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Please check over this proposed build. I'm going in circles.

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Good day all,

Working on a build as a gift to replace an old Dell; early 2000s vintage. The case needs to be blue so this is my first ITX build.

I’d really appreciate fresh eyes on this.

The primary use is email and surfing, occasionally family photo level Photoshop use and it will be used with PageMaker for typesetting and proofing work. (XP legacy program).

Budget; since free is not an option, the best mix that will last is the goal. Generically, this system is about USD 1,700 now.

On reread – apologies is advance. I’ve been researching this build for a while and as you can read some of my thinking is stuck in a loop.

Case: BitFenix Prodigy - I'm not good enough to do a decent job of painting since it is not for me.
Modification 1: Replace front fan with BitFenix Spectre all black 230 mm fan
Modification 2: Replace rear fan or use as a top fan depending on where the H80i goes with a Noctua NF-A14 PWM
Modification 3: Pull the middle drive bay for the GPU and air flow.

CPU: i5 4670 K 3.4 GHz

Motherboard: Asus Z87I Delux Mini ITX

GPU: Either an Asus GTX 750 Ti or an GTX 650 Ti boost with 2 GB memory (May be more than needed?)

PSU: (1st choice the plugs will be strained when the wires are bent to fit this PSU space and PSU are both 160mm) Seasonic 660W Platinum or (2nd choice for a sure fit but only fair reviews) Silverstone ST65F – G

RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X series 16 GB (After 16 GB everything is open, just had luck with G.Skill)

SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 250 GB (Seems to be the sweet spot for size and cost.)

HDD: WD Black -WD30EURX 3 TB (Based on past usage a 1 TB is enough so maybe a plain WD some color?)

CPU Heatsink: Corsair H80i (Unsure if should be top or rear mounted and set for intake or exhaust?)
Modification: Replace fans with Noctua NF – F12 PWM (Prime 95 test results indicate a 5 degree temp increase for this trade off.)

Optical Drive: Pioneer Black Blu-Ray burner SATA BDR-2209

OS: Win 7 64 bit (User comfort as they are comfortable with XP)

Add On: DEMCFlex dust filters for the case. (Which ones where to be determined based in H80i feedback.)

Build quirks / other thoughts:
1) The case and a Blu-Ray burner are locked in because it is a gift. The case is locked in because it comes in blue. Blu-ray, because disks are watched on computer.

2) If the H80i is rear mounted as an intake it will vent toward the GPU. Reversing the front fan to vent the case may be an option. If the front fan is set for intake the top fan will be the only vent in the case and the GPU becomes a concern as does negative vs. positive pressure in the case. The house in not air conditioned and it gets a tad warm in the summer; hence the H80i.

3) Very uncertain about using the H80i in intake mode. The concern is articles about the trade off in CPU vs. GPU air intake temperatures on cooling.

4) Over clocking the CPU a little bit to around 4GHZ and leaving it alone is in the plans. I want a graphics card that will support a good monitor – Christmas is coming too. :) Other than that I don't really see a need for gamer quality.

5) On reread - The SSD is targeted for the OS and a favored program or two. GPU and RAM selection are wide open. Based on reviews the H80i vs an air cooler seems to be the way to go especially in the summer. Cannot see going lower on the CPU but am open to ideas. MoBo seems like bang for the buck and I've had luck with Asus but...

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts on this. I am truly stuck and just spinning my wheels anymore.

Cheers,

Null
 

MxPhenom 216

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I feel like you are making it more difficult than it needs to be.

Doesnt sound like the 4670k is necessary either for primary uses. drop it down to another i5 but non k variant. Overclocking would yield no benefit for user.

1) fine
2) Dont have the h80i as an intake. Should be orientated as exhaust if you mount it to the rear.
3)See 2.
4)Okay. can easily be done. what is "good" monitor though for you. (resolution wise). Is the rig going to be used for gaming? Doesnt sound like you need a descrete gpu at all. Use the intel hd graphics on the CPU. Good enough for blu ray play back.
5. Sounds fine to me. Good board, I am going to be using the same board in my friends work system.
 
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System Name P1
Processor Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860
Motherboard ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
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MxPhenom 216,

:respect:First and foremost thank you.

I posted because I was stuck and wanted fresh eyes and thoughts on this. So odds are you are 100% right about making it more difficult than it is and my going all OCD. :banghead:

They don't own a game, at least not in the sense used now-a-days. I sort of hope they want to add it to the home video system and use the TV as a monitor and the speaker system. Use the remote to select the input. So the HDMI option is desired but that is on the MoBo.

Yes, read your advice about not needing the K series chip. If I drop out the graphics card, what do you think about dropping down to the previous generation chip and changing the MoBo to match; ideas or let it pass? From what I've read chip graphics were in place on those too. Then again what about future upgrade ability? Any recommendations?

I am not trying to be obtuse (more so than natively blessed). o_O

I've been drooling over, ever since I saw one, the ASUS PA series of monitors. The justification is working with photographs. Odds are it will not happen neither of us do video rendering but... gifts tend to defy logic and budgets. :)

A last question for now, RAM. Any recommendations or leave well enough alone? Based on the still functioning Dell and my 2010 build, this system is expected to last a long time with only minor upgrades.

Once again thank you.

Cheers,
Null
PS: I'm playing catch up. Before 2010, my most recent build and I boy did I make mistakes on it, I was building original 86 and then 286 based systems. A 20 MB HD was all of that. :fear: This last is offered to demonstrate just how important your feedback is. Again, this is a gift so failure is not an option. It has to be right and has to last; hence the budget.

PSS: I am a noob here. I am afraid to hit thank you for fear of losing my follow up questions. I'll try after I hit post on this. On edit - Yea, it worked!
 

MxPhenom 216

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MxPhenom 216,

:respect:First and foremost thank you.

I posted because I was stuck and wanted fresh eyes and thoughts on this. So odds are you are 100% right about making it more difficult than it is and my going all OCD. :banghead:

They don't own a game, at least not in the sense used now-a-days. I sort of hope they want to add it to the home video system and use the TV as a monitor and the speaker system. Use the remote to select the input. So the HDMI option is desired but that is on the MoBo.

Yes, read your advice about not needing the K series chip. If I drop out the graphics card, what do you think about dropping down to the previous generation chip and changing the MoBo to match; ideas or let it pass? From what I've read chip graphics were in place on those too. Then again what about future upgrade ability? Any recommendations?

I am not trying to be obtuse (more so than natively blessed). o_O

I've been drooling over, ever since I saw one, the ASUS PA series of monitors. The justification is working with photographs. Odds are it will not happen neither of us do video rendering but... gifts tend to defy logic and budgets. :)

A last question for now, RAM. Any recommendations or leave well enough alone? Based on the still functioning Dell and my 2010 build, this system is expected to last a long time with only minor upgrades.

Once again thank you.

Cheers,
Null
PS: I'm playing catch up. Before 2010, my most recent build and I boy did I make mistakes on it, I was building original 86 and then 286 based systems. A 20 MB HD was all of that. :fear: This last is offered to demonstrate just how important your feedback is. Again, this is a gift so failure is not an option. It has to be right and has to last; hence the budget.

PSS: I am a noob here. I am afraid to hit thank you for fear of losing my follow up questions. I'll try after I hit post on this. On edit - Yea, it worked!

You could definitely drop the board too following.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132032

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116896

Memory is fine. just be sure its a 2 stick kit. 8GB x 2 or 4GB x 2. ITX boards have only 2 memory slots

Drop the CPU cooler (H80i), don't need it anymore.

PSU, don't need a 660w. Drop the PSU to say a Corsair CX500w

Really, the build doesn't need to be nearly has expensive as you have it for the usages you mentioned.

And really for the monitor just as long as its an IPS panel its fine.
 
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I have an undervolted i5, 3317u, in my laptop. HD4000 graphics and it has not let me down. My screen is only 1366 x 768, trade off for price, and the HD4000 is much better than that.
 
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the prodigy is pretty large for an itx, its about the same size as a smaller mid tower.
example next to a full tower haf:

modified one next to a few other cases (source 210, phantom 430, switch 810)



not sure if you were aware how large they are for an itx, its really not that space efficient, if blue is an important color to you consider the following cases

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...kwCjCV1-CjCE&gclid=CP_U98Tx7b0CFW1nOgodsFUAcA

http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=26522
 
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I don't know a lot but, how about a Core i5 4670R? 65 W TDP, decently powerful GPU (Iris Pro 5200 with 128 MB eDRAM), and costs 275$. However, it is not socketed, that is to say that the CPU will be soldered onto the motherboard, which restricts upgradability. This is just an idea though. Someone else may provide you with more info than I can.
 
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I don't know a lot but, how about a Core i5 4670R? 65 W TDP, decently powerful GPU (Iris Pro 5200 with 128 MB eDRAM), and costs 275$. However, it is not socketed, that is to say that the CPU will be soldered onto the motherboard, which restricts upgradability. This is just an idea though. Someone else may you with more info than I can.
Given how fast intel (and AMD now) moves through sockets, upgradability doesn't really matter, this sounds like a good idea
 
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tanks i will tell you now for this month the year 2014 will there never be ddr 4 gb ram or intel 8 core processor what there is i will tell you this is the best gamming cpu and gpu for starter the intel core I7 3970X six core socket 2011 for gpu cant give you match details only knows that nvidia is going to replace 700 seriries gtx with 800 series that will be in july you can google all of it the cpu of intel is even better than the amd 8 core cpu so its better to pay more for pc than cheap and does not perform great intel is the best same with nvidia gpu same storry thanks
 
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The primary use is email and surfing, occasionally family photo level Photoshop use and it will be used with PageMaker for typesetting and proofing work. (XP legacy program).

i5 is kinda high you can use the highest i3 and you can save more

660watts is ok for me in case you wanna add something
if possible you may use push pull configuration for h80i to maintain the temp
 
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You could definitely drop the board too following.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132032

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?It:respect:em=N82E16819116896

Memory is fine. just be sure its a 2 stick kit. 8GB x 2 or 4GB x 2. ITX boards have only 2 memory slots

Drop the CPU cooler (H80i), don't need it anymore.

PSU, don't need a 660w. Drop the PSU to say a Corsair CX500w

Really, the build doesn't need to be nearly has expensive as you have it for the usages you mentioned.

And really for the monitor just as long as its an IPS panel its fine.
MxPhenom,

:respect:Thank you yet again.

The links you provided are open and after I study the other poster's ideas and recommendations (thank them too) I'll start researching them.

Old school I guess but there is no such thing as to much RAM so two 8GB high speed sticks from the compatibility list is the game plan.

The things driving me nuts with the PSU are: the case max PSU length is 160mm and most PSUs are that long (I even emailed SeaSonic to try and get the dimensions with the plugs in and got, "It should fit."); and, this 80 Plus stuff is new to me so -- my thinking was to target the sweet spot at 50% usage, the system will be on for days; and, it will support upgrades. While picking everybody's brains I sure could use a reality check on this. :confused: (learned the hard way not to scrimp on a PSU - lucky to not lose components.)

Ambient heat issues are a big concern, which is why I was willing to stick a toe into the water cooling pool.

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
 
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I have an undervolted i5, 3317u, in my laptop. HD4000 graphics and it has not let me down. My screen is only 1366 x 768, trade off for price, and the HD4000 is much better than that.

Arjai,

:respect:First and foremost thank you!

You answered my question about using on the chip's graphics before I even got there. :D That actually was a great reassurance.

Off topic - I'm having issues getting Boinc to run. :( If there is a way to PM and you can spare the time sure would like to pick your brain. The FAQs don't seem to cover it.

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
 
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MxPhenom,

:respect:Thank you yet again.

The links you provided are open and after I study the other poster's ideas and recommendations (thank them too) I'll start researching them.

Old school I guess but there is no such thing as to much RAM so two 8GB high speed sticks from the compatibility list is the game plan.

The things driving me nuts with the PSU are: the case max PSU length is 160mm and most PSUs are that long (I even emailed SeaSonic to try and get the dimensions with the plugs in and got, "It should fit."); and, this 80 Plus stuff is new to me so -- my thinking was to target the sweet spot at 50% usage, the system will be on for days; and, it will support upgrades. While picking everybody's brains I sure could use a reality check on this. :confused: (learned the hard way not to scrimp on a PSU - lucky to not lose components.)

Ambient heat issues are a big concern, which is why I was willing to stick a toe into the water cooling pool.

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
Silverstone makes a short power supply unit
Silverstone ST50F-P 500W
Dimensions
5.91" x 3.39" x 5.51"
Runs great in my itx case, very high quality

You don't need more than 8GB of ram. I have never even fully filled 8GB and I have 16 total, I think the most I ever used up was 6.5 GB.
 
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the prodigy is pretty large for an itx, its about the same size as a smaller mid tower.
example next to a full tower haf:

modified one next to a few other cases (source 210, phantom 430, switch 810)



not sure if you were aware how large they are for an itx, its really not that space efficient, if blue is an important color to you consider the following cases

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...kwCjCV1-CjCE&gclid=CP_U98Tx7b0CFW1nOgodsFUAcA

http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=26522
Vario,

:respect:First and foremost thank you!

I actually did use Google and Ask to try and find other blue cases and failed. Must have been a short between the keyboard and seat. o_O

I have the provided links open and will check them out after I study the other thoughts and ideas posted (thank everybody too).

Once again, thank you!

Cheers,
Null
 
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tanks i will tell you now for this month the year 2014 will there never be ddr 4 gb ram or intel 8 core processor what there is i will tell you this is the best gamming cpu and gpu for starter the intel core I7 3970X six core socket 2011 for gpu cant give you match details only knows that nvidia is going to replace 700 seriries gtx with 800 series that will be in july you can google all of it the cpu of intel is even better than the amd 8 core cpu so its better to pay more for pc than cheap and does not perform great intel is the best same with nvidia gpu same storry thanks
the truth not bullshit,

:respect:First and foremost thank you!

This may be off topic and if it is I apologize to all. When I upgrade my system (and I am researching that too) I'm planning on going with a 2011 socket, that very same chip (or whatever is out there to replace it in about two years) and maybe even a Tesla card. CUDA cores what a concept. :peace:

My home office system was built in 2010 and has been upgraded along the line. I crunch some big spreadsheets and data bases. I use a Monte Carlo simulation for some number crunching. It has an i7 860 over clocked to 3.4 GHz; CPU-Z validated. It has an Asus GT630 - 2GD3 GPU card and even those few CUDA cores (96) make a huge difference; was 100% on the CPU when massaging numbers. (I hit calculate and go mow the grass. :() The case's air flow and PSU were two of my biggest build mistakes. On reread - when we have a heat wave it is under clocked or the system gets quirky.

Target window for this build is about two years out - gotta save for it first.:twitch:

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
 

MxPhenom 216

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Dude you got to learn to edit your posts when you want to reply again. The double and triple posting is not accepted among the moderators.
 

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Save up the money for it but don't plan on what to buy right now. 2 years out is hard to guesstimate but Skylake and Maxwell will be available then and I expect these will have a considerable increase over today's performance.
 
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Vario,

:respect:First and foremost thank you!

I actually did use Google and Ask to try and find other blue cases and failed. Must have been a short between the keyboard and seat. o_O

I have the provided links open and will check them out after I study the other thoughts and ideas posted (thank everybody too).

Once again, thank you!

Cheers,
Null
I just would make sure you know what you're getting into with an itx form factor, like scarcity of replacement motherboards once the socket becomes obsolete, and the obvious not much space. The Prodigy looks good in photos but in person the spoilers are pretty bendy, plastic feels cheap, and its very big for an itx case, if you live near a microcenter you can go see one in person.

I'd get the Thermaltake Chaser, it looks pretty decent and it should be very easy and straightforward since its a large atx case. Caveat is I haven't really played around with a Chaser, its just the better looking of the blue cases I googled and it reviews okay

Video review might be helpful

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2013/02/27/thermaltake-chaser-a31-review/1

Heres a raidmax review:
http://www.cluboc.net/reviews/cases/raidmax/atlas/p1.asp
the $50 price is pretty compelling for the raidmax
only video that shows much of it

a really solid option if you can find one is an old Chenming (Antec/Enermax) Blue case
Heres an example (for only $45 shipped, not bad):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chenming-601AE-BLU-Mid-Tower-Case-Blue-w-450W-PSU-NEW-/170373862170?pt=US_Computer_Cases&hash=item27ab12d31a

Chenming used to make cases for a bunch of brands like Antec, Chieftec, and Enermax, they are really solid and indestructible. The included 450w in that auction is probably junk.
80mm fans are kinda dated though, really won't get air flow like a modern but the overall build quality and metal thickness was way better on cases in 2004 than now. Id be tempted to run one of these, and just get some 92x32mm san ace fans instead of the 80mm junk , might take some modding (drill holes or use zip tie or an 80 to 92 adapter)
 
Last edited:

eidairaman1

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The primary use is email and surfing, occasionally family photo level Photoshop use and it will be used with PageMaker for typesetting and proofing work. (XP legacy program).

i5 is kinda high you can use the highest i3 and you can save more

660watts is ok for me in case you wanna add something
if possible you may use push pull configuration for h80i to maintain the temp
Micropage 7,

:respect:First and foremost thank you!

From a lot of YouTube build watching for this case, push pull on the H80i is the plan. I saw it fit on the rear case fan mount point. Not sure about the top rear point with a rear mounted 25mm thick exhaust fan in place, especially as either that or the top rear fan is being upgraded to 140mm.

I think it was OC 3D that did a comparison of the H80i with Noctua 120mm PWM fans vs. the provided fans in push pull. Test results using Prime 95 for 30 minutes were about a 5 degree C increase in temperature using the Noctua fans. Huge difference in noise too. If memory serves (always a scary bet) the CPU was running around the upper 50s to low 60s with an ambient of 20. 3 or 4.

My selection of the H80i is based on a test of air and all in one water coolers from the same source. He over clocked the snot out of the chip and ran Prime 95. The H80i was one of the few winners / survivors of the test and it will fit in push pull. My thoughts on a modestly overclocked system with ambient temperature concerns is it should handle it. Bang for buck is not bad either. (Based on reassessing my CPU selection it will handle what it needs to do.)

My thoughts on the PSU wattage mirror yours. The biggest concern is will it fit. Case only has a max PSU length of 160mm and the only PSU I've found so far that will 100% fit has only fair reviews.

The CPU selection shall be reconsidered and researched again; maybe even the MoBo. My primary thought on CPU selection was speed. Hitting enter and waiting is a drag. The SSD for the OS and a few favorite programs will eliminate most of that; I hope.

Now that you and the others have helped me get my thoughts unstuck. CPU re-selection is where I am off to after I get done studying the ideas shared here and thank everyone for their help.

Once again thank you,

Cheers,
Null
 
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Cooling Cooler Master Hyper N520 & Noctua NF-120F PWN rear exhaust fan
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I don't know a lot but, how about a Core i5 4670R? 65 W TDP, decently powerful GPU (Iris Pro 5200 with 128 MB eDRAM), and costs 275$. However, it is not socketed, that is to say that the CPU will be soldered onto the motherboard, which restricts upgradability. This is just an idea though. Someone else may provide you with more info than I can.
TheBrainyOne,

:respect: First and foremost, thank you!

That is a line of thought I have not even considered. As such it is valued all the more.

The trade offs between upgrade-ability, component quality and cost is a major issue. Whatever I build, it is expected to last a long time; past the warranty of all the parts. I like inexpensive but...

Once again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
 
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Please Null. Don't use the ":respect:" every time you reply to a person. I think you feel that others here know more than you, but that doesn't mean you use that symbol.
 
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Cooling Cooler Master Hyper N520 & Noctua NF-120F PWN rear exhaust fan
Memory 2 X G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Video Card(s) ASUS GT630-2GD3
Storage Western Digital WD5000CSRTL
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Case RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP
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Silverstone makes a short power supply unit
Silverstone ST50F-P 500W
Dimensions
5.91" x 3.39" x 5.51"
Runs great in my itx case, very high quality

You don't need more than 8GB of ram. I have never even fully filled 8GB and I have 16 total, I think the most I ever used up was 6.5 GB.

Vario,

Once again, thank you!

The Silverstone ST65F – G was my second choice because of only fair reviews. It will 100% fit.

If you can spare the time would you tell me: 1) How long you have been using it; 2) Is your system on most of the time; and 3) How is its cooling, i.e. is it venting warm or hot air under normal use?

The reviews are why I was considering shoe horning in the SeaSonic. Your use of that PSU and, hopefully your, follow up are very important. One of my biggest build fails involved a PSU so this is a corner I will not cut to save a few bucks. Seriously, I was considering taking the case to a shop to mod it by cutting out the back of the PSU cage so the PSU would fit because those reviews concerned me.

And yet again, thank you.

Cheers,
Null
 
Joined
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System Name P1
Processor Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860
Motherboard ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
Cooling Cooler Master Hyper N520 & Noctua NF-120F PWN rear exhaust fan
Memory 2 X G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Video Card(s) ASUS GT630-2GD3
Storage Western Digital WD5000CSRTL
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Power Supply Brand: SeaSonic Model: SSR-750RM
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Please Null. Don't use the ":respect:" every time you reply to a person. I think you feel that others here know more than you, but that doesn't mean you use that symbol.
TheBrainyOne,

I apologize if offense was given and shall heed your advice. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

For the record, I am very appreciative of the time and thought shared by everyone here. I came here asking for help because I was stuck. I keep saying thank you and mean it.

Perhaps, I flatter myself by saying my knowledge level is average. None-the-less, to be blunt, knowledge level is not the issue. Asking for and receiving help is, and for that I am grateful.

In closing and yet again thank you.

Cheers,

Null

 
Joined
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Processor Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860
Motherboard ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
Cooling Cooler Master Hyper N520 & Noctua NF-120F PWN rear exhaust fan
Memory 2 X G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Video Card(s) ASUS GT630-2GD3
Storage Western Digital WD5000CSRTL
Display(s) LG Flatron
Case RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP
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Power Supply Brand: SeaSonic Model: SSR-750RM
Software Win 7 64 bit; HWMonitor; DUC 4.01. Tweak; ASUS GPU Tweak; and, Panda security suite 2014
Benchmark Scores 3.4 Ghz CPU-Z validated 5.9 Windows Index
I just would make sure you know what you're getting into with an itx form factor, like scarcity of replacement motherboards once the socket becomes obsolete, and the obvious not much space. The Prodigy looks good in photos but in person the spoilers are pretty bendy, plastic feels cheap, and its very big for an itx case, if you live near a microcenter you can go see one in person.

I'd get the Thermaltake Chaser, it looks pretty decent and it should be very easy and straightforward since its a large atx case. Caveat is I haven't really played around with a Chaser, its just the better looking of the blue cases I googled and it reviews okay

Video review might be helpful

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2013/02/27/thermaltake-chaser-a31-review/1

Heres a raidmax review:
http://www.cluboc.net/reviews/cases/raidmax/atlas/p1.asp
the $50 price is pretty compelling for the raidmax
only video that shows much of it

a really solid option if you can find one is an old Chenming (Antec/Enermax) Blue case
Heres an example (for only $45 shipped, not bad):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chenming-601AE-BLU-Mid-Tower-Case-Blue-w-450W-PSU-NEW-/170373862170?pt=US_Computer_Cases&hash=item27ab12d31a

Chenming used to make cases for a bunch of brands like Antec, Chieftec, and Enermax, they are really solid and indestructible. The included 450w in that auction is probably junk.
80mm fans are kinda dated though, really won't get air flow like a modern but the overall build quality and metal thickness was way better on cases in 2004 than now. Id be tempted to run one of these, and just get some 92x32mm san ace fans instead of the 80mm junk , might take some modding (drill holes or use zip tie or an 80 to 92 adapter)
Vario,

Wow, thank you very much, especially for all the research.

Yes it is small even if the Prodigy is big in the form factor. If I change cases I am not modding it where it shows. Yea, I can drill holes, they just look shabby.
If it were for me I'd mod the heck out of it just to learn how to or take it to a garage to get it done. It is a gift so pretty counts. :)

Once I get done going over all the ideas shared here I'm going on line to research all those ideas. My thought was to start from scratch and based on those ideas see where I end up. I've got just over a month before I need to start buying parts to get it done on time.

This is way off topic so perhaps moving this PM is best. I have a huge old full tower I was thinking of using for my next build; for me. By old I mean the only fan opening in it is for the PSU and the board is an original 86 one. I can sit on it and I am not light. I was giving up on modding it until this post; figured I'd build an old system from some of the parts around here (even have a Multisync monochrome CRT for the monitor) for the fun of it. Ideas and especially what does not work would be appreciated.

Once again, many thanks.

Cheers,
Null
 
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