Building my first PC... i7-860 or i7-920

[Rpopiel]

I've been doing hours of reading every day for the past month trying to decide on a new build (my first) and I'm starting to lose my mind with it all. I have 3 computers at home and they've all died on me in the past 6 weeks and my only internet access right now is my PS3...

I thought I was decided on a i5 build. I was impressed with the cost, efficiency, and the overall performance. Now though, Micro Center has the I7-860 on sale for $230 and the I7-920 for $200 and its completely changing my thoughts.

per the forum guide - here's my info

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week

BUDGET RANGE: (e.g.: 1000-1200) Before / After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: multimedia, internet, movies, recording TV - Ripping DVD's, and game use (game use last because my current PC can't handle much) I'm looking for a computer that can do just about anything I throw at it and multi-task like a champ and last a while.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor (for now), speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, Microcenter (1hr drive), Amazon

PARTS PREFERENCES: See Below

OVERCLOCKING: New to it... but want a mild, safe overclock

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not right now, but want the capability.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1280x1024 right now, but looking for a new monitor

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'll need at least 1 PCI-E x1 interface for a TV-tuner card, and 1 PCI for a wireless adapter besides the PCI-E 2.0 x16 for video card. If I want to be able to do Crossfire in the future, this rules out a lot of micro ATX mobo's

here's the build I'm considering:

Case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $51.95 - New Egg
or COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $69.99

Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $149.99

CPU: Intel Core i7 860 Processor Boxed - $229 - Microcenter

Cooler: Scythe MUGEN-2 SCMG-2000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - 34.99 (Not sure if it will fit 1156 or in the box though)
or XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler and adapter - $53 (pricey cooler)
~I want great cooling that will FIT <- that's the priority

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified - $89.99 (after mail in rebate) - New Egg

Video Card: XFX RADEON HD 5850 1 GB DDR5 PCI Express Card HD585AZNFC by XFX - $259.99 Amazon

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) - $114.99 - New Egg

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal HDD - $69.99
or 640GB version as a combo deal for an extra $30 with the COOLER MASTER case... New Egg

Optical: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223B - OEM $31

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate OEM - $189.99 New Egg

TV Tuner: Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Dual TV Tuner / Encoder 1229 - will come later so not including this is build cost...

Wireless adapter: Any suggestions on a good Windows 7 compatible card?

Total ~ 1250 with shipping/tax

My other thought is go with the i7-920 for $200 and a motherboard like ASRock X58 Deluxe LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard for $185 after rebate an extra 2GB of RAM and I'm more 'Future Proof' for about the same price...

Sorry for the long post - Just looking for some advice - Thank you very much for your time

 

[mortonww]

SABRENT 802.11N WIRELESS PCI CONTROLLER CARD works like a champ.

For your HDD, either go Western Digital Caviar Black 640 GB (denser platters, faster drives) or Samsung Spinpoint F3 500 GB (even faster)

 

[sepayne21]

why do you want windows 7 ultimate? are the extra features something you are needing, or is it just for the sake of having ***WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE***. If I were you, I'd just get windows 7 home edition and save the money

 

[dndhatcher]

I like the airflow in my 300. It is 8.1 inches wide and the huge Antec 1200 is only 8.4 inches wide so it should be able to hold the big coolers. The CM 690 is 8.4 inches wide and is a good case also.

Given the 1156 socket problems and the 1366 upgrade capability, I would go with the 1366/x58/i7 920. Also it is easier to get CPU coolers for the 1366. If you like the Dark Knight minus the price tag, right now the S1283 is on sale and you can buy the brackets for it for $8 (a dark knight without the black paint for $35 after MIR).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233038

or the Coolermaster Hyper 212, also a top ranked cooler at only $30 and fits on anything.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

The Mugen 2 will also fit on a 1366 socket so its another good option.

 

[Rpopiel]

why do you want windows 7 ultimate? are the extra features something you are needing, or is it just for the sake of having ***WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE***. If I were you, I'd just get windows 7 home edition and save the money

I figured windows was just like cars - if it sounds/looks fast - it MUST be fast.... No no.. but seriously I don't need Ultimate, but I would find XP Mode useful and would want at least Professional to have that option.

Any other opinions on ditching the 860 to go for the 920 - had I not heard of the socket issues with pins not making correct contact, I wouldn't be considering it. I really like the efficiency of those 1156's