New Build - High End - Homebuilt

kwilhelm

January 19, 2009 12:34:46 PM

Looking for some advice. I've done a ton of work researching with my basis for a build being a mid-range FalconNorthwest. Money is not a huge obstacle but I also don't want to spend 4K. My goals are high end components, as cool and quiet as i can get it.

Here is what I have lined up so far as build parts:

CoolerMaster Cosmos 1000
CORSAIR CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 Modular
EVGA X58
Vigor Monsoon III
Intel Core i7 920 - 2.66GHz
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
XFX GX295NHHFF GeForce GTX 295 1792MB 896
VelociRaptor 300GB 10KRPM 16MB Cache
LG BlueRay/HD Reader and DVD/RW With Pow
Windows Vista Home Premium - 64 Bit

Samsung 244T (5ms and 1920 res - already owned)
Soundblaster Xfi (already owned)

Couple of things to consider:

1. Should I go with an SSD as I can fit it in the budget and what I have heard about boot times is all good.
2. The 295 GTX has just outstanding overall numbers as a single card. I chose the XFX because I have had good experience with them in the past, but another suggestion would be great.
3. Finally, I am an overclocking newbie (will practice on my old system) so should I just go with the i7 940 or is the 920 good enough even without the OC.
4. OK, not quite finally, I want to future proof a bit that is why I'm looking at high end parts. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

FYI - this build sits at $2,190 on Newegg purchasing whereas the very similar build on Falcon's site comes in at $3,700.

More about : build high end

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arkadi

January 19, 2009 2:13:59 PM

Well you cant get terribly wrong with that build and your budget. 920 is relay grate 4 over clocking, i had mine @3.6 on stock cooling with no problems, and with v8 4k+ is not a problem. With your cooler it will be really easy.

Good SSD can preform really nice, but it won't come cheep, and you will have to buy additional hard drive for storage. if you want more get two raptors in strip.

I have different preferences on parts vendors, but it a thing of taste.

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aevm

January 19, 2009 2:27:13 PM

LOL at Falcon. Excellent idea to build your own.

I think you'll be pleased with the Velociraptor, and I wouldn't bother with the SSD.

The i7 920 is good enough IMO. That is, the i7 940 will add too little IMO to be worth the extra cost.

Good choices in general.

The Corsair 1000HX is good enough for two GTX 295 cards, but two GTX 295 cards scale horribly. That is, games don't support 4 GPUs well.

You could decide to get a GTX 295 and never add a second card, and then you can save $180 with this $70 PC Power & Cooling 750W:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011&Tpk=S75CF

Or, you could get two GTX 280 cards with the 1000HX.

Or, three GTX 260 Core 216 Cards with the 1000HX.

If you want to go as far as three GTX 280 cards you'd need a 1200W PSU or larger and it becomes ridiculously expensive.

You could also combine a HD 4870 X2 with a HD 4870 1GB and the 1000HX, if you want.