Years ago, I wished there was a Microcenter in Brooklyn, NY or Queens, NY at least. This wish finally came true as of recently when both locations were open in March 2014. In the past I use to shop at CompUSA to pick up my computer parts from the early 2000's until they closed down. For a decade I didn't step foot into a computer store again because there were none near my area. Bestbuy came close but didn't offer many choices. With Microcenter finally being in my area, I am able to go back to the store again, take a look at the PC parts in person and ask questions to the sales reps. The sales reps are great and want to help you find the best product for any budget you specify. The added bonus is I don't have to wait several days for my items to arrive and if something is defective, I can return to the store same day just like I use to do with CompUSA.
Now as far as my new build goes, below are my parts:
- Western Digital Black 2.0 TB hard drive
- Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H motherboard (I wanted an Asus Maximus but couldn't afford it. So Gigabyte was my second choice and I'm happy with it. The board stays cool and definitely meets the requirements I'm looking for based on the overheating issues I had previously on my old build.
- Intel Core i5 4670K 3.4GHZ Socket 1150 processor (basically I got the Gigabyte + Intel i5 bundle).
- Cool Master Hyper T4 CPU Cooler
- Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL8 Desktop Memory Kit (Two 8GB Memory Modules) - Loving my new RAM. This new build is definitely going to surpass the 7 year mark down the line like my wife's build I put together 4 years ago with parts I had since 2007.
- NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower Red computer case - For the computer case, I chose NZXT Phantom 410 Red because the case allows cable management, lots of airflow with the ability to add more fans to the top of the case, and the front. The case also comes with 3 fans. I also purchased an additional LED fan in blue to add to the side panel to allow further cooling.
- COOLMAX ZP-850B 850W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI / CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC and Compatible with Core i3/i5/i7 Power Supply - Power supply was from my old system. I purchased this 2 years ago and it is still running fine till this day.
Overall, the build cost me about $1300. It was worth the investment because I am planning on having this system around for the next decade with only a few upgrades here and there in between. The last build I had lasted 7 years. I use my computer for web design, content updates, podcasting, video editing, and during my down time, I use it for gaming. This build will allow me to do all that and I also want a system to last me more than 5 years this time around. Definitely hoping that it goes beyond that point like the build I put together for my wife a few years ago.
Below are the pictures of the new case and after the build was put together:
Video Below: