HELP on i7 930 new built!

[mochacup]

Hi Guys,

I am building a new i7 machine for work, surfing and gaming. I have done some research and decided to buy the following parts. However, there are 2 builds that I have here...one is more high end whereas the other setup is much less expensive. The parts are very similar, just wondering is it worthwhile spending more to get the high end setup? Please advise all gurus!

Expensive Model
ASUS P6X58D-Premium 355
Intel i7 930 CPU 349
ATI 5850 1GB DDR5 380
Hitachi 1TB SATA harddisk 7K1000.C (or seagate) 78
Corsair 6GB 1600 Dominator GT 360
DVDRW/Blueray Combo Samsung SHB123-A 94
LG 23" E2340V-PN LED 5ms DVI Slim Monitor 235
Logitech MK710 Mouse and Keyboard 110
Seasonic X 750W PSU 222
Notua DH-N14 CPU Cooler 119
CoolerMaster HAF-X Case 249
Windows 7 Ultimate 367
SSD 400
TOTAL 3318

Less Expensive Model
ASUS P6X58D-E 275
Intel i7 930 CPU 349
ATI 5850 1GB DDR5 380
Hitachi 1TB SATA harddisk 7K1000.C (or seagate) 78
Corsair XMS C8 228
DVDRW/Blueray Combo Samsung SHB123-A 94
LG 23" E2340V-PN LED 5ms DVI Slim Monitor 235
Corsair HX750 195
Notua SE14 94
CoolerMaster HAF-932 179
Windows 7 Ultimate OEM 200
SSD 320
TOTAL 2627

So that comes to $3318 vs $2627! Prices are in AUD$ (Australia).

Is it worthwhile paying more to get the high end model? I was told I can hardly note the difference between the 2 models here.....Yes I want to overclock the CPU to 4GHz.
Some of my friends ask me to wait for i7 950, heard some rumours that Intel will be offering 40% discount and replacing 930.

Please advise.
M

 

[gkay09]

^ Well I like the $2627 better...
Just a drawback on the -E model is that it doesnt have built-in eSATA, except that rest are same...
And why do you need the WIN 7 Ultimate ? IF it is going to be a general usage PC, then the HP would suffice...
And 320 for SSD ? Which one ?

As for the CPU, Yes there is news going around about the price cut, but not sure when...

 

[asteldian]

Well, I am no expert on i7 builds because I am a gamer so my first recommendation is to always go with an i5 build instead. But, at a glimpse I would say there is no need for the HAF X or the 932 case as the 922 should be perfectly fine.

I would get the Seagate HDD.

If you are thinking on waiting for the i7 950 to get price drops then you will also want to wait becaue SSDs are supposed to be dropping in price

Personally I would get the cheaper mobo you have listed.

As for RAM, do you have G SKill available on your sites? Because it tends to be the best for price/performance, for example in US its $159.99 for CL7 1600mhz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=6gb_g_skill-_-20-231-335-_-Product

If you must go Ultimate I would go OEM

 

[mochacup]

^ Well I like the $2627 better...
Just a drawback on the -E model is that it doesnt have built-in eSATA, except that rest are same...
And why do you need the WIN 7 Ultimate ? IF it is going to be a general usage PC, then the HP would suffice...
And 320 for SSD ? Which one ?

As for the CPU, Yes there is news going around about the price cut, but not sure when...

I think the -Premium mobo has a better heatsink..plus the eSata.
I need to run some programs in XP mode...only Win7 Pro and Ultimate have the feature. Given that the price difference between Pro and Ultimate is only $10-$30 difference, i would go for Ultimate..

320 SSD...the Kingston one...I heard it is not so good yet I cannot complain much due to its pricing.

 

[mochacup]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2193/9

Well, I am no expert on i7 builds because I am a gamer so my first recommendation is to always go with an i5 build instead. But, at a glimpse I would say there is no need for the HAF X or the 932 case as the 922 should be perfectly fine.

I would get the Seagate HDD.

If you are thinking on waiting for the i7 950 to get price drops then you will also want to wait becaue SSDs are supposed to be dropping in price

Personally I would get the cheaper mobo you have listed.

As for RAM, do you have G SKill available on your sites? Because it tends to be the best for price/performance, for example in US its $159.99 for CL7 1600mhz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=6gb_g_skill-_-20-231-335-_-Product

If you must go Ultimate I would go OEM

I prefer the Hitachi (Japan made) after reading this article. http://www.anandtech.com/show/2193/9 It seems like Hitachi has a faster load time.

You are right...SSD price is dropping everyday....this technology is getting more common now and price will be dropping very fast too. Yes I do have G Skill here but this RAM is too tall ...it wont fit in my mobo if i use Noctua DH-14 cooler.

What is the difference between Corsair Dominator and Dominator GT ? Is it worthwhile paying $80 more for GT version?? What is so special about GT? Its website says it uses the best IC...thats it.