HTPC + RAID 5 + Bittorrent + DLNA Box

[contro]

Approximate Purchase Date: Tomorrow-Next Week


Budget Range: $500-$1000


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Bit Torrent , Watching Movies, Streaming to PS3


Parts Not Required:
Hard Drives for the RAID 5 I already bought 4 Western Digital 2.0TB WD20EARS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136514


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: The cheaper the better, I use newegg.com a lot but I have priceblink installed on my Firefox Web Browser to find even cheaper prices.


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: I prefer ASUS and Intel, but if there is a better brand I am willing to go with another. Would like to go with a Modular Power Supply if possible.


Overclocking: No


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe


Monitor Resolution:
I have a LG FLATRON M237WD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005120&cm_re=M237WD-_-24-005-120-_-Product



Additional Comments: Here is my current setup:
I have a Samsung HW-C560S Home Theater System
and everything is connected to it, The LG Monitor, my PS3, and for now My Asus W3J Laptop which is acting as my current home theater PC.....

I'm not sure where to start originally I wanted to use the 4X 2TB drives in a NAS Enclosure was looking at Synology DS411j but in the end a DIY build was the most logical choice due to all the things I want to do on the computer.

They machine will be on 24/7 I am a slightly bit concerned about power when I am not going to be home. I'd like to run Windows 7 on it, Movies will be watched on the PC 1080p, flash, and maybe Blu-Ray discs but I have a PS3 for that so it's not terribly important. and uTorrent will be run on it.

Preferably I'd like sound and video to be outputted via one HDMI cable, not sure if it's possible or if it's the best choice.

I'd like to go with a HTPC case the smaller the better if it's possible, At least 5 hard drive bays if possible, I do not want to install the OS on the RAID 5 array. The quieter the better.

Well that's pretty much all the information I have. Any questions feel free to ask I'll reply as soon as I read the feedback.

 

[Alvin Smith]

`
SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / Steel LC10B-E ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163118

The Silverstone LC10B-E case takes the classic desktop configuration and updates it for use as an HTPC. The front panel is both elegant and devoid of any unsightly holes. The two rear 80mm fans configuration provides ample airflow to easily handle the heat from the components. A front I/O panel on the front sports a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and two audio jacks for an easy connection to your peripherals.

Inside the case there is as much space as a standard tower. There are seven internal 3.5” bays so you can set up a huge storage array with RAID data security. The motherboard tray will handle both micro and standard ATX boards. Everything else in your media cabinet is top-shelf; shouldn't your HTPC case be, too?

Expansion
External 5.25" Drive Bays 1
Internal 3.5" Drive Bays 7 Front Ports
Front USB Ports Yes
Front FireWire Ports Yes
Front Audio Ports Yes
Front eSATA Ports No
Front Card Reader No
Remote Control Module No
Front Display No Cooling System
80mm Fans 2 x 80mm exhaust, 2050rpm, 21dBA
Side Air duct No Features
Features Home theater component styling
Stealth optical drive slot
Next generation cooling performance
Abundant front I/O ports
2 x 92mm or 80mm fan slots
1 x 80mm fan slot & PSU vents

 

[Alvin Smith]

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
$30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=coolermaster_120mm_cooler-_-35-103-065-_-Product

This Hyper-212+ 120mm Cooler comes with one fan and includes mounting brackets for two matched fans, in push-pull configuration. ...
... The Hyper-212+ also comes with good thermal paste and can cool a hex-core CPU upgrade, without modification ... even for fairly agressive Over-Clocking.

Silent operation with minimal noise level at 13 dBA
(Anything under 20 dBA will be more quiet than your RAID Array).

Model
Brand COOLER MASTER
Model RR-B10-212P-G1 Spec
Type Fan & Heatsinks
Fan Size 120mm
Compatibility Intel: Socket LGA1366 / 1156 / 1155 / 775
AMD: Socket AM3 / AM2 / AM2+
Bearing Type Long life sleeve
RPM 600 - 2000 RPM
Air Flow 21.2 - 76.8 CFM
Noise Level 13 - 32 dBA
Power Connector 4 Pin
Heatsink Material Aluminum Physical Spec
Fan Dimensions 120 x 120 x 25 mm
Weight 626g Features
Features Well-balanced cooling performance
1. Computer aided heatsink design provides fin optimization with perfect balance between high and low speed operation.
2. 4 x Direct Contact heat-pipes for seamless contact between CPU surface and cooler.
3. Wide-range PWM fan with unique blade design for excellent airflow.
4. Upgradable to dual fans and swapping of fans with extra fan-clips included.
Fan mounting using clips for easy installation and swapping.
Versatile all-in-one mounting solution for Intel Socket LGA775/1156/1366 and AMD Socket AM3 / AM2 / AM2+.
Silent operation with minimal noise level at 13 dBA

 

[contro]

Well ... we might come in, SO far under budget, that we can afford a REAL 120mm Hyper212+ cooler which will cut down further on the noise ...

... Looks like you can eke-by without a discreet GPU, but there are provisions for up to TWO (gaming GPUs) if you ever want to do that ... you can have one X16 GPU or two x8 GPUs, in crossfire (This mobo does not support SLI but you can put two nVidias in there) ... they just won't SLI. ... Not likely to be an issue, now or later.

SO ... I will modify that build post by deleting all the extra details, about the mobo ...and continuing, with the proposed budget build.

... I suggest the RAID-10 mode, which this mobo will support, without an add-in cntrlr.

... Silence and dependability would both be well served with that X-Series SeaSonic PSU, if you can afford to focus some funds, to THAT ... but those 4 spinners, of yours, are going to be the noisiest components if you go with a 120mm cooler and a GREAT PSU.

If you could go with a STANDARD MID TOWER, that would provide you with more options and flexibility, at the lowest price point, and that physical layout makes much more sense, for a 4-drive (2x2) RAID setup.

... OR ... A standard desktop would be the same size as a mid-tower, but with the horizontal, desk-top orientation ... WHICH ONE ??

Think about THAT and lemme know if you have a STRONG preference for one orientation, over the other.


*****************

I have business errands, today, so may be after midnight before I can "really get into it".

... Once "we" can come up with a complete budget config, that will work and be quiet, then we can see if your budget and your desires would provide some wiggle-room for some worthy upgrades, where it would make a real difference.

later.

Standard mid tower sounds good. I like that modular Power supply also looks sweet!
It will be standing up longways like what is happening right now in this pic If I decide to go with a mid-tower the dell is getting junked something wrong with the PSU:

 

[Alvin Smith]

GOOD !!

... The HTPC cases just introduce physical hassels ... Whew! ... GOOD CALL !!

Look at the Antec 300 ILLUSION model ... does that "look" appeal, to you ?

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=antec%20300%20illusion

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112154


COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$60 *** ABS PLASTIC *** (but LOOK at ALL the photos !! )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

 

[contro]

GOOD !!

... The HTPC cases just introduce physical hassels ... Whew! ... GOOD CALL !!

Look at the Antec 300 ILLUSION model ... does that "look" appeal, to you ?

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=antec%20300%20illusion

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112154


COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$60 *** ABS PLASTIC *** (but LOOK at ALL the photos !! )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

I like the Antec Illusion it definitely appeals to me, as well as the COOLER MASTER HAF 912 I'm gonna bypass the LIAN-LI as it only has a buy rate of 24%.

I really Like the Antec and the Cooler Master. So I guess it's between those two right now.

 

[contro]

That motherboard looks very nice!
I like the fact that I can, in the future, add a gaming graphics card.
Zotac H67-ITX
Zotac Site H67-ITX Details

I think I may wait for that motherboard. I'm not crazy for the wi-fi, the box will be wired to my gigabit network. One major concern I have is will I be able to replace a failed hard drive on the RAID 5 array. I already lost a 500GB and a 400GB hard drive on JBOD not interested in losing all the data on another hard drive.

That case looks good as well. I think I have the motherboard and case right now!

Any feedback or input about this motherboard Alvin?

 

[Alvin Smith]

Well ... you really do not want to know what I think ...

... Let's just say I was wondering if there was any life left in socket 1156 and ...

... and, now, I can see that it DOES have some life left in it ...

... By assigning the first sandies to this socket, and going with micro-ATX, they have solved the "cobbled bus" issue ... because mini-ATX boards only allow for ONE gpu slot, which leaves more open PCIe lanes, for extra ports ... And ... since the sandie do run cooler, and drink less, it makes them a perfect match for the mini form factor ... Add, to that, the advanced onboard graphics accelleration (of the sandies), and you have a very decent "home entertainment rig" ...

... So, add an external media storage array (RAID-10), to that, and you have the whole she-bang ... you can even ditch your PS3/X-Box.

Being able to put more graphics power, into a SINGLE GPU slot, (just lately), with mitigated power draw, allows for enough "studio I/O" flexibility to assure a reasonable modicum of (studio-multuplex) flexibility.

... I really do hate to say it ... but I kinda like the whole idea ... especially for college students, who move from place to place (in their car).

A fairly handy and weildy piece of kit, and it SURE aint no ATOM !

Not MY own personal cup-o-tea, tho. I prefer a WIDE-OPEN and long-lived, platform, with lots of flexibility and expandibility.

I do like the company (Zotac) ... they are kinda radical rogues and put out some unique products (like my fanless GT240s, supporting OGL3.2, etc.) ...

... BUT ... I think doing the RAID and the "puter" in one larger case will be "just better", in the LONG RUN ... Both because of less heat and better air-flow ... and because of the MANY more available lanes on 890 and X59 chipsets.

... It would also really like to see the "fully loaded" price, of the Zotac (relative to a mid-tower 890G build).

... There is much merit, on the face of it, if the price is right (the Zotac) ... Lots of selling points and "life-style appeal".

... ME? ... I work,live,play in a multimedia project studio ... I need to be able to multiplex with a much wider bus and more slots.

The Zotac makes great sense for anyone who moves around and has limited living space ... just handy and capable.

... just not that expandable ... but it has enough ports that, for most media-dens, it is way plenty.

... ANOTHER ADVANTAGE ... Put that noisy RAID array in a completely different room !!!.

NOTE: That would mean GIGABIT ETHERNET, as the interface ... NOT USB3 or eSATA.

... USB3 and eSATA have strict (and scant) limitations on cable length !!!

 

[Alvin Smith]

BTW ... the 2nd link failed to load.

 

[contro]

Well ... you really do not want to know what I think ...

... Let's just say I was wondering if there was any life left in socket 1156 and ...

... and, now, I can see that it DOES have some life left in it ...

... By assigning the first sandies to this socket, and going with micro-ATX, they have solved the "cobbled bus" issue ... because mini-ATX boards only allow for ONE gpu slot, which leaves more open PCIe lanes, for extra ports ... And ... since the sandie do run cooler, and drink less, it makes them a perfect match for the mini form factor ... Add, to that, the advanced onboard graphics accelleration (of the sandies), and you have a very decent "home entertainment rig" ...

... So, add an external media storage array (RAID-10), to that, and you have the whole she-bang ... you can even ditch your PS3/X-Box.

Being able to put more graphics power, into a SINGLE GPU slot, (just lately), with mitigated power draw, allows for enough "studio I/O" flexibility to assure a reasonable modicum of (studio-multuplex) flexibility.

... I really do hate to say it ... but I kinda like the whole idea ... especially for college students, who move from place to place (in their car).

A fairly handy and weildy piece of kit, and it SURE aint no ATOM !

Not MY own personal cup-o-tea, tho. I prefer a WIDE-OPEN and long-lived, platform, with lots of flexibility and expandibility.

I do like the company (Zotac) ... they are kinda radical rogues and put out some unique products (like my fanless GT240s, supporting OGL3.2, etc.) ...

... BUT ... I think doing the RAID and the "puter" in one larger case will be "just better", in the LONG RUN ... Both because of less heat and better air-flow ... and because of the MANY more available lanes on 890 and X59 chipsets.

... It would also really like to see the "fully loaded" price, of the Zotac (relative to a mid-tower 890G build).

... There is much merit, on the face of it, if the price is right (the Zotac) ... Lots of selling points and "life-style appeal".

... ME? ... I work,live,play in a multimedia project studio ... I need to be able to multiplex with a much wider bus and more slots.

The Zotac makes great sense for anyone who moves around and has limited living space ... just handy and capable.

... just not that expandable ... but it has enough ports that, for most media-dens, it is way plenty.

... ANOTHER ADVANTAGE ... Put that noisy RAID array in a completely different room !!!.

NOTE: That would mean GIGABIT ETHERNET, as the interface ... NOT USB3 or eSATA.

... USB3 and eSATA have strict (and scant) limitations on cable length !!!

Wow I am glad I asked you about this. Sounds like you know the limitations of the motherboard chipsets. Which in my opinion means you are knowledgeable with what is going on with the future of computing and the bottlenecks that chipsets have on the current technology that is out there.

I do have a Gigabit network in where I live right now so that is not a problem.

I am sticking to the information that you are throwing my way.

 

[contro]

So far we have the following:

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
No concerns with the motherboard, I like that it has USB 3.0!
$140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=eCWbkolMf0DOW0IV

And ... Here is ALL THE PROC YOU WILL NEED (Does Everything you asked + plenty of head-room)
... On YOUR budget, you will be using the STOCK COOLER (3.2GHz, stock ! .. No OC req'd ! )

AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
Major concern is that this is an Athlon, I heard something that a triple-core is really a quad-core with one of the processors turned off/gone bad? I understand that I can pay a little extra and go with a Phenom II or will Athlon II be sufficient? I took a second look at the processor and I understand why it was chosen the 95W power draw,but I also compared lower power draw processors with near to similar clock rates : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%20600005863&IsNodeId=1&page=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=343|19-103-886^19-103-886-TS%2C19-103-916^19-103-916-TS%2C19-103-871^19-103-871-TS%2C19-103-887^19-103-887-TS%2C19-103-912^19-103-912-TS
$80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886

This DRAM is DDR3 1333cas9 ... 4GB is WAY PLENTY (but not too much).

Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996586
I'm comfortable with the RAM
$40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146748

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
This CPU Heatsink is excellent been hearing good things about it.
$30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=coolermaster_120mm_cooler-_-35-103-065-_-Product

SeaSonic X650 Gold 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Love the reviews I have been reading about this, I was looking for something quiet, efficient, and provided a low power draw. Love where this power supply is going.
$134.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088&cm_re=seasonic-_-17-151-088-_-Product

and the case.....

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
I'm leaning towards this case right now only because it's smaller.
$55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=antec%20300%20illusion

or
COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
The price is right on this case I even found it for $50. It's 1-inch taller than the Antec though. So still deciding.
$60 *** ABS PLASTIC *** (but LOOK at ALL the photos !! )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

Ok so I add all the parts to the newegg cart and the grand total less the case:
$467.72

So before I go crazy and start buying stuff I'd like some feedback on the comments I made in blue near the parts. Also seeing as I have all this space what future upgrade choices do I have to make it a gaming PC? After that I will create the final build and then start making purchases.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Here ... do this ... $20 more, for the extra core ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&cm_re=athlon_II_x4-_-19-103-871-_-Product

Phenom II just has larger caching ... newer MMU ...

The ATHLON II will give you four fast cores ... even good enough for consumer edit/transcoding ... PLENTY OF POWER !

CASES ... The Antec comes with all the fans you will need ... I like the HAF, for it's features, but you will need to spend $30 on fans ... BUT ... You could pick out quiter ones ...
... The ANTEC is prolly more quiet (HAF stands for HI AIR FLOW) ... The HAF is built like a screen porch ... actually, the ANTEC is too ... take yer pick ...

The antec has LED fans ... pretty sure they are blue ... you might not like that.

... I hate having to shop-for, and install fans but, if silence is your goal, you'd best go with the HAF and let me pick you out some quiet fans that don't cost too much.

 

[contro]

Here ... do this ... $20 more, for the extra core ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&cm_re=athlon_II_x4-_-19-103-871-_-Product

Phenom II just has larger caching ... newer MMU ...

The ATHLON II will give you four fast cores ... even good enough for consumer edit/transcoding ... PLENTY OF POWER !

Also it has a L3 cache I did some research and lone behold look what I found on Tom's Hardware : http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/athlon-l3-cache,2416-6.html

 

[contro]

Here ... do this ... $20 more, for the extra core ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&cm_re=athlon_II_x4-_-19-103-871-_-Product

Phenom II just has larger caching ... newer MMU ...

The ATHLON II will give you four fast cores ... even good enough for consumer edit/transcoding ... PLENTY OF POWER !

CASES ... The Antec comes with all the fans you will need ... I like the HAF, for it's features, but you will need to spend $30 on fans ... BUT ... You could pick out quiter ones ...
... The ANTEC is prolly more quiet (HAF stands for HI AIR FLOW) ... The HAF is built like a screen porch ... actually, the ANTEC is too ... take yer pick ...

The antec has LED fans ... pretty sure they are blue ... you might not like that.

... I hate having to shop-for, and install fans but, if silence is your goal, you'd best go with the HAF and let me pick you out some quiet fans that don't cost too much.

Yeah I was looking at the Blue LED fans on the Antec this computer will be a few feet from my bed so the lights may bother me let's go with the HAF.

 

[joelmartinez]

The HAF fans whisper I speak from experience no need to replace them the High Air-Flow thing isn't a High Noise thing in disguise.

I have the 922 but the 912 will be just as good just you need to clean the dust out of your case once a month

With the blue antec fans I'm pretty sure you can disable the LEDs if you take them out of the fan, or cut the wire for the LEDs

 

[contro]

The HAF fans whisper I speak from experience no need to replace them the High Air-Flow thing isn't a High Noise thing in disguise.

I have the 922 but the 912 will be just as good just you need to clean the dust out of your case once a month

With the blue antec fans I'm pretty sure you can disable the LEDs if you take them out of the fan, or cut the wire for the LEDs

The dust thing sucks but not a deal breaker for me.

 

[joelmartinez]

Well I guess if you were so inclined you could actually build your own dust filters or something

 

[contro]

Well I guess if you were so inclined you could actually build your own dust filters or something

I thought the HAF 912 comes with Dust filters already?

 

[joelmartinez]

Yes but they are not very adequate, you will get a lot of dust in your case

 

[Alvin Smith]

The HAF has a lot more cool features and is much more modular ...

The Antec is very sturdy and better if you stack stuff on top of it. Not as cool looking, but in real use ... a better and more useful piece of furniture, because it is flat steel.

The HAF has will make for an easier build.

I have read of folks disabling the LEDs on the Antec.

There are videos, for the HAF ... Watch the demo/review video, for the HAF and also see if they have one for the Antec.

 

[contro]

The HAF has a lot more cool features and is much more modular ...

The Antec is very sturdy and better if you stack stuff on top of it. Not as cool looking, but in real use ... a better and more useful piece of furniture, because it is flat steel.

The HAF has will make for an easier build.

I have read of folks disabling the LEDs on the Antec.

There are videos, for the HAF ... Watch the demo/review video, for the HAF and also see if they have one for the Antec.

I can pick the Antec up at Amazon for $59.82 free shipping!

or

I can pick the HAF up at CompUSA for $49.99 no free shipping ($11.98 for shipping)

Dust will probly be a problem no matter what case I go with. Stacking stuff on top of the case is going to be a must sadly... Hopefully the ASUS W3J will be the only device on top of the computer.

Going with the Antec from Amazon. Due to price, sturdiness and stack-ability.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Pick One

(1) BlueRay Read/Write? ('spen-SIVE!)

(2) BlueRay Read Only (Not zactly cheap)

(3) DVD Read/Write (They're GIVING them away).

(Some folks go with 2+3 ... Cheaper than 1 )

 

[contro]

Pick One

(1) BlueRay Read/Write? ('spen-SIVE!)

(2) BlueRay Read Only (Not zactly cheap)

(3) DVD Read/Write (They're GIVING them away).

(Some folks go with 2+3 ... Cheaper than 1 )

Going to temp hold off purchasing a optical drive right now,
but I will need to purchase one so I'd like to #1 I think I saw one for 99$ on newegg.

My file server was making clicking noises this morning... ughhh another hard drive it sounds like is going bad.

Anyways I wanna start buying stuff tonight after I get home from work.

 

[contro]

Ok went to Amazon and just placed my order for the :
Cooler Master RR-B10-212P-G1 Hyper 212 Plus 775/1156/1366/AMD/AM2/AM3 Universal Direct Contact Heat-Pipe 120mm Fan CPU Cooler
$29.95

Antec Three Hundred Gaming Case External 3 X 5.25; Internal 6 X 3.5 2*Usb2.0
$59.82

Total cost plus shipping and Tax:
$89.37

Went too NewEgg and Purchased:


ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131631
$139.99

SeaSonic X650 Gold 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817151088
$134.99

AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
Item #: N82E16819103871
$99.99

Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ...
Item #: N82E16820146748
$39.99

Total with Tax and Shipping:
$449.19


Grand Total from Amazon and NewEgg:
$538.56

I'm not done yet obviously, but this is a start. Will post pics here of all the products once I get them.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Still needed ...

(1) Boot SSD
(2) 1TB Spinpoint F3
(3) DVDR $16 new (need this to load th OS & sw .. can salvage from the DELL)
(4) OS Windows7 Home-64 OEM ($99)
(5) One extra SATA cable ($5)

Options : Gaming GPU
.... Card Reader

Will cost $165 more for a functioning config ...

Approx. $325 to finish it off "right" .

 

[contro]

Still needed ...

(1) Boot SSD
(2) 1TB Spinpoint F3
(3) DVDR $16 new (need this to load th OS & sw .. can salvage from the DELL)
(4) OS Windows7 Home-64 OEM ($99)
(5) One extra SATA cable ($5)

Options : Gaming GPU
.... Card Reader

Will cost $165 more for a functioning config ...

Approx. $325 to finish it off "right" .

This is definitely true.

(1)I really want to get a Boot SSD for the OS.

(2) I don't understand why I need this other than swap for OS? I already have have 4 X 2TB Hard Drives for the RAID 0+1 or is it 1+0? Also how big of a difference will it make to have the swap on the SD as opposed on the Spinpoint if I do get the spinpoint? Or was there another reason to have this hard drive?

(3) I also have a burner installed on my file server so definitely salvageable.


(4) I have a friend who is going to pick me up a cheap version of Windows 7 he's a university student.

(5) I'm going to need SATA Cables for the 4 X 2TB Hard Drives as well, the ASUS motherboard does come with 2 X SATA cables.

I just noticed something about the motherboard and the 4X 2TB Hard Drives I bought (WD20EARS) they are only 3.0Gb/s. I checked newegg for 2TB 6.0Gb/s hard drives and there aren't that many and the ones that they had cost $179 which is way out of my budget. I'll stick to the 3.0Gb/s HD.
Just curious how big of a difference does 6.0Gb/s make between 3.0Gb/s? Is there any real bottlenecks holding speed back?

Options: Gaming GPU
This is for the future but I definitely would like choices.
Does it make sense to crossfire at all or just purchase a single GPU?

Card Reader
What did you have in mind for this?

For remote control I am currently using a Logitech DiNovo Mini and a Logitech DiNovo Edge I don't really need another bluetooth adapter as I have the ones that came with the devices. They are both currently hooked up via built-in bluetooth on my ASUS W3J.

One other major concern I have is the set-up of the RAID for the 4X 2TB drives. I have experience setting up RAID 0 on one machine 2 Western Digital Raptors 32GB on a older machine I built. I'm sure it's not that difficult but with 5 possible hard drives connected to the ASUS motherboard I'd like to set the RAID array after the OS install on the SSD. Is this possible and does it make things easier?