EvanHeminger

#35 Always use soft foam for case packaging.

About a year ago, I build my first PC to primarily use for gaming and programming. Since then, I have found some things that I would change about it, so I'm thinking about making some upgrades/changes. Here are the current specs: Intel Core i5-3470 CPU (stock speeds) Stock Intel heatsink MSI Z77A-G45 motherboard Asus DirectCU II GTX 660 GPU Patriot Viper 3 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM 60GB OCZ Vertex 3 SSD (for boot and programs) 1.5TB Seagate Barracuda HDD (main storage) LG optical drive FSP Group Aurum Gold 600W 80+ Gold PSU Rosewill Future case (bad decision, I know) The main problem I have right now is that the PC is really loud, so I've been tossing around the idea of getting a Fractal Design Define R4 case, because of its sound damping material, good airflow, looks, build quality, and cable management. I'm also starting to feel a bit cramped on the 60GB SSD, so I'm also thinking about getting either a 120GB Samsung 840 Evo or Corsair Neutron GTX SSD. The thing I'm probably most hung on is the PSU. I'm realizing it's completely overkill, and I question what possessed me to buy a 600W power supply in the first place. I'm considering getting a 500-550W modular power supply instead. What I would like to know is what you guys think about these upgrades. Are they worth my while and money, or will they really not change anything? Thanks in advance.

Hey guys. I'm not sure if this question belongs on this sub forum, but here it goes. This winter, I am wanting to have the ability to stream Christmas music from my PC in my bedroom (the songs are on my YouTube account as a playlist) to the TV in the living room. However, I do not have a Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, etc. What I would like to know is if there is some way I can stream the music from my PC to the cable box. I have thought about just downloading the music to a flash drive and plugging it into the TV (both the cable box and TV have USB ports). What I've also thought about doing is (finally) buying a Raspberry Pi and just streaming the music from that. Do you guys have any suggestions? BTW: Yes, I know it's a bit early to start talking about Christmas music, but I wanted to make sure everything is ready for when that time comes.

I'll just leave this here.

I love the hot swappable hard drive bay.

Nice PC! I've been looking into the 300R for some time myself. I currently have a Rosewill Future, and it's pretty much terrible. I have a few questions about your build though: 1.) What do you think of the Corsair fans? 2.) What kind of desk is that (I've been desk shopping lately, too)?

Recently, I have thought about getting a new case for my build, as the case I currently have is a Rosewill Future "gaming" case (it sucks). I have looked into the Define XL R2 by Fractal Design in Black Pearl. I know Fractal makes good cases, and it looks like this case has a lot of good reviews. I like the case because of its minimal looks, great cable management, great build quality, and sheer roominess. I am also thinking about upgrading from my i5-3470 to an i7-3770k with a Corsair H100i cooler. What are your thoughts on the Define XL R2?