helios19

Hi

I have recently decided to build my own PC, mainly for graphic design purposes, however I also wanted to have one of the best systems on the market today so I can upgrade in the future. I have decided to buy the following:

Motherboard: ASUS P6T

Processor: Intel Core i7 920

Memory: 2G Kit (2x1G) DDR3 1333 (ASUS)

Hard Disk: Seagate SATA 250G

Graphics Card: 512M 8400GS Gigabyte OR 512M ASUS 3450

Case: Antec 300

Power Supply: Coolermaster Extreme 550W


Total - $1237


Do these parts seem like good value?

I would appreciate any advice or opinions on this matter, because I’m really new to this and I want to be sure that I’m getting my money's worth.

Thanks heaps!

wrench97

i7 systems are Trichannel so you would need 3 matched sticks for best operation.
For a Design system I would want at least 3Gig.

For power use the Coolermaster Real Power Pro model only the Extreme is not all that good.
Or one from this list at least a 550w
Seasonic - any model
Corsair - any model
Thermaltake - "Toughpower" series only
Coolermaster - "Real Power Pro" series only
PC Power & Cooling - any model
Silverstone - any model

For Graphics I would use the ATI card. Perhaps a HD4670 depending on cost there

Another thing to note the i7 motherboards are very expensive for what you're looking to do I think you could get what you need with a P43/P45 board 4Gig of DDR2 and a Q9400 or Q9550 a lot cheaper.

asidman

Well it looks good, but is that US$ or AU$.
Few possible alternatives...Based on Newegg.com prices

Your current spec
Asus P6t Deluxe - $300
Intel Core i7 920 - $295
RAM - 2GB Asus(?) - about $50
Seagate 250GB(8mb cache) - $50
(1st choice) Asus 3450 - $40
(2nd choice) G/byte 8400gs 512 - $41
Antec 300 - $60
Coolermaster 550 - $70

Possible Alt spec (slightly more than yours)
Gigabyte EX58 Extreme - $329
Intel Core i7 920 - $295
OCZ Reaper 2x2GB - $66 ($46 after rebate)
Seagate 640gb (32mb cache) - $70
(1st choice) Gigabyte 4550 512 - $58
(2nd choice) MSI 9500gt 512 - $71
Antec 300 - $60
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W - $100

TOTAL (1) $865 (with 3450)
$978 (with 4550) (My choice)
TOTAL (2) $866 (with 8400)
$991 (with 9500)

helios19

Thanks for the advice, especially on the power supply!

Do you think the total of around $1200 (AUS) is good value for the system (including the changes you suggested)?

Also, I am aware that I can build a PC for design purposes for much cheaper! However I just wanted a really advanced motherboard now so that in a few years I could upgrade it for cheaper individual part prices! Plus if I were to wait for the prices to drop for the core i7 processors, it would already be outdated.

What do you think? That's just my opinion, I hope I’m not going about this the wrong way (but if I am please tell me).

Thanks again much appreciated.

wrench97

well yes and no the x58 is really a gaming board like the X38,X48 before it I suspect you'll see a P55, P53 by summer with most of the bugs worked out.