I7 critique and advice

[billownz]

The global economic downturn wont stop me this time from building a dream-machine.

ASUS P6T
Single 9800 GTX (dual planned later)
CORSAIR 750TX 750W
Core i7 920
G.Skill 3x 2gb dd3 (1600)
Cool Master v8
cheap-o soundcard (headphones ftw!)

Im not a noob when it comes to building computers, however, its been about 3 years since I last built a computer. Not to long ago I planned on building a core2 gaming rig but decided to wait for the new quad core. So, I don’t know much about todays power consumptions and combinations – any advice would be much appreciated.

also, I plan on over clocking to about 3.5

 

[Transmaniacon]

If I were you I would change the video card, its going to be a bottleneck for an overclocked i7, I would suggest an HD4850, but if you can afford another 30 bucks, then go with this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

It will blow the 9800 away and if you get two of them then you will be set for a long time and will do that i7 justice.

 

[kubes]

What are you planning on doing on your computer?
Screen resolution and size?
Budget?
Do you need OS/Mouse/Keyboard/Monitor ect ...

If we get a bit more background info this will help us greatly in advising you.

 

[billownz]

well, I do 3d models with XSI and MAX.. the kind of models you see in videogames and pixar videos. Im also an avid gamer and modder.

-I have a copy of XP home and windows 7 build 7000. I will use XP and beta untill full version of seven is out.

-I work for an evil cooperation and get discounted accessories so I will not need those.

-I plan on using a 22 inch for gaming.

 

[kubes]

Great. Do you know yoru screen's resolution? What's your budget look like for this build?

 

[billownz]

Im just worried about the tower. Lets set the tower at 1300.

the screen, keyboard mouse, and everything else I get for wholesale

also.. I didn't put much thought in the hard drive. Are the 10,000 RPM drives worth the price?

 

[bmuell]

If I were you I would change the video card, its going to be a bottleneck for an overclocked i7, I would suggest an HD4850, but if you can afford another 30 bucks, then go with this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

It will blow the 9800 away and if you get two of them then you will be set for a long time and will do that i7 justice.

Weren't the ATI 48xx cards suppose to get a price cut last weekend? What happened?

 

[Siggy19]

If you can afford the 300GB velociraptor, get it... the extra 25% performance will make everything just that little bit more zippy.

You could alternatively RAID 0 a couple of 7,200rpm drives and will get similar performance (maybe even better) but with the risk that one disk crashing will wipe out all your data.

The Xigmatek cooler seems to be as good as the V8 and is a little smaller, I gather.

The ATI cards are definitely due for a price cut (I heard $50), but it sometimes takes a little time for the MRP to filter down to the stores.

 

[Transmaniacon]

Well the Saphire HD4870 1GB is down to 199, I believe thats about 20 bucks cheaper than a couple weeks ago, and the 512MB can be purchased for 179.

As for the 10k rpm drives, I dont think the performance gain over the newer caviar black 7200 rpm drives are worth the high cost.

This is a very fast hard drive and is a very popular choice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

If you are looking for more space, this is a good option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

 

[bmuell]

Well the Saphire HD4870 1GB is down to 199, I believe thats about 20 bucks cheaper than a couple weeks ago, and the 512MB can be purchased for 179.

I feel like those prices have been at Newegg for at least a month. At least the 512mb version has.

 

[Transmaniacon]

Maybe your right, I havent been keeping up on the video card prices as well as I used too, but I am in the market for an HD4870 soon so I hope those price cuts kick in soon =)

 

[bmuell]

Maybe your right, I havent been keeping up on the video card prices as well as I used too, but I am in the market for an HD4870 soon so I hope those price cuts kick in soon =)

I'm hoping the price of the 512mb version will drop to $125 by the time StarCraft II is released. We'll see.

 

[Transmaniacon]

Heh that would be awesome, I would swap my UD3R for a UD3P and grab two of those =)

 

[billownz]

would crossfire 4870 overheat the case with the i7 and v8?

 

[Transmaniacon]

As long as you have a case with good airflow, it will be fine. Some examples of great cooling cases are the Coolermaster RC-690, Antec 300/900/1200, Coolermaster HAF932, it really depends on your budget. I would recommend the Antec 300 or RC-690 for someone who is looking for a more function over form case, something conservative that works very well. For something a little more visually appealing, the Antec 900 is a good choice, and for the full size cases, the HAF932 and Antec 1200 are quite nice.

 

[billownz]

Finished!!!

I changed a few things, hope you all like!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_e3E2Z2eJk&feature=channel_page

 

[Why_Me]

If I were you I would change the video card, its going to be a bottleneck for an overclocked i7, I would suggest an HD4850, but if you can afford another 30 bucks, then go with this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

It will blow the 9800 away and if you get two of them then you will be set for a long time and will do that i7 justice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150329 $199.99 ($169.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
XFX GX260NADFF GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail