First time build

[d0njuan87]

Hi everyone im a first time builder I got a new job so Im going to splurge and drop 1k on a computer i have thought about it and read forum saying to go for a i7 instead of a q9500. This is the build i have so far

Rosewill 20" Serial ATA II cable with metal latch, Model RCW-204, Red - Retail $1.99
Item #: N82E16812119052
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM $24.99
Item #: N82E16827136152
NZXT Apollo ORANGE NP Orange SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $79.99
Item #: N82E16811146027
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $89.99
Item #: N82E16822148373
GIGABYTE GN-WP01GS PCI Wireless Adapter - Retail $16.99
Item #: N82E16839121008
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $189.99
Item #: N82E16814102801
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $94.99
Item #: N82E16817139005
OCZ Gold 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV3GK - Retail $59.99
Item #: N82E16820227368
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R-SLI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $209.99
Item #: N82E16813128386
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail $288.99
Item #: N82E16819115202


Is this build giving me the best bang for my buck? should i switch video cards to nvidia , will my psu be able to handle the everything and the possible expansion of another 4870 down the line? any answers will help as i am very noob at shopping for parts like this. Thank you!

 

[d0njuan87]

should i even bother with a i7 ot q9500?

 

[cmichael138]

Make sure that Seagate HD is not on the problem firmware list.

 

[irkjab]

If you're going to do any overclocking, get a better heatsink for the i7

Xigmatek Dark Knight $40

 

[geofelt]

You will be satisfied with your i7-920 build much longer than an equivalently clocked Qxxx. The difference is about $150, but the i7 is a much better performer in multitasking.

Nvidia GTX260 and ati 4870 are in the same class, and both good. Take your pick.

The corsair650 will power one of them, but not two. They each require two pci-e connectors.
The 750 corsair, or the PC P&C750 are not much more, and could handle that upgrade. They have 4 pci-e connectors.

 

[d0njuan87]

o that is very helpful thanks!

 

[Distinct]

You could save a little money and downgrade to a dual core processor, but... if you got the cash, stick with the I7 quad!

 

[aevm]

The Sapphire HD 4870 comes with molex to PCI-E adapters, so the 650TX can in fact power two of those cards. But I do agree with geofelt that a 750TX is more appropriate for HD 4870 Crossfire, even if Sapphire says "600W or larger".

For GTX 260 SLI, nVidia recommends the Corsair 850TX. I think the 750TX would be enough too, because those recommendations are often padded.

 

[irkjab]

The 650W corsair should be fine for the 4870 crossfire, given the 600W recommendation. Quality PSUs like corsair's are usually rated at below their actual capacity

 

[d0njuan87]

to shave a little bit off the price tag i am going with a 650gig hd. I think im going to stick with the 650w corsair. i dont plan on getting the other hd4870 for awhile, it does run all the games at the moment (thats what i have heard)

 

[irkjab]

This WD Black 640gb has outstanding performance.

Edit: Whats the sata cable for? Your motherboard will come with a bunch of them

 

[d0njuan87]

o didnt notice that!