Number Crunching build help

[Jsplinter]

I'm actually a code writer, but I've never built a computer before. i don't really know where to start
.
I have roughly a $1000 budget to build a tower with as much memory and the fastest processor possible.

This computer will not be used for gaming. It is for work only. It does not need a sound card.

Where do I begin?

Thank you

 

[Jsplinter]

Forgot to mention, I do know the OS will be 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate. Also, it does not necessarily need to have a large HDD b/c I can back-up daily. Thanks again.

 

[Jsplinter]

Also, don't care about an optical drive or wireless modem. Only need to support two monitors for now.

 

[jbart1981]

maybe something like this ?

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$59.99


SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$42.99

XFX HD-465X-ZDF2 Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
$59.99


OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ...
$59.99

CORSAIR XMS3 12GB (6 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX3X12G1600C9 G
$249.99

GIGABYTE GA-X58-USB3 LGA 1366 Intel X58 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
$179.99

Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor BX80601950
$294.99

Scythe Ninja 3 SCNJ-3000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler
$52.99

Subtotal: $1,000.92

Put a big air cooler in case you want to OC a little should be able to run stable at 3.5GHz or so
Check this review out
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/intel_core_i7-950_review/7

 

[batuchka]

When $$ no object the Gulftown X6 reigns supreme but if it is i'd hit Thuban + OC and sensibly priced chipsets that have features that i actually depend on (dual display IGP for example) ^^

From $542AR w/o SSD, etc yet
2 x display = HD 4250 integrated
3-4 = HD 4250 and add in a Radeon class GPU (since no gaming HD 4350/5450)
- enable ATI Surround View function in BIOS

Optional Items

CM GeminiIIS cooler $33
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=FAN-PBU1&title=Cooler-Master-GeminII-S-RR-CCH-PBU1-GP-CPU-Fan-For-Intel-LGA1366-1156-775-AMD-AM3-AM2-AM2

60GB Sandforce based SSD $125 Free Ship
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231377

 

[jbart1981]

Here is a review that compares the 1090 X6 to the i7 930 - the slower version of the 950 and the 930 beats it in almost every benchmark.
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-phenom-2-x6-1090t-p3.html

Add 5- 10%tot he 930scores and you have what the 950 would score on those benchmarks

 

[Jsplinter]

Thanks, that looks promising. right on my budget. That doesn't sound so bad.

maybe something like this ?

...
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/intel_core_i7-950_review/7

 

[Jsplinter]

I guess that's why they are close to the same price...

Here is a review that compares the 1090 X6 to the i7 930 - the slower version of the 950 and the 930 beats it in almost every benchmark.
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-phenom-2-x6-1090t-p3.html

Add 5- 10%tot he 930scores and you have what the 950 would score on those benchmarks

 

[jbart1981]

btw i priced it all on newegg and there were a few coupon codes that didn't get calculated in the price - proabably $50 worth or so. they seem to have a bunch of 10% coupon right now

 

[mgrzTX]

Building on Jbarts rig, and assuming your buying is relatively soon here's a combo deal

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.520509

And i would go w/ this PSU at 59.99 and 500W personally.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139018&cm_re=corsair_psu-_-17-139-018-_-Product

 

[jbart1981]

there is great combo deal with that case and nicer power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.523819

same price as the 2 pieces in my original build - so free upgrade

 

[mgrzTX]

there is great combo deal with that case and nicer power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.523819

same price as the 2 pieces in my original build - so free upgrade

Nice find, not to mention the modular PSU should help Mr. Splinter having never put together a Comp before.

 

[jbart1981]

using the combo deals the price came down to $984 + $13 shipping and there is a $15 mail in rebate on the video card. So $982 total

Since we got you under a grand might as well throw in a decent DVD Burner - $22 Free shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334

 

[Jsplinter]

lol, well, I'll still save the $22 if I can. I figure the fewer devices the better, and I have an external optical drive to use when necessary.

 

[Shadow703793]

If you can wait a few months, wait for Sandy Bridge, else get the i7 930/950.

 

[jbart1981]

True if you can wait for February or March Sandy Bridge will be a nice "tock" especially since they are releasing mid-range chips first - but that is a while to wait if you need and upgrade now.

I think they are saying 20% increase clock for clock on a single core but no firm release dates or pricing have made it out yet so we are still a bit in the Twilight zone about things for the time being.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Intel said Q1: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/sandy-bridge-nehalem-core-i7,11464.html

So we should see SB CPUs/board by Christmas time or may be even by Thanksgiving time. And imo, for rendering,etc type work it's well worth the wait.

 

[jbart1981]

Yeah - Q1 is Jan -> March so if they release it at the end of Q1 it is late march. But if you can get one b4 christmas jump on it

Not to mention it has already been pushed back twice. And we all know how good Intel is with release dates :/

If it got released when originally planned we wouldn't be talking about westmere anymore.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Isn't Q1 October 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010 (AFAIK, this is the case in US)?

 

[jbart1981]

Well I'm in Ohio and we always start our fiscal Jan 1st so Q1 = Jan -Mar Q2=Apr -Jun Q3=Jul- Sep Q4 = Oct -Dec

I know of some companies that start July 1st but generally accepted references start the same as the calender year.

 

[Shadow703793]

^ I'm going by the US Gov't Fiscal Year system: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiscal_year
So, wish system does Intel,etc uses?

 

[Jsplinter]

Best answer selected by Jsplinter.