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Look over my $1200 gaming/work system?

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tortnotes   07-31-2009 at 07:14:13 AM

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 months.

Budget: ~1200USD, slightly flexible.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Rendering (Maya/mental ray, Photoshop, etc.. CPU-dependent), HD video, Internet, etc, etc.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, mouse, speakers, OS (W7 RC)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg or any other reliable site.

PARTS PREFERENCES: Definitely keeping the i7. ATI graphics preferred. I'm also partial to Cooler Master cases. Everything else open to suggestion.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes, CPU.

SLI/CROSSFIRE: Yes, eventually. Would prefer a single, more powerful card for now.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 or 1920x1080--wasn't able to check when I saw the monitor I'll be borrowing for the next several months. ~22in LCD.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm not looking for a final build yet, as prices and availability will change between now and when I can buy this system. I might also pick up one of the new 58XX Radeons when they come out. This is more to see if I'm on the right track in choosing parts and don't have any compatibility issues or other stupid decisions.
I'll also be adding to this machine over time--second video card, hdds, possibly water cooling.

Current parts list:

(updated with gkay09's suggestions)

i7 920 - 279.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202

EVGA 121-BL-E756-TR mobo - 209.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188051

Xigmatek Dark Knight CPU HSF - 40.09
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233029

OCZ Gold 6GB DDR3 - 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227365

XFX Radeon 4890 1GB - 199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150360

Cooler Master Storm Scout + Cooler Master 700W PSU (combo) - 184.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.208699

WD Caviar Black 640GB SATA HDD - 74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

LITE-ON SATA DVD burner - 25.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106289

Backlit Logitech keyboard - 64.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823126043

Total: $1,185.89

Opinions? Concerns? Inventive ways to lower the cost?
I'm all ears. :) and thank you for looking!


Message edited by tortnotes on 07-31-2009 at 07:55:43 AM
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Bronze Home Brew badge gkay09   07-31-2009 at 07:23:55 AM
- 1 +

^ You have chosen very good parts there...

Here are a few suggestions that you can check out...

Mobo - This EVGA board is very good and is cheaper...Though a mATX, it should be very good...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188051

PSU - As you will be sticking mostly with a single powerful card, the 620HX is more than suffice...
But you can check out this combo...Has a high quality 700W PSU, that can handle crossfire...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.208699

RAM - Definitely change the RAM for higher speed and better CAS...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227365

Reply to gkay09
Yoosty   07-31-2009 at 07:53:51 AM
- 0 +

You beat me again gkay09 , +1 on ram. :kaola:

Reply to Yoosty
tortnotes   07-31-2009 at 07:56:27 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the suggestions :) updated first post.

Reply to tortnotes
Bronze Home Brew badge gkay09   07-31-2009 at 08:07:26 AM
- 0 +

:O competing with Yoosty ---> NEVER :P

And @tortnotes if you have a Microcenter store nearby, you get the i7 920 for about $220 including taxes for instore Pickup...

But in 1-2 months a lot can change...So before actually buying the components, do check back to see if there is anything better...

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to gkay09
Yoosty   07-31-2009 at 08:13:19 AM
- 0 +

You might want to look at this Combo.

1. EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR: $234.99
Free Shipping*
2. Intel BX80601920: $279.99
Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$22.00
Combo Price: $492.98
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.211023

And this Combo for HDD/Ram.

1. Western Digital WD6401AALS: $74.99
Free Shipping*
2. OCZ Technology, Inc. OCZ3G1600LV6GK: $99.99
Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$7.00
Combo Price: $167.98
$10.00 Mail-In Rebate

The Cost of the 2 Combo's above added along with your other parts and before Shipping Costs and MIR's will be this.

$1181.89

Reply to Yoosty
Yoosty   07-31-2009 at 08:14:33 AM
- 0 +

gkay09 wrote :

:O competing with Yoosty ---> NEVER :P

And @tortnotes if you have a Microcenter store nearby, you get the i7 920 for about $220 including taxes for instore Pickup...

But in 1-2 months a lot can change...So before actually buying the components, do check back to see if there is anything better...


I know, but we seem to be bumping into each other nightly. :lol:

Reply to Yoosty
tortnotes   07-31-2009 at 08:14:36 AM
- 0 +

gkay09, planning on it. I've been lurking here for a while now, and plan to continue at least until the system is built. And unfortunately no Microcenters in the northwest. :(
Edit: Hmm, nice combos...


Message edited by tortnotes on 07-31-2009 at 08:17:28 AM
Reply to tortnotes
Yoosty   07-31-2009 at 08:25:47 AM
- 0 +

Here is another site the has the Core i7 920 D0 Stepping
http://www.antaresdigital.com/cust [...] 282&page=1

But you still could get one from NewEgg, it is hit or miss.



Reply to Yoosty
Bronze Home Brew badge gkay09   07-31-2009 at 08:34:55 AM
- 0 +

I would suggest you buy the CPU, mobo, RAM and graphics card the last as they are the ones, that constantly change and getting them last would get you the current best deal...As for the case, PSU, DVD and HDD, there wont be much changes/ difference...

Reply to gkay09
messerchmidt   07-31-2009 at 08:37:32 AM
- 0 +

avoid the evga mobos, get a gigabyte x58-u3dr
(dont use the windows update lan driver if you do) and you will be fine,

LASO: raid0 on the intel ich10r with says 1TB x2 will make a big windows speed difference,

Reply to messerchmidt
Bronze Home Brew badge gkay09   07-31-2009 at 08:59:41 AM
- 0 +

^ Any specific reason to avoid the EVGA boards ??
They generally have good rating and not much of negatives...but if you could explain the reason, it would be good for the OP and others...

Reply to gkay09
tortnotes   08-01-2009 at 03:59:27 AM
- 0 +

If I do go with the EVGA mobo, will it work well with my case? Would having all of the components closer together significantly increase temps?

Reply to tortnotes
rockyjohn   08-01-2009 at 07:23:57 AM
- 0 +

Do you have a Microcenter in the area? They have the Intel i7 920 on sale for only $199.99 – but it is in-store pickup only.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] ntel_i7920

Reply to rockyjohn
Bronze Home Brew badge gkay09   08-03-2009 at 06:17:00 AM
- 0 +

@tortnotes I doubt there would be any problems with the temps...
The CM scout is a really very good case and has very good airflow...So the temps inside the case wont hit the alarming level...

Reply to gkay09
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