New build, I need suggestion and compatibility help.

[Stormingwynn]

Hi everyone! I need your expert help with my new computer build. This will be my first computer build, so I need a little help with all the components that will go into my build.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This month

BUDGET RANGE: ~$1400

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, surfing, general use.


PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: www.newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU, asus or evga motherboard.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

PARTS LIST:

Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
MSI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) N460GTX CYCLONE 1GD5/OC Video Card
A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
ASUS MS236H Glossy Black / White 23" 2ms(GTG) Ring stand and Ergo-fit technology Widescreen LCD Monitor
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98
Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I need help with my list of components. I've made a list and I need help with deciding whether it's a good buy or not. If I need to add, replace or remove any parts. Any suggestions with be greatly appreciated.

 

[MadAdmiral]

That's actually pretty horrible.

The i7s add nothing to gaming. In fact, spending more on the CPU doesn't help gaming at all. I highly recommend dropping to the i5 or even to an X4 955. The reason I bring up AMD is that Intel is replacing their current sockets by the end of the year. That means the i3s, i5s and i7s are basically on a dead socket.

The GTX 460 is drastically underpowered for the budget. I know you can get at least the HD 5870 in the build, which would be much beter.

EVGA boards aren't that high of quality. Asus is decent, but not always the best choice.

Here's a more powerful build:

CPU/GPU: i5-750 and HD 5870 $550
Mobo/RAM: Asus P7P55D-E Pro and G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $228
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1 TB $75
Case/PSU: Antec 902 and Earthwatts 750W $130 after rebates
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $20
Monitor: Asus 23.6" 1080p $180 after rebate
OS: Windows 7 Home 64-bit OEM $100

Total: $1,283

 

[Mark Heath]

MadAdmiral's build is good there and the advice about the CPU is correct, games are very GPU dependent, so upgrading CPUs only adds a little bit of performance once you go past low-level CPUs.

I still disagree with his position on the GTX 460, although the 5870 is a solid card. The main thing going for the 460 is it's performance when SLI'd, which was good enough to get a recommended buy from tom's

btw I don't think your suggested build was to the point of horrible just could be improved on.

 

[MadAdmiral]

My main probelm with the 460 is that it's only great in SLI. Yes, it's very powerful then, but if you're going with a single card, which you should always do with a new build, it's drastically underpowered. It won't game at 1080p, when for only $30-40 more, you can get the HD 5850 that will. Even once you do SLI the 460, you don't have an upgrade path. That limits the life the build.

 

[gordon_81]

i agree with mad admiral

 

[Mark Heath]

Point taken, but I still don't think it's as bas as you make it sound.

Anywho, for this setup since you are starting out with a single card, then a 5870's fine. There no more arguing