Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > ~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?

~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - ~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!

Ask the community Add a reply

Bottom Search this thread

Ok, so, here's the story. A few weeks back I posted whether or not to go dual Xeon vs. i7 for a video editing/gaming rig. After much thought and research I've decided to go the i7 route...

Now I'm looking for opinions on the i7 build. I've done a fair amount of research, but being that this will be my first home built system, I figure I can not ask too many questions or find enough answers...

So here it goes...

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (1) HD Video Editing, (2) Gaming, (3) Memory Storage (home movies/pictures), (4) Other misc. computing needs

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, Microcenter, cheapest overall price...I'm not picky

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080, 1920x1200

PARTS REQUIRED:

CPU - i7 920 - I plan on OC'ing to the 3.2-3.6 range - $280

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202

CPU Fan - Noctua U12P - $75

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835608007

THERMAL - Arctic Silver 5

MOBO - EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - $250

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188046

CASE - Antec 1200 - $170

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129043

GRAPHICS - EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB - $225

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130475

PSU - CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - $140

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139009

RAM - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - $250

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227365

After researching, I've decided that I'm going with 12 GB of this RAM to help out with the video editing.

Blu-Ray Burner - Pioneer Black 8X Blu-Ray DVD Burner w/ Software SATA Model BDR-203BKS - $200

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827129037

EDIT: ~~OS HDD - Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $460~~

OS HDD - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $140

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136320

I'm planning on running two of these (that accounts for the $140 price) in RAID 0

Storage HDD - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - $330

I plan on running 4 of these in RAID 1. Also, the price reflects 3 drives because I already have one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

MONITOR - ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers - $190

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236052

Ok, here is one item I am looking for suggestions on. I can't go much bigger than this (the monitor won't physically fit)

MOUSE - I am open to suggestions here again. I want a mouse that is going to be reliable, responsive, and accurate. Am I good going with a $15 Logitech or is there something better?

KEYBOARD - Logitech 967740-0403 Black 104 Normal Keys 8 Function Keys USB Standard Internet 350 USB Keyboard - $15

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823126012

OS - Vista 64...maybe the Windows 7 RC...

Total Build Price - ~~~$2,700~~ WD Raptor's to WD Black 500's
~$2,400

As I said at the beginning...any and all recommendations are appreciated!

Message edited by snowgoer1998 on 09-04-2009 at 07:12:41 PM

Add a reply

the velociraptors are old tech any modern 7200rpm will be in spitting distance of it you could raid 2 7200 rpm drives and save money for the same performance but if you want fast, ssd is the way to go

Message edited by obsidian86 on 09-04-2009 at 06:58:12 PM

Reply to obsidian86

obsidian86 - Good point...

exchange 2 WD Raptor's for 2 WD Black 500's

Reply to snowgoer1998

Aren't the 640 GB WD Blacks a little fast than the 500's due to platter size?

Reply to chedderslam1976

I would like a little more info on chedderslam1's post...is that true? If the 640's are slightly faster than the 500's I'd go from them...if it's apples/apples, I'll probably stick with the 500's

Also, another question...

Since I'm 1 drive shy of RAID 5...should I buy one more drive and RAID 5 my storage???? Would that be a little faster than the RAID 1 - 4 drive setup??

Thanks!

Message quoted 2 times

Reply to snowgoer1998

Lets see how I can help save you some money on your Build.

If you can go to Microcenter Store and buy from there I would suggest you get your Core i7 920ghz DO stepping there for $199.99.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] ntel_i7920

Or here at Antares Digital that you can make sure you get a 920 with DO Stepping for $274.00 plus $5.50 shipping.
http://www.antaresdigital.com/cust [...] 282&page=1

This x58 mobo is the Dark Horse and it is suprising very good.
ASUS P6TD Deluxe LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $169.99

NewEgg 72 Hour Promo Code Email

Get this WD 640gb HDD instead and have 280gb for same price as your choice with above Promo Code Email.
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $74.99 ($64.98 with Promo Code EMCLXLP48) Free Shipping*

Also save another $4.00 on your ram selction using the Promo Code.
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $124.99 (Your Price: $120.99 with Promo Code EMCLXLP62)Free Shipping*

CPU Cooler's
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/cat [...] s_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. Get the Thermalright LGA1366 Bolt-Thru-Kit Retail BOX Bolt-thru Board Mounting kit $9.95
http://www.performance-pcs.com/cat [...] s_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/cat [...] s_id=24727

One of the latest Reviews on 1366 CPU HSF Coolers'.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/200 [...] dup_q309/5

Scythe MUGEN-2 $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185093

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail $44.98 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233029

Get this Thermal Compound, since it takes up to 200 hrs for Arctic Silver5 to cure and temps stabalize.
ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound $4.49

The rest of your choices are very good.

Message edited by Yoosty on 09-04-2009 at 10:57:48 PM

Reply to Yoosty

snowgoer1998 wrote :

Yes the 640's are slightly faster than the 500s, 320 per platter vs 250. Yoosty's suggestions are also all good.

Reply to jonsy2k

snowgoer1998 wrote :

Since I'm 1 drive shy of RAID 5...should I buy one more drive and RAID 5 my storage???? Would that be a little faster than the RAID 1 - 4 drive setup??

Thanks!

Yes, RAID 5 is definitely faster. It is almost as fast as RAID 0 but with parity. However onboard RAID 5 is not exactly the most performant one, but for what you do it will suffice nicely. You are not running a server. Having said this, ICH10R is the better onboard RAID (almost on part with external devices and in some cases better) so you have no problems of platform on running a RAID 5 array if you want to do it.

Message edited by selea on 09-04-2009 at 11:52:00 PM

Reply to selea

As for the mouse if you want two really good options you can get the OCZ Equalizer or Dominatrix (this last if you have big hands) but they costs a lot. However if you want a professsional mouse the price is definitely good spent.

You can also watch the section on input under hardwaresecrects to have more options and to get a better idea on what to buy:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/page/input

Message edited by selea on 09-04-2009 at 11:53:10 PM

Reply to selea

I'm almost in the same boat w/ a $2,750 budget ... you can find my build thread here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] oney-spend

As for the differences....

I'm going so far with the Prolimatech Cooler....while it's oft compared with the one you have, it has a bit of a performance edge and it's got an excellent mounting system. Just don't follow the general mindset and try and lap the thing. Voids warranty and decreases performance.

For vid card / MoBo, we're on the same page in that we both chose to get them from same vendor .... you went with EVGA, I went with Asus. Main reason is I have a long familiarity with their products.

We chose the same case but I went with the Antec 850 .... yours was my 2nd choice. Again, I liked the idea of having one person to call if any fit / cable length issues arose and the reviews on the Signature series of Antec PSU's rank it extremely well.

I may move to your memory choice. I liked the Mushkins 6-7-6-18 timings but they $80 more and I'm kind aleaning to getting a set that is on the HCL.

I'm going to just get a BR player at this point .... will eventually add a burner.

We have about 20 Seagate HD's in the house now. Our NAS also came with Seagates, so it will be easy to find a quick swap if I need one. It's tough choice but with the performance advantage and the ready replacements, I went w/ the Seagates.

I'm not getting one now but when I do it will be an S-PVA monitor for my photography work. Also gives me opportunity to watch movies with more than one person watching due to wide viewing angle. So far, I'm still liking the Lenovo L220x.

Mouse and KB are basically "get best bang for the buck". I was going to get the Logitech G19 / G9 as I figure I'm gonna treat myself. I'm done w/ cordless KB's and mice. The logitech MX518 is a great cheap alternative.

OS - Windows 7 Ultimate

Unfortunately, newegg doesn't carry my cooler and the monitor.

Message edited by JackNaylorPE on 09-05-2009 at 12:50:00 AM

Reply to JackNaylorPE

interesting...

Reply to imrul

Thanks for the input...right now I'm on a shakey (sp) wireless network...on vacation over the Labor Day...When I get back Mon./Tues. I'll check out the links and review all the suggestions...

Thanks for the input!!

Reply to snowgoer1998

Well, after looking into suggestions and reading reviews/forums/opinions on the 1156 processors, I bit the bullet today and ordered the components for my new system...

Microcenter Purchase:

Case - Antec 1200 - $140
Processor - I7 920 - $200
GPU - EVGA 275 GTX - hmm...forgot how much I paid...I think it was around $230
Processor Fan - Noctura U12P - $70
Artcic Silver 5 - ~$5

Total for Microcenter - $714.40

Newegg Purchase:

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136284
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $94.99 x 2 = 189.98

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136319
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $74.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139009 $139.99

Logitech 967740-0403 Black USB Standard Internet 350 USB Keyboard - OEM
Item #: N82E16823126012
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $14.99

Logitech G5 7 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse - Retail
Item #: N82E16826104076 $49.99

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820227365 $124.99

EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813188046 $259.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116677
Return Policy: Software Return Policy $109.99

LG Blu-ray Burner Model BH08LS20 - Retail $179.99

Rosewill RCR-IC001 40-in-1 USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/ USB port / Extra silver face plate - Retail - $11.99

Total Newegg - (w/shipping and all MIR's taken into account) $1129.94

Total System Cost - $1844.34

I decided not to do RAID 0 with the OS drive for now...save a little coin and see how it goes with just the 1 OS drive...I've also decided to only RAID 1 two of the WD 1tb hard drives for the same reason...save a little coin now...I can always add more hard drives...maybe some 2tb later on...who knows where the tech will be in 2 yrs....

Reply to snowgoer1998

Once I get it put together (should be this weekend) I'll post some pics...eye candy is always fun...

Reply to snowgoer1998

I'm getting the same board cool. I'm getting the lifetime warrenty with it though.
I'm goign with corsair dominator 7-7-7-20 ram though.

Reply to AntecX58

Ask the community Add a reply

Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > ~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?

Go to:

Help |
Forum rules

There are 558 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Page generated in 0.617 seconds

Focus On

~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - ~$2500 i7 Build - Any other recommendations?