Pls comment on i7 920 build

angrydot

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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)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My 1st build. Will sit on carpeted floor next to desk (~2ft from chair). Will this stuff fit into the selected case?

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
 

FallenSniper

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

Someone has their priorities straight! I don't have much time so I won't go searching for stuff to post links. You might want to try and find RAM with a latency lower than 9. I know newegg has some G Skill that was a really good deal and it was 7. You also might want to look for a monitor with a 2ms response rather than 5. I believe there is an Asus one for a good price. I would get the ASRock mobo over that gigabyte one. For some reason I just don't like that Gigabyte one, even though I am a fan of their products. Everything else seems ok, I'm waiting for someone right now but I'll check back once I have time.

Edit: So apparently that G Skill RAM is out of stock until the end of the month. -_- I feel like instead of saving $4 on your thermal grease, you should just buy the stuff everybody buys. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

That case also only comes with one 120mm exhaust fan in the rear. You might want to buy another 120mm for front intake. They are pretty cheap but can make a nice difference to the temp of your overall system.

Nice deal on the 4870. I've never bought HIS but I can't recall hearing anything bad about them.

I don't know much of anything about Hard Drives, so I'm not sure if the ones you picked out are good or not. I'm assuming they are lightning fast because of that 32MB cache though.

I can't find any memory on newegg that I like right now. I really don't like the 9 Latency but that seems like the best deal right now. Here's the stuff I was originally talking about: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230 If you can wait until the 31st then I would recommend that
 

angrydot

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Maybe G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230

The OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV6GK I originally had was "deactivated" by Newegg, but I could get from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1333LV6GK-PC3-10666-Platinum-Channel/dp/B001IT2E42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251089280&sr=8-1).



Maybe ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000 :1 (ASCR) Built in Speakers - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

or

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 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051



I have to jump on that ASRock mobo as it sells out every time.



Darn tootin'! I spent more time researching this build than writing my last paper (and it was more challenging/fun).
 

angrydot

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kufan64

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My 1st build. Will sit on carpeted floor next to desk (~2ft from chair). Will this stuff fit into the selected case?
I'm glad you were really specific about where the computer will go. Unless you want this new computer to double as a vacuum cleaner, get it off the floor. The intake fan(s) will suck up dirt and debris and spit it all into your case. If it has air filters, they will quickly become clogged and it will start raising the temperatures inside.

Keep it in a well ventilated area with ~1ft of free room behind it, ~6in on both sides and the front, and nothing between it and the ceiling. You also want to make sure it's on a hard, clean surface. (on top of your desk probably) You'll thank me later. :)


Now then, as far as your build goes... It looks pretty solid, but I could nit-pick...

I'm not a big fan of the case, but it looks good for the price. It's only got 1 fan, and it's an exhaust fan, so it won't have good airflow stock. I'd pick up another fan or two if you want to stick with that case.

For an extra $20, you could upgrade to the 750TX PSU. It'd give you more headroom for overclocking and/or crossfire in the future, but it's by no means necessary.

The monitor you selected is ok, but likeif you play a lot of FPS's or other games that have a lot going on, you'd notice a difference with a 2ms response time, and you might want to look at a 1920x1200 resolution instead of a 1920x1080.

You also may want to consider bumping up your video card to a 4890 or a GTX 275. You'll see a noticable improvement at resolutions of 1920x1080 or 1920x1200.

If you're not going to install an aftermarket cooler, don't bother with the thermal paste. The stock HSF for the Intel cooler comes with it's own that works just fine until you overclock, and at that point you should be more concerned with getting a different cooler than what kind of paste you are using.
 

angrydot

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If I sit the tower on extra hardwood floor planks is that adequate? I'd rather not sit this box on top of my desk.



If only I could find such a monitor for under $150. BTW, the monitor is 2ms.



Argh! Everyone is tempting my to bump up to the 4890. The price difference is large and I'll have to upgrade the monitor too. Decisions, decisions...



Good tip - thanks!

Here's what my build looks like now ($1,079.88 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
 

kufan64

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If I sit the tower on extra hardwood floor planks is that adequate? I'd rather not sit this box on top of my desk.
As long as the thing isn't sitting on carpet, that should be good enough. It would be better to have it on a table somewhere off the floor, but off the carpet is better than nothing.

If only I could find such a monitor for under $150. BTW, the monitor is 2ms.
Didn't see that you switched monitors during the thread :p
 

angrydot

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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
 

psycho sykes

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Go for the corsair TX650 not the HX620 or upgrade to TX750 if you're planning in going CF later.



See this: .HIS IceQ 4+ Turbo card HD4870 1GB -154$ after MIR + free Wheel man(or whatever ;) ).



See this: WD Caviar 1TB Black edition. Use promo code:HD8251X.

Hope helped you out.


Best Regards.
 

angrydot

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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
 

psycho sykes

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Great news, Now enjoy purchase :D .

By the way have looked at my suggested HIS HD4870, And why did you choose the XFX over it as most reviews, threads and user reviews tend to find HIS better than XFX when come to Radeon cards (although a relative of mine had better experience with HIS than XFX with the HD4870X2 card [the card itself not the company :ange: ] ).

Always happy to help ;) .

Best Regards.
 

psycho sykes

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Again Personal preference.


Regards.
 

psycho sykes

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shortstuff_mt wrote:
---------------------------
why are you always talking in bold?

Personal preference :D ;) :ange: .

Regards.

Have a nice Day :sol: .

NOTE: Still learning (look at my personal info ;) .)

EDIT:Click "More Information" at the left panel
 

angrydot

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I choose the XFX for the warranty, price, and reviews on Newegg and Toms Hardware. There were several components where a few extra bucks would buy a bit better item. I had to draw the line somewhere and the cost/benefit was not there for me.

I do appreciate all the advice and suggestions. You've seen how my build has evolved in this short time. This is my 1st build and so far I'm happy with my selections. I'll report back on the build process later...