First Build, could really use some advice

[Tophar]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP BUDGET RANGE: 1800-2200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Possibly video editing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: All peripheral

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: New egg

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whatever is best? so no?

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe, will probably throw in a second 5870 sooner or later.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet would be nice, but I really just want it to work =\

So, I've been doing my best to research things on my own, but I've kinda hit a wall. I'm pretty sure the stuff I've picked out will work, but I've never done this before.

Case: NZXT Hades or
HAF 922

Proc: Core i7 960

Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212

GPU: XFX 5870

Mobo: Asus P6T SE

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-S223

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-850HX 850W ATX12V 2.3

OS: Windows 7 Premium 64 bit

Like I said I'm pretty sure this will work. But I'm really interested in what you guys think. What would you change in this build, where would the bottle necks be?
I'm pretty set on a 5870, and i7 processor. I'm pretty unsure when it comes to Motherboards, RAM, or Power Supplies. Is 850 enough power if I do end up adding a second 5870?

Any Advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated

PS - those parts come out to about $2000, so there is about 200 to play with if there is something that is really lacking

 

[143miah]

You could change your Windows 7 to the OEM version. Saves about 60 bucks.

And then you could also change your cooler to the Megahelms. I read these are good for cooling.

And then you could save money by changing that 960 to a 930 or 920 and just overclock them.

And with the money saved you could get a 5970 and change the PSU to a Corsair 1000w HX if you plan on adding another 5970 later.

If not, then don't forget your combos:

960 + Corsair RAM
NZXT Hades + HDD
Saves some cash.
I'd get an SSD to install Windows on for faster booting. Here's a combo: Windows 7 + OCZ SSD

 

[tecmo34]

^+1....

My Recommendations:
■MOBO: ASRock X58 Extreme 3 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Same price with USB 3.0 / SATA 6.0 Gb/s support
■CPU / RAM Combo: Intel Core i7 930 & G.SKILL PI Series 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 1600 - Better RAM Timings and a cheaper CPU, which is easily overclocked to above the Core i7 960.

 

[buzznut]

Not bad advice but the Hyper 212+ almost performs as well as the megahalems for half the price. The only time it really doesn't keep up is for overclocks over 3.8 Ghz. Even then it will probably not restrict max overclock.

The nzxt cases in my research shows them to be very cool looking but mostly plastic and not top quality. The coolermaster case is high quality, and could possibly last you through several builds.

I would definitely consider an SSD boot drive, but 30gigs is very small. I recommend spending a bit more and getting a 60-80gig boot drive. The Intel 80 gig X-25 M would be nice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167023

I have a 40G SSD and I am adding a second for raid as soon as I have money. I wish I could install Dragon age on that thing!

And yes, that power supply can handle 2 5870's.

The 960 is overpriced, when the 920 and 930 can be easily clocked higher.

 

[Tophar]

Thanks guys =D. I know the i7 960 is a "waste of money" but I have 0 over clocking experience, I know its not as hard as it used to be, but I really don't wanna fry anything, either. I was kinda viewing it as idiot tax lol

 

[Shadow703793]

+1 on the SSD and the HAF922. Also, like said above, drop the i7 960 and get a i7 930/920. If you live near a Microcenter, you can buy the i7 930 for $200. +1 for the GSkill PI and GSkill Ripjaws.

Stick with the P6T SE, it's a very good board. I personally don't trust ASRock and SATAIII just yet. I also don't trust Seagate yet due to firmware problems they had a year or so ago. Get a Samsung F3 1TB.

edit:
As for OCing, it's not hard and the extra money is not worth it for the i7 960.

 

[143miah]

Thanks guys =D. I know the i7 960 is a "waste of money" but I have 0 over clocking experience, I know its not as hard as it used to be, but I really don't wanna fry anything, either. I was kinda viewing it as idiot tax lol

If you need any guidance, I'm sure people over in the overclocking forum wouldn't mind helping you out. IMO, I think asking for help is worth saving 400-500 dollars.

 

[Tophar]

What is the difference between an OEM and retail version of windows?

 

[143miah]

What is the difference between an OEM and retail version of windows?

Here ya go

 

[Tophar]

ah, awesome. Thanks man =D

 

[143miah]

ah, awesome. Thanks man =D

No problem ;D

 

[buzznut]

Yeah, the overclocking is easy and with an aftermarket HS you really won't experience increased thermals at 3.2 Ghz. You probably wouldn't even need to add any voltage to get to 3.2. And you will find plenty of folks here available to help, there are guides under the overclocking section of the forums here. You need not worry about frying your cpu with the experienced help here.

However the choice is yours if you still feel uncomfortable with overclocking.
gl and have fun!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

ASUS P6X58D-E LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard w/ i7-930 $515
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.378938

No experience necessary with this Guide.
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?id=20081220191040237&board_id=1&model=P6T+Deluxe&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

Case / PSU: Two consensus Favorites

HAF 932 and Corsair HX850 $330 (922 will suffice if you don't need the extra cooling).

Antec 1200 w/ CP-850 $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359977

RAM - You have CAS 9.....I'd look for CAS 7 w/o any tall heat spreaders.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286
They are shorter than the dominators and ripjaws and therefore have less interference issues w/ big heat sinks.

Yes, get the OEM version of the OS.....the difference is $80.....ya get no tech support w/ OEM and you can't use it on anudder puter....you can upgrade tho you can't upgrade too many things at same time.

HD is right choice for gaming.