First-time Gaming Build (1500-2200)

Kaolla

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Jun 5, 2009
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Hello there, Tom's Hardware! I'm interesting in building my first gaming PC, as after three years the laptop I got for college just can't cut it (and never really could, to be honest).

This is the first time I've ever tried to source the parts myself; I helped a friend build a computer years ago, but he had gathered everything. I suppose I'm wondering if what I've selected will fit together, and if you guys have any suggestions to change my noob ways. ^^ Also, I'm wondering what I'm missing as far as tools, cables, etc.

I have a feeling some of this stuff is way more than I need, and that some of it will be creating some pretty obvious bottlenecks. I'd appreciate any help or nudges in the right direction. Thanks!

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next few days BUDGET RANGE: $1500-$2200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: FPS Games, MMOs, FRAPS, watching anime, general web browsing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard (G15), Mouse, Speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: No real preference, although I have been using Newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: None (though I do like ATI cards)

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: None

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CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
Motherboard: ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.194775

Video Card: 2x SAPPHIRE Toxic 100269TXSR Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C7 G

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: I need suggestions! There's a 1000W power supply that can be combined with the HAF 932 case, but I assume that's overkill.

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives

Optical Drive: LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP20

Cooling: Halp! I know nothing! ;)

Monitor: ASUS VK246H Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor

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That's all I have so far. I'd hugely appreciate any help, guys. Sorry if the format of my thread causes you to bleed from the eyes.
 

Kaolla

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Jun 5, 2009
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Thank you. The Dark Knight looks pretty nice. Is there a big difference in performance between the two coolers? That's quite a step-up in price between the Xigmatek and Noctua.

Also, I appreciate the input regarding the GPUs. Would keeping the 4890s make any difference as far as future-proofing this machine, or would I end up upgrading the GPUs around the same time whether they were 4870s or 4890s?
 

xthekidx

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Dec 24, 2008
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They might last you a couple more months, but when DX11 comes out DX10 cards will be obsolete.

The difference in the coolers in terms of cooling performance is small, but the Noctua is very quiet. Not that the DK is loud, but the Noctua is probably the quietest around and is a top rate cooler (the two usually don't go together).
 

Kaolla

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Jun 5, 2009
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Okay, thank you so much. I'm sorry to bug you again, but should my order have all the cables, screws, etc I'll need to put this all together? I'm not quite sure how I'd go about making sure.

Also, any special tools required? :)
 

xthekidx

Splendid
Dec 24, 2008
3,871
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Case should come with all the screws, Cables should all come with the motherboard.

Get a standard phillips head screw driver, magnetic preferably, a #1 philips head screw driver (for those little screws on fans ect) a pair of needle nose pliers, some zip ties (for cable management) and a pocket knife. Thats my PC building tool kit.
 
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U4P $219.99 | $204.99 after rebate
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CorssFireX & 3-Way SLI/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

https://www.antaresdigital.com/customer/product.php?productid=16135&cat=282&page=1" $ 280.00
Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA 1366 Socket 8MB Cache CPU D0 Stepping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $39.99
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003 $4.99
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374 <--- more pics, specs, and customer reviews of that Gigabyte UD4P mobo used in this build

http://www.anandtech.com/weblog/showpost.aspx?i=584 <---short review on that D0 stepping i7. It runs cooler than the older C0 stepping i7's

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11773&Itemid=1 <--- that's one way you can tell if you have a D0 stepping cpu or not
 

thangbipbomz

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Jun 4, 2009
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i dont think u need that 2x video card 1 enough save some money

cheaper same quality ram stick
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820227365