Hello post. (with my new build parts list linked)

[Matt9882]

Hey guys,

I'm quite new to the site (just found it last night), and relitavley new to modding - though I've built my own (cluttered, rat's nesty, dusty) PC's for some time, with the occasional prefabed plexi window and LED case fan. I've been arround the site about 3 times over looking at finsihed products and all i can say is DAMN, you all put out some great work. I've seen what I thought were incredible cases in the past, but the custom stuff that comes through this site puts it all to shame.

All praise aside, I'm looking for some opinions and advice on my planned new build. Let it be known beforehand that I'm an AMD/ATI loyalist, and only build Intel systems when there has to be no question of stability what-so-ever (I'm a drafstman/architecture student that has worked for several firms in the past and typically built machines if they needed an updated system) so dont expect me to go down the "Switch to a Core Duo Quad" without a fight (though I am open to fanboy critisism). This is pretty much a build from the bottom up, as all my components in my current rig are staying there - save my sound card (an old Sound Blaster Audigy ZS2). Here's the build:

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=4373732&WishListTitle=New+Home+PC

Not included there is 4GB of Corsair XMS2 Ram which I have sitting on my desk:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034


Yes, I'm going blue inside. Yes, I know everyone goes blue inside and that's a bit played out, but what the hell. I was going to buy the CMStacker side window, but it only comes in silver, has the CMStacker logo etched on the side of it, and I think I could be a little more creative myself. Here's where I ask for advice: I HATE the plastic bezel on the top of the unit with the CMStacker logo stamped in it. What do you suggest I replace it with? I'm going for a more streamlined outside case look, with just my fan controller exposed, and my DVD drives stealthed (hopefully). The silver strips will be powdercoated black (I have a powdercoater in the family). I've always favored sleeker, streamlined look in my designs with a bit of contrast or design focal point, and hope to replicate that here. I plan on using all copper color wiring and accents inside, and may bring some of that out.

Thanks guys, the site seems great so far and you all definatley know your stuff!

-Matt

P.S. Admins/Mods:
If this is the wrong forum to be asking for help and whatnot, I apologize and would you kindly move it to the right spot for me? Thanks!

[Eclecticos]

Welcome. . you are in the right place!

~What do you suggest I replace it with? DC Crossflow Blower. Link (http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/SearchResults.asp?N=0&Ntt=dc+crossflow+blower&Ntk=Primary&i=0&sid=477C25804AAAE17F)

If it was my case I'd mod the top and make it a air dam. Can't wait to see your work in progress.

[Matt9882]

Thanks, that's actually close to what I was thinking. I saw the Boss FX-57 and thought I could incorporate a scoop in there somehow... The only issue I see is the fact that I'll be taking so much air from down low (both 3-4 drive bay adapters with scythe fans will be mounted low to start, thus taking in cooler air) that I dont nessicarily want to take air from that high. Chances are this case will be under my table-desk, and I'm afraid I may get a pocket of warm air up there from exhaust. Ah well, plenty of time to figure it out, the case is being ordered tomorrow.

[DZ469]

Welcome to TBCS, I hope this isn't a rude introduction but... No offense, and i know you said you like AMD/ATI, but why not go with the best that is available? It seems a waste to spend that money on a system and not get the most out of your limited cash. I'm not trying to be rude, just saying what i think. Hopefully AMD and ATI can get back in the game so that we can have some decent competition around here.

[Matt9882]

DZ, don't fret - you wern't rude at all. It comes down to this: I'm a brand loyalist and I don't feel that AMD is that far behind intel. The chipset I picked compares favorably to Intel's Core 2's in most benchmarks (Tom's Hardware had it below only the top of the line core duo), and costs less. I like the expandability of the MSI mobo in this build (due to the fact that it will support future AM2+ chipsets, and has PCI Express 2.0 slots) and that expandability is something that is lacking in Intel's side. The spider compatability is a big bonus, as well. Plus, if no one buys AMD/ATI, how can they compete?

[DZ469]

Very true, very true. I hadn't noticed what Mobo you were using. That indeed is a very good motherboard. i think i remember reading when it wasn't available that it was supposed to be insane or something. And yeah Intel boards do have some limited expandability options, especially since it seems you have to buy a new board every time they introduce a new processor. Although the new 780i chipset from nVidia lets you do tri-SLI so they are catching up with AMD in that part of expandability.