I5 system as my first build - any error in my choice?

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Fef

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Nov 29, 2008
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18,510
Hi,
This is my first build and I decided to go with an Intel core i5 for budget reason.
I would like to stick around $700-800.

My problem will be on the choice of the case: I have an Antec Sonata III with a 550W (earthwatt) power supply.
This case has only 2 Fans. Will it be enough for cooling? And with the build will 550W enough (no overclocking planned)?

Here my list of components:

Motherboard:
ASUS P7P55D EVO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard $174.99 @newegg

Processor:
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ~$150 @ microcenter

GPU:
SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP $179.99 @newegg

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $95.99 @newegg

Heatsink:
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 92mm Fluid Dynamic CPU Cooler $36.99@newegg

Hard dirve:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $49.99@newegg

total price ~$690
 
Solution
E
You don't give enough details about your RAM for me to tell which model you've picked, but you should look at these instead:
$80 shipped - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16820231303

They're 1600 CL7's, on sale as part of NewEgg's black friday deal for $20 off. I would bet they're either the same as what you picked and you didn't see the sale price, or they're better than what you picked - and (for now) they're cheaper.
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F

Fef

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18,510


Thanks a lot, I will follow your advice for the cooler.
 
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T

TechKnow

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Oct 7, 2009
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No CD/DVD drive?

If your worried about cooling, the antec 300 illusion is a good deal. Has 4 fans, two 120mm intake front, one 120mm exhaust back, and one 140mm exhaust top. it's sold out right now at newegg($50 holiday price tag). But it seems to be a pretty popular item for them, so I'm sure they'll be getting more at some point. Also they usually have some pretty aggressive combos set up for it and a power supply. I got the atec 300 illusion and antec truepower 750w ps for I believe $160. But they seem to usually have a range of different power supply options, although it might not be a bad idea to bump up the power if you have any intention of crossfire in the future.
 
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F

Fef

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I already have a CD/DVD drive on my old PC. I recently changed it so I can keep the drive.
I already have the Case. For now I am not going to use crossfire but in the future I will and I understand I will have to change the power supply.

Thnaks for the comment.
 
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F

Fef

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Nov 29, 2008
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It's a SATA. But I just checked newegg and they are out of stock. I might have to find a new one!
Too bad the price they had on this one was so good!

Sonic-Boom, I checked out the cooler you suggested, and lot of customer complain about the install. Did you have any issue with it?


 
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E

ekoostik

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You don't give enough details about your RAM for me to tell which model you've picked, but you should look at these instead:
$80 shipped - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16820231303

They're 1600 CL7's, on sale as part of NewEgg's black friday deal for $20 off. I would bet they're either the same as what you picked and you didn't see the sale price, or they're better than what you picked - and (for now) they're cheaper.
 
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Solution
F

Fef

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Nov 29, 2008
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18,510



Here the complete reference for the one I choose
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

But you are right the one you have selected look like a pretty good deal. Thanks a lot.

I was reading a review and the a guy was mentionning that because the core i5 (and i7) are tri-channel we should use a 3 RAM config. But it seems that the MOB is designed for dual channe only. Will it hurt the processor performance to use a dual channel design?
 
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F

Fef

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18,510


Thanks to confirm!
 
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vznoobie12

vznoobie12

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I use an i5 with a hyper 212+. It's not as hard as the reviews make it out to be, but it can be painful.

I believe that most of them have a problem with the fan clips, which I also admit, can be ridiculous. But you shouldn't have a problem if you mount the hyper 212+ and fans on your cpu before putting your mobo in the case (which most people do anyways).

I also recommend buying another 120mm fan and running a push/pull setup.

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSq_xbxsm7Q might be a good reference.
 
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F

Fef

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THat was the one.
Sold out since yesterday morning.
 
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F

Fef

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Actually you can get it for $59.99 if you are register for newegg offer. $10 is not too bad.

I also found that miicrocenter is price matching newegg, so I already got some my component at the best price.

For anyone interested, the core i5 is only $149.99 @ micorcenter. Canbnot do better. 50% off the equivalent i 7 and you loose only 20% in performance. Hard to do better.
 
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Fef

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Guys,
I wanted to thank you for your help and suggestion
I ordered all part except for the cooler which is out of stock. I'll wait a couple days and order another one idf I cannot find it.
I finally go with the CM Hyper 212+.

Best,
Fef :D
 
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G

g725s

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Why get that one over this one? : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283 $60 with code EMCMMNV34
 
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F

Fef

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I haven't received it yet. I will tell you next week. I hope it will fit ok. I do not want to buy a bigger case.
Specially I choose this one for its silent design.


 
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A

andy11247

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Nov 28, 2009
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18,510

kk thx
 
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F

Fef

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I finally got it and it fit. So go ahead.

It took me more than 4 hour to put my 1st system together. I will turn it on tomorrow
I just want to go to sleep without bad surprise!

The freaking Antec don't give any description on the use of the different screws on the box.
Also, for the people using the same box, don't mount the front fan before installing the MOB. But you will have a surprise if you have a heatsink. One of the fan screw is very difficult to put on.

Best,
Fef
 
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