Hey guys, I really would like some input on a new i7 build I'm putting together.
Purpose I want this computer to be my all around computer. The three main things are gaming, video trans-coding, and HTPC machine.
Type of PC 1. I am planning to get the i7 to overclock it. I want my oc to be around 3.4-3.6. My main goal in the oc is to go as high as possible without changing the CPU voltage or at the very least a very minimal increase. 2. Silent PC. Some noise during gaming is fine, but I would still like a very quiet computer. 2. I want moderately the temperatures low/medium, mainly so I can get a good oc out of it.
Price Range/Purchase Date Date: Sometime in September, I know that a month away, but I like to be prepared when I'm going to spend $1500+ on a new computer. Price: 1400-1600 before taxes and shipping. I would prefer to be on the lower end of that, but its really what ever it takes to meet my goals.
System Usage As I mentioned I want to have it all. If I had to make an order of importance, it would be Gaming (WoW Full Graphics 30+ Frames in Raids, COD:MW 2, and future games as well). I would also like to play around with a Hackintosh, seeing as my current computer hates Hackintosh to hell.
Parts Not Needed OS, Ill just run Win 7 7600 until I decided to buy Windows 7 RTM. I'm not looking for a monitor now, (Mine is 20 inches, 1680x1050) but I am looking to get between 20-25 inch 1080p 120 hertz monitor in the future, for Nvidia 3D. I will probably be using my current CD Burner as well.
Preferred Website Newegg.com I would prefer all parts from here, unless there is a 30-40 difference from another website.
Parts Now this is a bit tricky, because I have a somewhat of a strict price and prices can change after a month. The more controversial parts are the latter ones.
CPU -$300 I believe the prices for these are dropping in September, and this is moving down to i5, but not 100% sure. I am however going to be spending $300 on the processor, whether or not the i7 prices are going down. Intel Core i7 920 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202
Ram -$115 So far I believe these are probably the best bang for your buck ram in an OC environment.
Hard Drive - $95 The only problem I can see myself having with these is the sound. Are the Green drives quieter by a lot? Will I see that big of a lag between Black/Green when I'm dealing with HD/Gaming on my computer?
Motherboard -$260, but I would like to spend around $200 3-Way Sli is a must in a motherboard. I am planing to use 2 PCI Express 2.0 slots for my Sli configuration, and the remaining for an internal TV Tuner. I am eyeballing the GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128374
But I really don't want to spend that much money on a motherboard. I just want one that can OC to 3.6 in a stable environment with a voltage change minimal voltage change. Does anyone know a 3-Way Sli support motherboard that is good with overclocking and is less expensive, that would be appreciated.
Graphics Card - $440 (The MSI GTX 275's prices have changed twice within the last 2 days, from 250 to 200 to 250 to 220 currently) Nvidia is a must, seeing as I will probably be getting Nvidia 3D.
Case - $250, spending a lot on the case for good air flow and a silent PC. Well this is probably what it comes down to when I want to make my computer silent. I was thinking the Raven 01 because I saw reviews that said if you put stuff in the case it will automatically drop 4-7 degrees C. Also it is large and thick which may make it a good sound dampener, but I haven't read this from owners, just a random prediction. The 90 degree motherboard is nice for bragging rights.
If I can't achieve a Silent PC with this case, does anyone have any good cases in mind? Or any tips to try and make this case a silent PC.
TV Tuner - $80 I don't have to a much research done for which TV Tuner is good/great, but I picked one that was an a popular tech site. I would really like input on this.
Heatsink - $55 The hardest choice I am seeing myself making is picking out a good heatsink. I want something quiet yet powerful, and one that has an intake and outtake. I will probably be replacing the fans I get with the heatsink, with quiet ones, if they are not quite already. This is the one I ended up choosing. If anyone else any good ones please put them up. With Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
6. GTX 275s are the best for that resolution...
But as you are going with SLI, I would suggest you save some money going with 2x GTX 260 Core 216...They are suffice for that resolution and would easily max out...But its you call...
8. Not much idea about the TV tuner...But seeing its reviews, it seems to be good...
9. That is a very good CPU cooler...But I have heard that the Noctua have very high qualitly fans and are very silent and have very good performance too...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835608007