SEARCH

The How-To Geek Forums Have Migrated to Discourse



Join the Discussion at discuss.howtogeek.com

How-To Geek Forums / Build Your Own PC

@ Rick

(22 posts)
  • Started 3 months ago by whs
  • Latest reply from LadyFitzgerald
  • Topic Viewed 389 times

1 2
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

Hi Rick,

In Germany I have a 4 year old Dell Inspiron 530, System Service Tag: 4LCRN3J.

I plan to upgrade that with this CPU and I am looking at this board. But since I do not know much about boards, I wonder whether that would pass your test - or maybe you have something better to suggest that is in the same price range.

I will go with the on-board 400 graphics because my graphics requirements are very modest. And the 400 had very good tests. I think I can get away with the current 300W PSU since the CPU needs only 77W and there will be no GPU.

I plan for 16GB of RAM (4x4) but have no clue which is the best. I would go with 1600s but maybe you have a good suggestion.

I am also looking for a good CPU cooler since the Ivy Bridge is said to run hot. Any suggestion ??

I already have an OCZ 128GB Vector and the box has 2 HDDs.

What do you think.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

This is standard Z77 (4000) ATX Dimension MB by ASRrock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6813157295

Ram should be 2 X 8GB Modules.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6820233299

CPU should be this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6819116501

Pick a Cooler from this chart for simple water cooling CPU.

For an Air Cooler use this instead of water cooling.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6835103099

Only Problem I fore see is that skimpy 300 Watt Supply. :( :(

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

Thanks Rick for the input. 3 questions;

1. Why would I want to go for a K-model CPU. I have no plans to OC
2. Why 2x8GB in lieu of 4x4. I thought 4x4 may be faster
3. Why is the 300WPSU 'skimpy'. There are really no big power users in the box - the Board, CPU, 2 HDDs, SSD, CD ROM and a few ports.

The board looks good and so does the air cooler.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

The CPU K model gives you ability to set CPU timings by unlocked multiplier.

The K CPUs will normally clock up to 4.8 speed [ when needed ] that helps to get the most out of the 4000 video which is good for making video tutorials and such.

The MB has a max of 32GB of memory.

If in the future you need more than 16GB of memory, then can just add Two more sticks without getting rid of 4 existing modules.

The Intel Components are designed to support 1600 Ram at 9,9,9,24 or 2T timings so the modules match Intel Design Criteria.

The Air Cooler will be Fine for the MB as Clearance should not interfere with the Ram Modules.

If you decide to ever use an external video card, the 300 Watt PSU will not work.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

Good input Rick. I understand the limitations of the 300W PSU.

Some people say that Intel boards are the best. What is your take ?? They cost more money.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

If you mean Intel Branded mother boards, they are really manufactured by Foxconn in China.

Intel MBs are "vanilla" as Intel wants to sell plenty of its' components to other 2nd party MB fabricators who normally put more features into their products.

Intel keeps its' own brand name boards high in price in order to maintain the oligopoly for their component sales.

It's all about total Intel company revenue and NOT about Intel mother board sales or the quality of their product.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

OK understand. So we'll go with ASRock.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
ronniesonora
Posts: 919

whs, not trying to butt in, but I used the same mobo and cooler Rick recommended. From the bottom of my mobo to the top of the cooler is 6-7/8 in.
I checked your case width and it's only 6.7 in. So you might want to check that before you buy.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

ASRock is known in the industry as the "little brother" of Asus but officially I don't think there is a connection.

Since you have decided on the extreme 6, you will be getting one of their Top of the Line products so no worry.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

As Ronnie said, there could be problem with that case ??

Physical

Height
36.2 cm (14.2 inches)

Width
17.0 cm (6.7 inches) [ Ronnie's stack height is 6.875 inches ]

Depth
43.5 cm (17.1 inches)

Weight
12.7 kg (28.0 lb)

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 3281

Isn't that a Micro ATX case? The mobo you're looking at is full ATX as far as I can tell.

EDIT: I used to have a Dell 530. IIRC, it is mATX and has only a single 60 or 90mm exhaust fan for cooling, so even if you choose another board that will fit, you will probably have trouble cooling it effectively.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

Here is the 530 whs has now.
http://support.dell.com/suppor.....pendix.htm

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

It is a midsize tower. There ought to be enough room. Although the Dells are more cramped than the HPs and they have no disk bays.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 3281

Like this?

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

Yeah, that's it. Mine is prettier - all shiny, LOL.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
ProstheticHead
ProstheticHead
Posts: 3281

I'm pretty sure it's a micro tower then. So you'll probably need to add a case to your shopping list. :)

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 14920

Cheap Mid Size Case. $60 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6811129042

Notice restrictions with Large External Video Cards
18.30" x 8.10" x 18.00"

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
ronniesonora
Posts: 919

whs, if your like me your trying to save every dollar you can. If you decide on another case, this is the one I went with. Nice case with a lot of room for expansion. http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6811129179

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
presence1960
presence1960
Posts: 280

I like that case (Antec 300), I may order one myself.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 
whs
whs
Posts: 17584

Thanks for all the suggestions. But the tower will be fine - I think. I had it apart a few times and know how it looks inside. Would hate to rip the whole thing apart. But I can really only tell for certain when I am back in Germany where the system is. Here I have a XPS 8300. That is a bit bigger.

Posted 3 months ago #
Top
 

1 2