So I've gotten the green-light from my better half to build a system. I've been out of the loop for a while, so I'm not sure on a lot of items. I've been checking out a few forums while putting this together, but would like some feedback.
This is to be my primary computer (upgrading from a laptop). I want a fairly good gaming rig that'll last up to 3 years (is that even possible?), but it will be used for all other tasks (email/chat/downloads/etc), too.
I'm a bit dead-set on going Intel and can't bring myself to go w/ a Core 2 Duo. I don't expect to overclock (at least at first, but even if I did, it won't be too much). I am also fairly certain that I want to run with a 24" monitor.
I've been given $2000 and am primarily looking at Newegg for prices. That $2k is AFTER taxes and shipping, and shipping looks to be ~$60 for the setup below.
I have a mouse, keyboard, and speakers already, and I plan on sticking with onboard sound and networking.
(most names are shortened from its Newegg listing)
CPU --- Intel Core i7 920
Mobo --- ASUS P6T Deluxe V2
RAM --- G.SKILL 6GB DDR3
PS --- CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX
GPU --- EVGA GeForce GTX 280 1GB
HDD --- WD Caviar 640GB 7200RPM SATA
Case --- COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP (comes w/ a free Rosewill RP550-2 550W PS, but it doesn't look like it has the appropriate connectors for the GPU)
DVD --- SAMSUNG 22X drive
Monitor --- BenQ G2400WD 24" Widescreen LCD
Air Cooling --- COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
Total after tax and shipping is just under $1900. It's been let known to me that just because I *can* spend up to $2k doesn't mean it's OK to.
Alternatives that I've been considering are:
- Swapping the Core i7 to a Q9650 (or Q9550)
- Which would make me change out the Mobo and RAM (considering 4x 2GB)
- Changing the GeForce to a Radeon 4870 1GB (or 4850 x2 2GB)
I've also read that there are issues with running WoW in windowed mode (which I plan to do) and with SLI/Xfire setups, so I'd like to avoid those sorts of issues if you know of any.
Did I miss anything? Do I need any special/recommended thermal compound? Do I need an aftermarket cooler for the i7? I've read that the stock ones are good enough for now. I'm assuming the case is big enough for the cooler and the GPU, as well.
I think I hit all the major points generally requested, but let me know if I've left something out.
[EDIT] I'm looking to buy this (most likely online) over the weekend so I can have my new toy mid-week.
This is to be my primary computer (upgrading from a laptop). I want a fairly good gaming rig that'll last up to 3 years (is that even possible?), but it will be used for all other tasks (email/chat/downloads/etc), too.
I'm a bit dead-set on going Intel and can't bring myself to go w/ a Core 2 Duo. I don't expect to overclock (at least at first, but even if I did, it won't be too much). I am also fairly certain that I want to run with a 24" monitor.
I've been given $2000 and am primarily looking at Newegg for prices. That $2k is AFTER taxes and shipping, and shipping looks to be ~$60 for the setup below.
I have a mouse, keyboard, and speakers already, and I plan on sticking with onboard sound and networking.
(most names are shortened from its Newegg listing)
CPU --- Intel Core i7 920
Mobo --- ASUS P6T Deluxe V2
RAM --- G.SKILL 6GB DDR3
PS --- CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX
GPU --- EVGA GeForce GTX 280 1GB
HDD --- WD Caviar 640GB 7200RPM SATA
Case --- COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP (comes w/ a free Rosewill RP550-2 550W PS, but it doesn't look like it has the appropriate connectors for the GPU)
DVD --- SAMSUNG 22X drive
Monitor --- BenQ G2400WD 24" Widescreen LCD
Air Cooling --- COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
Total after tax and shipping is just under $1900. It's been let known to me that just because I *can* spend up to $2k doesn't mean it's OK to.
Alternatives that I've been considering are:
- Swapping the Core i7 to a Q9650 (or Q9550)
- Which would make me change out the Mobo and RAM (considering 4x 2GB)
- Changing the GeForce to a Radeon 4870 1GB (or 4850 x2 2GB)
I've also read that there are issues with running WoW in windowed mode (which I plan to do) and with SLI/Xfire setups, so I'd like to avoid those sorts of issues if you know of any.
Did I miss anything? Do I need any special/recommended thermal compound? Do I need an aftermarket cooler for the i7? I've read that the stock ones are good enough for now. I'm assuming the case is big enough for the cooler and the GPU, as well.
I think I hit all the major points generally requested, but let me know if I've left something out.
[EDIT] I'm looking to buy this (most likely online) over the weekend so I can have my new toy mid-week.
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