I7 920 build for review

[angrydot]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week

BUDGET RANGE: < US$1,400

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, surfing the internet, schoolwork

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: speakers, WiFi

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, amazon.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: core i7 920

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No (maybe as upgrade later)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (examples: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My 1st build. Will sit on carpeted floor next to desk (~2ft from chair). I keep PCs for a long time - I've had 2 desktops since 1992. Will this stuff fit into the case selected? Will my existing 32-bit MS Office 2007 installer install the 64-bit version?

Entire list as Newegg wishlist
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=16065647

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

or combo: GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail/Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.234348

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119203

HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1333C9 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145220

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 ... - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153

Arctic Silver Ceramique Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100009

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

 

[gkay09]

Hi...
Its a good build that you have come up with...But I dont think it will be a great build for gaming...
Current games rely more on the GPU rather than the CPU...Though the i7 is the best out there but is not so very good for gaming...
What I meant to say is that you can get similar gaming performance even with the cheaper C2Q Q9550 or an AMD X4 955 CPU...
So by going with either of the above choices(Preferably X4 955 as it is a newer AM3 platform), you can save money on the overall platform and invest on the graphics, where it most matters for games...
Or if you want to stick with intel CPUs, you might want to wait just a few more days as intel will be launching the i5 CPUs, which are mainstream ones and they would provide very good gaming performance...

Else if you still want to stick with the i7, then here are few suggestions...

1. CASE - Yes those components would ft inside the case...but heat would be a major issue that you would have to deal with...
The case doesnt have very good air flow, and that too with a open design video card, that blows the hot air inside the case, heat from 2 HDDs, and the i7 CPU of course...
So you might want to look for a case, that has better air flow...
Some options...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119104
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119106

2. PSU - The Corsair is a solid PSU no doubt...but I dont think you would require that much power for your setup...
You can save some money by getting this PSU - Though it is not as good as the Corsair but is not a crappy one either...It is an 80+ Certified PSU and is modular too...And has enough power even for a GTX 285...
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W
$74.99
($49.99 after $25.00 Mail-In Rebate Card )
Free Shipping*
$5 off with promo code EMCLWNL37, ends 8/26
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

3. And some very good RAM sticks, cheaper...
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-PC3-10666-1333MHz-Extreme-Optimized/dp/B001LK7ZTM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1251093645&sr=1-4
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1251093645&sr=1-9

4. Thermal compound - Don't get the Ceramique...instead get the AS5 or Tuniq TX2 or Noctua
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608008
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003

5. Graphics card - Get this one instead - It has very good warranty and its cooler design blows the hot air outside the case through the rear vent...
XFX HD 4870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

If you like to play the games @ very high settings, then you should be looking @ the HD 4890 as it would be better suited for 1920X1200 resolution...

Hope these help...

 

[Yoosty]

Lets see what we can come up with.

PSU/Mobo Combo.
1. Corsair Memory CMPSU-750TX: $119.99 Free Shipping*

2. GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R: $189.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$10.00
Combo Price: $299.98
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
$15.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.236866

CPU Cooler/CPU Combo.
1. XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V: $44.98 Free Shipping*

2. Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz BX80601920: $279.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$10.00
Combo Price: $314.97
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.235111

Here is a OS/Case Combo.
1. Microsoft Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit 66I-03525: $109.99 Free Shipping*
(Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon)

2. Antec Nine Hundred: $104.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$15.00
Combo Price: $199.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.235877.11-129-021

You can get the Ram below cheaper at Amazon.com then what it is now at NewEgg by over $30.00
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits $113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1600LV6GK-PC3-12800-1600MHz-Platinum/dp/B001NFZ5PQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1251006988&sr=8-1

HDD's
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $74.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

*Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $94.99 Free Shipping*
(5 Year Warranty)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Items you will need.
Thermal Compound.
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail $4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003

You will need this 8-pin Power Extension Cable for most Cases that has Bottom Mounted PSU.
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

Parts you picked
Monitor
ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P monitor $199.99 ($189.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052

Graphic Card
HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $148.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

DVD Burner
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 LightScribe Support $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153

KB/Mouse Combo
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black 105 Normal Keys $21.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

Subtotal with only the WD 640gb HDD, before MIR's are deducted and shipping costs add in come to: $1418.85
MIR's total come to: $45.00.

After subtracting MIR's from Subtotal and before Shipping Cost, Build comes to: $1373.85

*note: The WD 1TB Black Edition was not added in the total cost of Build.

Hope this helps you out some.

 

[Why_Me]

A lot of people go with one good card, and after that card gets old they get another one to replace it. Check this build out. It comes with a gtx 275, good cooling (case/cpu), and it's ready to over clock. This card will rock games on that resolution (monitor). The Vista has a free upgrade to Windows 7.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.235877.11-129-042 Combo Discount: -$15.00 Combo Price: $154.94
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM | Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022 $64.99 ($44.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card)
OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U3R Combo Price: $448.98 | $433.98 after rebate Free Shipping
Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, Retail
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093 $36.99
Scythe MUGEN-2 SCMG-2000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=FAN-MX2 $4.49
ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=GA-GTX275C $201.96
GIGABYTE nVidia GeForce GTX275 OC 896MB DDR3 DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.231150 Combo Discount: -$7.00 Combo Price: $192.98
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187 $27.99
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052 $199.99 ($189.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card) Free Shipping*
ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail
SPDIF out connector

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156 $21.99
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black 105 Normal Keys 9 Function Keys USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse - OEM

Total: $1,355.30 | $1,310.30 w/mail in rebates

 

[angrydot]

Awesome folks! Thanks for the advice.

I've made the following revisions:

5ms to 2ms monitor:
ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers
($169.00/$149.00 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

Alternate monitor:
ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000 :1 (ASCR) Built in Speakers
($189.00/$169.00 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

change in case (I like the ports on the top since case sits on floor):
COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
($59.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

Lowered wattage of PSU:
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
($74.99/$49.99 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

alternate:
OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply
($64.99/$44.99 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

upgrade to enclosed video card:
XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
($144.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

Upgrade to lower latency RAM. May get from Amazon.com due to stock issues:
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK
($114.00) - out of stock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kit
($107.99)
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2QDIQRMCGNBGY&colid=149WH8GFPCGGU

OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz Intel Extreme Edition XMP Ready Series 6GB Triple Channel Kits Optimized for X58
($80.75)
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-PC3-10666-1333MHz-Extreme-Optimized/dp/B001LK7ZTM/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I30I99RZO7IURD&colid=149WH8GFPCGGU

may also downgrade motherboard due to stock issues w/ ASRock X58 Extreme ($169.99):
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
($159.99)
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U3R

One the components are finalized, I'll do 1 last price search...

 

[angrydot]

Here's my v2 build. $1,087.18 w/o tax and S&H

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
($199.99)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
($159.99)
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U3R

Windows 7 RC
(free, but need to buy retail version when it comes out this fall)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
($59.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
($144.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kit
($107.99)
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2QDIQRMCGNBGY&colid=149WH8GFPCGGU

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
($74.99/$49.99 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
($64.99)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010082&prodlist=froogle

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
($79.99)
http://antaresdigital.com/customer/product.php?productid=17972&cat=0&page=82

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM
($30.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153&Tpk=GH22LS30

ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers
($149.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
($21.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

 

[gkay09]

Ahh.... its been soo long since I have seen Why_Me post...Or I just miss the threads where he posts....
And I @angrydot, both Yoosty and Why_Me come with really very good value builds...and especially Why_me find deals from all corners of the Internet ...

And your V2 build looks very good...Any changes would just be nitpicking...
You might want to keep an eye on combo deals from newegg too...
here is a very good PSU combo with that case...
It comes down to the same price of that OCZ with rebates...Hence you dont have to wait for Rebates...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.231325

GPU + Free game
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216864

 

[Why_Me]

Ahh.... its been soo long since I have seen Why_Me post...Or I just miss the threads where he posts....
And I @angrydot, both Yoosty and Why_Me come with really very good value builds...and especially Why_me find deals from all corners of the Internet ...

And your V2 build looks very good...Any changes would just be nitpicking...
You might want to keep an eye on combo deals from newegg too...
here is a very good PSU combo with that case...
It comes down to the same price of that OCZ with rebates...Hence you dont have to wait for Rebates...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.231325

GPU + Free game
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216864

Hiya gkay I just got back last week. In fact I mentioned you in a thread on here a few days ago.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/270076-31-budget-sound <--- second post of mine on that thread there

 

[gkay09]

^ Lolz....I dint visit that thread after my intial post that is why I had missed yours I guess..
And me posting better than your very rare...
And you still are an i7 fanboy hahahaha

 

[angrydot]

Final build is below but I need advice on a PSU. The OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W is out of stock everywhere. Here are some choices:

CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
$119.99 after $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
$79.99 after $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply
$74.99 after $15 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341019

Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply
$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

Final Build (to be purchased later today):
$1,034.90 $24.02 S&H w/o PSU

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
$199.99 + 6% tax
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
$184.99 - $15 MIR (free S&H)
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U3R

Windows 7 RC
(free, but need to buy retail version when it comes out this fall)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
$144.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216864

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kit
$99.99 (free S&H)
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2QDIQRMCGNBGY&colid=149WH8GFPCGGU

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
$74.99 (free S&H)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
$89.99 - 10% promo (free S&H)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner LightScribe Support - OEM
$31.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers
$169.99 - $20 MIR (free S&H)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
$21.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

 

[gkay09]

Currently there are so many good deals with other cases...And like your preferrance with the ports, all the cases have the ports on the top...

1. COOLER MASTER RC-690
$69.99
Free Shipping*
This would be obviously little better than the 590
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

2. Antec 300
Free shipping with promo code BTS042
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

3. Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black - Has additional 2 120MM Ble LED fans + the 140MM fan has LEDs too...
$10 off with promo code ANTECAUG
$64.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[angrydot]

Alright, here's my build as purchased.

Last minute changes:

I decided to get the Mobo from Newegg rather than SuperBiiz because I never heard of SuperBiiz. That added $5.

I upgraded to the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX for an extra $5

I switched to the Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS for an extra $10

Final price = $1022.92 ($922.93 Newegg + 99.99 Amazon) includes discounts and combos but not MIRs. I think I saved $30-$50 in MIRs.

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375

Windows 7 RC
(free, but need to buy retail version when it comes out this fall)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216864

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK DDR3 PC3-10666 1333 MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kit
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2QDIQRMCGNBGY&colid=149WH8GFPCGGU

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner LightScribe Support - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156