New Computer (Again)

[Spike88]

Since my girlfriends laptop has died, and she's using mine we've decided to make a desktop. If anyone remembers I had a similar topic about 4 months ago, in which I ended up getting my laptop. But this time we're seriously going to go through with it. Now I need help building a computer. I'm thinking SLI and I7, budget isn't a question because we're going to afford $200-300 part each paycheck. Which equates to about either 2 $200-300 parts a month, or 1 $400-800 a month.

For starters we have our eyes on this case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

And the CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

For the HD i'll probably get a 7200rpm 800gig-1 Terra


Now I need help on Graphics Cards, power supplies, ram, etc. Recommendations would be highly appreciated. I'll probably order the case today.

[Spike88]

Ended up going with a Cool Master Full Tower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

[FIREWALL]

Here's a Coolermaster case for $30.00 more and won't bust your arse moving it if you have to. Free shipping.

I have one. Love it.

[Spike88]

There is no link :haha: plus I already ordered it.

[FIREWALL]

DOH !!! Sorry about that. Even tho you already bought one check it out anyways.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Aluminum-Tower-Black/dp/B001IZZ7N6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1274405955&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Looking forward to hear on progress of your new build.:up:

[Spike88]

I'm caught up between the i7 860 and the 930 in terms of processor. There is only a 10 dollar price difference.

[Arclight]

Well, there's more to it than that; the 8xx runs on different socket, same as i5. Only the i7 9xx runs on LGA1366, which offers some benefits such as triple-channel (theoretical benefit, mind you. Actual gain going from dual- to triple-channel memory is minimal afaik).

In short, they require different motherboards.


For memory, Kingston is always solid. Good speed, good price, lifetime warranty without strings attached. Fill up half the slots at first (probably 2x2GB or 3x2GB for triple-channel). Can always double it later, if you need more for some reason.

Sea Sonic makes excellent PSUs, though a bit pricey. They also build units for other companies. For example, my Corsair was built by Sea Sonic.

For graphics, I'd say either HD5xxx or GTX4xx. Gets you DX11 (with Win7). Makes it more future-proof, developers are already releasing games for it.

[Spike88]

I know they are different Sockets, I just don't know which is better. I was going to plan my motherboard around the CPU. I know according to a Benchmarch that the 960 is better.

I was thinking of getting my PSU after I decided each individual part, so I can use the newegg Power Calculator to tell me what wattage I need.


I understand how Ram and the CPU work, and that DDR3 is the fastest.
I just don't understand how the Speeds for Ram work and how it ties into the CPU.


I miss the old days where computer building was easier. :wah:

[Arclight]

Since they moved to QPI from FSB, I haven't the faintest on how it relates exactly either, but it doesn't really matter, inless you plan on some overclocking.

1066 is standard, 1333 seems the butterzone; any faster and gains become minimal, 1600 is the upper standard speed. There are modules with even greater bandwith, but usually comes at the price of latency and a price-premium.

For example, I have a Kingston kit right now of 800MHz DDR2, which has lower latency (imho more important than bandwith for games) than my previous Kingston 1066 kit.

I'd just go with 1600, maybe 1333 if it offers better latency. If you get an i7 920 with the triple-channel, bandwith shouldn't be a concern anyway.


Smartass comment: DDR3 isn't faster, it just has more bandwith, which can translate to better performance, given the timings/latency isn't through the roof (like it was at release, came a long way since then). :know:

[Spike88]

Ah, That clears it up, I'll most likely go with 1600 then. I've never really seen the point in Overclocking. I get that it makes your system faster, but It's always seemed to be more about bragging than needing to do it. Throw in the fact it raises the probability of your system frying and it doesn't sound good.

I think I'll most likely get the 930 then.

[Arclight]

That would be my choice as well, or get i5 on that other socket. i7 on i5 socket just seems like a way to make a cheaper i7 to me, ie. nerf it.


I'd give it a little more time though, let others chime in. Especially someone who actually used the equipment; still on DDR2 and Core2 myself. Always better to have multiple opinions, even if they contradict. ;)

[Spike88]

Hopefully someone else will chime in. :haha:


Although I do have DDR3 memory in my laptop and like it.

Since I'm planning on using a 64bit Windows7, isn't the max ram like 10gigs or the like?

[FIREWALL]

Hi Spike and Arclight.

I'm doing yet anoyher build myself since I got yet another new case I couldn't pass on. And This IS my last build. :roll: :haha:

If I readit right it's a $10.00 difference between cpu's ?

Go with the Ci7 as Arclight suggests. The price of the mobo isn't going to be much different.

Well unless you buy this one : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128446 :haha:

Imho if you go with Ci5 the mobo socket stops you from any future upgrade in that area.

CPU and MOBO should be your biggest expenditure.

Their your Foundation for future Upgrades. :yep:

[Spike88]

I actually wish I could have gotten the case you had pointed out before.


Although one thing about my current case is that it's built to allow Liquid cooling, which I might add at one point. Although I do prefer Air cooling. (Especially since I drove for two days without any oil in my car. Since I forgot to check it.:damn:) And when I mean no oil, I mean the dipstick was completely dry, took 5 quarts to fill back up. :rotfl2:I can totally see myself forgetting to fill up my liquid reservoir and having my system lock up.

[FIREWALL]

Yep. I use liquid cooling too. :up: Aquagate. Like my Coolermaster Comos, this case is built for it.

Might you be able to cancel case order ?

[Arclight]

Since I'm planning on using a 64bit Windows7, isn't the max ram like 10gigs or the like?
Yeah, I'd at least get Premium, though I'd be impressed if 8GB isn't enough. :)


Starter: 8GB
Home Basic: 8GB
Home Premium: 16GB
Professional: 192GB
Enterprise: 192GB
Ultimate: 192GB

[Spike88]

@Firewall: The case has already shipped, and I think you misunderstood me, the case I'm getting is built for liquid cooling, as well as fan cooling.

@Archlight: I'm probably going to get Ultimate, just because I like bells and whistles.

[Arclight]

Personally I wanted Professional, but I ended up with Ultimate as well; was only €20,- more, so why not. :)

[FIREWALL]

@ Spike88

Any new news on build ? :DL

[Spike88]

Nothing new, waiting for the case to arrive. I'm definitely going with the i7 930, just need to find the mobo I want to go with. I also need to get around reading about SLI.

[Arclight]

Imho more trouble than it's worth, but that's because my energy-bill is high enough as it is. :lol:

[Spike88]

Anyone else feel the same way? If so I'll just got with a single graphics card.

[FIREWALL]

IMO with the cards out there today. When it comes to SLI or Crossfire.

Only the Video Card, Mobo, and Power Supply makers are the Winners. :haha:

[Arclight]

Well, it's nice and all, but it has some things to consider:

Power consumption, obviously.

Not all games play nice with it, so you can use just 1 card. New games often take a while to get proper support.

2 cards are noisier than 1, and produce more heat, putting more stress on your cooling solution.

You don't get 200% performance, more like 150% in good case scenario, while price still doubles (need bigger PSU, can save some money by not getting 2 high-end cards but mainstream).

Performance scales with resolution; the higher the resolution, the higher the performance gain. You might need a more expensive monitor to really benefit from it.


(to recap, basically pro: high resolution gaming with high quality-settings. Con: high entry price and maintenance, bit more likely to stumble into issues with specific games)


I'd say if you want to game at very high resolutions with all the bells and whistles, it's worth it. If you're OK with lower resolution, than a single high-end card might be better. If graphics are not a major factor, get a decent mainstream one.

Imho the biggest benefit is not the performance in the short term, but in the long term: I have a 8800GTS 512, still going strong. Something like SH5 maxed out with 8x AA and 1280x960 resolution (considered low to medium these days), acceptable frame-rates (30-ish). It's 2 years old, and I feel like it's time for an upgrade.

With SLI, you can put off an upgrade longer, because you have more graphical horsepower to play with. As time goes by, the graphics card is always the part that starts coming up short (given that you picked a decent CPU and sufficient RAM from the start).

Another thing you can do is make sure your system is SLI ready, get 1 card, and drop in another later on if you feel you need it. Benefit there is you might get the 2nd card for a lower price, since new tech has come on the scene in the mean time. Just don't wait to long; when a card is no longer produced, prices tend to rise again as the stock dwindles.


Decide for yourself what you want, just be aware of what it is and what it brings with it. ;)

[CaptainHaplo]

SLI/Crossfire is really alot like overclocking - its more a "bragging point" than anything else. If you want to spend that kind of money for performance, just get a dual chip card - both main providers make them I believe.

Agree that its too much trouble to be worth it.

[Spike88]

Than I'll just get a single card.

[Spike88]

My case has arrived. It's pretty neat, cant wait to get parts in it. :rock:

I have a question about modding, I want just standard red lights viewable from the window, anyone have any suggestions?


Edit: Also do USB2.0 wires work on a USB3.0 Mobo?


If so I'm thinking about going with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614

Or Maybe this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039

[Spike88]

Anyone has any input?

[Arclight]

All I know is USB 3 uses a different signal, so you'll probably need a special cable. :-?

[Spike88]

All I could find on the matter was this:
5. Will my existing peripherals still work? How will they co-exist?
The good news is that USB 3.0 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all, while USB 3.0 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as before. Five new connections to carry receive and transitted data independently are present on USB 3.0 cables and only come into contact when mated with a proper SuperSpeed USB connection. And it doesn't really answer my question.

[longam]

Why not just use one of the cool-master cases? The cases seem to be a 4 panel vent these days. :haha:

http://calgaryplastic.ca/milk%20crate.gif

[Arclight]

All I could find on the matter was this:
And it doesn't really answer my question.
Think it does: you can connect older devices no problem; backwards compatibility. But to get full speed from a USB3 device, you need USB3 slot to put it in, and if there's a cable needed, it needs to be USB3 compliant.

[Spike88]

Why not just use one of the cool-master cases? The cases seem to be a 4 panel vent these days. :haha:

http://calgaryplastic.ca/milk%20crate.gif
If only it was that simple. :haha:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188048&cm_re=Classified-_-13-188-048-_-Product

I think I've made up my mind and decided to go with this MOBO.


It's just so hard to choose. :wah:

[Spike88]

Okay, here's what I've decided to go with:

The Mobo from the previous post

Evga Nvidia GTX 470
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130550

Cooler Master 750W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171053

I7 930 Bloomfield 2.8ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

2x2GB Corsair 1600 Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145263

2X Western Digital 7200RPM 640 GB HDs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

A DVD-RW Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

[Arclight]

I'd bump the memory to a triple-channel kit. Otherwise it's pretty much perfect (means I'd happily buy it myself). :)

[Seth8530]

m8, if you havn't ordered yet, i would seriously consider getting one of the new amd am3 socket 6 cored cpu's

Here is the bigger brother version.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849 6 cores each rated at 3.2 ghz... for $300 try getting a deal like that with intel. (intels response to this cost 1k)

Here is what appears to be a good mobo.. It has 4 pci e slots which means 3 gpu's for graphics and one for physics if you so choose.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130274

Here is 8 gigs of ram. (PS im not up to speed on the latest ram trends so their might be a better alternative out on the market now)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145284

As for GPU i would do whatever you believe is best. Both companies provide excellent products.

PSU make sure that it is powerful enough to power all of your toys and the such. Also just because it is rated at x wattage doesnt mean it will give out. Skimping on a PSU can bite you in the arse if you dont watch it.

Have fun and enjoy your new toy

[Spike88]

Here is the bigger brother version.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849 6 cores each rated at 3.2 ghz... for $300 try getting a deal like that with intel. (intels response to this cost 1k)
I thought about going with AMD, but it seems that Intel always has the better performance once they do make the CHIP.

Here is what appears to be a good mobo.. It has 4 pci e slots which means 3 gpu's for graphics and one for physics if you so choose.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130274
I don't think my computer is big enough, I believe you need 10 PCI slots on your case to fit that many. But That might have just been for the 4-way SLI board I was looking at.




PSU make sure that it is powerful enough to power all of your toys and the such. Also just because it is rated at x wattage doesnt mean it will give out. Skimping on a PSU can bite you in the arse if you dont watch it.

Have fun and enjoy your new toyMy current build actually has a power requirement in the 600's, according to Newegg's Power Calculator, so I think I'm copacetic, I thought about getting a 1000W PSU, but my power company wouldn't like that very much. :haha:


EDIT: Also two deciding factors in terms of selecting Intel, the EVGA MOBO has a life warranty, and it matches with my case colors. :haha:

[Seth8530]

So you are telling me its worth spending an extra 600 dollars to match the performance of an amd core design to match colours and stuff? Also if you are into tweaking AMD's new AM3's are a breeze to overclock.

you wouldnt need 10 pci slots to have that. :yeah:

Once pci e slot fits one gpu, the slot underneath it may or may not get covered by the gpu but nowadays mobo manufactures are starting to make extra space in between pci e slots.

[Spike88]

Actually the difference right now between the AMD x6 and the Intel I want is minimal according to this chart:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

Plus with the I7 1366 mobo I'm getting, when and if I feel like I can get the I7 Extreme, which is at the top of that list. And I'm only paying 180 more for the mobo.


In terms of Ram I'll go with this Corsair Triple Channel DDR3 1600.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

[FIREWALL]

Still going with Liquid Cooling ? This is what I use.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/coolermaster-aquagate-max-review-cpu-liquid-cooling/

Don't go cheap if LCing.

[Spike88]

I'm going to go with the standard fan cooling at first(since my build excluding tax, shipping my and case) is up to $1,860.90.


This is including the OS Windows 7 64 Professional(Cheaper than ultimate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

And a screen
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052

Although I could just use my 36 inch Samsung LCD tv, since it does have HDMI,DVI, and PC input's, but i don't think the other half would like that.


Edit: Actually i think I will go with a 1000W PSU anyways.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171049

[FIREWALL]

If you change your mind...:DL You can get it here.

http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c321/s819/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Water_Cooling_Kits_-_Brands-Cooler_Master_Water_Cooling_Kits-Page1.html

Btw Your build sounds great. :yeah:

[Spike88]

If you change your mind...:DL You can get it here.

http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c321/s819/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Water_Cooling_Kits_-_Brands-Cooler_Master_Water_Cooling_Kits-Page1.html

Btw Your build sounds great. :yeah:


Thanks, I cant wait to actually build it. lol

[FIREWALL]

Any new news Spike88 ? :DL

[FIREWALL]

Anything new to report Spike88 ? :DL

[Seth8530]

I'm going to go with the standard fan cooling at first(since my build excluding tax, shipping my and case) is up to $1,860.90.


This is including the OS Windows 7 64 Professional(Cheaper than ultimate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

And a screen
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052

Although I could just use my 36 inch Samsung LCD tv, since it does have HDMI,DVI, and PC input's, but i don't think the other half would like that.


Edit: Actually i think I will go with a 1000W PSU anyways.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171049

I respect your choice to go with intel.. But i would highly advise you seriously consider the amd alternative because for the money they are the best CPU's out on the market bar none and overclock like beast. you would be spending 700 dollars extra for a minimal performance gain. but to each his own (:

[FIREWALL]

How's your new rig running ?