I7 Editing/CS4/Gaming Build Needs Final Approval

Paradigm0603

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Mar 13, 2010
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18,510
Thanks in advance for checking out my build. I am looking to build a computer that will last me the next 3+ years (give or take).

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the next month.

BUDGET RANGE - 1400-1600 Max

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: HD Editing (Avid media Composer), CS4 Master Suite (AE and Photoshop mostly, Gaming (Mostly MMOs, WOW, SW: Old Republic, and games not available on my PS3)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, DVD Burner

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com and Amazon

PARTS PREFERENCES: Due to Avid system requirements, Intel CPU and NVidia GPU are required to maximize stability.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes. (to about 3.6ghz or so)

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not until my core programs support multi-gpu.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Currently, 1680x1050 - Looking to upgrade in the near future to dual 1920x1080)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Just looking for the thumbs up to pull the trigger within the next month or so. Below is the list of components I've picked out so far.

CPU: i7 920 D0 stepping
MOBO: ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58
RAM: G.SKILL PI Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
HSF: Thermalright CoGage True Spirit 4-Heatpipe Core i7 CPU Cooler
HDD: 3x SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
PSU: CORSAIR 750HX 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
GPU: PNY VCGGTX260CXPB GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
CASE: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case
Thermal Compound: AC5 (though read it takes quite a while for 'curing' and temps to stabilize. Open to suggestions for alternatives. (if that's even a big deal)
OS: Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate 64 bit

1400 and change with CPU purchased for $200 from Micro Center. (100 miles round trip to save $80 seems worth it to me)

Questions:

1) Is 6GB of RAM sufficient? Considering I do more than just game on my computer these days, I'm wondering if 12GB would be better.

2) If I go 12GB RAM (now, or in the future) I'd like to make sure the RAM I have picked out will occupy all 6 slots and still fit with the HSF I have picked out. Not sure how to figure that out, short of buying everything and testing it.

3) GPU has been the hardest for me to decide on. Avid system specs require a Quadro, but they don't perform well for gaming (which I'll be doing some of). Can't have both, so I'm open to suggestions on the GPU. The one I have down was chosen for its price/effectiveness/positive ratings. I'm open to any and all suggestions here.

4) Pretty sure the HAF 922 is wide enough to fit the HSF I chose (but not 100%).

5) I know I have a bottleneck by not going SSD for OS/Apps, but I can't afford it right now. (Or can I?) I'll wait til the price drops on the 120GB's.

Thanks again for helping me finalize my build.
Jason
 

blackhawk1928

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If you budget cap is 1600 bucks, i can tweak that to be a little better.

CPU: Intel Core i7 930
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5770
PSU: Corsair 750TX
RAM: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2) kit 1600mhz/CL7
MOBO: Asus P6X58D Premium
HSF: Cooler Master Hyper 212+
HDD: 3x Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
TC: Artic Silver 5
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate

The build should amount to 1599.88 bucks on newegg if added to wishlist. There are some rebates, discounts...etc However with this build you get for 6bucks more the 930 instead of the 920...which is the same exact thing expect for a clock bump from 2.66 to 2.8 which is really nothing but for 6bucks...cmon lol. Secondaly the corsair ram is just as good as that g.skill but a little cheaper. Trade the 750HX for a TX, same thing except non-modular, your case is very good so cable managment will be a fly. Get the CM 212+ as the cooler its very good and inexpensive. and the 5770 might not be as powerful as the 260 but supports DX11 and you can Xfire them in the future.

If you are going to microcenter, get the 930 instead if its available, if not just stick the 920. Its the same thing so don't feel bad. You'll be O'erclockin anyway.

Now to answer your Q's:

1) 6GB would be more then sufficient. If you need more buy another 6GB kit and use all 6slots :)

2) I think the ram will fit fine

3)ATI 5770 as i mentioned above.

4)Oh yes, 922 is 10inches wide hehe anything will fit in it.

5) Just because you don't have an SSD doesn't mean its a bottleneck. An SSD is a premium treat you get if you have the money. 99% of people dont have them...HDD's are fine. If you get an SSD, your fps and app performance will not increase at all... so don't even waste money it.

Good Luck :) Post if you have more Q's or anything.
 

Paradigm0603

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Mar 13, 2010
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18,510
Thanks for the reply blackhawk192.

A couple questions:
I can't go ATI GPU. They don't play well with Avid. Any Nvidia based GPUs you'd suggest over the one chosen? Will the new 400 series Geforce releasing at the end of the month cause any price changes? Or will they only cause ATI to drop their higher end cards?

I read the 920 D0 is better for oc'ing if pushed to 4.0ghz (which I might do). Something about odd vs even multiplier being more stable.

I'll look into the Corsair memory you suggested. I think the GSkill was chosen based on a 12GB kit I found before dropping down to 6GB.

I don't remember why I picked that HSF. I think it was the 'winner' in a test I found somewhere, but can't find now. I've read the HSF you suggested is good and moderately priced, so I'll pick it up, thanks.


 

blackhawk1928

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I'll read up on the 920 being better on overclocking you might be correct. :)
And the nvidia GPU's a 260 will be fine i guess. And nvidia is releasing 300series cards. And i think they will cause price changes...the older cards as well as ATI's cards will drop because of competition.
 
CPU: Change to 930

MOBO: OK

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286

HSF: Pick from top 3 or 4 on these lists:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_Heatsinks
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm#INTELHEATSINK
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=371&Itemid=62&limit=1&limitstart=15

pick a TIM from the top few here:
http://www.hwreviewlabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64%3Amega-44-thermal-paste-round-up&catid=32%3Around-ups&Itemid=47&limitstart=3
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermal-interface-roundup_10.html#sect1
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=3

For performance and ease of installation, the Prolimatech Megahalems fits both criteria. Here's what I'm putting in new builds.

Megahalems w/ IC Diamond TIM and twin Scythe PWMfans. ($65 for the HS, $7 for TIM, $11 each for two PWM fans and $7 for a Y cable splitter).
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8807/cpu-pro-01/Prolimatech_Megahalems_Rev_B_Intel_CPU_Heatsink_LGA_775_1156_1366_AM2_AM2_AM3_Hot_Item.html
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7038/thr-41/Innovation_Cooling_Diamond_7_Carat_Thermal_Compound_-_15_Grams.html?id=BZWnrfIC
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10026/fan-639/Scythe_Slip_Stream_120mm_x_25mm_PWM_Fan_-_SY1225SL12LM-P.html?tl=g36c365s936
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8418/cab-150/FrozenCPU_PMW_Y_Splitter_Cable.html


HDD: Hard Drives - Check out the performance charts and pick whatever 500 GB per platter drive performs best under your usage patterns. The 2 TB WD Black and XT from Seagate are good choice but at smaller capacities, you are limited to the Seagate 7200.12 or the Spinpoint F3. The 7200.12 excels in gaming, multimedia and pictures whereas the F3 wins at music and movie maker. See the comparisons here (copy past link in manually, link won't work in forum):

(http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/compare,1006.html?prod[2371]=on&prod[2770]=on)

GPU: The 260 and 4870 are faster than the 5770 by about 10% but the 260's price has shot up higher than what is reasonable for that card. At 1650 res, I'd say get a GTS 250 currently running about $99. If you're moving to a single 1920 x 1200 monitor, then I'd suggest a 5850 or better if you plan on playing Dx11 games going into XMas 2010 and 2011. Check out the relative performance of the 5770/5830/5850 here .... not just that page, see all the benchies (don't get excited by the 275's scores on AvP and Dirt2 as they are not using Dx11):

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews.php?reviewid=937&pageid=7

CASE / PSU: You picked an excellent PSU and Case....however for just $14 extra you could step up to this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.345233

 
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