Budget i7 build.

jv225

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Hi guys I just signed up but have been reading here for awhile. i haven't done a build in over 6 years so I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: hopefully before Christmas

BUDGET RANGE: Trying to stay under $1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: surfing the net, email, office programs, some home video editing, No gaming at all

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: OS, monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg but I'm open to any reliable sites

PARTS PREFERENCES:I would like to use an intel i7 cpu I know I really don't need it but WTH

OVERCLOCKING: possibly in the futute. I don't know much about it right now

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1280x1024

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet would be good

I have been looking here and at newegg constantly and here is what I've been thinking so far. Keep in mind I really do no gaming at all. This is basically just going to be used for surfing the net, email, office programs for my construction business, and I plan on getting a hd video camera in the next week so I'll probably be doing some video editing. I'm thinking of going with an i7 just so it will last me awhile.I don't think I really need it for what I do though so you guys can tell me if I'm just wasting money and should go with the i5. The last computer I built was at least 6 years ago maybe 7 and I'm still using it (P4 2.53 ghz) So I'm sure whatever I go with now will be a huge upgrade.

Case/psu combo- Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.304805

CPU-Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

MOBO- ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

RAM-G.SKILL Trident 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6T-6GBTD - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231272

HDD-Samsung 1 TB Spinpoint 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.5 inch Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive HD103SJ
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinpoint-Cache-Desktop-HD103SJ/dp/B001U3S5S0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261324797&sr=8-1

DVD- SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192

GPU- I need some recommendations here. Like I said no gaming at all. So just a decent cheap card I think?

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

Total cost $893.88 and I still need a video card.

I'm not sure about the case and psu combo but the price seemed decent and the last build I did years ago I used an Antec case and PSU and they have been fine ever since. I'm not into the lights and windows at all so I figured this would work ok.
I don't think I'm forgetting anything but I'm pretty much a noob so that's why I'm here.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Jim
 

winkerbie

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Dec 16, 2009
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If it is not for gaming at all, then definitely go for the i7-850/60, the entire i7-900 setup is a waste of money if you are not using its potential. the i7-800's will probably match their performace for general office work

the i5 is also very good for office work, and is even cheaper, but lack of HT might show in video editing

as for Home video editing, you need a respectable graphics card
an ATI 4600 series or 5600 series if availible?
or Nvidia 9600 would be enough.

For such low demand system, i can see why your budget is so high?
I spent ~$1100 on a high performance Core-i7 setup with gaming in mind!

You ought to tone down the speed/power of the components and spend more on reliable ones. e.g. ASUS motherboard

Also lower performance parts wont produce much heat, therefore less fans and very quiet PC
 

jv225

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Dec 20, 2009
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Thanks for the reply. I checked out the i7 860 before and it's only $10 less than the 920 so that's why I figured I might as well get the 920. I'll take a look at the video cards you mentioned and also see what I can come up with for an i5 system. What you said about getting slower higher quality components makes sense.
As far as budget if I can get something that will perform very well for what I need it to do in the $700-$800 range that would be great. I just figured it's better to have a budget too big than too small.
 
The i7 Mobos are also more expensive keep in mind. Don't get me wrong, the 92- is the way to go if doing heavy computational work or multiple GFX cards but you haven't listed that usage.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-310-5970,2491.html

Here's the "winners" from THG's latest (December) GFX Roundup
Best Graphics Cards For The Money: December '09


$50 - HD 4650
$65 - HD 4670 / 9600 GSO
$85 - 9600 GT
$95 - 9600 GT / HD 4830
$110 - GTS 250 512 MB
$120 - GTS 250 1 GB
$155 - HD 5770 / GTX 260
$200 - HD 4890
$240 - 2 x GTS 250
$310 - No winner (HD 5850 Honorable Mention)
$330 - 2 x GTX 260 / 2 x HD 5770
$400 - 2 x HD 4890
$410 - No winner (HD 5870 Honorable Mention)
$465 - No winner (GTX 295 Honorable Mention)
$625 - No winner (HD 5970 Honorable Mention)
 

jv225

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Thanks guys. I took a look at the core i5 and came up with this.

Mobo- ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131620

Cpu-Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

Ram-Kingston HyperX 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model KHX1333C7D3K4/8GX - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104163

Any suggestions here? It looks like this would be plenty for what I would be using it for and it's also under budget. Is 8 gigs of ram necessary or would I be ok with 4?

Thanks
 

winkerbie

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They seem good enough for you needs, I suggest you look at reviews, and take note of their pros and cons. The graphics card seems good for your needs. Just look around a bit more, to get the best deal.

The Combo, looks good, as for going with the ASUS MOBO, i cant really say, they both offer similar performance this is where reviews are helpful.
 

jv225

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Thanks to everyone who replied. Here is where I stand right now. I want to order this tonight or tomorrow morning as long as no one see's any major issues.

Case/psu combo- Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.304805

CPU-Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115214

MOBO-GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard w/ USB 3.0 & SATA 6 Gb/s - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409

RAM 8gigs -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

DVD-LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 24X DVD-R SATA Black 24X DVD Writer - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334

HDD-Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

GPU-GIGABYTE GV-R465OC-1GI Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125253&cm_re=Radeon_HD_4650-_-14-125-253-_-Product

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007

Thanks Jim
 

Yyrd

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Dec 22, 2009
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i'm building this same PC. some of the issues i had you also share.

one thing you can change, is get 2 500meg drives and raid them. vrs 1 large drive. same cost , yet faster. this is WIN-WIN.

for video cards, the reports love to CROSSFIRE two cards, then end up with a faster card'(s) at less money( or same ) as one expansive card. this is true, but they forgot 1 detail. in 6 months or 1 year you can always add a second FAST card. so, i think buying the 1 fast card is always better then CROSSFIRE two older cards.

the debatw is i5 vrs i7 is 200bucks. this 200bucks is buying you upgradeabity. the I5 is at the end of its life. and the i7 is new. so again. you got growing room with I7. and you dont wanna put two 5850 on a I5 setup( thinking future again).

if your like me, i buy 1 PC once every 4-5 years. so it must last. You find my thread and seee how i built my PC, its at $1370 ATM. with $70 rebate to mail in after.
 
@Yyrd: You really don't know what you're talking about. First, 2 500 GB drives are more expensive than a 1 TB drive. Yes, they are faster, but it's probably not worth the extra $25 (Samsung F3 500 GB $55, Samsung F3 1 TB $85).

Second, the i5 vs. i7 debate. i5's are just as good for gaming as the i7 at $100 less. That's why people recommend it instead of the i7. Also, the i5 IS NEWER THAN THE i7. Technically, with the i9 coming out, the i7 is at the end of its life. The i3 is a downgrade from the i5. Currently, the upgrade path is focused on the sockets (as it should be). No one knows what's going to happen there.

As far as Crossfiring on an i5 setup, it doesn't matter that the PCIe slots operate at 8x/8x vs. 16/16x. There is no noticeable difference between the two.

Seriously. Do some research before spouting "advice".
 

Yyrd

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first, even if you spend 95bucks on 2 drives or 85 for 1, i would downsize before i lost this extra speed. hardrives are a huge bottleneck.

next, yes i5 - i7 is a large debate. i5 are as good, but my thoughts are on the 1366.The 1336 is a much better MB. As I said "Thinks its better to buy 1 FAST Video card and upgrade next year with a 2nd crossfire. then buy 2 slower cards and trash them when you want an upgrade".The 1366 is said to handle the 5850crossfire better then the slower MB. How true this info is is as true as the Toms reports i read? not my information . i only past it on here.

personally im still debating if the $200 is worth the price. as i said. I share his issues and I am sharing them.

i if you want to disagree with my post, please do so, but don't point figures at me, this is only flaming.
 
We're getting way off topic. The OP's budget is only $1,000 for a basic use computer. Meaning that even if he needed an i7 (which he doesn't), he wouldn't be able to afford it. The i7 base build (CPU, mobo, RAM) usually runs $300-400 over the cost of the i5.

Given his budget and uses, he doesn't need HDDs in RAID. He doesn't need Crossfire/SLI. What he does need is a lower cost. Therefore, the i5 is the best choice for this build.

Once you get a higher budget, the i5 vs. i7 becomes more meaningless. For gaming, anything under a $1500 budget should be using i5 to maximize the GPU. Neither of these are the case here.

And I disagree with your post. I only added that you should go out and read some articles because you weren't giving correct information...
 

Yyrd

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i have 2 builds ATM all use the same case, PSU, heatsink,HHD, SSD, ati5850, cheap dvd

i did however change: I7 ,ASrockmb, G.skill 6gig dd3(1600).
compared too: I5, ASrockmb, G.skill 4gig dd3(1600)

the i7 cost $1342
the i5 cost $1169

$173 difference .

cost is mostly the extra 2 gigs ddr3 the i7 gets.
+ 88 more for the cpu. motherboards seems to cost the same.

anyways you can take out the SSD and save $50. this is just a toy i wanna test.
 

jv225

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Dec 20, 2009
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Ok I think I'm more confused than ever :D The price for everything I posted earlier (plus I added a keyboard and mouse) with the i7-860 etc. was $927 that's with 8gigs of Ram. I'm not sure if I need that much or not. If I cut it back to 4 gigs it would be $827. If I keep everything the same but the CPU and went with an i5-750 instead of the i7-860 it would be about $ 847 with 8 gigs of Ram or $747 with 4 gigs of Ram.
Ok now if I keep the case, PSU, DVD drive, video card, HDD, keyboard and mouse the same but go with the i7-920 and this stuff below it's $928.

CPU-Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

MOBO- GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375

RAM-G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231230

We're only talking $180 difference from the i5 setup to the i7-920. I may not need this much power right now but I usually keep my computers for 4-5 years or more. Would I be better off just spending the money now for the i7-920 and being set for awhile or am I really just wasting money for the type of stuff I need my computer to do? To be honest at this point spending the extra $180-$200 is not an issue. I just want a computer that will do what I need it to do quickly and last me a decent amount of time.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Jim