Casing: I've narrowed down the casing to 4. I have a preference, but I won't say it for now as I don't want to sway any opinions. The choices are: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&Tpk=rosewill challenger http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...227&Tpk=Cooler Master Cooler Master Elite 430 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
Not, just posted for fun. expensive from the review... http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-big-bang-p67-marshal-review/8 Slot connectivity wise you'll spot eight PCI Express x16 slots, an Lucid LT22102 provides the additional PCIe bandwidth needed. However the slots are limited as the motherboard needs way more PCie lanes to become fully operational, here's the breakdown: PCIE 1 - supports up- to x16 speed when PCI 3 is empty PCIE 2 - supports up- to x1 speed PCIE 3 - supports up- to x8 speed PCIE 4 - supports up- to x1 speed PCIE 5 - supports up- to x16 speed when PCI 7 is empty PCIE 6 - supports up- to x1 speed PCIE 7 - supports up- to x8 speed PCIE 8 - supports up- to x1 speed So out of the eight mechanical slots four are x1 only, that's just silly. Slot 1 and 5 should be used in 2-way multi-GPU mode and with 32x lanes available up-to four cards can be used over PCIE 1, 3, 5 and 7.
None the less, pretty cool. If you've got the $, and have a need for it (I don't personally), it's probably THE way to go if you're already using the i7-2600k Sandy Bridge. I'm sure they "mesh" well together, and will make some high end computer guys day. I went with the Asus Maximus IV Extreme Z which was $$$, and probably didn't even need that much MB. Lol! How does that statement go, "a fool and his money soon part?":eek:
Maybe not. True, it's functionally "2, x16s + 2 x8s + 4, x1s".... many others are similar with only 1-3 x1s... However, this one has all x16 slots and should therefore be able to run up to 8 of any PCIE device made.
One excellent MB ... Congrats http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/Maximus_IV_ExtremeZ/#overview
Sam, you have quite a variety here. You may want to think ahead a bit and ask yourself what hardware you might want to add in the future, e.g.card reader or a USB 3.0 Front Panel Hub. The Antec Three Hundred has ONLY (3) 5.25" external bays,and (NO) 3.5" external bays available. But it does have some BIG exhaust fans, (might be loud). The Cooler Master RC-430-KWN1 has only one pimped out cooling fan mounted in front, you'll need another fan in the rear of this case. The Cooler Master CAC-T05-UW gives you (1) 3.5" external bay and 2 fans (1 front & 1 rear) Of the cases you posted the Rosewill CHALLENGER, comes with three fans, several extra external bays and dust filters. This box gets my vote. Just a note, when buying case fans the option to buy according to noise levels (decibels) exist. If you choose the fans with low dBA ratings to install in a new box or replace existing fans in an old box you can reduce the fan noise significantly. But buying a box off the shelf with fans already installed don't expect them to be very quiet, unless advertised as such. We all know which one you want.
Thanks Boli. However, I do hope that it will run like it's supposed to and that there are no glitches in putting it together. It's the first time i'm doing it and I have never seen a PC from the inside before :eek: :eek: :eek: Btw, I had put the links for the casing on that page. I would appreciate your input, if any. Thanks.