2. I have to agree with Wishmaster on this topic, just going with a SF controller doesn't mean the best performance. Sequential writes and reads are prominently posted by all manufacturers but, is one of the least important factors. Random reads are the most important, with random writes next. This is what allows the OS and programs to perform. Input/output is the key factor.
The firmware for the controller will make or break the SSD. This is very important.
The write speed kills me off A LOT if you meant this Intel SSD of course :
Newegg.com - Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2K5 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Also, I heard that I need to flash the firmware to have TRIM enabled. I don't have to do that because it seems risky (at least for me). Also... I just didn't want to buy an Intel SSD at all.
After checking those benchmark by clubic.com :
Comparatif SSD : 16 modèles et 9 contrôleurs en test : Performances synthétiques
I'm pretty sure that there are better products than those offered by Intel. Hell, according to those benchmarks, My SSD is better than Intel on all sequential and ramdom read/write EXCEPT on the 4K files read tests ones..
All SSDs are still needing firmware flashing, there are new versions coming out all the time, all manufacturers are progressing with their firmware.
It's new bleeding edge hardware.
I understand about your hardware brand choice, I also have a couple of very good, respected, brand/companies with great reviews, that I just prefer not to use.
Just a little info I have found from several review sites. Intel tends to understate their specs, most of the other manufacturers tend to overstate their specs.
Until the SF controllers came out, Intel would out perform other SSDs with higher listed specs.
Gigabyte doesn,t have that list with their motherboards if I'm right... otherwise I would have checked.
Gigabyte does have recommended RAM lists, they call it QVL, qualified vendors list.
Your
GA-X58-USB3 rev. 1.0 manual
Memory Support List
Sometimes the recommended RAM list is in the motherboard manual.
There is a lot of RAM not on these lists that does work, but if you get one that doesn't it's a real pain.
Safer to get RAM from their list.
You have mentioned that you have decided to go with the 1366 platform.
Good choice.
Just another opinion...
If you just want to have the triple channel, then by all means get it. Just wanted to give you some information on the subject.
Thx for information. I just wanted to have an high-end upgradability but it looks like that the next Intel CPU will use ANOTHER socket... which is... FAIL.
Intel seems to always be coming out with new CPU sockets.
We all hope it's to get the best performance from the new CPUs, and not just getting us to buy new motherboards.
In conclusion, get the system that you want.
The performance of this level of specs are very close, at the end of the day you are the one that needs to be happy with it.
My recommendation at this level would be:
i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz, Newegg.ca $215 - Check the comparison between this and the i7-950 on the AnandTech site.
GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard, Newegg.ca $135
This will save you about $180-200. For a performance differential of about 3%. Which won't be noticable.
At the CPUs, I guess I was a bit biased because I've used Core i7 920 for video editing and it was amazing. It was not my machine of course but man... If something IRL happens that needs a sum of money that I don,t have and then I need my saved money to pay, it'll be my second choice : Quad core i5's.
Good choices, first i7-950, second choice i5-760.
Can't go wrong with either of these.
I just wanted to give you a second choice, which is always good to have.
At the SSD (again), I checked the OCZ a lot too. Using your Anandtech link (holy crap... the most useful banchmark site ever >_<), the OCZ Agility 2 looks AMAZING. Its only weak point seem to be 4K Ramdom Writes which I think is still OK. 40MB/s for 4kb files is still pretty damn amazing compared to what I've already seen in the past (a couple of bytes per seconds much?). So, I'm finally heading for this one :
Newegg.ca - OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE90G 2.5" 90GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD).
Excellent choice, OCZ has some good reviews, and is known for great support and warranty service.
You should consider looking at the Vertex 2, it is usually within $10 of the Agility and occationally on sale a little bit cheaper.
It has higher input/output rates, though this may not be enough to be noticable.
About the SSD news, I heard about it but I just can't wait anymore. Also, if I wait more, IRL expenses might show up and I might have to use my savings for that and I will still have to save again and this current PC might just be used for another 3½ year and I don't want that to happen... knowing myself.
Agree, there is always something new just around the corner, if we all waited for that, we would never get anything.
Most of the time it's best to just jump in.
You've got a great system planned, you will no doubt enjoy it, congratulations.
