MATX i7 build,,, whats best for me?

[hypra]

ok im building a computer for an art show this december 10th. im modding out the case and showing off the new windows 7 platform along with newer generation games. (im using a 1080p monitor and im hoping this build will show off the games really well.)

spec's i know im using for sure are the lower end i7 (860 i think it is)
and the new 5870 (if i can get my hands on one)and i already have a nice 750 corsair psu(the 80 plus silver one). now the board must be a micro atx board.

other then that i need some advice on which board would be best in the matx category. X58 or P55 and which brand. Also i'd like to get a nice cpu cooler thats low profile enough to fit my case

memory advice would be appreciated as well. also, im dabbling in the idea of throwing in an SSD drive to run along side a normal HD... thoughts?

 

[notty22]

This micro board caught my eye. It has only one pci-e slot. Has nice features like on board power button.
GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128404&cm_re=gigabyet_p55-_-13-128-404-_-Product

IMO this is a great combo deal. Your saving 42.00 , getting the i5 750, that gigabyte motherboard and 2x2 ocz ddr3 kit for a bump over 400 dollars.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.280597

 

[hypra]

i'll research that board. still. i still need more ideas guys.. keep em coming

 

[nofun]

For showing off graphics and games, Hyperthreading does very little for performance. The i5-750 will be ALMOST as good, and has a much cheaper price tag than the i7-860.

X58 = 1366 Socket = i7-920 and up
P55 = 1156 Socket = i5-750, i7-860, and i7-870

What exactly will this PC be designed to do? Are you just using it once to show off games and graphics? What will you be using it for otherwise?
Is cooler/fan noise an issue?
Will you be needing to run this machine outdoors? If so, what state do you live in (do you live somewhere hot)?

 

[hypra]

i live in cali,
ill probably be using it for graphic design, photo and movie editing for classes ill be taking over the next few years

 

[nofun]

i live in cali,
ill probably be using it for graphic design, photo and movie editing for classes ill be taking over the next few years

In that case, the i7-860 or the i7-920 are the way to go (hyperthreading will help all of those).

What's your budget like? What components do you not need (besides the case)?

 

[hypra]

i have a really good psu. i have about 1.5k i can spend... but not trying to spend super top dollar on compnents thatll give me a 1fps boost.

 

[hypra]

black friday is almost here... so its x58? which board? what ram should i pair it with.