My modest FD Arc Mini....work in progress

[IliaLo]

Hi guys!
I just managed to snap some photos of my "build" so far, I know that it is not some high end machine, like most of the Rigs here, but I really enjoyed building it,. So far I've always had, some already assembled PCs, with dubious hardware inside , . I'd appreciate it, if you give me some advices and pointers, on what should I change, what other hardware to put inside etc. , don't mind the cable bundle, next to the PSU, onse I get graphics card I'll hide the rest of the cables. My plan is to keep it mostly black and white. So here it is:




Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i3-3220/ Box cooler
MOBO: AsRock B75 Pro3-M
Ram: 2x2GB Kingston Value
PSU: Corsair CX500 80+ Bronze
Case: FD Arc Mini
GPU: Sapphire HD5570
HDD: WD Chaviar Green 1TB + some 250GB Seagate
also couple of NZXT SATA Data white extensions

I plan to start, with the cheapest mods first, because the winter bills are much higher , also here in Bulgaria the choices for hardware are very poor, brand-wise, and the shipping prices from decent European and American stores are very high
Sleeving the 24pin, the 8pin and 1 or both 6pin PCI-E cables (single sleeved), I'll do that first, because it is cheap mod to improve the looks, and no I dont have enough money for modular PSU. Next is the ram I think Corsair Vengeance LP White 2x4GB 1600 (the only White ram I found), then SSD, I accept suggestions on good value for money 60/120GB SSD, and last video card, in 2-3 months I'll be able to get 7850, or something in that price range, hopefully some new gen card

[airdeano]

you could also benefit by moving either the roof or rear exhaust (peferrable) fan
to the second position in the front panel. this will allow the HDD and more case
air for more better cooling. this will also allow the case to exhaust a lil naturally.

[andrevautour]

looks nice. i like the green color of the CX on the power supply

[IliaLo]

Upgrade:

Sapphire Radeon HD7850 1GB (curently running 1000 Mhz GPU, 1300 Mhz memory)
SanDisk 64 Gb SSD

I found 'em both on sale, the GPU was priced a bit lower than GTX650(none Ti) and the SSD was around $55(US)



My original plan was, to start with the cheapest mods, but as you can see, I bought the most expensive parts first LOL. Also there is a CM Seidon 120M on sale, should I buy it? I know that it will be overkill, for my i3. I followed "airdeano" advice and moved the rear 120 fan in the front, so now I have, 2x 120 intakes, and 1x 140 exhaust.

[SavageCupcake]

Originally Posted by IliaLo

Upgrade:


SanDick 64 Gb SSD

I see what you did there ;D

[IliaLo]

Originally Posted by SavageCupcake

I see what you did there ;D

LOL. Thanks for pointing that out. Fixed.

[alpenwasser]

Originally Posted by IliaLo

I just managed to snap some photos of my "build" so far, I know that it is not some high end machine, like most of the Rigs here, but I really enjoyed building it,.

I think most of the rigs out there are probably not high-end machines. I'd say
yours is quite possibly already above average. Maybe not on this forum, but
even about that I'm not really sure. There are plenty of people around here
rocking some not-the-fastest-on-the-planet hardware, and there's nothing
wrong with that imho.

And what matters about building PCs (not quotes needed imho, yours is a build,
I would say) is not how expensive the components were but actually bloody
building it and how much attention and care to detail is put into it, and that
doesn't depend on money, after all.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Don't sell yourself short

Originally Posted by IliaLo

Also there is a CM Seidon 120M on sale, should I buy it? I know that it will be overkill, for my i3.

If you are satisfied with your temps and noise levels it's not really needed
per se. But this is for you to know I would say.

Originally Posted by SavageCupcake

I see what you did there ;D

Haha, gotta admit: I actually lol'ed a bit


I think sleeving the wires is a great mod. It's really time consuming but if done
properly the end result can be absolutely stunning.
Some people would suggest rotating the PSU 180 degrees so that the fan is on
top, but that would make the bottom of the case a lot messier, so I think it's
ok the way it is now. Other than that I think this is a pretty sweet setup, the
Arc Mini is an awesome case.

[alienware]

Sand . Sounds painful

[alpenwasser]

Originally Posted by AlienALX

Sand . Sounds painful

No that's "Sanded ".

Sand is the one which disintegrates upon getting wet (not very useful I
suppose)

[IliaLo]

Added second screen, which I mainly use, to watch TV, while I'm on my PC. I tryed Eyefinity, but I think it sucks on only 2 displays.

update/
I just ordered CM Seidon 120m, and I have a question. Where should I put the RAD? At the back, or at the top? And if I put it at the back, should I flip the 140mm top fan, as an intake?