*UPDATED* Critique Partial Build

[flyboy84]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Gaming, probably @ 1680x1050. Plan to use single 22" screen as primary and use a secondary 22" if the game supports it (not interested in stretching FPS FOV to 2 screens).
HDMI out to LN46A650 in the living room (cable run is <10ft, just on the other side of the wall) to get internet content/Blu-ray to TV.
General use, electronic circuit simulation (pspice, etc), matlab possibly.
Multiple monitor NX session.

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

2500? Price isn't such a limitation. I don't want to go crazy, but I don't mind paying extra for good stuff.

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

USA

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.

I am loyal to the almighty dollar

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

Fresh build

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

Yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Default speeds.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Mid April

So here's the list (* denotes already purchased):

Enclosure: Lian-Li TYR PC-X500B *277.12
PSU: PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750 Quad Black*119.99-25.00 Rebate
Motherboard: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2*289.99
CPU: Intel Core i7 920*206.99
RAM: 6GB (3x2GB) of Mushkin DDR3 (6-6-6-18)*169.99
Hard Drive: WD Velociraptor 300GB*229.99-20.00 Newegg Combo - 30.00 Rebate
Video Card: BFG GTX 295*374.49
Sound Card: X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional*95.21
Optical Drive: Plextor PX-B310SA Blu-Ray Drive*139.99
Keyboard: I have a Logitech G-15 and a diNovo mini I will use when in HTPC mode
Mouse: I have a Razer Deathadder, but may eventually replace with a Mamba
Speakers: I have some Logitech Z-5500s
Monitors: 2x Dell Ultrasharp 2209WA*441.05

Total of components already purchased: 2324.81-55.00 in rebates =2269.81

All parts ordered, thanks for the help. I've updated the list to reflect final choices.

 

[Blain]

* A GTX 295 is way overkill for 1680x1050, but it's too late now.
* For memory, go with a (1.5v rated) 6GB kit from G.Skill, Mushkin or Corsair XMS3.
* I'd slap in an additional HD for storage... 640GB-1TB WD "Black".

 

[flyboy84]

Originally posted by: Blain
* A GTX 295 is way overkill for 1680x1050, but it's too late now.
* For memory, go with a (1.5v rated) 6GB kit from G.Skill, Mushkin or Corsair XMS3.
* I'd slap in an additional HD for storage... 640GB-1TB WD "Black".

Yeah the 295 is probably overkill :-D but oh well...

OK I'll look into those memory sticks.

I don't really store a lot of stuff, but I'll consider that if I start amassing a collection. I have a 320GB external that I use for backup.

 

[Ausm]

I personally like these monitors

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001254

I would go with this mobo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128375

 

[AstroManLuca]

Just wondering... why are you getting 22" monitors when you have a large budget and hardware that could easily drive 24" monitors instead? There are plenty of good quality 24" monitors out there as well, with a higher native resolution. May as well put your hardware to good work.

Heck you could even get a single 30" screen but maybe you want a dual-screen setup.

 

[flyboy84]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
Just wondering... why are you getting 22" monitors when you have a large budget and hardware that could easily drive 24" monitors instead? There are plenty of good quality 24" monitors out there as well, with a higher native resolution. May as well put your hardware to good work.

Heck you could even get a single 30" screen but maybe you want a dual-screen setup.

Good question. I get the feeling that two 24" monitors would be physically too big. I was actually originally thinking dual 20s but figured I could go up to 22. The thing is, I can drive newer games for a longer time at 1680x1050 than I can at 1920x1200. It pushes out the next VC upgrade. Or am I naive in that assumption?

If I were to get a 24" I would only get one, and I'd rather have dual monitors. 30" is way too big for my tastes.

 

[Knavish]

You could always go with a 24" in the middle with a square (1280x1024) 19" on either side

 

[flyboy84]

Originally posted by: Knavish
You could always go with a 24" in the middle with a square (1280x1024) 19" on either side

Hoo boy lol

I just put together the desk in my apartment and I feel that two 22" will fit just right.

I read some more about the 2209WA and I'm not 100% sold...can someone recommend some other alternatives?

 

[Knavish]

Originally posted by: flyboy84

Originally posted by: Knavish
You could always go with a 24" in the middle with a square (1280x1024) 19" on either side

Hoo boy lol

I just put together the desk in my apartment and I feel that two 22" will fit just right.

I read some more about the 2209WA and I'm not 100% sold...can someone recommend some other alternatives?

I don't own a 22 incher, but I did go with some advice from the Video Cards & Graphics Forum's awesome The LCD Thread. About half way down the first page they have a whole bunch of recommendations. Some 22's I see on the list include:
Office Work -- 22": Dell UltraSharp 2209WA, 1680x1050 (16:10); 22": Samsung SyncMaster T220, 1680x1050 (16:10)
Gaming -- 22": LG Flatron L227WTG-PF, 1680x1050 (16:10); 22": Dell UltraSharp 2209WA, 1680x1050 (16:10); 22": Samsung SyncMaster T220, 1680x1050 (16:10)

etc etc etc

 

[flyboy84]

Wow that thread is awesome!

Thanks!

 

[Denithor]

Buy the Matrox TripleHead2Go and three 22" screens and run at 5040x1050 spread across all three screens.

 

[flyboy84]

Hey all, updated the OP with new info. Bought the i7 920 and the 2209WAs. I'm set on the velociraptor and S75QB. I plan to buy those today and I'd like to get the RAM and a mobo on the same order from Newegg.

Is the RAM I picked out OK? Can someone recommend a motherboard? I'm leaning ASUS P6T Deluxe V2. Also, what about the optical drive?

Thanks!