Help with i7 950 gaming system build

[n-ster]

I prefer the X58 chipset over the P67 TBH.

Overall system is good. I prefer the new case but still don't like it that much. Still don't like the PSU, but can't find anything at that site for both of them. Also, I would have prefered a gigabyte X58A-UD3R to that motherboard but no gigabyte boards for X58 on that site either.

 

[xbonez]

Your system looks good, but since you wanted it to last you 5 years, I would have strongly recommended Sandy Bridge. Not only because they clock higher but also because Intel is working on a new Instruction Set which only the new Core i7s support.
In a couple of years, programmers will start employing this new instruction set which makes the processor far more efficient.

As an example, my 2600K gets about 60 GFlops, while with the new instruction set it gets anywhere between 95-100GFlops.

I'll try to post a link to the Intel page on the new Instruction set if I can find it.

Here you go:
http://software.intel.com/en-us/avx/

And here's a thread on a technical discussion of how AVX will benefit us in future once Intel develops tools for programmers to utilize it.
http://software.intel.com/en-us/forums/showthread.php?t=79768

 

[pany]

Its too late now to change my build! I've already changed my order like 3-4 times! If i need any parts that aren't available in the cyprus site, but are in the greek site, then it will take 10 working days to get them! n-ster about the case and the psu i got these 2 since they were the best to meet my budget! As you can see my total was 1450 + 140 for the ssd so 1590 euro in total and my budget was 1600! And i wanted to get a new wireless keyboard and mouse as well but that will have to wait! Anw as far as i see im gonna have just 2 minor problems:

1) I think the 750W will be enough since the gpu has low consumption compared to older models! Im just worried about the many hard discs! The psu has only 6 sata cables so i will need to use an adapter to transform one of the 4 pin peripheral to sata for the ssd! Or i could upgrade to a much better psu which is 130 euro more which i dont have

CORSAIR HX1000W MODULAR POWER SUPPLY
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.553113

2) Tbh i dont really like how the case looks but has enough space for 6 internal drives and 1 2.5 inch for my ssd! Problem again is if i want to raid 2 vertex 2 e 60GB in the future i will have to place the 2nd ssd at the accessible 3.5 inch bay of the case!

Man if you can and it's not a bother can you check both sites again for a better case and a better psu around the same price or with just a minor increase? Maybe i can get around 60 euro more! Check the following sites and im waiting on your opinion!
For Cases:
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/PER_cases.phtml
http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_cases.phtml
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/768/xx/xx/103/9/criteresn.html
For PSUs:
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/PER_psu.phtml
http://www.e-shop.gr/PER_psu.phtml
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/767/xx/xx/103/9/criteresn.html

Or i'll check for any sellers in ebay.co.uk that do international shipping if you tell me what psu and case you have in mind!

 

[pany]

xbonez i didnt know about this when i was to choose the X58 over the P67 but my criteria was that the X58 supports triple channel memory whereas the P67 doesn't! At the time i thought it made a difference! LOL! Dunno if i was right or wrong. Anw check the following out and let me know on your thoughts!

http://www.overclock.net/intel-motherboards/910416-p67-mobos-no-triple-channel-memory.html

 

[xbonez]

Because the IMC on LGA-1155 CPUs only have a dual-channel memory controller...

Because tri-channel would require several hundred more traces and pins, increasing costs, for no reason...

Because dual-channel is more than enough...

Because most consumer apps aren't memory bandwidth limited, and even if they were it wouldn't matter...

Because dual-channel on Sandy Bridge is faster than tri-channel on Bloomfield or Gulftown...

Because it's got a newer IMC that runs at full CPU speed.

Triple channel isn't necessarily better than dual channel.

 

[n-ster]

Tripple channel IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN DUAL CHANNEL... by only a very slim margin but it is still there.

 

[pany]

n-ster did you take a look at my previous reply?
I found your PSU from pixmania at 166 euro price a total of 69 euro increase compare to mine
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/03...οφοδοτικο-pc-hx850w-850w-(cmpsu-850hxeu).html

 

[n-ster]

It's your call. My PSU is definitively top of the line and will last you more than 5 years, and it has 7 years warranty. Not to mention it is modular (cables can be unplugged from PSU) so cable management is much easier.

I would go for it if I were you personally, as a Power Supply is a very important part of the PC

P.S: no I had skip over that post by accident

For the case, if you are tight in budget, I guess your Case would do fine. Perhaps a Coolermaster HAF 932 or HAF X might interest you, though I'm guessng it would be too expensive.

Also, SSDs do not have mechanical parts, so You can put them anywhere... I put mine on top of my HDDs that are in the 3.5" slots... in other case I sometimes tape them against the case... It doesn't matter where you put them. You could put it in a paintshaker 24/7 and it wouldn't matter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jrSzrN07kE

 

[pany]

I've been checking the Coolermaster HAF 912 Plus out which is around 95 euro:
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6674
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COOLER-MASTER...ting_DesktopComponents_RL&hash=item20b6777de0
http://www.google.com/search?q=ther...aster+haf+912+plus+&pbx=1&fp=8ce0e008a607e93d <----- reviews

Will this beat the Thermaltake Armor A90 at a 90 euro price?
http://armora90.thermaltake.com/
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.651116
http://www.google.com/search?q=ther...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a <----- reviews

I really do prefer the corsair psu but i havent got the money for it atm!
And here's some thread on TPU about my PSU and a review:
Thermaltake Toughpower W0116 750W
http://techgage.com/article/thermaltake_toughpower_modular_750w_psu/3

 

[n-ster]

I have to admit I'm giving you a personal opinion and not 100% objective here. If you don't have the money, then by all means, save it. It's just that most people buying X58 platforms with SSDs and 7 HDDs have 60$ to spare ya know?

If I remember correctly, the 912 is pretty small. The A90 isn't too bad and it's just a case, nothing vital.

I'm just a bit of a perfectionist, and like to buy the best (even when I don't have the means for it). You'll be happy with your system. Good luck! and don't be shy to send me a Private Message if you need any help

 

[T3kl0rd]

1000W PSU looks good, especially for SLI/CF high end cards like mine. 750W may not be enough comfortably down the road.

I'm using 10GB of Dual Channel RAM in a Triple Channel mobo and it works great. Get what is cheapest, dual or triple channel. The more RAM you install, the more your system uses. 4GB is the absolute minimum. I'd go 12GB if you can afford it.

SSD is a great choice for your OS and a game or two. Wish I had one.

 

[n-ster]

1000W PSU looks good, especially for SLI/CF high end cards like mine. 750W may not be enough comfortably down the road.

I'm using 10GB of Dual Channel RAM in a Triple Channel mobo and it works great. Get what is cheapest, dual or triple channel. The more RAM you install, the more your system uses. 4GB is the absolute minimum. I'd go 12GB if you can afford it.

SSD is a great choice for your OS and a game or two. Wish I had one.

1000W PSU my ass... sorry to be blunt but 1000W is for the people with SLI GTX 580s n shit

60GB is EASILY all your main programs + OS + (depending on games) 4~10 games

If only for gaming, nothing over 6GB is very useful, but might be in the future

 

[T3kl0rd]

1000W PSU my ass... sorry to be blunt but 1000W is for the people with SLI GTX 580s n shit

That's exactly what I am talking about. If the OP wants to expand in that direction, he needs to seriously consider a PSU that can handle that or damage his GPUs. 750W will power two mid-range to lower-upper end cards. Won't power the most powerful single GPUs available in CF/SLI or two dual GPU cards, if he can afford that.

60GB is EASILY all your main programs + OS + (depending on games) 4~10 games

I wouldn't load too many games on the SSD per all the Windows updates and other software he will install that supplement the original OS install.

If only for gaming, nothing over 6GB is very useful, but might be in the future

I actually use most of my RAM when gaming and I have Firefox open in the background. The system reallocates RAM usage depending on how much is actually installed. More is nicer if you can afford it.

 

[n-ster]

Yes, the game can use more RAM, but in-game, it won't make much of, if any difference.

Windows updates are tiny... Win 7 SP1 isn't even 1GB

#1 He wants toi make his system last 5 years, I doubt that means upgrades of 1000$ in GPUs, not to mention he's got to pay 100$ more for a 1000W PSU over a 750W

#2 moderate gaming, not super duper high end

#3 NVs cards use alot of power. a 6870 CF will do perfectly fine. Do not forget that it seems lately, AMD is trying to keep the same power consumption numbers, meaning LOW power usage, and it seems it is becoming a trend recently, best power effenciency is starting to become appealing, even to gamers

Hell, he could probably be fine with a 6950 CF, though I'd be more comfortable with 850W, like mine

 

[pany]

Ok guys i made some final changes on my rig and got everything ordered with some more changes from the initial build! Whats done its done and i haven't got the power to even think about changing anything else lol!

Processor: Intel Core i7-950 Processor(8M Cache, 3.06 GHz, 4.80 GT/s IntelR QPI) (310 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.558291

Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH X58 (199 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.522863

Memory: KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX DDR3 12GB (3X4GB) PC12800 1600MHZ HYPERX GENESIS TRIPLE CHANNEL KIT (180 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.552664

Graphics Card: Sapphire Radeon HD6870 1GB PCI-E (249 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.510754

Hard Disk: SEAGATE ST1500DL003 1.5TB BARRACUDA GREEN SATA3 (84 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.301861

Screen: LG W2361V-PF 23'' TFT 2ms Full HD 1920x1080 with HDMI (189 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.169565

DVD Writer: SAMSUNG DVD-RW SH-S223L Black (26 euro)
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.321020

Case: Cooler Master HAF X (199 euro)
http://www.bionic.com.cy/catalog/partdetail.aspx?PartNo=11100129

PSU: Corsair HX850W (166 euro)
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/03...οφοδοτικο-pc-hx850w-850w-(cmpsu-850hxeu).html

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (49 euro) + 1 extra 120mm CM blade master fan (13 euro)
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/03325294/art/cooler-master/Ανεμιστηρας-cpu-hyper-212-plus.html

Extra Fans: 1 x 200mm CM Megaflow red led fan (22 euro), 1 x 120mm CM Excalibur fan for vga dock (17 euro)
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/r/cooler-master/page-0_20/103_780_0#void

Thermal Compound: Artic Silver 5 3.5g (8 euro)
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/00...κολλα-artic-silver-5---σωληναριο-3,5-γρ..html

SSD for OS: Vertex 2e 60 GB 2.5"
http://www.pixmania.com.cy/cy/gr/066...0-gΒ.html (141 euro)
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199 euro from bionic
381 euro from pixmania (was 416 but combined postage saved me 35 euro)
1237 euro from e-shop (might get a discount when i go pick things up next week)
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Total= 1817 euro ( i went above my initial budget by more than 200 euro but i think its worth it)

Plus i have the following to add!

1) NEC DVD RW ND-4551A or Optiarc DVD RW AD-5170A (No SATA ports left to use them)
2) 3 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive
3) 1 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive
4) 1 x SEAGATE BARRACUDA LP ST31500341AS 1.5TB SATA2 32MB cache
5) 2 x External hard discs (1 x 1TB Lacie Bigger Extreme + 1 x 750GB media player enclosure)
6) 1 x Samsung LCD 40 inch LE40B651 to be connected via dvi to hdmi for watching movies
7) Microsoft Wireless Multimedia Keyboard 1.0A and Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0A
8) Creative 7.1 Sound System (4 years old but works just great)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hopefully my new rig will be ready by early next week and then is time for OC!
Thank you all for your help!

 

[n-ster]

WOW you went overbudget lol... only thing I would have changed, on second thought, would have been perhaps an LED 23" monitor and a Gigabyte X58A-UD3R. And HAF X is too big for me so I would have went with something like the P50, but for you, the HAF X is awesome

enjoy, and do not forget to PM me if you need nything

 

[pany]

Personally i dont like the gigabyte motherboards and i read some really good reviews about my mobo! As for the led there's one i really like but at a 100 euro cost more and just 1 inch bigger!

http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.169576

or this one

http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/show.phtml?id=PER.167104

U've put me into thoughts now lol!

 

[pany]

Here's some screens from e-shop apart from mine!
http://www.eshopcy.com.cy/search.ph...-796=1&filter-456=1&filter-455=1&filter-454=1
And here's the comparison of all the LG screens!
http://www.lg.com/us/common/compare...ID=8210&BURL=/gr/it-product/monitor/index.jsp
Or maybe i should go for Samsung! I like Samsung a lot but LG is usuallly cheaper!

 

[n-ster]

LG and samsung are both great. usually Samsung have a higher resell value though

at this point, you have to do your own google search, or just pick one randomly lol