System Build

I would like to get expert opinions on both of the builds and recommendations if any. My goal is to built a system that will play any game at 1680x1050 at full settings, including Crysys.

Build #1:
Motherboard: EVGA LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI ATX
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
Memory: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Timing: 9-9-9-24
Video Card: EVGA GTX 280 SSC Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Hard Drive: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA3.0Gbs
DVD-RW: SAMSUNG 22X DVD+/-R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S2230
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower W0132RU 1000W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready, CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PEC
Monitor: LG L227WTG-PF Black 22” 2ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SPI 64—bit

Build #2:
Motherboard: EVGA LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX
CPU: Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 Nehalem 3.2GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core
Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit (Qty. 2) Total 6GB
Video Card: EVGA GTX 280 SSC Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Hard Drive: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA3.0Gbs
DVD-RW: SAMSUNG 22X DVD+/-R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S2230
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower W0132RU 1000W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready, CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PEC
Monitor: LG L227WTG-PF Black 22” 2ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SPI 64—bit

I chose 1000W power supply because I will be running 5 fans inside a case, get another 10000RPM HDD and will go SLI or SLI-3 in the future.
What do you guy's think? Is the Build #2 worth extra cash or it's an overkill? I think I will need to spend about $700 extra for Build #2.

I'd go with build #1 because of the price, but you may want to consider the 920 instead of the 965 to bring the price to about the same.

Also, don't get 6 DDR3 sticks, you want a 3x2GB kit, not 6x1GB.

Build 2.

depends, what do you want? price/performance ratio, or just the best build, if you want good price/performance, you would want to go with build one, ultimate performance? go with build two

Lol your first build is kinda going to be like mine But go with the first i7 CPUs are over priced

go with the build 1 .It will be suitable for you

i like number two but i would just go for the base i7.

Both of them are awesome systems, I'm sure you'll be happy with either one. I personally go with build #1. If you decide to go with build #2, you can save some money on the extreme i7 and go with a lower model i7. That's just my thoughts.

Have you looked at SSD for a hard drive? The prices are dropping right now. Just an idea for you to consider.

The $700 difference is BIG. Plus, build 1 has slightly more ram. Get the 290 with the money you save, or even the 4870X2

[-0MEGA-];1128002 said:

I'd go with build #1 because of the price, but you may want to consider the 920 instead of the 965 to bring the price to about the same.

Also, don't get 6 DDR3 sticks, you want a 3x2GB kit, not 6x1GB.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, I'll make sure to get 2GB sticks.

ScOuT said:

Both of them are awesome systems, I'm sure you'll be happy with either one. I personally go with build #1. If you decide to go with build #2, you can save some money on the extreme i7 and go with a lower model i7. That's just my thoughts.

Have you looked at SSD for a hard drive? The prices are dropping right now. Just an idea for you to consider.

Click to expand...

I was looking at Core i7 940, but it only has QPI: 4.8GT/s vs. Core i7 965 has QPI: 6.4GT/s plus multiplier is unlocked. Because I was thinking to overclock it to about 3.5GHz on air to be safe. I know there is quite a price difference between the two. But I am trying to build a system that will last me for at least 3 years without any upgrades.

Elimin8or said:

The $700 difference is BIG. Plus, build 1 has slightly more ram. Get the 290 with the money you save, or even the 4870X2

Click to expand...

Build #2 will have total of 6GB of RAM. Funny that you mentioned GTX 290. I am actually waiting for that card but no one knows when it will come out. And some forums still saying that it's just a rumor. That's why I kind of put the builds together based on GTX 280. Do you know when GTX 290 will be out?

Build 1 as the i7 940 is still expensive

Built #1 is best, Built #1 is a very good performance and suitable price,