Idea for a first time i7 build, opinions or suggestions?

kooper

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Hi guys, I'm a novice PC builder trying to put together a somewhat affordable (haha) but powerful i7 system. I've made these following selections for components and was curious if anyone would have any opinions to alter the build, or if you see any flaws in my decisions before I move forward with actually ordering anything. I appreciate all input and criticism, so please tell me anything that you feel could be changed for the better and why. I especially enjoy hearing from everyone here since I am just a beginner, so I don't have much faith in my ability yet haha.

So with that said, this is what I have chosen:

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043

Monitor: ASUS VW246H Black 24"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Mobo: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365

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

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

Video Card: EVGA 896-P3-1257-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433
(I already own this card)

Heatsink for CPU: Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 120mm SSO CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608007
(So I can overclock to 3.0 and above safely, will this monster fit on the mobo with two fans? I think it'll fit in the case too I hope haha)

Blu-Ray/DVD drive: LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136162

What do you think? Anything missing? Thank you very much for any input!
 
^ That's a pretty good setup...And just a heads up...the cooler might interfere with tall heatsinks of the RAM...

But I dont see the point of using a Dominator in this setup...
Even these would be good...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226030
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226036

And as for the CPU cooler, I would choose the Xig Dark Knight...
Even this can handle 1GHz overclock without any issues...
Only if you are planning to go beyond 3.8GHz, get the Noctua...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029
 

kooper

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Yeah to be honest, the RAM was very confusing trying to compair timing with speed and stuff like that. Is there really no big difference between 1600 and 1333?

I think I'd go for the smaller cooler then, cheaper and I honestly don't see myself overclocking that much, especially if I need to mess with voltage.
 
@Kooper Yes there wont be any significant real world performance difference between DDR3 1333MHz and 1600MHz RAM...
And that Xig Dark Knight is also one of the best coolers for the i7...

And the suggestion for the HDD from dndhatcher is very good...You can plan RAID 0 with 2 of those drives, that would give you very high performance but make sure you store important data in a separate or external drive as RAID 0 has more chance of failure than single drive configs...
But if you want to stick with single drive config, then stick with the WD Blacks as the F3 lag behind those due to higher latency...
 

kooper

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I realized the problem for me was that while looking for a cooler I went by socket type which didn't show the Dark Knight cooler.

Do you think it would be beneficial to drop down to this mobo perhaps?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188049

It has less memory support but if I'm going to just go with 1600 (since you say it's much better performance wise) I don't see much reason not to other than losing some USB ports (not that big of a deal).

Also one more note, the purpose of this computer is for high end gaming and HD video editing.
 

kooper

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I've had bad experiences with SLI, I'm never doing it again, so I guess that's not going to affect me. Thanks for pointing that out however.
 
Just adding my tidbits:
I'd consider the CM 690 case. It has plenty of room and will save you about $100 off of the 1200 you selected. It comes with 3 fans and has room for more!!
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

I'd also consider a different PSU, if you need to save a bit more $. The Corsair 750tx that you selected is a good PSU, but isn't needed that much for your build.

$99 - $10 MIRc = $89!!
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail


$90 shipped! Maybe another option to consider if you want 750w of power!
Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply - Retail
 

kooper

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The primary intention is for gaming and HD video watching/editing.

I don't actually have too much of a roof on my budget, if I had to give it a specific number I'd say $1800 including taxes and shipping. However I'm trying to see any sacrifices I can make that won't make that big of a difference in the long run.
 

kooper

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It's a consideration, but to be honest, since I had a big legroom for budget, I wanted to get top of the line just for the sake of it, saying i7 just sounds so much better. :lol:
 

Well if you change the case/PSU/RAM you should be saving about $200 over your initial build. And your not changing any of the performance too. Even if you change the CPU HSF with the Xigmatek you can save a bit there too. This will allow you more $ for whatever you like!
 
If you were going to drop your case from the antec 1200, I would say get the 300 illusion. Still has 2 front, one rear and one top fan like the 1200, but mid-tower size and same $70 price as the CM690. Or at the $100 price range the antec 900 is less boxy with all 4 fans and a clear side to see all your components.
 

kooper

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I kinda liked the case... I think I might really need to consider that one over a drink or two. :lol: I mean esthetically that is.

But for the PSU, Am I going for too much power originally? I didn't want to underpower the overclocked CPU/Vid card/memory combo at all, but since I don't plan to do SLI would you say it's safe to step down to the PSU you suggested?
 
The antec illusion is a smaller antec 1200.
The antec 900 is less boxy.
THe antec 900Two is closer to the 1200 than the original 900.

I would stick with the 750 so you have the power to overclock and run two graphics cards someday.
The new ATI DX11 cards coming out can do some amazing things and someday you may want two for running 6 monitors (as one large screen).

With only one GPU, the 650 is plenty for overclocking and more internals.
 

kooper

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The Antec Illusion actually looks really nice as well, I guess I really wouldn't need all the room the 1200 provides as I don't plan to expand that much.

What would you choose between the 1200 vs. antec illusion?

Also thanks to both you guys and everyone else for your input so far.

Oh yeah, lunyone, definitely going to go with your Power suggestions
 
Is that the Antec 300 Illusion that your talking about?
If your considering that price range the Cooler Master 690 is a better case, IMHO. I've built a system on the CM 690 case and I was quite supprised by the build quality.
If you want the look of the 1200, but don't want the cost, than the Antec 900 is another option. It is about $20 more than the CM 690 case, but the CM 690 case doesn't come with the lighted fans, which is alright with me.
For $185 shipped you get the 1200 look AND get the 650w Earthwatts PSU, which would work with your planned build!
Antec Nine Hundred + EA650 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 650W Power Supply - Retail
 
I believe the 300 will have better airflow than the CM 690 because of the large top exhaust fan. Plus its a small clone of the 1200, which he likes the look of.

I have the 900 myself and like it alot. It sits on my desktop behind my monitor so I can peek around and see the insides.
 
The CM 690 case comes with 3 x 120mm Case fans. 1 in the front, 1 in the side and one out the back!
Here are the other featers of the case:
Accommodates up to seven 120 mm fans for high-efficiency ventilation
Removable HDD racks provide for easy assembly
Cable management design for better cable routing and neatness
Tool-free user-friendliness for quick maintenance and upgrade
Roomy interior supports NVIDIA G80 SLI configuration <--- Old school, but definately has the room!!

Either case will do just fine, so it's up the OP to decide what works best for him. I haven't seen the Antec 300 case yet, so I can't say for sure on the build quality, which I'm sure is pretty good.