Gaming system core i7 based 1.5-2k

[tmparis]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within the week

BUDGET RANGE: 1.5-2k

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, movies, and music

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, headphones

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: See below

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1200 is max for the monitor I'll probably use, but bigger=better

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Don't need/want flash (lights, windows, etc), just a powerful, stable system




CPU: Intel Core i7-920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202&cm_re=Intel_Core_i7-920-_-19-115-202-_-Product

Motherboard: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365&cm_re=ASUS_P6T_Deluxe_V2-_-13-131-365-_-Product

Memory: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333(PC310666)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

GPU: 5870 or 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150443

PSU: CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Storage: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152102

OR

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433&cm_re=Seagate_Barracuda_7200.12-_-22-148-433-_-Product

Display: ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236047&cm_re=ASUS_VW266H-_-24-236-047-_-Product

Optical Drive: LG UH08LS10K BD-ROM/DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136174

Case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit

 

[sonic-boom]

Nice build. You did your homework. You can get away with a 750w Corsair if you wanted to though.
The Seagate is the better choice.

 

[dndhatcher]

I agree with sonic - if you cant get the Samsung F3, get the Seagate 7200.12.

 

[tmparis]

What is the comparison between the 5870 and 5850 in your experience? Any $100 difference?

 

[sonic-boom]

For 1200 resolution a 5870 would be the better choice. Do you want to play on max settings?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Agree with above...tho I would:

get a bigger case w/ better cooling like Antec 900/902 or HAF 922

Drop PSU size down to a 650 (Antec 650 can't be topped)
Combo deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129064

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058

Skip F1 and get F3 or 7200.12

Better CAS on these and $15 cheaper.:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

These even better at same price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226104

 

[tmparis]

The case I had originally seems to have adequate air cooling, esp. with the additional fans installed. Also, the Antec 900 is a very busy case: lots of silly lights. And is a 650 going to be enough? Just wondering here.

Good recommendation on the memory.

 

[sonic-boom]

650 enough, in theory, but does not have the reqired pins. A Corsair 750w or Antec 650w Truepower only, but its the same price as the Corsair 750w. I vote Corsair 750w

 

[tmparis]

Sonic-Boom, I'm guessing you mean this corsair:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010&cm_re=Corsair_750w-_-17-139-010-_-Product

will the different power cable system work correctly? And do you think the original case will handle it?

 

[sonic-boom]

This one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&cm_re=750w_corsair-_-17-139-006-_-Product

The one you linked is fine too but its modular which means alot more $

 

[dndhatcher]

Two problems with the 300. The black model has no front fans. The 300 illusion is the model with the two front fans which gives it the excellent front-low to back/top airflow that the antec gaming cases are noted for. You could also look at the Coolermaster HAF 922.

If you get a 5870, the Antec 300 may need some minor dremelling. There is about 11 inches from the back to the HDD rails and the 5870 is 11 inches long. There would be no problem in a 900 or HAF 922.

Since you are going with the 5870/5850 a 750W PSU is probably a better idea. Might see if there is a combo with your case and a 750W PSU.

 

[tmparis]

Ok, it seems an Antec 900 or 1200 would be better then the 300. Is the 1200 much better than the 900 (worth the $20 after mir)?

 

[tmparis]

just want to make sure: is the antec 1200 case compatible with the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

 

[sonic-boom]

Yes it is.

 

[tmparis]

Thanks very much for all your help tonight. I really appreciate it.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

The case I had originally seems to have adequate air cooling, esp. with the additional fans installed. Also, the Antec 900 is a very busy case: lots of silly lights.

Lights have switches .... so you can be blingy or reserved as the mood fits

 

[JackNaylorPE]

just want to make sure: is the antec 1200 case compatible with the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

The Corsair TX is a good PSU but no doesn't stack up against the Antec CP-850 or SG-850

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=142 Antec CP-850 - Performance Rating = 10
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=101 Antec SG-850 - Performance Rating = 10
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=73 Corsair TX-750 - Performance Rating = 8.5
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=126 Corsair TX-850 - Performance Rating = 9.5

The 1200 / CP-850 is often available as a combo deal.