It's that time again (upgrade!)

[Learux]

Only when it comes to load times, FPS will not change, I am waiting myself for proces to drop before I splurge.

[ripklawe]

Been doing some more reading and find that the Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz would probably be the best fit for what i want to do. Can anyone recommend a good board, either Gigabyte or Asus, that would go well with this processor. I have seen some boards out there but would love some input from others, perhaps even users of this chip.

[OS-Wiz]

ASUS P7P55D PRO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131405
Note CF/SLI on all P55 chipset mobos only support 8x by 8x.

[ripklawe]

ASUS P7P55D PRO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131405
Note CF/SLI on all P55 chipset mobos only support 8x by 8x.

I would have to get an X58 board if i wanted 16x by 16x then? The X58 type board does not support the i7 860 does it? Damn. Perhaps I am going at this all wrong. Ok. I think the REAL issue I am having is finding the right motherboard/CPU combo for the job. I want to be able to dual card at 16x by 16x with a processor that will give me excellent performance for gaming and a motherboard that leaves room for future upgrading. The price is not too much of an issue. Also, if going X58, I will need triple channel memory yes?

[aolujumu]

GOD about a thousand five to upgrade with all your specifications
I think i can get same value cheaper....

[ripklawe]

GOD about a thousand five to upgrade with all your specifications
I think i can get same value cheaper....

Then by all means, post a list. I just saw a build for $1350 on a different site and it seems pretty solid as well.

[OS-Wiz]

This isn't going to be cheap, but if you want future stuff like 6GB SATA and USB3 then:

Intel Core i7-920 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202

ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131614

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145286

Pop in a couple 5870s and you'll be the "fastest kid on the block"

[ripklawe]

Ok, after long hours and MANY suggestions, I believe I have FINALLY come up with the final build. There is not one part here that I am unhappy with. Let me know what you think.

CD/DVD
===============
LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
Model #:iHAS124-04
Item #:N82E16827106289
$26.99

Case
===============
Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:Twelve Hundred
Item #:N82E16811129043
$159.99

Hard Drive
===============
Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:WD7501AALS
Item #:N82E16822136283
$79.99

Monitor
===============
SAMSUNG Toc T220HD Rose Black 22" 5ms HDMI Widescreen HDTV Monitor - Retail
Model #:T220HD
Item #:N82E16824001278
$229.99

Video Card
===============
SAPPHIRE 100281SR Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video ... - Retail
Model #:100281SR
Item #:N82E16814102856
$414.99

Power Supply
===============
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
$119.99

RAM
===============
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 - Retail
Model #:CMX6GX3M3C1600C7
Item #:N82E16820145286
$179.99

Motherboard
===============
ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:P6X58D Premium
Item #:N82E16813131614
$309.99

Processor
===============
Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
Model #:BX80601920
Item #:N82E16819115202
$288.99

Final Cost
===============
$1,810.91

It cost a bit more than I want to spend but it leaves a LOT of room for upgrading so I will pay the extra. The first upgrade will probably be an additional video card. Very happy with this setup.

[OS-Wiz]

Looks good! How about starting a build log, pics and all? I'm sure many here would enjoy <be very jealous> seeing it all go together.

[mikeysg]

Looks good! How about starting a build log, pics and all? I'm sure many here would enjoy <be very jealous> seeing it all go together.

Yep, wouldn't mind 'watching' someone build this badboy...

[ripklawe]

Looks good! How about starting a build log, pics and all? I'm sure many here would enjoy <be very jealous> seeing it all go together.

Hm never done that before but sounds like fun. I will try it. I will be getting the items as soon as my tax refund comes back. Did a little reading last night and I am going to be getting a Prolimatech Megahalems heatsink so I can overclock the 920 to at least 4.0ghz. Still need to do some research on a fan for the heatsink but since my refund is not back yet, I have time ;-)

[OS-Wiz]

Hm never done that before but sounds like fun. I will try it. I will be getting the items as soon as my tax refund comes back. Did a little reading last night and I am going to be getting a Prolimatech Megahalems heatsink so I can overclock the 920 to at least 4.0ghz. Still need to do some research on a fan for the heatsink but since my refund is not back yet, I have time ;-)

I recommend a Thermal Right Ultra-120 Extreme, two 3-speed Antec 120mm fans, and some OCZ Freeze thermal compound.

[Geforce255]

SSD's are a bit out of my range right now. I can get one later this year or perhaps next year. Is there any performance to be gained in gaming using a SSD btw?

If I were you, I'd drop the 5850 to a 5770 and use the difference for an SSD.

Anand has a good article on them - for most gaming they do an amazing job.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3658

[ripklawe]

If I were you, I'd drop the 5850 to a 5770 and use the difference for an SSD.

Anand has a good article on them - for most gaming they do an amazing job.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3658

At this point in time, I see no real reason to have/need a SSD. The only real gain I have been able to see/find is that load times are improved. I am not impatient. I can wait 20 more seconds on a 7200 drive. Perhaps when SSD's become bigger/more cost effective, then I will dip down that road.

I am curious though, a few people have recommended SSD's for me. What is it that you all see that I do not?

[ripklawe]

I recommend a Thermal Right Ultra-120 Extreme, two 3-speed Antec 120mm fans, and some OCZ Freeze thermal compound.

Was there something wrong with the one I listed or is it that you have personal experience with the parts you recommended and find them to be very good?