Possible i7 Rig?

[waynec121]

Hey guys,

For those that remember me whats up! I have been pretty busy with college classes but now that summer is finally here I am considering building an i7 rig. I recently built an AMD Dragon Platform gaming computer. It is a good computer but I really want to go i7 now that I have more uses for it then gaming. So heres my system I have now:

Specs:
CPU + MOBO combo: AMD x3 720 BE + MA790GP-UD4H
RAM: G.SKILL PI BLACK DDR2 800 2X2GB
HDD: WD CAVIAR BLACK 640GB
PSU: CORSAIR 750TX 750W
GPU: SAPPHIRE 4870 1GB
CASE: ANTEC P182
CPU COOLER: ThermalTake TR2-R1
DRIVE: LG BLACK 22X
OS: VISTA HOME PREMIUM SYSTEM BUILDERS 64-BIT
COMPOUND: ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 THERMAL COMPOUND
SOUND CARD: HT Omega Striker 7.1

Now I built this about a month and a half ago. Should I sell it all together for $1000 on ebay since I spent 1200 to build it? Or should I sell it part by part and use the HDD and DVD drive for my new build? I am starting from scratch because except for the HDD and Drive because those are the same in an i7 build. So here is what I was considering the i7 build to be:

CPU: i7 920
MOBO: Asus P6T Deluxe V2
RAM: G. Skill 6gb 3x2 ram 8-8-8-21 timing
GPU: GTX 285
CASE: SilverStone FT01-BW
PSU:SilverStone 850W Modular DECATHLON PSU
HDD: Same -> 640GB CAVIAR BLACK
DRIVE: Same -> LG 22X
COOLER: Xigmatek Dark Knight

Now that build is going to be around $1500 if I sell my other rig complete. It would be about $1400 if I use the HDD and Drive from the other build. I am thinking of selling my macbook as well because I can get $900 from that and at least $1k from the other rig. I can use that money to invest in the i7 rig and some z5500 for sound. I am probably going to run Windows 7 just for now until it expires in Feb. Later on I can SLI another 285 in the fall if I want to. Also for my bday in october I can just get a netbook if I need it for college. What do you guys think?

 

[Godhatesusall]

seriously,the current pc you own is good enough to hold you a year or so gaming with good settings.Unless you have money to (literally) waste,and have a 24" or greater 19x12 monitor i would suggest to keep your money and buy a new pc in 1-2 years.

If you desperately want more horsepower,add a 2nd 4870 (i think your mobo supports crossfire) and buy a phenom X4 955

 

[waynec121]

seriously,the current pc you own is good enough to hold you a year or so gaming with good settings.Unless you have money to (literally) waste,and have a 24" or greater 19x12 monitor i would suggest to keep your money and buy a new pc in 1-2 years.

If you desperately want more horsepower,add a 2nd 4870 (i think your mobo supports crossfire) and buy a phenom X4 955

Thanks for the input. I still want to sell my current rig though. I wanted to go i7 from the start but didn't do so because of my budget. Now that I have quite a bit of cash I would like to build a new system with what I really wanted and if I can sell my current PC and macbook for a good price I am set.

my options:
sell macbook + amd pc for $2000 back total
build i7 rig with parts i want for $1500
spend $300 on a netbook if i need one for college papers and notes in class and all
still have 200 in the pocket and have a much better desktop and a laptop for school!

money is not an issue because i am selling a few other extra things as well.
my onkyo setup is being sold for some z5500s. i have a 22" and also a 24" but i mainly use the 22" since it is a LG227WTG which is amazing for gaming/movies and just in general. I can sell the 24" for at least $150.

 

[Why_Me]

If your looking to cut down on the price of an i7 rig without cutting down on performance you might want to give this build a look.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194 $159.99 ($109.99 after $50.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009 $134.49 ($114.49 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U4P $219.99 | $204.99 after rebate Free Ground Shipping
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CorssFireX & 3-Way SLI/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I7-920 $264.99 Free Ground Shipping
Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $41.99 Free Shipping*
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003 $4.99
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130480 $329.99 ($299.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Free Cryostasis game w/ registration at manufacturer website

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247 $89.99 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $74.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152 $23.99 Free Shipping*
LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM

Total: $1,345.40 | $1,230.40 w/mail in rebates

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc <---Save yourself some money on an o/s and dl the 64 bit version of Windows 7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374 <--- more pics, specs, and customer reviews of the mobo used in this build.

* With your resolution this factory over clocked gtx 275 (later on SLI) would be a fine choice as well powered by a Corsair 750w psu.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143183 $234.99 Free Shipping*
BFG Tech BFGEGTX275896OCE GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Free Call of Duty: World at War w/ purchase, limited offer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006 $119.99 ($109.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Total: $1,240.90 | $1,165.90 w/mail in rebates

 

[waynec121]

If your looking to cut down on the price of an i7 rig without cutting down on performance you might want to give this build a look.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194 $159.99 ($109.99 after $50.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009 $134.49 ($114.49 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U4P $219.99 | $204.99 after rebate Free Ground Shipping
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CorssFireX & 3-Way SLI/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I7-920 $264.99 Free Ground Shipping
Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $41.99 Free Shipping*
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003 $4.99
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130480 $329.99 ($299.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Free Cryostasis game w/ registration at manufacturer website

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247 $94.99 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $74.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152 $23.99 Free Shipping*
LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM

Total: $1,350.40 | $1,265.40 ww/mail in rebates

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc <---Save yourself some money on an o/s and dl the 64 bit version of Windows 7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374 <--- more pics, specs, and customer reviews of the mobo used in this build.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will stick with the PSU because it is modular and after my last build I really want to go modular.

The case is exactly what I want I don't mind spending 220 on it now, it is all black and it will be a case that will last me for a long long time.

The Mobo is a fine alternative but I love the Asus P6T Deluxe v2 for its awesome layout. The sli on that board is alot more spacious.

I do not need to purchase the Dark Knight because I already have it sitting around.

Good suggestion on the Windows 7 because that is what I was going to do anyway.

For 1500 i think this will be amazing and i will be getting exactly what i want this time around! Any other suggestions are fair game. I will build this once I get the money from paypal for what I sell on ebay. I am posting my rig and my macbook tomorrow on ebay so in about a week or two i will be building! I mite also get a netbook at the same time too since I am taking summer classes in about a month and a half!

 

[Helloworld_98]

When you sell your build you might get your money back for it because ready built PC's sell for about $100-500 than what you paid to build it if it was built within the last month.

 

[waynec121]

When you sell your build you might get your money back for it because ready built PC's sell for about $100-500 than what you paid to build it if it was built within the last month.

Sorry but I just want to make completely sure but you are saying $100 to 500 more or that I am going to lose about $100 to 500?

If it is true that I can possibly get 100 to 500 more for it then I originally spent that would be awesome. I could sell it for 1250 on ebay as the buy it now price and I would be completely happy if someone bought it at that price.

I was also looking at cheap netbooks and I am liking the hp mini 1000, especially if I could get it for cheap. Any suggestions on netbooks for around $300. $400 is my max on a netbook.

 

[Helloworld_98]

more than what you paid for it, so you should get your money back, maybe more.

most netbooks are about $400, but if you sell your PC for enough then you could get the $549 ASUS 1008HA seashell which is like an eee pc version of the mac book air.

 

[waynec121]

more than what you paid for it, so you should get your money back, maybe more.

most netbooks are about $400, but if you sell your PC for enough then you could get the $549 ASUS 1008HA seashell which is like an eee pc version of the mac book air.

Yes that netbook looks pretty sick but I dont know if I need that nice of a netbook haha. I just need it for college and when I take my laptop to work on occasion. I have some time to decide on that but I will probably get whatever is best for around $300-350

I was looking at some benchmarks and the gtx 285 is looking like the rite choice. Especially for 1680 x 1050 native res. I think it definitely separates itself from my 4870 1gb in my current rig.

 

[Helloworld_98]

^ why not try one of the oc'd 4890's?

they perform just as well as the GTX 285 but cost less.

and for a netbook if you don't do very intensive tasks then look at the 512MB acer aspire.

 

[waynec121]

^ why not try one of the oc'd 4890's?

they perform just as well as the GTX 285 but cost less.

and for a netbook if you don't do very intensive tasks then look at the 512MB acer aspire.

thanks for the suggestion. i am thinking of sticking with the 285 because here on tomshardware the 1680x1050 looks like it is outperforming the 4890 by quite a bit and not to mention the 285 has not been overclocked as well.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-roundup,2297-19.html

any other suggestions or is this build looking pretty solid? if everything is looking good i should be able to order next sunday. i am posting my pc and macbook tonight so that should be sold and i should have more then enough money in my paypal to order.

 

[Helloworld_98]

^ just trying to save you money, and nvidia cards don't have as much of an effect when oc'd vs ATi cards.

 

[waynec121]

And here is the build I want to do with all the links to the products:

Case: SilverStone FT01-BW $229.95
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8229/cst-808/Silverstone_FT01_Fortress_Series_Mid-Tower_Chassis_w_Window_-_Black_SST-FT01B-W.html?tl=g1c299s736#blank
CPU + MOBO: i7 920 + Asus P6T Deluxe v2 Combo $534.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.190227
GPU: BFG GTX 285 1GB $354.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143168
PSU: DECATHLON 850W 100% Modular $234.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256022
HDD: WD Caviar Black 640gb $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
RAM: G.Skill 6G (3X2GB) 1600 $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247
HS: Xigmatek Dark Knight -> Already have
DRIVE: LG 22x $23.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
COMPOUND: ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 THERMAL COMPOUND $8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020

That will total $1557.87 + shipping. So most likely around $1600.I am pretty sure that is everything. I have a 22" LG L227WTG 1680x1050 monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Again I am open to any suggestions.

Also on a side note more for aesthetics, where can I find black cable sleeving? I will probably get some white neon. They both can probably be found at my local microcenter actually but not sure.

 

[Why_Me]

^ just trying to save you money, and nvidia cards don't have as much of an effect when oc'd vs ATi cards.

http://www.techspot.com/review/164-radeon-4890-vs-geforce-gtx275/page9.html <---

 

[waynec121]

^ just trying to save you money, and nvidia cards don't have as much of an effect when oc'd vs ATi cards.

and i definitely thank you for the suggestion. I will think about it over the week since I have a few days before I actually buy.

 

[waynec121]

http://www.techspot.com/review/164-radeon-4890-vs-geforce-gtx275/page9.html <---

So actually based on that should I invest in a GTX 275 instead of the 285 and SLI another down the road? The conclusion of that article is that the GTX 275 is the best card you can get for $250. The 285 is $350 so should I save a $100 and get the 275?

 

[Why_Me]

So actually based on that should I invest in a GTX 275 instead of the 285 and SLI another down the road? The conclusion of that article is that the GTX 275 is the best card you can get for $250. The 285 is $350 so should I save a $100 and get the 275?

Performance to dollar wise ...yes. The gtx 275 when over clocked nears the performance of a gtx 285...although it does come a few frames shy. Also to take into consideration is the fact a 750w psu is the norm for the 275 in SLI where as an 850w is the norm for the 285 in SLI. What that link also shows is that the Nvidea cards do as well if not better than the ATI cards when both are over clocked.

 

[Helloworld_98]

^ actually that link proved my point so I have no idea what you're so smug about.

the first benchmark shows an extra 11 from the 275 oc'd and 13 from the 4890 oc'd.

 

[waynec121]

^ actually that link proved my point so I have no idea what you're so smug about.

the first benchmark shows an extra 11 from the 275 oc'd and 13 from the 4890 oc'd.

It's all good guys. I have already had a 4870 in my first rig but I have never tried nVidia, so I am thinking I will give them a try with the BFG gtx 275. Like they said in the article the gtx 275 consistently performed awesome. That saves me $100 there and now I am thinking of switching to a 750w modular psu to save me even more money.

Any recommendations on a fully modular 750w psu?

 

[waynec121]

I found this psu, it is not fully modular but its modular enough. It got some pretty good reviews on newegg. What do you guys think?
Thermaltake W0116RU 750W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153038
I even found it for $20 cheaper on amazon with free shipping.

 

[waynec121]

the more i look at this i am confused. i am willing to spend about 350 on a gpu or 2 gpus to sli/crossfire.
heres where i don't know what to do
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2296-5.html
for $350 the best recommendation is 2 gtx 260 core 216's in SLI.

Do you guys think that is the best option for around that price range?
Also isn't it true that i7 systems seem to run better on a SLI/CF setup?

 

[Why_Me]

the more i look at this i am confused. i am willing to spend about 350 on a gpu or 2 gpus to sli/crossfire.
heres where i don't know what to do
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2296-5.html
for $350 the best recommendation is 2 gtx 260 core 216's in SLI.

Do you guys think that is the best option for around that price range?
Also isn't it true that i7 systems seem to run better on a SLI/CF setup?

A pair of these factory over clocked gtx 260's in SLI would do some serious damage.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127430 $174.99 ($154.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
MSI N260GTX-T2D896-OCv4 GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Also this psu down below is a steal at this price.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10005611 $99.99 | $69.99 after MIR Free Shipping
PC Power and Cooling S75QB Silencer 750W Quad Power Supply (Black) Retail

 

[waynec121]

A pair of these factory over clocked gtx 260's in SLI would do some serious damage.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127430 $174.99 ($154.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
MSI N260GTX-T2D896-OCv4 GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Also this psu down below is a steal at this price.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10005611 $99.99 | $69.99 after MIR Free Shipping
PC Power and Cooling S75QB Silencer 750W Quad Power Supply (Black) Retail

Yea I am feeling the 2 gtx 260's in SLI. How is MSI's customer support? Also if say later on I wanted to do the step-up program where I trade my cards in for new ones does that go through Nvidia or the manufacturer such as MSI or BFG?

That PSU is at a great price. Is there any good modular PSU's in the 750w range that are around $150? I just really want to spend a little extra and get the extra cables outta there!

 

[Why_Me]

Yea I am feeling the 2 gtx 260's in SLI. How is MSI's customer support? Also if say later on I wanted to do the step-up program where I trade my cards in for new ones does that go through Nvidia or the manufacturer such as MSI or BFG?

That PSU is at a great price. Is there any good modular PSU's in the 750w range that are around $150? I just really want to spend a little extra and get the extra cables outta there!

MSI's customer support sucks. NP though if it was a mobo I would worry, but a vid card...dl the drivers from Nvidea, get a proggy like "riva tuner" to adjust your fan speed and your good to go.

Not sure what the best deals on modular psu's are atm. Best bet is to surf the egg for decent brands such as Silverstone, Antec, PC Power & Cooling, SeaSonic, etc...

 

[waynec121]

MSI's customer support sucks. NP though if it was a mobo I would worry, but a vid card...dl the drivers from Nvidea, get a proggy like "riva tuner" to adjust your fan speed and your good to go.

Not sure what the best deals on modular psu's are atm. Best bet is to surf the egg for decent brands such as Silverstone, Antec, PC Power & Cooling, SeaSonic, etc...

k thanks for all the help i will update my list in a litte after researching some more on a modular psu.