New i7 build

[sisley_111]

Hi,

this is a build for a friend. Main purpose of the build will be a rendering station (3ds max, maya). All the parts come from directcanada.com and no, newegg or ncix aren't cheaper (but newegg had a lot of sutff available...)

CPU Intel core i7 920
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12200BD9410

Motherboard Gigabyte EX58-UD5
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11830BD0463

RAM GSkill ddr3-1333 9-9-9-24
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=15380BD4572

Primary hard drive in RAID 0, WD 640GB with 32MB cache
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=25350DR4749

Secondary hard drive for backup, samsung F1 1TB
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14040DR5558

DVD burner LG
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12600DR5479

DVD burner Samsung
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14040DR9610

Power supply corsair TX750
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11180AC8887

Video card XFX Radeon HG 4870 1G
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=15180BD1907

Monitor Acer P244Wii x2
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140MN2726

Case Coolermaster Cosmos
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11130AC0674


Ok so I have a few questions :

First of all, it's about the video card. I know that a gaming card does not performs very well in pro application like 3DSmax but a Firegl isn't very affordable. Does the Geforce performs better so I can change for a GTX216 core 216 for the same price.

I am sure that the power supply can handle two HD4870 / GTX 280 in Crossfire/Sli. How about two HD4870X2/GTX295. In that case, a 1000W is needed?

The CPU will probably overlclocked but not much. Maybe 3.2GHz. Should I take a third party cooler for that, like the Noctua NH-u12P with the mounting bracket?

Does that case is a goodone ? I mean I never use it or even see it. Is a twelve hundred better?

For the RAM, this is not the best I know but should I take a ddr3-1600 kit for the overclock of the CPU (corsair OCZ gold for example) ?

feel free to comments and answers.

The total cost should be under 2850 CND (no shipping but a federal tax)

 

[Proximon]

Yes, I do believe the Nvidia cards play better with professional programs. GTX 260 would be a better choice.

The 750TX would handle a couple GTX 285s, but not so much two GTX 280s. And really for those I would be more comfortable with an 850TX. You would need at least a Corsair 1000HX for quad crossfire/SLI, yes.

Yes, aftermarket cooler would be good. That one works.

That's a decent case. Fairly quiet.

Similar case that is better designed and better cooled:
CM Sniper
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194&Tpk=Sniper

The Antec 1200 is a fine choice as well.

You would be better off with higher rated RAM for the OC, yes.
Here's some G.Skill
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247

 

[gkay09]

+1 for the Corsair 850..just $10 more but u get 100 Watts extra...And gud RAM frm Proximon...
Well just take his advice tats all

 

[theAnimal]

The 750TX would handle a couple GTX 285s, but not so much two GTX 280s. And really for those I would be more comfortable with an 850TX. You would need at least a Corsair 1000HX for quad crossfire/SLI, yes.

The difference between 280 and 285 is only 17W.

 

[Proximon]

Yep, 34W total, although I think the actual load tests I saw had the difference a bit larger. I think Corsair is still recommending the 850W for both SLI setups, but when we were looking at it in another thread last month we kind of concluded the 285s would be fine with a 750TX. I haven't checked back with Corsair yet, and if they changed their minds I would be fine going with a 750TX...

There is however the fact that the 850TX is the better PSU, aside from wattage, according to reviews. That's part of the equation as well when someone is spending 750 bucks on graphics cards. An extra 20 bucks is not going hurt too bad.

 

[jive]

Jus to be sure did you said: primary hardrive in raid 0 with just one disk ?
At least get an other one

Thanks

 

[xthekidx]

Save a little on the CPU from newegg.ca (they do have some things cheaper )
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

I would go with an 850tx to be safe with GTX 285 SLI...

 

[sisley_111]

Thanks everybody for the replies.

@ Jive : yes the primary hard drive will be a RAID 0 setup with 2 WD 640Gig.

To everyone, the setup will probably be a SLI of GTX260 core 216. So for that the TX750 will be enough.