New Build - i7 920 -- need some advice

[Bejeebus]

Hi guys - this is going to be my first build so please bear with me.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week

BUDGET RANGE: @ (+or-) $2,000.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, video editing, watching movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: good quality with reliability, in general.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe CROSSFIRE

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Current monitor is 1680x1050, want to upgrade to 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Fast, good storage, quiet as possible while still retaining good speed, great graphics.


Already Purchased:

>>>CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail $279.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

>>>GPU: 1 SAPPHIRE 100281SR Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video ..$379.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102856

>>>MB: ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $169.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

>>>OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM - Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon $89.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

>>> combo deal: $324.98

CASE: Antec P183 Black Aluminum / Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - (freeshipping)

PSU: Antec Signature SG-850 850W Continuous Power ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245569


Spent so far: 1245$ that leaves @ $755 - 850. for the rest that I am .......................>>>>>

Still undecided about and need help with:

I can't make up my mind re: Hard drive (s) -- at first I was thinking 1 HD would be good. Then reading up on Raid 1 and the goodness of backing up everything, I started thinking 2HDs. My first thought then, was WD 1tb black x2 in raid 1 config. Then I read a few reviews that indicated that WD is difficult to put into raid? Is that true? Also that they run hot. I saw some advice here re: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1tb. Would 2 of those in raid 1 make sense?

RAM -- suggestions for good DDR3 = to @6gb or so -- for video editing do I need more RAM? 8? 12?

What will I need for extra fans/cooler for case - and replace aftermarket cooler for ?? cpu? Sorry -- beginner coming out here.

Also - I like the idea of 2 gpu's, but right now I think one 5870 is good. and can always add it later. Plus budget is getting smaller and smaller.... Agree? Disagree? I have a good PSU for an upgrade to two cards.

Would like Blue Ray reader -- can they also read regular dvd's?
Just need any cd/dvd burner
Any other optical device I have forgotten??

Is the wired online connection already in there somewhere?

Ok.. that outta do it for now. Thanks for any feedback ... well, within reason

 

[evongugg]

For motherboard, I'd get Asus P6T.
I'd get this burner.

Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe LightScribe Support - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118032

 

[evongugg]

I'd get one of these Blu-Ray readers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010100598%204802&name=Top%20Sellers&SpeTabStoreType=1

Normally there is a LAN port on the back panel of the motherboard.

 

[evongugg]

If you will be overclocking, get the Xigmatek Dark Knight or Core-Contact Freezer with separate LGA-1366 bracket. If you are not planning on overclocking, you don't need anything other than the stock cooler.
You need a fast hard drive, better two hard drives, for video editing. Consult the charts here at Tomshardware.com. You can run the operating system on one drive and use the other as a data drive.

 

[Bejeebus]

evongugg, thanks for your suggestions!

RE: my choice of AsRock xtreme as MB:

The reason I chose the AsRock xtreme as MB is because it has received good reviews overall, and it's price is lower then others. I understand that other AsRock boards have bigger/worse issues, but that the Extreme has been updated to perform well.

I will check out your cooler suggestions (because I will most likely OC) as well as the reader/burner links.

Thanks again.

 

[dndhatcher]

Raid 1 does not replace a backup. If a file is deleted or corrupted it gets deleted or corrupted on both drives at the same time. Raid 1 is only protects against a hard drive crash (which is far more rare than the many other reasons you would want a backup.)

For CPU coolers look at the Coolermaster Hyper 212 plus. Its a top pick that is also fairly quiet and cheap.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065