modest i7 build feedback

[zaedrus]

Howdy!

(I've posted this on other forums, so if it looks like a carbon copy you read elsewhere, you're right and my apologies!)

I killed my 7 year old system and rather than fixing the obsolete, I'm upgrading.

This will be my first build, so bear with me!

I'm an Unreal Tournament addict.
I will adopt more addictions with a new system.
I work heavily with Photoshop, SketchUp, and CAD programs.
I occasionally use Dreamweaver, Quark, and other misc. publishing software.
I used to be a XSI & Maya user and probably will be again.
And of course I surf, process words, spread sheets and all that other standard stuff.

I originally looked at a Core2Duo E8400 (2 x 3.0GHz) based system around $900 with OS. I think it would be fine for my needs but figured for a little more $ I could build a modest i7 system with great upgrade potential (available SLI, etc.) to last 7 more years.

I just wanted everyone's take on this build:

• - Case -> Tuniq 3 ATX Mid Tower $60
  - Alternate Case -> Antec P182 ATX Mid ($145) alt
  - MoBo --> ASUS P6T 1366 Intel X58 3-way SLI $235
  - CPU --> Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz $295
  - PSU --> OCZ 850W $140
  - HDD --> Seagate Barracuda 7200 500GB $65
  - RAM --> Kingston (3 x 1GB) $65
  - Optical --> Lite-On 20X CD/DVD (SATA) $22
  - Video Card --> EVGA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB $175
  - Keyboard/Mouse -> Logitech Std Deluxe $13
  - OS -> Vista Home Premium 64-bit $100
  - Monitor -> Recycled for now

Total $1170

See any glaring compatibility issues?
Since I don't plan to overclock, I figured the included CPU heatsink/fan would be fine.
(The Tuniq case comes with 3-120mm fans as well)
Any thoughts on a 2nd, smaller HDD for programs with the 500GB for dumb storage?
And how do I verify that the videocard fits into the case before I hit the buy button?

I appreciate the help!
-Z

[tomtoon]

Change the Seagate to a WD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320 $$74.99

A Corsair 650W will do you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...corsair%20650w $79.99 after $20 rebate.

Oh and the graphics card will fit fine in that case mate.

[shadowpr]

Make sure your programs will run on Vista 64.

Also, I would suggest a differnt brand ram. I have not really heard much lately about kingston, but have heard they had some problems in the past I believe.

Rest looks good with Tom's suggestions.

[tomtoon]

Agreeing with what shadowpr said about the RAM get this:

Patriot Viper 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model PVT33G1333ELK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220368 $74.99

[zaedrus]

Someone elsewhere said I'd want to jump directly to (3x2GB) RAM.
I poked around the wish list a little bit with your suggestions and the 6GB RAM and have only added $25!

Thanks for the help! If anything else comes to mind, I'm grateful for the input!

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by shadowpr Make sure your programs will run on Vista 64. Also, I would suggest a differnt brand ram. I have not really heard much lately about kingston, but have heard they had some problems in the past I believe. Rest looks good with Tom's suggestions.

I've used some ram sticks from Kingston recently; some DDR1 and DDR2 value ram. Haven't had any problems with them; worked as would be expected.

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by zaedrus Someone elsewhere said I'd want to jump directly to (3x2GB) RAM. I poked around the wish list a little bit with your suggestions and the 6GB RAM and have only added $25! Thanks for the help! If anything else comes to mind, I'm grateful for the input!

Can you provide a link?

[zaedrus]

Link for the RAM, or for the wishlist?
The list isn't public at this point...
S'pose I can do that when I get another second.

But here is the RAM I swapped for:
Mushkin 3x2 $130

[shadowpr]

I was asking for the link for the ram. Just wanted to make sure the voltage was good.

That looks good to me.