No budget multimedia/gaming rig build.

[Viceroy]

I just finished giving the OP a revision. The possibility of an i5 CPU was scrapped, and due to popular user demand, I have allowed a return of the possibility of an i7 920/x58/tri-channel core system build possibility, albeit against my better judgement. Please see the points marked ***New*** for greater detail.

Thank you all very much for your help.

[Vimeous]

I've just looked at your reasoning and I have to admit it doesn't match what I've read in the UK.

For example here the i7 920 is around £10 cheaper than the i7 860 (on CPU only) and the 1366 mboard I've used, ASUS P6T, is the same price as the Gigabyte you've listed.
That leaves the RAM which is around £25 more for 2Gb extra - not too bad imo.
Granted this may simply be the difference in economies.

As for Turbo/OC'ing.
Turbo is great if you don't want to get down-and-dirty in the BIOS. It's a definite advantage.
However if you like to tinker OC'ing seems to favour the i7 920. Bit-techs review (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpu...d-cpu-review/1) includes OC data for all their performance tests and makes very interesting reading.

I'd certainly rethink your list of positives for both CPU's.

[col83]

Definitely add a SSD into the build. I agree with the others, the 80gb Intel looks good and I'm now patiently awaiting my delivery of one.
From what I hear, it's one of the most noticeable additions you can make to the PC, so definitely spec one in.

[MJBrooky]

Hi there, I'm also in the middle of a new build to update my very old and slow comp. Just echoing what people have said before - if I were you i7 920 would be my choice of cpu (and is). With regard to graphics card I'd be inclined to go for the 5850 over the 5870, after looking at test reports it offers excellent bang for your buck over the 5870 - runs cooler, uses less power and its physically a smaller card as well.
SSD for sure, your operating system will fly compared to using hdd. Intel x25 if your budget can stretch.

[Viceroy]

I have been considering replacing my current motherboard selection with the EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard. It is $184 taxed/shipped, which is only 20 dollars more than my current mobo. This one looks to be of higher quality and more feature-rich, though my perspective on motherboards is somewhat limited and I ask for your insight.

Also, I found an Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2C1 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk for $220 taxed/shipped, and at that price I am highly considering implementing it into my overall build. What are your thoughts?

[Viceroy]

I just purchased my CPU and motherboard, changed my ODD of choice, and updated the OP accordingly. I decided to commit to the i7 860 and subsequent compatible motherboard/RAM, so the rest of this build should fall into place pretty easily.

Final purchases are planned to be made in the next few days if possible.

[Phage]

For the Optical Drive, Ars likes the Pioneer BDR-202BK if you want Blu-Ray (quoted at USD235 !!!)
But for plain DVDs they like the Pioneer DVR-216D. ($27)
The linked article has a number of other helpful suggestions and links to alternatives.

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/guid...-edition.ars/2

Which is updated here in Oct 2009

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/...m/828003361041

[Viceroy]

I found one for $108, plus some free BD discs, taxed and shipped. It is a pretty crappy drive, though. It has a very slow read/write speed for all formats other than BD. A few weeks ago I had my eye on an LG BD drive that did not have this problem, although it was at a higher price ($163 through ebay last i checked).

[nightkhaos]

I must say I am disapointed that an "unlimited budget" machine contains an i7 860. I personally think you would have been much happier with the i7 920.

[Viceroy]

Well when 90% of the people telling me to switch builds refuse to back up their positions with verifiable charts and facts, I can only do what I believe is best. It is my belief that the i7 860 and subsequent parts are better unless I wished to spend another hundred bucks or so, which, according to dozens of relevant resources I've known, would only bring it up to a barely noticeable OVERALL improvement.

Sure, I could go 920 and buy some hefty CPU cooler/extra fans/bigger or better case, and I would get a decent .3Ghz lead on the 860, but is all that really worth all the extra money/hassle? Not to me, no.

Anyway.

One of my biggest questions is if everything will fit into my case of choice, especially with the rather large video card I will be using. Does anyone know for certain?

[Viceroy]

Gave a little update to the OP. I exchanged my PSU for a nicer one, nabbed a Caviar Green instead of a Spinpoint since Amazon was running a special, changed my ODD again and got rid of the peripheral purchases I made since the people I bought it from never sent the items. I did get my money back, though.

Let me know what you think.

[Viceroy]

Quick update: I made a mistake by buying the Caviar Green. I was cripplingly sick that day and was not thinking clearly and ended up making a dumb decision. I'll be trying to RMA this one or sell it and go back to my previous idea of a Spinpoint F3. The OP will be changed to reflect this.

Totally kicking myself for doing that btw.

[Perfectionist]

For the Optical Drive, Ars likes the Pioneer BDR-202BK if you want Blu-Ray (quoted at USD235 !!!)

I had that with my old PC, the important thing is though that it's only half-functional, it can't burn dual layer (BD-R DL/BD-RE DL) blu-rays, meaning you are restricted to 25GB rather than 50GB. Wasn't aware until after, now I know exactly what I'm looking for (mind you, single-layer discs are cheaper per GB at the moment, but it depends whether you want the hassle especially for large amounts of data).

[Viceroy]

I've had my eye on the XCLIO Windtunnel Full Tower Case for a while now and it just went on discount. I'm looking at $125 taxed and shipped, 40 bucks more than my OP case. Considering that it should completely eliminate any question of whether or not everything will fit in the case, and the fact that it looks kick-ass, that 40 extra dollars can blow me. Should I switch cases?

Also, the http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...nal Hard Drive dropped down to $230, and comes with a free PSU, which I could sell to some sap on Ebay for 70 bucks or so. I'm thinking shoo-in. You?

[Phage]

Cases are a very personal thing. If you like it, get it. It certainly has the airflow !
Getting a broken link on the HDD, but appears to be a link to a 300Gb Velociraptor. I probably wouldn't have bothered with this. At your budget I would have gone with the Intel G2 SSD, and your Spinpoint F3.

[Viceroy]

Just updated the OP. Just bought a case and put up some additional options for your judgements. Check up on it.