New i7 build

[mxp12]

guys i need help deciding on the parts for my new build. I plan to build a gaming pc for under 1000. I have a microcenter near by so I'd like to take advantage and go for the 200$ i7-930. I also plan to use a gtx460 and 2 samsung f3 hdd in raid 0. I'm still undecided on the mobo, ram, powersupply, cpu cooler and case. I've been looking at the asus sabertooth and gigabyte ud3r, any opinions? I also need input on which brand to choose for the gtx 460 since I plan to do sli in the future. I plan to run windows 7 home premium 64-bit on 1080p resolution. I plan to play gta4, fallout new vegas, crysis, nba 2k11, darksiders and other upcoming games. I need your expert opinion guys. Thanks.

 

[mxp12]

I also plan to overclock and the budget is for the cpu only. thanks

 

[mxp12]

Approximate Purchase Date: in 2 weeks

Budget Range: 1000 Before Rebates


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming


Parts Not Required: monitor, mouse, keyboard


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, microcenter


Country of Origin: U.S.


Parts Preferences: Intel i7-930, gtx 460


Overclocking: Yes


SLI or Crossfire: Yes

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

 

[beerhelmet]

$1000 is a very tight fit for a purely gaming machine to use an i7 930

If you want a machine that will get you significantly better frames in most games, go with an AMD build, or an i5 760 (basically to have more money to spend on the video card)

If you just want an i7 930 machine for 1000 bucks, here is my attempt:

CPU: $200 - i7 930 (Microcenter)
PSU & M/B: $260 - Corsair 650TX & Asus Sabertooth
HSF: $30 - Coolermaster Hyper 212 +
RAM: $155 - G Skill Pi 1600 Mhz CL7 1.5V
GPU: $155 after promo code HARDOCP113C - Zotac GTX 460 768MB
CASE: $60 - HAF 912
HDD: $120 - 2 x Samsung Spinpoint f3 1TB
ODD: $22 - Lite-on DVD burner

Total: $1002

Without sacrificing quality the build still ends up (just) over 1000 with the i7 930, gtx 460 (the 768MB version), and 2 spinpoint f3s.

Plenty of caveats and addenda to adhere to though, I personally would go with an i5 760 build to have more breathing room around the case (literally, by getting a larger case) and around the video card (a good 1GB version).

 

[mxp12]

Thanks for the input. I would go for the i5-760 but its not listed in the microcenter here and its 208$ at newegg so i figured I'd go for the cheaper faster card. But I'll check again if they ever have them in stock. What about the mobo? is the sabertooth good enough? thanks

 

[beerhelmet]

The sabertooth is plenty good unless you wanna do something with more than 2 video cards.
If you want something a little heftier then go with the ud3r from gigabyte, note that for the features you gain, a $20 bump in price is pretty darn good.
I guess it really depends on how flexible your budget is. If you can go over it by 1-200 then I opt for the ud3r motherboard, an haf 922, and the 1gb 460.
If you can't, then finding places to slim the cost without sacrificing quality is difficult, but attainable, especially if you look closer at combo deals on newegg.

BTW, the key to the i5 760 build is not that the processor is so much cheaper, but the motherboard and ram are.

Also keep in mind that the stand alone 460 is OKAY, but in an SLI configuration is really where you will get your money's worth.

Good luck!

 

[mxp12]

Thanks. I'll probably wait for microcenter to have the i5-760 on stock. What would you suggest for a good mobo, cooler and ram if I plan to overclock for the 1156 socket? thanks again

 

[Mark Heath]

For mobo, if you're SLI'ing, then Asus P7P55D-E PRO, same HSF.

 

[beerhelmet]

^
Yah, p7p55d-e pro is very nice.

That cooler works for both sockets.

For RAM get... this

But its out of stock at the moment, so an alternative would be... this, or this