Help with some components.

[Alai]

Location: Los Angeles, CA

So I am helping my friend rebuild his computer. Budget is undecided but maybe... maximum of $850?

Anyways, already decided on FT02 for the case (really like it so you can't change our minds about it) and already have a graphics card, HD4850. Also, we have a ST60F PSU available but not sure if that is going to be enough. Already have all necessary peripherals and storage/optical drives (one of each for now).

So really, we are looking for options of an X58 platform. We have access to a Micro Center for the 930 at $199. We just need to advice on RAM, Mobo, and CPU Cooler. And we need to know if an upgrade of PSU is required because he will eventually upgrade the graphics card in a few months or so to a 5970 probably. HX850? We WILL be doing at least a moderate overclock if not pushing the limits of the system. There may be future hard drives or SSD to be installed into this system.

Bang for the buck is a good goal, but not necessarily the only goal. Looking for something that will give great performance and great features, particularly in the mobo. CPU cooler should be relatively easy to setup, not like the Xigmatek S1283 without the crossbar. The computer will be used for gaming and various multimedia playing purposes.

RAM?
MOBO?
CPU Cooler?
PSU?

 

[tiraides]

You have an $850 budget buy you're going to spend over 25% of that on the case itself? AND you want to go with an X58 setup? You need to pick one or the other.

If you're thinking about a 5970, then you might as well get a new PSU.

To help us out, we also need to know the resolution you're going to be gaming at.

 

[Alai]

No, I'm saying $850 just for those four components. Lol. Don't worry about the rest of my setup.

Current resolution is 1680 x 1050. Monitor will change to be at least 1920 x 1200 in the future.

Btw, I was looking into the GPU performances and the future GPU may be a 5850CF or 5770CF setup if not the 5970. For the PSU, would the HX850 be ok given the components and the number of devices being used?

Most likely about 2 USB ports being used for storage devices and such beyond the normal peripherals.

 

[tiraides]

To answer your questions regarding parts:

$210 - Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R
$40 - Cogage TRUE Spirit
$170 - G.Skill 3x2GB DDR3 1600
$170 - Corsair HX850
=====
$527 - Subtotal (not including shipping, taxes, or rebates)

If you're only using one video card, you can get away with using a good 600-750 watt PSU with at least 50A on its 12V rail(s). With the 5970, however, stick with the 750 watt PSUs. For simplicity's sake, stick with Antec (but avoid the Basiq line), Corsair, Enermax, Seasonic, or Silverstone. Don't pick up an OCZ brand PSU.

See if you can have Micro Center price-match the motherboard, CPU cooler, and PSU should you get the 930 as planned. Make a print-out of a NewEgg shopping cart call call them before you go there. Some stores will price-match, but others won't.

I recommend buying 1.5V RAM -- which MC doesn't carry -- for an Intel Core i5/i7 setup. Barring that, you can get away with using Corsair XMS3 RAM. Don't pick up Corsair Dominator RAM as it's not worth the money.

 

[Alai]

Wow. You can't buy the Seasonic X-750 ANYwhere. It's like only Newegg sells it. UGH. Anyone know of anywhere else other than Newegg?

EDIT: Does choice of RAM affect OCing capabilities that much? I mean, besides the 1.5V factor.

 

[tiraides]

RAM timings matter little in regards to overclocking. Most RAM kits can't overclock far beyond their rated speeds (if at all), but there are some that reportedly can't stay stable at any other speed besides their own rated speeds. Lower voltage helps, as Intel has a 1.65V limit on RAM for safe operation with its Socket 1156 and 1366 boards and processors.

I can't think of any other place that sells the Seasonic X-750, but any 80-Plus rated PSU from a quality manufacturer/vendor would still be more energy efficient than the PSUs that you've used in the past.