Purchasing tomorrow..final check anything else?

[BigDan]

Hey guys,

I'm doing a final check on my build. I think i'm close, but want to make sure i'm getting the best bang for my buck as in two years or so i'll want to do another upgrade and replace the rig i'm about to buy.. so doesn't have to be viable that long!

This is a gaming rig, operating in 1920X1080.. I'd like a rig I can do max graphics on in just about everything... within reason... i have two xbox games in this list..forgive me, just doing this with my order!

Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price
1

EVGA GeForce GTX 480 (Fermi) SuperClocked+ 015-P3-1485-AR Video Card
Item #:N82E16814130558
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$539.99
$509.991
Nvidia Free Mafia 2 Game Coupon
Item #:N82E16800999247
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$59.99


2 Nippon Labs 18" (1.5 ft.) SATA II Cable with locking latch
Item #:N82E16812816027
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$13.98

1 CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817139006
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$139.99
$109.99


1

OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE120G 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #:N82E16820227543
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
-$100.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$335.99
$235.99


1 ICY DOCK MB882SP-1S-1B 2.5" to 3.5" SSD & SATA Hard Drive Converter - Black
Item #:N82E16817994064
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$5.00 Mail-in Rebate
$24.99
$19.99


1

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231314
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$179.99

1

GEAR HEAD 24x DVD Burner Black SATA Model 24XDVDINTLS LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827269009
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$44.99


1

steelseries SX Medium Mouse Pad
Item #:N82E16826995033
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$45.99


1 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full
Item #:N82E16832116716
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$23.00 Instant
$199.99
$176.99

1 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Item Refund Only Return Policy
$9.99

1 Noctua NH-U12P SE2 120mm SSO CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #:N82E16835608014
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$74.99

1 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822152185
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$74.99

1

ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor Built-in Speakers
Item #:N82E16824236049
Return Policy: Monitor Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$249.99
$219.99

1

GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128425
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Intel Core i5-760 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Item #: N82E16819115067
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy

Antec Dark Fleet DF-10 Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
Item #: N82E16811129096
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$5.00 Instant
-$49.98 Combo
$428.97
$373.99

1 Call of Duty Black Ops Hardened Edition Xbox 360 Game Activision
Item #:N82E16874117140
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
$79.99

1 Fable 3 PC Game Microsoft
Item #:N82E16832116905
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
$49.99

Grand Total:$2,221.83

 

[Net]

I like the monitor (its the same one I purchased )

take a look at this cpu cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835227006

 

[BigDan]

also, I see a lot of people saying wait till next week to buy for the 6xxx series to come out.. should I wait? it seems we're always waiting for something, but viable this could push the price down on the 480's but also give me the opportunity to spend 100 bucks or so more and get one of those beastly cards...

which way should I go??

 

[Blain]

Playing the waiting game only adds confusion.
A couple of bucks here or there really won't matter in the long run.

Just buy it and enjoy your new system.

 

[mfenn]

The DF-10 has a dedicated SSD mounting location, so you don't need the ICYDOCK. You also don't need the SATA cables unless you have a bunch of existing HDDs that you're using (this is why we update the thread where we answered the questions in the sticky, and do not post a new one!). Also don't know why you're insistent on spending $45 on an optical drive and $510 on a GTX 480. You also don't need to get a full version of Windows.

 

[fffblackmage]

That Agility 2 comes with a 2.5" to 3.5" drive bay adapter.

A DVD burner shouldn't cost more than $20, but maybe you wanted Lightscribe or something.

edit:

The DF-10 has a dedicated SSD mounting location

Apparently, there's that too.

 

[muskie32]

I know i am waiting for the 6xxx series... But i am not in an extreme rush to build. I think it might be worth the wait, but if you need a pc now the 5xxx series is still good

 

[BigDan]

The DF-10 has a dedicated SSD mounting location, so you don't need the ICYDOCK. You also don't need the SATA cables unless you have a bunch of existing HDDs that you're using (this is why we update the thread where we answered the questions in the sticky, and do not post a new one!). Also don't know why you're insistent on spending $45 on an optical drive and $510 on a GTX 480. You also don't need to get a full version of Windows.

No problem on the icydock and the sata cables. Not insistant on the optical drive i've just heard REALLY good things about gear head drives and wanted to try it out. 510 seemed about right for a 480? I can google it I guess and buy it cheaper elsewhere, but sometimes its just ease of ordering from one place.

As far as the OEM and full version of windows, I know I dont NEED tog et the full version, but on the full version I can change mobo's with no problem as opposed to the OEM that gets registered to a specific mobo.

 

[fffblackmage]

510 seemed about right for a 480?

This Gigabyte GTX480 is $450 with an additional $20 MIR.

As far as the OEM and full version of windows, I know I dont NEED tog et the full version, but on the full version I can change mobo's with no problem as opposed to the OEM that gets registered to a specific mobo.

From what I've heard, you just need to call Microsoft if you upgrade the mobo. Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[mfenn]

This Gigabyte GTX480 is $450 with an additional $20 MIR.


From what I've heard, you just need to call Microsoft if you upgrade the mobo. Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

:thumbsup:

Took the words right outta my mouth (fingers?)!

EDIT: Regarding the Gear Head, it looks like a Lite-ON stuck in a fancy box to me. It's the standard Lite-ON styling (oval eject button with oval indicator light to the left, convex tray door, the "Lite-On" lip under the center of the tray, etc.). You can get the same drive for $26.

 

[KeithP]

I will probably be in the minority on this but I wouldn't get the 480. I would get a 460 and OC it or maybe get a factory OC'd 460. Yeah, I know, not as fast as a 480 but a lot cheaper.

With the money saved I would upgrade the video card in 1 year instead of trying to make it last two.

-KeithP

 

[muskie32]

That does make sense.

 

[jchu14]

Consider these combos:
Gigabyte GTX 480 and GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3
Agility 2 SSD and i5 760

Those two combos saves $5 more than the DF-10 combo, and now you can pick a different case if you'd like.

Also, you can get the Samsung F3 and Seasonic X-650 for $10 less than the 750TX and the F3. The X650 will perform better than the TX750, has modular cables, and it should be plenty of power for a single GTX 480. If you want to SLI, the 750 won't be enough anyways.

I also agree with with others that spending that much on the optical drive is silly.

 

[ability]

Consider these combos:
Gigabyte GTX 480 and GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3
Agility 2 SSD and i5 760

Those two combos saves $5 more than the DF-10 combo, and now you can pick a different case if you'd like.

Also, you can get the Samsung F3 and Seasonic X-650 for $10 less than the 750TX and the F3. The X650 will perform better than the TX750, has modular cables, and it should be plenty of power for a single GTX 480. If you want to SLI, the 750 won't be enough anyways.

I also agree with with others that spending that much on the optical drive is silly.

Good find on the Gigabyte products, exactly what I'm getting and will be helpful!

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

As far as the OEM and full version of windows, I know I dont NEED tog et the full version, but on the full version I can change mobo's with no problem as opposed to the OEM that gets registered to a specific mobo.

Do you have a full version of Windows on your current computer? Then get an upgrade copy of Win7 and do the double install trick to install upgrade media on a clean hard drive.

1. Install Win7 from upgrade disk
2. Ignore warning about "not valid copy".
3. Shut down, boot from CD.
4. Install Win7 from upgrade disk a second time.
5. Enjoy.

Legal, easy, and cheaper than the full version by $70.

 

[Blain]

Do you have a full version of Windows on your current computer? Then get an upgrade copy of Win7 and do the double install trick to install upgrade media on a clean hard drive.

1. Install Win7 from upgrade disk
2. Ignore warning about "not valid copy".
3. Shut down, boot from CD.
4. Install Win7 from upgrade disk a second time.
5. Enjoy.

Legal, easy, and cheaper than the full version by $70.

Please explain how doing a full installation of Windows 7 from an "Upgrade" disk on a fresh HD complies with the EULA for the upgrade license.

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140125/Microsoft_confirms_Windows_7_install_trick_is_legal

If you have an eligible copy of the software, ie retail version, and don't use the old software anymore, then it's fine. The whole point is to let people install to a clean hard drive without having to find their Vista/XP disks. Whether you use the old disk once and the new disk once, or the new disk twice, it's still two installs. Using the new disk twice is just a lot less of a hassle.

 

[muskie32]

So is today the big upgrade day?


@ ScorcherDarkly:
I dont think i agree with that...
I say: get the license and be on the safe side.

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

@ ScorcherDarkly:
I dont think i agree with that...
I say: get the license and be on the safe side.

/shrug. Microsoft does. If you start with a full retail license of a previous version of Windows, there is no difference between transferring the old license to the new computer and upgrading to Win7 afterwards and using the double install method from a Win7 upgrade disk. In both cases, you end up with an authorized Win7 upgrade on your computer. Double install is just a lot easier, which is why MS allows it in the first place. The EULA is only broken if you continue to use the old version of Windows in addition to the new Win7, or if you didn't own a proper license to begin with.

I'm really surprised this is news to people. I learned about this method on this forum when I built my computer last year.

 

[jaydee]

also, I see a lot of people saying wait till next week to buy for the 6xxx series to come out.. should I wait? it seems we're always waiting for something, but viable this could push the price down on the 480's but also give me the opportunity to spend 100 bucks or so more and get one of those beastly cards...

which way should I go??

There's always going to be something around the corner... however, there's not always going to be something around the corner NEXT WEEK! I say wait on the video card.

As it's been said, also suggest Win7 OEM for ~$99 and save a few more bucks on an optical drive.

 

[Blain]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140125/Microsoft_confirms_Windows_7_install_trick_is_legal

If you have an eligible copy of the software, ie retail version, and don't use the old software anymore, then it's fine. The whole point is to let people install to a clean hard drive without having to find their Vista/XP disks. Whether you use the old disk once and the new disk once, or the new disk twice, it's still two installs. Using the new disk twice is just a lot less of a hassle.

"You can always do a clean install if you're upgrading, so long as you're upgrading a machine that's already running genuine Windows XP or Windows Vista,"

To be in compliance with the MS EULA, BigDan would need to be running a genuine copy of XP or Vista on the machine that he's ordering parts for.
I understand MS knows people are doing full installs with "upgrade" disks.
But they still aren't giving their blessing to EULA breaking, just covering their bases with statements like the one in the article.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Licensing for Hobbyists

From the FAQ:

Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?

A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by that End User Software License Terms. The End User Software License Terms is a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.

Wrong. The primary reason for doing this is more $$$ for M$. Can't say for sure that if you upgraded your mobo they would deem your license void just like that. Probably just say it's invalid or whatever and to call phone support for activation. A white lie and you're good to go (though sometimes when I called for XP they didn't ask me anything). So yeah you are supposed to buy retail (or do the upgrade thing), but you shouldn't if you don't have to.

He agrees (read it!).
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/is-i...pc-dont-ask-microsoft/1561?tag=col1;post-1561

 

[mfenn]

Licensing for Hobbyists

...

Wrong. The primary reason for doing this is more $$$ for M$. Can't say for sure that if you upgraded your mobo they would deem your license void just like that. Probably just say it's invalid or whatever and to call phone support for activation. A white lie and you're good to go (though sometimes when I called for XP they didn't ask me anything). So yeah you are supposed to buy retail (or do the upgrade thing), but you shouldn't if you don't have to.

He agrees (read it!).
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/is-i...pc-dont-ask-microsoft/1561?tag=col1;post-1561

The only question that they've ever asked me for Vista or 7 OEM phone activations is "Is this license currently in use on another PC?" I say no (truthfully) and they give me the code. So yeah I agree with you.

 

[mfenn]

Consider these combos:
Gigabyte GTX 480 and GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3
Agility 2 SSD and i5 760

Those two combos saves $5 more than the DF-10 combo, and now you can pick a different case if you'd like.

Also, you can get the Samsung F3 and Seasonic X-650 for $10 less than the 750TX and the F3. The X650 will perform better than the TX750, has modular cables, and it should be plenty of power for a single GTX 480. If you want to SLI, the 750 won't be enough anyways.

I also agree with with others that spending that much on the optical drive is silly.

Good find on the combos, but a 480 on a 650W PSU would personally make me a little nervous (and I'm the guy who loves the 400CX!).

 

[Bryf50]

Drop that over-priced burner and grab this one. Sony uses the NEC chipset which is said to be really good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118040