I7 920 build for Maya and ZBrush

[karnanelson]

First time builder here! This is what I've come up with so far based on research...

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor $288.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard $299
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

PNY VCQFX1700-PCIE-PB Quadro FX1700 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Workstation Video Card $434.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133207

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227381

COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152

COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply $140 (before $20 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493


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Main purpose for this machine is as a workstation for running Maya and ZBrush. My budget is $2000 max.

I was also considering the SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card for $200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801). It would save me some money but I'm not sure how it will perform with Autodesk Maya 2009 and that is my main concern. The Quadro cards are qualified and recommended for Maya so I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Questions...

How important is the case with this setup... I was also considering the Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower case for $70. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Also I am not sure about the OS... Is the Ultimate version really that much better than the regular one? Worth it?

Is there anything that I am missing that I'll need to build this?

Any feedback would be great.. Looking for the thumbs up from someone who knows their stuff so I can go ahead and buy the components.

Thanks!!

 

[Proximon]

You can save a bit right here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.177160
That is a special, very nice PSU that comes with that case only... it doesn't fit in most cases.

Although, to be honest nothing in your build requires a PSU that powerful. This PSU would be a fine choice and more than enough power:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=650TX

You could use the Antec 300, although you would want to purchase some extra fans to put in the front.

Another excellent case that requires no upgrades:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
Note the free shipping promo code. Pretty good for a case.

You are right about the video card. You need those workstation drivers. It's sad really because the actual hardware of a gaming card is superior, but you have to pay those devs for the specialized drivers.

Vista Premium will work just as well for you.

 

[karnanelson]

Great, thanks for the advice. I think I'll go for the case and PSU you suggested to cut back on price.

 

[karnanelson]

Another question... is there any difference between brands... The Gigabyte board is about $30 cheaper.

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=650TX

 

[Proximon]

I would think this ASUS might suit you better:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131359

Better configuration, and an onboard eSATA port.