Updating 2009 i7-920 Build

[Lumpyyyyy]

Hey guys,

Looking to upgrade my i7-920 build for current games and I also do a lot of 3D CAD (but not looking for a Professional series GPU since they are too expensive). Below are the specs for my current system.

CPU: Intel i7-920
MoBo: EVGA SLI LE LGA 1366
GPU: EVGA GTX 260 Core 216
HDD: 2x 1TB (Raid 1 Boot Drive)
1x 1.5TB (Storage)
RAM: 3x2GB 1600 MHz DDR3
PSU: 750 Watt PC Power and Cooling
Case: Antec 300 Illusion
Optical: Samsung 22X (no upgrade needed)

I prefer Intel over AMD and nVidia over AMD.

I'm looking for mid-level upgrades really (don't need absolute top of the line) and would prefer possibly moving to a Corsair 650D case.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

 

[sadams04]

About the ONLY thing I would do is add a CPU cooler and overclock the i7-920. The stock speed of 2.66 GHz is OK, but there is a lot of headroom there. With a good CPU cooler (like the one below) you should expect 3.6 - 4.0 GHz and that would be a very noticable difference.

CPU Cooler - Hyper 212 EVO - $35

920 Overclocking guide => http://www.overclock.net/t/538439/guide-to-overclocking-the-core-i7-920-or-930-to-4-0ghz

Past that you could upgrade the GPU or add an SSD. ...both, of which, can be used in a future build and benefit you now.

 

[Lumpyyyyy]

About the ONLY thing I would do is add a CPU cooler and overclock the i7-920. The stock speed of 2.66 GHz is OK, but there is a lot of headroom there. With a good CPU cooler (like the one below) you should expect 3.6 - 4.0 GHz and that would be a very noticable difference.

CPU Cooler - Hyper 212 EVO - $35

920 Overclocking guide => http://www.overclock.net/t/538439/guide-to-overclocking-the-core-i7-920-or-930-to-4-0ghz

Past that you could upgrade the GPU or add an SSD. ...both, of which, can be used in a future build and benefit you now.

Actually I forgot to mention that I have this CPU Cooler:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106161

I'll use your guide to overclock though. I have been considering that for some time now.

As far as GPU goes, I have been basically looking for something that is smaller since my 260 blocks a couple ports for sound to my front I/O panel. Are all the new ones about the same size?

 

[sadams04]

That CPU Cooler will perform nicely as well. Be sure to use the stress testing tools listed in the guide and do NOT loose sight of your temps while running Prime95!

Are you talking about the width of the GPU being the problem, or the length? Your GTX 260 is 10.5" long which is common for "big" GPUs.

 

[Lumpyyyyy]

That CPU Cooler will perform nicely as well. Be sure to use the stress testing tools listed in the guide and do NOT loose sight of your temps while running Prime95!

Are you talking about the width of the GPU being the problem, or the length? Your GTX 260 is 10.5" long which is common for "big" GPUs.

Maybe it's a layout problem on my mobo, but one of the connections to a front I/O panel is real close to the GPU and I can't connect the connector so I just can't use my front I/O panel (not that I really need it). I'll relook at my layout.

but yes, my GPU is the 10.5" and it blocks a hard drive slot which is a reason why I want to upgrade to the Corsair 650D, that and the cable management is way better.

 

[sadams04]

That is a good case and will offer better cooling and cable management over the Antec Illusion. While you may not need it, a good case can be used in future builds so it isn't exaclty wasting money like buying more DDR2 memory would be.

 

[Rockdpm]

Yea if you plan to upgrade your gpu, and want a short card. a GTX 560 ti will be perfect. and should walk hand in hand with your CPU once its overclocked!

 

[Lumpyyyyy]

Best answer selected by Lumpyyyyy.