Core i7 Build

[todd5854]

Hello, I'm building a Core i7 computer.

I did an average amount of research, and I'd like an opinion on this build.

There are two options I have here.

Option 1:
Motherboard:
MSI X58 Platinum SLI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130220

CPU:
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

Memory:
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

Power Supply:
Antec EA750 750W ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

Case:
XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Case
LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DCD-ROM 2MB Cache

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Video Card:
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359


Option 2:

CPU:
Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115211

Motherboard:
MSI X58 Platinum SLI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130220

Memory:
Patriot Viper 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PVT36G1600ELK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220365

Video:
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

*For the rest of option 2, there is no CD drive, case, or hard drive because Option 2 is obviously more expensive. I already have those parts, and would be willing to deal with them. And for power...I have two 500 watts, I can use them together in my case, and get adapters.

My only real concern is:

-Am I missing anything really important?
-Is the Core i7 950 really THAT much better than the 920 to be twice as much money?
-And if I get the 950, do I have to get more expensive parts to really see a difference?

Also, I know the motherboard and Video is the same for both options.

If the 950 isn't all that great, I'll just get a whole new computer. That way I can sell the old one, or something. Besides, my hard drive and other components don't have a lot of life left..


Thanks guys

 

[tecmo34]

I would go with Option 1 & sell your current computer for extra money if you want...

The cost difference between the Core i7 950 and Core i7 920 isn't worth it... IMO. The Core i7 920 will easily OC to the speeds of the Core i7 950 at half the price. I would change a few things on Option #1 though.

Memory: OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV6GK - Retail ($109.99 - $20 MIR = $89.99 This memory has lower timings than the Corsair you've listed.

Case:
Option 1: Keep the XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail ($99.99)
Option 2: Keep the XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail ($99.99) but use your Antec 900 case for this build and use the XCLIO for your old computer your selling
Option 3: COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail ($79.99)

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM ($74.99)

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail ($119.99 - $20 MIR = $99.99) This is a better PSU for the same amount of money. You don't need a 750W PSU unless you are planning on running Crossfire down the road. If you aren't, downgrade to the CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W PSU.

You will need to add a CPU Cooler to either of your builds. I would recommend the XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail ($39.99)

 

[todd5854]

Thank you for this, the prices seem right. We're on a tight budget, but at the same time we're going to do this the right way. And thanks for pointing out the faster memory!

Anyone else?

 

[Helloworld_98]

just to add, I'd stay away from MSI mobo's, since so far the only one which has a good rap is the X58M 'Mighty Mouse'.

 

[todd5854]

just to add, I'd stay away from MSI mobo's, since so far the only one which has a good rap is the X58M 'Mighty Mouse'.

Thank you for your suggestion. But why? I have a good experience with them, my current board is MSI. Would you recommend ASUS? EVGA?

All of this is going to be put into consideration.

 

[Helloworld_98]

ASUS, gigabyte and EVGA are the major players in the X58 market so try those.

assuming you don't need triple crossfire or triple SLI, look at the ASUS P6T/deluxe V2, Gigabyte UD4P and the EVGA triple SLI board.

 

[todd5854]

ASUS, gigabyte and EVGA are the major players in the X58 market so try those.

assuming you don't need triple crossfire or triple SLI, look at the ASUS P6T/deluxe V2, Gigabyte UD4P and the EVGA triple SLI board.

Preferably two PCI-E X16 2.0, three I will never use. and I will only use two if both slots run at X16. Possibly hard to find. =/