG USB 3.0, Sata III
Gonna be so nice....

 

[Water]

IT'S HAPPENING

Pics posted to Silverstone HK Facebook. Someone who can actually read what they're posting could see if they are dropping any hints about release date. Anyway, these look like final marketing materials to me.

 

[mkenyon]

true dat, I cannot wait to see how it performs without my i7 980X bottlenecking it in most games now! (looking at you Planetside 2...)
OMG USB 3.0, Sata III
Gonna be so nice....

I highly suggest using this UserOptions.ini from Kudochop: http://www.twitch.tv/kudochop

He's using a 670 and 2600K, and gets damn great performance usually in the realm of 95-120. I think that's actually a GAFers 670 that I gave to him, heh.

Heyyy, speaking of Corsair fans..

Would the SP120 or AF120 be the better choice for intake through two fans on the front of the case in a very tight spot (drive cages the air will have to flow around)?

Probably SP. I'd rather use something else entirely though, like the Cougar Vortex, or CM JetFlo.

 

[tarheel91]

For the 290/290X I'd push up to 600w just to be safe, esp. if OCing is involved.

$50 for the Hive 650w http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-power-supply-hive650

I would link direct to Newegg but it keeps redirecting to the UK site :\

I second the 650W. If you've already got the PSU, it's one thing. I made the 290 work with a 520W, but you are limited by power if you want to overclock.

 

[WarpathDC]

So my i7 3770 sale fell through :/. I have a line on an i5 3570k and a ASRock 77 Extreme 4 motherboard for 200. My question is while this is a great deal on paper, he used the cpu for two years water-cooled at 4.4ghz. Should I steer clear of it knowing it has some miles under it? Thanks in advance.

 

[ss_lemonade]

Since I've only been playing Diablo 3 lately, I've been thinking if I should put up my 780 for sale here before the new cards come out. Does $375 shipped sound reasonable for a 14 month old card or is that asking too much (hopefully someone says that's too low lol)?

It's an EVGA 780 SC with the ACX cooler by the way

 

[DJ88]

Yeah, that'd be plenty.

However, I'm not so certain I'd be happy about a 290 in a Phenom. I'd probably prefer an mATX case and motherboard with that kind of GPU power. It'd set you up for better upgrades along the way as well.

Something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($389.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1097.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-05 16:47 EDT-0400

That gives you room to add a sound card later should you choose to. I'd imagine Oculus Rift with something like virtualized surround on some really nice IEMs would be out of this world awesome. Definitely want something like a SoundBlaster Z.

Ok 290 it is. Here's the final part list:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XMQ3gs


I just changed out the case, but I think it will work fine too. So it's either pull the trigger on this, or wait it out for the new Nvidia cards. Could they be considerably better performance for the price of this 290?

 

[mkenyon]

It could be almost no different, or maybe up to like 20-25% better for the price. Definitely consume a lot less power though.

 

[Drama Zed Nod]

Hey PCGAF, i need your help : )

I've tried to get use to gaming with headphones but i just can't do it. I prefer speakers but i have very limited room on my desk. I have a really good audio solution in my lounge but sadly the PC is in a different room.

I have the following mobo:

Asus Z87 MAXIMUS VI FORMULA Intel Z87

I'll just be using on-board sound.

Can anyone recommend something that packs a punch but isn't massive?

 

[Hawkian]

Probably SP. I'd rather use something else entirely

I was wondering if you'd say that. If you don't mind talking to a custom cooling noob, what makes them so inferior?

Cougar Vortex

Shallow though It may be, these will be visible so aesthetics are a factor and I find that orange just hideous

CM JetFlo.

That's our winner! Almost the same price too, and I think white LEDs will actually look gorgeous. Appreciate the rec

 

[mkenyon]

The Cougar Vortex come in black too

Hey PCGAF, i need your help : )

I've tried to get use to gaming with headphones but i just can't do it. I prefer speakers but i have very limited room on my desk. I have a really good audio solution in my lounge but sadly the PC is in a different room.

I have the following mobo:

Asus Z87 MAXIMUS VI FORMULA Intel Z87

I'll just be using on-board sound.

Can anyone recommend something that packs a punch but isn't massive?

What kind of headphones?

But if you're dead set on speakers, look no further than the AudioEngine A5+ or A2+.

 

[Hawkian]

oh whoop dunno how I missed that. A buck cheaper too. Still, the JetFlos will look really cool in this configuration for almost the same price, so I'll stick with them. Again, thanks for the quick help

 

[Drama Zed Nod]

The Cougar Vortex come in black too

What kind of headphones?

But if you're dead set on speakers, look no further than the AudioEngine A5+ or A2+.

Hey Bro

I have these:

 

[mkenyon]

Those don't look especially comfortable. Something that is totally circumauraul might make the experience a bit better.

 

[Drama Zed Nod]

Those don't look especially comfortable. Something that is totally circumauraul might make the experience a bit better.

You are so right. They sound amazing but after an hour they just start to hurt. The leather also makes my ears really hot.

Those a2+ look perfect! Pricey though.

 

[mkenyon]

You are so right. They sound amazing but after an hour they just start to hurt. The leather also makes my ears really hot.

Those a2+ look perfect! Pricey though.

You might take a gander at something like the Audio Technica A700X or AD700X, Steelseries 9H, or Sennheiser HD598. Those are all crazy comfortable, and shouldn't have an issue being powered with your onboard audio.

 

[Drama Zed Nod]

You might take a gander at something like the Audio Technica A700X or AD700X, Steelseries 9H, or Sennheiser HD598. Those are all crazy comfortable, and shouldn't have an issue being powered with your onboard audio.

I'll check them all out What are you currently using?

 

[Addnan]

The Fidelio X1 is probably the most comfortable headphones I have used. Great for gaming and music. I mostly use my one for music. Doesn't need to have anything extra to power it. All depends how much you want to spend.

 

[mkenyon]

I'll check them all out What are you currently using?

AKG Q701s, but I have a Creative ZxR to power them and to run virtualized surround. In the past two weeks though, I've been using the SteelSeries Flux In-Ear Pro. Late night gaming on open ear Q701s was starting to bug my wife a bit.

The Flux Pro with the "Comply" tips are insanely comfortable, which is all I was really looking for. Great soundstage too, which is what I personally look for in gaming headphones.

 

[tarheel91]

The Cougar Vortex come in black too

What kind of headphones?

But if you're dead set on speakers, look no further than the AudioEngine A5+ or A2+.

I was a big fan of the A5+ until a couple weeks ago when my friend introduced me to the Vanatoo Transparent One. For a hundred dollars more you get an awesomely flat response which is DSP corrected and a direct digital amp. Oh, and it also has a passive radiator in the rear.

 

[Hawkian]

Any recommendations for 5.25 bay digital fan controllers? Are they a massive pain in the ass to install or otherwise undesirable?

 

[N-Forced]

Anyone in here using this bad boy? http://www.cryorig.com/r1-ultimate.php I am going back and forth between this and the noctua nh-d15, they both get around the same ratings in the tests i've seen, the only real big difference is the r1 ultimate will look better in my case.

 

[mkenyon]

Any recommendations for 5.25 bay digital fan controllers? Are they a massive pain in the ass to install or otherwise undesirable?

Use your motherboard, or get a more simple PWM hub, like this.

I think fiddling with fans on a controller is a PITA. I generally just run all of mine at 1000-1200 RPM.

Anyone in here using this bad boy? http://www.cryorig.com/r1-ultimate.php I am going back and forth between this and the noctua nh-d15, they both get around the same ratings in the tests i've seen, the only real big difference is the r1 ultimate will look better in my case.

Not to be that guy, but when you're talking about that kind of Watt dissipation, you shouldn't overly concern yourself with performance. They're not going to give you performance that would be otherwise be unreachable with even something like a Hyper 212 Evo with decent fans.

Seems like if you pick one of those, it's very much for aesthetic reasons. That being the case, go with the one you like more (R1).

Personally, this is my favorite CPU heatsink:

 

[Pepiope]

GAF, I'm a bit undecided if I want to go with a laptop or a desktop. So just how big of a performance gap is there between a desktop and say a 2K laptop?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=asus_rog_g750jz-_-34-231-633-_-Product

From what I've read it says there isn't a huge difference between the CPU there ( i7 4700HQ) and an i7 4770K. I'm not very big on PC gaming (though I really want to give it a shot), but I would like to enjoy the speed of a good sized SSD (once you get into i7 and 256 GB SSDs it's pretty much high end gaming laptops).

So is the performance gap between a PC and a laptop a big enough difference to give up the convenience of a laptop? I'd also like to mention that I've never built a PC before, which is another reason why I've been looking primarily for laptops.

 

[garath]

The Fidelio X1 is probably the most comfortable headphones I have used. Great for gaming and music. I mostly use my one for music. Doesn't need to have anything extra to power it. All depends how much you want to spend.

I'd second the X1s. Best headphones I've ever used. I got a vmoda boom mic with them and I have the perfect PC gaming headset. They are super comfortable. I can game for hours upon hours with no discomfort. They sound amazing as well.

 

[mkenyon]

GAF, I'm a bit undecided if I want to go with a laptop or a desktop. So just how big of a performance gap is there between a desktop and say a 2K laptop?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=asus_rog_g750jz-_-34-231-633-_-Product

From what I've read it says there isn't a huge difference between the CPU there ( i7 4700HQ) and an i7 4770K. I'm not very big on PC gaming (though I really want to give it a shot), but I would like to enjoy the speed of a good sized SSD (once you get into i7 and 256 GB SSDs it's pretty much high end gaming laptops).

So is the performance gap between a PC and a laptop a big enough difference to give up the convenience of a laptop? I'd also like to mention that I've never built a PC before, which is another reason why I've been looking primarily for laptops.

That type of system will get you a 3DMark score of around 6000.

A PC with the same kind of budget would get you a 3DMark score in the realm of 13,000 to 17,000. So somewhere between twice to almost three times as powerful.

That 4700HQ has a max speed of 3.4GHz (unless I'm mistaken), whereas the 4790K runs pretty much stock at 4.4 GHz. So it's about 25% more powerful.

 

[Hawkian]

Use your motherboard, or get a more simple PWM hub, like this.

I think fiddling with fans on a controller is a PITA. I generally just run all of mine at 1000-1200 RPM.

when you say use the motherboard, you mean use a software solution or bios to set fan speed right? I'm interested in one more for the digital temperature display on the case as well as a cool aesthetic.

 

[WarpathDC]

So my i7 3770 sale fell through :/. I have a line on an i5 3570k and a ASRock 77 Extreme 4 motherboard for 200. My question is while this is a great deal on paper, he used the cpu for two years water-cooled at 4.4ghz. Should I steer clear of it knowing it has some miles under it? Thanks in advance.

Sorry for the bump but I was hoping I could get expertPCGaf's opinion

 

[mkenyon]

when you say use the motherboard, you mean use a software solution or bios to set fan speed right? I'm interested in one more for the digital temperature display on the case as well as a cool aesthetic.

The temperatures they monitor (unless they have a USB interface) are going to be sensors that you manually place.

Budget? Current motherboard?

But yes, when I say motherboard, I mean have the motherboard control the fan speed through BIOS. It's way easier, and you set it once. Lots do fancy fan curve, some have specific PWM %'s, it all depends on the motherboard you have.

Sorry for the bump but I was hoping I could get expertPCGaf's opinion

I wouldn't worry in the least bit about that CPU.

The motherboard, however, has been known to have issues when under high overclocks, though I think that was specifically only when using Sandy Bridge processors. I know Kharma knows, maybe he'll chime in.

 

[RayStorm]

Sorry for the bump but I was hoping I could get expertPCGaf's opinion

So what's your total budget for CPU/mainboard/case/fan? And why don't you continue using your current case?

 

[Ecto311]

Anyone know anything about trying a new device and windows 7 or 8 won't see or use it? Got a microscope and it needs a generic usb 2.0 camera driver. Neither machine will see it or the software to get it going. Been fighting with this shit and called both companies the one that sold it and the one that warranties it. Neither know shit or will help aside from a refund.

 

[WarpathDC]

So what's your total budget for CPU/mainboard/case/fan? And why don't you continue using your current case?

I have a HP stock pc, not a build so I'm guessing a mobo change would be prohibitive to that case (i'm new to this). I was hoping to keep the mobo and case cheap. I don't want to spend more than 200 on a processor.

Thanks.

 

[WarpathDC]

The temperatures they monitor (unless they have a USB interface) are going to be sensors that you manually place.

Budget? Current motherboard?

But yes, when I say motherboard, I mean have the motherboard control the fan speed through BIOS. It's way easier, and you set it once. Lots do fancy fan curve, some have specific PWM %'s, it all depends on the motherboard you have.

I wouldn't worry in the least bit about that CPU.

The motherboard, however, has been known to have issues when under high overclocks, though I think that was specifically only when using Sandy Bridge processors. I know Kharma knows, maybe he'll chime in.

Thank you, good to know. I can get the CPU for 150 so maybe I'll just buy another motherboard if that is the case

 

[Pepiope]

That type of system will get you a 3DMark score of around 6000.

A PC with the same kind of budget would get you a 3DMark score in the realm of 13,000 to 17,000. So somewhere between twice to almost three times as powerful.

That 4700HQ has a max speed of 3.4GHz (unless I'm mistaken), whereas the 4790K runs pretty much stock at 4.4 GHz. So it's about 25% more powerful.

Well the budget would be about $2600-$2700. That would have to include OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So it's probably closer to 2K for the actual build. Though, if I could get a 2 to 3x more powerful system for the same price, it seems like I should just go that route. As a first time builder/completely new to this how big of a risk would I be taking of destroying the PC if I did something wrong? Would I be better off going to MicroCenter and having them build it for me?

 

[Sir_JD]

Gaf! I'm a few weeks away from purchasing the parts for my new build (will be checking in with a full parts list shortly for some opinions!) but had a few quick questions while I continue to piece theoretical builds together.

1. I'll be running the new PC's Internet connection via WiFi as my router/modem is too far from my PC. I used an old PCI wireless card on my old PC, but am liking the prospect of a Z97 motherboard with built in WiFi for simplicity's sake. Eyes on the Asus Z97 Pro at the moment. A good choice, or am I better off getting a different/better board and a separate wireless card? Original plan - before I went looking for WiFi enabled boards - was something like the Gigabyte UD3H/UD5H.
I plan on minimal - if any - overclocking. (i7 4790K/R9 290)

2. 8GB DDR3 vs 16GB - Worth the price? Looking at Ares GSkill low profile 1866Mhz at the moment, but the 16GB is - as expected - twice the price of the 8GB. Plan for the PC is gaming/video work. Worth the extra initial cost or should 8GB suffice until I find the need to throw in another 2x4GB?

3. PSU - Have been eyeing the Coolermaster PSU in the OP. For an i7 4790K/R9 290 build, would the 650W version suffice? Or am I better off spending a little extra on the 750W so that I'm covered when the 8xx/9xx series roll around and I decide to upgrade?

Thanks Gaf!

 

[RayStorm]

I have a HP stock pc, not a build so I'm guessing a mobo change would be prohibitive to that case (i'm new to this). I was hoping to keep the mobo and case cheap. I don't want to spend more than 200 on a processor.

Thanks.

Without further specs it's hard to say, but it's not that unlikely that your current case conforms to the standard of (micro)ATX. If you don't mind your case you might want to check that.

I assume prices are about 1:1 USD:EUR, in that case a new and current i5-4xxxK would cost about 200 USD, mainboard for around 100, and fan/case as someone else pointed out for a combined 65.

 

[Celdiruen]

Can anyone help me out with a few questions?

This build is what I've thrown together so far, but I have a few questions.

1) What's the difference between the Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H and ASRock Z97 Pro3? Is the extra $50 for the Gigabyte worth it?
2) How's the Gigabyte Windforce version of the R9 280? Should I be taking it over the 760, and would the BP550 be enough for it?
3) Having a bit of trouble picking a case. I'd love to pick up an R4 or Enthoo Pro but might need to go with something a bit cheaper. Recommendations for ones with decent cable management and that aren't hideous?
4) Is there currently a go-to low-profile DDR3 stick people use?

 

[mkenyon]

Well the budget would be about $2600-$2700. That would have to include OS, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So it's probably closer to 2K for the actual build. Though, if I could get a 2 to 3x more powerful system for the same price, it seems like I should just go that route. As a first time builder/completely new to this how big of a risk would I be taking of destroying the PC if I did something wrong? Would I be better off going to MicroCenter and having them build it for me?

The PC that is 2-3x more powerful is $2000, or therebouts. Putting one together is akin to a Lego set these days, but I understand hesitation. Where are you located? Might be a GAFer near by that could help out.

If you are up for learning, there's a ton of information in the OP, and everyone in here can help you along the way.

Gaf! I'm a few weeks away from purchasing the parts for my new build (will be checking in with a full parts list shortly for some opinions!) but had a few quick questions while I continue to piece theoretical builds together.

1. I'll be running the new PC's Internet connection via WiFi as my router/modem is too far from my PC. I used an old PCI wireless card on my old PC, but am liking the prospect of a Z97 motherboard with built in WiFi for simplicity's sake. Eyes on the Asus Z97 Pro at the moment. A good choice, or am I better off getting a different/better board and a separate wireless card? Original plan - before I went looking for WiFi enabled boards - was something like the Gigabyte UD3H/UD5H.
I plan on minimal - if any - overclocking. (i7 4790K/R9 290)

2. 8GB DDR3 vs 16GB - Worth the price? Looking at Ares GSkill low profile 1866Mhz at the moment, but the 16GB is - as expected - twice the price of the 8GB. Plan for the PC is gaming/video work. Worth the extra initial cost or should 8GB suffice until I find the need to throw in another 2x4GB?

3. PSU - Have been eyeing the Coolermaster PSU in the OP. For an i7 4790K/R9 290 build, would the 650W version suffice? Or am I better off spending a little extra on the 750W so that I'm covered when the 8xx/9xx series roll around and I decide to upgrade?

Thanks Gaf!

1. Look into powerline adapters.

2. That'd be an upgrade I'd do after I already had a top notch GPU, CPU, and big SSD.

3. Yes, 650W plenty.

Can anyone help me out with a few questions?

1. Better everything, from power management, to NIC, to sound, to even the PCB itself. I think it's worth it.

2. Good. Yes, better than 760. BP550 is enough. Though the Rosewill Hive 650W is about the same price as the BP550 right now, and would be a much better pick.

3. Check out options in the OP. They're all good.

4. Whatever happens to be least expensive on the day you buy.

 

[Sir_JD]

1. Look into powerline adapters.

2. That'd be an upgrade I'd do after I already had a top notch GPU, CPU, and big SSD.

3. Yes, 650W plenty.

Thanks for the response!

1. Will look into powerline adapters. More reliable than WiFi?
If I do go with powerline instead of WiFi, worth sticking with the Z97 Pro for the added features, or is a cheaper Z97 board more worthwhile? Any recommendations?

2. Have an i7 4790K/R9 290/MX 100 512GB planned. I have the funds for the extra RAM available. Just a matter of whether I'm better off pocketing the savings or just chucking everything at the initial build.

3. Awesome!

 

[Pepiope]

The PC that is 2-3x more powerful is $2000, or therebouts. Putting one together is akin to a Lego set these days, but I understand hesitation. Where are you located? Might be a GAFer near by that could help out.

Even if someone helped me out I'd feel obligated to pay anyway, so I might as well just pay Microcenter to do the job. I am up for learning though, in fact I plan to, just not with the $2000 PC. Lol.

The part that sucks is that if I build it through microcenter, I have to buy all my parts there.