Need help on new "everything" build, $2200

[privatejookie]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $2,200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Graphic Design, Music recording/mixing, Gaming, 3D, General Office work

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Will need everything

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, amazon, tigerdirect

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States

PARTS PREFERENCES: None

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: After a year or two

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200+

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This build will need everything, down to the surge protector. It’s been 10 years since my last personal build; it’s time to update. (And yes, it’s still running great without one faulty part).


This build will basically need to do everything. I have spent many weeks catching up to the latest and greatest technologies, reading posts left and right, and trying to figure out the biggest bang for the buck.

I do heavy graphic/audio work and have entered the 3D realm earlier this year. This machine will need to handle the load. This is why I added the dual monitors, the SSD, and the RAID.

Of course we can’t forget about gaming, which I can’t wait to play on an updated machine. The games I will be playing are the standard current line-up. I don't need blazing fps, but I would like something above average.

I do not have any true loyalties towards parts (sorry AMD), but I do prefer quality products. (Who doesn’t?)

The last thing I need to mention is that I will be searching for a used A/V receiver to run the surround sound and to connect things together (gaming consoles, PC, etc.). I have some decent speakers to start off with. The receiver will probably be an Onkyo, Pioneer, or a Danon. (8ohm 80W speakers). If you have any extra input on this subject, feel free to comment.

Below is what I put together after swimming through all the current posts and going back and forth on many items. Please rip it apart and add in any comments or questions.

Case:
Antec Nine Hundred Two

CPU:
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz

HDD:
OCZ Vertex 2 60 GB

HDD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB (RAID)

HDD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB (RAID)

RAM:
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3

MOB:
ASUS P6X58D-E

GPU:
XFX HD-585X-ZAFC Radeon HD 5850

PSU:
CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-750HX 750W

HSF:
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

Optical:
ASUS Black 24X

Display:
ASUS VW246H

Display:
ASUS VW246H

Mouse:
Logitech G500

Keyboard:
Saitek Eclipse II

 

[MadAdmiral]

First things first. Switch the RAM to these Corsair XMS3 3x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7. They're cheaper ($150 after rebate) and faster. The Dominator series is generally a waste of money.

Next, swap the board for a Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R. It's better (according to Tom's review) and cheaper.

After that, I'd highly consider dropping the SSD for now and getting a better GPU. The 5850 is a good card, but it's a bit weak for dual monitors. In addition, I'd consider a nVidia card (gasp!) because you're doing some non-gaming work that would benefit from nVidia's CUDA and other bonuses. If you're not worried about that (I don't know what you're doing exactly), I'd at least step up to the HD 5870.

Finally, combos are your friend. Use them. For example:

CPU/GPU: i7-930 and HD 5870 $535
PSU/Case: Antec 900 and XFX 750W (Modular) $190 after rebate or Antec 902 and Earthwatts 750W (Non-modular) $160 after rebate
or
Mobo/PSU: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R and Corsair 750HX $300 after rebate

There are many, many more out there. These were just a few that I knew were there or could find in a under a minute...

EDIT: Didn't look at the monitor. Here's one that's just as good, but cheaper: Asus 23.6" 1080p $180 after rebate. I've heard Asus' 23.6" is the same size as their 24", but can't confirm that.

 

[privatejookie]

OK, I made some changes. Going based off of my needs and finding some pretty good combo deals, here is the update. I had to up the PSU due to (eventually) putting a 2nd 470 card in. Finding the combos saved $200. Thanks.

Any comments/concerns would be helpful. Will be ordering all this in 2-3days.

Case:
Antec Twelve Hundred

CPU:
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz

HDD:
OCZ Vertex 2 60 GB

HDD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB (RAID)

HDD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB (RAID)

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3

MOB:
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R

GPU:
EVGA 012-P3-1470-AR GeForce GTX 470

PSU:
Antec CP-1000 1000W

HSF:
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

Optical:
ASUS Black 24X

Display:
ASUS VW246H

Display:
ASUS VW246H

Mouse:
Logitech G500

Keyboard:
Saitek Eclipse II

 

[MadAdmiral]

You need dual 470s for multiple monitors. I highly recommend dropping the SSD for it. Also, an 850W PSU is good enough for dual 470s, so that'd save you a good chunk of change too.

 

[privatejookie]

I'm looking at the 470 data sheet and it looks like it can handle the multiple monitors on a single card. Is there something I'm missing? Thanks for the support.

 

[MadAdmiral]

I'm fairly certain you need two cards for using a Surround setup. I can't find for sure that you need it for 2D, but the requirement chart on nVidia's website doesn't list single GPUs...

 

[sp12]

If you're heavy in 3D design you should be looking at IPS monitors.

 

[coldsleep]

The build is great, nVidia requires 2 cards for a 3-monitor setup (while ATI 5000-series cards can handle 3 monitors on one card), but only 1 card for a 2-monitor setup. If you're looking at doing nVidia's 3D Vision (which I don't think you are, just making sure), I believe a single card can handle that on one monitor.

 

[privatejookie]

That I do know, but they are just out of the budget. I don't do enough to justify the cost. After a few more years I will be able to upgrade, but I'm not able to at the moment. But thanks for the reminder.

 

[banthracis]

Nvidia surround requires 2 GPU's regardless of 3D or not. However, you could just not use surround and just use 2 monitors as normal. What surround and eyefinity do is simply treat multiple monitors as 1 giant monitor, as oppsoed to separate.

G Skill's Pi kit's are also a good RAM choice. $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=pi_6gb-_-20-231-335-_-Product

For PSU's you really want to go with a XFX one right now, and as MAd mentioned, 850 is enough.

As Mad mentioned, Asus 23.6 and 24" monitors are in fact same size. I've got both sitting on my desk, totally paid $30 more for the "24" " one >.<

 

[sp12]

Dell u2211h is only 250$. Granted, it's 22 inches, but it's full 1920 resolution and latest-gen IPS.

 

[privatejookie]

Talking about the PSU, I took a look at at CORSAIR HX Series 850 and the XFX Black Edition XPS-850. I'm learning towards the Corsair. Seems to be very solid and very reliable. I would technically be loosing $20 bucks switching to PSU's out because of the combo deal, but its well worth the comfort in knowing I'm using a better product.

As far as the monitors go, it is a pretty hard decision. It is an extra $60 for 2 small (quality) monitor. So I am just going to have to decide if I want the extra size, or the extra quality. Also, I just plan on using them as 2 independent monitors - nothing special.

 

[sp12]

XFX is nicer though. Check out the Johnnyguru review, it has better DC output/Vreg.

 

[MadAdmiral]

Either of PSUs would be fine. XFX is gaining a lot of favor right now because of their quality and the pricing.

@banthracis: The problem many have with the Pi Series sticks is that they're very tall. They often interfere with heatsinks, which makes them a bit of a hassle. I'd stick with the XMS3 sticks I linked in the first post.

 

[banthracis]

He's using a Hyper 212 plus right now, so that one fits fine. But yea, if he wants to use a larger HSF like a mugen, Noctua or megahalem, he'd have to use the XMS.

 

[privatejookie]

Alright guys (or gals), I think I got this thing all ironed out. I ditched the 2nd monitor for one nicer one. Some things got switched around to where I will be able to reuse another monitor I already have (not the greatest, but i does what I need it to do). Spent hours last night going over HP vs Dell vs so on and so on. While I like the u2411h, the NEC performed better overall at a lighter price. Any input on this subject would be appreciated

I also switched out the Antec case for the HAF X. I did some more reading and the HAF X is going to be a better buy in the long run when I add a 2nd GTX 470 and I really like the usb 3.0 in the front. Plus, the case is just sweet.

Here is the updated list:

Case:
Cooler Master HAF X

CPU:
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz

Storage:
OCZ Vertex 2 60 GB

Storage:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM (RAID)

Storage:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM (RAID)

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R

Graphics:
EVGA 012-P3-1470-AR GeForce GTX 470

PSU:
XFX Black Edition XPS-850W-BES

Cooling:
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

Optical:
ASUS Black 24X

Display:
NEC Display Solutions EA231WMI-BK

Mouse:
Logitech G500

Keyboard:
Saitek Eclipse II