Search
Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in

New i7 build for my uncle, please rate + suggest.

Last response: in Systems
Share

Hello all,

I'm building a new gaming PC for my uncle, his budget is about $1,500 - $2,000.

First off, I'll be getting the CPU from a local Microcenter. No need to be shipped, they have plenty (75) in stock, and its on average $80 cheaper than ordering online.

So, here's what I'm making. Also, the OS is either going to be Win 7 RC 64bit, or Vista Business which I get for free off MSDN. So, OS is not factored into the cost.

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.66ghz (will overclock this a bit)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml...

Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout (will be buying 2 fans to stick on the side later)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

MOBO: Gigabyte EX58-UD3R. (I have some experience with Gigabyte mobos so overclocking the i7 should be easy)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU: Corsair 850w SLI ready Powersupply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM: G-skill 6gig (3x2) DDR3 1333 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 285 1gb (Free COD: WAW!)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

HDD: WD VelociRaptor 300gig HDD (This is the biggest tipping point for me, faster drive but $220 that could go elsewhere)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
AND
WD Caviar 1TB 7200RPM HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Monitor: ASUS 24" monitor max res @ 1920 x 1080.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


I believe thats about everything. I'm pretty sure he has his own speakers/mouse/keyboard so that isn't much of an issue.

Total the build comes out to be (before shipping) $1,659.91

So please, give me your suggestions and feedback on this build. Also, since I will most likely be overclocking the i7 for him, what is a really good CPU cooler for the 1366 socket?

More about : build uncle rate suggest

Register or log in to remove
Related ressources
Ask the community

Velociraptors really aren't worth the money, ask your uncle if he wants a fast boot up and programs loading faster. If he says yes, either get an SSD or two WDCB 1TB and run them in RAID0. The XIGMATEK Dark Knight is a quality heatsink for cheap, if you want something bigger go for the TRUE or Noctua NH-U12P

Consider downgrading to a GTX 275, you will see a few FPS difference between the cards. If you plan on sli in the future with a GTX 275, you could also downgrade to a 750TX. Change the ram to OCZ Platinum since you will be overclocking.

Also change the case to a HAF 932 just to be sure you have plenty of space.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id...

If you read the reviews on newegg and the profesional ones on that link up above you will find that Scout is small, and I don't think it will be a good choice for SLI which I'm guessing you plan on doing with that 850w psu in your build.

If SLI is in the future I would seriously look at this case down below. Get a can of flat black high temp spray paint and a roll of masking tape at walmart, home depot, lowes etc...and it takes all of a few minutes to paint the inside of this 922 HAF...which will fit those cards in SLI and it's smaller than the 932 HAF.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $129.99
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
New Arrival

Sounds good people. The case was definitely a swinging point for me. When he comes down Thursday I'll go through some of the cases he can get so he can choose which one he likes. He might end up getting a full tower case, who knows =P

I have the HAF and wouldn't trade it. It's got great airflow, TONS of room, nice cable management, and it's unbelievably quiet. Don't know about the computer desk situation, but it won't fit in the tower cabinet. Mine sits next to my feet and almost touches my keyboard.

Yep, I also have the Coolermaster HAF 932, and I love it. Of course when I got it I painted the inside black right away, but other than that, it is great. I love the cable management system, and the CPU tray hole so you can add a good CPU cooler without taking the MB off. When he comes down I was going to suggest that one first anyways.

Only gripe about it would be cleaning the mesh, which can get dusty pretty quick, also the lack of air filters.
Register or log in to remove
 
Ask the community
Read discussions in other Systems categories
!