i7 build

[reaper7534]

I previously posted a build based around a Phenom II, I've decided against a car stereo so this has upped my ceiling for what I can spend on a new computer.

I'll be surfing, emailing and gaming primarily. I have no intention on video editing but want to be somewhat future proof. If you see anything you would change please post why. Here we go.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=12757512

ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard 169.99
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor 288.99
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit 144.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive 54.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified 119.99
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower 89.99
XFX HD-585A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 309.99
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM 104.99
LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98 29.99

 

[Jd007]

For $5 more, get this RAM kit instead. Exactly the same as the one you picked except lower CAS latency and tighter timings.

Other than that it's a good build. However if you could wait 2 months, the Core i7 930 will be replacing the i7 920 in March. It'll be the exact same price but clocked at 2.88 Ghz.

 

[reaper7534]

For $5 more, get this RAM kit instead. Exactly the same as the one you picked except lower CAS latency and tighter timings.

Other than that it's a good build. However if you could wait 2 months, the Core i7 930 will be replacing the i7 920 in March. It'll be the exact same price but clocked at 2.88 Ghz.

thanks for catching the ram snafu. I have no idea how I missed that. Waiting a month won't be a issue since I'm waiting for tax return anyhow.

 

[reaper7534]

any other suggestions ?

 

[jacktesterson]

I recommend going with a Geforce MX400

 

[reaper7534]

I recommend going with a Geforce MX400

Thanks for that valuable input

 

[Davidh373]

I know you're probably trying to pinch pennies where ever possible, but I have some more high quality recommendations.

Instead of the asRock, Go with an EVGA X58 board. they are more expensive but the reviews are up towards the 4.5-5 range on newegg. I have one and I love it. One thing that may save you money is you should find a 650W power supply handles your build even if you were to put a second graphics card in. Mine does fine with a 650 in crossfire with 2 Radeon HD 4890s. Also something to look at is you can get an 8x Bluray drive (with DVD/CD), or you could get the $20 liteon with 18x speed. I know it's a downgrade in speed but it will save money and unless you need that thing burning DVDs all day it won't matter if it's a little slower.
I like your choice in graphics .

 

[Magusigne]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewPro...-061-_-Product

love this case.

Overall good build..besides the RAM you have done your homework.

 

[Davidh373]

oh, 1 more thing, windows 7 home premium doesn't have compatibility mode, so you may have some issues if you don't get Pro. BF2 definitly won't run, I had enough of a problem running that WITH compatibility mode.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

What size will your monitor be? AND what type of games will you be playing?

 

[Tattare]

Windows 7 Home Premium - $89.99 @ Newegg through 1-11-2010. Use promo code EMCLMLS58.

few more hours left $15 savings.

 

[Davidh373]

Don't get home premium, you'll have problems with some programs running without compatibility mode. One last thing. Benchmarks show the Western Digital Caviar Black, and the Seagate Barracuda hard drives are better. They have a 32 MB cache and are wicked fast. Apparently the Seagate Barracuda is quieter than the Caviar Black, and also cheaper. I believe it is the same price as the Samsung you have picked out.
Another spot is your Ram, 1333 is good but you can get 6 GB OCZ gold at 1600 for the same price. Might as well have faster speed for the money. You can also get 2000 Mhz for $190. I have the 1600 and it has been working hard for me for 8 months now. The difference is latency, I see it now. There are apparently debates on cas latency vs. speed, but it is up to you. I don't know enough yet. I will have more knowledge of it by tomorrow though

 

[reaper7534]

oh, 1 more thing, windows 7 home premium doesn't have compatibility mode, so you may have some issues if you don't get Pro. BF2 definitly won't run, I had enough of a problem running that WITH compatibility mode.

I don't play any older games, will be playing only new titles. Also don't have any programs now that I'll be porting over to the new rig, so compatibility on that front isn't important.

BTRY B 529th FA BN

Gaming only at 1680x1050 model right now, but will up to a higher resolution in the near future.

I was originally looking at OCZ memory, but some people were having problems with the triple channel kits.

Reviews I seen pointed to the samsung being slightly faster and quieter, I'll have to look into it further

 

[sgaliger]

One thing I don't see is a better than stock cooler/heatsink. I'd recommend doing it now, because it is a PIA to do it later, because you have to remove the MB to install the brackets. It's not necessary, but if it's something you'll ever consider, you want to do it now, not later.

 

[reaper7534]

One thing I don't see is a better than stock cooler/heatsink. I'd recommend doing it now, because it is a PIA to do it later, because you have to remove the MB to install the brackets. It's not necessary, but if it's something you'll ever consider, you want to do it now, not later.

thanks for the advice, but that's why I got the storm scout by cooler master. Has cutout in motherboard tray so you don't have to remove MB to swap heatsinks, besides.. I haven't decided on a cooler yet. I'd like quiet and efficient but it's proving to be the hardest decision of all.

 

[reaper7534]

I think I'm settled on everything .... except I may go for a modular PSU and possibly pick up a 40gb Kingston SSD for boot. I may do a slight overclock but system is not being built for that purpose.


ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W

XFX HD-585A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack OEM

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout ATX Mid Tower ordered 1-15-10

Rosewill 40-in-1 USB 2.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/ USB port ordered 1-15-10

COOLER MASTER R4-L2R-20CR-GP 120mm Red LED Case Fan x2

Arctic Silver Thermal material Remover & Surface Purifier

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

Parts already ordered :

Cooler Master Scout Case
Card Reader

 

[reaper7534]

I've read and read, but nothing definitive I can find. What heatsink cooler will work on the ASROCK X58 MB and not interfere with the ram slots and also fit in a CM Scout case. I'm pretty sure a CM 212+ will, but looking for verification