Computer died, thinking about buiding new i7 box

[replan32]

OK, so my computer died (mobo won’t even post) and several of my components are being held together with spit and duct tape, so it’s time to build a new box. I’m on a budget right now, but I’m also very concerned about compatibility for future upgrades. It looks to me like we’re on the cusp of a major change of sockets/architecture from both AMD and Intel so under ordinary circumstances I’d wait 6-8 months to let prices on the newer equipment settle down, but since all I can do is clack away on my 5 year old laptop I need to do this now.

I’m looking at building an i7 system as listed below. Total is about $1,012 not counting MIRs. I’d really rather not spend even that much, but I’ll bite the bullet if I have to. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m a bit dubious about the PS, and I haven’t really begun to look at the AMD Phenom II line up yet. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133046
Thermaltake SopranoRS VG7000BWS Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130221
MSI X58 Pro LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339
EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182062
Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL-S 600W ATX12V v2.01 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145220
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
SAMSUNG Black 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

 

[megamanx00]

I wouldn't trust that system to that Rosewill PSU, but hey if you want to risk your 1k PC turning into a pile of burning slag that's up to you. Yeah a Phenom II is a good choice, but you should really list how much you would ideally like to spend.

 

[replan32]

Thought as much on the PS.

I'd be more comfortable spending in the 700-800 range, all in. But like I said, I'll push that boundary a bit in order to ensure future compatibility.

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022 <--- psu

http://cmstore.coolermaster-usa.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=mid+tower+refurbished&x=0&y=0 <---quality cases. Usually they are sent back for a loose wire or untapped screw hole. The are fixed and sold on this site afterwards.

 

[Fortunex]

For $700-$800, your best bet would be a Phenom II build.

CPU+Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.165025

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341001

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
-or-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129023

Video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102802

OS is your preference.

The reason I chose an AMD card instead of NVidia is that the motherboard in the combo supports Crossfire, so it will enable to you put in another card later, if you want. If you would rather have SLI, there are a few other motherboards that support it. Of course, if you don't plan on using multiple cards, it doesn't really matter which motherboard/video card you choose.

If you want a bit more future-proof investment, you could grab an AM3+DDR3 motherboard and appropriate RAM. Then to upgrade, you'd only need a new CPU instead of a mobo and new RAM as well.

Total cost of the above build with Antec 300 case: $663.88, before MIR.