New Build for Dual 30" monitors

May 4, 2011 3:51:36 AM

I haven't built in a computer in over 3 years and I haven't kept up with the latest technology (Sandy Bridge wha??)

The system will mostly be used for poker, watching HD TV shows, multi-tasking with tons of programs open, and some gaming (starcraft 2, portal 2, etc).

My main concern is having a video card that support 2 30" Dell monitors. Will any dual DVI video card do?

I also want to avoid any possible slow downs with multiple apps open, so I don't mind spending extra on boosting the RAM and getting SSD. I won't be overclocking.

So please recommend me a solid system... I'd like to stick with Intel and keep the budget under $1500, but I don't mind going over a bit.

Thanks in advance!

More about : build dual monitors

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attackllama

May 4, 2011 5:01:10 AM

Are these monitors 2560 x 1600? if so i would suggest a radeon 2gb - or two for better performance
build
2500k - $224.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Coolermaster hyper 212+ - $34.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ASRock P67 EXTREME4 $159.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) - $84.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB - $289.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W - $164.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Coolermaster HAF 932 - $154.48 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1tb - $69.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ASUS dvd burner - $20.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Total so far: $1205

+ second 6950 : $1495

SSD: Be warned that these things are constantly changing and are often problem-ridden. In coming years this technology will either become obsolete or much lower price per GB. this one looks great for a smaller OS drive if you are willing to add it later or increase your budget http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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jaybird0613

May 4, 2011 4:43:11 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

Can you recommend a case that is quiet? The PC will most likely be in my bedroom.

What size SSD is need to run just the OS? Win7 Home Premium.

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attackllama

May 5, 2011 4:29:49 AM

any of these fractal design cases. They have noise dampening foam and a built in fan controller that you should be able to hook your hyper 212+ to
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...
and this NZXT case which is about the same thing
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

the install space requied is 16gb but you will need more than that if you want to install anything. 64 is a good size because it gives you room to install some programs and an OS without totally filling the drive.

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nd_hunter

May 5, 2011 5:06:20 AM

I don't believe an HD 6950 will fit in a Fractal Design R3. You are going to need Crossfired HD 6950s at a minimum to deal with dual 2560x1600 monitors.

Intel i5-2500k combo w/ ASUS P8P67 Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
$384.98, free shipping, $10 off w/ promo code HARDOCPX5X4B, ends 5/10

Cooler Master Hyper 212+
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-Sleeve-RR-B10...
$31.44, free shipping

G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 CL9 1.5v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$99.99, free shipping

2x VisionTek HD 6950 2GB
http://www.amazon.com/VisionTek-Radeon-GDDR5-Graphics-9...
$540, free shipping

Corsair 750HX PSU
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMPSU-750HX-Professional-...
$139.99, free shipping, $10 mail-in-rebate available

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB - OEM
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinpoint-Cache-Desktop-H...
$60.85, free shipping

LG DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$20.99, free shipping

Cooler Master HAF 922 (Big fans = low noise)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$99.99, free shipping ($10 mail-in rebate available)

Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
$99.99, free shipping

Total: $1478.22 shipped before promo code and rebates

If you don't need the OS, upgrade to an i7-2600k. It will help with the multitasking. I would go with that over 16GB of RAM right now for the simple fact that RAM can be doubled later if needed. An SSD can also be added later, and will only decrease your boot time into Windows and the time it takes for programs to load.

EDIT: Add a 200mm Megaflow fan to the side panel to help cool those 6950s.
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-R4-LUS-07AR-GP-Mega...
$19.40, free shipping if you order something else from Amazon with it

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attackllama

May 5, 2011 5:31:02 AM

The R3 fits GPUs up to 290mm and that 6950 is 275mm.
the fractal design XL will have even more space, and it is priced around the same as the HAF. The HAF is pretty quiet, but it wont as quiet as those other cases that have foam and fan controllers built in. The HAF will give you better temps but be a bit louder

You truly do not need a 2600k unless you need hyper threading, which does nearly nothing for video and gaming. Look at these benchmarks.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/287?vs=288
the 2600k is not worth the 100$ over a 2500k
The twin frozor 6950s will already be quieter and cooler than the reference design models and wont need additional case fans

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