Need Some Help w/ i7 Build

need_help_plz

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Aug 3, 2009
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Hey all,

I've been doing some research and I think I have a good build, but I last built a computer about 4 years ago (socket 939), so I wanted to run it by you guys first. I'd like to re-use as many parts as possible from my existing comp to keep the cost down, but I'm willing to replace any of them if necessary. Thanks for any help.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week, although if there's any upcoming tech worth waiting for then I can put it off for a month or two.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (gaming, surfing, movies)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: These parts are what I already have, but if necessary I can replace them.

Coolermaster HAF 932
Ultra 600w PSU (about 3 years old, but it's served me well so far, and it has a lifetime warranty on it) (exact specs at http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2132071&sku=ULT31848%20ON
1 TB Sata HD, 2 IDE HD's (250 and 200 GB)
2x DVD drives (1 sata 1 IDE), 1 cd drive (IDE)
keyboard, mouse, sound system, headphones, monitor, OS (Vista home premium, and pre-ordered Windows 7 upgrade)
I have a X-fi sound card, but the damn drivers don't work so I just disabled it and am using onboard sound for now

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I usually use newegg, but am open to anything. I'm also not opposed to using eBay, especially for used video cards

PARTS PREFERENCES: indifferent, I've built using both AMD/Intel and Nvidia/ATI before.

OVERCLOCKING: Haven't had a lot of experience OC'ing, but will probably OC at least the processor to 3.33 ghz based on this article:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-core-i7,2268-13.html

Have also never used SLI or Crossfire before, but it seems relatively simple and I'm willing to give it a shot.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200 (24 inch Samsung Syncmaster 2493)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I don't do any type of video or photo editing. The only work I do at home is web-based research (westlaw/lexis), so nothing too intensive. So basically all I need it for is gaming.

I play FPS and RTS almost exclusively, no MMORPG's, if that makes any difference.

My main concern is whether the PSU will be enough. Based on this article it looks like it should make it with a 50w or so to spare once everything else is factored in, but I'm not sure:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-radeon-power,2122-3.html

In addition to the video card(s) and CPU, I have 3 optical drives, 3 HDD's, 3 120mm fans, a pci sound card, a 4-usb port pci card, a wireless network card that I usually keep disabled (and will probably just end up selling), and the keyboard, mouse and sound system (2.1). I can also disable or not install some of the HDD's or optical drives if necessary.

New Parts:

I was just going to go w/ this combo from Newegg. Both the RAM and Mobo seem well-reviewed:

http://www.guru3d.com/article/-ddr3-pc312800-gold-6gb-lowvoltage-triple-channel-review/10
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/asus_p6t_review/page12.asp

and there's a total of a $90.00 discount on it (factoring in the rebate).

I just wish I could get rid of that stupid bunny and save an extra $20

1. ASUS  P6T: $249.99
2. Intel  BX80601920: $279.99
3. OCZ Technology, Inc.  OCZ3G1600LV6GK: $99.99
4. Intel  Intel BunnyPeople: $19.99
Combo Discount: -$81.99
Combo Price: $567.97
$10.00 Mail-In Rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216527

Video Card:

Debating between two GTX 260's (going for around $120 each on eBay) or two 4870's (going for around $110 for the 512 MB model, or $130 for the 1 GB model).

CPU Cooler:

I don't know anything about the various coolers available so I'd appreciate any recommendations. I don't plan to OC to anything higher than 3.33 ghz, so I'm hoping I won't need the most advanced/expensive coolers around.

Thanks again for any help.
 
Solution
Solution

need_help_plz

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Aug 3, 2009
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Thanks for the quick reply.

The cooler looks good, I'll probably go with that since it's reasonably priced and should do the job.

As for the 4890, my concern is that since there's not much of a used market for it, it's effectively $50-$60 more than the 4870 1GB model, and I'm not sure that the performance justifies it, although it would be nice to be able to add a 2nd one when prices drop...
 

Yoosty

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Jun 3, 2007
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Choices look good so far, but would suggest this CPU HSF Cooler.
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail $37.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029
(comes with the 1366 mounting bracket)

Would also recommend this Thermal Compound and Thermal Cleaner.
Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Compound - Retail $9.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608008
(very easy to use and no curing time)

Tuniq TR-1 High Performance Thermal Material Remover - Retail ($1.99 after $5.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154006

Also you will need this 8-pin Power Extension cable, unless you want the 8-pin cable running across length of mobo.
1ST PC CORP. 12" 8-pin EPS extension cable Model CB-8M-8F - Retail $8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812706004