Please review my i7 920 build

[kuni]

I'm new to PCs, so I'm going to have this one built for me (don't have time to screw anything up) by the guys at Central Computers (www.centralcomputers.com) in San Francisco. I'm sure it would be cheaper via Newegg, but thems the breaks.

This system will be used mainly for numbercrunching and running massive spreadsheets...and maybe a little fun on the side.

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $99.95
Intel Core i7 920 $295.95
AsusP6T SE Mobo $219.95
3x2b Corsair DDR3-1600 CL9 $189.95
WD-5001AALS HD $69.95
eVGA Geforce 9500GT 1gb $65.95
Pioneer DVR-218lblk $37.95
Encore ENLWI-G2 802.11g card $19.95
Antec P183 Tower $145.95
Corsair CMPSU-650TX PS $99.95

Pre-tax total: $1245.50

What do you think?

Kuni

Any thoughts?
I know they don't sell Samsung drives and I do want their warranty, so that's why I'm letting them build it.

 

[Guest]

that video card is a bit weak for a build like this. idk what you are using it for, but a processor like that with a video card like that is like a hemi on a bike. Everything else looks very high quality and good but you might want to consider a better video card, like a 260, 275, or 285, even a gts 250 would be good in that system.

 

[tecmo34]

Can you switch out the RAM to OCZ Platinum DDR3 1600 for Cas7, which provides tighter timings and better performing RAM? Do they have the ASRock Extreme X58 motherboard available which should cut the cost by $50 roughly. I would spend the extra $10 to get the WD 640GB Black, which is the fastest of the Blacks (not including the WD 2TB Black [$200+])

Your system looks good but couldn't you get a friend to build it for you and use the standard warranties for each component? It just look pretty high in cost when you take into account the 9500GT. I could build an i7 860 with an 5870 for a 100$ or so more at Newegg and have a great gaming and numbercrunching PC.

Building a PC takes about 3 to 4 hours, which includes install OS, drivers and updates. I have a good guide in my signature to help you along. It isn't a difficult as one may think or as time consuming. If you follow my steps and your manuals, most build are successful without any issues.

Just my two cents...

 

[Guest]

yea you could get such a better deal from newegg if you got a friend or tecmo34 to build it for you. Also you would get a better system as well, and if you spent 2 weeks learning how to build, that would save so much money and be a great life skill.

 

[jbakerlent]

+1 tecmo. Don't be overwhelmed by what is a very simple and fun task. Every single one of the parts above is overpriced (and this is not including any extra they may be charging you for assembly). And, I find non-manufacturer warranties useless, as tecmo mentioned the parts come with warranties of several years.

 

[kuni]

Here's the original spec system from Central Computers: $1363.82

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
i7 920
AsusP6T SE Mobo
3x2b Corsair DDR3-1600 CL9
WD-5001AALS HD
eVGA Geforce 9500GT 1gb
Pioneer DVR-218lblk
Encore ENLWI-G2 802.11g card
Antex p183 case
Corsair CMPSU-650TX PS

This is the Newegg Version: $1356.78

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
i7 920
AsusP6T SE Mobo
OCZ Gold 3x2gb 1600 CL8
WD 1tb Black HD
Sapphire Radeon 4890
Sony Optiarc
Gigabyte GN-WP01GS
Antex p183 case
Corsair CMPSU-750TX PS

What do you think? I still need a good keyboard and mouse..maybe wireless.

 

[kuni]

Should I just get this DIY system?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.308960

 

[tecmo34]

Here is a Newegg build that will perform equally as well or better then the i7 920 build...

CPU: Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100283-2L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.301120

Case: Antec P183 Black Aluminum / Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
PSU: Antec CP-850 850W Continuous Power CPX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC "compatible with ... - Retail
Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.298875

MOBO: ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131405

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Keyboard/Mouse: Microsoft 4GC-00002 Silver/Black Wireless Ergonomic Laser Desktop 4000 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109048

Wireless Adapter: GIGABYTE GN-WP01GS PCI Wireless Adapter - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839121008

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

DVD: Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Total Cost: $1,240.89

 

[kuni]

Do you think that going with the 860 will make for a cooler, quieter machine?

 

[tecmo34]

Cooler - Yes... It uses less watts, which should make it run cooler.
Quieter - No... That is driven by your fans, GPU and heatsink.

 

[kuni]

I'll probably double the RAM and keep everything else the same. So, when it comes to 860 v 920, seems like the only real reason to go 920 is the ability to upgrade to i9?

 

[tecmo34]

You are correct at the simplest level... Outside the differences in specs.

The first noted price of the i7 980X was $999, which is slated for a March release.

 

[kuni]

Ok, so unless anyone has anything else to add, I'm going to order:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.301120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.306156
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131405
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839121008
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

I'm a first time builder, so is there anything else I need to order, like those static grounding straps?

Thanks!
E

 

[frozenlead]

I'm a first time builder, so is there anything else I need to order, like those static grounding straps?

No - just don't build on a high-insulating surface (like cardboard) which can carry a lot of static. Keep your PSU plugged in whenever possible and touch it's metal casing every so often. Then you'll be fine.

 

[kuni]

Ok, placing my order today - do I need to get some thermal compound or is that only if you're replacing the stock heatsink?

 

[tecmo34]

I recommend picking up AS5 to replace the stock compound. You will get better cooling by doing so.

 

[kuni]

If I chicken out, the CPU will be ok the way it comes stock, right?

 

[kuni]

Just submitted my order!!!!!

 

[tecmo34]

If I chicken out, the CPU will be ok the way it comes stock, right?

You will be fine...

 

[kuni]

I built it. Had a blast. Nothing blew up. Love this machine!!

 

[tecmo34]

I built it. Had a blast. Nothing blew up. Love this machine!!

Glad to hear you had an successful build and are enjoying your new PC...

If you ever get around to it, post some pictures of your new PC. It is always fun to see the fruits of one's labor when a PC is completed.