Can you guys look at this list and tell me if it looks like a good combo?

[jdbnsn]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/untitled.JPG

[nevermind1534]

Looks good to me.

[slaveofconvention]

You've opted for a triple channel RAM kit there - if you want triple channel, you'll need to go with socket 1366 - the original i7's - if you're happy with the mobo/cpu you've chosen, drop down to a 4GB dual channel kit, or even two of them for 8GB - other than that - looks pretty good to me too...

[jdbnsn]

Thanks!

[Zephik]

Holy good golly gosh! Look at that quick launch bar! lol

Quick Launch: Because that's 2 seconds you could be spending elsewhere!

:D

[jdbnsn]

Holy good golly gosh! Look at that quick launch bar! lol

Quick Launch: Because that's 2 seconds you could be spending elsewhere!

:D

LMAO!!!! Well put!

[jdbnsn]

Would anyone recommend a different video card for performance vs cost? By that I mean, I don't want to spend much more than that, but I don't even know if that is the best choice in it's class.

[d_stilgar]

I am wondering if you really need Win 7 Ultimate. Check out these two articles and ask yourself if you really need those features (which are few and aimed toward businesses).

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart

Other than that, looks good aside from the ram catch made earlier.

[d_stilgar]

Would anyone recommend a different video card for performance vs cost? By that I mean, I don't want to spend much more than that, but I don't even know if that is the best choice in it's class.

You may consider a Radeon 5870 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1305520549+106793261+1067949754&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&Subcategory=48&description=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=). Same performance more or less, save yourself $90. The 5870 also features low power draw when the card is not being worked (which is like 90% of use, anything not in-game) and lower power draw under load than the Nvidia cards.

You can see a comparison here (http://hardocp.com/article/2009/10/25/asus_eah5870_video_card_review/1). I'm looking for a 5870 vs 295 like you have in the list.

Edit: Here is a quick compare in Wolfenstein (http://hardocp.com/article/2009/09/01/wolfenstein_gameplay_performance_iq/4)

[jdbnsn]

Good point, I know very little about windows 7 so I ventured to guess that the more features include would be better. But I will look at those articles you posted and see, you may be right there.

[x88x]

Good quick comparison on MS's site here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare

I honestly can't recommend Ultimate, even if it is only $20 more.

For the components, I would recommend changing to the i7-920 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202) (socket 1366) since it supports triple channel RAM. I think the benefit you get from the triple channel will probably be more than the benefit you would get from the extra 140MHz clock. I'd also go with the 5870 over the GTX295 if you can find one. They're cheaper, perform about the same, and have DX11 support.

[slaveofconvention]

My 2c is 7 Professional - Home Premium lacks a fair bit that Pro has, but I agree Ultimate isn't needed - I went from Vista HP to Ultimate purely to get remote access built in (I know there are hacks to get it working but not the way I needed) - I have plans to put 7 on at least 5 of my PCs and it'll be Professional on most, if not all of them - the dedicated media centre MIGHT get HP, but probably stick with Pro lol

[Kayin]

DO NOT GO WITH 1156!

Socket burn issues with Asus and Gigabyte are killing cpu+board, and nobody's warrantying it. EVGA, MSI or DFI are the only lines we know that don't have the affected sockets. That SuperComputer board is also mostly useless for the extra latencies off the 2 NF200 chips on there as well.

You have all the power in the world headed your way, if you're gonna do it may as well go 920 and 5870 (yes, another vote there.) DX11 is the big deal there, you're already buying, go ahead and get yourself set for the next big API that everyone will ignore developing for consoles. If you're gonna spend the dough, the MSI Eclipse is nice, as is any EVGA board and Gigabyte is solid across the board on 1366.

[Commando]

Would anyone recommend a different video card for performance vs cost? By that I mean, I don't want to spend much more than that, but I don't even know if that is the best choice in it's class.
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3486743-10440023
I just got a DOA GTX 295 and spent a loooooong time trying to figure out what was wrong. I don't mean to scare you. It think it's supposed to be super awesome. But I did learn to stay away from the newest driver for it. it's really shaky and causing some pretty big concern.

Definitely use the last stable driver while they work out the bugs. 190.38 Vista | Win 7 (64-bit) WHQL

Also disable auto updates in Win 7 because it will automatically go to the 190.7 driver which is causing hate and discontent across the word right now.

[Spawn-Inc]

looks good to me, when can i expect it shipped to me :)

[crenn]

DO NOT GO WITH 1156!

Socket burn issues with Asus and Gigabyte are killing cpu+board, and nobody's warrantying it. EVGA, MSI or DFI are the only lines we know that don't have the affected sockets. That SuperComputer board is also mostly useless for the extra latencies off the 2 NF200 chips on there as well.

You have all the power in the world headed your way, if you're gonna do it may as well go 920 and 5870 (yes, another vote there.) DX11 is the big deal there, you're already buying, go ahead and get yourself set for the next big API that everyone will ignore developing for consoles. If you're gonna spend the dough, the MSI Eclipse is nice, as is any EVGA board and Gigabyte is solid across the board on 1366.

This problem only exists if you overclock it to the extreme. However, this socket problem shouldn't exist in the first place. But it's not actually Asus' or Gigabyte's fault, it's their socket supplier.

As for going to the 1366 platform, there is a good reason to go there as you'll have the upgrade path of hex-core!

And lastly, I'd recommend waiting a couple of months until NVidia release their Dx11 card. Why? Because when one company doesn't have competition, they set the standard price. Once Nvidia releases their card, I can almost guarantee that ATi will drop their prices by at least $50 if not more depending on NVidia's performance. But if you need this ASAP, then the 5870 is probably your best bet providing they have stock.

[jdbnsn]

Thanks for all of the great tips fellas! I'll have to wait a little while to get some money together but I'll let you know what I end up with.

[haha49]

Do you need 7.1 audio because the built in audio on that board is good already.. and then you could use that 200 for a ssd hardrive for speed..

[x88x]

Do you need 7.1 audio because the built in audio on that board is good already.. and then you could use that 200 for a ssd hardrive for speed..

For those programmers/logic nerds out there..

good onboard << Xonar D2X

I mean absolutely no offense of condescension by this statement, haha, but I'm gonna guess you've never had a high quality audio card. The difference between good onboard and even a cheaper high quality dedicated card one like my Xonar DX (entry level Xonar) is night and day. The moment I heard the first sounds out of my Xonar, I swore to myself that I would never go back to onboard.

[artoodeeto]

getting back to the which windows version, I've had Vista x64 Ultimate, and I don't use a single feature that separates Ultimate from "Professional." In fact, I just bought the Win7 Pro upgrade (can't upgrade directly....stupid Microsoft...) rather than the Ultimate. Unless you really need the two or three features that Ultimate adds, go with Pro.

[Kayin]

Well, having had an X-Fi, as well as most other Creative cards, and now listening to things on my board's ALC889 onboard, yes, there is a difference, but it's not that vast any more. Yes, I prefer the warmer X-Fi sound, but for casual listening or gaming it's VERY capable. It is all down to the codec, though.

Xonar is a better music card, X-Fi is the better gaming card. Choose accordingly.

Another +1 for Pro vs Ultimate. Just not enough there to justify, unless it's an "I want it all" mentality.

Of course, there's always the spanner in the works of suggesting going Phenom II for the fact there's practically no gaming difference...

[x88x]

I have heard that the Xonar is better for music than the X-Fi, and I will say it depends a lot on the ear of the listener whether it's worth it or not to buy a dedicated sound card. I've never used a real X-Fi, so I cant' really comment on the difference. One thing though, do not get the "X-Fi Extreme Audio" card...it's a load of crap (and doesn't even have an X-Fi chip on it). Basically, I think it was an attempt by Creative to snag cheap people who want to say they have an X-Fi. And when you can get a Xonar DX or X-Fi Platinum for just $20-40 more (depending on sales/etc), there's really no reason to get the thing.

[jdbnsn]

I have an X-Fi now but I don't want to use any more sound cards made by Creative Labs, every single one of them have had problems and I am ready to leave them behind. Otherwise, I'm not sure it makes that much difference to me. As for the video cards, I was going to take the advice and go with a Radeon 5870 but I can't find any for sale. It seems like ebay is the only place to get one, I might wait or just go with the 295. Thanks for the tips everyone.

[x88x]

Try contacting NewEgg (or whoever your preferred supplier is) and see when they're expecting the next shipment to come in. I would hope that at least larger retailers (like NewEgg) are doing all they can to get more.

[Collinstheclown]

You could save a good chunk by going with an OEM copy of Win7. I know that the OEM Win7 Ultimate is $180 as opposed to $300. You don't get 32 and 64bit so you'd have to decide, and based off your RAM choice I would assume your going 64bit.




-CollinstheClown

[x88x]

Unless the 'medical student' status in your profile is still valid, and you still have access to a '.edu' email address. If that's the case, then you can get it for $30 :D

[jdbnsn]

Hehe, nope can't use student status. But this PC is being covered by continuing medical education fund so it's okay.