New Build..Need Input

[jeepmann4x4]

I'm running my "New Build" ideas past the forum to see what people think, I have not built in a long time so kinda "out of the loop" on newer parts.

I will be building this earlier than I first thought (with in a month now)

This computer will be used as a "Do any and everything" games,net,burn,play,vbox...ect

I could use all the Input I know you guys/gals have, don't just think it, please speak it too!!

So here it is, I think my final draft!


Case:$199.99 COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel
Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case

MotherBoard:$264.99 EVGA X58 FTW3 132-GT-E768-KR LGA 1366 SATA
6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor:$294.99 Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz 4 x 256KB
L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor

Cooler:$59.99 COOLER MASTER Intel Core i7 compatible V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP
120mm Rifle CPU Cooler

Memory:$179.99 CORSAIR XMS3 12GB (6 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3
1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model HX3X12G1600C9 G

Graphics / Video Card:$179.99 2x GIGABYTE GV-R685D5-1GD Radeon HD
6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX
Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Power Supply:$169.99 CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W ATX12V 2.3
/ EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power
Supply

Hard Drive:$59.99 2x Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB
7200RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare
Drive

Optical Drive:$17.99 SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R
DL22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW
48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD±R DVD Burner LightScribe Support

Monitor:$119.99 2x ASUS VE198T Black 19" 5ms LED BackLight LCD
monitor w/Speakers 250 cd/m2 ASCR 10,000,000:1

Total: $1669.00 ($1909.00/w Monitor) +tax and Small parts. (All Newegg.com prices)

 

[society misfit]

Looks good but I just want to comment on the case which I also own. The dust filter for the large side intake fan cannot be removed without removing the fan. And the front filter cannot be removed at all. It’s embedded into the bezel (which can be removed and cleaned I guess!). Other than that the case is great…loads of space and the large fans run pretty much silent. Oh and you may need an extension cable for 12v ATX power connector. Mine wouldn’t reach the top of the case if I routed the cable through the case’s cable management. I also own a Corsair 850AX PSU so I assume the cables will be the same length. An 8 Pin extension cable should only run you a couple of bucks so no big deal. I’d also shop around…$199US seems a little steep. I picked up mine for $169CAN

I also have 2 6850 cards in crossfire…talk about cheap performance!!

Good luck with your build.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

jeepmann4x4, The system sounds wicked. Might I suggest just a tad larger PSU, I wouldn't want your top flight Crossfire boards to be starved. I would look into a 1000 watt - 1200 watt PSU as it shouldn't be much more than the 850, maybe 50-70 bucks. Also a system of this caliber without a SSD is just like hot apple pie without a scoop of french vanilla ice cream.

Edit: just checked on the EVGA mobo and it's a nVidia board and only supports SLI not Crossfire, so re-think the mobo or the GPU's. Good luck with your build and remember to take tons of pic's and share with us on the "show us your rig" thread !

 

[sygnus21]

That CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W will handle those 6850's easily.

The MB "might" be able to do crossfire as well, not sure and could be wrong. Research it, might just need a BIOS update. On second though it might be SLI only.

Nice system MB, and system BTW. I do agree that an SSD drive would set it off, but I understand the expense. When I built my system, the SSD drive was to last to enter.

Edit - If you want the choice between SLI or Crossfire - Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

 

[linnemeyerhere]

sygnus21, those GPU's don't work with the Mobo or the other way around so we're kind of in limbo!

 

[sygnus21]

sygnus21, those GPU's don't work with the Mobo or the other way around so we're kind of in limbo!

Agreed. I just listed another choice for him in Gigabyte. You can do either or

Good board, I have one.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

So what would be a good SLI set up in the same price point? SLI to GTX 460's.......wicked even if it's a $40 dollar bump per card.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

A number of things pop out immediately.

• #1: The whole platform (LGA 1366 vs LGA 1155).

I understand LGA 1366 is still Intel's enthusiast platform, but you should really look into Intel's brand new platform, Sandy Bridge (LGA 1155). While it lacks the triple channel memory compatibility of LGA 1366 (which is pretty useless unless you are really into synthetic benchmarking), these new chips are faster clock for clock (around ~5%), overclock much better (I've seen 5 GHz+ overclocks already), they are built around a new manufacturing process (32nm vs 45nm), which basically means, incredibly low power consumption and heat generation.

There are a number of reviews around. You should definitely take a look at Sandy Bridge.

• #2: CPU Cooler.

Thermaltake's Frío costs around ~$58, and it performs MUCH better than Cooler Master's V8, in fact, a number of review sites claim it's the best air cooling solution for the money.

• #3: RAM.

12GB is 100% overkill. 4GB is more than enough really, 8GB if you feel 4GB is not enough.

• #4: Graphics Card(s).

While those HD 6850's are good/solid gaming cards, multi GPU solutions = big no no in my book. Instead of just enjoying games or whatever, you'll be spending most of your time setting up games and such to work for both cards (not to mention the dreaded micro stuttering present in SLI/CrossFire setups). Every friend I have that at one point or another have ventured into multi GPU solutions, they all end up saying the same thing afterwards, 'it's not really worth it'.

Going after the fastest single GPU solution is the way to go IMO. Which in your case would be, either the GTX 570 or HD 6970. And my recommendation would be: GTX 570.

NVIDIA's Fermi based cards, sport much better all around performance under heavy AA/tessellation vs AMD's latest HD 6800/6900 cards.

 

[sygnus21]

Honestly I know nothing of Nvidia's cards. Never had one. However as I pointed out, the Gigabyte UD5 motherboard will support either setup he chooses. The board gives him a choice.

 

[sygnus21]

A number of things pop out immediately.

• #1: The whole platform (LGA 1366 vs LGA 1155).

I understand LGA 1366 is still Intel's enthusiast platform, but you should really look into Intel's brand new platform, Sandy Bridge (LGA 1155). While it lacks the triple channel memory compatibility of LGA 1366 (which is pretty useless unless you are really into synthetic benchmarking), these new chips are faster clock for clock (around ~5%), overclock much better (I've seen 5 GHz+ overclocks already), they are built around a new manufacturing process (32nm vs 45nm), which basically means, incredibly low power consumption and heat generation.

We all have opinions here, but let's just say a Core i7-950 on a 1366 MB isn't chop liver here

As for getting to 5gigs, yeah you could do it.... to what extreme, and what cost? Realistically the avarage everyday enthusist isn't even going to hit 5gig on a processor. I didn't say it couldn't be done, I said the avarage person isn't going to do it (because of all the work and expense involved in getting there)

I could hit 4+gig with my processor, and it would be a heck of a lot easier to do, and wouldn't require an elaberate setup

See my system specs.

Anyway that's my opinion.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

A number of things pop out immediately.

• #1: The whole platform (LGA 1366 vs LGA 1155).

I understand LGA 1366 is still Intel's enthusiast platform, but you should really look into Intel's brand new platform, Sandy Bridge (LGA 1155). While it lacks the triple channel memory compatibility of LGA 1366 (which is pretty useless unless you are really into synthetic benchmarking), these new chips are faster clock for clock (around ~5%), overclock much better (I've seen 5 GHz+ overclocks already), they are built around a new manufacturing process (32nm vs 45nm), which basically means, incredibly low power consumption and heat generation.

We all have opinions here, but let's just say a Core i7-950 on a 1366 MB isn't chop liver here

As for getting to 5gigs, yeah you could do it.... to what extreme, and what cost? Realistically the avarage everyday enthusist isn't even going to hit 5gig on a processor. I didn't say it couldn't be done, I said the avarage person isn't going to do it (because of all the work and expense involved in getting there)

I could hit 4+gig with my processor, and it would be a heck of a lot easier to do, and wouldn't require an elaberate setup

See my system specs.

Anyway that's my opinion.

Without going too deep into this (thread hijacking FTL lol), 5 GHz+ on air is quite doable on SB chips actually... 5 GHz is the new 4 GHz.

In fact, I've heard that some motherboards (that have auto OC capabilities), are actually setting some of these unlocked CPUs all the way up to ~4.6 GHz. Just by enabling the auto OC option, which is pretty crazy IMO.

You gotta remember, 32mn means, they'll run cooler, require less power and more importantly, have a lower voltage baseline.

 

[sygnus21]

I do agree about them supposedly being cooler and requiring less power, makes sense. However I do have a hard time believing they can run 5+gig stable on air. Sorry.

I'm sure there's going to posts out there of people saying they did it but..... and the key word is stable

Anyways agree about hijacking the tread so well leave it at this.

Peace

 

[jeepmann4x4]

jeepmann4x4, The system sounds wicked. Might I suggest just a tad larger PSU, I wouldn't want your top flight Crossfire boards to be starved. I would look into a 1000 watt - 1200 watt PSU as it shouldn't be much more than the 850, maybe 50-70 bucks. Also a system of this caliber without a SSD is just like hot apple pie without a scoop of french vanilla ice cream.

Edit: just checked on the EVGA mobo and it's a nVidia board and only supports SLI not Crossfire, so re-think the mobo or the GPU's. Good luck with your build and remember to take tons of pic's and share with us on the "show us your rig" thread !

Ok so I misread the specs on the MB "Supports 2-way SLI and 3-way SLI or CrossFireX" thanks for the catch.....I really like the board so time to switch up the GPU's .....

So now the question ... 2x 460's or 1x 570?? Don't think I can pull off the 580 cause of price(also why there is no SSD YET!)

@sygnus21
@SlackerITGuy
You both have great points and I don't mind getting thread jacked like that...lol It was good input and helps when its under control like you guys did..thanks

As for 1155 I'm still looking into it but it was hard to do since they released on paper only. I've been checking and today is the first day I have seen them retail.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

jeepmann4x4, I'm not the expert here but from what I'm reading, more people will tell you that one high end card will be better than two lower end cards in SLI or Crossfire. Many say that the time and energy tweeking the set up to each game just doesn't out weight the added cost and screen benefits. Odd as I'm getting ready to install a new mobo with the goal of Crossfiring two 6870's or 6950's. It's causing me to rethink this and likely go with just a single great card.......jury is still out! I say look to one great card and live with it then if you win the lotto or just can't scratch the SLI wild hair then dive in and go for it......this in the end is likely to be my strategy. Cheers

 

[sygnus21]

@sygnus21
@SlackerITGuy
You both have great points and I don't mind getting thread jacked like that...lol It was good input and helps when its under control like you guys did..thanks

As for 1155 I'm still looking into it but it was hard to do since they released on paper only. I've been checking and today is the first day I have seen them retail.

With that said, I have to conceed to slackerITGuy's point about the Sandy Bridge being a good buy, though if I were buying a Sandy Bridge system right now, I might spring for the i7-2600K. A little expensive, though no where near the i7-980x price tag, but with all the 980x's performance. Impressive chip. And the "K" series chips are unlocked! Meaning good OC numbers.

Anyway get yourself the latest copy of MaximumPC (February 2011). There's a good article on the Sandy Bridge processors (page 38)



Doesn't speak much on motherboards, though you have have at this excellent article here on the Sandy Bridge and a Gigabyte MB - Ultimate Sandy Bridge OC Guide + P67A-UD7 Performance Review. I'm sure SlackerITGuy would approve

Outside of that though you're not doing too bad with the i7-950 setup. And let's not forget, they still have to replace the i7-900 series chips on the 1366 MB

 

[jeepmann4x4]

@sygnus21
@SlackerITGuy
You both have great points and I don't mind getting thread jacked like that...lol It was good input and helps when its under control like you guys did..thanks

As for 1155 I'm still looking into it but it was hard to do since they released on paper only. I've been checking and today is the first day I have seen them retail.

With that said, I have to conceed to slackerITGuy's point about the Sandy Bridge being a good buy, though if I were buying a Sandy Bridge system right now, I might spring for the i7-2600K. A little expensive, though no where near the i7-980x price tag, but with all the 980x's performance. Impressive chip. And the "K" series chips are unlocked! Meaning good OC numbers.

Anyway get yourself the latest copy of MaximumPC (February 2011). There's a good article on the Sandy Bridge processors (page 38)

View attachment 131237

Doesn't speak much on motherboards, though you have have at this excellent article here on the Sandy Bridge and a Gigabyte MB - Ultimate Sandy Bridge OC Guide + P67A-UD7 Performance Review. I'm sure SlackerITGuy would approve

Outside of that though you're not doing too bad with the i7-950 setup. And let's not forget, they still have to replace the i7-900 series chips on the 1366 MB

I hear ya both....I've been back and forth about 1155 read a bit about them including what you have linked for me(thanks) and have all ready started "mind building" an 1155 setup..still a work in progress as I type.
I'm spending quite a bit on this build and plan on keeping a long long time(I use till they die then i see whats new..lol) Since all of that I'm running alot of questions past all of you(thanks for letting me)


@linnemeyerhere

I myself have been thinking the same thing, go with one great card and if(when) I want more just add-on....so with that said I think I'm going with the GTX570.....maybe

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Jeepmann4x4,
Perfect it sounds like this work to get all your ducks in a row will pay nice performance dividends. Please keep us in the loop as to what you finally decide on and can't wait to see pictures when you build this beast !

 

[jeepmann4x4]

Jeepmann4x4,
Perfect it sounds like this work to get all your ducks in a row will pay nice performance dividends. Please keep us in the loop as to what you finally decide on and can't wait to see pictures when you build this beast !

Thats what I'm hoping for!! Every good build has about 20 good plans...

Will keep all of you in the loop, most likely will start a new thread with the (fingers crossed) with the final build specs in a day or two!

Like i said before building this some time within a month...will post pic of build!

This would not be the beast it's gonna be without all of your guys/gals help!!!
Thank all of you very very much!!

 

[SlackerITGuy]

jeepmann4x4, The system sounds wicked. Might I suggest just a tad larger PSU, I wouldn't want your top flight Crossfire boards to be starved. I would look into a 1000 watt - 1200 watt PSU as it shouldn't be much more than the 850, maybe 50-70 bucks. Also a system of this caliber without a SSD is just like hot apple pie without a scoop of french vanilla ice cream.

Edit: just checked on the EVGA mobo and it's a nVidia board and only supports SLI not Crossfire, so re-think the mobo or the GPU's. Good luck with your build and remember to take tons of pic's and share with us on the "show us your rig" thread !

Ok so I misread the specs on the MB "Supports 2-way SLI and 3-way SLI or CrossFireX" thanks for the catch.....I really like the board so time to switch up the GPU's .....

So now the question ... 2x 460's or 1x 570?? Don't think I can pull off the 580 cause of price(also why there is no SSD YET!)

@sygnus21
@SlackerITGuy
You both have great points and I don't mind getting thread jacked like that...lol It was good input and helps when its under control like you guys did..thanks

As for 1155 I'm still looking into it but it was hard to do since they released on paper only. I've been checking and today is the first day I have seen them retail.

You should head over to Newegg's.com.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

jeepmann4x4, I'm not the expert here but from what I'm reading, more people will tell you that one high end card will be better than two lower end cards in SLI or Crossfire. Many say that the time and energy tweeking the set up to each game just doesn't out weight the added cost and screen benefits. Odd as I'm getting ready to install a new mobo with the goal of Crossfiring two 6870's or 6950's. It's causing me to rethink this and likely go with just a single great card.......jury is still out! I say look to one great card and live with it then if you win the lotto or just can't scratch the SLI wild hair then dive in and go for it......this in the end is likely to be my strategy. Cheers

Couldn't agree more.

Nice post BTW.