$1400 first time build with a twist

[Bert R]

I posted this question yesterday but when I went to edit it it brought me to a screen that said "You're post has been successfully deleted!" In a miracle turn of events, though, I had saved the question on my second computer and am going to post it again:

A while back I asked a similar question and got some great answers. But, due to budget constraints and general issues that nobody cares about, I could not make the PC. Now, though, I am back with a vengeance! I originally was planning on building my PC right after Christmas, but a friend of mine said that he would pay half of the total cost if I would work on it with him. So, here is my list, which you may immediately disregard and build a better, more cost-efficient one .

BUT WAIT! There's a twist! While you do not have to include them in the price, I will be more than happy to see what your favorites are for the following: monitor, keyboard, mouse, sound card, and tv tuner. Also, does anyone know when the new graphics cards from ATI and Nvidia are coming out? Because they could drive the price down of the current cards.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Soon but who cares about that

BUDGET RANGE: $1200- $1400

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: games, video editing, internet, general productivity

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: discussed under "BUT WAIT!"

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I don't care

PARTS PREFERENCES: Core i7

OVERCLOCKING: Later once I finish building it and learning the ropes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: I don't care, whatever fits in the budget

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Just have fun with this one and I really would like to know what you guys think about the monitor and stuff.

I have a list of parts that I like but I am really doing this to see what you guys think would be a good build not what I think would be.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16811119160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16819115202
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16813128374
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16820227381
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16822136317
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102848 x2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16827136144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16817341019
I'll be using Windows 7 RC

Total: $1419.91 w/o MIR and S/H

I also want ideas on a good cooler for the CPU. I know about the Dark Knight, but are there any others anyone has had good experiences with?

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR HELPING!

 

[Outlander_04]

thank you for the opportunity to click all your links ... but I couldnt be bothered

 

[Bert R]

... your, um, welcome?

 

[hunter315]

Get a better PSU if you are going to be running 2 4890's in CF. That PSU only provides 2 PCI-E connectors you need 4. get a corsair 750TX so you have the connectors you need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=corsair%20750tx

And save 27 on this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.209629

 

[Bert R]

Thanks for the heads up hunter315. That would have stunk.

So this is my updated list:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16811119160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16819115202
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16813128374
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16820227381
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16822136317
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102848 x2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16827136144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=corsair%20750tx

Total: $1459.91

Will all of these work together? Would I get more bang for my buck with two 4870s instead of the 4890s? Is there anything else I need?

 

[gkay09]

Some changes for good and some combos...
HAF + Corsair 750TX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212377

i7 + P6T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216037

OCZ + 1TB WD Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204625

 

[Bert R]

Would it be better to get two 4870s or 4770s instead of the 4890s? Because that would save me anywhere from $100-200 that could be spent on a good monitor. Also, does anybody know a good monitor with a webcam built in?

 

[AMDThunder]

thank you for the opportunity to click all your links ... but I couldnt be bothered

I think what he's trying to say, is list what each link is, then provide the link. It saves time at the very least.

No on the 4770's. Nothing wrong with them, but you can get 4850's for the same price or cheaper, and its a better card.

 

[Bert R]

Oh okay. I didn't even think about writing the stuff down, thanks for the idea AMDThunder. Hopefully this will save you guys some headache .
Anyway, here's my new list with captions:

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16811119160

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16819115202

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16813128374

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV6GK:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16820227381

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

2x HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD±R DVD Burner:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16827136144

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=corsair%20750tx

Total: $1334.91, $1254.91 after MIR, without S/H

I changed the 4890s to 4870s because I can use the extra money on monitors and stuff. Do you guys think this could run Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance reasonably? Also, any good monitors out there with webcams other than apple? Thanks for everything!

 

[hunter315]

get a SATA dvd burner not an IDE one. sata is more convenient

 

[Bert R]

How's this one?

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner LightScribe Support
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

 

[hunter315]

Thats the one i have been suggesting recently since it will burn most things

 

[gkay09]

Here is a good monitor with Webcam built-in...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236048

And don't get 2 of those 4870s...they have a open design and 2 cards inside the case, would vent out the hot air back inside the case and not outside...
So a card that blows the hot air outside like this one...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

And I dont think spending $300 on graphics setup is good at this time...Expecting newer cards within October, I would get a single card for now and then save for the newer cards...

 

[Bert R]

Wow that monitor was just what I was looking for! And thanks for the advice about the airflow. I was thinking about getting one 4870 and then waiting to buy another when the prices go down. But do you think a 4870 crossfire would last me for three years or so or should I get some holdover card until the new ones come out? Or at least the prices drop? Again I would like to play RTS games like Supreme Commander and Supreme Commander 2 when it comes out and the occasional FPS.

 

[Bert R]

Oh and I haven't ever shopped for parts during the Christmas season. I'm sure there are deals, but are they worth waiting around 4 months for? Or would it make more sense to just buy now?

Thanks again to everyone. I realize I have a lot of questions but this has been really helpful.

 

[gkay09]

As for the graphics card, I would suggest you stick with your plan for 1 HD 4870 for now...
It might hold on for maybe a year or so depending on your requirements...And by that time, the newer cards will be available plenty in the market and you can change your card to new ones as adding another HD4870 might not be a viable choice as a single newer card would perform as good...

And are you talking about buying the whole PC during the holiday season ???

 

[Bert R]

I'm guessing that's a bad idea?

 

[gkay09]

^Not at all...
But you would have to rework your config again...as intel would be launching newer CPUs and ATI newer graphics cards...So you would get better options then...

 

[waynec121]

waiting for new tech is a never ending cycle! just when you think you made a good purchase something newer and better comes out. if i were you i would wait until you absolutely need the computer and then when you do buy what fits in your budget and don't look back. otherwise you will drive yourself crazy waiting for good deals. the only thing that might be worth waiting for is october when dx11 cards are released alongside windows 7.

good luck and hope my advice helped!

 

[micky_lund]

i agree with waynex121..... the cycle goes forever....ull be waiting for dx11 cards, then for the hexacore CPUs, then for octa-core, cheaper larger monitors....list goes on...
get 1 4870, or 4890 now, with the corsair 750tx (room for future upgrades, even if u dont go Xfire), and u'll be set

 

[Bert R]

Yeah I think I'll just get the stuff now. One last question (maybe ) will the HAF 922 work well? I like the slightly smaller size and toned down styling of it plus the dust filters.

 

[Bert R]

Okay here is what I think will be my final build:

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&Tpk=COOLER%20MASTER%20HAF%20922

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16819115202

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16813128374

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV6GK:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82e16820227381

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner LightScribe Support:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=corsair%20750tx

Total: $1168.92, $1149.52 after MIR and S/H

I have two choices: the 4870 I listed, or this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102841. With the 4890 and a coupon code, the total goes up to $1199.52. Would I get a good return for my $50, or should I stick with the build listed? Thanks for everything guys!

 

[Bert R]

Oh and I would either crossfire them in the future or I would get a new card when they come out.

 

[gkay09]

^ In case you might have missed these combos...

i7+ P6T - This mobo is as good as the UD4P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216037

CASE + PSU
This 700W PSU has enough power for a Dual card setup...And is 80+ Silver certified
And for that prices it is a very good deal...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208700

RAM + HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204625

Hope these help...

 

[Bert R]

With those combos the list looks like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216037

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208700

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204625

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner LightScribe Support:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102841

And the total comes to $1123.92 after everything is applied.

I'm going to go for the 4890 as I think I will thank myself later if I decide to go the crossfire route and since it's only about $50 more. Thanks to everyone who helped me even out this build and if everything goes according to plan I should have it ordered by the week's end.

Also I will probably be back later telling everyone how my first try at computer building went and I'll try to figure out how to post some pictures of my finished system. Thanks again to everyone who helped.