New gaming build. Please help me leave low graphics settings behind.

[budgie_84]

Hello. I'm a first time builder. I've tried to read up as much as possible, but am still intimidated. Thanks in advance, this site and forum are amazing!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I currently have to play games on the lowest of the low graphics settings. The purpose of this system is to be able to use high resolution/graphics on current games (with the exception of probably Crysis), maintain smooth fps, and with future upgrades be able to hold that status (hopefully) for a few years.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This Week or as soon as I figure out a build

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-2000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Surfing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: New Egg

PARTS PREFERENCES: lol, everytime I think I have it figured out, I read another post and feel clueless again

OVERCLOCKING: Yes (as needed) SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes (as needed)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080, 1920x1200


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

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

EVGA 896-P3-1257-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition 896MB 448-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433

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

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Thermaltake Spedo VI90001N2Z Black 0.8 mm SECC Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133073

ASUS MK241H Black 24" 2ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236033

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493

After combo deals, rebates, shipping = $1500
I'm hoping this would let me game at high resolution/graphics, smooth fps now...And as game demands grow add additional/better SLI GPU's, and an after-market cooler to OC the I7.

Will I reach my goals with this build? Am I off base here or making any amateur mistakes? Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Will I need something like a 1000W PS in order to OC and SLI?
Also, I'm clueless about monitors. Would get a 20 or 22 but couldn't find one with 1920x1200--a comment which I'm sure betrays some sort of monitor ignorance

 

[kevin1212]

Everything seems fine, you could probably add another core 216 to make sure you get max settings for everything, possibly including crysis. The psu would certainly handle 2 of those vid cards, 3 cards would give it some trouble.

 

[grieve]

Ditch Vista Ultimate sp1 and use Windows 7 RC as it is free till March 2010 at which time you format and purchase win 7.

-Use the extra cash to get this GTX280 which has a killer price $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130427

Win 7 RC
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=wcfeed

 

[neon neophyte]

i might rethink the gtx 260.

gtx 275 is a nice card, doesnt cost too much more. i wouldnt suggest the 280, its a pig. pretty inefficient. gtx 275 overclocks WAY better and out performs it.

 

[budgie_84]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Win 7 RC sounds like a good idea. I didn't know it was coming out already. I'll take a look at those GPU's with the savings thanks.

@ Kevin do you have a PS recommendation that would give me some extra headroom?
Would 850W do it or would that still be stretching it?

 

[budgie_84]

Ditch Vista Ultimate sp1 and use Windows 7 RC as it is free till March 2010 at which time you format and purchase win 7.

-Use the extra cash to get this GTX280 which has a killer price $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130427

Win 7 RC
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=wcfeed

I just had a thought, I'm slow--sorry, do I need an OS already on the new system in order to download Win 7 RC?

 

[grieve]

You would want to download the ISO now and burn it to disc.

User Nero or something thatll burn an ISO...

This is a free program
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

 

[kevin1212]

@ Kevin do you have a PS recommendation that would give me some extra headroom?
Would 850W do it or would that still be stretching it?

The psu you have already is fine, the only reason to want more is if you intend to go 3 way sli in the future. If that is the case then 850W would be fine, look for something 80plus certified, bronze or silver perhaps, although they're expensive. It would be even more ideal finding one with 6 pci-e pin connectors, but it isn't necessary, once the wattage and efficiency is good.

Take a look at this one for instance:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171033

The only thing i don't like about that one is the 2x8pins as opposed to 2x 6+2pins. But anything similar to these specs should handle 3 way sli easliy. Truth is, that 750W psu u have there would technically be able to handle 3 gtx 260, but i still wouldn't recommend it. 80% of that 750 gives 600 available watts. I think 3 gtx 260's would peak at around 500-600 watts, possibly a bit more. But it isn't always safe to constantly push your power supply, so that is a reason to get a slightly higher wattage psu.

Edit: Customer reviews on that particular psu aren't so good. I would suggest that after you pick out that ideal psu, to check some online reviews and stuff.

 

[binwhui]

no to vista..
gamers burn vistas literally

go for xp right now.. then when the retail windows 7 is available get that one..!

 

[kevin1212]

Those days are well over buddy, vista performs just as good if not better than xp, assuming your pc isn't like 4 years old.