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[Solved] First Time Builder building i7 multimedia PC ~$2500 - order this w/end

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - [Solved] First Time Builder building i7 multimedia PC ~$2500 - order this w/end

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Best answer from skora.

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shuttermonkey   10-30-2009 at 02:59:58 AM


I'm a first time system builder and despite reading as much as possible want to make sure that what I think would make a pretty nice system will all fit together. I'm not wedded to any components, so if you can think of a better combination or if something won't work, I'd be very happy to hear it. The main constraint I have is space - both for the case and monitor...

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: wanting to pull the trigger this weekend - will get what i can immediately and the card when it becomes available
BUDGET RANGE: planning on spending around $2,500 but wanting to get max bang for the buck

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: adobe suite (photoshop/ video/ design), media player, gaming, general browsing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: space constrained so can't get full tower case, and 24" monitor is as wide as I can fit in at the moment. otherwise no real preferences

OVERCLOCKING: Yes
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200


Monitor: Dell U2410 24 Inch widescreen
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna [...] u=320-8277 - $600
(about as wide as i can get - have just over 22 inches on the desk to squeeze this in. also hoping to pick up a coupon to reduce the price of this some)

Graphic Card - the first 5870 that I can get my hand on as they seem to sell out immediately... $400

Case - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021
Will this fit everything in? I'll struggle to fit a bigger case into our space than this.

Hard Drives - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284
A 500G for apps, 2 x 1TB for video/ music/ photo's etc - $290

PSU CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power - $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139006

Memory - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK -$132
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227365

Motherboard - ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131386

Processor - Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - $290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202

OS - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM - $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116758

CPU Cooler - CORSAIR Cooling Hydro Series CWCH50-1 120mm High Performance CPU Cooler - $78
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835181010

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM - $7

thanks for any help!

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Best answer from skora
It's pretty easy to pick good parts with a budget like you have.

To address Bloodfrost comment, the 1156 platform would be enough for your usage and might cost a little less. The only advantage that the 1366 has it a better CPU upgrade path. The 6 and 8 core CPUs will only be available on the 1366 platform (as of now.) If you're into some serious production editing and graphics, I'd stick with the x58 mobo. But if this isn't pro grade stuff you're doing, the P55 is a viable option.

There are less expensive 1tb HDDs out there with better performance like the spinpoint F3 1tb. But it only comes with a 3yr warranty instead of the 5 like the cav blacks do.

The self contained water kits don't do any better than a good air cooler and usually cost a lot more. http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2370.html
I'd shoot for something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065
This site is where I do most of my cooling research: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK

Last note, if you're looking for bang for buck, there should be some crazy deals by the end of Nov, specifically black friday if you can wait.
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Bloodfrost   10-30-2009 at 05:31:49 AM

I'd go for a core i7 1156 860 cpu and dual channel ram with a P55 motherboard, just watch the voltages.

Reply to Bloodfrost
Bronze Home Brew badge skora   10-30-2009 at 06:03:56 AM
Best answer

It's pretty easy to pick good parts with a budget like you have.

To address Bloodfrost comment, the 1156 platform would be enough for your usage and might cost a little less. The only advantage that the 1366 has it a better CPU upgrade path. The 6 and 8 core CPUs will only be available on the 1366 platform (as of now.) If you're into some serious production editing and graphics, I'd stick with the x58 mobo. But if this isn't pro grade stuff you're doing, the P55 is a viable option.

There are less expensive 1tb HDDs out there with better performance like the spinpoint F3 1tb. But it only comes with a 3yr warranty instead of the 5 like the cav blacks do.

The self contained water kits don't do any better than a good air cooler and usually cost a lot more. http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2370.html
I'd shoot for something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065
This site is where I do most of my cooling research: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK

Last note, if you're looking for bang for buck, there should be some crazy deals by the end of Nov, specifically black friday if you can wait.

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 Reply to skora
shuttermonkey   10-30-2009 at 11:49:20 AM

Thanks Bloodfrost and skora - useful advice and I will look into these options.

Excellent point on black friday - I think it would be crazy now to not wait for the deals but another month - aaargh! At least it now gives me more time to get hold of a 5870 though...

Reply to shuttermonkey
jive   10-30-2009 at 06:19:49 PM

Hi,
Because you specified the used of adobe I will stay with the i7 920, more core available mean more simultaneous task. Just the case, it's more a gaming case not really silent, go for a p183 by antec and add more silent fan.

Thanks

Reply to jive
admin123   10-30-2009 at 08:39:26 PM

That monitor is a beast http://tsutton.site90.net/imgs/signature_smiley1.jpg yeah wait till black friday you could get a killer deal and bring the total cost of the build down

------------------------------ Saving up for new ipod touch cant wait
Reply to admin123
shuttermonkey   10-31-2009 at 12:38:29 AM

Thanks jive - the p183 case looks good. Would there be any other significant benefit to replacing the standard fans in this case (other than noise) - if not, I'll wait and see how it plays for a while out and only order them if they seem on the loud side.

Also think the COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 recommended by skora seems like a sensible switch so have added that to my basket.

admin123: yeah - am now looking at prices each day - will snap up anything if any big specials comes along. whatever is left to fill I'll order on black friday and am hoping for some crazy savings :)

thanks

Reply to shuttermonkey
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