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/Produc...82E16811119137

And the CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115225

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/Produc...82E16811119160

[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 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-...5&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Looking forward to hear on progress of your new build.

[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.

[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).

[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.