I7 930, SSD, $1400-1500 Needs HSF, GPU, RAM?

[wronsky]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: (1-2 Weeks)
BUDGET RANGE: (e.g.: $1400-1500) Before Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (Photoshop, Starcraft 2, HTPC, general multitasking)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (keyboard, mouse, monitors, speakers, external sound card)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (newegg.com, microcenter, amazon.com) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: SSD, Intel Processor. It seems like 1366 will offer some level of future-proofing

OVERCLOCKING: Mild only- maybe 3.3ghz
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: In the future maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (2 x 1920x1200)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have been forum-lurking for some time, and I am pretty sure about the following components:


GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R - 209.99

I7 930 (Microcenter) - 199.99

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B – 99.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX – 89.99

Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2R5 2.5" 80GB – 224.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200 - 69.99

ASUS DVD Burner OEM – 23.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - 99.99

Koutech IO-RCM621 Multi-format Card Reader – 19.99



I am unsure about: GPU, RAM, HSF. So far, I think:

HIS iCooler V H583FN1GD Radeon HD 5830 – 224.99

This should be able to max SC2 @ 1920x1200 according to the tomshardware review. Is this a good brand? This is really the only game I will be playing.

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 – 159.99

No clue about Ram choice…

Coolermaster V8 - 49.99 (Microcenter)

Wanted to get the Hyper 212+, but it’s out of stock or takes too long to ship or costs as much as the CM V8… Any suggestions?


Thanks So Much!
-Wronsky

 

[Mark Heath]

HIS is a pretty good brand, but the 5830 isn't the best card to get, since it hugs the 5770 in performance, but the 5850 in cost.

If you'll never ever play anything more than Starcraft 2, then go for a 5770. If you wnat the ability to play something beefier than Starcraft 2 in future without having to go to Crossfire, then go for a 5850.

What're the timings on the RAM?

Cooler Master V8 isn't that good compared to some other cooler out there for a similar price. I don't actually know what they are so other guys can recommend something there.

Rest of the build looks good, but you could swap that case for something with better fundtionality and airflow if you want to. Antec 300 Illusion is great if you want to consider an alternative to the K7B.

 

[wronsky]

Thanks, Mark Heath

I guess I should move down to the 5770 and just crossfire if needed. Should I move up to the Corsair 750 watt?

Here is a link to the ram

timings 9-9-9-24

I'm also considering the G. Skill Pi series, if anyone thinks they are better

G. Skill Pi Series

As for the K7B- This was essentially an aesthetic choice. Also, I watch a lot of movies and I like to have a dark case.

Still unsure abut HSF

Wronsky

 

[Mark Heath]

You should get some RAM with better timings. The PI kit you listed is good if you're willing to pay the extra.

ah... just re-read your first post and you said mild o'c. With that the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ is pretty good, but it's way too expensive on newegg, so if you can find it somewhere else for around $30 then go for it. Aamazon sells it at a decent price. There are also some good Zalmans at a similar price that're good if you can't find the Hyper at a good price. (don't pay more than $35 for the Hyper)

 

[wronsky]

Best answer selected by wronsky.