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New i7 build for gaming and development

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: today

BUDGET RANGE: (e.g.: 600-800) 2000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, software development

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: cpu, gpu, case, psu, monitor, keyboard/mouse, dvddrive

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, tigerdirect, microcenter

PARTS PREFERENCES:


2x CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145286
$349.98
($174.99 each)

1x ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131614
$309.99

1x Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme Universal CPU Cooler 120mm Magnetic Fluid Dynamic LED Fan and Fan Controller/Heatsink Rev.1 with ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16835154011
$62.99

2x Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2XXX 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM
Item #: N82E16820167016
$439.90
($219.95 each)

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No, not right now.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm going to pick up an i7-930 from a local Microcenter store. I'm going to reuse my current 8800GTX until I can get my hands on a GTX480.

I know it's a lot of memory. I'm going to be using a RAMDisk (at least 4GB), and its not uncommon for me to have two or three virtual PC's up and running while developing software (almost always an SQL server, and a couple of client machines).

The case is a full size Thermaltake Armor series, and a 650watt PSU, toughpower I think, although not sure.

I forgot to mention that I have a Samsung F3 1TB drive that's going in as well.

I do intend to use the X25's in RAID 0. I know I lose the TRIM functionality, but it's my understanding that Intel is working on a firmware/driver fix??? Anyone confirm or deny? At any rate I hear there is a tool I can run manually that will have a similar effect as TRIM but will work with RAID.

Any thoughts?

More about : build gaming development

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Best solution

Switch that CPU cooler for the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus. It's a lot cheaper, and the Hyper 212 is easily one of the best HSF on the market.

I would personally get a 128 GB SSD instead of two 80 GB ones in RAID 0. RAID 0 is pretty much as waste in my book, as it doubles the chances that you lose everything on the drive to a minor glitch.

If your PSU is a Thermaltake, I would highly recommend picking up a new PSU. Thermaltake doesn't make very good quality units, and if you want to power a huge GPU and SLI later, you will need more than 650W. I recommend either the OCZ Z Series 850W 80+ Gold or Corsair 750W 80+. With the above changes, you can afford either with your budget.

I will look into the PSU. It has held up well with and OC'ed Athlon X2 4400+ 939, and the 8800GTX (use to be two 6600GT's).

I picked the CPU cooler based on the list over at http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm. Honestly I didn't put too much thought into the CPU cooler. I will OC a bit, but nothing extreme (3.7-3.9). The Tuniq also looks a bit cooler IMO.

Are you suggesting the Corsair over the Intel SSD's? I couldn't find that model on the 2009 SSD list here on Toms. The listed speeds on Newegg seem higher, but I wonder about real world numbers.

I understand the risk of RAID 0. I am coming from a pair of Raptor 74GB. I have automated backups. With such high MTFB of SSDs I thought it would be less risky.

Thanks, BTW for your feedback!

If you're not trying for a huge OC, I wouldn't spend anything more than the $30ish for the Hyper 212.

As for the Corsair over the Intel, I'm suggesting it if you aren't going to go with a RAID. As for not being on Tom's list yet, it takes a while for the newer models to show up there. The Nova is under a month old (I think).
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