Future Build

[MrDravenX]

I want to get a general idea of what my next PC would cost me. My next machine I will be building for gaming, multimedia type applications. This will be my second built system.

I already have a case with a 1000watt PS. It's an Alienware case that I bought. Alienware uses an Intel board. Something similiar to this one: ASUS Rampage II Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard. Also they use the new Core i7 chip.

I have pictures of the case but I can't get them on my computer yet to upload them. I'm not worried about prices right now. I want to know how much a great system would cost for what I would use it for. Nothing outrageous like 16GB of memory but something that will last me for quite some time.

[MrDravenX]

This is what I am looking at right now. This will go in an Alienware case with the 1000watt PS.

Motherboard:
ASUS Rampage II Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

CPU:
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

HDD:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

I'll need some advice on pretty much the rest, memory, vid card and even the monitor.

Memory: Best for the money and best performance.
Vid Card: Looking for a high end card that will last for a long time. As long as it's not overkill.
Optical Drive: Should I get a Blu-ray player? I know I would use it but does anyone recommend getting one for a PC?
Monitor: I've thought about going with dual monitors for multi-tasking purposes.
OS: With this system I believe I would be able to run Vista 64-bit and be able to play games and multi-task. Suggestions, experience with Vista 64?

This is what I got so far. Any feedback would be great.

[flanzig1]

Ram: DDR3 1333, 3gig tri channell kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148245
Optical drive: Start off with a regular DVD/CD burner, when you need a blue-ray, add it later. Add the Blue-ray to your budget list to see how it affects the cost.
Monitors: 20" would be the smallest I would go/figure $150 -$200 ea. for 20/21/22" monitors. 24" in the $300 range + or - $50.
Video card: ATI HD 4850(good bang for the buck) hi-end cards: ATI HD 4850 X2 or 4870X2($300-$500+)
Nvidia GTX 280($400+)

[MrDravenX]

I also forgot about a sound card. Is the onboard audio good or should I get a sound card?

[Doom]

Most people are more than happy using on-board audio. Try it out first and only upgrade if you're not happy with the sound.

[MrDravenX]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 Ram: DDR3 1333, 3gig tri channell kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148245

Whats the difference than what you posted than this, CORSAIR XMS3 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Is what I have so far great for a high-end gaming, multi-task system?

[Doom]

The Core i7 architecture you've picked out will give you a great edge when multi-tasking and for gaming assuming that you match it with a good video card. Now you don't need to go out and spend $400 on a video card to get great results. I'm running 2x GT 9600 cards with a 2.5 quad core and get great performance (FarCry 2 is at max and smooth as a baby's bottom).

As a general guide, check the charts at www.tomshardware.com to see how different video cards stack up. That's the site I use to determine which cards I want to get. In my most recent build, I got the nVidia GTX 260 and was extremely happy with it. That's probably as expensive as you want to go. It will be able to game for quite some time with outstanding results.

[MrDravenX]

Is their really a difference between brands? Like ASUS, EVGA, etc?

[MrDravenX]

Which one would you recommend for the motherboard?
ASUS Rampage II Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
ASUS P6T Deluxe/OC Palm LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

[Doom]

I'd go with the P6T. It will allow you the option to use SLI or Crossfire in the future... and quite frankly I can't imagine any mobo is worth the $389 that the other one costs.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by MrDravenX Which one would you recommend for the motherboard? ASUS Rampage II Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail ASUS P6T Deluxe/OC Palm LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

The P6T has two additional SATA ports of the Rampage Extreme, however you won't be able to run card in Crossfirex (3x) or Tri-Sli with dual slot card by using the P6T. The Rampage Extreme also has a dedicated sound card whereas the P6T uses integrated.

[MrDravenX]

I want to be able to get the most out of GFX performance. I'm more learning toward a NVIDIA card than ATI. I honestly don't know what Tri-sli is. Is Quad-SLI overkill?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by MrDravenX I want to be able to get the most out of GFX performance. I'm more learning toward a NVIDIA card than ATI. I honestly don't know what Tri-sli is. Is Quad-SLI overkill?

Tri-SLI is running three cards such as the GTX280 in SLI, Quad SLI is only possible with cards such as the 9800GX2.