First Build Ever, i7, $1500

[syclone]

Just looking for some feedback on my idea for a build. I hope my research paid off in at least being in the right direction. I appreciate any feedback. Here is what I have come up with:

Purpose In Order: Gaming, Surfing Net, MS Office Apps.

Max. Will to Spend: $1500 (Including monitor, keyboard, and mouse)

Overclock in future when I learn.

newegg is cool, but open to others.

Questions:
1. I am torn between EVGA and Asus motherboards?
2. I am unsure if graphic manufactor matters if I am going with a 4890?
3. I am unsure if memory manufactor matters. I am a Corsair fan, but OCZ is cheapter?
4. Does it matter if I go with a PSU of 750 vs 850?

Case: Antec 900
PSU: Corsair 750HX or Corsair 850HX???
MB: EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
Processor: Core i7 920
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100269SR Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card ???
Memory: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model
Monitor: ASUS VW246H Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers

Keyboard, mouse, HD, DVD...i can handle these.

I appreciate any feedback or advice. Thank you!

 

[theAnimal]

1. Both are good.
2. Not really. Sapphire is good. XFX has the best warranty.
3. Both are good.
4. 750 is plenty for your system, even if you add another 4890.

 

[Pauliedc]

Syclone,

The 850TX is $99 after MIR at Amazon right now, great deal. Extra juice is always a good thing.

i7 920 is perfect.

I just ordered my EVGA board, arrives tomorrow. However, you want the A1, not the TR. Same board, but A1 gives you lifetime warranty after registration. Here it is:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

BTW, there's a Newegg coupon that expires TONIGHT that got me an additional $15 off the board, total was $264.99 delivered. Code is EMCLVLN55.

Make sure you download the latest drivers!

Memory: I think it's a toss up. The OCZ gold is popular. I have Patriot, but regardless, this is a GREAT time to buy ram, prices are cheaper than ever.

Video: I can't help much there, I'm a big NVidia/EVGA fan. I'm using two GTX 260s SLI'd together.

Case is good, but maybe check out the 900 version 2, it's roomier. But for the price, the 900 is very popular.

Monitor: I'm lost there too, I have a Dell 2405 I like, I may upgrade in the future, but I haven't researched it.

I do my build Saturday. Enjoy yours when you get there!

 

[syclone]

animal and paul, thanks for the feedback. I'll change that MB.

Even with the psu 850 for $99...i may still get the 750 in a combo for less...but less power too. I'll think about this.

 

[stark700]

Hey syclone,
I was also going to order the EVGA today, either the A1 or TR. Both though have similar reviews that indicate a very hot v-regulator. The only difference betyween the two, form what I've read, says they are the same card with different warranties.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=13-188-046&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&SelectedRating=3&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Page=1&Keywords=

I changed my mind and am now going with the Asus P6T V2 w/ CPU($40 off). Just check out some reviews(there's a ton for these boards) of the EVGA's and you might change your mind too.

Also you get more powerful GPU's like the 275 GTX for $200 or less if you look around. 2 of those supposedely=295GTX .

And I decided to go with the Antec 1200 case with combo 850W PSU for $269, with shipping. I'd rather not have the room problem down the road, been there before. I swore I'd get full tower for this build.

 

[theAnimal]

animal and paul, thanks for the feedback. I'll change that MB.

Even with the psu 850 for $99...i may still get the 750 in a combo for less...but less power too. I'll think about this.

The HX750/850 are a bit better quality than TX, as well as being modular and having a 7 year warranty. Either one is plenty of power for dual graphics cards.

 

[not moose]

EVGA has been having problems with customer service lately. Most of it having to do with their motherboards, but the video cards seem to be doing fine.

 

[syclone]

I am torn between the EVGA and Asus MB's...the reviews are mixed for both...good reviews in general.

I am concerned about Asus's quality control check.

 

[stark700]

I totally agree with both having issues based on the reviews. EVGA, has 2 problems IMO. Your chances of getting bad RAM slots or a dead board upon arrival from EVGA are about 1/3(at least the most recent reviews anyways), just like with ASUS. The EVGA, however, also has a suspect V-regulator that runs extremely hot. I'd rather try the ASUS. I don't want a board that will crap in 6 months. That's why I stayed away from the Gigibyte boards, too many reviews about boards dying after a few months. The EVGA boards also make it limited to what heatsinks you can use(no scythe).

Ordered a few hours ago. Already had my EVGA 275 GTX w 6 GB OCZ Plat for $260.

http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

$1180, $100 pre order Win 7, leaves $220 for monitor on $1500 budget(I had the same figure).

 

[syclone]

I totally agree with both having issues based on the reviews. EVGA, has 2 problems IMO. Your chances of getting bad RAM slots or a dead board upon arrival from EVGA are about 1/3(at least the most recent reviews anyways), just like with ASUS. The EVGA, however, also has a suspect V-regulator that runs extremely hot. I'd rather try the ASUS. I don't want a board that will crap in 6 months. That's why I stayed away from the Gigibyte boards, too many reviews about boards dying after a few months. The EVGA boards also make it limited to what heatsinks you can use(no scythe).

Ordered a few hours ago. Already had my EVGA 275 GTX w 6 GB OCZ Plat for $260.

http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

$1180, $100 pre order Win 7, leaves $220 for monitor on $1500 budget(I had the same figure).

I'll have to check with Asus's boards, but paul above mentioned this EVGA has lifetime warranty if registered:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188039

Although a DOA board is a pain or if it burns itself out, at least it'll get replaced. I guess it is a toss up in the end.