New system build (Gaming) Please Advise Looking to buy soon

Xyron

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP BUDGET RANGE: US $2000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Internet, Office Documents, Picture and Video Editing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard and Mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, zipzoomfly, whereever it is cheaper COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to use an AMD CPU & Biostar mobo with a 24" LCD and full tower case)

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Crossfire (future)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I would like something that lasts about 5 years

Here is my build. It is slightly over $2000. But I am not counting rebates or shipping. I would like to drop the price a little if I could.

CPU: $290
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

Motherboard: $300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614
ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Video Card: $350 (I plan to add another in the near future)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102881
SAPPHIRE TOXIC 100282TXSR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Memory: $240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145242
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C7 G

Case: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply

Hard Drive: $100 (adding a SSD in the future as a system drive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

CPU Cooler: $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142&Tpk=scythe%202100
Scythe SCMG-2100 Sleeve CPU Cooler

Monitor: $310
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236047
ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers w/ component connector

Speakers: $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121006
Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers

DVD Burner: $23 (Blu-Ray in the future)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM

OS: $99 (not sure if Ultimate is worth it)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-754-_-Product
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

Please Advise.. I would like to buy this by the end of the week.

THANKS!!!



 

Hereisphilly

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You've pretty much got it nailed mate, a few changes i would make though:
MOBO - GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423&cm_re=ga_x58_a_ud3r-_-13-128-423-_-Product
this is cheaper and it overclocks better
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/05/05/asus-p6x58d-premium-motherboard-review/4

HDD Samsung F3 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&cm_re=samsung_f3-_-22-152-185-_-Product
The western Digital drive isnt that much faster, and alot noiser. If you are planning an ssd upgrade, then save the money and get the samsung, there isnt that much difference in performance

GPU XFX HD-587X-ZNFV Radeon HD 5870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150490&cm_re=5870-_-14-150-490-_-Product
if you have the money to spend on it, go for the higher end card, it will give you way more performance, then you can add another of the same later, and get even more peformance.
Apart from that, system sounds sweet man!
 

Xyron

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Thanks for the input. I do like the changes. It got me under $2k (the wife will be happy).

Question for everyone, should I go Corsair or G Skill for the Ram?
 

mortonww

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If you're not doing any serious overclocking, that motherboard is overkill.

This board is good quality and retains your SATA 6, USB 3 functionality and is $50 cheaper:

ASUS PSX58D-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641

For RAM, $240 is too much. These are $190 after rebate and have tighter timings at the same speed and voltage.

Mushkin Enhanced Redline 6 GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121

I agree with the HDD suggestion. Spinpoint F3 500 GB and 1 TB drives are faster.

And you're right to pick Home Premium over Ultimate.
 

Hereisphilly

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But if the Ggigabyte overclocks better, and is cheaper, you mights aswel go for it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423&cm_re=ga_x58_a_ud3r-_-13-128-423-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641

I didnt spot the expensive ram, yeah you are better off spending less

 

asteldian

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Honestly, with what you stated is your main use (gaming) if you want to save money without losing any real performacne then I would go:

i5 750 - $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215&cm_re=i5_750-_-19-115-215-_-Product

Asus P7P55D-E PRO - $189.99 (6gb/s, 3.0 USB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131621&cm_re=asus_p7p55d-e_pro-_-13-131-621-_-Product

G Skill 4GB 1600mhz ECO 2x2GB RAM - $115.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231321&cm_re=g_skill_eco_1600-_-20-231-321-_-Product

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&cm_re=samsung_f3-_-22-152-185-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3899435&SID=skim1402X558040

GPU XFX 5870 - $389.99 + $2.99 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150490&cm_re=5870-_-14-150-490-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3899435&SID=skim1402X558040

Then items you mentioned:

CPU Cooler: $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] the%202100
Scythe SCMG-2100 Sleeve CPU Cooler

Monitor: $310
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236047
ASUS VW266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers w/ component connector

Speakers: $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6836121006
Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers

DVD Burner: $23 (Blu-Ray in the future)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827135204

OS: $99 (Ultimate not worth it as gaming is main purpose)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

Case: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119197
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139009

Total: $1730.93

I was going to suggest a cheaper monitor (24 inch 2ms response time) but I am guessing you picked yours for the more uncommon 1920 x 1200 resolution instead of just standard HD resolution.

This build is $270 under your budget, in terms of gaming performance this will run better than your build due to the superior GPU.
The gaming advantage between i7 and i5 750 is miniscule at best and is really only worthit if you are heavy into coding and other things that will make use of Hyperthreading (gaming does not, it doesn't even make full use of 4 cores)
The only disadvantage to the i5 750 build is the XFire of P55 boards is x8/x8 instead of x16/x16, however, in real terms this is a very very small difference and given that you are using 5870, if you are Xiring them then you would be needing to get a frame rate as low as 32 for it to mattr - and quite frankly, if you are getting that kind of FPS with those two cards then the x8/x8 lane speed is the least of your worries as by then your computer must be an antique (so many years from now)
 

mortonww

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Does OP live near a microcenter? If so, the i7 930 can be had for $199. In that case, i wouldn't consider the i5 build at all. If not, you save $90 on CPU, and $20 on motherboard. But you lose features that can't be upgraded later on.

With a $2,000 budget, why sacrifice your pci lanes? Just go x58 and be set for a while.
 

asteldian

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You are also saving $75 on the RAM.

Without XFire you are losing nothing and saving $185. With X Fire you are losing very very little - the performance you lose is not worth $185 especially as when the time comes that 2 5870s in 8/8 are ruining your gaming experience which would be good in 16/16 it means your computer is probably so old in computer terms that it should be in a museum.

The only arguement then is the loss of Hyper threading. If gaming is the main thing, then this is a non issue - how long did it take before Quad was worth buying? Everyone got dual core because for gaming the quad was worthless for years. Now Quad is the better processor for gaming, but even now it is actually the third core that makes the difference in performance over dual core. So games are essentially still a core behind.

So, $185 saved with the loss of a non issue speed concern for XFire and Hyperthreading which unless doing lots of programming encoding etc. will be of no real use for long time and by the time it is of relevance it will be very old technology and time for a new computer anyway.

Of course, having said all that, it is my opinion on it (however right or wrong it may be) the OP wanted money saved especially as more money saved means a happier wife (i know how that is!) so I have given an option which saves money.
You have shown arguements why he should stick with i7, I have shown arguements why the i5 750 is worth considering, ultimately with all the information given it is up to the OP to decide which is best for him.
 

tonkatuffmofo

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OK have a look at this,

CPU- Intel i5 860, inbuilt Pcie interface, pick of the bunch for gaming in your price range.

Mobo- Asus Sabretooth P55, Crossfire support.

Ram- Gskill Ripjaws, 1600mhz 2x2 gig, you dont need more than 4 gig, throw some more in 2 or 3 years from now.

HDD- Seagate Baracuda 7200Rpm 1.5tb, your storage drive

Combo for CPU, Mobo, Ram and HDD $646
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.419033

Case- Coolermaster 690, Subtle style, great case. $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119215

Power Supply- Coolermaster 850w $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171048

DVD- Asus $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

SSD- Intel X25m 80Gig $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167027

CPU Cooler- Sunbeam Core contact freezer, One of the best $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004
1156 Bracket
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207007

Video Card- XFX 5870, If your gaming at 1920x1200 definitely get the 5870. $390
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150490

Monitor- Samsung 24 inch 2ms response, 1920x1080 $260
Unless you have had an Asus monitor before I would lean towards the samsung.
I have the Asus monitor you are looking at, went from a 22inch samsung to it.
The Asus monitors colour/brightness burns my eyes big time, no amount of setting changes has removed this effect or though it has lessened. Read some proper reviews on the Asus if you are dead set on getting it. I miss my samsung!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001378

Speakers- Logitech 5.1 $89
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121006

O/S- Windows 7 64bit $100

Recapping,
Coolermaster 690 Case
Coolermaster 850W PSU
Asus 24x DVD
Asus Sabretooth P55 Mobo
Intel i5 860 CPU@2.8Ghz
Core Contact Freezer CPU Cooler 120mm
4 Gig Gskill 1600mhz Cas 9 Ram
XFX 5870
80Gig Intel SSD-Boot Drive
1.5TB 7200rpm Seagate -Storage Drive
Samsung 24inch monitor 2ms response
Logitech 5.1 speakers
Windows 7 64 bit Home premium

$1997.90

$1973 after rebates.

Cannot stress enough to you about the ASUS monitor mate, really read up on that sucker if your gonna get it.

The Cas9 timings on the ripjaw ram are a touch high but couldnt pass up that combo price, difference will be negligible anyway. Your really not gonna see any noticable improvement in gaming by going with the i7 cpu and mobo,
you will benefit substantially by picking up the 80 gig ssd and 5870 video card as a result of dropping the above.

The case is irrelevant and comes down to personal taste, the HAF's a good case, whichever one you pick, research it and make sure it can fit a 5870 without much trouble, there a monster bloody card.

Powersupply is meh also, I just like having the same brand of psu as my case for some mental reason that eludes me, the corsair 850 will do the same job just as well.

Read some reviews on the core contact freezer, they punch well above there weight.

Research, Research, Research, Research. Read Reviews



More bloody Research.







 

mortonww

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Can't you use dual-channel RAM in an x58 setup? I definitely respect your opinion, I just usually try to fill the budget. Assuming OP does not live near a microcenter and must have triple-channel memory, the difference does come out to be $185. But if he does live near microcenter and he can use dual channel ram, the difference is only $20. And when DDR3 prices fall, he'd be able to get a third stick for probably $50 or less.

I'd just rather have pci lanes to spare for whatever combination of expansion cards he wants to add and performance that will be there for whatever he decides to get into. My personal opinion is that it's worth it at $20, $110 more, and even $185 more for extra lanes and hyper-threading. Maybe a game isn't using more than three cores, but maybe he has more going on in the background. Maybe more games take after GTA IV and show really nice scaling for quad core cpus.