$800-900 Gaming Build Help

Hi,

I want to get a list of parts for my first desktop build. I believe everything should be compatible in each build, but please point out faults or give suggestions on how I can make these potential builds better. Hope you guys and girls can help me!

Purpose: I am trying to put together a desktop for gaming/multitask/design/rendering/programming/web development, etc. I want a powerful and QUIET PC that fulfills the above purposes while keeping upgradeability.

Conditions: I already have a 24" monitor (1920x1200) and peripherals, so I just need the system itself. I only need 1 HDD for now, less than 1 TB is fine. I am willing to choose a different cheaper case if it offers similar sound dampening as the Antec P183 (I was actually considering the Thermaltake Tsunami or a Lian-Li case).

Budget: $800-900. If the build goes over budget, I would hope for a significant performance increase to justify it. Would an i7 build or AMD Phenom II build be better for these purposes?

I am deciding between an i7 920 build or an AMD Phenom II x4 955 build. Their links will be posted below.

I have found some items that are cheaper elsewhere and I will post their prices here so my subtotal is more appropriate.

i7 build:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=10824265

I need help deciding which motherboard to use among the 2 in my list, and which graphics card: GTX 275 for $150 or ATI 4890 for $200. I can get the i7 processor for $200. There are 2 motherboards in the list because I am not sure which one is "better" or has better quality, suggestions would be appreciated. I know the i7 build currently is more expensive than my AMD list, but if anyone can make suggestions to bring the price down or give good reasons why I should go with a more expensive i7 build, I will seriously consider it.

AMD Phenom II build:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=15055428

For the AMD build, I can get the processor for $175, motherboard for $145, and an optical drive for $28. Thus, the total for my AMD build should be around $871, last time I checked (please correct me if I'm wrong).

For both builds, I was planning on using the PC Power & Cooling PSU Silencer 750W, I found it for $50. I would like to try overclocking both processors, no matter which I use. I would like to use SLI/Crossfire in the future.

If anyone needs extra info from me, please ask and I will try to respond ASAP. Thanks!

Thanks for pointing that out. I forgot to say the two motherboards are there because I couldn't decide which one was better or higher quality between the two since the price difference is minimal. Suggestions would be great!

Thanks for the input dndhatcher.

Since I would NOT choose an EVGA GTX 275 if the price went up above $150, I would not like to base my motherboard choice only on the BRAND of the GPU.

I like the CPU cooler suggestion, but does it run quietly as well? Ideally, I want a computer quiet enough that you almost cannot hear anything if you are 1 foot away from it (my friend has a computer that does this with a P182 case, GTX 295, i7 920, Scythe Flex-S fans, PC Power & Cooling PSU)

I was considering a lower memory speed too, but I read you need at least DDR3 1600 for overclocking or your CPU speeds will be affected by the limited memory bandwidth. Any thoughts on this?

That motherboard is one that I haven't researched myself. My first thoughts are, how is the price so much cheaper than the 790FX-GD70 and what are the differences between the two? How is the cooling compared to the MSI board? Before I settled on the 790FX-GD70, I was wavering on the GIGABYTE GA-MA790FXT-UD5P -- how does the motherboard you suggested compare to the UD5P on speed, overclocking ease, features, etc? It includes onboard graphics that I won't need. Also, the lack of Newegg reviewers somewhat worries me. Since you say the MSI 790FX-GD70 seems overpriced, what would be considered a good price for it?

Thanks for letting me know of the i5. If I found an i7 for $200, would it still be worth it to consider an i5?

Your Intel build has 2 MBs and no case, I normally lean towards Asus. You could shave some extra money off the AMD build with a cheaper case, the current case has no side or front vents, and with how hot the i7 can run, you want something that can help to cool your system down...

For a LOT of circulation, although, no idea how loud it is yet... That fan is a monster... (79.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196029

or something with a little more detail... (69.99)
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156090]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156090
[/url]
or look at some of the offerings by Aerocool, Coolermax or Thermaltake (or many others).

With the i7, you will definately want to upgrade the stock heatsink/fan. From what I've seen, look into liquid cooling.

Not sure on the Gskil modules, but the 7-7-7-20 timings for DDR3 aren't that much of an extra cost. I'd look at the OCZ or Mushkins though...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=1052315794&Description=7-7-7-20%20DDR3%201333&name=4GB%20%282%20x%202GB%29

PSU efficiency may also be something else to look at. Coolermaster has a 129.99 80 Plus Silver Certified 700W PSU that may be worth looking into.

Thanks for everyone's advice. After doings lots more research, i've decided to go with an i7 920 build. I'll make a new thread with my updated list and questions, thanks again!

EDIT: The link to my newly started thread is here.