Advice on New Gaming/Home Computer Build

[jprebb]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 12-28-09 BUDGET RANGE: ~$1400-$1500 (or less) After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, all-around home PC

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: mouse, speakers, and OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, micro center COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: I've always had good luck with Asus mobos, Intel i5 or i7, non-blinged out midtower case

OVERCLOCKING: doubtful SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe (future)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050, 1920x1080, or 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

I'd appreciate some feedback and general advice on the 2 builds I'm considering. I'm looking for a best-bang-for-the-buck PC that's going to last a while. The PC will primarily be used for games (nothing too hardcore right now) and general use. It will not be used for watching movies.

I know I'm probably spending too much on the motherboards, but I've always thought it was money well spent. Talk me out of them if you really think it's a waste of cash.

Thanks in advance!!!

i5 Build ($1,509.86 total):

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail - 199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

ASUS P7P55D-E Premium LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Motherboard - Retail - 279.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131606

SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video - 309.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102857

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) - Retail - 93.99 x 2 = 187.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - 84.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Compatible with i7 - Retail - 98.99 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM - 31.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Logitech G15 USB Wired Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail - 76.95 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126034

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - 69.99 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail - 169.99 (afte rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145
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i7 Build ($1,511.88 total):

The i7 build will all the parts listed above for the i5 build with the exception of the proc, mobo, and RAM.

Core i7 920 Processor Boxed - 199.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - 299.99 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit - Retail - 169.99 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

 

[gkay09]

For your usage, the i5 is better suited...
And surely some changes to that...

1. CPU - The i5 is cheaper at Microcenter -
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0317379

2. Mobo - Certainly you wone need the so called Premium features of that mobo - This would be more than enough...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131621
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128409

3. RAM - You dont need 8GB of RAM...4GB would suffice...
Corsair and cheaper -
$5 off w/ promo code EMCMNNM39, while supplies last
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260
or
this if you want to try overclock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231280

PSU - If you have any plans to add 1 more HD 58580 later on, then change the PSU to any of these...
The 650W would suffice but it doesnt have the required power connectors to power 2 HD 5850s...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151084
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Another case alternative -
At $55 and Free shipping, this is a very good deal...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

And if you like some bling in the case, then check this out...
Antec 600 - Comes to nearly the same cost after shipping...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129073

Monitor - Why not a Full HD ? and that too when you will be getting a HD 5850...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009157
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009179

 

[gkay09]

And totally forgot the CPU cooler...If you want to try overclocking, then certainly get this...
CM Hyper 212
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[jprebb]

gkay09: thanks for your replies...

I've been reading about how the i5 is better for games than the i7 with a single GPU. I just thought that the i7 (with hyper-threading) would be more of a benefit in the long run....plus I'd be using thriple channel ram vs. duel channel.

I also took your advice on the monitor and went with the 23" Acer.

Anyone else have anything to add?

Thanks!

jprebb

 

[gkay09]

^ For a gaming and home-PC, I dont think you will benefit much with hyper-threading and Tri-Channel...Only in highly multi-threaded apps like video editing, photo editing s/w will take use of this...
And as for games they still have to utilize fully the available 4 cores...So hyper-threading is a long way to go...
With the money saved by going with i5, actually you can get the HD 5870 and enjoy the games in their full glory...

 

[jprebb]

gkay09...thanks man!

JP

 

[gkay09]

^ Glad I could help...