Help deciding CPU

[StormlessWolf]

Hello All !

I am new to the forum, and its been awhile since I've upgraded my computer. I am stilling running an old P4 3.0ghz which is holding its own incredibly well, however, its time for a upgrade. I've been loosely following the release of intels new chips:the clarksdales, nehalems, and the 1156 socket (i5's). I really am confused in sense as to which path to go, as I am in a bind in two ways: I don't wanna spend anything more than $1,200 at the most and need something that's gonna be welcome to upgrades down the road. I mainly use the computer for moderate gaming, web surfing and school and occasional photo editing.

Also, for kickers..anyone have experience with those ATI Eyefinity cards, in terms of software and performance vs. stand alones? Ive seen some wicked setups and was just curious.

upfront, I thank you all for your input.

Cameron

 

[blackhawk1928]

Well, OP, give me a solid budget range and parts requirements..that will pretty much decide which route you'll have to go.

 

[verndewd]

thats true but man you cant deny the drool allure of that mobo and case 😀

 

[blackhawk1928]

the HAf 932?

 

[StormlessWolf]

^i7 920 is good and all, but your usage won't really take advantage of the few advantages that 1366 does have...memory bandwidth, more memory, and higher PCI-slot bandwidth.
-If you're a gamer, save yourself money and take 1156. just because you get a 1366motherboard doesn't mean it will support future 1366 socket processors like the new hexacored i7's or i9's...whatever. The processor support really depends on the motherboard itself, you'll have to upgrade a new chances are. Also newer processors for the 1366 aren't going to be cheapies low ends like the i3's, they are going to be wallet raping monsters being wayy over 500 possible over the 1000 range. Are you willing to spend this money?

1156 was just released and is a very popular socket at a good price range and has plenty of power in it, it will be overkill for your needs anyway.

-Anyway decide what you want and i we'll put a build up for your to customize and tweak.

Well, I will definitely run triple channel memory no doubt. I wouldnt look to upgrade those chips for awhile, usually I look to upgrade 3 years in atleast. I priced out an i5 and i7 machine: 1,726.87 (i7) and 1505.87 (i5). Let it be known I didnt even get to a videocard or monitor with that price point. Is a $221 spike for the big daddy worth it? I already obliterated my budget lol

 

[blackhawk1928]

I can build an i5 build way cheaper...i think you are picking our the wrong parts at the wrong places...it can be much cheaper. And if you go i5 then you won't be running tripple channel, you'll be running dual. And for your uses there is NO BENEFIT IN TRIPLE CHANNEL MEMORY, so dont let it be a deciding factor.

 

[StormlessWolf]

I can build an i5 build way cheaper...i think you are picking our the wrong parts at the wrong places...it can be much cheaper. And if you go i5 then you won't be running tripple channel, you'll be running dual. And for your uses there is NO BENEFIT IN TRIPLE CHANNEL MEMORY, so dont let it be a deciding factor.

hmm alright man, you've got me intrigued. So when does triple channel memory become a factor-high end video and photo editing (CS3 etc.)? Id like to keep it under $1500 if possible. I am getting all the parts from newegg.com, btw. Id like to keep the HAF-932 blue LED case, i5 750, a ASUS motherboard and a raptor type drive (velociraptor preferably).

thanks for the input

 

[blackhawk1928]

Hmm, yes triple channel becomes important when file conversion, rendering, editing...etc...not gaming or browsing the web, and even then, the factor is really not that big anyway.
-Secondaly i'll give you a parts list but i hope you realize you're paying extra 20-30bucks just to have a blue haf 932 vs the original non colored with 1 red led fan. I assure you both cool the same lol.

 

[verndewd]

sell a kidney bro 😛

im going to take a hand at pricing one out see what comes up

 

[StormlessWolf]

Hmm, yes triple channel becomes important when file conversion, rendering, editing...etc...not gaming or browsing the web, and even then, the factor is really not that big anyway.
-Secondaly i'll give you a parts list but i hope you realize you're paying extra 20-30bucks just to have a blue haf 932 vs the original non colored with 1 red led fan. I assure you both cool the same lol.

Heh your right my friend, i just got all psyched for blue LED :lol: go with the original with the parts list. Appreciate the accommodation! Thank you for you kind gesture to help me piece a build together!

~cameron

 

[StormlessWolf]

sell a kidney bro 😛

im going to take a hand at pricing one out see what comes up

haha i already did that to get my Jeep Wrangler...

 

[verndewd]

haha i already did that to get my Jeep Wrangler...

:lol: :lol:

quantity of item 1
COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119213
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $179.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2
Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFSRTL 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Retail
Item #: N82E16822136375
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $239.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3
Hanns·G Hi-221DPB Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Item #: N82E16824254035
Return Policy: Monitor Replacement Only Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$179.99
$159.99
select item 4 quantity of item 4
Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817371015
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$99.99
$79.99
select item 5 quantity of item 5
Microsoft Comfort Curve Value Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16823109156
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $21.99
select item 6 quantity of item 6
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145224
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy -$10.00 Instant

$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card20-145-224 $239.99
$229.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7
BIOSTAR TPOWER i55 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138159
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $174.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy $199.99
select item 9 quantity of item 9
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116758
Return Policy: Software Return Policy

 

[StormlessWolf]

verndewd, thanks for the help man! Only thing Id change in that is the monitor and I am not to fond of Biostar...never dealt with em. Id like to stick to ASUS. Also, the ram is triple channel..I need a dual channel set. Also, I just need a mouse-was looking @ a G9.

 

[verndewd]

verndewd, thanks for the help man! Only thing Id change in that is the monitor and I am not to fond of Biostar...never dealt with em. Id like to stick to ASUS. Also, the ram is triple channel..I need a dual channel set. Also, I just need a mouse-was looking @ a G9.

its a start 😀 I like biostar they work well for me i have 4 builds on them going right now, the whole fam damily, all tforce boards.

 

[StormlessWolf]

its a start 😀 I like biostar they work well for me i have 4 builds on them going right now, the whole fam damily, all tforce boards.

True! Hmmm...I know Biostars been around for awhile and i assume are held as a legend. All those other companies get overlooked as ASUS, Gigabyte, EVGA and DFI. I will put that one in the list as a candidate.

What ya think of this one by DFI? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136070

 

[verndewd]

looks pretty decent. biostars are inexpensive well featured boards that are pretty good with oc's, not the best or fastest boards just well rounded.

 

[StormlessWolf]

looks pretty decent. biostars are inexpensive well featured boards that are pretty good with oc's, not the best or fastest boards just well rounded.

Thats what I need is a well rounded board, with solid OC ability and thats gonna last. I take great care of my electronics and dont put them through hell. BTW, how much did that wishlist you did for me come out to total?

 

[verndewd]

under 1500

Subtotal: $1,426.91

biostar is a give and take, generally under performing in chipset speeds but very good oc software, i have my cpu at 3.2/3.4 depending on os, I think win 7 is 3.4 . just with the t utility overclock. Its not uber tweakable but works, you cant really dial in any better than the bios settings for voltage.

 

[verndewd]

quantity of item 1
COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119213
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $179.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2
Western Digital Caviar Green WD15EADS 1.5TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136351
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $109.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3
Hanns·G Hi-221DPB Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Item #: N82E16824254035
Return Policy: Monitor Replacement Only Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$179.99
$159.99
select item 4 quantity of item 4
XFX HD-585A-ZNDC Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) XXX Edition 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16814150455
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy -$15.00 Instant
$339.99
$324.99
select item 5 quantity of item 5
Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817371015
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$99.99
$79.99
select item 6 quantity of item 6
Microsoft Comfort Curve Value Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16823109156
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $21.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996657 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820146871
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $139.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8
BIOSTAR TPOWER i55 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813138159
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $174.99
select item 9 quantity of item 9
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy $199.99
select item 10 quantity of item 10
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116758
Return Policy: Software Return Policy $139.99
Subtotal: $1,531.90
Calculate ShippingZip Code: . FedEx 3Day Express SaverFedEx 2DayFedEx Standard OvernightAPO/FPO-Military ONLYFedEx International Economy-PR ONLYUPS Guaranteed 3 Day ServiceUPS 2nd DayUPS Next Day Saver GO Shipping:

 

[verndewd]

you could plan on velociraptors later as well, unless its a real need

 

[StormlessWolf]

you could plan on velociraptors later as well, unless its a real need

What I had originally planned was One for the main drive, then (2) 500GB WD Caviar Greens for backup on RAID setup. That videocard is a monster...but right now I am on the fence on which way to go. I've been an ATI guy all my life but Nvidia somehow has me in dismay after seeing what the 200 GTX series is capable of. You and anyone else have any take on this?

 

[verndewd]

What I had originally planned was One for the main drive, then (2) 500GB WD Caviar Greens for backup on RAID setup. That videocard is a monster...but right now I am on the fence on which way to go. I've been an ATI guy all my life but Nvidia somehow has me in dismay after seeing what the 200 GTX series is capable of. You and anyone else have any take on this?

the 5800 series is dx11 and pretty much took over the performance arena.
you could wait till fermi is out to buld but I wouldnt invest in a dx 10 card when dx 11 is out its a waste of money in some regards

 

[StormlessWolf]

the 5800 series is dx11 and pretty much took over the performance arena.
you could wait till fermi is out to buld but I wouldnt invest in a dx 10 card when dx 11 is out its a waste of money in some regards

you have a point there my friend. Don't get it twisted-I love that 5850 to my hearts content ...just a bit expensive. My cut off for a GPU is $250-275 naturally. I am gonna patiently wait it out on that aspect. Besides, I cant build this thing until a few months ahead-waiting for my amended tax return and school to let out!

 

[verndewd]

youre gold then bro, fermi should be out by then and the 5800 series will drop.

 

[blackhawk1928]

Hey stormlessworlf, to make it easier to recommend, fill out this form:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

and post in that format in your next post, it will be easier to use it as reference.

 

[StormlessWolf]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: March-May BUDGET RANGE: 1500 ( $200 buffer each way)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (High Settings), Web Browsing, School Work, Watching movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:Keyboard

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:Newegg.com, Zipzoomfly.com COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: U.S

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel Chipset, ASUS motherboard, Coolermaster or Thermaltake case, Logitech mouse, fast main WD HDD (Raptor) (Open for suggestions).

OVERCLOCKING: Yes (a little bit) SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 @ Desktop
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
I am open to other suggestions to the parts of preference, however, I build my machines around a great motherboard, cpu and a case with excellent cooling, design and lots of room. Nothing worse than having to return a motherboard after you install it (I am sure you all can agree lol).

The parts:
ASUS P7P55 WS Supercomputer NF200 P55 motherboard (Possibly overkill for my use??)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131594

Core i5 750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

CoolerMaster HAF-932 Full Tower case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160&cm_re=haf_932_case-_-11-119-160-_-Product

Thermaltake W0319RU 850W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153106

Thanks all, I really appreciate the help.

Cameron