Request help on $1500 build/upgrade

[HK-77]

So basically I have an old core2duo and it's time to get a new computer. I don't know a whole lot about hardware from a specification perspective, but I can put it together.

I have: OS and drives
** I am willing to use my current gtx260 until prices drop more

Using Newegg.

I need: CPU, Motherboard, Ram, 1 of 2 graphics cards, 4gb ram
Future additions of: SLI, another 4g ram, if needed a new PSU

(I was thinking an I7 950, Rampage III, and 2x4gb Ripjaws. haven't paid a lot of attention to benchmarks of Intel/NVidia vs AMD/ATI but last I heard the i7s were doing better with overclocking)

EDIT: forgot to add that I'm looking at recording games, and video editing. (obviously playing next years games)

So $1500-ish budget, willing to wait for price drops on all of it, just want to see opinions.
If there is already a build like this on the website that I can subtract OS and drives from please direct me.


Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[HeyImGodly]

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

CPU/Mobo Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.519530

CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 (necessary if going to over-clock)

Thermal compound for CPU Cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020

RAM: (CL9) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261073
(will have you ready for the next level of games also when prices drop you can add another for an SLi config.) ALSO comes with Mafia 2 free.

Primary HDD (For saving gameplays/projects): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Secondary HDD (for installing editing software and games for faster load times/boot times in games): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185


Optional but encouraged

SSD ((Boot Drive) install OS to this Drive for Fastest load times also used for main games you always play): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211419



Grand Total: $1,358.90 (W/Boot Drive)
$1'258.99(W/O Boot Drive)

 

[boiler1990]

If you get the i7-950, you'll want to get the RAM in 6 GB increments. The 3x2GB triple channel set will perform better than a 2x2GB set, and with the same Cas Latency as the RAM HeyImGodlyposted (lower is better).

You don't need a motherboard as big a beast as the Rampage; you will be fine with any quality mobo supports 2 way SLI (I haven't found one that doesn't). You'll be paying extra for a "premier" board.

Go with dual GTX 460s; mine run like a charm and let me just hit the "optimal settings" button and start playing. My EVGA cards are probably the highest quality 460 out there, and they don't cost much more.

@HeyImGodly: Do you actually recommend anything other than that one set of parts? I've been to several threads and that's all you post. It's not even a great system or necessarily quality parts.

 

[HeyImGodly]

If you get the i7-950, you'll want to get the RAM in 6 GB increments. The 3x2GB triple channel set will perform better than a 2x2GB set, and with the same Cas Latency as the RAM HeyImGodlyposted (lower is better).

You don't need a motherboard as big a beast as the Rampage; you will be fine with any quality mobo supports 2 way SLI (I haven't found one that doesn't). You'll be paying extra for a "premier" board.

Go with dual GTX 460s; mine run like a charm and let me just hit the "optimal settings" button and start playing. My EVGA cards are probably the highest quality 460 out there, and they don't cost much more.

@HeyImGodly: Do you actually recommend anything other than that one set of parts? I've been to several threads and that's all you post. It's not even a great system or necessarily quality parts.

Yes I Do,
but you the Haf 922 is a beast of case with excellent cooling,

the CPU/Mobo Combo is a pretty good deal for people wanting to get A Core i5/i7 and a high quality bored from a trusted brand such as EVGA *your right about there being a premium paid for this mobo though*

i also recommend the GTX 470 because it runs cheaper than two gtx 460 in SLi

and the Samsung Spinpoint F3 HDD is a great deal at 7200rpm and 1tb storage for $55


*apologies if it comes off in the sense thats all i recommend

 

[AlExAkE]

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225
CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211&cm_re=intei_i7_950-_-19-115-211-_-Product
GPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127518
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131642&cm_re=rampage_iii_extreme-_-13-131-642-_-Product
Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231331&cm_re=12gb_ddr3_1600-_-20-231-331-_-Product
SSD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227394&cm_re=vertex_2-_-20-227-394-_-Product

2x 1GB OC GTX460 much better performance than single GTX470 with not much price difference.
OCZ Vertex top notch SSD, better than Intel especially in write speed.
HAF X - amazing case, I have 12 fans inside, extremely quiet 19dBA MAX (I lower them by 20% for my noise level liking).

Memory SO SO SO Important on 2D/3D editing and rendering and games. I use Maya 2011 and Photoshop, and play Starcraft 2, the difference that the memory makes has no price. However if u are not going to utilize (Starfract 2 cant), but Phtotoshop and Maya2011 do, then is not worth it. I did not calculate the total but should be somewhere near there. Good luck, this is my system, on top I got like 1200W PSU Antec. Extremely happy with all the components.

Again, if only for gaming this is overkill, but if your job/school is depended on it than is worth it. Rendering apps and pixels or vector based like the Adobe suite would love the more ram and GPU u got (cpu too) the better!!!