I7 Gaming Rig for around $1000 w/monitor

it will struggle to display anything on a monitor without a graphics card of some sort

i7 at that budget is tough if you need everything! OS is another hit of $110, GPU will be $110-$200. Needing as much as you do and only gaming, AMD is probably your best bet.

Check this post I'm trying to make a regular thing. It will show what is realistic and possible right now at a $1000 budget.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tom...
Might have to settle for a $4870 1gb and the x3 to get the budget for keyboard/speakers/mouse. Also shopping more than one sight can save some money, but the i7 is a stretch.

oops.

EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail 249.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I think I need to redo the final price. Just over 1400. Ok, it is way over 1400 but not quite out of the question as long as it is a solid system. And yes it is basically for gaming.

I like that AMD build. The difference in price being 4-500 dollars. can the difference be made up in how long the i7 build will last?

AM3 systems will have a solid upgrade path also. With the philosophies of AMD, probably better than Intel. The i7 will last a little longer than the AMD, but for the price premium, you'll be able to get a newer AMD processer when the next gen comes out and still be ahead. For gaming, quad cores are still far from being stressed and the tri cores do very well. Your money is better spent in GPU upgrades.

Please explain what future upgrades will or are available for the AMD build.
I am looking at reviews on the AMD build components.

There's nothing on the books that I'm aware of, but the same holds for intel. Both will be working on die shrinks of their current processors. But AMD showed again that it really factors in upgradability when launching new technology. Look at the AM3 processor launch. They made sure the AM3s could be used in AM2/AM2+ boards so to get a CPU upgrade that really did outperform the last line, all you did was buy the new CPU. When AM3 has come and gone and the next CPU line hits, hopefully it will be backward compatible and you'd just need a CPU upgrade, and not go to a whole new platform. With intel, if you want an i7 or i5, you have to start all over with the guts of your system.

Can you add another video card? Just asking, it looks like you can. What kind of difference would that add?

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P $125 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black $70
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD $26
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V $38
Western Digital Caviar GP WD10000LSRTL 1TB 7200 RPM SATA $130
PC Power
& Cooling Silencer PPCS750QBL 750W $130

Acer P235Hbmid Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD $180 [ free shipping ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

MSI R4890-T2D1G OC Radeon HD 4890 1GB $180 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
same performance as a gtx 275 but can be crossfired


$1164

and you still need windows

If you swap out the hard drive for a WD black 1 gig you save $35
if you swap the Phenom 955 for a 945 [ which you can just OC ] you save $30

Which makes it pretty much $1100 with a 23 inch monitor

You can add another card in the future, it will generally increase your frame rates by up to 80% if the game is capable of handling two cards and the CPU isnt the limiting factor. You also always have the option of adding more ram which will become more important when more programs become 64 bit.

I am leaning towards Skora's AMD build http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tom...
Is the 650 PSU adequate for a 2nd vid card?

Outlander has a good AMD build also. Thanks.

Do some games prefer SLI vs. crossfire? Does it matter?

Some games prefer nVidia's architecture, some prefer ATI, others dont care, look at the benchmarks for the games you want to play.

But you can still play them on both, correct?

Yup, there is just a bigger difference in frame rates than most games would seems to suggest if the game has a preference, but you will still get good performance with either.

MONITOR $175-$20mir=$155
I always start gaming builds with the monitor. It drives the GPU and somewhat the CPU and mobo.
ASUS VH236H 23in 1920x1080 Widescreen LCD Monitor 2ms 300 cd/m2 Glossy Black Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10010300


AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P $125 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128378

Ram $80 This was the only selection really but still is cas 7
OCZ OCZ3P16004GK 4GB PC3-12800+ (DDR3-1600+) DDR3 Memory Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10008207

MSI R4890-T2D1G OC Radeon HD 4890 1GB $180 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127427

and windows and keyboard/mouse

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black $70
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD $26
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V $38
Western Digital Caviar GP WD10000LSRTL 1TB 7200 RPM SATA $130
PC Power
& Cooling Silencer PPCS750QBL 750W $130

MONITOR $175-$20mir=$155
I always start gaming builds with the monitor. It drives the GPU and somewhat the CPU and mobo.
ASUS VH236H 23in 1920x1080 Widescreen LCD Monitor 2ms 300 cd/m2 Glossy Black Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10010300


AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P $125 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128378

Ram $80 This was the only selection really but still is cas 7
OCZ OCZ3P16004GK 4GB PC3-12800+ (DDR3-1600+) DDR3 Memory Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10008207

MSI R4890-T2D1G OC Radeon HD 4890 1GB $180 [ after MIR ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127427

and windows and keyboard/mouse

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black $70
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD $26
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V $38
Western Digital Caviar GP WD10000LSRTL 1TB 7200 RPM SATA $130
PC Power
& Cooling Silencer PPCS750QBL 750W $130

You'll need to factor in $110 for Windows. (should be able to find a combo and save $5)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

A few tweaks since you're going both sites (smart)
The 955 is $10 cheaper at ZZF
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

The same exact 4890 is $5 cheaper at ZZF
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Produc...

Same exact mobo is $4 cheaper at ZZF with free shipping
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

I prefer this ram over OCZs, it performs the same, but only needs 1.5-1.6v to do it. It also looks like ZZF ram inventory is biting the dust.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I'd also opt for this Silverstone 750w PSU for $90 amir w/free shipping from ZZF
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

Those savings cover half the cost of Windows.

Thanks SKORA. I do need to make a decision. This cought my attention but is consideralby more in $$$$.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269123-31-core-gaming...

The final build is at the bottom.

If you're changing the budget, yes, you can always get more computer with more money. That $1100 build doesn't include the monitor, HSF, optical, or OS. So if you're spending $1400+, yes, you too can have your own i7 system. But if you need everything for $1k, its not going to happen.

The fact that I need everything is weighing hard on the AMD side. Thanks for reminding me.

AMD sold. I am bringing up each component now in a browser and see if there are any more deals. This will be the system. There seems to be a combo with that board and CPU for 300 saving 30.

Can I use that cooler? Newegg says up to a AMD 940.

Yes, AM2 and AM3 have the same mounting bracket, so it will work with all the phenom 2s. What the specs are refering to is not the AMD Phenom II x4 940, but socket 940 which is on the server side of the house.

Cool, how about going to a lower memory hard drive like the 640? Saw some negative comments on that memory on Newegg. Working on final prices now. Again, I believe there is a combo deal saving $30 on MB and CPU. Want to make sure they are the same components.

The GP (green power) is a low power consumption drive. Performance usually takes a small hit and cost more to save money in power in the long run. All depends on what your values are. The caviar black is a great HDD for less, but don't know anything about the power.

As far as reviews, remember, there's not test to be able to write a review. Even with how much I know, I don't put that I'm an expert, but there's many out there that think they are and aren't.

OK, I came up with @1200 for everything. I will post later today with parts and links for I need to clean the basement carpet.

ASUS VH236H 23in Widescreen LCD Monitor 2ms 300 cd/m2 Glossy Black Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

MSI R4890-T2D1G-OC Radeon HD 4890 1GB GDDR5 PCI Express x16 (2.0v) Video Card Retail
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Produc...

SILVERSTONE ST75EF ELEMENT series 750W SLI/CrossFire Active PFC 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

AMD HDZ955FBGIBOX Phenom II x4, Black Edition 3.2Ghz,8MB Cache,125W,45nm 3.20 GHz AM3 4 x 512KB Desktop Processor Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AMD 790X AM3 Phenom II Socket AM3 5200 MT/s PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) ATX Motherboard Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

COMBO of above
Save $22.00 AMD HDZ955FBGIBOX Phenom II x4, Black Edition 3.2G ...
Price: $199.99 Original Price: $321.98
Expires Aug 17, 2009
+
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AMD 790X AM3 Phenom II So ...
Price: $121.99 Combo Price: $299.98

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Western Digital Caviar GP WD10000LSRTL 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

SAMSUNG SH-S223L 22X SATA DVD Burner Black Drive Bulk
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBPI - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

1184 w/ mir

I would like to start ordering tonight.

From Skora:
CASE $60
ANTEC THREE HUNDRED Mid Chassis Black Mid Tower Case Retail
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10007764
HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.B 0A38016 1TB SATA II 7200 RPM 16MB Buffer Hard Drive Bulk
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10009440
Now, if you're willing to shop from 2 sites, I'd get this CPU/Mobo/GPU combo from newegg. It match the price of the above after shipping is applied but you get an 790FX mobo instead of just the 790X.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.215824
'd also opt for the caviar black 640gb over the hitachi even though it would take us over by $10. Less space but better performer and 5 year warranty.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319
Some of these would bring the price down.

I would ditch the Green HD and pick up the Black version. The Green's are good as a backup drive, but to slow for the main system drive IMO. You can get the Black drive in a combo with Windows.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

If you sign up for the newegg newsletter email bit, you can get the new Antec 300 Illusion for $70 and the promo code gives free shipping. Just an option for a stellar case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
EMCLWLR22

+1 for the black/windows combo

I like the USB on front. The 300 looks good as long as everything doesn't sound like jet plane.

Black combo no longer good?

I guess not. It's not a big deal, though. The combo only saved $5. You can just get them separate.

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM $94.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM $109.99

That will happen. It only was a $5 savings, so not a big lose like a mobo/cpu combo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $75

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $110
Or save the mighty $1
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?Product...


Also just noticed this, free fan with the Dark Knight HSF. EDIT: DOH! you have to pay shipping on it. GRRRRR!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

how about this?
Refurb'ed Gateway

+ the 23"monitor in your post earlier

+ a 4890 for $100

+ a 650w PSU for $80

Thats a pretty sweet deal, get it if you can.

That is a great deal if you are going to run at stock speeds or are willing to overclock with software instead of the bios. In the link below, there's heating and space issues if adding a second card. So I wouldn't go spending money on a 4890 and replacing the 4850, but make sure the first one in there is CF capable (PM one of the other users here that has it) and add a second (dual slot if there's room) that vents out the back instead of back into the case. Only way I'd go with this is if you are willing to accept there isn't much upgrade/overclock options, but if you do get them, great.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/256374-30-ddr3-gatewa...


But the real deal sealer for me is the shnazzy speakers!

Forget it... you need at least 1400$ of budget to get a decent i7 rig that could barely beat an AMD alternative.

For 800$ only, you are pretty much screwed. Go with a Phenom II X3 720 BE and two 4850 in crossfire.

redgarl, please start posting links to back your thoughts up, im being to think you just post random crap from your ass at this point. if you are smart enough to scroll up you will see that there is already a better build posted with a 955 and a 4890.

Maybe you should read all the posts in the thread before posting. He decided to do an AMD build already.

So the black would be better than the green HD?

Define "better". The black drives and the green drives are designed with completely different uses in mind.

The performance of the black drives is considerably better than the green drives. The green drives run at a slower RPM to save on power consumption and lower temperatures which makes them slower. The only time I'd ever consider a green drive is for a computer that's dedicated as a HTPC or as a backup drive. The speed hit doesn't make it a very good choice for a main system drive. You also don't need the retail version since your motherboard will come with SATA cables.

Plus the price is lower for the black. I just read a tech review and they said something about noise. Don't need absolute quiet but am just curious. It seems the black would be better for the main HD like stated above.

Done. Will I need any cables or anything like that?

They'll be included with the mobo.

Not sure if I should start a new thread. Everything is installed and has juice. After the Gigabyte screen I get the list and then "disk boot failure." I tried installing Vista and but it only gets to the blueish background with no icons. I played around with the SATA connectinos so the HD is listed first and it is on the IDE master #4. The DVD reader is listed on the slave. What do I do next? I've read the sticky and did some research on the error message. It also says to boot from cd or dvd.

I would go with Windows 7 RC right now unless you can get the 9.99 upgrade option for Vista when 7 comes out. The RC will work until March 2010.

Why doesn't the Vista load, though?