Novaaa Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 So I'm looking for advice as I have a $1500 budget to build a new machine. I would ideally like to go with a custom built one off of one of the websites ie (Cyberpower, IBUYPOWER, SYX, Alienware) and would like to know if anybody here has one from any of those? Even if you dont, could I get some advice on which ones would be the best place to order from based on out of the box issues? Also I've never had a liquid cooling setup and was wondering what type of maintenance is required for that and how often and difficult is that to deal with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proksham Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 (edited) If you go with a custom built machine from places like ibuypower and the like, make sure you pick out ALL your components and research them thoroughly. Don't get a pre-built newegg/tiger direct rig, because they will use some very.....very cheap components to keep the price down. Buy a cheap pre-built, you will have crummy ram, psu, and probably mobo. edit- you can get closed loop water cooling sets. intel now has one, and zalman just dropped one. They are both for cpu only and I myself will be using one instead of air for my next build Edited April 24, 2012 by Proksham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Novaaa Posted April 24, 2012 Author Share Posted April 24, 2012 Do the closed loop cooling systems mean they are maintenance free? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proksham Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Yes, you will never have to refill them. But still keep an air heatsink/fan combo in case the pump goes bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Novaaa Posted April 24, 2012 Author Share Posted April 24, 2012 Very nice. Thanks for the insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proksham Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Not a problem, have fun. And just 1 suggestion, go for a modular PSU. It will make cable management so much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcorn Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 No need for water cooling a PC unless you are overclocking it hard. It sounds like you are not interested or comfortable with building a machine on your own so I would suggest you negotiate with a local small computer store/ college student to help you build one. You will learn so much more about computing, get the best parts for the money, and save money. The thing a national builder/boutique builder can offer you is warranty, but be very careful as not all warranties are good and not all companies honor their warranties as they should. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proksham Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 You may not "need" a closed loop system, but I guarantee that it it will be much easier to install than a higher end heatsink/fan combo like my beastly cm V8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarmaEnforcer Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 So I'm looking for advice as I have a $1500 budget to build a new machine. I would ideally like to go with a custom built one off of one of the websites ie (Cyberpower, IBUYPOWER, SYX, Alienware) and would like to know if anybody here has one from any of those? Even if you dont, could I get some advice on which ones would be the best place to order from based on out of the box issues? Also I've never had a liquid cooling setup and was wondering what type of maintenance is required for that and how often and difficult is that to deal with? I cannot recommend the Corsair H-80 enough. Have one in my rig and it keeps everything cool and stable. Closed loop, three noise settings, and easy install. And not a lot of folks seem to realize this, but the right case will make or break a rig. I use a Coolermaster HAF X. It's huge, and weighs a ton, but the cablemanagement keeps the interior free and clear of airflow blockages. If you can't get a HAF case or something comparable, skip it and build it yourself. My rig is all EVGA with a first gen i7 and I can't make SWTOR stutter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkiii Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 So I'm looking for advice as I have a $1500 budget to build a new machine. I would ideally like to go with a custom built one off of one of the websites ie (Cyberpower, IBUYPOWER, SYX, Alienware) and would like to know if anybody here has one from any of those? Even if you dont, could I get some advice on which ones would be the best place to order from based on out of the box issues? Also I've never had a liquid cooling setup and was wondering what type of maintenance is required for that and how often and difficult is that to deal with? I've bought from IBUYPOWER before. Twice to be exact. They're not bad. Pricing is quite good too. Just be patient as it will take 2-3 weeks for you to get your computer. I have had good experiences with them. I prefer air over liquid, so I can't help you with the liquid question. Stay away from Alienware, they're overpriced. IBP is almost as cheap as building it yourself (in my experience). I would definitely get a modular PSU though. They're so nice for cabinet tidiness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabster Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 (edited) Watercooling - for a system that is only gonna cost 1500 bucks - is a joke. It's like trying to put a ferrari's engine in a VW bug. ie. a waste of money. I personally recommend sites like barbonekit.net (google it; it' like barebones-kit.net or something). Then just add the parts you want. They are generally cheaper. I hate Dell, so I'll never use Cyberpower or Alienware - I used NW-Falcon; and they did right by me. Edited April 24, 2012 by Sabster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Proksham Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 (edited) Sans a monitor, 1500 dollars can build a very nice rig. Plus the added benefit of easy installation is certainly warranted. My rig cost around 2000, minus the monitor (i use my 1080p LCD tv). No reason to be hating on closed water loops, I'd pay a little extra for ease of access any day of the week. edit - also, keep in mind we're talking about a cpu only closed loop. not a full custom loop through the entire rig Edited April 24, 2012 by Proksham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts