New computer?

[marwex89]

I've been working a lot lately, and naturally that means I've got some money to burn. So, I figured I might by a new computer. I planned to buy a laptop earlier this year, but I got one from school (technically just borrowing) so I will get a desktop computer instead.

So, what do you guys think? I won't spend too much yet. I can use my current graphics card for now, I have a mouse, keyboard and screen. And sound card. I also have a harddrive, but I might need a larger one. Upgrading possibilities is important.

I was thinking about something i7 based? 2 gigs of RAM to start with, adding more as I get rich. What do you guys think? Any recommendations or opinions? Is the i7 worth it?

[Guest]

What do you plan on using your computer for? I don't think the i7 would really be worth it unless you need a lot of processing power.

[Jordan]

I'm using the i7 920 right now and love it. 2Gb of ram is lame though. 6Gb is only $80 USD (not sure how much that is for you but $80 USD is cheap). I think you should go for 6Gb at least. What mobo you looking at getting?

[marwex89]

What do you plan on using your computer for? I don't think the i7 would really be worth it unless you need a lot of processing power.

I am going to use it as my primary computer. Which means it should handle games, encryption/cracking and similar intensive ****. 2D and 3D design is also going to be done, so I want some power.

I'm using the i7 920 right now and love it. 2Gb of ram is lame though. 6Gb is only $80 USD (not sure how much that is for you but $80 USD is cheap). I think you should go for 6Gb at least. What mobo you looking at getting?

The 920 is quite cheap, have you OC'd it? Is it fast enough, or should I go for the 950?

6Gb for $80!?!? Where are you buying!? I thought it was like $100 for 1Gb.. *checks* Oh man, things are getting cheaper! I think I will go for 4Gb at first, then. And get some good RAM for about $100. I haven't decided on mobo, what are you using?

[Jordan]

Yep, I overclocked it to 3.7Ghz and 3.4Ghz ... and blogged about it: Overclocking the ASUS P7T Deluxe V2 with an i7 920|Jordan’s Technology Blog
I didn't notice any significant differences so I am running at normal speed now. The heat increased incredibly and I saw no reason to degrade the life of my CPU without benefit.

The website I bought that ram from isn't loading now. The lowest I can find them for is $119. I'm using the ASUS P6T Deluxe V2. I love this motherboard but it is slow as hell at BIOS POST.

Are you going to get the Intel® Core™ i7-975 Processor Extreme Edition ?

[amrosama]

wow great man
get the i7! its worth it
i wish i can get it, but getting a mobo that supports i7 processors can be expensive(at least 3 months ago when i tried to buy one)
dont worry about the ram, you can buy those anytime, just spend 80% of your money to get a decent mobo and processor whatever the cost because they will stick with you most of the PC life span.
also what video card do you have? i can recommend getting the geforce xfx 9400gt(i bought it yesterday) or any of the 9 series cards, they kick ass

[marwex89]

After discussing with hardware expert turk4n on MSN I have finally come to a solution, I think. Actually I settled for the i5 750 instead of the i7 920. More details coming soon

[marwex89]

Ok, here are the new details:

All prices in NOK (Norwegian kroner). $1 = 5.65 NOK.

Processor:
        Intel Core™ i5 Quad Processor i5-750
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=492762
        kr 1.695,-

RAM:
        Crucial DDR3 1333MHz 6GB KIT CL9
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=408720
        kr 995,-

Motherboard:
        Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4, P55, Socket-1156
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=486102
        kr 1.350,-    

PSU
        Chieftec Super Series PSU 650W Modulær
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=347165
        kr 695,-

Case:
        Antec Nine Hundred Midi Tower Sort
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=332085
        kr 1.035,-

Video Card:
        Gainward GeForce GTX 275 896MB PhysX
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=493889&view=detailed#ProductTabs
        kr 1.595,-

Harddrive:
        Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 320GB
        http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.aspx?sku=419733
        kr 375,-


TOTAL:         kr 7.740,- (= $1,370)

As you can see I (or turk4n) changed my mind about a few things. First of all I figured out I wanted a proper video card. And turk4n recommended that I went for the i5 750 instead of the i7 because it is more suitable for my needs. I found some quite cheap RAM, so I'll be getting 6GB of that. And I wanted a new small and fast harddrive as well.

So, all I need is more money =D

[Jordan]

Why go with an inferior CPU? What logic is behind that? You'll only need to purchase a new one sooner.

Antec is a great case. I've heard people say they are the best air coold case. Cooler master are also great cases. Are you going for air cooling or water? Check out this case CM Stacker 830 NVIDIA Edition - Cooler Master

[marwex89]

The logic behind the CPU choice is the huge price difference, I think the i5 will last for quite a while for me (I'm still running P4 ) Based on the benchmarks it's quite a nasty CPU, actually beating the 920 in a few games - including Crysis (weird, but..) It's basically a 920 without HT. So for games it won't make much of a difference. Hopefully I will manage to do without when not gaming too. I'm doing quite a lot of audio editing, but with a decent OC it should run fine.

The Antec case seems great, I'm also buying a CPU cooler as the stock one seems to suck. And I'm going for air cooled at first, I might change later.

Except from the CPU cooler, only one thing has changed. RAM. I'm now getting 4GB only, but dual channel. I will probably add more later.