WEIGH IN: May.09 System Builder Marathon ~$1250 MicroATX components

[cleeve]

Hello folks!

I'm gathering components for the next SBM and I was hoping to get your feedback.

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=15240267

TOTAL: $1303



[EDIT] fixed the RAM
[EDIT] looks like most of you agree that the graphics card choice trumps core i7, so we'll stick with the Q9550
[EDIT] Looks like a lot of people are of the opinon the Phenom II 940 is the way to go. Let me know your opinion, if the 940's have it I'll change it over.
[EDIT] changed to Phenom II X3 system
[EDIT] got rid of frivolous silent case fans; Silverstone's stock models are probably quiet enough.
[EDIT] Turned everything on it's ass and went with two GTX 260's in SLI instead of a single GTX 295 which left budget room for a Core i7 920. Aha!


Any opinions on that, or other suggestions?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

DDR3 with an LGA775 board is just silly. The triple-channel RAM you picked won't work with the P5Q-EM motherboard anyway. I would certainly rather see either a Phenom II 940 or the i7 than the Q9550. If you go with the i7 build, you can do much better than DDR3 1066 for that price. This low-latency DDR3 1600 RAM is a great buy:

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=N82E16820231247 $94.99

Are you sure the GTX 295 and 4850x2 will fit in that case? It seems a little cramped to me.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I, personally, would like to see something like this for the AMD build:

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471 $214.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387 $109.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231246 $59.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=wd6401aals $69.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 $79.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009&Tpk=850tx $139.99

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153 $25.99

XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359 $249.99

XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359 $249.99

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003 $36.99

Total - $1,237.90 before MIR's

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Here's an idea for an i7 build:

Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202 $288.99

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R-SLI LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128386 $209.99

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=N82E16820231247 $94.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=wd6401aals $69.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 $79.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009&Tpk=850tx $139.99

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model GH22LS30 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153 $25.99

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $39.99

BFG Tech BFGEGTX2851024OCPE GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143170 $329.99

Total - $1,279.91 before MIR's

You could go with this overclocked 4850x2 if you need to get the price under $1,250:

SAPPHIRE 100270SR Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809 $279.99

The total would then be $1,229.91

I'm not sure where you were trying to go with the whole microATX builds. Most enthusiasts want a case with good airflow for the best cooling and overclocking headroom possible. I thought the SBM was about getting the maximum performance for your dollar. Stuffing everything in a little case would just limit the overclocking potential. Maybe you should do a poll/weigh in on that: "Would you be interested in a microATX $1,250 SBM build?".

 

[xthekidx]

I like the build by Shortstuff with the Phenom II 940, I think that definitely gets you the most for your money when it comes to gaming because the savings can go to better graphics configurations, and DDR3 doesn't really show much of an improvement over DDR3 yet, so the price premium isn't really worth it IMO. Maybe toss some good thermal compound in that build

 

[xthekidx]

Hello folks!

I'm gathering components for the next SBM and I was hoping to get your feedback. Frankly, I'm torn between two configurations. Here are the common components:

Silverstone SUGO case: $70
Corsair CMPSU-650TX: $100 (rebate)
Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive: $90
Patriot 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PSD36G1066KH - $83
LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model iHAS422-08 - $28

After that it get's sticky. Do I want to go Core 2 quad and a GeForce GTX 295?

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550: $280
ASUS P5Q-EM: $135
BFG Tech BFGEGTX2951792E GeForce GTX 295: $525
TOTAL: $1291

Or Core i7 920, but then I can only afford a Radeon 4850 X2 2GB?

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366: $289
DFI LANPARTY JR X58-T3H6: $230
SAPPHIRE 100270SR Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2): $299
TOTAL: $1161


What would you guys rather see in the article?

Thanks for your input!

To address your original question however, I think you want to go with the GTX 295. The Q9550 and i7 920 are not that different when it comes to putting up gaming numbers, maybe 1 or 2 frames per second, especially after overclocking, which you will undoubtedly do, the CPU matters less and less the higher you go and you will probably not be able to tell a difference between the i7 and Q9550 by looking at numbers after some good OC'ing. A GTX 295 vs 4850x2 on the other hand will show a large difference in numbers.

And I'm not so crazy about the mATX idea, you get a lot more for you money with the mid or full tower as shortstuff said. Better cooling, more room for expansion, and cheaper prices on components ($230 for a mATX board? $200 for the GA-EX58-UD3R is much more appealing to me, or $240 for the P6T).

 

[cleeve]

DDR3 with an LGA775 board is just silly.

Are you sure the GTX 295 and 4850x2 will fit in that case? It seems a little cramped to me.

Of course! I fixed the RAM oversight.

As far as the video cards, I do believe either will fit.

 

[kubes]

I also agree with the builds that short has put up there. Think they are just about perfect. The only thing that you could probally get away with is picking up the corsair 750 instead of the 850 since you have a single card solution for bost rigs. If you want to leave the flexibility of sli/cf then i'd stick with the 850. I dont' think you'll get much better than either of those builds for the money.

 

[cleeve]

To address your original question however, I think you want to go with the GTX 295. The Q9550 and i7 920 are not that different when it comes to putting up gaming numbers, maybe 1 or 2 frames per second, especially after overclocking, which you will undoubtedly do. A GTX 295 vs 4850x2 on the other hand will show a large difference in numbers.

And I'm not so crazy about the mATX idea, you get a lot more for you money with the mid or full tower as shortstuff said. Better cooling, more room for expansion, and cheaper prices on components ($230 for a mATX board? $200 for the GA-EX58-UD3R is much more appealing to me, or $240 for the P6T).

I hear you, but we're specifically doing an SBM on MicroATX to make interesting portable builds. So I guess it logically follows that a portable build will be used primarily for gaming, in which case I should lean toward the GTX 295, which is my thinking as well... I just wanted feedback from you guys before I ordered.

 

[cleeve]

A couple things:

Short's builds are nice but the theme is MicroATX cases. Also, I'm in the $1250 budget segment so I don't think the Phenom II is appropriate, but I've mentioned it to Paul Henningsen earlier today that I'd like to see a Phenom II (maybe an X3) in the ~$800 build.

As far as other comments - the 285 isn't in the running, the 4850 X2 is a much stronger performer. I don't think cooling is an issue with the card expelling hot air out of the back.

 

[Onus]

Hmmm, "The LANBox SBM..." interesting.
With overclocked, hot components in a small box, you may want to throw a few dollars at more and/or better fans. Maybe drop the Lightscribe or get a smaller HDD if you need to to make budget.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Sorry, but I don't think you'll find many enthusiasts interested in the microATX idea. I hope it's just for this month.

My Phenom II build comes in right at the $1,250 price point. Why don't you think the AMD build is appropriate?

 

[kubes]

If your looking for an extra $10 bucks or so you can shade down the wd blac 750 to the 640. Saves ya about 20 bucks and maybe can help ya pick up your psu or somethign to the next level? Maybe an extra case fan or two?

 

[Onus]

I didn't see an aftermarket CPU cooler on your build either.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I didn't see an aftermarket CPU cooler on your build either.

+1

 

[xthekidx]

What happened to the March and April SBM articles? I was very disappointed to not see them.

 

[kubes]

Attack!!!!!!!

 

[cleeve]

My Phenom II build comes in right at the $1,250 price point. Why don't you think the AMD build is appropriate?

Because the Q9550 build will kill it for the same price, mostly. We're benching more than just games.

More fans is a great idea though.


As far as the cooler for the Q9550 - absolutely I'll be adding one of those, but I'm having a hard time deciding on a short-but-effective cooler that will fit nicely in a MicroATX case. Any suggestions?

 

[xthekidx]

I didn't see an aftermarket CPU cooler on your build either.

That's another thing about the mATX theme that turns me off, you have to get a LP cooler which means sacrificing cooling performance. Zalman CNPS8700 does fairly well I have recently learned (thanks to shortstuff's suggestion in my dell rebuild thread).
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2243&page=5

 

[cleeve]

What happened to the March and April SBM articles? I was very disappointed to not see them.

The monthly ones was something we tried that ended up being more work than it was worth when you consider we eneded up using a lot of the same components a lot of the time. We thought we'd change it to every 2 or three months so the market has time to bring new stuff and prices could lower.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

ZALMAN CNPS8700 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118030

 

[Helloworld_98]

as far as I can see the P2 will go up straight with a Q9550 and in some with the i7.

Also I'd rather have that extra ability to upgrade by going AM3.

Maybe you should do £800 ex vat builds, you can fit a load more stuff in and it's actually less money.

 

[kubes]

Another choice possibly:
Thermaltake CL-P0257 Blue orb II CPU same price as shorts

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Because the Q9550 build will kill it for the same price, mostly. We're benching more than just games.

Hey Cleeve, your "I heart Intel" side is coming out. The Q9550 most certainly doesn't "kill" the 940. The two CPU's go back and forth in the benchmarks.

 

[xthekidx]

The Q9550 is better than the PII 940 outside of gaming, but I agree that it doesn't "kill" it. I thought the focus of this was geared towards gamers though? Gaming benchmarks are what people really want to see, lame MP3 file conversion times is boring. I doubt many people will be planning any video editing with a "lanbox" build. I think that the Gaming benchmarks should be weighed much more heavily than the other benchmarks, in which case more money should be put into the GPU(s) than the CPU...my 2 cents.