Core i7 920 Build

[tecmo34]

I'm building a new system to replace my dead Q6600 and MSI P7N SLI Platinum System that die. I'm using my Antec 1200, WD VRaptor 300 HD, and 24" monitor. I have a CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W, which I bought to replace my ABS Tagan PSU that died prior to the CPU and MOBO. I will install Windows Vista 64bit OS when I build the system.

My budget is as close to $1,000 without going under $1,000. I'm taking advantage of Neweggs 12 Month No Interest Plan to purchase these parts to place my died computer. My plan is to purchase the parts tomorrow and depending on cost I might upgrade to next day, so I have the weekend to put together.

Here are my parts...
Intel Core i7 920 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202 )

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 )

EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188046 )

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227381 )

2x EVGA 896-P3-1257-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition 896MB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433 )

Total Cost: 1,151.27 (Next day Air)

Questions
1.) Any suggestions or recommendations on CPU Heatsink. I know the Zalman CPN9900 is rated as the best by most reviews IMO but I'm open to other options to cut cost. I heard good things about the Dark Knight and V8's but not sure about them.

2.) Would it be better from me to get a slightly cheaper X58 board and upgrade to ATI's 4890 in Crossfire? Would I see a big difference between that and the 260 216's I have picked. I game at 1900X1200 and I'm a loyal follower of Nvidia & EVGA, so I don't know if it is worth it switch to ATI's 4890's.

3.) Would it be better to keep my two 9800 GTX and upgrade to the i7 940 and one of extreme X58 boards to get the cost closer to $1,000? I won't think so but I'm open to comments on the matter.

Thanks for your feedback!!

 

[tecmo34]

2nd Option... Since my computer is mainly used for gaming and little DVD encoding / coping & picture editing... plus standard internet, Microsoft Office... etc.

Here are my parts...

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674 )

ZALMAN CNPS9900LED ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835118046 )

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe AM3 DDR3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363 )

CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145200 )

2x DIAMOND 4890PE51GXOC Radeon HD 4890 1GB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103076 )

Total Cost: 1,197.58 (Next day Air)

Thanks for your feedback!!

 

[xthekidx]

It seems that since you can afford the i7 setup and since you do a little video editing and such, that would be a good option. Here are my suggestions:

Change to this GTX 260, its faster, cheaper, and has a better cooling design: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127426

That CPU cooler you picked is alright, but its overpriced. Get this one instead if you want quiet: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608007 if you don't really need quiet, then this one will do fine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029&Tpk=s1283v

I think the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 is a better MB for dual gpu setups. The spacing of the PCIEx16 slots means better cooling for your GPU's: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365&Tpk=p6t%20v2

 

[Kill@dor]

You've get one bada** machine there (the first option). I would make sure i have enough room for 2 graphics cards tho...so look at some full towers unless you have one that can fit all that.

 

[xthekidx]

You've get one bada** machine there (the first option). I would make sure i have enough room for 2 graphics cards tho...so look at some full towers unless you have one that can fit all that.

His Antec 1200 should be able to handle it

 

[Kill@dor]

I need a new case for my next build...and i wanna get one with a mobo tray. Its not bad just pluging it in the case, but i've been checking out those cooler master stackers for a while now. Heavy and expensive, but looks cool ^_^

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119168

Even this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119146

 

[tecmo34]

Change to this GTX 260, its faster, cheaper, and has a better cooling design: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127426

I'm debating on this one. I like EVGA's upgrade program, cards, the free games (I already have a friend asking for a copy) and have never had issues with them. Plus, I have a little bad taste in my mouth with my MSI board dying on me and taking my Q6600 with it, which to look at it as the glass is half full, I can be thankful because I can upgrade to an Core i7 system.

That CPU cooler you picked is alright, but its overpriced. Get this one instead if you want quiet: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608007 if you don't really need quiet, then this one will do fine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029&Tpk=s1283v

I went with the Dark Knight cooler... It was about 1/2 the price and seems to get the job done.

I think the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 is a better MB for dual gpu setups. The spacing of the PCIEx16 slots means better cooling for your GPU's: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365&Tpk=p6t%20v2

I think I'm going to stick with the EVGA board. I like the option of setting up a Tri-SLI system down the road.

Thanks for your feedback xthekidx!! ,

 

[xthekidx]

MSI motherboards are bad, and I wouldn't buy one, but their GPU's are pretty good. I don't think if you got two of those GTX 260's you would need to take advantage of the step up program (and I think you only have like 60 days to do it too, its not endless). The aftermarket cooler on those GTX 260's would allow for you to further overclock the GPU. Really what you are paying for is the aftermarket cooler. If you don't want that MSI card, then just get the EVGA stock clocked card and overclock it yourself, its the exact same hardware except the manufacturer overclocked it for you in that "superclocked" edition.

Tri-SLI is not a good upgrade option, you will see maybe a 10-15% increase in framerates if you were to add another GPU, so much performance is lost due to bad scaling. Three way SLI is really only for gaming at 25x16 resolution. The increase you will see in performance is going to be an abysmal return for your money spent, and your power consumption will increase as well, and you will pay for it when you pay the electric bill. SLI is at the most what I would plan on for as an upgrade option, after that you should replace your GPU's.

 

[smithereen]

Both excellent choices, but you're overspending on the AMD build. You could shave serious dollars off of the memory, video cards and motherboard... but whatever. Since you seem to have your heart set on the i7 build, I won't bug you about it. It's a very, very nice build, very good value and performance.

 

[tecmo34]

xthekidx... I understand what you are saying about buying stock and than over clocking, which I agree with. On the flip side, I feel the extra $10 more for the card is worth it since I get a "free game" (and in my case 2 free games with the other card as well) and stocked overclocking where it doesn't void warranties. If I feel the need I can over clock it easily enough to the SSC speeds or higher.

smithereen... I'm open to all suggestions. Yes... my heart is set on a Core i7 build but I am a man of reason so I'm willing to listen to AMD's side. My goal is to build a very good computer at a price of no less than $1,000. I know I want to spend a $1,000 but to get the benefit of Newegg's 12 month no interest that is what I need to spend. Now I don't want to go crazy and spend a ton of money over a $1,000 either. I can pay back $1,000 easily enough in that time period. I felt my two builds provide good systems for at those price ranges.

My plan is to make a purchase by 1:00PM EST on Thursday, so I can have delivered by Friday.... This leaves time for everyone to make suggestions on ways to improve or better options...