Building New System - Good Decisions?

[cilwiy]

Hey All,

Need some advice on the setup I'm thinking about...

ASUS P6T Intel X58 Motherboard
Corsair TR3X6G1333C9 XMS3 6 GB 3 x 2 GB PC3-10666 1333MHz 240-Pin DDR3 Core i7 Memory Kit
Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz 8M L3 Cache 4.8GT/sec QPI Hyper-Threading Turbo Boost LGA1366 Processor

Packed together at Amazon for $678

WD VelociRaptor 300GB Hard Drive WD3000HLFS - 10K RPM, 16MB Cache, SATA 300MB/s

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001R52FIW/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A9B09ZK9BZJQ6&v=glance

For $230

Have the case, monitor, thermal grease, etc...

Need recommendations for:
Video cards - SLI vs Crossfire - Would like to get 2 video cards, just below top of the line (9800 gtx maybe?)
Cooling Fan - cant find a consensus on a quality fan

So many people know so much about this stuff so I'm hoping some of you can help me. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[cilwiy]

Hey I read the post on how to post...hopefully this well help...

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP
BUDGET RANGE: $1300 max
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, PS,
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I like to search them all. I like amazon, because it compares a bunch of sites...
PARTS PREFERENCES: Core i7, Asus Motherboard, Corsair Memory
OVERCLOCKING: Yes
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Help!
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1928 x1080

 

[theAnimal]

What is your PSU?

 

[cilwiy]

What is your PSU?

600 W Ultra SLI certified (2 years old, but still chugging away). Enough to run the new config? How do you find out?

Thanks...

 

[Tech-Boy]

Are you wanting to build a computer based on the i7 only?

Because if you are only gaming, you will get more performance by going with the q9550 and a 4870x2 or maybe even a gtx 295.

 

[aevm]

Your Ultra 600W PSU has 35A on the 12V rails.

The most powerful graphics it can take safely is two HD 4870 cards.

It can take two 9800GTX+ cards too but that's slower and I don't like the prices on those cards either.

It will NOT support a GTX 285 card (you'd need at least 42A, got only 35A) or GTX 295 or HD 4870 X2, sorry.

 

[aevm]

I'd suggest getting a WD6401AALS instead of the Velociraptor. That saves you about $120, IIRC. Playing at 1920x1200 needs a lot of graphics power. A very fast HDD is nice but won't have nearly as much impact on gaming.

 

[cilwiy]

Are you wanting to build a computer based on the i7 only?

Because if you are only gaming, you will get more performance by going with the q9550 and a 4870x2 or maybe even a gtx 295.

Just figured I would set my self up for the future by going with the new socket. Also I hold onto my computers about 2-3 years and upgrade about 1 year in.

This is my first intel build so I'm looking for any advice...

I can upgrade the ps if necessary. Was hoping I wouldn't have to...

 

[Tech-Boy]

^ Second That.

Id recommend going with one of these power supplies:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

And then getting a 4870x2 or gtx 295, if budget allows it.

 

[aevm]

Let's try to find a solution that doesn't need a new PSU, because the budget is already kind of tight.

So, $760 for P6T/i7 920/RAM/WD 640 disk for now. Reuse the PSU. You still have $540 for Windows, video card(s), DVD.

You can get a very good LG DVD burner at Newegg for $25.

What kind of case do you have? It's important because some cards (9800GTX, GTX 260, etc.) are pretty big and may have trouble fitting in a smaller case.

Do you already have Windows? Specifically, I'd recommend Vista Home Premium 64-bit. It has to be Vista for DirectX 10 and it has to be 64-bit because you'd see only 3.5 GB of RAM or less with a 32-bit version.

 

[Tech-Boy]

What is your gaming resolution? Because you could maybe get away with a gtx 260 core 216 on that power supply, but it would be cutting it close, especially since you want to go i7.

If it was me, I would get the i7 build, with this power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009 and then get the gtx 260 core 216, and I think that this will all still be under budget. You could maybe fit a 4870x2 in, instead of the gtx 260 in too.

 

[aevm]

It's 1920x1080.

 

[aevm]

Hey I read the post on how to post...hopefully this well help...

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP
BUDGET RANGE: $1300 max
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, PS,
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I like to search them all. I like amazon, because it compares a bunch of sites...
PARTS PREFERENCES: Core i7, Asus Motherboard, Corsair Memory
OVERCLOCKING: Yes
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Help!
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1928 x1080

You can do better than Amazon.

$376
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit TR3X6G1600C9 - Retail
ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.165124

$289
i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

Total $665, you save $13 compared to Amazon and get faster RAM too.

 

[cilwiy]

Let's try to find a solution that doesn't need a new PSU, because the budget is already kind of tight.

So, $760 for P6T/i7 920/RAM/WD 640 disk for now. Reuse the PSU. You still have $540 for Windows, video card(s), DVD.

You can get a very good LG DVD burner at Newegg for $25.

What kind of case do you have? It's important because some cards (9800GTX, GTX 260, etc.) are pretty big and may have trouble fitting in a smaller case.

Do you already have Windows? Specifically, I'd recommend Vista Home Premium 64-bit. It has to be Vista for DirectX 10 and it has to be 64-bit because you'd see only 3.5 GB of RAM or less with a 32-bit version.

Hey Sorry,

Should have been more Clear...
Case: Have a full tower ATX case with 5 fans...Don't remember the brand, but it looks like a transformer...
OS: Already have vista 64 utlimate
Monitors: 2 x 25" I Inc HD monitors ( I know during SLI won't be able to use both)
DVD: Already have Asus lightscribe
PS: Ultra 600 W...SLI certified...2 years old...

So what I think I need:
Motherboard: prefer ASUS
CPU: I'm leaning to intel...thinking core I7 just for the socket so I can upgrade in a year or so...
Memory: always preferred corsair, and I read a post saying the heatsinks aren't necessary for x58 because of the 1.65 V limit
Video Cards: would like to run crossfire or SLI
PS: maybe a new one...if I do upgrade I'm thinking on just going huge so I don't have to upgrade again in 2 years...?

Side Note: I also run autocad using 3D features for my business, so I can go above budget, but I didn't want to..
I get to write this off as a business expense shhh....

THANK YOU so much for the help...This is just awesome...

 

[cilwiy]

You can do better than Amazon.

$376
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit TR3X6G1600C9 - Retail
ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.165124

$289
i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

Total $665, you save $13 compared to Amazon and get faster RAM too.

Sweet...thanks...

 

[aevm]

Nice... OK, let's try this:

$665 for RAM/P6T/i7 920 as I posted earlier.
$230 Velociraptor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136322

Reuse case/Windows/burner. You're left with $405 for video + (maybe PSU).

I see two intelligent options here:

1. reuse the PSU and get a a HD 4870 X2 2GB for $425 (or two HD 4870 1GB cards for about the same price). The version with two HD 4870 1GB cards has better cooling and allows 4 monitors instead of two, so it may be worth a few bucks more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102768

2. Buy an 850TX PSU and a GTX 285 card for about $500 total. Add a second GTX 285 later if needed. You'd pay $100 more and get less performance this way, but it's more future-proof.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150334

 

[cilwiy]

What is your gaming resolution? Because you could maybe get away with a gtx 260 core 216 on that power supply, but it would be cutting it close, especially since you want to go i7.

If it was me, I would get the i7 build, with this power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009 and then get the gtx 260 core 216, and I think it will still all be under budget. You could maybe fit a 4870x2 in, instead of the gtx 260.

Hey Thanks for the help...

Why not gtx 9800
Good ratings and lower prices at tiger direct...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4037153&Sku=P450-9824

 

[aevm]

It's always better to get a single more powerful card. For example two 9800GTX cards cost $260 (actually $290 because I bet they only send one rebate, not two). A single GTX 260 will cost $235 or $240, and it actually does better in most situations. Think of it this way: GTX 9800 SLI: 2*128 stream processors, not used anywhere near 100% efficiency (SLI efficiency is between -5% and +90%, depending on game). GTX 260: 216 stream processors, used at 100%.

 

[cilwiy]

O.k. time for a tough decision on the power supply. You've talked me into GTX 260. Now I'm debating waiting awhile so I can just get a monster power supply and not have to upgrade again 2 years from now...

Thanks so much for the help. You can't imagine how much this has helped me.

 

[Helloworld_98]

If you really want a superior power supply then drop down to a 4870 1gb and use the extra cash for the power supply. They also perform better sometimes to.

It also has more memory so it will perform slightly better with the dual monitors.

 

[aevm]

LOL, I didn't mean you should get a GTX 260, it was just an example. You can do a lot better with your budget. But sure, OK, it's a good option. Just be careful with the PSU. The recommendation from eVGA for their GTX 260 is at least 36A. You have 35A with your current PSU. You can reuse it, as long as you don't overclock the CPU and don't add too many hard drives.

Try it this way first, why not. If you're not satisfied, then get a second card (btw, you can even have 3 of them with that P6T motherboard). Upgrade the PSU at that point - no need to do it right now. nVidia recommends something like Corsair 1000HX (or similar) for two GTX 260. I'm sure it would support three too, because they do certify a few 1000W PSUs for three GTX 260 cards too.
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html

 

[cilwiy]

LOL, I didn't mean you should get a GTX 260, it was just an example. You can do a lot better with your budget. But sure, OK, it's a good option. Just be careful with the PSU. The recommendation from eVGA for their GTX 260 is at least 36A. You have 35A with your current PSU. You can reuse it, as long as you don't overclock the CPU and don't add too many hard drives.

Try it this way first, why not. If you're not satisfied, then get a second card (btw, you can even have 3 of them with that P6T motherboard). Upgrade the PSU at that point - no need to do it right now. nVidia recommends something like Corsair 1000HX (or similar) for two GTX 260. I'm sure it would support three too, because they do certify a few 1000W PSUs for three GTX 260 cards too.
http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html

I don't trust myself when overclocking, so I would like to play it safe with a big power supply...I could see myself taking down my system by doing something stupid...

 

[aevm]

All right... I'd pick between Corsair 850TX ($120), Corsair 1000HX ($270), Silverstone OP-1000W ($230). The 850TX should be enough, unless you want 3 video cards.