1st Time Build - i7 non gaming Please Help!

[mike9999]

Hi guys,
I have come to the experts to check out my parts for my 1st build from scratch. I have replaced most of the parts from my old PCs but a complete build is a 1st! I would like you to review my parts list and make any suggestions.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Very soon

BUDGET RANGE: 1000 - 1500 USD

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Internet Browsing, Media Center, some Photoshop, possibly some video editing in the future, Not really a gamer, burn DVDs from content on my TivoHD

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I have a wireless mouse and keyboard. I might get by with my 19" widescreen to stay under budget but I could be convinced to get a new one now.
I planned to use the Windows 7 RC.
I also already purchased the i7.
Processor -
Core® i7 920 Processor Boxed
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0302727
$200 - loving that deal!

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg is fine.

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe. Never done it before but I would like to.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: I guess I don't need it if I don't play many games

In some cases I put a few choices -
MoBo
ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Xtreme Phase w/ CrossfireX support, TurboV
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131386
209.99

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
99.49

DVD Drive
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030
31.99

I'm tempted to get a BlueRay player but might wait on it.

Memory
OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV6GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227381
114.99

Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives – OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
99.99
I will swap out another WD SATA drive from my existing PC.

case
COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
139.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
54.95

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
79.99

Video card
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801
159.99

Monitor
Dell S2409W Full HD Monitor
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7345
$219

ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051
139.99 after rebate

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail
169.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052


1. Should I purchase a different heatsink or use the stock one from Intel?
2. For a 1st build would I have an easier time working with full tower case? Should I buy PSU extension ahead of time? I am not sure if I should go for the cheaper case or the more expensive one.
3. Is the video card too much, not enough?
4. I just got an email about that 3rd monitor from newegg today. It looks like a pretty good deal.

If I buy the most expensive items I have listed I am within the range ($1275 or so).

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

[jbakerlent]

1. If you don't plan on gaming, and don't plan on heavily overclocking you probably could use the stock HSF.
2. I personally would go with the cheaper Antec
3. With your build and budget the 4870 is appropriate but if you want to save some money you could definitely downgrade
4. As to the monitor I'm not really sure, the specs look comparable so I'd be tempted to go with the cheapest one which by the way is out of stock, so I'll leave that for someone else to decide.

Hope this helps.

 

[xthekidx]

1. If you want to overclock, I would go with a different heatsink. Here is my suggestion: Scythe Mugen 2
2. You won't have trouble in a Mid-tower, the Antec 300 should be fine for you and that is what I would pick. I have the CM-690 and its excellent as well. You won't need PSU extensions. If you really like the look of the Haf 932 then you can do that, but you don't need something with that kind of cooling system
3. If you don't play games, the GPU is too much. I would get something that has passive cooling, like the Gigabyte GV-R485MC-1GI Radeon HD 4850 1GB so you don't have GPU noise, that is typically the loudest component in the system. The passive cooling system on that card is exellent, you won't have heat issues, and it can handle some moderate gaming at 1080P if you decide you want to try something out. However something like the SAPPHIRE 100255U Radeon HD 4670 512MB would probably be fine for you. Video playback doesn't require much from the GPU.
4. I have the 23" Asus monitor and I am quite pleased with it.

 

[mike9999]

It does help thanks. I might go with the cheaper Antec and spend some money on an outside HSF. I could see some overclocking in the future. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[mike9999]

1. If you want to overclock, I would go with a different heatsink. Here is my suggestion: Scythe Mugen 2
2. You won't have trouble in a Mid-tower, the Antec 300 should be fine for you and that is what I would pick. I have the CM-690 and its excellent as well. You won't need PSU extensions. If you really like the look of the Haf 932 then you can do that, but you don't need something with that kind of cooling system
3. If you don't play games, the GPU is too much. I would get something that has passive cooling, like the Gigabyte GV-R485MC-1GI Radeon HD 4850 1GB so you don't have GPU noise, that is typically the loudest component in the system. The passive cooling system on that card is exellent, you won't have heat issues, and it can handle some moderate gaming at 1080P if you decide you want to try something out. However something like the SAPPHIRE 100255U Radeon HD 4670 512MB would probably be fine for you. Video playback doesn't require much from the GPU.
4. I have the 23" Asus monitor and I am quite pleased with it.

Should I have any issues with the installation for the Scythe Mugen 2? I was reading some of the reviews and people seem to think it is a pain. I am a building noob and the one time I had to replace my processor the heatsink had thumbscrews and not a backplate. I am sure I will figure it out but I was curious.

Thanks for the advice on the video card downgrade. I thought that might be overkill for a non-gamer.

 

[xthekidx]

Should I have any issues with the installation for the Scythe Mugen 2? I was reading some of the reviews and people seem to think it is a pain. I am a building noob and the one time I had to replace my processor the heatsink had thumbscrews and not a backplate. I am sure I will figure it out but I was curious.

Thanks for the advice on the video card downgrade. I thought that might be overkill for a non-gamer.

There are always people who will whine and complain. I have used that cooler several times and its no worse than any other cooler that requires a backplate, and all good coolers will require a backplate. The backplate provides support for the motherboard so that it doesn't flex under the weight of the cooler. Good coolers are always going to be heavy because they have to be big to dissipate the heat, and therefore they need to have a backplate.

 

[mike9999]

Hi guys,

I am just about ready to buy.

What are your thoughts about using the Windows 7 RC vs buying Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon $109.99 now?

 

[gkay09]

^It is better you buy the Vista as they now come with the WIN 7 upgrade coupon...
And now they come with a free copy of the WIN 7 RC too...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208025

 

[mike9999]

^It is better you buy the Vista as they now come with the WIN 7 upgrade coupon...
And now they come with a free copy of the WIN 7 RC too...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208025

OK. I didn't see that bundle on Newegg. Good looking out!

 

[mike9999]

Hi guys,

I recived all my parts and right now I am in the process of putting everything together.

I have a forum etiquette question. I have a slight boot problem with my DVD drive. Should I start a new thread or just build off this one that includes all my parts?

I will wait on a response.

Thanks.

 

[xthekidx]

New thread