UPDATE: My list is now basically complete, thanks for the help sorting through all of this. Some components purchased, ordering the rest from Newegg later tonight.
UPDATE x2: Awful, awful experience trying to buy from Newegg. After days of time wasted, I've ordered the remaining components from Amazon and buy.com. Updated parts list below.
I'm finalizing a new build. Previously, I've cobbled machines together from scrounged bits and pieces, and finally decided that I need a state-of-the-reasonable-art box. My firming-up component list is at the end of this post.
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Planning to pull the trigger tomorrow or Friday. (First batch of components purchased Friday, May 8; remainder of component will be ordered from Newegg on Saturday, May 9)
BUDGET RANGE: [strike]Build cost thus far stands at $1600 or so (penciling in $100 for case and $100 for PSU, I know those will probably be higher); it could climb a bit more, but hopefully not too much.[/strike] Final build cost, including monitors, looks to be around $1750.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Two-fold: scientific computing and gaming. I'm in a comp sci doctorate program, so I write and run quite a bit of computationally-intensive, multi-threaded code. I also use lots of virtual machines; quad-core and virtualization extensions are sine qua non. After lots of stewing and research, I've upped my original budget and decided to go the Core i7 920 route. I believe I'll be able to make good use of the extra CPU. Photo and video editing will be incidental, not a major concern, though I'll watch some HD content.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers (have a set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1 with which I'm quite happy)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I strongly favor components that I can pick up at competitive prices either by driving down to my local Micro Center [strike]or by ordering from Newegg[/strike] or from a decent online dealer. Would consider another reliable website for a good deal, but shaving every cent is less important than convenience and solid service.
PARTS PREFERENCES: Current parts list at the end of this post. Based on monitor resolution and price-performance, I've short-listed video cards to either the ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB or the nVidia GTX 260 Core 216. Both cards have dual DVI outputs, so should be able to drive the monitors. nVidia's Linux support seems slightly better at the moment, so I've waffled my way into choosing the 260 (PhysX is neat if not extensively supported; ATI's long-term Linux strategy looks better but nVidia's present state has the edge).
OVERCLOCKING: Yes. Since I'm getting a lovely, overclockable 920, I'd just feel silly if I didn't crank it up. [strike]For CPU coolers, I'm looking (with very little knowledge in this area) at possibly a Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 120mm SSO (which seems to provide very good cooling with minimal decibels) or a Xigmatek Thor's Hammer HDR-S126384 (which appears to provide good cooling, but I'm not sure about the noise levels).[/strike]
[strike]Decided on the Xigmatek Dark Knight.[/strike] Switched back to the Noctua NH-U12P, as I can grab one at Micro Center for $70.
Do I need more fans? Do I need to stick one of those fan rheostat units in a drive bay?
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes, but not right away. I'd like the headroom to upgrade down the road, so SLI support on mobo and a good power supply are necessary.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: I'm going with a dual-monitor setup, and am looking for two 1920x1200 panels somewhere in the 24" range. I've decided I'd rather have the extra pixel real-estate than a single larger monitor. (Also 1920x1200 looks to be a pretty good resolution for gaming.) But what monitors to get? The premiums for non-TN panels are pretty steep, and TN seems to have the best response time for gaming applications. I'm going to be using these at my desk, so viewing angles aren't a huge concern. As the cost of the rest of the build has crept up, I don't want to go too crazy ...I'd like to find the best option for as close to $250 each as possible (and hopefully not over $300 each). Then again, these are the primary interaction points with the computer, so I don't want crap. Should look good both for writing code and gaming.
Update: Decided on two of the Samsung T240HD monitors. Paying a bit more and possibly sacrificing a bit on input lag (though that's very hard to tell from reviews) for flexibility and a good quality unit with a good guarantee from Samsung.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: A quiet build is much to be desired, so low-decibels are good. Linux is my day-to-day OS; I'll probably be running 64-bit Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty). For gaming I'll be installing Windows 7 RC.
I'm least comfortable with case selection. Should I spend $170 for something like an Antec 1200 or $150 for a Cooler Master HAF 932? Would an Antec 900 II for $130 have enough room for CPU cooler and future SLI? Or is there something roomy and quiet for around $100 that would do the job? Ideally, the case will be under 19" so I don't have to find a new rolling platform for under my desk (I know most of the above don't fit that requirement.)
[strike]Figuring out a PSU is even worse; I haven't come up with a shortlist yet. Again, I'd like to keep the noise down as much as possible.[/strike] Settled on the Corsair 750TX, I think.
Does this build seem reasonable? Are the prices right? Am I chintzing somewhere I shouldn't?
[strike]Any input on the components I'm waffling between (mobo, cooler) would be great, 1920x1200 game-friendly display suggestions would be excellent, and case/PSU guidance will be DEEPLY appreciated.[/strike]
Thanks for all the help putting this together!
PARTS LIST:
CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (purchased)
$230 from Micro Center
MOBO: Asus P6T (purchased)
$230 from Micro Center
[strike]$209 from Newegg[/strike]
[strike]$250 from Newegg[/strike]
RAM: [strike]OCZ Gold XTC 6GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) Triple Channel DIMM Memory Kit (Three 2GB Memory Modules)
$80 from Micro Center after rebate[/strike]
OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory (ordered)
[strike]$75 from Newegg[/strike]
$95 from Amazon (More expensive than Newegg, but I easily made it up by the savings on the monitors)
HD: 2x WD Caviar Black 1TB (ordered)
[strike]$100 from New Egg[/strike]
$100 from Amazon
GPU: e-GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB GDDR3 PCIe 2.0 Graphics Card (puchased)
$163.83 from Micro Center
DISPLAYS (2):
2x Samsung T240HD (ordered)
[strike]$330 from Newegg[/strike]
$320 from buy.com
[strike](POSSIBLY) 2x Sceptre X24WG-1080P 24" 2ms 1920x1200 (HDCP)
$240 from Newegg[/strike]
[strike](OR) 2x ASUS MK241H Black 24" 2ms 1920x1200 (but no HDCP)
$250 from Newegg after rebate[/strike]
CASE: Antec Nine Hundred Two (purchased)
$130 from Micro Center
PSU: Corsair 750TX (ordered)
[strike]$110 from Newegg after rebate[/strike]
$110 from Amazon after rebate
CPU COOLER:
Noctua NH-U12P SE1366
$70 from Micro Center
[strike]Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V
$40 from Newegg[/strike]
([strike]If it will fit the P6T without blocking the RAM.[/strike] Also, do I need to buy fans for this?)
UPDATE x2: Awful, awful experience trying to buy from Newegg. After days of time wasted, I've ordered the remaining components from Amazon and buy.com. Updated parts list below.
I'm finalizing a new build. Previously, I've cobbled machines together from scrounged bits and pieces, and finally decided that I need a state-of-the-reasonable-art box. My firming-up component list is at the end of this post.
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Planning to pull the trigger tomorrow or Friday. (First batch of components purchased Friday, May 8; remainder of component will be ordered from Newegg on Saturday, May 9)
BUDGET RANGE: [strike]Build cost thus far stands at $1600 or so (penciling in $100 for case and $100 for PSU, I know those will probably be higher); it could climb a bit more, but hopefully not too much.[/strike] Final build cost, including monitors, looks to be around $1750.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Two-fold: scientific computing and gaming. I'm in a comp sci doctorate program, so I write and run quite a bit of computationally-intensive, multi-threaded code. I also use lots of virtual machines; quad-core and virtualization extensions are sine qua non. After lots of stewing and research, I've upped my original budget and decided to go the Core i7 920 route. I believe I'll be able to make good use of the extra CPU. Photo and video editing will be incidental, not a major concern, though I'll watch some HD content.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers (have a set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1 with which I'm quite happy)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I strongly favor components that I can pick up at competitive prices either by driving down to my local Micro Center [strike]or by ordering from Newegg[/strike] or from a decent online dealer. Would consider another reliable website for a good deal, but shaving every cent is less important than convenience and solid service.
PARTS PREFERENCES: Current parts list at the end of this post. Based on monitor resolution and price-performance, I've short-listed video cards to either the ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB or the nVidia GTX 260 Core 216. Both cards have dual DVI outputs, so should be able to drive the monitors. nVidia's Linux support seems slightly better at the moment, so I've waffled my way into choosing the 260 (PhysX is neat if not extensively supported; ATI's long-term Linux strategy looks better but nVidia's present state has the edge).
OVERCLOCKING: Yes. Since I'm getting a lovely, overclockable 920, I'd just feel silly if I didn't crank it up. [strike]For CPU coolers, I'm looking (with very little knowledge in this area) at possibly a Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 120mm SSO (which seems to provide very good cooling with minimal decibels) or a Xigmatek Thor's Hammer HDR-S126384 (which appears to provide good cooling, but I'm not sure about the noise levels).[/strike]
[strike]Decided on the Xigmatek Dark Knight.[/strike] Switched back to the Noctua NH-U12P, as I can grab one at Micro Center for $70.
Do I need more fans? Do I need to stick one of those fan rheostat units in a drive bay?
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes, but not right away. I'd like the headroom to upgrade down the road, so SLI support on mobo and a good power supply are necessary.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: I'm going with a dual-monitor setup, and am looking for two 1920x1200 panels somewhere in the 24" range. I've decided I'd rather have the extra pixel real-estate than a single larger monitor. (Also 1920x1200 looks to be a pretty good resolution for gaming.) But what monitors to get? The premiums for non-TN panels are pretty steep, and TN seems to have the best response time for gaming applications. I'm going to be using these at my desk, so viewing angles aren't a huge concern. As the cost of the rest of the build has crept up, I don't want to go too crazy ...I'd like to find the best option for as close to $250 each as possible (and hopefully not over $300 each). Then again, these are the primary interaction points with the computer, so I don't want crap. Should look good both for writing code and gaming.
Update: Decided on two of the Samsung T240HD monitors. Paying a bit more and possibly sacrificing a bit on input lag (though that's very hard to tell from reviews) for flexibility and a good quality unit with a good guarantee from Samsung.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: A quiet build is much to be desired, so low-decibels are good. Linux is my day-to-day OS; I'll probably be running 64-bit Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty). For gaming I'll be installing Windows 7 RC.
I'm least comfortable with case selection. Should I spend $170 for something like an Antec 1200 or $150 for a Cooler Master HAF 932? Would an Antec 900 II for $130 have enough room for CPU cooler and future SLI? Or is there something roomy and quiet for around $100 that would do the job? Ideally, the case will be under 19" so I don't have to find a new rolling platform for under my desk (I know most of the above don't fit that requirement.)
[strike]Figuring out a PSU is even worse; I haven't come up with a shortlist yet. Again, I'd like to keep the noise down as much as possible.[/strike] Settled on the Corsair 750TX, I think.
Does this build seem reasonable? Are the prices right? Am I chintzing somewhere I shouldn't?
[strike]Any input on the components I'm waffling between (mobo, cooler) would be great, 1920x1200 game-friendly display suggestions would be excellent, and case/PSU guidance will be DEEPLY appreciated.[/strike]
Thanks for all the help putting this together!
PARTS LIST:
CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (purchased)
$230 from Micro Center
MOBO: Asus P6T (purchased)
$230 from Micro Center
[strike]$209 from Newegg[/strike]
[strike]$250 from Newegg[/strike]
RAM: [strike]OCZ Gold XTC 6GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) Triple Channel DIMM Memory Kit (Three 2GB Memory Modules)
$80 from Micro Center after rebate[/strike]
OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory (ordered)
[strike]$75 from Newegg[/strike]
$95 from Amazon (More expensive than Newegg, but I easily made it up by the savings on the monitors)
HD: 2x WD Caviar Black 1TB (ordered)
[strike]$100 from New Egg[/strike]
$100 from Amazon
GPU: e-GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB GDDR3 PCIe 2.0 Graphics Card (puchased)
$163.83 from Micro Center
DISPLAYS (2):
2x Samsung T240HD (ordered)
[strike]$330 from Newegg[/strike]
$320 from buy.com
[strike](POSSIBLY) 2x Sceptre X24WG-1080P 24" 2ms 1920x1200 (HDCP)
$240 from Newegg[/strike]
[strike](OR) 2x ASUS MK241H Black 24" 2ms 1920x1200 (but no HDCP)
$250 from Newegg after rebate[/strike]
CASE: Antec Nine Hundred Two (purchased)
$130 from Micro Center
PSU: Corsair 750TX (ordered)
[strike]$110 from Newegg after rebate[/strike]
$110 from Amazon after rebate
CPU COOLER:
Noctua NH-U12P SE1366
$70 from Micro Center
[strike]Xigmatek Dark Knight-S1283V
$40 from Newegg[/strike]
([strike]If it will fit the P6T without blocking the RAM.[/strike] Also, do I need to buy fans for this?)
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