APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next 10 days
BUDGET RANGE: US$600-850
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Picasa, Hulu, Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Home Video Editing, surfing internet
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor (have Dell UlraSharp 2208WFP), speakers, OS (have Windows 7 Home x64 on pre-order), HDD (have a new WD 640GB Caviar Black)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: MicroCenter (live near a retail store); NewEgg
PARTS PREFERENCES: Lynnfield i7; leaning AMD GPU
OVERCLOCKING: No (maybe if it is not too difficult)
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
This is my first build and it will replace my current 1.5 Ghz P4 that is almost 10 years old. I may add another HDD or two in the future, possibly setting them as RAID 0 or 1 (depending on my needs). I’ve listed a choice for all parts below. Please let me know if you see any inconsistencies or potential problems, and of course any better options.
Any comments on the mother board? I have had a hard time finding information on these new P55 boards.
I would like to have a reputable PSU, with as low a Wattage as I actually need.
Also, I’m considering getting a TV tuner to use this system as DVR. The GPU I selected has both DVI and HDMI out. Can I run dual (span) screens with the DVI connecting to my monitor and HDMI connecting to my TV (“Full HD” 1080p)? What other impacts would the TV tuner have on my system?
I’m open to other suggestions on the case. I want something that’s easy to work with and will keep cool. And while I don’t care much what it looks like, something that is more than just a black box gets bonus points.
My main question here is how much power do I really need? Also, I was leaning towards a modular SeaSonic until I saw the price on this unit. Which is better? SeaSonic example: S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT 550W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 which is $79.99 (after $10 rebate)
Of all the research I’ve done, I have done the least on the CD/DVD burner. Any better recommendations?
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Total is $634.93 (including rebates, excluding tax and shipping). I’ve already spent $100 on the OS and HDD, so if I can keep these remaining components under $700, that would be preferred. But it’s not a hard ceiling.
Nice build. The only two changes that I can see that would benefit you are these two down below. Gigabyte has a better reputation than MSI as far as mother boards go (quality), and this memory down below is not only faster than what you chose, but it's cheaper atm. 500w psu is more than sufficient for that build. I can't answer your vid card/out put question but I'm sure someone will soon.
Nice build. The only two changes that I can see that would benefit you are these two down below. Gigabyte has a better reputation than MSI as far as mother boards go (quality), and this memory down below is not only faster than what you chose, but it's cheaper atm. 500w psu is more than sufficient for that build. I can't answer your vid card/out put question but I'm sure someone will soon.
... and this memory down below is not only faster than what you chose, but it's cheaper atm. ...
Thanks Why_Me. I'm giving the mother board a good look this morning.
One question though about the RAM. The OCZ I had picked is rated Cas Latency 7, Timing 7-7-7-20 (my original link was to MicroCenter because it was cheaper there after rebate, but it doesn't show the specs). The G.Skill you suggested is Cas Latency 9, Timing 9-9-9-24. I'm new to this so maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but I thought lower was better. Isn't the OCZ faster than the G.Skill?
I decided to take Why_Me’s advice on the RAM. I also changed PSU’s to a 450 W Corsair VX.
Two things are giving me the most problems right now. One is the case. I wanted something that shows off my build (this being my first of hopefully many). So a see through side would be nice. But I don’t need it to be super flashy. I also can’t decide if I want an eSata port at the front of the case. Any advice here?
The second item I’m still holding off on is the mother board. The one Why_Me suggested is a mATX. I’d prefer to get an ATX. I’m leaning towards the Asus P7P55D or the P7P55D Pro. But I had previously been eyeing the MSI P55-GD65 and would still consider the Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P. I really wish reviews were coming on line faster!
Here’s my current build:
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, HDD (have a new WD 640GB Caviar Black), monitor (have Dell UltraSharp 2208WFP, resolution is 1680x1050), OS (have Windows 7 Home x64 on pre-order)
I have decided to skip thermal paste and an aftermarket cooler at this point. I hope that doesn’t prove to be a dumb decision.