Need advice on a i7 system at around 1,200$ budget

Nayeen

Distinguished
Dec 2, 2008
15
0
18,510
Hey!

I need some advice on components for the system I'm trying to buy.

-----------------

Approximate Purchase Date: Very soon (within a week or two).


Budget Range: Around ~1,200$.


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming and 3D modeling/rendering.


Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS.


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com would be fine.


Parts Preferences: i7 processor and HD 6870.


Overclocking: Maybe.


SLI or Crossfire: Not currently (but I might get an additional HD 6870 in the near future).


Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050.

-----------------

I am doing quite a bit of 3D modeling and rendering so I would really like to get an i7 CPU. As for GPU it seems that HD 6870 is a decent choice (cheap, cool and not so power hungry).

Processor: Intel i7 (not sure which model)
Motherboard: No idea (but ideally it should support dual graphic cards)
Memory: No idea
Graphics: HD 6870 (there seems to be quite a few 6870 models(brands?) available on newegg, not sure which one would be the best)
Storage: No idea
Power Supply: No idea (but ideally it should produce enough power to support dual HD 6870)
Case: No idea
Optical Drive: Will get a cheap DVD+-RW
CPU Cooler: No idea

Since I am on a budget I will probably get only 4GB RAM now (and additional +4GB in the following weeks) and probably one more HD 6870 in a few months (if needed).

 

calguyhunk

Distinguished
Jul 6, 2010
1,456
0
19,460
CPU : $295 Intel Core i7-950

Mobo : $200 ASUS Sabertooth X58

You'll need a bit more than just 6GB of memory. But since you wanted to go with just 4, I'm not suggesting any more for now.

RAM : $145 CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB)

HDD : $69 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB

GPU : $240 SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB

PSU : $65 CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX

ODD: $20 LG SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe Support

HSF : $30 COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus (optional)

Case : $60 COOLER MASTER HAF 912

AMD Option -

$276 AMD Phenom II X6 1090T + $150 ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3

EDIT : 3D rendering benchmark - Core i7 950 vs Phenom II X6 1090T