Evaluate my prospective Computer Build

[Neil4Speed]

Hey Guys.

I think its time to upgrade the ol computer to something a bit more modern. This is what I got from just going though Memory Express. Any suggestions or alterations you guys recommend?

I was a bit clueless on the Mobo/Ram. My main use for this computer is working with stupid large excel worksheets and general multitasking. Right now, I don't intend on gaming on it. I will have it connected to two LCD's.

Intel Core™ i7 Processor 920 2.66GHz w/ 8MB Cache
ILC: 735858204736 SKU: MX22588


$269.99
$269.99

Western Digital 1.5TB Caviar Green 5400rpm SATA II w/ 64MB Cache
ILC: WD15EARS SKU: MX27488


$99.99
$99.99


Intel X25-V Value 34nm 2.5in SATA II Solid State Drive, 40GB
ILC: 735858213141 SKU: MX27150


$114.99
$114.99

Antec Sonata III Quiet Mid Tower w/ EarthWatts 500W, eSATA
ILC: 761345151375 SKU: MX17509


$119.99
$119.99


Patriot Extreme Performance Viper II Series DDR3 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC3-12800 Low Latency Dual Channel Kit
ILC: 879699009218 SKU: MX25527


$129.99
$129.99


eVGA X58 SLI LE w/ TripleDDR3 1600, 7.1 Audio, Gigabit Lan 1394, PCI-E, 3-way SLI
ILC: 843368010775 SKU: MX24728


$229.99
$229.99



eVGA e-GeForce GT 220 1GB DDR3 PCI-E w/ DVI, HDMI
ILC: 843368000196 SKU: MX26085


$56.99
$56.99

I want to keep it all below $1000 if possible.

[Vagabond142]

The only comment I have is that even though you have chosen a SSD, keep in mind that a mechanical drive, despite being mechanical, can still have faster writes and more stable throughput. That said, SSDs are blazingly fast little beasties for reads.

Also, being biased, I prefer ATI based cards, mostly due to the power-to-value comparison, but in the midrange (47xx, 55xx, 56xx vs the 2xx nvidias) they're pretty equivalent.

Overall looks like a solid build, imo

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
The only comment I have is that even though you have chosen a SSD, keep in mind that a mechanical drive, despite being mechanical, can still have faster writes and more stable throughput. That said, SSDs are blazingly fast little beasties for reads.

Also, being biased, I prefer ATI based cards, mostly due to the power-to-value comparison, but in the midrange (47xx, 55xx, 56xx vs the 2xx nvidias) they're pretty equivalent.

Overall looks like a solid build, imo

Thanks allot for the comments Vagabond.

I went SSD as I have heard that the speeds on the Intel SSD's are pretty crazy. I want to see if any other brands compete as far as that goes.

The video card seemed like the best bang for the buck at that price range by comparing it to the Video Card Benchmark list, I wanted to keep it under $50 as it isn't really a huge priority for me.

[takkyu]

My only concern would be the size of the ssd for a system drive. Unless you plan to have all your games/programs/page file set to the 1.5 tb drive, but then it's only running 5400rpm so you take a performance hit there.


If you can manage it, I would suggest looking at the Intel X25-M 80GB

From MemX:
On Sale!!! with $35.00 Off
Intel X25-M Mainstream 34nm 2.5in SATA II Solid State Drive, 80GB
SKU: MX26147 Part#: SSDSA2MH080G2R5
4/5 1 Review(s)
$259.99
$224.99


Also make sure you understand what TRIM is and to use AHCI mode for the SSD drive.

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by takkyu
My only concern would be the size of the ssd for a system drive. Unless you plan to have all your games/programs/page file set to the 1.5 tb drive, but then it's only running 5400rpm so you take a performance hit there.


If you can manage it, I would suggest looking at the Intel X25-M 80GB

From MemX:
On Sale!!! with $35.00 Off
Intel X25-M Mainstream 34nm 2.5in SATA II Solid State Drive, 80GB
SKU: MX26147 Part#: SSDSA2MH080G2R5
4/5 1 Review(s)
$259.99
$224.99


Also make sure you understand what TRIM is and to use AHCI mode for the SSD drive.

Thanks for the response! I plan on only having WIndows 7 and Office on the Main SSD which runs around 15gb installed I have read... I think my gaming days are over so if I want to install games might have to be another day/another computer.

Googled out the AHCI and TRIM and will be sure to activate both. thanks

[Kg810]

If you are going for a new build and spending approx $1000, you better invest in a good power supply. The 500w PSU that comes with the case is not a good one and would much rather you pick up something better.

Also, I would recommend finding a CPU cooler and not use the stock Intel CPU cooler. Investing in a better cooler and better thermal compound will really keep your CPU working in the long run. And I second the ATI suggestion.

If you are planning to buy everything from MemEx, you might as well make use of their price matching. Use www.shopbot.ca and/or www.pricebat.ca

Processor - http://www.directeasybuy.ca/proddeta...ntelCorei7-920

$262.50

HDD - http://www.directcanada.com/products...20Digital%20WD

$96.99

SSD - MemEx is the cheapest

$114.99

Case - Looks like you just missed out on some $99 deals, so for now MemEx is cheapest

$119.99

Memory - Same price as other places

$129.99

MB - Again, you missed out on a deal (was $199). Though it can be found cheaper here - http://www.directcanada.com/products...nufacture=EVGA

$219.42

Video Card - http://www.directcanada.com/products...nufacture=EVGA

$53.48


So instead of paying $1021.93 straight from MemEx, you'll pay $997.36 if you really want to stick with the parts you picked out.

I came across this today as NCIX is having a sale, http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...a&promoid=1114

It is a great deal imo. You get two fans, Noctua makes pretty quiet fans from what I hear, as well as their own thermal compound and the heatsink itself. I would jump on this deal if I were in the market for an affordable cooler.

Just in case the link for the cooler isn't working, you can find it in their sale thread here - http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale....=marvelous2010

[takkyu]

Is that $997.36 with shipping costs factored in?


-edit- nvm, I glazed over the price match part.

[Neil4Speed]

Thanks guys for all the input, I decided to go with a ATI 56XX Video card so that I can play something decently, also got the full 4 year warranty on it, seemed reasonable at only $200. I also got them to assemble it, costs only $40... my time is worth more than that, but it would have been fun to do!

I got 6GB of Triple Channel Ram, and added a Samsung Lightscribe DVD-Burner.

Cheers, thanks again for everyones help.

[Wraith]

Oh good thing you got that triple channel kit, dual would have been a waste with an i7 920