Hatredentombed

Hi, I am a total noob when it comes to computers, but I plan on getting a decent computer that can handle modern games, and also audio and recording software. I assembled a computer that looks like it will handle what I want on ibuypower and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on if it would powerful enough, or anything I should change. I want to keep the total price tag under $2000.

Case ( CoolerMaster HAF 922 Mid Tower Gaming Case - Black )
Processor ( Intel® Core™ i7 920 Processor (4x 2.66GHz/8MB L3 Cache) )
Motherboard ( Asus P6T SE Intel X58 Chipset CrossFire Supported w/7.1 Sound, Triple-Channel DDR3, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, Triple PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 6 GB [2 GB X3] DDR3-1333 Triple Memory Module - Corsair Value or Major Brand )
Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce GTX 275 PCI-Express x16 – 896MB - Single Card )
Case Lighting ( Cold Cathode Neon Light - Blue )
Power Supply ( 750 Watt -- Corsair CMPSU-750TX Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready )
Processor Cooling ( Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System w/ 240mm Radiator )
Video Card Brand ( === High Performance === eVGA Brand Video Card Powered by NVIDIA )
Hard Drive ( 1 TB HARD DRIVE - [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
Optical Drive ( Sony Dual Format/Double Layer 22X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive - Black )
2nd Optical Drive ( [** Special !!! ***] LG 22X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive - Black )
External Hard Drives [USB 2.0/eSATA] ( None )
Sound Card ( Creative Lab Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer )
Speaker System ( iBUYPOWER 2.1 Channel Stereo Super Bass Subwoofer Speaker System )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Floppy Drive ( Mitsumi 1.44 MB Internal Floppy Drive - Black )
Monitor ( [--- Special ---] 20.1" LCD 16:10 Wide WSXGA HD(HDCP) Monitor Support DVI Video up to 1080P(HDMI) )
Keyboard ( iBUYPOWER USB Keyboard with 18 Internet Hot /Multimedia Keys - Black )
Mouse ( iBUYPOWER 1600 dpi High Sensitivity Internet Mouse - Black )
Operating System ( Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) - 64-Bit )
Warranty ( Standard Warranty Service - Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) - No Rush Service, Estimate Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )
Advanced Build Options ( iBUYPOWER Specialized Advanced Packaging System - Protect your investment during transportation! )
Advanced Build Options ( Tuniq TX-2 High Performance Thermal Compound - The best interface between your CPU and the heatsinks )
Advanced Build Options ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower - Achieve exceptional airflow in your chassis )
USB 2.0 Accessories ( Built-in USB 2.0 Ports )
Video Camera ( None )
Power Protection ( >> BEST VALUE DEAL << Opti-UPS SS1200-AVR Mighty Voltage Regulator + Network 10/100/1000 LAN Surge Protector - ** iBUYPOWER Recommended ** )
Headset ( None )
Meter Display ( None )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer - Black )
Software/Game ( [Free Game] - Halo 2 - Free with purchase of Microsoft Windows Vista operating system )
MP3/MP4 Player ( None )
USB Flash Drive ( None )
2nd Monitor ( None )
Sound Reduction ( Basic - iBUYPOWER Harmony SRS Sound Redustion System - Reduce System Noise )

That amounts to $1871

Phædrus2401

That's a good build, actually, quite good. You don't need the i7 processor, a Core 2 Duo E8600 (with corresponding LGA775 mobo and DDR2 RAM) would do the same job for cheaper, but if that's your budget and you feel like going i7 then that's fine.

To be honest, I don't think you could get a whole lot cheaper than that building it yourself by hand, maybe $1500-1600. I say go for it.

Hatredentombed

Thanks, how hard would building it myself be, what would it entail, and what would I need. Thanks again for the help. Also, would the i7 have any advantage, such as a longer time before I would have to upgrade because of advancements? Or would it offer a faster/smoother experience?

Phædrus2401

It might be a bit faster, not a whole lot, not noticeably in most games. As for lasting longer before upgrade, no one can really say yet. It depends on how fast programmers start optimizing programs for quad core processors.

As for building your computer, it isn't so hard. The only tool you need is a phillips head screw driver, and a big flat work surface. You can find guides on-line, and if you have any questions you can come back here. For the first time it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half, maybe two if you hit a snag (a pro can do it in twenty minutes, I've done three and it still takes me almost an hour). It's not so hard, merely a matter of knowing what goes where and how, no soldering or placing tiny chips in place with tweezers. ;) Most complicated part is installing the CPU into the motherboard, which is basically:
1.) Un-do CPU locking lever on mobo
2.) Lift up the socket cover
3.) Remove little plastic cap thingy
4.) Place CPU in socket in the correct direction (the manual should say)
5.) Close the socket cover
6.) Apply tiny dab of thermal grease
7.) Place heatsink on and screw/snap it in
8.) Knock off a cold one

That's the hardest part, in my opinion, and if that doesn't daunt you then you should have no trouble.

Tumbleweed36

I highly recommend you view this thead before you get completely into this building project. This has some excellent suggestions for a nice rig:

Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec

I am not saying you don't have some nice specs, but want you to be fully informed before you jump in and purchase. When you have had a chance to review that, then we can settle down to specifics.

Hatredentombed

Thank you very much. I have much to consider.

Cdx

Hello Hatredentombed,

Welcome to TSF.

Here is a tutorial from youtube that has a video step by step on how to build a computer yourself, it is quite simple besides the processor.

Here is a link to the tutorials i highly recommend your take a look at and follow that when you build your computer.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C315B2A086BA6AAF&search_query=how+to+build+a+computer

Good luck, and if you have any questions we are here to help!

Tyree

I am far from sold on the i7 platform. That does appear to be a nice build.
My biggest problem with online PC builders is their tendency NOT to ship what you actually purchased and their support after the sale.
Do you need liquid cooling-Floppy drive-Case light? I don't see a brand name listed for the LCD.

wrench97

This one is my favorite>
Advanced Build Options ( iBUYPOWER Specialized Advanced Packaging System - Protect your investment during transportation! )

If it has not been delivered it is not mine it is still yours provide a proper box.