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modest i7 (first time) build

Z

zaedrus

Junior Member
Howdy!

(I've posted this on other forums, so if it looks like a carbon copy you read elsewhere, you're right and my apologies!)

I killed my 7 year old system and rather than fixing the obsolete, I'm upgrading.

This will be my first build, so bear with me!

I'm an Unreal Tournament addict.
I will adopt more addictions with a new system.
I work heavily with Photoshop, SketchUp, and CAD programs.
I occasionally use Dreamweaver, Quark, and other misc. publishing software.
I used to be a XSI & Maya user and probably will be again.
And of course I surf, process words, spread sheets and all that other standard stuff.

I originally looked at a Core2Duo E8400 (2 x 3.0GHz) based system around $900 with OS. I think it would be fine for my needs but figured for a little more $ I could build a modest i7 system with great upgrade potential (available SLI, etc.) to last 7 more years.

I just wanted everyone's take on this build:


Total $1170

See any glaring compatibility issues?
Since I don't plan to overclock, I figured the included CPU heatsink/fan would be fine.
(The Tuniq case comes with 3-120mm fans as well)
Any thoughts on a 2nd, smaller HDD for programs with the 500GB for dumb storage?
And how do I verify that the videocard fits into the case before I hit the buy button?

I appreciate the help!
-Z
 
3GB is enough for most purposes, but it's still cutting it a little shy and I wouldn't feel bad about recommending 3x2GB.

some people will offer different PSUs. although that one will probably outlive your rig, you might consider getting one with 8pin pci-express connections, and modular PSU is a nice feature especially for first time builders.

you simply don't need 850W with a single video card. (is this the part where you tell us you're going to SLI in the future? 🙂 )

For HDD performance, 320gb per platter (320gb, 640gb) hdd's are typically a bit faster than 250gb per platter (250gb, 500gb)



I'll also point out that you're spending a big premium on your motherboard CPU and ram. You can get a more powerful gaming rig for cheaper if you play your cards right. Especially when not every game benefits (increased FPS) from having 8 threads.

for example for gaming I'd probably still rather have what's listed in my signature over your build, given the higher FSB and CPU speed, and better video card, it tends to give good performance in games. (based on the assumption that you're not overclocking...)

but, I understand wanting to have the latest tech, an upgrade route, etc.

the thing is, in a year's time you will be shocked when your $1100 rig becomes a $600 rig...



As for the cases... compare your case to this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112154

which has more than enough room for the largest available video cards. (at least 1.5" of extra space)

If your case is much smaller then it won't fit very well. If the case is about the same, it will probably fit. also read reviews.
 
Cases: I'll skip it, I like Armor's myself, but they are very much personal preference.
Mobo: I'm using the same one for my build, however, there is a $15 off coupon right now at newegg (don't know how long it will last) to bring it down to $220.
CPU: If you have a local FRYs or Microcenter, they are $229 + tax B&M purchases only (hence the local remark)
PSU: Go with a Corsair 620W Modular PSU for around $110 after rebate
HDD: Get WD Caviar Blue/Black 640GB HDD for around $70.
RAM: Skip 3GB, go straight to 6GB; esp since you are doing alot of cad & photoshop work.
Optical: Everything is good here pretty much as long as it works 🙂
Video Card: Save a little money, and go with an ATI 4850, or spend a bit more, and go with a GTX 260 Core 216
Keyboard & Mouse: User Preference
Os is fine.
 
Thanks for the feedback wired247 and Syran!

I've made the recommended swaps on my wishlist and I'm only up $25.

If you think of anything else, I'd like to hear it!

 
What's the current config look like now? Also, you can use a full editor to get the right kind of links, since this doesn't use the command.
 
- Case --> Tuniq 3 ATX Mid Tower $60
- MoBo --> ASUS P6T 1366 Intel X58 3-way SLI $235
- CPU --> Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz $295
- PSU --> Corsair 650W SLI Ready $100 - $20 rebate
- HDD --> WD Caviar Black 640GB 7200RPM 32 MB Cashe $70
- RAM --> Mushkin (3 x 2GB) $130
- Optical --> Lite-On 20X CD/DVD (SATA) $22
- Video Card --> EVGA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB $175 - $20 rebate
- Keyboard/Mouse -> Logitech Std Deluxe $13
- OS -> Vista Home Premium 64-bit $100
- Monitor -> Recycled for now

That's $1200 - the $40 rebates I didn't include earlier.
Might as well toss in Unreal III for $15 😉

I haven't had a chance to mull over the higher or lower vid card, the case change, or the modular style PSU... I'll have to do that tonight at home.

Technically I'm on the clock now, but don't tell!
 
Originally posted by: zaedrus
Click to expand...

Well, uhh, that's your original list iirc. Did you update anything on it yet?
Use [ L = Description ] http://Linkaddress [ / L ] (without the whitespaces) to make links that are easier to read, as this forum doesn't use the code you tried. :)
 
Easy mate!
I threw that in and hit the edit button to go into the Full Editor.
I'm sure there's a direct route, but I'm new here.

Should look better now.
 
Originally posted by: zaedrus
Easy mate!
I threw that in and hit the edit button to go into the Full Editor.
I'm sure there's a direct route, but I'm new here.

Should look better now.
Click to expand...

Much easier to look at. 🙂 Sorry if I seemed to go bonkers, but with no explanation, was hard to figure out what you were doing. 🙂

I'd definitely recommend going modular; I started with the NeoHE's from Antec, and have most recently moved to the corsairs. Between my own personal systems, and ones i've built, used at least 3 each of the 520/620 and have a 1000 in my main PC (I won that one, normally wouldn't have shelled out the cash for more then I need).
The 9800GTX+ is nice, but the 4850 just seems to beat it, and then the 260 216's tend to be just that bit over the 4870's in price/performance. But the 9800GTX+ just isn't the best in that price-range you are looking at imho.

You might want to check out this supertalent 6GB kit for only $99AR. It's $10 more, but has the $40 rebate, and i've seen some pretty good messages about it; that said, i've had mushkin in the past, and it's worked great for me when I needed it to.

Enjoy the new machine.
 
Heaps of thanks!

BTW, of all the forums, BEST FEEDBACK right here. I'm very grateful!

But oddly enough, I look like Morpheus here. I'll have to change that.
 
Tons of these threads can help as well; so definitely read up on what everyone else has asked. Lots of slightly different requests, but with many of them, one response helps a lot of different things. 🙂
 
looking good, you can be confident in that build

in the future if your gaming demands it, you will want a better video card. however with the current state of the video game market I think it's a good idea not to spend too much at the current time.

 
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