Core i7 build

[Clement_95]

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for whatever help you can give me. I really appreciate it.

So now, my build. I don't plan to upgrade too often, which is one of the main reasons for the i7. The computer will do some gaming, but it won't be the main focus. I won't be overclocking. My budget for the PC only is around $1300. I will also be getting some accessories, as I am starting completely from scratch. This is what I was thinking (with some questions):

DVD Burner: Lite-On 24x DVD Burner (iHAS324-08) -- $28

Case: Here I'm split. I like both the CM Storm Sniper and the HAF 922. Shipping included (Sniper's is free), there's about a ten dollar difference; Sniper: $140, HAF: $130. Also, should I get any fans? I heard that if one adds intake fans to the HAF, the air pressure helps against dust. I don't want to have to clean it out too often. But then the Sniper is supposed to have dust filters, but they use metal tabs that wear down? If I do need fans, can someone suggest some? I'd like them on the quiet side, please.

Hard Drive: WD Caviar Black 1TB -- $90

Power Supply: Corsair 750W Modular -- $165
Here again I'm not sure. I heard that modular was better? But is it worth the ~$50 difference over non-modular?

CPU-Motherboard-RAM-GPU: Core i7-920, Asus P6T Deluxe V2, Corsair Dominator 6 GB, EVGA GTX260 Core 216 -- $823
I think it's a nice combo. It's exactly what I was planning to get separately.

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium with Windows 7 coupon -- $110

The current total with Sniper is $1356. With HAF it would be $10 less.

Now for some of the accessories. Mostly, it's just a question of: is it good?
Is this wireless card any good? Rosewill USB 2.0 dongle
What about this keyboard? Logitech Wave
And most importantly, what about this monitor? Asus 25.5" 1920x1200 monitor

Again, thanks a lot for spending the time to look over my planned build. If you have any suggestions, please tell me.

[Khalil]

I am glad you chose that motherboard for this build, I have had no issues at all with 30 or so I have built so far. I have experienced a lot of problems with other i7 motherboards.
I don't use Rosewill products because they mostly make junk so I can't comment on that dongle. I don't agree that modular is better other than the cable management.

[glc]

I would wait till fall for the new socket and P55 chipset. The cost/benefit ratio on the i7 and X58 chipset just isn't that good, and the chipset has been quite fussy. If you must build now I'd stick with a 775 on a P45 chipset or look at AMD.

I do not recommend USB wireless adapters. Get a PCI adapter that matches your router as close as possible, same brand if feasible. Actually, for gaming a WIRED connection is always best. A modular is not worth more than a standard PSU, it's just more convenient for cable management.

[Clement_95]

GLC, would you have any recommendations on PCI adapters then? I don't think it's possible to match brand with my router (Actiontec), and I can't get a wired connection.

Also, I will try to wait, but I might need to order very soon. In that case, how is the build looking? I'm also worried about some reports online that LGA 1156 won't last before being replaced by 1156B, then C.

[Khalil]

You can't worry too much about sockets, Intel changes sockets faster than you change underwear and it seems AMD has followed them in that trend.
The computer industry is a now business, you never know what tomorrow brings.

[Clement_95]

Yeah, but hasn't LGA 775 at least lasted for quite a while? It seems that Intel is changing sockets faster and faster.

Khalil, do you have any suggestions about PC case?

[Khalil]

I like Antec and Cooler Master cases a lot. for my mass systems I use Foxconn.

[Clement_95]

Ok, that's great. But do you have any preference of the two I listed above?

[glc]

A case is a personal choice. You want more exhaust than intake for proper cooling.

You need to research wireless adapters VERY carefully - there seems to be a LOT of issues with 64 bit Vista - lack of drivers or drivers that don't work. Is it IMPOSSIBLE for you to run a CAT 5 from the router to your computer?

[Clement_95]

I think it's too highly impractical to consider running a cable. I live in a pretty big house, and I'm a dependent, so the probability isn't too high. However, if needed, I could consider getting another router+modem. Any thoughts on that? It'd be more expensive...

The Rosewill dongle uses a Realtek chip and software. I checked, and according to Realtek, their driver "auto install" supports Vista 64. How does that sound?

[Khalil]

I like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119196

[Clement_95]

I heard that the case was pretty small, though, and that a GTX 260 was a tight fit. Is that true? I'll admit it looks beautiful though.

[Khalil]

I am building a dual GTX295 in this one. For the price its the best gaming case on the market

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119122

[Clement_95]

More about wireless... it appears this and this are highly rated wireless cards, and it seems that people have good luck with them by taking the RT2500 drivers from Ralink's website. I think I'll try them out.

So I'll try to wait for LGA 1156, but if I have to get a computer now (we have a slight lack at my house), I'll go ahead with the Sniper and the second PCI wireless card I listed. How does that sound? Any compatibility problems that need to be resolved?

I do want to ask, though: I've heard that for a new PC, it's best to get drivers online rather than from the CD. That seems to be fine for the video card and wireless adapter. However, when it comes to the motherboard, I see a wealth of downloads: 4 for BIOS, 1 for BIOS - Utility, 1 for Chipset, 1 for Audio, 2 for LAN, and 2 for SATA. Do I need them all? That's already without 13 for Utilities and 7 for Others, which I guess I don't need.

[nicolaus corelius]

You can't worry too much about sockets, Intel changes sockets faster than you change underwear

its been 5 and a half years since they made 775

[glc]

The Edimax should be decent - the antenna on a cable helps a lot with positioning for optimum signal strength. Have you tested the signal strength in your room with a laptop?

You can't run 2 modems on a single cable or DSL account.

[Clement_95]

With a laptop, I can get reception as long as I don't go to a different floor as the router. However, with the Rosewill (I bought one for an old XP system), I get reception (3-bars) throughout the house. I'm thinking the Edimax would be even better.

GLC, do you have any answer to the drivers? I also just found out that the Audio driver has a Non-DTS and a DTS section, each with a different installer (Non-DTS: AsusSetup.exe, DTS: Setup.exe).

[glc]

No idea - I haven't done any i7 builds yet.

I've done one build with a PCI wireless card that has an antenna like that - it was a MSI card. The strength was markedly better than the old computer had with a D-Link card which had a stick antenna that screwed directly into the card.

[Clement_95]

But it seems Asus puts billions of files for every motherboard, even LGA 775...