New i7 Build, input appriciated

screwgravity03

New Member
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and looking for some input on a new i7 comptuer I'm building. The computer will be for documents (college stuff), burning dvd's, photoshop, minimal video editing, internet, some gaming, the usual. My budget for this is $2000-2500 (Canadian $) but I'm trying to stay as close to $2000 (with shipping/handling) as possible. I think I've got bascially all the parts I need picked out, just looking for some help to make sure I didn't make any mistakes or overlook any better options. This is what I have so far:

Processor = Intel i7 920 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

Motherboard = Asus P6T Deluxe - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131351

Graphics Card = GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433

Memory = OCZ Platinum 6GB (DDR3) - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...NEFL040809CA-_-DesktopMemory-_-L0A-_-20227381

Harddrive = Seagate Barracuda 500GB (getting two) - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

Power Supply = Corsair CMPSU 750TX (750W) - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

DVD Drive = Samsung CD/DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

Case = Thermtake ArmorPlus VH6000BWS - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133056

Keyboard = OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir - http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/ocz_peripherals/ocz_alchemy_series_elixir_keyboard

Speakers = Logitech 2.1 Multimedia Speakers - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014CVF

OS = 64 Bit Vista - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488CVF

For a mouse I already have the Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse. Also, the Case, Processor, Operating System, Harddrive, Speakers, and Keyboard I'll be getting locally because its cheaper. So that local stuff, plus the Motherboard, Graphics Card, Memory, Power Supply, and CD/DVD Drive from Newegg come out to $2,065, $2,025 with rebates (includng shipping/handling). If you could just go over the list and check that everything looks right and that I haven't overlooked any other better parts, while keeping the budget in mind, I'd really appriciate it. If you do think something should be changed, try to use the Canadian portion of Newegg to link it (http://www.newegg.ca/). Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading your input.
 
That looks like a very nice build.You will want to get a good cpu cooler,so you can oc a bit.I have built 2 and the first one was just kind of plain.But I did put a cooler master v8 on it and it works great.I have the same ram and case.The second one has the same case with stock cooler till I decide witch one to go with(trying something differnt this time).I have 2 260's,1000 watt psu,same mother board and ram.I have another armor plus case,but am thinking about changing to an Antec 1200.
Post some pics when you get her done.
 
Thanks for the quick reply and the reassurance. I'll take a look at some CPU Coolers. Are there any brands you'd reccommend or is it pretty standard across the board? And sure thing on the pics, I'll have to make sure to post a couple when its done.
 
The case is always a personal descion in building a computer but you could honestly find a much cheaper case for the same features. You could then use that money to get a better video card or something else. I can verify for the antec 1200 its a phonominial case. Also unless you plan on overclocking you really do not need a good cpu cooler. You can use the stock one included.
 
Yes if you dont oc then you wont need a after market cooler,but i7's run hot.I have a cooler master v8 and it is great,but it is very heavy.My second build I just want to try some thing else.I will be trying oc very high just to see where I can get it to.My main rig is running at 3.8 and stable on the v8 and I can go higher.There are quit a few good coolers between $50-70 bucks.I just think if your going to build a i7 rig you might as well try to keep it as cool as you can.Just my opinion.
 
Yes if you dont oc then you wont need a after market cooler,but i7's run hot.I have a cooler master v8 and it is great,but it is very heavy.My second build I just want to try some thing else.I will be trying oc very high just to see where I can get it to.My main rig is running at 3.8 and stable on the v8 and I can go higher.There are quit a few good coolers between $50-70 bucks.I just think if your going to build a i7 rig you might as well try to keep it as cool as you can.Just my opinion.

hey, was wondering about the v8, were you able to keep your tower standing up since you say its 'very heavy' or did you lay it on its side?
 
why not go for this harddrive WDCB 640GB

basicly the same price and more space/faster. thats what I end up buying, was about to buy the same one as you listed as well but read up on it and 'they' say it has problems at times.

also, check out this ram Ram

other than that, we have the same CPU/PSU/OS :D
 
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I have the v8 installed in mine and its a non issue as far as your heavy question. As long as you put the included back plate on your fine.
 
Well I have it standing,as long as you use the back plate you should be ok.I am just one of those guys that worry to much.I think it will be fine but I am going to make some mods to help with some of the weight.When I get things worked out I will post some pics.I have posted some of my rig befor I did a lot of changes.It is now at 3.8 and has 2 hd 3870 they were really cheap.The thing is I got that rig as a gift so I had no say so in what parts I got.But my new build is all my own picks.
 
Well I have it standing,as long as you use the back plate you should be ok.I am just one of those guys that worry to much.I think it will be fine but I am going to make some mods to help with some of the weight.When I get things worked out I will post some pics.I have posted some of my rig befor I did a lot of changes.It is now at 3.8 and has 2 hd 3870 they were really cheap.The thing is I got that rig as a gift so I had no say so in what parts I got.But my new build is all my own picks.

awesome, thankx =), let me kno when you post up the pics.
Im plannin on buyin it for my new rig as well, wanna OC it to 3.7; not too much tho cuz heard OC'ing it too much reduces its life
 
I would go for some cheaper RAM such as G.Skill DDR3-1600. Check out what newegg has at the moment.

Also, for 240-250 you could get a better video card solution. You could run a pair of ATI cards (such as HD4850's) or even pick up an HD4890 for the same price.

post up some pics when you get it built. I just put an ASUS board in my i7 to compare the results against my Gigabyte board. Here is a link to my setup: http://www.computerforum.com/150118-my-budget-i7-build-i7920-asus-p6t-9800gtx-sli.html
 
I dont recall what the temps were.I think they were something like 24c or something idle and load was in the mid to upper 30's.So it was pretty good.I did play around with a lot of thermal compounds.I am trying some dynex stuff now and it seams to work as good as antec as5,but thats just what I see so far.

I will make a thread when I am readdy to post my new rig.
 
Hey thanks for all the replies everyone.

why not go for this harddrive WDCB 640GB

basicly the same price and more space/faster. thats what I end up buying, was about to buy the same one as you listed as well but read up on it and 'they' say it has problems at times.

also, check out this ram Ram

other than that, we have the same CPU/PSU/OS :D

I had been looking at the harddrive you've mentioned there, but on the Canadian Newegg (which I'll be ordering from) that HD ends up being about $120 with s/h. The other one I linked I can get for about $70. I am taking a closer look at the RAM you mentioned though.

I would go for some cheaper RAM such as G.Skill DDR3-1600. Check out what newegg has at the moment.

Also, for 240-250 you could get a better video card solution. You could run a pair of ATI cards (such as HD4850's) or even pick up an HD4890 for the same price.

post up some pics when you get it built. I just put an ASUS board in my i7 to compare the results against my Gigabyte board. Here is a link to my setup: http://www.computerforum.com/150118-my-budget-i7-build-i7920-asus-p6t-9800gtx-sli.html

I took your advice and looked up the ATI HD 4890. Unfortunately on the Canadian side of things that card is about $310 minimum it seems so I don't think I'll be able to fit that in the budget. If you or anyone else has any other suggestions though fire them away. Try to use http://www.newegg.ca/ though so I can check the listed Canadian price. Thanks again everyone!
 
I would go for some cheaper RAM such as G.Skill DDR3-1600. Check out what newegg has at the moment.

Also, for 240-250 you could get a better video card solution. You could run a pair of ATI cards (such as HD4850's) or even pick up an HD4890 for the same price.

post up some pics when you get it built. I just put an ASUS board in my i7 to compare the results against my Gigabyte board. Here is a link to my setup: http://www.computerforum.com/150118-my-budget-i7-build-i7920-asus-p6t-9800gtx-sli.html

That is a very sweet build.
 
awesome, thankx =), let me kno when you post up the pics.
Im plannin on buyin it for my new rig as well, wanna OC it to 3.7; not too much tho cuz heard OC'ing it too much reduces its life

last question...btw; how do you think this would fit on the v8 would fit on my 'antec 900 two'...i have a side panel fan installed right now but i wouldnt mind moving it and puttin is omwhere else
 
Hey thanks for all the replies everyone.



I had been looking at the harddrive you've mentioned there, but on the Canadian Newegg (which I'll be ordering from) that HD ends up being about $120 with s/h. The other one I linked I can get for about $70. I am taking a closer look at the RAM you mentioned though.



I took your advice and looked up the ATI HD 4890. Unfortunately on the Canadian side of things that card is about $310 minimum it seems so I don't think I'll be able to fit that in the budget. If you or anyone else has any other suggestions though fire them away. Try to use http://www.newegg.ca/ though so I can check the listed Canadian price. Thanks again everyone!
hmm i would try to pick up a pair of HD4830's or perhaps even a pair of the new HD4770's if your budget permits and you are ok with running crossfire. You can see my results in the 3DMark06 thread on computerforum.com when I had my i7 being run on a pair of 3870's. The 4830's or 4770's will be better than the 3870's btw.
 
Same advice I am giving to every1 building a core i7
Motherboard - Foxconn Bloodrage
and as CPU cooler xigmatek hammer
 
Same advice I am giving to every1 building a core i7
Motherboard - Foxconn Bloodrage
and as CPU cooler xigmatek hammer

Wow thats a beast of a CPU cooler. From what I'm seeing though it doesn't come with fans but their recommended for it? Any specific fans you would suggest if I were to go that route?
 
So I checked out that cooler and the company and saw they had another cooler they had just released before the hammer called the XIGMATEK Dark Knight. Its really similar to the hammer and in the testing is coming within a degree or two of the temps produced by the hammer. It also comes with a fan which the hammer doesn't, and its only $49.99 on Newegg so I'm thinking of going with that one instead.
 
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