Hi! I found this forum a week or two ago, and I've really enjoyed your reviews! For variety, I have somewhat different goals than other builders I've seen. So here's my planned system for your critique.
Goals & Issues:
- #1a is Longevity. My current build is an Athlon 64 3500+ on an Epox MB with 1GB RAM, stock cooling, WinXP 32-bit hacked to allow software Raid0 for [2] 250GB HD. The OS was laid down 9/29/05. Until last spring, it ran flat out 24/7 doing @Home projects. I did 1 processor upgrade from a 2100+. I've had 2 video cards (both EVGA Nvidia, both died) and 3 CD/DVD burners (all dead). I don't like dead components. I like components that don't stop.
- #1b is Upgradability. If this system is going to last for a while, it needs to be upgraded, hence the i7 choice. I could build an LGA775 system, but that rules out processor upgrades in the future. An early i7 processor can be upgraded in a few years fairly cheaply.
- #2 is Shipping. I live in Hawai'i, so free shipping, etc. don't count. That's zip code 96822 if you want to check it out at newegg -- for the list below, shipping is $66! Our only local computer store options are A) Best Buy and 2) hole-in-the-wall. (Additional suggestions appreciated.)
Approximate purchase date: Soon (now thru March)
Budget: I'm willing to spend for quality, but my resources are limited to ~$1000-1200.
Website for components: newegg.com
Purpose/use: general, including some 3D gaming (not hardcore)
Overclocking: No
SLI/Crossfire: No
Monitor(s) size/resolution: existing 17"/1280x1024, future 20-24" 1900x1200
Existing Infrastructure:
- Keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor are all existing. I'm planning to buy a new WS LCD to supplement the existing LG L1710S later this year, but not now.
- I bought a case last weekend - Cooler Master Elite 330. You may think that paying $105 locally for a $45 case is crazy, but don't forget the $65 shipping newegg wants. (see #2 above).
Proposed Components:
CPU: Intel Core i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.155910
CPU Fan: Stock currently planned, but willing to consider.
Mobo: ASUS P6T LGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.155910
GPU: Sapphire 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102802
RAM: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230
HDD: [2x] Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB - Per many suggestions here. I would prefer a 1TB option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Case: Cooler Master Elite 330 - already purchased
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115
PSU: PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500 500W ATX12V / EPS12V - This would be my 3rd PCPC PS and I've been very happy with them. Perhaps a different model?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015
Optical Drives: Pioneer DVR-216DBK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129032
O/S: I will re-authorize my WinXP until Windows7 is released, then I will rebuild. I love Linux (Gentoo for years, then Ubuntu), but we need M$ stuff.
Thanks for all your feedback!
-BK
Goals & Issues:
- #1a is Longevity. My current build is an Athlon 64 3500+ on an Epox MB with 1GB RAM, stock cooling, WinXP 32-bit hacked to allow software Raid0 for [2] 250GB HD. The OS was laid down 9/29/05. Until last spring, it ran flat out 24/7 doing @Home projects. I did 1 processor upgrade from a 2100+. I've had 2 video cards (both EVGA Nvidia, both died) and 3 CD/DVD burners (all dead). I don't like dead components. I like components that don't stop.
- #1b is Upgradability. If this system is going to last for a while, it needs to be upgraded, hence the i7 choice. I could build an LGA775 system, but that rules out processor upgrades in the future. An early i7 processor can be upgraded in a few years fairly cheaply.
- #2 is Shipping. I live in Hawai'i, so free shipping, etc. don't count. That's zip code 96822 if you want to check it out at newegg -- for the list below, shipping is $66! Our only local computer store options are A) Best Buy and 2) hole-in-the-wall. (Additional suggestions appreciated.)
Approximate purchase date: Soon (now thru March)
Budget: I'm willing to spend for quality, but my resources are limited to ~$1000-1200.
Website for components: newegg.com
Purpose/use: general, including some 3D gaming (not hardcore)
Overclocking: No
SLI/Crossfire: No
Monitor(s) size/resolution: existing 17"/1280x1024, future 20-24" 1900x1200
Existing Infrastructure:
- Keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor are all existing. I'm planning to buy a new WS LCD to supplement the existing LG L1710S later this year, but not now.
- I bought a case last weekend - Cooler Master Elite 330. You may think that paying $105 locally for a $45 case is crazy, but don't forget the $65 shipping newegg wants. (see #2 above).
Proposed Components:
CPU: Intel Core i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.155910
CPU Fan: Stock currently planned, but willing to consider.
Mobo: ASUS P6T LGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.155910
GPU: Sapphire 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102802
RAM: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230
HDD: [2x] Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB - Per many suggestions here. I would prefer a 1TB option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Case: Cooler Master Elite 330 - already purchased
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115
PSU: PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500 500W ATX12V / EPS12V - This would be my 3rd PCPC PS and I've been very happy with them. Perhaps a different model?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015
Optical Drives: Pioneer DVR-216DBK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129032
O/S: I will re-authorize my WinXP until Windows7 is released, then I will rebuild. I love Linux (Gentoo for years, then Ubuntu), but we need M$ stuff.
Thanks for all your feedback!
-BK