Need help with a New Build (intel i7)

[BoBoDuFlachi]

I'm looking to build a computer with a new intel i7 920 processor. It's been a few years since i've built a system so i figured i would get some feedback. Also looking at 6 gigs of ram minimum . I already have a 26" monitor so that is a non issue


1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming, web browsing, HD content,lots of multitasking

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
1500 - 1750

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.
Have a OLD AMD now...Just like what im seeing from intel. Unless Someone can recommend a good AMD alternative. I havent kept up with the video card market too much, but i wouldnt mind getting a xfire or sli setup

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
DVD rom

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Chances are i will overclock it

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
ASAP

 

[Denithor]

Well, you should probably read some of the other i7 posts to get an idea of what other people are building and the comentary on their builds. That will probably give you what you need.

Today, at the high end Intel is king. AMD just doesn't stack up for gaming, media encoding, etc. That may change in the next few months when Deneb comes out but if you're building today Intel is the only game in town.

One final thought - don't even carry your old DVDrom from the old system. Just unload the old one intact to someone needing a basic rig (Craigslist or the local paper come to mind) and get all new parts for the new build. A new DVDRW will cost you $20 from newegg or you can get a BluRay/HDDVD/DVDRW combo drive for $100 if you want to watch HD content on your system (it's nice, trust me). Plus the new drive will be SATA with a thinner cable that won't choke your airflow through the case.

 

[palladium]

I have an i7 rig ( just got it a few days ago), and I'll say this: if you want to OC, get an aftermarket cooler ( Thermalright or Noctua - can't remember the model names, read the CPU forum). I'm currently on stock cooler and hitting 150BCLK @1.18V is giving me crashes and BSODs ( stock voltage makes the CPU too warm to be comfortable). Currently I'm running at 21*145=3.05GHz @1.152V, and it's quite stable. I find this thread to be helpful in terms of what to expect.

I agree with Denithor, get a new DVD drive that uses SATA, gives you less headaches when it comes to cable management.