i7 input

[doggggboy]

I've convinced myself that the new comp should be based on a i7 920. My wife does a lot of photo manipulation and that is getting painfully slow on the Athlon x2 4400, if not impossible. I used to do some gaming but not much lately. The 7800gtx is dying and I can't be bothered to do more than blow the dust and dog hair off every 6 months or so. A more capable system would be a good incentive for gaming re-entry.

I'm looking for some input in terms of motherboard, ram, psu and case. I don't intend to go the dual video card route so wont need a sli or xfire capable mobo. I think I like the idea of a corsair h50 cpu cooler but am willing to be talked out of it. I do want this thing to be quiet. I have a temjin tj06 case now but don't want to reuse it. It's just a little too big and I would like some front access usb ports. A slightly smaller case would be nice and give better cooling as this is mounted in a desk.

I use a 40" 1920 by 1080 lcd as a monitor and love it, even though it makes me look like Mr Magoo.

The slowness of the current machine makes me think I want an ssd for the os and a Samsung Spinpoint 1Tb or something like it for the data.

The only part I am considering moving is the xFi sound card as the old build will get moved to the kennel office and won't need any sound.

I'll overclock somewhat but nothing enough to warrant any extreme cooling.

Budget is 2-3 grand canuck bucks.

[crazyhorsejohnny]

For your budget go i7 920 for sure and make sure to get a "DO". For the board look at EVGA or Gigabyte. Both are pretty popular here so you'd get tons of help if needed and of course they're good brands. RAM look at G.Skill. Good idea to get SSD for OS but go WD black for data. If you're not going to OC tons save $$$ and get Hyper 212+ instead of Corsair H50. And for GPU best right now is ATI. A 5850 would be a good start. Oh yeah for power supply Corsair HX850 would be a good choice even if it is more juice then you'll need.

[rjbarker]

MOBO http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...A&promoid=1196 - $250
CPU http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...ufacture=Intel - $350
RAM http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...y&promoid=1196 - $165
SSD http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...y&promoid=1196 - $380
WD HDD http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...D&promoid=1196 - $100
GPU http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=XFX - $500
DVD RW http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...acture=Samsung - $31
Case http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...e=COOLERMASTER - $100
PSU http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...acture=Corsair - $130
OS http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...ture=Microsoft - $130

total: $2145 + Tax (Free Shipping)

[crazyhorsejohnny]

Good choices above. With price match probably another $75-$100 less.

[rjbarker]

^^^^ Yeah just a "quick n nasty"..the OP states no multi GPU required, but with that Budget the better Boards are all Multi GPU capable...forgot the Aftermarket CPU Cooler ;)

I certainly like the looks of those ATI XFX Cards, the price aint bad either.....2 would replace my aging 280's nicely.........must.....wait.......a.....little... ......longer............for....................... ..............................................Ferm i.

[crazyhorsejohnny]

Mr Barker "hates" EVGA boards. LOL !!!!

[rjbarker]

Me...looking at ATI Cards....that really is something..hahahahaha....nVidia better "get to it" or I may just stick a couple of bright Red Cards on my bright Red Board ;)

[Raserei408]

rjbarker's build is definitely solid. Only suggestions I'd make are changing out to an MSI or Sapphire card (brand preference, and reports of poor quality from XFX's ATI cards) and not getting an OEM OS. I'd say if he's got a spare Windows XP or Vista lying around, install that, then get a 7 upgrade. It's cheap without ending up tied to the motherboard.

[Hunt]

Originally Posted by Raserei408

rjbarker's build is definitely solid. Only suggestions I'd make are changing out to an MSI or Sapphire card (brand preference, and reports of poor quality from XFX's ATI cards) and not getting an OEM OS. I'd say if he's got a spare Windows XP or Vista lying around, install that, then get a 7 upgrade. It's cheap without ending up tied to the motherboard.

I agree with the Sapphire comment. You can probably snag a 5870 in the $420 range, unless you'd really prefer the lifetime warranty of XFX.

As for the OS, I'd recommend the OEM to be honest. You can find the OEM for around $99, and if your MB dies, Microsoft is pretty good about reactivating an OEM installation on a new MB. Usually just requires activation by phone.

But in the end it doesn't seem like you're on too tight a budget, so the upgrade/full version of Win7 is a fine route to take without any worry of reactivation. No harm in saving money if you can though.

[MarkOne]

The CM 690 II.. is a real good case, support by an outstanding company, I have some very friendly experience with their customer service recently, not once but twice.

but my heart is on this one.

NCIX.com - Buy Lancool PC-K62 Black ATX Advanced Mid Tower Case 5X5.25 4X3.5INT No PS USB Audio - PC-K62 In Canada.