New Build

[mikey063]

Thank you in advance to all. This is my second post on this forum, I have read just about everything I could find and decided to take the plunge and register, yeah I was a lurker.

Anyway I was reading the WCG threads and noticed that my system is a bit in antiquated, so I am going to build a new system.

I have built about 12 systems so far and all of them have been AMD. I want to change that especially with the i7's that are coming out. I have not done alot in the way of cooling but I plan on doing liquid cooling in the future (4-8 months).

Here is the plan:

Money: $1,600 - $1,800

Purchase date: approx Feb 14th.

Platform: Heavy gaming ((Crysis, Fallout 3.). I plan to OC as high as I can on air cooling first)

Life expectancy of system: 2 - 3 years. (upgrading parts as needed only)


Intel build proposed:

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932. $149.99 (Newegg)

Mobo: ASUS P6T Deluxe. $299.99 (Newegg) or DFI LP UT X58-T3eH8 $299.99 (Newegg)

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem. $294.99 (Newegg)

VC: EVGA 017-P3-1291-AR GeForce GTX 295 $504.99 (Newegg)

Mem: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB(TR3X6G1600C8D) $224.00 (Newegg)

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W $119.00 (Newegg)

Extra fans: Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E 120mm x3 $ 29.99 (Newegg)

CPU Fan: Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme 1366 RT $69.99 (Heatsinkfactory)


I am not set on any of these items, except the video card, I do not plan on sli and this will be my only card used. I was also debating on the case. I finally decided on the HAF mainly due to expandability for future builds and upgrading to water cooling, the case is in a rather small pc shelf.

The Mobo was more difficult, I have read good and bad about this board, but for the most part I have heard more good. Plus I want a board that will last thru a few CPU upgrades.

I know I will get alot of flak over the choice of Intel over AMD, but I have not seen compelling reasons to go with the Phenom 940.

Since I have never built an Intel system is there any advice before I attempt it? Is there any major difference I need to know between an AMD vs Intel build?


Again thanks in advance for the help.:)

[IronWarrior]

Pretty much everyone here agree's Intel is making the best CPU's right now, so don't worry about the flak.

[demonkevy666]

Intel is the way to go, stay away from AMD for now.

Not true at all :down:

[Bertross]

I would drop the PSU back to a Corsair HX-620, your System will peek under 450Watt. Also 620 has Modular lovin if your into that, If not then the 750 is fine.

CPU Cooling wise, i have never seen a Mugen 2 but i would higher recommend a Noctua U12P with a LGA1336 Bracket. Noctua should be able to send you one for cheap if you tell them you bought their product. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010110574%2050012454&name=Noctua

Um otherwise a Thermalright TrueBlack 120, these are the bees knees in CPU cooling imo, doesnt come with Fans and also the i7 brackets are avail
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/cpu/tb120/product_cpu_cooler_tb120.html?art=MTQyMywxLCxoZW50 aHVzaWFzdA==

[zanzabar]

why not get the dfi UT or blood rage, the asus wont do turbo mode and dosnt clock as well as the dfi or foxconn. and they give u real bioses and dont hide settings under retarded names

and get the corsair 850tx its on the new cwt platform its more efficient and fixes the 3.3V droop while costing a little more ($10-20)

then drop the mugen for a true or xigmatek

[mikey063]

I have tried DFI mobo's in the past on my AMD builds, and they were nothing but trouble, but I will take a look again at them.

[Bertross]

i think Corsair are announcing the HX-850 Modular soon!.

True Black 120 FTW! strap a Scythe Ultra Kaze 120mm Fan 2000rpm, for some serious air movement!

[zanzabar]

I have tried DFI mobo's in the past on my AMD builds, and they were nothing but trouble, but I will take a look again at them.

ive had nothing but good with dfi so long as u get the correct ram settings and know what u are doing. but the asus wont do turbo mode and turbo mode is few multis free if u have low temps so i wouldent pass it up

[mikey063]

I looked at
Foxconn Renaissance LGA 1366 Intel X58 $259.99 (Newegg)

and

DFI LP UT X58-T3eH8 LGA $299.99 (Newegg)

The DFI does not have alot of reviews on it, and not very many user comments.

[mikey063]

Well the DFI UT does look great for OC, and with my current memory I should not have any problems. I will probably add the DFI to a maybe, I just need more research.

[mikey063]

What is the difference between

Thermalright TRUE Black Ultra-120 eXtreme CPU Cooler $74.99 (Heatsink Factory)http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/thermalright-true-black-ultra-120-extreme-cpu-cooler.html

and

Thermalright TRUE Black 120 CPU Cooler $67.99 (CrazyPC)http://www.crazypc.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=true-black-50984&Category_Code=

[Bertross]

The ultra does not have the Black nickel plated. You'll find that the Ultra is not the black version, just Ultra 120. The ultra might be more exp because it may inc a 120mm fan. Can u hit me with the links.

Just be wary with the black because it's uber Heavy.

The official website does not say it support i7 but i have a mate who got the 1366 bracket. http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8503

[reberto]

Pretty much everyone here agree's Intel is making the best CPU's right now, so don't worry about the flak.

I don't agree at all. The price/performance ratio of i7 is dreadful compared to the PII. The PII isn't far behind the i7 and at times it is a dead heat.

[mikey063]

links added

[Bertross]

i think they are the same mate, Thermalright has only made one True Black. Get the cheaper and the LGA1366 bracket.

[zanzabar]

i would suggest this one
http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_page/cpu/u120ex-1366rt/product_cpu_cooler_1366rt.html

it has the 1366 bracket and backplate and an OK fan with an awesome housing

[Bertross]

Probably easier to go this one. Less hassle getting an extra bracket.

[mikey063]

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/thermalright-ultra-120-extreme-1366-rt.html



Ok found one for $69.99

Updated selections, The other question I have is, will the memory I have listed work with both boards? Plus will the CPU cooler fit inside the case without having to remove fans?

[zanzabar]

the heatsink will work without modding or removing parts and that ram will work in any board

[Bertross]

Both boards on their product pages say 1600Mhz (OC), you may need to up the volts or something to allow the ram to run at 1600Mhz.
http://au.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=179&l3=815&l4=0&model=2593&modelmenu=1
http://www.dfi.com.tw/portal/CM/cmproduct/XX_cmproddetail/XX_WbProdsWindow?itemId=561&downloadFlag=false&action=e&windowstate=normal&mode=view

RAM specs, http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_218&products_id=8670

Look they should be ok.

personally i would be buying the Gigabyte Extreme or UD5, they support 2100Mhz RAM.
http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2957
http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2958

[zanzabar]

no thye wil run fine with the defaults and make sure that the VVT (or UNclock) voltage is within .5V of teh ram so u will need about 1.3V vtt when u go and set the timings.

and its an OC since u need to oc the base clock or u cant go past 1333mhz with the i7

[mikey063]

I noticed that eVGA had the backplate for the video card for sale, is it worth buying?

EVGA GTX 295 Backplate (http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=401-EV-1234-01&family=Accessories%20-%20Hardware)

I have read alot of info on lapping the cpu and cooler. I have read that it can decrease heat by about 10c. I will probably give it a try, even thou I am hesitant to do so.