i7 or C2Q build

N

no_control

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jul 6, 2006
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I have several builds lined up so is it better to keep it all in here or seperate thread for each build you tell me?

Any way here goes.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc

It needs to be a beast. Heavy CAD (mostly 2d but light 3d modeling as well) Some SU, KT, Light CS3 (pshop, premier), Crunching BD's down to MKV, and the usual web surfing

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?

$1000 Taxed and shipped

3) Where do you live?

SoCal (yes MC & fry's is with driving distance)

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.

case, cpu, ram, mobo, gpu, psu everything in the box except Opticals and HDDs

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.

2x 128gb Falcon SSD's, 2x WD 640gb

6) Will you be overclocking?

Not likely but if I do it will be mild

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?

37" 1080 HDTV

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

within 14 days

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.

RAID, SPDIF(Coax/optical), esata @ I/O would be nice, Gbit LAN,

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?

All software has already been purchased.


I was thinking something similar to my main rig in my sig would work. But wanted to get some fresh ideas from all of you. No MATX BTW I'm open to PII and C2Q

Thx
 
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OH I thought you meant different builds as in different planned setups for a single usage model, not multiple builds for HTPC, server, gaming rig, etc. builds. Sorry about that. Please just make separate threads for each different build.
 
$1000 is a lot of dough, especially since you already have some of the expensive parts already. If you want to spend that much though, here is some suggestions. Also, if you don't care for hardcore gaming, just get a weaker GPU than suggested and save the money.

$200 - i7 920 (Microcenter)
$100 - OCZ 6GB 1600
$244 - Asus P6T (has all the features you required)
$198 - XFX Radeon HD 4890
$100 - Corsair 650W PSU
========
Total: $842

This leaves $158 for cases. Here are some: Post by Danny Bui
 
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Thats the budget doesn't mean I want to spend that much. I want to build a quality system for the least amount of money.

I like the 4890, the RAM seems fine, mobo isn't too bad, but seems a bit spendy.
 
motherboard is heart of your computer.........buying a good board is a soild investment. can cut costs in other areas if you like but that board is a good choice.
 
i7 motherboards are pretty expensive. If you want something cheaper though, go with the P6TSE.

$207 - Asus P6TSE

It's the same as the P6T but without some special features that most people don't use like SLI. It also has 2 less SATA ports, and is missing a cmos reset button on the board.
 
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I was hoping to get a few C2Q or PII build suggestions. Do they not make sense for this use?
 
no_control said:
I was hoping to get a few C2Q or PII build suggestions. Do they not make sense for this use?
Click to expand...

You said in your OP that you wanted to do CPU intensive tasks. At best you'll save 100$ getting a C2Q build vs an i7. At that price difference I don't know how you can even think about getting half the multithreaded processing power.
 
I would think the memory improvement with the Core i7 would make the most sense for CAD apps. I don't run CAD programs but I have always heard they are memory intensive. Also, if that is the situation then you might go for 12GB of RAM (3x4GB). You wouldn't need the fanciest RAM if you aren't overclocking and the 3x4GB would let you upgrade to 24GB if needed.

Also, there are a few i7 mobos creeping in under $200 now but make sure they have the features you need. I would avoid the 4 DDR3 slots that Gigabyte has put on some boards since it kills off some expandibility. Make sure to check for an esata connection or buy a case with an esata connection which you can run back to a normal sata connection. If you do this you may need 7+ onboard connection if you are using 2 optical drives and 4 hard drives.
 
He said 2D cad, so I wouldn't worry about the amount of memory. 3D cad where ever screw has it's threads modeled and you are trying to look at an assembly of a car is where you have issues with speed and memory. I'll agree that he'll want to go with a 6 DIM mobo.
 
Yeah I didon't really think about the actual cost difference. Not enough savings considering the raw power from i7.

Off to order thx all!
 
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