$1000 i7 build for rendering/gaming

madowin

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Sep 7, 2009
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18,510
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: hopefully by this Thursday 9/17

BUDGET RANGE: $850 - $1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: multitasking between 3d modeling and Adobe Creative Suite, mild-gaming, general use

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: i7 920

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: currently at 19", but I will be upgrading in the near future

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Thanks for reading the plea of a newbie. I would like to have input on parts that closely adhere to my budget. When I am doing my work I am heavily multitasking, which I think is the most taxing thing I require of this build. I do some gaming and don't expect this build to have top notch gaming capability. I would also like to have this be as quiet of a build as possible. I know the budget is small, but I do absolutely need a new computer right now. I can add more in the future as well, so input on upgrading phases would be nice as well. I think upgrades later would be to utilize Crossfire/SLI capabilities. I will also be getting another HD as well. I have some idea of a couple of the components as well and would like input:

CASE: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115

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

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

MEMORY: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225

HD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
 
First off that case you have chosen will never work for a dual card set up. In fact I'm doubt full it will work for a single card set up seeing how long these new video cards are these days. The cooling/airflow with that case makes it worthless for any kind of o/c without buying extra case fans and doing some modding on it with a dremel.. Seeing how you said you wanted to try SLI later on, along with o/c...it put this build slightly over your budget. But I don't see any possible way to get what you want without going over the $1,000 limit. Now it's doable on a single card set up...cheaper case (antec 300), and a smaller psu. You might also want to give consideration to an i5 build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 $69.99
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006382 $104.99 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.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.235107 Combo Discount: -$10.00 Combo Price: $306.98
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
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.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.243882 Combo Discount: -$7.00 Combo Price: $187.98$20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $167.98 Free Shipping*
OCZ Obsidian 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV6GK - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223B_BE $29.99 Free Ground Shipping
Samsung SH-S223B/BEBE 22X SATA DVD+/-RW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk w/o Software

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5214227&CatId=3585 $159.99
XFX GeForce GTX 260 Core Edition Video Card - 896MB DDR3, PCI Express 2.0 x16, 3-Watt SLI, FREE Batman: Arkham Asylum Game Download

Total: $1,034.40 | $1,014.40 w/mail in rebate
 


That psu you have in your build will not work for SLI for the fact it doesn't include enough PCI - E connectors for two of those cards...like the re certified card you have in that build. And while I'm at it...that Sunbeam h/s you have requires a 1136 bracket that runs for $10 on newegg. Otherwise that build of yours was a gallant effort. :)
 


I'm not complaining. It's like this. If that person ..the OP had purchased everything on your wishlist he would have been screwed. People here a lot of times buy what's recommended to them. So we try to make sure that we get it right. But again it was at least a nice try. :)
 

RIOTinYOURcity

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Aug 30, 2009
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lol i edited my message. i only read your first two lines. I killed the SLI and went with Crossfire since the PSU won't do SLI, you are correct. Also switched the case to Antec 300 with an additional fan.
 

RIOTinYOURcity

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Aug 30, 2009
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Well OP, my wishlist is now safe to buy from at a price tag of $977.39 with mail in rebate. The Xiggy HSFs now come equipped with the 1366 bracket. I killed the SLI and went with Crossfire since this PSU only does CFX. I added an extra case fan because your going to need it when you CFX.

pardon my earlier laziness
 

madowin

Distinguished
Sep 7, 2009
6
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18,510
Thank you both for the recommendations and insight. I've looked over both recommendations and have a better idea of what could work. This is what I have going on right now:

CPU + CPU fan combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.235107 Combo Discount: -$10.00 Combo Price: $306.98
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
Scythe MUGEN-2 SCMG-2000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail

HD + MEMORY combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.243882 Combo Discount: -$7.00 Combo Price: $187.98$20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $167.98 Free Shipping*
OCZ Obsidian 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV6GK - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

CASE:
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

MOBO:
MSI X58M LGA 1366 Intel X58 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130227

GRAPHICS CARD:
XFX HD-487A-ZWFC 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=N82E16814150436

PSU:
Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153038

OPTICAL DRIVE:
HP Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA 24X Multiformat DVD Burner LightScribe Support - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140041

After rebates it should be $985. Also, I was also wondering if the possibility of a future upgrade to utilize SLI or Crossfire was the main factor in picking these parts aside from the budget. I am very happy with a single card setup, which the suggested card looks to satisfy. Also, if there are great gains made from spending a little bit more on some items I'm willing to do it. I also haven't looked into an i5 build and wonder if that is the answer to my budget?
 
OK...that build of yours needs some help. That won't do for a dual card set up. And if it's a single card set up....well I can do a lot better for ya. The reason I chose that case, and psu was for a future dual card set up. But myself I like a good one card set up also. One good card, and if and when it get's out dated...ebay it and pick up a new vid card.

Btw that Thermaltake psu is pure crap. It's good for a boat anchor and that's about it...well it's not even good for that seeing how it's too light to be decent anchor.


So what I will do is post a i7 single card build for you, and then I will post a i5 build.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245596 Combo Discount: -$20.00 Combo Price: $124.90 Free Shipping*
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" 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.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.235107 Combo Discount: -$10.00 Combo Price: $306.98
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
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.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.243882 Combo Discount: -$7.00 Combo Price: $187.98 $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $167.98 Free Shipping*
OCZ Obsidian 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV6GK - Retail
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223B_BE $29.99 Free Ground Shipping
Samsung SH-S223B/BEBE 22X SATA DVD+/-RW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk w/o Software

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150436 $149.99
XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Heatpipe Cooling Design

Total: $844.93
 
Here's an i5 build with a 4890. btw that cpu h/s comes with a tube of themal compound.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245596 Combo Discount: -$20.00 Combo Price: $124.90 Free Shipping*
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-P55M-D2 Combo Price: $299.98 | $279.98 $20 off w/ code 3DAYCPU20 Free Shipping
GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ MATX Motherboard
Intel Core i5 Processor i5-750 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1156 CPU, Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=FAN-RR910H $18.53
Cooler Master Hyper TX3 RR-910-HTX3-GP CPU Fan For Intel LGA1156/775 & AMD AM3/AM2/940/939/754

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256454 Combo Discount: -$20.00 Combo Price: $254.98 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100269VXLE Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $74.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223B_BE $29.99 Free Ground Shipping
Samsung SH-S223B/BEBE 22X SATA DVD+/-RW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk w/o Software

Total: $783.37
 
I don't disagree that the i920 is a great CPU. But 99% of what you do will be GPU dependent or will be fast enough on the 955 that it won't matter. You can use the extra 100 bucks and get a new monitor. I'm getting this one for my wife this week:

For the first time I can actually say that I am satisfied with my setup. I can play any game at full detail, AA, and AF. Crossfire right now would be a waste of money since the new 5870 is coming out very soon and its faster than the 4870x2.

If you have questions for me, or if anyone else does, toss me an email if you want: p4l1ndr0m3*remove*@gmail.com

Hope this helps.

The i5 easily beats the 955 not to mention that psu you have doesn't make a lot of sense. It's over kill for one 4890 yet it doesn't have enough PCI-E connectors to run two of them in Crossfire and that memory you chose is ghetto at best . Now you see the total price of that i5 build posted up above . I'm going to post an i5 build that matches your total price and I will also use that same case (which is a great cne btw:) ), yet unlike your build this one will be able to run Crossfire/SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259678 $109.99 Combo Discount: -$10.00 Combo Price: $129.98
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025 $94.99 Free Shipping*
Antec TruePower New TP-750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259878 Combo Discount: -$30.00 Combo Price: $349.98 Free Shipping*
ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256454 Combo Discount: -$20.00 Combo Price: $254.98 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100269VXLE Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $74.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223B_BE $29.99 Free Ground Shipping
Samsung SH-S223B/BEBE 22X SATA DVD+/-RW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk w/o Software

Total: $934.91
 
I'm not going to get into a pissing match about this. The i5/1156 platform is still more expensive than the AMD platform. Your hard drive is smaller and your power supply isn't as good (lots of connectors does not = good, Antecs PSUs are nothing special, even the new TruePowers). Sapphire is also a terrible gfx card OEM. Their products often resonate and make a high pitched whining noise due to cheap manufacturing. Also, with a $1k budget, a 1TB HDD is a necessity. Not to mention, as stated in my previous post, crossfire and SLI are useless in this price range, especially with new products coming out in the next 2 months.

You should really do your research on components a little more. You will find that DDR3 ram, whether it be fast with higher timings or slower with tight timings, has little to no effect on overall performance. The power supply is the most important component in a computer. I'm also not impressed with Intel CPUs and 100% overclocking stability. I'm not talking about 24 hours stable, I'm talking about server stable, with weeks of uptime. My 2 old college roommates both got rid of their Intel rigs (E8600 and Q6600) since both had issues with long term stability if the computer had been on for more than few days. They've since switched to AM3 AMDs and haven't the same issues.

You are also dead set on pushing a multi GPU setup for this guy when he doesn't even have a monitor that will support resolutions to make a multi GPU setup even noticeable. Its like you are trying to get this guy a drag racer instead of a reliable sports car.

This will be my last post in this thread as I am sure Why_Me will reply and try to refute all of the points I just made.

madowin, if want help or have questions email me. Otherwise, you can come over to the JonnyGuru forums where people share advice rather than force you to take it.

LOL...it was your "Johnny Guru" that gave that Antec psu such a great review. As far as PCI-E connectors go...yes the do make a difference. They are what connect your video card to your psu. I can throw in a 1tb HD and it only ups the cost on my build by $20. The OP stated he was interested in dual vid cards. I can post a single card set up for cheaper than your set up and it will still eat up that AMD build and spit it out. And the day these Phenom's o/c as stable as an Intel is the day h*ll freezes over.

So your beat on price point, and your beat on performance. I don't know what they are teaching you boy's over at "Johnny Guru", but whatever it is...they need to go back to the chalk board.

Here's some benchmarks for you.

i5 benchmarks/reviews

http://www.techspot.com/review/193-intel-core-i5-750/

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=361&Itemid=63

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i5-lynnfield,2379.html

http://www.xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/cpus/intel-core-i5-750/

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/22151-intel-lynnfield-core-i5-750-core-i7-870-processor-review.html

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2009/09/08/intel-core-i5-and-i7-lynnfield-cpu-review/1

http://hothardware.com/Articles/Intel-Core-i5-and-i7-Processors-and-P55-Chipset/
 
I hope he listens to you. You obviously have an answer for everything thanks to search engines... :kaola:

I'm not sure people these days know use google. Here's a link that can help show where you got your links from:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=i5+750+review

"Wow, that guy posted links to stuff, that must mean he knows what he is talking about. I'll listen to him and follow his exact instructions because I am a tool who cannot make a decision for myself."


NEWSFLASH, THIS JUST IN!!!!


If your PSU has a single 12V rail, it doesn't matter if you use a molex to PCI-E power adapter. The power is all coming from the same place. OH RLY?!! OMGWTFROFLBBQ!

But, I guess google didn't tell you that either, now did it? Do I even need to mention, again, that SLI/Crossfire is a waste of money right now.

Also, I already stated that the 955BE isn't as fast. But it is fast enough. He didn't say that he was going to be encoding video or running advanced computations that requires hours of crunching. He said 3D modeling and gaming. The 955BE will do that and more just fine. Intel may do 10% more of this or 13% more of that or whatever. If it says me 50-100 bucks, I can live with winrar taking 5-6 extra seconds to unpack a .iso file.

Once again, use the extra hundred bucks you save on getting an AMD platform and get yourself a nice monitor to do the 3D modeling and gaming on. Otherwise, you can get the system suggested from Why_Me and spend more money for performance you will likely never see. Either way, have fun!

Hey your back. :) Look, the only way an AMD build can beat an i5 build on price is if you were to post a Phenom 720 or maybe a Phenom 940 with DDR2. Otherwise ...it's not going to happen. If the OP goes broke and ends up on the bread line, then I'm sure he can stir up enough money to purchase a AMD 720 build. But to tbh...AMD is screwed at the moment. They can't beat Intel builds in performance, they can't beat them on price unless they use the 720...so ya, there's really no reason at all to purchase an AMD build in 2009 now is there ? Nobody in their right mind would spend the exact same amount of money on inferior technology unless they were clueless, had a recent lobotomy, or owned stock in Advanced Micro Sytems (AMD). I'm guessing the OP is none of the above.
 

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