Is this viable? ~ 1000 build.

[proc]

Hi there,
So this is going to be my first build. I have some questions as I'm still kind of new to the hardware stuff ( The Q's at the bottom). I will be using the computer for primarily media use (music, internet, world of warcraft, and maybe some movies to). So here we go.

I have the monitor, here's the link anyways:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6089031&SRCCODE=CNETFEED&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjC2WHaCjCVqHCjCdwwp&cpncode=18-58484344-2

intel i7-930=$200 (I know a guy who knows a guy ^.^)

Motherboard: best bang for the buck?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5666809&CatId=4070

Graphics Card: Maybe SLI in the future
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4683600&csid=_21

Ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

HDD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&cm_re=caviar_black-_-22-136-319-_-Product

Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Power+Supplies-_-Antec-_-17371025

Case:
http://www.axiontech.com/prdt.php?item=77224

1. For OS wise I will be going with windows 7, do I need to worry about 32 or 64 bit? If so, what is the difference?

2. Is this a future proof build for what I am requiring this system to be used for?

3. Do I need water cooling? I have gotten mixed views from people I know. It sounds expensive and risky, and so far by preference I would like to get another fan, replace a heat sink etc etc.

4. I can't have 4 gigz of ram with an i7-930?? (just want to make sure)

So that's it, let me know how I did!
Thanks for your time,
--
Proc

 

[banthracis]

Better $1,000 gaming build. However, fill out form in sticky and we can fine tune if needed. Link in my sig.


Full Build
Optical LG $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

RAM
Ripjaw DDR3 1600 7-8-7-24 $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

Case/HD
HAF 922 and 7200.12 $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.400950

MOBO/GPU
5870 and GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 $475 w/ $15 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388649

CPU/HSF
Phenom II x4 955 and Cm Hyper 212 Plus $175
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.374198

PSU
Corsair 750tx $110 w/ $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Total: $1010 before $35 MIR and shipping


1. 32 bit OS only supports up to 3 gb of RAM. Need 64 bit to utilize more.
2. Any intel build is pretty much dead end with 1155 and 1356 coming out this year and next. Having SLI and a good PSU though, does let you drop in a second GPU for better gaming in the future.
3. Cheap water sucks, is louder and worse than good air, which is cheaper. To beat good air it's about $500 worth of water cooling.
4. 1366 CPU's are tri channel, not dual channel. you could run with 4 gb, 2 kits, but that's kinda defeating the purpose of 1366 there. 1156 runs dual channel, like the i5-750 linked above.

 

[proc]

Cool, thanks man. I think I'll go with your build then =D

 

[banthracis]

an i7 doesn't beat a phenom II x4 in gaming. In fact, even if you use a 5970 it still won't beat the phenom ii.

Gaming is heavily GPU limited, in fact, in Crysis, a 2.6 ghz to 4.0 ghz overclock on an i7-920 nets you zero FPS increase in an i7-920, even with a 5970 power it all.

http://www.legionhardware.com/articles_pages/cpu_scaling_with_the_radeon_hd_5970,8.html

Your friend needs to do his research.

Intel>AMD for productivity, encoding, rendering etc. In gaming though, they're about the same.

 

[banthracis]

If you go i7 build, you won't have enough money in a $1,000 budget to fit in a 5870.

With the AMD build you will. The Phenom II x4 + 5870, will beat an i7-930 + 5850 any day.


Also, the price isn't really special. Microcenter has had the price and cheaper for a long time now.

 

[proc]

really? wow, well I guess I got trumped on every angle of that build/deal *chuckles*
Oh, will I be able to Xfire that gpu in the future?

 

[banthracis]

really? wow, well I guess I got trumped on every angle of that build/deal *chuckles*
Oh, will I be able to Xfire that gpu in the future?

yes. this setup is ready for a second 5870 at any time.

 

[proc]

cool, I can't thank you enough man. You just saved me a lot of trouble for better performance. I couldn't ask for anything more!

Thanks again,
--
Proc