Hey all, I'm planning to build a new system within the next couple weeks and I'd like to make sure I've picked out some decent components before I throw down the cash.
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: By mid-August
BUDGET RANGE: ~$2,000
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Interweb
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: See below
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe
MONITOR RESOLUTION: At least 1920x1200
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
CPU: Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
HSF: ZALMAN CNPS10X Performa 120mm Long life CPU Cooler
Mobo: EVGA E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
Graphics: EVGA 015-P3-1482-AR GeForce GTX 480 (Fermi) SuperClocked 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
PSU: CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D
HDD: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFSRTL 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
Media: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Mostly I'm undecided on the mobo, RAM, and GPU -
RAM - Don't really have any preference; if what I've picked sounds good, then great. If not, just whatever gives the most bang for the buck.
Mobo - Same as above.
GPU - I won't be overclocking anything in this system, and would rather go with a one-card graphics solution than screw around with SLI/Crossfire. I went with an nVidia card since I've had better experiences with them, but wouldn't be against an ATI. In a single-card system, which is better (or at least seems to be better?) - Fermi (nVidia) or Hemlock (ATI)? Also, even with a single card and no overclocking, is it a good idea (or even a necessity) to throw in some extra video cooling? I hear that these cards run insanely hot.
Thanks for reading!
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: By mid-August
BUDGET RANGE: ~$2,000
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Interweb
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: See below
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe
MONITOR RESOLUTION: At least 1920x1200
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
CPU: Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
HSF: ZALMAN CNPS10X Performa 120mm Long life CPU Cooler
Mobo: EVGA E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
Graphics: EVGA 015-P3-1482-AR GeForce GTX 480 (Fermi) SuperClocked 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
PSU: CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D
HDD: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFSRTL 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
Media: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Mostly I'm undecided on the mobo, RAM, and GPU -
RAM - Don't really have any preference; if what I've picked sounds good, then great. If not, just whatever gives the most bang for the buck.
Mobo - Same as above.
GPU - I won't be overclocking anything in this system, and would rather go with a one-card graphics solution than screw around with SLI/Crossfire. I went with an nVidia card since I've had better experiences with them, but wouldn't be against an ATI. In a single-card system, which is better (or at least seems to be better?) - Fermi (nVidia) or Hemlock (ATI)? Also, even with a single card and no overclocking, is it a good idea (or even a necessity) to throw in some extra video cooling? I hear that these cards run insanely hot.
Thanks for reading!