Core i7 build

[Peeko]

Hey folks,

Been some time since I looked at hardware so would appreciate some advice and comments about a proposed spec (below):

Core i7 920
Akasa Nero HSF
Gigabyte X58 Extreme | Asus P6T Deluxe
3GB Corsair Dominator
ATI 1GB HD4870
850W Be-Quiet PSU

I'm open to suggestions on a case, something simple but under stated would be preferred.

Uses for the machine:

Replace my now ancient 939 system
Software development
Gaming (Steam mainly)
General daily tasks obviously

All input is appreciated.

[PeterStoba]

Waste of money imo, i'd go with a socket 775 dual/quad core and 4GB RAM, overclock it, and save £200, PSU is a bit overkill too, 600W would suffice

[Time Bandit]

I'm open to suggestions on a case, something simple but under stated would be preferred.

I like the Antec 300, build quality is great, good cable management and its easy to keep clean and cool, although you may want an extra 120mm fan for the front (there are mountings for two). Best of all it doesn't look like something from a Flash Gordon film.

Available from CCL, Scan, ebuyer, etc.

With regard to Core i7, I am going to wait as it doesn't represent good enough value for what I need yet and am going with skt 775 for my build. Also it looks like there's be a bit of a dust up going on atm between Intel and AMD because of Phenom II. So if ever there was a good case for hanging on a week or two, it might well be now. With current Q6600 prices riding high, maybe Q9450 will become a more attractive proposition.

(also that does seem a big PSU for singl gfx/hd system)

[Peeko]

The purchase of products will be taking place a couple of weeks from now. I'm just currently looking around.

I know what you're saying about a 775 system, however I'm happy to go with a Core i7 and would prefer it.

I was looking at the Antec P182 / P190 last night. Think I will go for one of those two.

As for the PSU, I realised it was a bit overkill for a single GPU/HDD system however I like to know the power is there should I require it (should I want to add additional GPU's or HDDs).

[Time Bandit]

I'm happy to go with a Core i7 and would prefer it.

Fair play, let us all know how good it is!

[Professor Frink]

The purchase of products will be taking place a couple of weeks from now. I'm just currently looking around.

I know what you're saying about a 775 system, however I'm happy to go with a Core i7 and would prefer it.

I was looking at the Antec P182 / P190 last night. Think I will go for one of those two.

As for the PSU, I realised it was a bit overkill for a single GPU/HDD system however I like to know the power is there should I require it (should I want to add additional GPU's or HDDs).

What about the Antec 1200?

[moogle]

As for the PSU, I realised it was a bit overkill for a single GPU/HDD system however I like to know the power is there should I require it (should I want to add additional GPU's or HDDs).

Peeko get a 600w quality PSU or maybe a 700w (as the higher wattage one's have more cables for multi gpu's etc should you go down that route).

[Peeko]

I have revised the products slightly taking into account some comments on this forum and others:

Core i7 920
Akasa Nero
Corsair XMS3 (6GB)
Tagan 700w PSU (modular)
ATi HD4780
Antec P182

I'm not stuck between the following motherboards:

Gigabyte X58 Extreme | Asus Rampage II

Thanks for the suggestions on cases, lots of people suggested either the Antec 900 or 1200. However I don't like their bulky aesthetics.

[Clunk]

The Rampage is having some problems still, but the P6T Deluxe is a pretty good board, also check out the DFI UT X58-T3eH8 and DK X58-T3eH6.

The Gigabyte Extreme is a really nice board, but still has a few slightly irksome BIOS issues, but mostly when you get above 180-190 BCLK. There's a new BIOS that I haven't tried yet, so maybe that's fixed them.

[MrMyst]

about Extreme - gigabyte made overclocking guide for this mobo to reach 4GHz on i7 920, so BCLK is 200 then. you can find it here:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/upload/....12.12_ENG.pdf

[Tweaker]

I have the gigabyte UD5 board, very good for overclocking, i think the extreme is very similar. I also have the Noctua U12P cooler, excellent for serious overclocks.