Medicore gaming build (~$800 + spare parts)

[purostaff]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Around Thanksgiving in 2 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: ~$800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Video/Photos, Web browsing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor (24" BenQ FP241VW), PSU (OCZ 1000W ProXstream, GPU (8800gtx), HDD (500 and 750 WD), DVD/Blu-ray drive, OS (Vista Ultimate 64 bit)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, but anything will do

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: either one is fine

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Case: Still undecided, but I'm leaning toward CM HAF 932 ($139.98). Also wouldn't mind mid ATX tower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 ($199 from nearby Microcenter)

MOBO: Still undecided, but looking at EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX X58 SLI LE ($229 - $20 MIR). Still want a cheaper alternative though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188049

RAM: Not really planing to overclock these, so almost anything will do. Looking at OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 ($149.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

CPU cooler: Very tempted to get these after reading all the reviews: Looking at CoGage True Spirit + Thermalright Bolt-Thru Kit ($50 shipped)

I'll be also upgrading to Window 7 when my brother buy his laptop around thanksgiving as well as upgrading my 8800gtx some time next year.

Thanks for all your time guys.

 

[overshocks]

hey man!

you don't need i7 920 for gaming..it's overkill if you ask me..
i7 920 is for intensive cpu demanding programs such as CAD or designing/editing programs..

an i5 750 is more suitable for you.

by the way, you don't need to upgrade your video card?

 

[overshocks]

i5 750 route...


>MOBO+RAM 30 dollar discount
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.289943

>CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215&cm_re=i5_750-_-19-115-215-_-Product


>Heatsink

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

>Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&cm_re=haf_922-_-11-119-197-_-Product


----------------------
but if you go for the i7 920 route it's fine, since you have mircocenter near you...


i7 920 route...

ram (tighter timings than the ones you've picked, 1333mhz, the performance is similar so either one is fine)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230

or ram
OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 ($149.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

motherboard - supports sli and crossfire...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359

>Heatsink

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

>Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&cm_re=haf_922-_-11-119-197-_-Product

 

[purostaff]

Well after reading some reviews on 1156 socket MOBO, it seems there's quite a few complications with them. So, I think I'll go with 1366 route for now..

 

[dndhatcher]

Definitely go with the HAF 922 instead of the 932 like Overshock suggests.

The only cheaper good x58 motherboard is the ASRock x58 Extreme ($170).

 

[overshocks]

Definitely go with the HAF 922 instead of the 932 like Overshock suggests.

The only cheaper good x58 motherboard is the ASRock x58 Extreme ($170).

agree, but if he's looking for a better overclock then the asus mobo i suggested. if he just wants a i7 920 system, without much features. definitely asrock x58 extreme.