11 replies to this topic

[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.

[marwex89]

Guest said:

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.

Jordan said:

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!?!? :scared: 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?

[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

[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 :P) 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.

[marwex89]

About $100, I think