First build - i7 920 - cooling/general advice needed

[samschu]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: August 5th-17th
BUDGET RANGE: 1200-1500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Movies, Internet...

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS,

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES:
intel core i7 920 d0 stepping:
https://www.antaresdigital.com/customer/product.php?productid=16135&cat=0&page=1

the rest:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=15941327

Current Price: $1370.53 (including rebates, shipping, tax)

OVERCLOCKING: Yes SLI OR CROSSFIRE: SLI in a couple months.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I will be using Windows 7 RC for now.

Also, because I want to get d0 stepping I think I am buying the i7 920 from antaresdigital.

For now, I would like to know if I need more cooling.... extra fans? Other than that... any advice will be helpful! Thanks.

 

[Outlander_04]

why do you think that more ram will be better?

Go on tell us all how it will help you .
Im assuming you must know , or you wouldnt be wanting 12 gig

PS have a read of
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/phenom2_955/8.htm

all done with a single GTX 260 card ... and the i7 gets a spanking

 

[samschu]

I really don't know... I guess I just figured more is better? That is why I am asking for advice.

Under what conditions will 12gb show improvement over 6gb?

 

[gkay09]

^ The list of components are good, but you can save money with these changes, without loosing much of features or performance...

1. Check out this mobo...has sufficient BIOS options for a very good overclock and has good layout...
EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX X58 SLI LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188049

2. RAM - You can better specs RAM for that price...
OCZ Platinum
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227381

Or if you want easy setup of the RAM settings, then get this RAM with XMP profiles...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227388

3. You might require 850W for a GTX 260 SLI...You can drop to Corsair 750TX...It is even suffice for GTX 275 SLI/ HD 4890 Crossfire...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Apart from these the other components you have chosen are very good...

Here is an another good CPU cooler alternative...
Scythe Mugen 2...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093

And just a suggestion...For the price of that GTX 260, you can get a HD 4890 for about $10 more...But not much of a difference for that resolution though...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127427

And GTX 260 SLI is not a good option to consider as newer Direct 11 cards are coming...So that time, instead of buying another GTX, invest in them...
Hope this helps...

 

[gkay09]

And you wont need 12GB of RAM, unless you are into Graphics rendering, video editing/ rendering and such multimedia intense apps...

 

[Outlander_04]

I really don't know... I guess I just figured more is better? That is why I am asking for advice.

Under what conditions will 12gb show improvement over 6gb?

My point is that before you start chosing parts or throwing money away you could read a few of the articles on this web site

Up there is a tab called ARTICLES

click on it and then browse to MEMORY

anything there that might offer some insights into the kind of set up you want to build?

 

[samschu]

Very helpful guys. gkay: I was thinking the evga 132-BL-E758-A1 because of the lifetime warranty. Will look into your RAM/PSU/Cooling suggestions.

 

[samschu]

My point is that before you start chosing parts or throwing money away you could read a few of the articles on this web site

Up there is a tab called ARTICLES

click on it and then browse to MEMORY

anything there that might offer some insights into the kind of set up you want to build?

Thank you, I will do that.

 

[Yoosty]

Check out this Combo at NewEgg on your selection of Mobo/Graphic card that will save you an additional $18.00.

1. EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR: $184.99

2. EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1: $294.99

Combo Discount: -$18.00
Combo Price: $461.98
$30.00 Mail-In Rebate
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.209580

Since you are going with the Antec 1200 Case you will need this 8-pin Power Extesion cable for Bottom mounted Psu cases. Otherwise you will have to run that cable across the length of mobo.

1ST PC CORP. 12" 8-pin EPS extension cable Model CB-8M-8F - Retail $7.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812706004