Need advice for new build

[imported_Bullet Magnet]

Building a new gaming rig in the next several weeks and need help. I don't keep up with the latest and greatest parts out there nowadays, so need an assist from those who do.

I'm looking to build the PC only, don't need monitor, peripherals, etc. Right now I'm using this Maximum PC article as a baseline.

Cost of parts doesn't matter too much, although i'd like to keep it under $2000. The only item I've settled on is the Intel Core i7 920 for the CPU. I need a fast (but stable) hard drive, prefer not to go RAID. I've been an NVidia guy for years, but am leaning towards ATI vid card(s) this time around. I guess everything else is up in the air.

Oh yeah, live in the USA, and would prefer to buy all parts from one vendor at one time. I prefer Newegg, but if there's reputable vendor out there for around the same price, I'd be open to that. Thanks for the assist!

[=98=]

Re: Need advice for new build

For the hard disk, I recommend the Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB. It's huge platters run very fast!

Also, I believe ATI offer better value cards at the top end of the market atm.

[imported_Bullet Magnet]

Re: Need advice for new build

For the hard disk, I recommend the Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB. It's huge platters run very fast!

Also, I believe ATI offer better value cards at the top end of the market atm.

Will definitely look in that HD. From my meager research, it does appear that ATI is offering the better product at this time. Also, NVidia is being a little careless recently on the business end, which may affect support (i.e. firmware) in the near future.

[=98=]

Re: Need advice for new build

It's Nvidia's naming tactics that are awful!

[CptainCrunch]

Re: Need advice for new build

It's Nvidia's naming tactics that are awful!

Yeah, you cant keep anything straight right now. Its crazy.

Crunch

[invicta ging3r]

Re: Need advice for new build

I would totally agree on the Samsung F1, really good drives.

And if you are going for an ATi gfx, then personally, if you want the ultimate, i would go 4870X2, ever over the GTX295.
If you want something slightly cheaper get a new 4890.

Finally, when going for the i7, make sure you get the 920 with D0 stepping

Sounds a real nice build, cant wait to see pics

*EDIT*
Just read your $2000 guide.
Dont bother with the 2x285, i would still go 4870X2.
IMO the 1kW PSU is overkill, a 850W will do nicely.
I persoannly Don't like the case, have you looked at the Silverstone Fortress?

Also i wouldnt mix Asus and OCZ, there have been quite a few compatability issues previously, i would go Corsair.

Then get a decent CPU cooler.
If i get time in a bit, il have a look on newegg and see what i can knock up

[invicta ging3r]

Re: Need advice for new build

TaDA.....

[[USAC]S|Cpl.TinFoil]

Re: Need advice for new build

You don't need an i7 unless you're doing workstation stuff like using [insert Adobe product here], video encoding, compiling, or scientific things. Save your money and settle for a good 'ol Core series; DDR3 isn't that much of an improvement.

Get the Western Digital 1TB Caviar (10 dollar coupon code every so often in the Newegg email promotions), or, if you are a normal person, get a 500GB drive.

Nvidia has the future of CUDA computing on their side. If you, again, do workstation-type stuff, get a GTX. Otherwise, get your 4850.

Antec cases > most. Their Performance One/P182 is the coldest case I've seen that just uses air, but you can get the midtower if you don't like having a immensely tall case; just know that the silver one on Newegg isn't the only color. Antec also has a very generous and responsive warranty service.

lol, 850 watts. That might be overkill, although yes, high wattage PSUs have higher DC/AC efficiency.

[Busby, Paul (Bicci)]

Re: Need advice for new build

+1 on gingers input :)

[AlecJ32]

Re: Need advice for new build

lol, 850 watts. That might be overkill, although yes, high wattage PSUs have higher DC/AC efficiency.

There's also what's called an efficiency curve, and if your PC doesn't consume a good portion of your PSUs power, your efficiency will suffer. A general rule of thumb, in my opinion at least, is that if your PSU is at less than 50% load, it's too much power for your machine.

This is an example of what an efficiency curve on a computer power supply unit may look like.

[=98=]

Re: Need advice for new build

Also i wouldnt mix Asus and OCZ, there have been quite a few compatability issues previously, i would go Corsair.

I dunno, there will always be those rumours about. I was told not to get a Gigabyte board because they conflicted with OCZ RAM.

It seems that a handful of people have an issue, but most, like myself, are absolutely fine.

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: Need advice for new build

What were the issues with OCZ and Asus, because mine runs fine at stock, but the RAM just won't overclock.

[invicta ging3r]

Re: Need advice for new build

I've never persoanlly had problems with asus and OCZ.
Just at this time, I'm trying to steer away from Asus.

Mainly due tho their customer service, if anything goes wrong and needs an RMA, you got serious problems.

There are so many complaints about their customer service atm, and apparently people are waiting on average of about 3months to get the RMA back!

[Busby, Paul (Bicci)]

Re: Need advice for new build

Wow that is seriously bad. If you order from scan you dont tend to deal with these problems as they test in house, give you a replacement then deal with the manufacturers themself.

[=98=]

Re: Need advice for new build

In the UK, all Asus returns are done through the reseller, you do not go directly to Asus themselves for an RMA.