Feedback on i7-860 build (~$1600)

[wolfpack15]

Please provide your feedback on following new build I'm planning. If there are any parts that are better and cheaper than what I've listed, please suggest.

I'll be using the system for Gaming and as Media Center. I plan to do moderate overcloacking (not going for any records). For components where I have listed multiple options, please suggest better option/more configurable.

Please let me know if PSU is powerful enough and if you know of any 6GB of RAM around similar CAS latency. I'm planning on waiting till end of this month before I order video card to see what nVidia comes out with.


Case - Antec 1200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129043 - $160

Motherboard - Asus P7P55D-E OR Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131620 - $145

OR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-417-_-Product - $160

CPU - Intel Core i7 860
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115214 - $280

CPU Heatsink - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134 - $35

GPU - Gigabyte HD5970 OR comparable Fermi card (depending on price/performance balance)
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...tCode=10011623 or Fermi card - $600

RAM - 4GB of g.skill ripjaws OR g.skill Eco
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-279-_-Product - $139

OR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-321-_-Product - $119

PSU - Seasonic 750W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151087 - $180

DVD Player - Asus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204 - $30


Thanks in advance.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I just built a similar rig but I went with a cheaper 4670 video card for now. I'm primarily doing video editing and some light gaming so I dropped the wad on a nice 26" HDTV Monitor instead of the video card. Since this was a completely new build I had to buy everything including keyboard and mouse along with an OS (Windows 7). I went with a Lian-Li PC60FNB case and MSI P55 motherboard.

I just built it up tonight and am really pleased with it so far.

Your choice in PSU is probably overkill for your system. I went with a Corsair 650W which is very quiet and overkill for my system too actually but I am happy with it.

 

[SOSTrooper]

Hmm I think the PSU choice is a bit odd, but by no mean a bad choice. It's a bit overkill for a single video card solution (even for your 5970), but underpowered if you plan on CF or SLI later. So basically the 750W is caught dead in the middle, but it's fine for single card with lots and lots of headroom for many HDs and fans.

Not sure why you want "6GB of RAM around similar CAS latency". You are fine with 4GB for now, 6GB of RAM is mainly for X58 platform where triple channel is supported; unless you're talking about 2x2GB + 2x1GB configuration, which doesn't make much sense. You might as well go with 8GB of RAM if you think you need/want more.

 

[wolfpack15]

Thanks guys. I do have 4 HDs (two old WD raptors for dual booting + 2 more) and the case I'm getting has quite a few fans so I was thinking of getting 850W PSU but seeing your replies, I'll just stick to 750W.

As far as the motherboard and RAM goes, which one would you suggest from what I have listed? If you have experience with either of them, please let me know. Is Asus better than Gigabyte (and vice versa) and which g.skill memory? Rip-jaw or Eco?

Thank you!

 

[MisterDonut]

Eco gives you more headroom for overclocking, but I would just get it because it has a nice voltage. Ripjaw is great for the price...Up to you.

I've done builds with both ASUS and Gigabyte, so either one is a great pick. I'd probably go with the Gigabyte, seems to be more popular around the forums.

I dunno if a full tower is necessary, but up to you...

A Scythe Mugen 2 is a better heatsink for the money.

 

[taltamir]

Hmm I think the PSU choice is a bit odd, but by no mean a bad choice. It's a bit overkill for a single video card solution (even for your 5970), but underpowered if you plan on CF or SLI later. So basically the 750W is caught dead in the middle, but it's fine for single card with lots and lots of headroom for many HDs and fans.

Not sure why you want "6GB of RAM around similar CAS latency". You are fine with 4GB for now, 6GB of RAM is mainly for X58 platform where triple channel is supported; unless you're talking about 2x2GB + 2x1GB configuration, which doesn't make much sense. You might as well go with 8GB of RAM if you think you need/want more.

I agree with SOS trooper. The PSU you have chosen is too much for a single card.
Is something wrong with your existing case and DVD player?
I noticed you haven't listed a HDD/SSD drive.

 

[wolfpack15]

Ok based on above suggestions, I think I'm going to go with Gigabyte UD4P motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-409-_-Product - $157ish with rebate and Bing cashback.

Also, lowering my PSU to Corsair 750W ($129):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-010-_-Product

As far as HD is concerned, I bought WD Caviar Black last year on Black Friday so that's why I didn't mention them. Also, I already have a case but it's not big enough for HD5970 and most likely I intend to keep that running as well.

I can't make up my mind about the memory yet so I'm still reading around and see which one is a better option. If Eco allows more headroom for overclocking due to low voltage, any reason for ripjaws?

As for the Scythe-Mugen 2 heatsink, I see that LGA 1156 is not one of the socket that it supports. Am I missing something?

Thanks again for all great advises. I appreciate them very much.

 

[MisterDonut]

Buy an adapter bracket. I'm not sure how much they are, but Mugen 2's are really, really great heatsinks in their price range. I'm going back this weekend to install one of them onto an AM3 socket. Honestly, I don't know a better heatsink in that price range (maybe the CM Hyper 212+ but I'm a little biased against their cooling products...make great cases though).

 

[Absolution75]

2c:

You could go with a cheaper motherboard, I try to stay around the $130 range. Unless you have a specific need for USB3.0/SATA 3 - 6GB/s, they are just gimmick features really. They won't become mainstream until they are integrated into AMD's/Intel's chipsets and that won't be for another year (and another year after that to become mainstream) - which by then you will probably upgrade again.

Also, that PSU is still overkill. A 650 watt will do you just fine.

You can save $50 for the mobo + $50 for the PSU to save $100. You could put that money towards something that ACTUALLY increases performance.

 

[Swamp]

Id dump the I7 go i5 instead and save yourself the $100 there. Mine flies thru everything I need. Looking at benchmarks. I could justify spending the extra money on i7 for just Hyperthreading.

For power supply, Corsair makes really good PSUs. 750tx is around $110ish. 750hx modular ones go for around $150s. Heard tons of people and reviews sayn Corsair underrates their PSUs. That a 750w is really like a 850w.