Slow Build

[dunnrite]

Over the course of the next several weeks, I'm going to be building a gaming rig.  I have done alot of research, and the components that I think I'm going to go with are listed below.  I already have a Nvidea 9800GTX graphics card (which will be upgraded at a later date, when I can afford it, to some sort of crossfire setup), and a CoolerMaster Basic (mid size) chassis.  This is going to be my first ground up build, so I would like any and all feedback on the parts I have listed, anything I'm missing, as well as other ideas.  I'm using NewEgg for comparison reasons only, and will be looking around for the best price.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Going to go with the I7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

With this mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130500

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226096

HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136794

OS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754
(any reason to go with Pro for home use?)

Fans (3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185060

Cooling
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835227006

Thermal Paste
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
(is this stuff any good, or would I need something better?)

Again, thanks a lot for the help.

[guncrasher]

i7 950?  only 20 bucks more. lots of people dont really like the water cooling due to maintenance. 


semp

[CRYPTIC]

 I would check on the cool master case the have had some problems with some of their cases having shorts and blowing the MB. Yes and I'm one of the 2 boards know and I'm having a lot of trouble with support. Worst support I have ever dealt with.

[cattb]

I would check on the cool master case the have had some problems with some of their cases having shorts and blowing the MB. Yes and I'm one of the 2 boards know and I'm having a lot of trouble with support. Worst support I have ever dealt with.

Wow, sorry to hear of your bad luck with coolermaster. I bought my second case from coolermaster because of the great support I received from them. My first case was a clearence item and from them, when received it was missing some parts. I called and the parts I needed were in my mail box in 3 days. Then a year later a part broke on my case of my fault, I called and explained and ask how much for the part. They sent it to me for free.

[dunnrite]

I bought the case a few weeks ago because my stock case for my computer was just too cramped (started shutting down while playing).  There are several variations on this case for MB mounting depending on which MB, so hopefully that won't be a problem.  Forgot to mention that I have a thermaltake toughpower 750w PS.  From what I've read, this cpu can get pretty hot, so I thought the liquid cooling would be a good idea as I don't want to have to replace it for some time.  I am trying to keep this within a budget but also get to where I can upgrade easily if needed in the next couple years.

Thanks again.

[wabbit]

There is a retail store called MicroCenter that is currently selling the I7-950 for $199.00. However you have to go to the store to pick it up, you can't order it online at that price.

If you have a MicroCenter in your area, that's a great price. You have to order it online and then go pick it up at the store. The online order just reserves the cpu for ya, you pay for it when you pick it up.


www.microcenter.com



Wabb

[dunnrite]

Thanks wabbit...unfortunately, the closest one is about 4 hours away.
 

[Buzzard7]

I have an NZXT case for my x-58 pro-e from MSI. With air cooling my CPU runs at 78F,the IOH is at 136F after I removed the garbage thermal compound that MSI uses stock. The system temp runs about 85F. They remain the same while playing AH. The CPU cooler is the CoolerMaster Hypen N520. The coolers that TD uses would probably bring CPU temps down a little. NZXT cases allow you to route the PSU,and other wiring behind the MB.

[BaldEagl]

I have a Cooler Master case.  No problems.  This one:

[BoilerDown]

Wait a couple weeks and get one of the new Intel CPUs codenamed "Sandy Bridge", that use the LGA 1155 socket.  You'll get way more for your money, and will be easier to keep cool.  Which brings me to my second recommendation... use a good air cooler instead of a cheap water cooler.