New Core i7 build (advice needed- have to order in 2 days)

[kingofwacky]

My friend is going to college, and he asked me to build him a new desktop. He wanted very fast performance (cpu-wise), good (but not the best) graphics, a long lasting pc (4 years plus), Huge hard drive space, and the pricetag to be around $1800.
I immediatly told him to look at Core i7's. I have decided on the parts im using and i was wondering if all of you could let me know what you think. Do any of you know how well this motherboard overclocks and how easy it is. I knew how to overclock Core 2 quads but now its different...... so yea


CPU
Intel Core i7 920 (2.66ghz) (Planning to overclock somewhere around 3-3.6ghz)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 X58 Motherboard
CPU Heatsink
Cooler Master V8
RAM
OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit
Graphics Card
SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5
Case
Antec 900
PSU
Antec NeoPower 650 Blue 650W
Hard Drives
2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31500341AS 1.5TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
1x Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (For OS)
Blue-Ray Drive
LG Super Multi Blu-Ray/HD DVD-Rom Drive (blu-ray/hd-dvd reader--dvd/cd burner)

With the Operating System (Vista Home Premium 64-bit) it comes out to around $1675ish + shipping. I have a little room left in the budget, so again any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[xthekidx]

I would go with the P6T Deluxe V2 instead, it is supposed to OC better than the gigabyte board and is slightly cheaper.

The V8 red LED's will clash with the 900's blue...idk how important that is to you. The Vigor Monsoon LT III performs similarly and has the blue LED's.

This is my ram recommendation:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227381

I would get a bigger PSU to allow for xfire later on when he wants better graphics:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009

And get the 1gb toxic version of that GPU, its worth it (awesome deal on it right now):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102815

Do not get Seagate 7200.11 drives, they have huge firmware problems. Avoid them at all costs. Get the WD Caviar Black 1tb drives, they are very fast and much more reliable.

So since you have room left in the budget, you might upgrade the GPU to the GTX 285. That will be a very nice card that will last a while, the 4870 can't quite cut it on higher resolutions in most new games already.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130442

You could also upgrade the Case to a CM Haf 932, which is a very nice case that would match the red LED's of the V8 cooler. Or you can go with this CPU/Case combo, which is one of my favorite cases:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.165527

 

[kingofwacky]

wow thanks for the quick reply. I probably should have said a quite system too, the PSU u suggested has 80mm fans on it, and in my experience (antec basiq) they tend to scream when running, but i will get a bigger PSU if u think it needs it (750 watts'ish)

 

[kingofwacky]

The motherboard and ram look like much better buys, thx

 

[kingofwacky]

The corsair 750 watt PSU is on sale for 129.99 and i has a 140mm fan, i guess that should work http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

 

[gkay09]

Well if u have the moneyto spend then get the Velociraptor 300GB instead of the WD 320GB...But not sure though if its worth it(Well gives u bragging right thoug )

And check the Samsung spinpoint F1 1TB HDD...heard they are fast and have seen them in many reviews...

How abt this RAM
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $185.00
Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

Yes they are costly but if u have extra cash then y not go for the best...
Well if its too costly then get the GSkills 1600MHz...

As for the PSU, xthekid's recommendation is good and again y not better???

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $139.99
($119.99 after $20.00 Mail-In
Rebate )
Free Shipping*
Best Power Supply Manufacturer by Custom PC 2008
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Will be enuf for any future upgrades u make...

And as xthekid has given many combos, browse through the combos to get good deals...

 

[xthekidx]

For the record, that PSU I linked is called the PC Power & Cooling "Silencer". It is very quiet, and has a better cooling design than the Corsair PSU's and is cheaper, which is why I suggested it, however the Corsairs are very good too. For $100 after rebates its tough to do better.

 

[kingofwacky]

ok i didnt really know about the PC Power & Cooling one u linked.... lets just say those little 80mm fans on psu really got on my nerves (so dang loud haha)

 

[kingofwacky]

wow so i found the pc power & cooling silencer 750 watt for 90 on amazon right now GREAT deal