Girlfriend buying me a computer!!!!!

E

Edgar

2[H]4U
Joined
Jul 24, 2005
Messages
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So my girlfriend just surprised me with a gift certificate (that she made,looks legit too haha) for $1800 AND a toshiba 32 inch tv that I've been wanting for use as a monitor(32RV525R) for my 23rd bday. So basically I have a budget of $1800 give or take(her words not mine) to spend on purely on tower and maybe some speakers(currently have x540 speakers not that great.think i wanna go with a good 2.1 system maybe some bookshelf speakers dunno). For now lets focus on the tower.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing?
Gaming,general use.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$1800. Shipping not a big deal. And tax is not an issue I live in Nevada so there's no tax.

3) Where do you live?
Las Vegas, Nevada

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget?
Everything that goes into a tower. RAM,CPU(cpu heatsink),VIDEO CARD,SOUND CARD, PSU, Sata DVD burner,prolly SSD, and lastly the case(midsize most likely)

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Keyboard,mouse,monitors, 2 1.5 terbyte hdd for pure storage(WD Green drives)

6) Will you be overclocking? maybe just a bit.i will be going i7.

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?3 monitors. 21,32(new one she gave me:)),21

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC? NOW!!

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? one that works.dont raid,never gonna do sli or xfire. lot of sata ports!!

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?yup windows 7 already have it.


Wanna go the i7 route.ddr3(min 6gb triple channel) and hopefully a SSD, o yea and prolly a ati 5870 i plan on powering all 3 monitors.

Hope you guys can help. Thx in advance!!!
 
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CASE:COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel $99
VIDEO CARD: XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $390
MOBO: EVGA E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX $285
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V $110
RAM: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ $115
CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 $280
CPU HEATSINK: CM Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm $30
SSD: Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2C1 2.5" 80GB SATA II $298
DVD BURNER: SAMSUNG Black 22X SATA DVD Burner $31
MISC:sata cables,artic silver 5 stuff

$1,647 so far. How does it look? Need speakers and i should be done. Could i get these things cheaper anywhere else? Or could newegg pricematch stuff(haven't ordered from them since my last build 2+yrs ago)?
 
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Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail and Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply - Retail Combo $140

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail and EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX X58 SLI LE Intel Motherboard - Retail Combo $505

OCZ Obsidian 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV6GK - Retail $115

XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card ... - Retail $390

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long ... - Retail $30

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $75

2x OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk (SSD) - Retail $460

-Onboard sound has come along ways, you don't really need soundcard.
-Coolermaster Hyper 212+ is good choice up too 3.5 Ghz on single fan, add another if you are going for 4.0 GHz.
 
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That case isn't my cup of tea but that combo is undoubtedly a good deal.

I'd swap the 640 with a 5.4k 1TB drive for storage. You've got the speed covered with the SSDs so the mechanical drive would be raw storage. They are 10% off today also if you are still using newegg.

RAM looks good especially with the rebate.

Mobo and CPU are a no brainer.

You are in Intel price territory with the SSDs. Not only are they faster but you'd gain 40GB of space.

Don't forget optical. Not an expensive item unless you need bluray for some reason.
 
Save $100 ~ $200 and take your gf out to dinner. This could be a test....
 
If you can wait, the SuperTalent UltraDrive ME 60GB SSD should be under $180 each when it gets back in stock ($138 each when it went OOS). I agree with bigddy, at $230 each, I'd spend the $30 extra for Intel G2 X25-M 80GB (each). If you can only get one, stick with Intel, but the Indilinx drives in RAID0 scream.
$138 - Super Talent UltraDrive ME FTM64GX25H 2.5" 64GB SATA II MLC SSD (out of stock)
$262 - Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2C1 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC SSD

It doesn't look like you need an i7 LGA1366, so I'd suggest dropping down to an LGA1156 to save some cash for other things (like dinner maybe, lol):
$425 - COMBO: Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz HT + MSI P55-GD65 LGA1156
$340 - COMBO: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz + MSI P55-GD65 LGA1156
$86 - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-1600 F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

Also, the 500GB-platter drives are faster:
$55 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA300 16MB Cache
$80 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA300 32MB Cache
$55 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA300 16MB Cache
$90 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA300 32MB Cache

Go with these speakers:
$120 - M-Audio StudioPhile AV40 Desktop Speakers 99005215500

So with the 860 combo, 4gb kit, F3 1TB, av40's, and two intel SSDs along with the rest of hte parts from shiro's list, it should be around $1710 + tax & shipping.
 
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Dont need to take her out to dinner where going on a cruise for my bday.

Let me just reiterate. I dont need storage drives just the main drive that will be for the OS. I bought 2 1.5 terabytes the other week so I'm set on storage drives. And I think I would like to go LGA1366 route just because i feel i would future proofing myself. Also I just want to add that the $1800 will now include speakers in the build. Anybody know if those av40's are any good for a 2.0 system? Do they need a receiver or amp or are they self powered? Are there any better options for slightly more money? Or are the av40's good enough. I would want to game and listen to music on these speakers. Thanks again guys!

edit: And i like the case lt_shiro but is there one that is similar but all tooless design?
 
Antec 300 is tool-less as it comes with 30 thumbscrews. Which i personally prefer to those plastic clips.

Coolermaster 590/690 and 922 are also suggested.
 
Do I really need 2 SSD in raid? And I think I might be going with the cm 690. Anybody can vouch for the av40's. I want a quality setup for my speakers that will fit in the budget.
 
An $1,800 PC, a new TV and a cruise? Damn, what is she going to get for her bday? :eek:
 
lol, welcome to the [H] EdGaRRRRR's gal!

I would suggest the Antec 300 also for your case, provides alot of room for a smaller case, so I would suggest that. Thats my 2 cents, you lucky bastage!

My wife gave me a budget of $400 for a system......... I cried.
I got a system from work aftermarket before I left my old job which was almost brand new, so im gonna use my $400 on a new vid card and some more ram.
 
I wasn't undercover per say... Lol. I needed help figuring out which monitor you wanted and which one was good. Lol.

Anyhow... And dinner isnt needed, but hey-- it doesn't hurt ;)

But seriously-- figure out what you need and want and get it. Or else I may just end up buying myself something lol. Just kidding :)
 
EdGaRRRRR said:
updated 2nd post tell me what you guys think!
Click to expand...

The reviews on that RAM aren't the greatest...I'd look at another 6GB kit like the Corsair XMS3 or maybe a G.Skill kit. Actually, for $1,800 I'd expect 12GB but it may not be needed.

I also think you can do better on the heatsink, but if you don't plan on a big overclock that one might suffice.

The Asus is a great motherboard but also look at the eVGA just for kicks. If my P6T Deluxe died I'd seriously look at the eVGA (lifetime warranty, good reviews, etc.).

The Intel SSD is a great choice, but Newegg's markup on it is still ridiculous. You could save $40-$50 by buying that component from another vendor. If you do buy it from Newegg, consider the Thermaltake case combo as it's only a bit more to get the case with the drive. And it's red like the HAF. :)

I think you're off to a good start, but I'd at least look at changing the RAM and maybe buying the SSD from somewhere else.
 
I built this about 2-3 months ago. Was a little cheaper thanks to Microcenter (got processor, case, and dvd drive for cheaper)RAM was also cheaper back then.

FYI, I made this post awhile ago, so the prices are subject to change.

Heres the list with links...

~ Antec 902 case - $124.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129058

~EVGA x58 SLI LE motherboard - $239.99, $219.99 with $20 mail in rebate. Free 4gig flash drive too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188049

~i7 920 2.66ghz CPU - $279.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202

~OCZ XMP 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) - $147.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227388

~MSI 260gtx 896mb 448bit, 216 cores. - $174.99, $159.99 with $15 mail in rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127430

~Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache HDD - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

~Corsair 850tx PSU - $139.99, $119.99 with $20 mail in rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139009

~HP Black 24X DVD - $33.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E1682714004

Total without shipping ~$1,216.88
Total with shipping ~ $1,241.97

I would get a better CPU cooler, like a Corsair H50 or a True. Which is around $50-90.

A mobo upgrade like the EVGA Classified and a 295gtx wouldn't be a bad thing ;)

I added an actual custom water cooling set. An extra $350 lol. You could always do that :p

Anyways, good luck!
 
updated ram with a better reviewed gskill set. Which heatsink would you recommend? I dont plan on overclocking past 3.6 ghz with the i7. I just want a heatsink that keeps the i7 cool and is very quiet.
 
EdGaRRRRR said:
$1,652 so far. How does it look? Need speakers and i should be done. Could i get these things cheaper anywhere else? Or could newegg pricematch stuff(haven't ordered from them since my last build 2+yrs ago)?
Click to expand...

They AV40's are one of the better speaker sets you can buy in that price range. If you need confirmation on the speakers, or other alternatives, post in the computer audio subforum.

I linked a cheaper price for the X25-M, who's price should be $225 btw, above. No, you don't need two, but you don't even need one, lol. Personally, going from my VRaptor to a single SSD was underwhelming, but two in RAID0 performed nicely. If you stick with Intel, one should be fine. If you go with an indilinx based drive, you'll want two:
http://www.alphaq.org/enginurd/hdd/ocz_vertex.html ... there's some articles linked at the top of that page that you should check out.

No, newegg does not pricematch. If you live near a Microcenter, they have the i7 920 for $200, and they might pricematch newegg if you bring a printout of your cart.

How far into the future are you wanting to future proof? Intel is on a tick/tock 2yr cycle, with new architecture every 2yrs. Your new system won't be obsolete by then, it just won't be compatible with the next gen architecture that comes out 3yrs from now. :p

Cases are personal preference, so get what you like.

The Noctua that CaliGirl linked is great, and other alternatives include the TRUE120 (crowd fav), CoGage True Spirit, CM V8, Xigmatek Dark Knight, and CM Hyper 212+.

Which 1.5TB drives did you buy? They weren't listed in question #5.
 
EdGaRRRRR said:
updated ram with a better reviewed gskill set. Which heatsink would you recommend? I dont plan on overclocking past 3.6 ghz with the i7. I just want a heatsink that keeps the i7 cool and is very quiet.
Click to expand...

like i suggested in my first post hyper 212+ would be perfect for mild overclocking.
 
I would love to take the thermaltake case and intel ssd deal but the only thermaltake case I've ever liked was the tsunami. But I already have that case. Using it for my gf's build. Any other combo deals that might be better for cheaper? Still working on the speakers in the computer audio section gave them a budget of about $200ish. Hopefully that should be enough right?
 
Is there a site where I can compare prices to see if I am getting the cheapest rate? I mean I rather buy everything from newegg just because I know if something was wrong they would take care of me. But if the price was a good amount cheaper then I rather buy from there.
 
Awesome! Thank you tiraides. And thx to everyone else that helped me with the build.Now i just have to find the cheapest for each and every part. Hopefully all will be at newegg or not a huge margin. But I know that the intel G2 ssd prolly wont be bought at newegg.
 
Can't go wrong with either board. IIRC, that eVGA has lifetime warranty if you register it.
 
I think I'll be going with the evga then. And again I don't know how many times have to keep saying it but we are going on a cruise this thursday. Cruise>dinner nuff said. I'll be updating my second post with the final build.
 
lol... many people just don't read latter posts once they find the one they want to respond to. :p or even if they do, they still want to reply in regards to that one only. ;)
 
EdGaRRRRR said:
I think I'll be going with the evga then. And again I don't know how many times have to keep saying it but we are going on a cruise this thursday. Cruise>dinner nuff said. I'll be updating my second post with the final build.
Click to expand...


Technically... you're not taking ME on a cruise... I'm taking YOU on a cruise for YOUR birthday. Along with the computer. Which all of a sudden became more than $1800-- how'd that happen? LOL! J/K-- do what you gotta do.

Did you end up finding a receiver with the features you needed?
 
whowouldvethought said:
Technically... you're not taking ME on a cruise... I'm taking YOU on a cruise for YOUR birthday. Along with the computer. Which all of a sudden became more than $1800-- how'd that happen? LOL! J/K-- do what you gotta do.

Did you end up finding a receiver with the features you needed?
Click to expand...

What is this world coming to?? We have a girlfriend talking to her boyfriend through a forum.......

and by the way what do you do that you are spending that much on a Bday, are you one of the hot girls that dance on the ship at the Mirage or something?

Anyway congrats on all that to both of you.
 
EdGaRRRRR said:
updated ram with a better reviewed gskill set. Which heatsink would you recommend? I dont plan on overclocking past 3.6 ghz with the i7. I just want a heatsink that keeps the i7 cool and is very quiet.
Click to expand...

The Cogage TRUE Spirit performs about as well as the Noctua NH-U12P and the TRUE 120 (or, it'll allow you to reach 3.6GHz) for a bit less.

whowouldvethought said:
Technically... you're not taking ME on a cruise... I'm taking YOU on a cruise for YOUR birthday. Along with the computer. Which all of a sudden became more than $1800-- how'd that happen? LOL! J/K-- do what you gotta do.

Did you end up finding a receiver with the features you needed?
Click to expand...

While we're on the subject, EdGaRRRRR, what does your current build list look like?
 
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