Equilibrium

Distinguished
Feb 6, 2010
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18,510
Hello everyone!

I am a new builder without much experience (I have replaced a dead psu and added some memory to my dad's computer). I have used Tom's a lot in researching the parts so I figured the experts and enthusiasts here could give me some advice (making sure parts are compatible, are good choices, etc).

A little bit about me: I really like to build things (legos were my favorite toy as a kid) so I have always have wanted to build my own computer. I don't think connecting everything together will be hard but working in the BIOS scares me a little. I have saved up enough cash to hopefully build a pretty kick ass rig that will last a while.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: March 1st

BUDGET RANGE: Low 2000's

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

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: So far I have only bought speakers - Logitech Z523

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg or retail stores (Fry's, micro center)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: none

OVERCLOCKING: Probably but not too high

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Here's what I am thinking for the parts

Processor: Intel i7 920 $200
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727

Motherboard: Asus P6x58D Premium $310
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614

CPU cooler: Probably going to go with the Thermalright 120, Cogage Spirit, or noctua NH-12 $70ish

GPU: XFX Radeon 5870 $400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150443

Memory: Corsair Dominator 3 x 2GB $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

HD: WD Caviar Black 1 TB $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

CD/DVD: Sony Optiarc combo $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

PSU: Not sure - Corsair 750 or 850w tx or hx $120-180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011

Keyboard: Logitech g110 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126087

Mouse: Logitech mx518 $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104178

Monitor: Samsung P2350 $230
http://www.frys.com/product/5979304

Case: Silverstone FT-01BW $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163121

OS: Windows 7 64bit home premium OEM $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

Total: $2163

I am probably going to pick up thermal paste and a static wrist strap; are there any other miscellaneous items I will need to put everything together?

For the PSU, 750w is enough as it stands but should I go for 850w in case I decided to get another 5870 for crossfire? Would you guys recommend the tx or hx corsair models? If I do crossfire, it will not be for a couple of years, would it just be easier to just buy a newer model gpu?

Future plans: a sound card, ssd, maybe an i9 :p.

Thanks a bunch for reading everything!
 
If your going to xfire i would go for the 850W ( it will give you some room to OC the CPU and GPUs if you like, if your not going to xfire a Corsair 650 is a good deal ATM, as far has HX or TX its up to you if you want modular or not http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090058%2050001459%20113142559&name=Corsair%20Memory

in two years there might be a better single GPU that beats the HD 5870s in xfire, who knows

Have you looked into the HAF 922 case its very nice and would save 100 bucks

The ram looks good but its over priced

HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Hard+Drives-_-Seagate-_-22148433 or Samsung F3 T1 ( but out of stock ) atm
 
Yes it will be fine

PCI Express 2.1

PCI Express 2.1 supports a large proportion of the management, support, and troubleshooting systems planned to be fully implemented in PCI Express 3.0. But, the speed is the same as PCI Express 2.0.
 

scotty333

Distinguished
Nov 22, 2009
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18,510
In case it helps, check out a post I wrote 11/22/2009 after I built my gaming system. I was looking at building an i7 920 system, but went the i7 860 route instead. In case I didn't paste the link correctly, the title of the post was "Thanks for the advice - a new computer is born." Good luck with your build.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=31&post=275127&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0
 

Equilibrium

Distinguished
Feb 6, 2010
10
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18,510
Good read, thanks for the link.

I am going to be ordering / picking up the parts this week and I have all of spring break to assemble so wish me luck!