New game build using Dell 30" monitor - need help selecting components

golfguy123

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE:
ASAP

BUDGET RANGE:
$2000-$3000 (Including monitor)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:
1> Gaming
2> More Gaming
3> Internet
4> Movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
Optical Drives
Keyboard/Mouse
Speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:
No Preference

MOTHERBOARD
ASUS P6T Deluxe V2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365

CPU
Intel i7 920 overclocked
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

MONITOR
Dell 3007WFP-HC 30” monitor
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=3007WFPHC&s=dhs

GPU
Dual EVGA 01G-P3-1182-AR GeForce GTX285 FTW Edition - SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130483&Tpk=EVGA%2001G-P3-1182-AR%20GeForce%20GTX285

MEMORY
Which would be better? -

OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz Intel Extreme Edition XMP Ready Series 6GB Triple Channel Kits Optimized for X58
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-PC3-10666-1333MHz-Extreme-Optimized/dp/B001LK7ZTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247197454&sr=1-1

-or-

OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1600LV6GK-PC3-12800-1600MHz-Platinum/dp/B001NFZ5PQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247197502&sr=1-1

HARD DRIVES
Western Digital HD’s in RAID 0

PSU
CORSAIR 1000w HX
http://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-1000w-Ready-Certified-Supply/dp/B00154QAXQ/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I39LEDSKEYBQ2&colid=4KVYOGSO4UDO


CASE
SilverStone TJ10-B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163091&Tpk=SilverStone%20TJ10-B

AUDIO
PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102021

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

This will be my first build. I put the above system together from reading, reading, reading.

Here are my questions -

While reading the forums I noticed the Gigabyte mobo’s seem to be more popular than the ASUS I am looking at. Am I missing something?

Is the sound card necessary with today’s motherboards?

Yes, it’s a big monitor. But are dual GTX 285’s overkill?

Don’t know if I should go air cooled or water. I have no experience with water cooling. My goal is to have a system that’s as quiet as possible with minimal hassle.

With USB 3.0 just around the corner, is there any advantage to putting off the build?
 

raybob95

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It all looks good, but USB 3.0 is NOT worth the wait. Also, you could save some money and OC the GPUs your self. I'd personally go with the second OCZ set. Also, get a Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 for the motherboard.
 

itsgrandpa

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Looks good, start putting down some links so we can get something more concrete.

Also it doesn't seem like money is an object so duel 285? if you want your two buddy's chilling and not having to work hard, sure go for it.

Honestly i like the antec 1200 case but its whatever. I'm bias with an antec 902

sound card isn't nessessary unless you got a $200+ sound system (300-400 more appropriately) otherwise there isn't much a of difference and the p6t v2 is 7.1 so its definately above average/good

USB 3.0 will take at least 2-4 years to even become somewhat main stream. And thats being liberal.
2.0 isn't going anywhere soon
 

theAnimal

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+1 on the OCZ Platinum 1600.

I would change the PSU to HX850, plenty of power, better quality, more efficient plus a 7 year warranty.

Add a Xigmatech Dark Knight cooler since you're OCing.

You could get 3x GTX275 for the price of 2x GTX285. (In that case go with the HX1000.)
 

golfguy123

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******* NOTE – ADDED LINKS TO MY ORIGINAL POST ********



I'd personally go with the second OCZ set. Also, get a Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 for the motherboard.

Concerning the RAM – A friend who works for Intel told me not to buy 1600Mhz memory because the Core i7/X58 cannot fully utilize it. If you will note - the first OCZ memory set I listed is “optimized” for the X58. Note that it is 10666 1333MHz, not 12800 1600Mhz.

Concerning the Gygabyte mobo - I read a customer review on Newegg stating that EVGA GPU’s wouldn’t POST with that mobo. It kinda scared me away from Gygabyte.


Looks good, start putting down some links so we can get something more concrete.

DONE! Thanks!


Also it doesn't seem like money is an object so duel 285? if you want your two buddy's chilling and not having to work hard, sure go for it.

That was one of my questions. I thought perhaps dual 285’s was a bit much. What alternative GPU(s) would you recommend?


Honestly i like the antec 1200 case but its whatever. I'm bias with an antec 902

I chose the SilverStone mostly for its stately looks, build quality and slide-out mobo tray. I prefer a case without fancy lights. I’d end up turning them off. I’ll take a closer look at the Antec’s before I buy. Thanks.


sound card isn't nessessary unless you got a $200+ sound system (300-400 more appropriately) otherwise there isn't much a of difference

Since I’ll be using the PC mostly for gaming, will the mobo onboard audio support EAX, Dolby, and all the other fancy sound stages that are featured in today’s games? I usually use a headset when I game. If you are telling me that there is no difference in sound quality between the on-board audio and using a SB card, then I’ll scratch it off my list. Otherwise, spending $100 bucks on a sound card is worth it to me. Please advise.


I would change the PSU to HX850, plenty of power, better quality, more efficient plus a 7 year warranty.

Amazon had a $30 rebate on the HX1000 that ends tomorrow 7/10. Total cost - $200.58. I ordered it today.


Thank you raybob95, theAnimal, itsgrandpa for your help! I look forward to more suggestions and advice before I open my wallet!

 
Hmm...Pretty good setup...

But here are a few suggestions that you can look into...

1) Drop the sound card and invest in this mobo -
ASUS Rampage II Extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131352

Reason -
1. Best board if you want to go Tri-SLI
2. One of the best overclocking board out there
3. The board comes with a premium onboard sound, if am not wrong, support most of the features you have listed...
http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=179&l3=815&l4=0&model=2619&modelmenu=1
4. Has nearly all the possible options and features one would require...

2) RAM - Yes you friend is right about that i7 doesnt utilize 1600MHz...but during overclocking, they would help...So get the OCZ Platinum...

3) CASE - More of a personal choice...
But here are few options for you...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119122
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119187
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112141

4) Graphics card - +1 for GTX 275...
As others have said, you can get 3x GTX 275 and their performance would easily outperform 2x GTX 285...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130475

What about cooling options ?
 

golfguy123

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Thanks gkay09, you gave me a lot to look at. There are several other parts of the build I need to address, including cooling options. I'm trying to take it a few steps at a time so not to overwhelm my post with so many questions that I end up not getting any replies.

I'm not a big fan of ATI GPU's, anonymousdude. I've bought a few in the past and had them die on me prematurely. In my experience, nVidia cards have always worked better for me.

Any other advice everyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
 

Helloworld_98

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the one rule of being components for computers, never be biased. two examples,

1) few people will buy AMD now because the core 2's were in a far higher league compared to the athlon's back then, some people now only buy intel processors now because they think the performance gap hasn't closed.

2) Nvidia is generally favoured now because of one GPU, the 8800GT, so consumers now favour nvidia because they think the performance gap hasn't closed.

In your case with the GPU, the old ATI cards ran very hot which probably caused the premature death. However with current technology the ATi 48xx series run very cool and dual 4890's (which cost under $200 each) will match dual GTX 285's in most games.