I7 920 Gaming (~1500 USD)

[Hozer]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 days BUDGET RANGE: <1600 USD

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, almost always while watching movies, talking on aim, browsing the internet, torrenting, and a host of other miscellaneous multitasking

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, OS (Win 7), Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, unless there are glaring disparities in pricing

PARTS PREFERENCES: best possible for the price

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: dual monitor 1680x1050 (probably upgrading in the near future, not right now)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: In the very near future (couple days) I would like to replace my gaming pc for a new one. I have all the storage I need, I will only need a hd for the OS / programs to be on. I fully intend on OC'ing a good deal (air, no water) and SLI is up in the air. I dont mind spending the money for a 2nd card if the quality increase is worth the price. I dont have much interest in waiting for DX11 cards, I have heard very mixed reviews. I play a wide variety of games, so general performance is my goal.

I do not plan on upgrading while I own this, other than maybe getting two new monitors.

Looking for advice on parts I have already selected (I'm not locked in to anything) and parts I haven't listed.

Any advice is welcomed! Thanks

CPU:Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

MoBo:ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359

PSU: Corsair 750 as the OP said 97.27 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X2677A

GPU: 2x 275 GTX

RAM: OCZ Platinum, (PC3 12800)

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058)

-OR-

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197)

HSF: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233029

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=western%20digital%20caviar%20black%20640)

DVD: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)

Other: If there is anything I have missed (cables / thermal paste / ??) please mention it with recommendations

 

[computernewbie]

For RAM, get OCZ Platinum, (PC3 12800), on amazon, its 30$ cheaper than newegg.

Case is your call, im getting the antec 1200 because its shiny, if your looking for better airflow search on google, antec 900 vs HAF 922.

For thermal paste, get arctic cooling mx-3, its practically the best thermal paste with great cooling and no cure time.

For your PSU...Corsair 750W, it should be more than enough. Corsair 750W

I dont think youll need any extension cables, depends if your doing cable management or not

EDIT : If you live in the US, go check out microcenter.com and search up the i7 920, they have it for 200$, just remember to get the D0 stepping

 

[FallenSniper]

Normally I don't like it when people start off their build buying multiple video cards for SLI/Crossfire, but at this point in time, with i7 and all, I don't mind it so much. I personally would get the 275s because they seem just a little better than the 4890 to me. The 275 and 4890 are really close performance wise though, I just personally prefer nvidia right now.

I second that Corsair 750W, it's amazing.

I don't a whole lot about HSF selection right now. I think what people are doing for i7s is buying a HSF designed for a different slot and then buying a mounting bracket. Don't quote me on that though

Everything else looks fine

 

[Niklas_13]

Ok how about 2 GTX 275 @ 148.99 each, sweet deal (Limit 1 per Household) So what have a friend or inlaw get the 2nd one for you  http://www.frys.com/product/5892363

Corsair 750 as the OP said 97.27 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X2677A

For RAM, get OCZ Platinum, (PC3 12800), on Amazon, its 30$ cheaper than Newegg. +1

Case is your call, +1 Antec 900, 1200 CM HAF922 932 all good cases

MOBO Gigabyte @ http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U4P

HSF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

HDD If you have storage and a budget of 1600 you can add in a SSD maybe? Or stick with the WD Black 640 you posted

DVD? With 1600 add in a blu-ray maybe?

For thermal paste, get arctic cooling mx-3, +1

For the i7 920 if your you live by a micro center like the OP said pick it up there 199.99 http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

 

[FallenSniper]

I still like this mobo at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

Everything else niklas posted I agree with.

The GTX 275 deal is amazing, great find. (Although not currently available for shipping)

 

[Hozer]

Alright, thanks for the great input. I will definitely get the 275 GTX from Frys.

Why get the ASRock over the Asus P6T? Will it OC as well, and be as good a mobo?

I updated the initial post with the new HSF, Past, PSU.

All this input is greatly appreciated!

 

[FallenSniper]

ASRock is actually manufactured by Asustek, so it's a pretty good board. I think it will be a great motherboard for you. Of course the main reason to get it is the huge price difference. It is by no means better performance wise than the P6T, but I think it's performance for the price (bang for the buck) is a lot higher.

 

[Niklas_13]

ASRock is actually manufactured by Asustek, so it's a pretty good board. I think it will be a great motherboard for you. Of course the main reason to get it is the huge price difference. It is by no means better performance wise than the P6T, but I think it's performance for the price (bang for the buck) is a lot higher.

IMHO the OP Has a budget of 1600 USD Yes there are cheeper MOBO and ones that cost alot more. The OP said its made by the same company, so is honda and acura
acura is hondas higher end cars. If you have the money IHMO get the best you can for your budget. ( just my 2 cents)

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197 $109.99
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006382 $111.99 Free Shipping
PC Power and Cooling SILENCER 750W QUAD S75CF Power Supply Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163 $169.99
ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I7-920 $269.99 Free Ground Shipping
Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, OEM

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.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P1600LV6GK-PC3-12800-1600MHz-Platinum/dp/B001NFZ5PQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1251453032&sr=1-2 $113.99 Free Shipping
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=GA-GTX275C $219.99 | $209.99 $10 off with code SUPERSTEAL10 Free Ground Shipping
GIGABYTE nVidia GeForce GTX275 OC 896MB DDR3 DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=GA-GTX275C $219.99 | $209.99 $10 off with code SUPERSTEAL10 Free Ground Shipping
GIGABYTE nVidia GeForce GTX275 OC 896MB DDR3 DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010082 $64.99 Free Shipping
WESTERN DIGITAL Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB SATA II 7200 RPM 32MB Buffer Hard Drive Bulk

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030 $29.99 Free Shipping*
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM

TOTAL: $1,332.39

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/haf922/ <--- Cooler Master 922 HAF

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-sli,2298.html <--- dual gtx 275's in SLI > gtx 295

 

[Yoosty]

The Asus P6T and ASRock X58 Extreme are both about equal, but if you are planning on OC'ing above 3.6ghz then I would suggest the P6T Deleuxe v2. One of the main reason is that it has 16+2 phase capacitors (double the two aforemention board) that will give your better power utilization and stability when OC'ing.
ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Retail $289.99 (279.99 with Promo Code EMCLWNW28) Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365

Latest NewEgg email Deals Linkhttp://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/latest/index-landing.aspx

If you have a Microcenter near you, it would be best to get your Core i7 920ghz w/DO Stepping there for around $199.00.
http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727&utm_source=mcol&utm_medium=leader_bnr&utm_campaign=hmpg_intel_i7920

Whatever you decide on for the Cases between the Antec Nine Hundred Two, COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP or even the HAF 932 or Antec 1200. You should get the Combo Deal with the OS(Vista Prem. 64-bit oem w/Win7 upgrade) and save an additional $10.00.

Get this Ram from Amazon.com it is over $30.00 cheaper then NewEgg has it.
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

Get one of these CPU HSF Coolers' if you are planning to OC.
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail $44.98 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

Scythe MUGEN-2 $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093

CoGage True Spirit Heatpipe CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Silent Fan for Intel LGA1366 $37.95
(It is similar to the ThermalRight and cools within 1 or 2 degrees' of it.)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=450&products_id=26022

If you do get the CoGage True Spirit, I would suggest this Mounting Bracket, instead of the Push-Pin one that come with it.
Thermalright LGA1366 Bolt-Thru-Kit Retail BOX Bolt-thru Board Mounting kit $9.95
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=173&products_id=24667

If you want one of the Best CPU HSF Cooler for the Core i7 then I would suggest this one, but it is more expensive.
Thermalright Ultra120 eXtreme-1366 RT Premium Heatpipe Cooler for Intel LGA1366 $74.95
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=450&products_id=24727

One of the latest Reviews on 1366 CPU HSF Coolers'.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/07/23/intel_core_i7_heatsink_roundup_q309/5

You will also need this Cable extension for 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

Hope this helped you out some. Good Luck on your Build.

 

[Hozer]

Alright, this helped a great deal.. thanks for all the valuable input!