Buying new desktop - Need your help!

[Reverence]

CPU: Core i7 940, s1366 8MB Tray

CPU Cooler: Generic CPU Cooler for s1366

Mother Board: GIGABYTE H57M-USB3 s1156 Core i3/i5/i7, Intel H57, DDR3 2200, 2xPCI-E, VGA, HDMI

RAM: DDR3 III 1600Mhz 2x2GB G.Skill Ripjaws Edition Dual Channel

Hard Drives: 2 x WD Caviar Black 500 GB, SATA 3 Gb/s, 32 MB Cache, 7200 RPM in RAID 0

Graphic Card: GIGABYTE HD 5770 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI PCI-E

Sound Card: On Board 7.1 Channel Audio

CDROM: LG DVD+-RW

CASE: Chieftec Dragon CD-07-B-B Mid-Tower (No PSU)

POWER Adapter: Enermax Tomahawk 500W Active PFC 12cm​

Hello thats the configuration I had in mind.

I will be happy to get some feedback and recommendations.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Petey7]

For that kind of setup I'd get a PSU with a little more power. Like 650watt. Also, as long as you spending money, I'd get a SSD for the OS and us one or two HDD for data. Larger hard drives tend to have slower read times when the OS is installed on them. Larger area it as to search through and all that. But those are just my recommendations. Its all up to you.

 

[Reverence]

What kind of SSD and how big?

And about power adapter you have a recommendation for a good one?

 

[Petey7]

I don't really have a recommendation on the PSU. The main thing is to check all the minimum requirements your parts have. Usually a 650w+ PSU can handle most setups. I just don't want you to buy one and find out it doesn't provide enough power.

As for SSD. It depends on how many programs you use. Your OS, programs and games would go on the SSD. Either that or get a smaller HDD. A 80GB HDD shouldn't cost very much and it will have better read times than a 500GB one. The larger the drive, the more space has to be searched for your files. Their fine for data, just not the best for OS and programs.

 

[whs]

A 60GB Vertex2 would be my SSD recommendation. They go often on sale. Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

[Petey7]

A 60GB Vertex2 would be my SSD recommendation. They go often on sale. Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

*wishes I had an extra $175*

 

[whs]

It is really only $155 after rebate. But if you are well organized, you can very well fit Win7 on a 30GB Vertex. And those I have seen for as low as $80.

 

[Reverence]

Thanks for the suggestions anymore suggestions.

 

[Reverence]

Anymore suggestions or commendations for some site who can help me to choose hardware.

 

[whs]

Anymore suggestions or commendations for some site who can help me to choose hardware.

There is always NewEgg or Tiger Direct.

 

[Dave76]

You listed the Core i7 940, s1366 8MB, a very nice processor. But it requires a 1366 socket motherboard.

The GIGABYTE H57M-USB3 s1156 Core i3/i5/i7, Intel H57, DDR3 2200, motherboard you listed is for a 1156 socket.
These are for i3, i5 and i7 800 series processors.

You will need a X58 motherboard, like the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

The RAM you listed is also for the 1156 socket boards, which are dual channel, you will need thriple channel RAM in a three or six stick pack. Just be sure to get RAM with 1.5v.

Or, you can get a i5 760, i7 870 and keep the other above components.

I would recommend the i5 760 processor with your original list above, and a SSD and better PSU.

The hard drives are ok, you will get much better performance with one of the SSDs whs suggested, the 30GB or 60GB Vertex are very nice. You will need a good HDD to store all your personal data on.

Graphic Card: GIGABYTE HD 5770 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI PCI-E, excellent choice.

For the PSU, get at least 650w, definitely get a brand name like Corsair, Antec, Seasonic or Cooler Master. These will last longer and you won't have any problems with them.



Your new list:
CPU: Core i5 760, 1156 8MB L3 Cache

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible

Mother Board: GIGABYTE H57M-USB3 s1156 Core i3/i5/i7, Intel H57, DDR3 2200, 2xPCI-E, VGA, HDMI

RAM: DDR3 III 1600Mhz 2x2GB G.Skill Ripjaws Edition Dual Channel, F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO if your not planning on overclocking. Or the Corsair CMD4GX3M2B1600C8 if you want to overclock.

SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II

Hard Drives: WD Caviar Black 500 GB, SATA 3 Gb/s, 32 MB Cache, 7200 RPM

Graphic Card: GIGABYTE HD 5770 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI PCI-E

Sound Card: On Board 7.1 Channel Audio

CDROM: LG DVD+-RW

CASE: Chieftec Dragon CD-07-B-B Mid-Tower (No PSU)

Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i5 & i7

 

[Reverence]

CPU: Core i7 940, s1366 8MB Tray

CPU Cooler: Generic CPU Cooler for s1366 (Need better cooler I think)

Mother Board: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R OR GA-X58A-UD5 (Help me decide)

RAM: 3X2 6gb ddr3 1333 OCZ

Hard Drive 1 OS: OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Hard Drive 2: 1 x WD Caviar Black 1TB, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 7200 RPM

Graphic Card: Sapphire HD 5870 Vapor-X OC 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI DP PCI-E OR HD 5870 2GB GDDR5 DX11 6xMini DP PCI-E (Help me decide)

Sound Card: On Board 7.1 Channel Audio

CDROM: Dvdrw NEC sata x24

CASE: Chieftec Dragon CD-07-B-B Mid-Tower (No PSU) (Or other case help me decide)

POWER Adapter: 6AG1B HEC + HEC 600w (Maybe more power needed)

Ok list updated just need some decision to make.

 

[bobkn]

In the US, the 1.5TB WD Caviar Black drive costs little more than the 1GB version. (I don't know whether a 6Gb/s interface version is currently available, but I doubt that's significant.)

The 3GB version of the 5870 that you've selected has six Displayport outputs. Are you prepared to buy only monitors with Displayport inputs?

The PSU that you list has PCI-E power connectors that will support a single 5870 without using any adapters. Sapphire recommends at least 600W, but the PSU might not have enough margin if you overclock the CPU.

 

[Dave76]

CPU: Core i7 940, s1366 8MB Tray

This is a very nice processor, we'll match the rest of the equipment to this, first will be the motherboard, then some of the other items will need to be compatible to the motherboard, like RAM.
It's best to get your RAM from the Motherboard (MOBO) compatible list. This means it has been tested by the MOBO manufacturer and works.
Other RAM may work, or may not, you will take the risk that it doesn't and might have to send it back (if it's possible).

You gotten some advice from THW Building Computer - Budget 1000-1250$, it really depends on what you want to do.
If you want a powerful system that will do anything you might ever want to try, your on the right track.
If for 'some general gaming' and you want a balanced system, then you can reduce some of the key components.

If you define your planned usage it's easier to advise.
If for gaming, it's nice to know the resolution and monitor size.
The LG LED screen 24" w/ resolution 1920X1080?

CPU Cooler: Generic CPU Cooler for s1366 (Need better cooler I think)

Stock coolers are fine if your not OverClocking (OC) and don't do heavy gaming, graphics or video editing.

I would recommend a better CPU cooler for this system, COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible

It's a good air cooler, and the one I am using.

Water cooling is another option, mostly for extreme OC and gaming.
The idea of liquid being under pressure in my case is a little un-nerving.

Mother Board: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R OR GA-X58A-UD5 (Help me decide)

Again, this depends on the amount of OC'ing, which you might do for graphics and video work, heavy gaming or benchmarking.

The GA-X58A-UD3R is very good and for average+ enthusiast use will be ok, the GA-X58A-UD5 has more features and of coarse will cost more.
It's a personal choice and will depend on your budget.

RAM: 3X2 6gb ddr3 1333 OCZ

If you give the MOBO you would like and the RAM part number I will help you confirm if it's on the MOBO compatible RAM list.
You can go to the MOBO website and D/L the Approved RAM list.

Hard Drive 1 OS: OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Hard Drive 2: 1 x WD Caviar Black 1TB, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 7200 RPM

Both are excellent choices.

There is some debate if the 6 Gb/s interface will be useful for a HDD. You will likely not notice any difference with the 3 Gb/s, this will be a storage drive and the most useful attributes are the 64 MB cache and the 7200 RPM speed.
Save a little money and get the 1 x WD Caviar Black 1TB, SATA 3 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 7200 RPM hard drive.

Graphic Card: Sapphire HD 5870 Vapor-X OC 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI DP PCI-E OR HD 5870 2GB GDDR5 DX11 6xMini DP PCI-E (Help me decide)

I agree with bobkn, go with the Sapphire HD 5870 Vapor-X OC 1GB GDDR5 DX11 2xDVI HDMI DP PCI-E.
Unless you have a specific need for the 6 x display ports, if your planning on having 6 monitors.

Sound Card: On Board 7.1 Channel Audio

CDROM: Dvdrw NEC sata x24

Both are fine.

CASE: Chieftec Dragon CD-07-B-B Mid-Tower (No PSU) (Or other case help me decide)

The important thing for a case is that is provides adequate cooling and space.
Not familiar with this case but, a with a quick check it appears to be more than adequate.
For the price you might consider a well known name brand like Antec, Cooler Master, Corsair. Build quality and design features will make the installation and overall satisfaction better.

POWER Adapter: 6AG1B HEC + HEC 600w (Maybe more power needed)

For the system you're currently planning, get a minimum 750w PSU.

Ok list updated just need some decision to make.

As mentioned, if you want a very powerful system this is good.

You might consider an i5 760 or i7 870, the overall performance and benchmarks will be close to the system you're contemplating.

For some general information and reviews, there is a lot of information here CASES/COOLING/PSUs.



Let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[Reverence]

Ok thank you for your help.

All I got to decide now is the mobo: Mother Board: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R OR GA-X58A-UD5 (Help me decide)

Can you please recommend me for a good ram if I go for the UD5 cause the difference is low only 60$

Thanks.

 

[Dave76]

Good choice.

GA-X58A-UD5 (rev. 2.0) memory support list

3 X 2GB CORSAIR TR3X6G2000C8GT (total 6GB)
Or, if you can't find the above this will do nicely.
3 X 2GB CORSAIR TR3X6G1866C7GT (total 6GB)

If you can't find either of these two go to the link above and pick a 6GB set of DDR3 1600 or higher.
Just be sure the RAM cards are 2GB each and 3 pieces equaling 6GB.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Reverence]

Hello Dave how I know if my mobo arrives as rev 1 or 2?

We got this only in Israel: TR3X6G1866C9DF but you sure I need those 1866Mhz? I was thinking to go to 1333Mhz please explain me the difference.

 

[Dave76]

When you order the MOBO, you should be able to see if it's rev 1 or 2, if not then ask the shop or site before you order.

There will only be a slight speed difference if you are not stressing the computer, if you are planning on heavy gaming then get the higher speed RAM, if your computer isn't going to be stressed that much the 1333Mhz will be fine.

 

[Reverence]

Dave wanted to ask do you familiar with this mobo: ASUS P6T SE s1366 Core i7, Intel X58, DDR3 1333, 3xPCI-E

how good / bad it is compared to the GIGABYTE.

I need another recommendation for the RAM there are no official suppliers of Corsair for those 2 RAMs you mentioned above. That compatible with the mother board.

What about this one: Corsair TR3X6G1600C7D

But I dont see it on the compatible list.

Thanks

 

[Dave76]

I'm not familiar with that ASUS MOBO, just D/L the RAM compatible list and see if you can get RAM for it. ASUS has a good reputation.

The Gigabyte MOBO is good, I would recommend it, go to the RAM compatible list and keep checking with your suppliers and see if they have anything on the list.
If you find some RAM that is available, post it here and we'll offer an opinion.

Let us know how it's going.