Intel Build planning stage

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Conrad

n00b
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
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Hi everyone I am looking for ideas on how to improve this build. I was going to use a 295 GTX FTW Coop but was told in the other forum not to waste money on a new one.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
*** Gaming
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included? *** 3,000 no taxes yet

3) Where do you live?
*** Nv
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific. everything but a WD Raptor 150g
***
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model. *** WD Raptor 150g

6) Will you be overclocking?
*** yes
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
*** SyncMaster P2370 23"
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
*** Soon as taxes come back
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc. Tricky as I was going to go with a single 295 gtx ftw coop. but open for ideas
***
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? 32bit or 64bit? Win 7 Pro 64 bit
***


Here is what I was looking at before I found out that I cant get the 295 card anywhere:
Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case <----Changed to COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932

KINGWIN Mach 1 ABT-1000MA1S 1000W ATX / BTX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power

CPU Cooler CORSAIR Cooling Hydro Series CWCH50-1 120mm High Performance CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:CWCH50-1


1156 build:
EVGA P55 FTW SLI 132-LF-E657-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860 <----------Going with the X58 now
OR
1366 build:
EVGA X58 SLI PART NUMBER: 132-BL-E758-A1
Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 3.2GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80601960

2 X Patriot Viper II Sector 5 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory w/ 3DMark Vantage Model PVV34G2000LLKB - Retail
Model #:pVV34G2000LLKB 8g total

Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model KHX2000C8D3T1K2 <---------Switching to this if no one has issues with having it. Was mentioned to find cheaper ram so I found this and its allmost the same for speed wise. Opinions?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104156

Main drive Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2R5 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OS and primary game

Second drive Raptor 150g - other games

Third drive Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - Storage <----Changed to Samsung F3 x 2

1 HP 24X Multiformat DVD Writer Black SATA Model 1260i
Model #:ST3500418AS

DVD rom
 
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If you want the top of the line graphics card, it's currently the 5970. I'd only go for the 295 for the physics and 3d options. Judging by your budget, you could probably get a 5970 and a seperate physics card.

I would suggest the i7 920 over your current CPU, spend the money saved in the graphics dept. or hard drives, maybe a nicer monitor.

I think your CPU/Mobo are triple channel DDR3, aren't they? You should go for 3x2 GB of high quality then.

Nice SSD choice. nice case too
 
So the 920 is a better cpu than the 960? And yes the Intel X58/ICH10R Chipset
Supports Intel Core i7 Processors
Triple Channel DDR3
133 Mhz QPI
 
Since you can easily OC an i7 920 to 3.2Ghz (probably on stock voltage, too), the 960 would be a waste of money. With the H50, 4Ghz should be easy.

If you go P55, 8GB of RAM would be overkill, but it matches your budget. If you go X58, get an additional set to make 12GB... again, overkill, but you have a $3k budget, lol. With that budget, you might as well go i7 920/X58. I'd consider the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD5 over the eVGA, mainly for USB3.0 and SATA600 -- but if those are unimportant to you, then the eVGA you chose is fine.

Ditch the VRaptor -- it's slow compared to any SSD -- sell it. You have the budget for it, so pickup an Intel X25-M 160GB instead; it would be MUUUUCH faster (sure, its overkill). Alternatively, grab a Samsung F3 1TB (or two for RAID0 action if you want more speed). The F3 line is faster than the 'cuda.12, so stick with the F3 instead.

What other parts did you have in mind?

Either go for an HD5870 or HD5970, or wait for the GTX480.
 
cool thanks for the info. the raptor is only series 1 so its the old raptor not the new one. i had 2 36g running in raid 0 but 1 died and the 150g was for putting games on. So im just bringing it over from the old build.
The ATI would be something new to me since I have had Nvidia for allmost 10 years now. Guess I will wait to see what the new card comes out with the 480. I dont have a problem paying for the high dollar card. The last card I bought was the 8800GTX KO for like 750 when it was new.
I will look into the MB and the F3 drives.
 
Still... for $3k, I'd say you can afford to ditch the slow raptor. Even a single 500GB F3 would be as fast as that aging 150GB Raptor (faster sequential speeds, slower seeks, but the faster sequential makes up for the slower seeks, in my experience; which is why I sold my 150GB Rap).
 
Find a cheaper set of RAM. You could go with the cheapest DDR3 1600 RAM with CAS 10 timings an it will still provide the same real world performance as that Patriot DDR3 2000 RAM set.

Also considering your budget, I'd spring the extra cash for the better quality Corsair 1000HX 1000W Modular PSU.

Oh and I concur with Enginurd's recommendations.
 
WTH.... $3k and you're going for an Antec 1200, a P55 chipset? Kingwin Bronze PSU? WTH?
 
what is wrong with the Antec 1200? I am using the 900 and never had any problems with keeping the system cool.
MJZ i was debating when i put this build together to go either way. But it looks like the 920 version is the best way to go now. And in the first line of the build i asked for ideas on how to make it better, You are probly right about getting a better PSU. That was one that I looked at earlier.
 
You don't need a quad-core Core i7 processor for gaming as the majority of today's games are driven more by the video card than the processor. Additionally, you don't need to spend $3,000 for a decent gaming machine. I recommend sticking with the P55 board and the Core i7 860 (or Xeon X3440), but use only 4GB of DDR3 1600 RAM.

Regarding the case, many people don't like the internal design of the Antec 900/1200. The most common complaints that I've heard about them are that they're comparatively tighter (in terms of available space) and they're horrible for proper wire management. However, since cases are a matter of personal taste, go ahead and get what you like.

Here are my recommendations (if it sounds like I'm repeating somebody else's earlier recommendations, there's a reason for that ;) ):

- Reduce the RAM; if you're going with the P55 board, stick to 4GB, and use only 6GB with the X58 board. Likewise, Corsair Dominator RAM is not worth the money; get a cheaper DDR3 1600 kit that runs on 1.5V.
- Sell the Raptor, as an SSD would outperform it. Hell, the new Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB and 1TB hard drives, among many others, would outperform your Raptor. Sitck with the Intel G2 SSD as your primary drive and make your secondary drive a Samsung F3 HDD.
- ATI's HD 5-series cards outperform their Nvidia counterparts, and for comparatively less. Go with the single-GPU HD5870 or the dual-GPU HD5970 instead.
- Go with a Corsair (or Seasonic) PSU instead of a Kingwin. Get a 650-750W PSU if you're only getting one single-GPU video card, or a(n) 850W-1KW PSU for a potential dual-GPU or CrossFire setup. Personally, however, I believe that one HD5870 would be more than enough for your gaming needs.
 
Conrad said:
what is wrong with the Antec 1200? I am using the 900 and never had any problems with keeping the system cool.
Click to expand...

Nah, not many people will say there's a cooling issue with the 900 or 1200 cases. It's mainly due to the fact that there are roomier cases with better cable management as well provides the same amount of cooling as the Antec 1200 or 900 cases that costs about the same or significantly cheaper.

For example, the Coolermaster RC-690 cools about the same as the Antec 900 but has a bit more room and significantly better cable management. As for the Antec 1200, the Coolermaster HAF 932 case cools a bit better than the Antec 1200 but has significantly more room. Note that both Coolermaster cases are $20 cheaper than their Antec counterparts.

So in other words, the Antec 900 or Antec 1200 cases are not good buys IMO. With that said, if you know about those limitations, are fine with them, and REALLY like the looks, go for those Antecs.
 
Thanks for the ideas guys. I have changed my order list to the 2 Samsung F3 drives and I am looking at your cases and PSU you suggested, 1 of the other reasons I like the Antec case is there is no door to open to get to your power button. I know silly right?
 
$3k build with a HAF932? :( I'd expect a Lian-Li or Silverstone; or even a Cosmos. :rolleyes: :p
 
Well I just looked at the Lian Li series and the only full size tower on new egg was 400 bucks.... little overboard on that one, And I looked at the Silverstones and nothing caught my eyes that I liked.
Note sure what the Cosmos brand is
 
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The Cosmos is from Coolermaster.

The Coolermaster HAF 932 may not be a Lian Li brand or a full tower aluminum case but, it has very good cooling.
 
Thanks for clearing that up HardwareGuru. Those cases are the same price. And I like the look of the LED lights with the HAF. Sorry no cool lights in the Cosmos to light the room up.
 
Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model KHX2000C8D3T1K2 <---------Switching to this if no one has issues with having it. Was mentioned to find cheaper ram so I found this and its allmost the same for speed wise. Opinions?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104156 timing is 8-8-8 at 1.65


or these if they are better

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231281 timing is 9-9-9-27
 
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Good thing I read this thread, I was about to grab an Antec 900 or 1200 just because I liked their looks, this has me looking closer at the HAF 932, but EVERYONE has one, it's making me want something different lol

assholes
 
Conrad said:
Thanks for clearing that up HardwareGuru. Those cases are the same price. And I like the look of the LED lights with the HAF. Sorry no cool lights in the Cosmos to light the room up.
Click to expand...

With $3k, you can buy enough lights for the Cosmos to light your whole house up.

Cosmos is fugly though.
 
well with the things on the list im at 2 grand. Just waiting to see what the new nvidia cards are going to be. 1 high end card or 2 allmost top end cards and i will be set.
Anyone have opinion on the Kingston or Gskill ram?
 
Conrad said:
Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model KHX2000C8D3T1K2 <---------Switching to this if no one has issues with having it. Was mentioned to find cheaper ram so I found this and its allmost the same for speed wise. Opinions?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104156 timing is 8-8-8 at 1.65


or these if they are better

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231281 timing is 9-9-9-27
Click to expand...
OK, as Tiraides already noted, you're not gonna notice an iota of performance difference between any of those RAM sets and ANY DDR3 1600 RAM set.

In addition, for that much cash, you can easily get an extra 2GB of RAM:
$160 - Corsair CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 3 x 2GB DDR3 1600 RAM

However for straight up gaming, you're not gonna notice a difference between the Corsair 6GB set and the overpriced 4GB sets of RAM you linked to. However the extra 2GB offered by the Corsair set will let you run more apps in the background or more instances of a MMORPG client if that's your cup of tea. So in general, the Corsair 6GB set is a better choice.
 
I guess when I posted the new info I forgot to list it a 2x the 4g ram. I was going for a totol of 8 gigs.

Thanks to everyone who is input any extra ideas for me!!
 
So there's no confusion: DO NOT get the Kingston DDR3 2000 RAM kit.

Stick with the G.Skill DDR3 1600 kit, and if you're going with an X58 setup, go with one 3x2GB tri-channel kit.
 
Ok thanks Tiraides. Im going over the recommended RAM by the mother board makers to see what ones they have tested to work.

If I stay with the GSkill 3x2 RAM sticks, both listed are the same price 214.99

G.SKILL Trident 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-16000CL9T-6GBTD - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231254

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Desktop Memory Model F3-16000CL9T-6GBRH - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231306

Now I'm off to see if they work with the Gigabyte board


ok since this is my first build in like 3 years, what is the better RAM to use? DDR3 1600 or 2000?
 
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Note the RAM lised as compatible by the manufacturer is never ALL the RAM... it's just what they felt like testing on it. Most of the time they will mention that by saying so, sometimes they don't
 
Damn, I didn't realize that the price on DDR3 RAM has jumped so high so quickly. I recommended the G.Skill RAM because it makes 1.5V RAM, which is more important than the brand. As long as the RAM meets the JEDEC standards, which I believe are 9-9-9-28 at DDR3 1066 speeds, then it will work on virtually any motherboard in the market.

Choose this set as an alternative: G.Skill PI Series 3x2GB DDR3 1600 tri-channel kit. If you're trying to really save money, you could go with the GeIL 3x2GB DDR3 1600 kit. As an aside, you won't notice the difference performance-wise between CL9 and CL7 memory, especially if you're planning on overclocking.
 
Yes I'm going to give OC a go with this build. Again thanks for the input guys! I have gskil in my current rig and it's worked great for me. So I guess it's between the the 3 sets listed. Trident, Ripjaw and PI series. My original plan was to go with 8 gigs but it looks like a 6g set will do for this build correct?
 
X58 is triple channel, so you'll want a kit with 3 or 6 sticks of RAM (1x 6GB kit; 2x 6GB kits; 3x 4GB kits; 3x single sticks; 6x single sticks; etc).
 
Conrad said:
Yes I'm going to give OC a go with this build. Again thanks for the input guys! I have gskil in my current rig and it's worked great for me. So I guess it's between the the 3 sets listed. Trident, Ripjaw and PI series. My original plan was to go with 8 gigs but it looks like a 6g set will do for this build correct?
Click to expand...

Get the PI series as it's the only G.Skill kit that runs on 1.5V.
 
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