PC Build

Better to go big on PSU and case.

That looks much better "IF" your trying to build a serious gaming rig.
Only you can determine how deep into that stuff you want to get.

Suggestion.....ram.
The item you picked has those big fins on the top.
That might present a problem with your big cpu cooler.

Maybe a better choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231606

Save a buck.
Better cas.

Never seen somebody using a desktop in a plane. And I certainly wouldn't take it with me in my luggage either - too much chance for it being ruined.

Kees

I am not going to use it on a plane, I am not crazy

Ok, so here is the longer story. I live in Europe, but I will be going to the US this summer and this is where I want to buy the system. I am currently a student and I will graduate next year. I currently have a laptop (hp dv6 7000) but I am not quite satisfied with its performance (the GT630M doesn't even run League of Legends smooth enough, the build quality is poo, resolution is poo, had some problems with the HDD and other things).

I decided to save up a bit and buy a better laptop. The best system for me was the new Razer Blade 14", which has pretty much everything I want. It is quite expensive, however ($2400 without tax).

When I compared the specs of the laptop and what I can build on my own, I mean, it's pretty obvious. I am planning to keep the parts boxed, but them in the case and make sure it's all safe. I will carry the HDD and the CPU in an antistatic bag with me on the carry-on. The rest will be neatly packed in a suitcase. The prices in Bulgaria are really high and buying a desktop here will be very costly.

Anyone has any comments on that? Maybe some more durable parts? Or maybe I should buy some of the parts here, in Bulgaria? After graduating I am planning to move again, so I will have to move the desktop as well.

I think it's better to buy everything in the USA, if you're going to build it there. Much easier in case of warranty issues, no transport issues and cheaper.

And since it will be a few month before you're there, better decide only then on what to buy. No need at all to start worrying now already.

Kees

I see what you are trying to say and I agree. As you might have noticed, my build is not maxed out. Here is what I think.

First, about the video card. One might consider going with 780 with a higher buffer IF he/she is running multiple monitors OR running high resolutions. I will not be using ultra resolutions plus I will not be doing crazy gaming so 770 is more than enough for me. The marginal cost of getting a 780 is pretty high and I will not need more.

About the CPU, I am getting the 3rd generation for the same reason as with the videocard. I do, however, want an unlocked CPU since I am planning to overclock it in 1-2 years. Question: should I buy a water cooling system for it now or should I get a regular air cooler and wait until I OC it?

About the RAM: 8GB is enough for most things. Since I want to keep the system for a couple of years, I am going with 16.

About the case, please help me out here. Do I really need a full/mid tower? I have seen similar builds with mini case. Since I will be transporting it via plane (probably checked luggage), can I have a smaller case? Plus, the Colossus weights 17kg!!!

Thanks in advance.

Some reasons NOT to use a mini case for gaming.

Some video cards are quite large.
It may not fit in the case.

Some after market coolers are quite large.
It may not fit in the case.

Gaming can work stuff quite hard.....read that as heat.
With a small case you might end up cooking the innards.

Split the difference.
You picked a full tower case.
Go shopping for a mid-tower case.
Do fit it with an atx mobo.....not one of those micro things.