1.8k-2k 1st build (graphics, gaming, large excel files)

[ljkiv]

Long time reader of TH- finally getting the courage to build his first system hoping to get your advice and comments

First a general question: some of these sites allow you to buy OEM packaging for cheaper than retail. if i do that, besides losing a box, do I lose anything else? or should I stick with retail? ((UPDATE: found a post on this site about OEM hardrives -- basically you need to buy your own SATA cables, anything else i should know? ))

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: over the next week (after you guys (hopefully) give advice

BUDGET RANGE: approximately another 1500-1800 after rebates (including monitor) - already bought processor and Mobo)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: minor graphic and video work, gaming, large files (mostly Excel productivity) , general surfing, movies.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Need everything. However, I have already purchased a, i7-930 processor and ASUS P6X58D Mobo -- (Mircrocenter had the i7-930 going for $199 - couldn't pass it up at that price).

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I primarily go to Microcenter; although for enough savings I am willing to order from newegg.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA – Atlanta area Georgia

PARTS PREFERENCES: Not particular -want something I can depend and learn on (hope to build a couple of HTPCs after this)

OVERCLOCKING: Probably

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes –

MONITOR RESOLUTION: will be buying a new one- probably in the 23-26 inch 1080p range; but will go to eyefinity with at least two monitors in a few months

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Historically, I have always bought prebuilt and ended up adding RAM and graphic cards 2 years in to a typical 4-5 year life span so would like to try to futureproof my first build as much as possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALREADY SELECTED:


Processor: Core i7-930 Processor Boxed
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0331303

Mobo: Asus P6X58D Premium Socket 1366 X58 ATX Motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326238]
I notice this mobo has sata 6 support, what should I switch below to sata 6 to get the best bang for my buck?

LEANING TOWARD THESE:

Graphics Card: 2 x Diamond Radeon 5770 1024MB GDDR5 PCIe 2.0 Graphics Card in Crossfire
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0322254


Memory: (admittedly not sure on this one - is it worth going to the Dominator series?)
Corsair XMS3 6GB DDR3-1600 (PC-12800) CL8 Memory Kit (Three 2GB Memory Modules)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0311100

Hard Drive: (is it worth doing an SSD for the operating system? and then the regular drive for everything else....I'm not convinced I really need the benefit)
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7,200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0292091


Optical Drive:
Western Digital
Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7,200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0292091

Power Supply:
Corsair HX750 750W Professional Power Supply
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0314083

Heatsink & Fan: ????? should I stick with stock for now and upgrade if I decide to o'clock?

Operating Sytem: Windows 7 home 64 bit....(this is one where I would like to know - whether it is worth buying full retail versus the system builder version)


Case: (really undecided here - was leaning toward this because it generally had good reviews- and supposedly allowed plenty of room for cable management) Thoughts?
Cooler Master HAF932 High Air Flow Full Tower
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0293547

Keyboard & Mouse:
Logitech Cordless Desktop® Wave Pro(tm)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0307968


Monitor: (Would really appreciate suggestions) but my intention was to look at them onsite

other than thermal paste, am I missing anything?

 

[Mr Pizza]

For one, never go with SLI/Crossfire first, get a 5870/5850 and add another down the line

Stick with stock HSF until you OC

a haf 922 would do you good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&cm_re=haf_922-_-11-119-197-_-Product

Do not get the caviar black, get this,
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0340562


For gaming i7 930 is overkill and a waste. Get this,
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0341729
the i7 wont give you an advantage in gaming.

 

[Mr Pizza]

oh srry, and get this motherboard,
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326564

and this ram,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231281&cm_re=g.skill_ddr3_4gb-_-20-231-281-_-Product