New Partial Build ($2000)

[Cook1eMan]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within 2-3 Weeks

Before / After (REBATES): Depends on how much they add up to.

BUDGET RANGE: $2000 (A little more is fine, but over $2100 is pushing it as I already did and have to fix)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Modeling/Rendering in Maya, Higher End Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Power Supply (TX650W, Hopefully it's enough. I know I'm pushing it.) HDD, Mouse and Optical Drive.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU, ASUS Motherboard, ASUS GPU, Corsair Ram.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 or higher (I need one)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Doesn't need to be flashy. If a part works better with a window (Example: ASUS ROG MATRIX 5870 P load indicator) then use a case with a window. I would like a window, but it's not that important.


Original Build:

CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield (D0 Stepping if possible. Don't know if it's a hit or miss anymore)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

GPU: ASUS ROG Matrix 5870 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121382

Motherboard: ASUS Rampage III Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131642

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12DX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608012

Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 800D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139001

Keyboard: Logitech G15
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126034

RAM: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145295

LCD: ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

Subtotal: $2,159.90 (Needs some adjustments to fit my budget)



EDIT: Removed newer build. It's something I keep changed due to all the awesome feedback.

 

[ryanhmusic]

okay, quick switch, go for a i7 930 instead, it's an update to the 920 and is better in all respects
I read an article a little while ago about the 2gb 5870 which wasn't all too flattering... the article pointed out that the purpose of the 2gb of vram was to be able to spread it across 6 monitors but at a resolution that big, the card itself is unable to keep up... i'd recommend dropping down to a 5850 (because it's basically an underclocked 5870 and over clocking it) or x-firing them
good choice of a cpu cooler, there are others out there ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118046 ) i've got one of those in all of my computers and they do a wonderful job
in my opinion that case is way overpriced... i'd just get a HAF 932 and save a bunch of cash there... with the money saved on the case i'd grab a 750w corsair psu as to not risk a shortage of power

 

[samdsox]

Ok here are my suggestions.

1. i7 930>i7 920. The 930 is basicly an upgrade and is literally only 20 bucks more. switch to that.

2 The Case: its really expensive. Why don't you look at haf 932. Its a monster(in size) it cools well, and its about 100 bucks cheaper.

3 Video card: if your going to be 1920x1080 then you don't need a 2gb video card. a 1gb will be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161301&cm_re=5870_1gb-_-14-161-301-_-Product look at that shaves off another 100 bucks

4 Mobo: no reason to spend so much on it. Why not get this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614&cm_re=x58-_-13-131-614-_-Product woops there goes another 80 bucks

5:ram: good just wana make sure you are getting this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224&cm_re=CORSAIR_DOMINATOR_6GB_(3_x_2GB)-_-20-145-224-_-Product only 190 after rebate plus better timing(can't see your links something to do with my router lol)

6: psu: your right your cutting it close. Crossfiring with that in the future is going to be a big no no. Get a better one now and be set for the future, or if you dicide to crossfire get one then,the one you have listed should work for now.(don't hold me on it, i am only 90 percent sure)

 

[samdsox]

looks like ryanhmusic here pushed the "submit your reply" button just a little bit faster.

 

[duk3]

That ram is not the greatest for the price.
I would recommend either this for something faster at the same price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121

 

[ryanhmusic]

tehehe, samdsox, i win; we had basically exactly the same recommendations... freaky, great minds think alike

 

[Userremoved]

May I suggest this combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.406124

 

[Cook1eMan]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

As for the combo in the last response. I've been a fan of G.Skill and have it my current computer now. I'm a little weary on GIGABYTE though. I haven't heard much about them compared to the other giants.

 

[Userremoved]

GIGABYTE Is one of the big brands making motherboards, GPUs, etc. great build quality all around.

 

[Cook1eMan]

I looked into the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R and it looks to be at the same level as the ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 except for a few points where it was lower, but not by much at all. It's definitely something to look at especially since that combo would knock off a good chunk of money. Thanks

 

[nexuss]

First of all, trying to keep all your parts in the same brand is not a good thing to do. Some brands excel in a domain but can't fallow in others. So try choosing your brands more on the reputation they have and the guarantees they offer.

CPU: i7 930 is basically an updated version of the 920 (and only 10 $ more), more than that is just a waste of money.

GPU: I have a hard time suggesting the HD5870 since a single HD5850 can delivers as great performances in games that matter today. You do have the budget for a HD5970, but you can almost equal its performance with two HD5850 and 100$ more in your wallet. Your choice on that one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=hd_5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121357&cm_re=hd_5970-_-14-121-357-_-Product

Motherboard: ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard. (Great MOBO for 80$ less)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813131614

CPU Cooler: Noctua is always a good buy for a CPU Cooler. If you plan on overclocking though, I prefer the NH-D14 to the NH-U12DX.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018&cm_re=noctua-_-35-608-018-_-Product

Case: Ok cases are usually personal preferences as soon as Tom's Hardware like the case you prefer .
I actually like the HAF932 and the Cosmos S(super sexy, you need to buy better fans though), both from Coolermaster, both great purchase.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160&cm_re=HAF-_-11-119-160-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119150&cm_re=cosmos_s-_-11-119-150-_-Product

Keyboard: Buy a cheap one ! If you're a real gamer, you're going to break it anyway ! The Logitech Deluxe 250 offers a great, great price for the high quality it offers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16823126013

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Redline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 998805. Better, faster and only 30 $ more expensive. Totally worth it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820226121

LCD: ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI (Great monitor)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

Subtotal: $2,154.88 (Cosmos S, 2 x HD5850, CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W you already chose)

What I suggest is buying one GPU now (you can still run all games) and upgrading with a second one later if you think you're pushing your budget too far.

 

[ashergill]

I agree about the i7 930 over 920.

Look at this case as well; its much cheaper, and has similar looks to the Corsair Obsidian. I know the HAF 932 is very well liked, but the looks aren't for everyone.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119187&cm_re=atcs_840-_-11-119-187-_-Product

Other RAM to consider include the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231304&cm_re=ripjaws-_-20-231-304-_-Product
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231306&cm_re=ripjaws-_-20-231-306-_-Product

Another vote for Noctua NH-D14, and it comes with thermal paste + fans.

As for the MoBo, may save even more by going with this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641&cm_re=p6x58d-e-_-13-131-641-_-Product


Finally, make sure you look at possible combo deals for the items you eventually decide upon.

 

[Cook1eMan]

Kind of interesting that the HD5850's in crossfire do a little better than the HD5970. I thank that may be the direction I end up going right not, but it's still up in the air till I put the final build together and hit the "Buy Button."

Thanks for the input so far everyone. It's helped me a lot so far.

 

[Userremoved]

Also about the Noctua cooler is kinda over priced considering the Hyper 212 can do over clocking at a lower price point (30$):
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-RR-B10-212P-G1-Universal-Heat-Pipe/dp/B002G1YPH0

 

[Userremoved]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641&cm_re=p6x58d-e-_-13-131-641-_-Product

I tough the GIGABYTE motherboard I pointed out that it was cheaper and had about all the same features. Also the i7 930 is a better buy.

 

[ckim2116]

Kind of interesting that the HD5850's in crossfire do a little better than the HD5970. I thank that may be the direction I end up going right not, but it's still up in the air till I put the final build together and hit the "Buy Button."

Thanks for the input so far everyone. It's helped me a lot so far.

Take a look at this review: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-5970,2474.html

The 5970 is faster than CF'd 5850's in a lot of games. I know it's more expensive, but it's also a single slot card, giving you room for expansion later. I think that with your budget, a 5970 is the way to go.

Another thing to consider is that although the 5970 is currently the fastest discrete card in the world, it still can't keep up with some things. Mine couldn't give me playable framerates in some parts of Crysis at 1920x1080 at the highest settings, and it barely runs BFBC2 at the LOWEST settings with a bezel compensated resolution of 5948x1080 (which makes it hard to snipe people when your crosshair is lagging and the trees lack so much detail that enemy snipers can hide their whole bodies behind them hahah).

 

[Cook1eMan]

I've looked around and seen that I may be able to run the 5970 on my Corsair TX650W. So far it looks like I could run it, but it would be pretty close to pushing it.

Anyone think I would be alright for now with the TX650W in my computer now as a temp power supply?

If it ends up to be too little I can bring back the 650 and pick up the 750 or 850 at bestbuy; I only bought it a week ago. (I payed 75 for the TX650W at bestbuy and needed it right away so.)

 

[ckim2116]

I have that exact PSU running my system; it's been stable for about 6 months now. ATI recommends 650W for a single 5970 and 850W for crossfire. If you want to crossfire later you should return the 650 and get an 850.

 

[samdsox]

Just saying you don't want to crossfire in the begining of the system. You wan't to leave that for an update in the future when the games become more graphic intensive then they are now.

 

[Userremoved]

The TX 650 is a great unit. I think it's extreme to use it so much if you want that atleat the TX 750/850.