Explaining the New Rig and Detailing the Specs
Over the last month, I’ve been thinking about getting a new computer. Fact is, my previous computer was ancient and was so messed up that it took between 30 minutes to 1 full hour to “Start.”
After talking to a bunch of people in the know—from the Shack community and on Twitter—as well as doing a lot of research, I compiled the laundry list of parts and set off to buy them.
As yesterday was my birthday and I had the day off work, I thought it was the perfect time to get the components I needed to build my new gaming/work machine.
Originally I was hellbent on going with the AMD Phenom II X6 as my CPU; however, research pointed to the power of the i7 as the “go to” for gaming. My Steam account is loaded and I know PC game reviews are in my future, so I decided on going with what (many) called the winner in terms of gaming power.
That said, I went with the (just released) mid-range Radeon HD 6870 as my video card. I just couldn’t pull the trigger on a $500 video card (I already spent a ton, and the 6870 is getting RAVE reviews). I can CrossFire it and it supports up to 4 monitors and 3D tech, should I get a pair of wacky glasses one day.
Here are my specs:
- Cooler Master HAF X Case
- CPU: Intel i7 950
- Mobo: Asus Rampage III Formula
- Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6870
- Memory: Mushkin Redline DDR3 1600 - 6GB Total
- Corsair 32GB SSD (OS, Primary Applications)
- Western Digital Velociraptor 600GB (10,000 RPM!)
- PSU: Cougar SX 80 Plus Silver 850W
- Corsair H70 Hydro CPU Cooler
- Windows 7 Professional 64Bit
And since the wallet was cracked open, I ended up buying a few extra bells and whistles.
- Razer Lycossa Keyboard
- CM Storm Inferno Mouse (By Cooler Master)
- Some random Samsung DVD Burner (Need to install Windows!)
Not only is the rig pretty damn quiet, it’s cold to the touch. Rocking 7 fans strategically positioned throughout the machine for maximum air flow. The HAF X is perfect for that (it’s in the name, HAF = High Air Flow) and the Corsair Watercooler Solution with dual fans keeps my CPU chilled.
The mobo’s southbridge is a little warm, though. I’m looking into solutions for that.
Thoughts? Opinions? Did I make a huge mistake?
Pictures soon!
