Is this suitable build ?

[jiktakzz]

* ASRock X58 Deluxe GL/SATA/eSATA/R/FW X58
* Intel Core i7-920 4x2.67GHz FSB1600 8MB-
* Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX
* Samsung SH-S223C/BEBE 22x DVD±R 16/12x D
* Corsair TX 750W ATX 2.2 aktiv PFC Netzte
* Cooler Master Centurion CM 690 Midi Tower
* PowerColor Radeon AX5850 1GBD5-PPDHG PCS
* 6GB (3x2GB) Kingston HyperX DDR3-1333 RA


Now, this is practically the same as this month's March Enthusiast PC build, with the exception of RAM. The question I want to aks is whether my chosen RAM modules are sufficient for the rest of the build and if you guys could add some recommendations.

Thanks in advance !

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It's a decent build, but you should get the i7 930 instead of the 920. The 930 wasn't released yet when they put that build together. I'm not crazy about that ASRock board. I know it's got decent reviews, but it's best to stick with Asus or Gigabyte if at all possible. Here's a very nice combo deal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.355680 $479.98 (Intel Core i7-930 2.8GHz + Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R combo)

You can also get faster CAS 7 DDR3 1600 RAM that runs at a lower voltage for cheaper.

G.SKILL PI Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7T-6GBPI - Retail $179.99

The 750TX is a nice PSU, but you can get an 80+ Bronze certified PSU for only $10 more.

Antec TruePower New TP-750 Blue 750W 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply $119.95 - $20 MIR

 

[saint19]

Hi newcomer and welcome to the Tom's hardware forum.

1- The mobo IMO isn't the best for an i7
2- Change the HD for a Spinpoint F3 1TB, is better and is more cheap.
3- With a 600W PSU is enough, you don't need a 750W at least that you go for Crossfire. This Antec 650W is a very good PSU, and enough for your system, even, if you go for Crossfire.
4- Be sure that the RAM is CL8 or less and 1.65V max.

 

[jiktakzz]

Yep, the RAM modules are RM7 and rated at 1.65V. Full specs (as given by the retailer):

Kingston 6GB (3x2GB), DDR3-1333 RAM, PC3-10667U, HyperX DIMM XMP Kit, CL7 (7-7-7-20), nonECC, 1.65V, KHX1333C7D3K3/6GX.

About the hard-drive I have had some bad encounters with Samsung HDDs in the past (and I know it's silly thing to say, since the technology changes everyday) but I'm sticking with Seagate.

Thanks for the fast replies though, greatly appreciated.

 

[saint19]

No problem, probably I will do the same.

 

[jiktakzz]

One more thing I wanted to ask you. I searched around, but was unable to find a definitive article about the i7 920's steppings. Are all 920s DO stepping, or some of them are still CO ?

 

[saint19]

Well, I don't know the answer to that question, but you can ask the same question HERE

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Why are you still set on getting the 920? The 930 is only slightly more expensive and you're guaranteed the newest stepping with the 930. I also stand by my suggestions posted above. That motherboard + CPU combo is a great deal.

 

[jiktakzz]

Why are you still set on getting the 920? The 930 is only slightly more expensive and you're guaranteed the newest stepping with the 930. I also stand by my suggestions posted above. That motherboard + CPU combo is a great deal.

Availability - I'm not ordering in the US.