First Gaming build

[JamesMW]

Hi

This current configuration for my first gaming build.

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

Mobo: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1181-AR GeForce GTX 285 Superclocked Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3
Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1181-AR GeForce GTX 285 Superclocked Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

RAM: OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
Newegg.com - OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

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

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Heatsink: XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
Newegg.com - XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043&Tpk=Antec 1200

I am not sure yet but I may be able to throw an extra $200-$300 dollars into this thing. Would it be better to go with a GTX 295 or a Core i7 940? This is my first build. I will be playing Crysis on it.


Any comments and suggestions would be deeply appreciated.

If I made a mistake above please correct me so I will not make that mistake in the future.

 

[Luke]

Everything looks good, i would just stick with the 285 but don't get a factory oced card. Get a normal card and oc it yourself. Unless they are very close in price (like $10 difference).

295's run quite hot, because it is bassically two gpu's in one.

 

[patonb]

I'd only change thge psu to something more modular. Antecs suck for wireing. BUT ONLY for better wiring.

I've got a Silverstone DA700 in my 900.

BUT AGAIN only for nicer wiring.

 

[hikaricloud]

Looks great, just make sure to use the combo deal with the i7 and the mobo:

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

Also, grab one of these 285's. Same cost, but the EVGA has a $30 MIR. Personally though, I like the XFX.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

 

[baron5]

Great build! and to answer your questions, 1) no, it is not worth going to a i7 940, its just set at a higher default multi of 22 instead of 20, making it 2.93GHz instead of 2.66GHz. You can reach this easily with a 920 on stock voltage with a stock cooler. since the 920 using turbo mode can now get up to a 21x muli, its almost as good, it looks as if intel might end production of the 940 soon.

As for the gts 295, for now i would stick with the 285, the 295 is usually out of sotkc and i really dont think they will be coming back in, the GT300 series isnt too far off and a gts 285 will tke anything you throw at it for now.

 

[kobe24]

yeah good build like luke said dont buy oc'ed cards unless there only $10 more because you can just overclock it yourself.

 

[JamesMW]

I was considering a velociraptor drive. For mygames and OS. Would it be worth the money?

 

[Hefemeister]

I would stick with the wd black and wait for SSD drives to drop in price a bit.

 

[Luke]

yeah, stick with the wd black, the velo is over priced.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I was considering a velociraptor drive. For mygames and OS. Would it be worth the money?

If you want a fast drive SSD's are way to go, they beat the Velciraptor and any other consumer level hard drive as far as performance is concerned. However because of their superior performance and the fact they are a relatively new product they are also more expensive than conventional hard drives.

If you do want a SSD the OCZ Vertex is the best option as far as price/performance is concerned.