OCZ and ASUS P5Q3 stable? My New Build

[aldernon]

I'd love you guys and girls to look over this and tell me you're thoughts. This is just a preliminary build, i'll order in the next week or so.

Chip: $400
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
Newegg.ca - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Mobo: $190
ASUS P5Q3 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.ca - ASUS P5Q3 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Video: $306
XFX HD-487A-ZDDC Radeon HD 4870 XXX 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile
Newegg.ca - XFX HD-487A-ZDDC Radeon HD 4870 XXX 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Memory: $200
OCZ Flex EX Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit
Newegg.ca - OCZ Flex EX Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kits Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory
OR
Newegg.ca - OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

I was thinking about going with the Platinum series, its basically the same ram as above, minus the water cooler heads... Its 25$ cheeper too... I might want to go water cooled someday... Suggestions?

PSU: $145
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies

Screen: $240
ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers
Newegg.ca - ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers - LCD Monitors

 

[thirdshiftdj]

Is there a reason why you want triple channel ram? It'll work but is there something you like about the kit compared to dual channel ram.

edit: You don't really need 1gb for a 22" monitor. Save yourself $100 and be careful w/ OCZ DDR3, they tend to not play well sometimes

 

[Evolv]

Dude, for like an extra $100, you might as well go for an i7 build.
Switch your cpu and mobo with this:
Newegg.ca - ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Newegg.ca - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

The 920 will be a lot faster compared to the Q9650. And go with the OCZ Platinum ram. DDR3 tri-channel memory works better for Nehalem anyways.

 

[aldernon]

Thanks for the quick replys.

@thirdshiftdj
I plan on going duel monitor in the future, I do alot of design and graphic work. I figured the 4870 would be better for the future? I was thinking maybe double up with a second in the next year or two to stay strong. Also, you're right about the ram. No real reason I was going for tri channel, It was more of a price thing.

@gt7sanremo
Do you really think the 920 is going to be faster then the 9650? Ive been looking into clocking the 9650 to 4Ghz, and with the larger cache, is it really worth the extra dough? Upgrade/future reasons asside.

Thanks guys

 

[Evolv]

Overall i7 would be the better bang for your buck. Here is a good article all about i7:
Analysis--Core i7 16% Faster Than Core 2 - Review Tom's Hardware : UPDATE: Core i7: Blazing Fast, O/C Changes

 

[thirdshiftdj]

do what gt7 said. i7 will rip through whatever rendering you do.

 

[aldernon]

Sounds pretty good I guess. I was really psyched for the quad core. I read that i could put it up around 4-4.2ghz.

I plan to do alot of gaming aswell. Just 1 final time (before i spend 2300$ hahaha)


The Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache

is better then

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz 12MB L2 Cache running around 4Ghz?

I read I might be able to squeeze 3.5Ghz on the i7 chip, any advice?


Thanks again guys!

 

[Evolv]

On an 920, they can get 3.6-3.8Ghz on air. Yes, the i7 will be better for design and graphic work compared to the Q9650.

 

[aldernon]

even gaming? <3

 

[septic]

Overclocking Core i7 920 on the ASUS P6T Deluxe - Test Systems and Benchmarks - CPUs, Boards & Components by ExtremeTech

The 3 pages here gave a good explanation of how they used a 920i7@3.99 and recieved stability on air.
For me I notice when I'm OC to 3.3 some video images don't show up right. Mainly the lettering and numbering. If I go back to my stock 3.0 with no OC it fixes the problem? but yeah definately the i7 rules. I have the 775 socket and my buddy just built an i7 and he's lovn' it. He is mainly media and built it for that.