[jeffhghtn]

I've decided to build a computer, and after ravaging the internet, I found some basic parts I like, but still have a lot of questions.

To start, here are the parts:

Intel Core i7 920 Processor
MSI X58 Pro-E Motherboard
Patriot Viper 6GB PC12800 Triple Channel DDR3 Memory
Western Digital WD1001FALS Caviar Black Hard Drive
HIS Radeon HD 4870 Video Card

The computer will definitely be used for gaming, but I want something I can't overclock. Basically a well rounded computer that will last me a while before I need to upgrade, and will be upgradable when that time comes.

I am looking for less expensive parts, but if anyone has a good upgrade suggestion I won't mind spending the money (or a downgrade that will save me money w/o cutting performance!)

I haven't selected a case or power supply, nor a way to cool it. That is one thing I'm yet to look into, so any quick suggestions would be appreciated.

I want to have a dvd/cd drive, but chances are I will use it very little, so am I okay to go with a cheap one?

I also want to run Dual Monitors (at some point, though not right away). What should I do to go about that?

Sorry for all the questions! Any answers would be great.
Meanwhile I'll keep looking around the internet myself.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Carbon]

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...posting-23819/

[jeffhghtn]

I saw that link and am ashamed to say I just glanced over it. This morning I went back and read the whole thing, and it actually got me to change a couple of parts.

I have one question I want to ask though:

I've been looking at this case:
XION II XON-101 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450W Power Supply

If I get it, I don't need a power supply, correct?
And your article says that power supply is something you shouldn't cut budget on (after watching a video of exploding computers), so will these be able to keep up? Or am I better off going with a corsair power supply and buying a case that doesn't need the power supply?

[SiGn]

you will want to get a higher wattage power supply, more around the 550+ range

[Carbon]

Originally Posted by SiGn

you will want to get a higher wattage power supply, more around the 550+ range

No.

Originally Posted by jeffhghtn

I saw that link and am ashamed to say I just glanced over it. This morning I went back and read the whole thing, and it actually got me to change a couple of parts.

I have one question I want to ask though:

I've been looking at this case:
XION II XON-101 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450W Power Supply

If I get it, I don't need a power supply, correct?
And your article says that power supply is something you shouldn't cut budget on (after watching a video of exploding computers), so will these be able to keep up? Or am I better off going with a corsair power supply and buying a case that doesn't need the power supply?

Correct on both points. You're not saving yourself any money by buying a case with a PSU - not only are they often just as expensive as buying a case without one and then adding a PSU, the amount of money you pay when the PSU blows up and you have to replace it or other parts means that it's hardly cost-effective. If something is cheap enough that it's less expensive than buying a case + PSU separately, it's usually a sign that either the case or the PSU (or both) are poor quality.

Fun example: the Xion case you have linked, other than looking horrendously bad, has very few features in the first place. A Centurion 5 at least has toolless bays and is easy to work in. Add a PC P&C Silencer 370W and you're good. It's going to be more expensive (mostly because newegg.ca doesn't have the kind of rebates the US one has) but it's worth it in the long run, and since you should be saving a lot of money by not buying an i7 platform it should be fine.

One thing to note though is either way, you'll have to hook up the 4870 with two molex cables & adapter (comes with video card normally) because both PSUs only come with one connector. To avoid this, you could get the 500W Silencer or 550VX but those are going to get more expensive and their only other benefit is higher efficiency.

I'm taking a shot in the dark here because I don't know your budget, so if you posted that and what your complete new build is looking like that might help.

[jeffhghtn]

My Final Build and Three More Questions:

Processor: Intel Core i7 2.66 GHz Processor
Motherboard: Foxconn FlamingBlade GTI
Memory: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD1001FALS Caviar Black Hard Drive
Video Card: SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890
Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V
Case: COOLER MASTER Elite NV-334-KWN1-GP
DVD/CD drive: Sony Optiarc 24X
Heat Sinks/Fans: Xigmatek HDT-S1283

Questions:
1. I'm going windows, I should go Vista, right? (Maybe windows 7 upgrade in 2 months).
2. Do I need two graphics cards and a second port to go dual monitor? I can set this up later (seeing as I'm not shooting on it right now).
3. I've looked everything over, but there is nothing wrong with the parts I got going, is there?

Thanks For The Help!!
- Jeff

[Carbon]

1. I'd run the Windows 7 RC if possible, since it's Vista without the suck.
2. No, 4890 has 2x DVI ports.
3. The i7 is likely a huge waste of money if this is a gaming PC. Even another overkill CPU, the Phenom II X4 955, is likely to be more cost effective, have a better upgrade path, and be a more stable platform.

i7 + that motherboard + that RAM = $605 CAD
955 + 790XT + 4GB DDR3-1333 = $510 CAD

Rest looks perfect, although I'd do either a modular 520HX instead of that 750TX or buy a P183 and a CP-850 PSU.

[jeffhghtn]

Originally Posted by Carbon

1. I'd run the Windows 7 RC if possible, since it's Vista without the suck.
2. No, 4890 has 2x DVI ports.
3. The i7 is likely a huge waste of money if this is a gaming PC. Even another overkill CPU, the Phenom II X4 955, is likely to be more cost effective, have a better upgrade path, and be a more stable platform.

i7 + that motherboard + that RAM = $605 CAD
955 + 790XT + 4GB DDR3-1333 = $510 CAD

Rest looks perfect, although I'd do either a modular 520HX instead of that 750TX or buy a P183 and a CP-850 PSU.

Perfect answer. I was doing the 750TX cuz newegg.ca has it at 115 dollars off BEFORE the mail in rebate.

It's mostly a gaming PC, but I'm going to end up going to school for computers so I was thinking future proof with the i7.

Can i still get the 7 RC (i know windows stopped the download, i know I can get it elsewhere), and will it cost alot when the real thing comes out to upgrade my computer?

Ty ty ty!

[jeffhghtn]

I thought I posted a response but it didn't show up... So there might end up being a double post somewhere.

Anyways, the 750TX on newegg.ca is 115 dollars off which is why I was thinking of going with it.
It is primarily a gaming PC, but im going to end up going to school for computers so I was hoping to futureproof with the i7.
And can I still get the windows 7 RC (i know its off the main site and I can get it elsewhere). How much will it costs to upgrade when the real thing comes out? I do hate to pay 150 bucks for vista 64 bit + the upgrade to 7

Oh... and how easy is assembly? I've never done it before and I hope it goes well.
And should I buy parts all over the web, or stick to newegg? (Just looking to find deals, etc. etc.)

ty ty ty!

[SiGn]

Originally Posted by Carbon

No.

that video card requires at least a 500W psu