Thoughts on my I7 build

[thunderstruck67]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking to build a new computer...my current one has an ASUS A8N-E, AMD 3700+ and ATI X800...it's a decent unit but it's age is starting to show.

I'd like to go with a good I7 system for now and future...main uses are gaming, some Photoshop and just general everyday use. I'm looking at spending around $1500 or so...I already have a 20" Dell Ultrasharp (1680x1050) for the time being but will be upgrading that later on. Also have an optical drive from my old unit that I will be using in this.

I live in Edmonton and would rather not pay for shipping, which is why I am not really considering newegg...right now NCIX has free shipping for your entire order if you purchase the WD 1 TB Caviar Black. Memory Express is pretty comparable, but most of the items are cheaper on NCIX.

Here are the parts I have selected so far...

Case:
Antec 900 (Memory Express: $119.99)

CPU:
Intel Core i7 920 (NCIX: $329.98)

Motherboard:
eVGA X58 SLI LE (NCIX: $244.99 after rebate)

Video Card:
BFG GTX 275 OC (NCIX: $224.99 after rebate)

Power Supply:
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W (Memory Express: $149.99)

RAM:
Mushkin XP3-12800 Xtreme Performance Redline DDR 6GB kit (6-7-6-18) (NCIX: $190.29 after rebate)

HDD:
WD 1 TB Caviar Black (NCIX: $89.99)

Total comes to about $1500 after tax and the rebates.

There are a few things I'm having a tough time deciding on...namely the RAM and case...and whether or not I'll need after-market cooling such as the V8 or True Black...I'll probably do some overclocking to get the CPU faster, maybe 3.6, but that's about it...stock should be fine for me in all cases.

Some of the other cases I've looked at are the Cooler Master 922 and 932, but both are pricier than the 900. Are there any other options I should consider?

As for the RAM...would it be worth the savings to get the G-SKILL (9-9-9-24) or similar OCZ set for $129.99?

I've toyed with the video card too, originally choosing a GTX 260....and then considering a GTX 285 but ultimately decided that the 275 is a good middle ground and fits my budget.

What do you think? Any thoughts, critiques, suggestions are much appreciated!

[grifter11]

For the Ram go with the G-Skill
Cpu Heatsink go with the OCZ Vendetta 2 and get the 1366 bracket kit
Case go for the Antec 1200
Video Card go with the Evga GTX 260 Core 216 SC

[Arinoth]

For motherboard i have been very happy with and have run into no capability issues that others have been finding in their i7 builds. Its the one in my sig, the Gigabyte EX58-UD4P. It overclocks great as well as i have my i7 920 at 3.8GHz stable and foldin 24/7 for several days now without any blue screens of fun.

[thunderstruck67]

I was considering the Gigabyte mobo at first but after doing some research, decided the EVGA had some better features.

grifter, I'm not sure I need to go to the full tower 1200 for this setup...why do you suggest the G-Skill and the GTX 260?

One other thing I was thinking about...would it be worth getting the standard board (132-BL-E758-A1) for a bit more money to have 2 x16 slots if I wanted to do SLI somewhere down the line? The LE from what I can tell has only the 1 x16 and then you need to use x8 for the other.

[theAnimal]

Originally Posted by thunderstruck67

Some of the other cases I've looked at are the Cooler Master 922 and 932, but both are pricier than the 900. Are there any other options I should consider?

Price match the 922 with newegg.ca @ $109.99.

Also the D0 i7 920 with directcanada for another buck or two.

I would also PM the Corsair HX750 with bestdirect.ca, better quality modular PSU for an extra $13.

I also don't think the RAM is worth the premium.

Edit: xpresscanada.com has the HX750 for $158.

[rjbarker]

better quality modular PSU for an extra $13.

Really..?...better power supply "quality wise" as you stated then the PC P&C 750W??? BS...get your facts straight jack....yes its Modular, but certainly not "better quality"...

I also don't think the RAM is worth the premium.

Totally worth the price!!!! Go for it....

Your build looks great..all parts look great...might want to consider a better case tehn the Antec 900 though,,,

[theAnimal]

Originally Posted by rjbarker

Really..?...better power supply "quality wise" as you stated then the PC P&C 750W??? BS...get your facts straight jack....yes its Modular, but certainly not "better quality"...

Yes, better quality. Not night and day better, but better nonetheless. There are plenty of PSUs which are better than the PC P&C 750.

[rjbarker]

Yes, better quality. Not night and day better, but better nonetheless.

How so....?

There are plenty of PSUs which are better than the PC P&C 750.

List em....

[stoanee]

Don't skimp on the cpu cooler, get a Megahalem and extra fan clips so you can run push/pull down the road.

[TMan]

FYI

Memory express price matches online websites, ( must ship from canada )

i have price matched several things with them, no problems they are building my system for me in about 2-3 weeks.

but with free shipping not bad to buy online either.