Possible 2 Year Anniversary Build

Remember me from THIS?

yeah, That build is almost 2 years old....I'm considering getting a whole new one, since most of the components, I'd like to replace (the CPU is too dated, since I don't OC on account of the fan not fitting, and the fans I purchased with the last build are not installed, not sure they fit).

So, I'm appealing to the Computer Hardware forum to give me suggestions on a future build.

Things to Consider

• CPU - I'd like to go i7 if possible at least, a quad core preferably. My current 2.5GHz dual core is hardly cutting it anymore (and with system bloating after time, it has problems play 1080p media files now, namely when they go through high-action sequences). I do some occasional Video encoding (VirtualDub and Handbrake) too. Should also enable me to Rip BDs a lot faster, right?
  • OCing - If I OC, it'll probably be within the factor standard voltage threshold (IE: An OC that doesn't, or barely increases the voltage. I hear i7 CPUs can OC a fair bit without voltage increases). I MAY OC more if I can get a proper aftermarket cooling kit to fit (in my last build, the CPU cooler BARELY fit, and I couldn't fit the CPU fan on at all, not enough room).
• GPU - I think I'll go the 6000 series ATI when it comes out. It should be this fall, right? It is supposed to have native 3D support. I'd probably splurge a bit here, since It would need to last at least a couple years (like this rig). I'd PROBABLY, HOPEFULLY go the DualGPU route (like the 4000 line had the 4890). HDMI Out PLZ: My 4870 was tricky, it said HDCP compatibility, so I assumed it had HDMI out, but no, DVI only. It caused some HDCP issues with my computer (authentication tool said it was alright, but sometimes the BD media player said "NO, YOU LIE, YOU NOT 1080p AUTHORIZED DAMMIT!" XD
  • Monitor - I MIGHT go Dual Monitor too, especially if I get dual GPU cards. I'd probably go something like the 24" 1080p BenQ line (I have a 21.5", but I don't think it's quite big enough TBH).
• Disk Drive - I would likely get a BD-RW again, likely the Pioneer 10x Write speed one I got for my current one. I COULD possibly salvage this one, but I'd rather not deal with it TBH, especially since it's associated with this computer, I dunno how well it would co-operate if I tried to get the bundled software to work on a new rig. Well, I dunno though, Would it be my GPU or my Drive that decodes the 3D films (I want to be able to play 3D video, if possible).
  • 3D Capability - As mentioned before, I'm hoping to go the 3D route. Meaning Games AND Blu-Ray 3D capability, if possible. I might scrap it if it is too costly though.
• Data Drives - Most likely I'd get 3. 1 SSD (about 32GB I suppose) for the OS and a few key pieces of Software (IE: Photoshop). Another (1TB at least) will be for games (steam and other games). And a third (1tb at least) will be for General Media (downloads and the like). This is because I'm a media whore, but I made the mistake of not partitioning my OS from the rest of my stuff, and Steam and 99% of my programs are on my paltry 500GB Seagate XD My various media whoring has resulted in 2 nearly full (currently) 1TB drives, a full 750GB, a full 1.5TB drive, and I'm working on a couple new drives (one 1TB and another 2TB) Lol
• OS - Bit of a no-brainer, but 64bit Windows 7 (I'm not sure about the SKUs, but the equivalent of Home Premium would make sense, basically, like the current 64bit vista SKU I have now).
• RAM - Probably stick to a good 4GB set (I haven't even used more than maybe half with my current rig). I might go 6GB though, if I go the dual GPU/Monitor setup.
• Online Retailer(s) I can use - I'm most likely going the NCIX site route (Though I could go with Newegg.ca, and if I had to, NewEgg.com (Only .com if I HAVE to for a component or two, since shipping would likely be higher, currency conversion, and I could get duty tax).
• NCIX has a $50 (last I checked) build option where they test your product out before shipping it. Do you think they'd leave it as is? I REALLY would prefer not to build it myself, as I had a nightmare (some 10 combined hours) on my last build (though in the end, I put it together with no errors). I COULD possibly check some PC shops around here, see if they'd build it for a small fee (like $30 or something) if I provide the parts. They'd probably be able to build it in the time it takes me to have a meal or something XD.
• Other Stuff - Well, basically I'm getting everything, so other stuff (Mobo, PSU, Case, etc) are also needed. I don't think I'm recycling anything at all really. I really don't need a sound system, I use headphones 99% of the time, and I can just recycle my 2.1 speaker setup from my last build. With the PSU and Mobo, keep in mind that I MIGHT eventually add another Dual GPU or something, if possible (so I can avoid having to do a full upgrade again in 2 years or something XD). Just FYI, this IS primarily a gaming and HD 1080p media watching build, with some encoding and BD/DVD ripping included here and there

Budget? I might go about the $2000CAN mark, more or less.

I'd prefer to keep it under if possible, but it won't murder me to go a bit above if it is really worth it (I have plenty of spare cash, since I don't have a well paying job so I can't move out, and consequentially don't have many expenses to worry about). I realize that since the the 6000 series ATI (or rather, the newly branded AMD line) isn't out yet, and this build is still probably 2 months or so away, but prelims would be nice. As the 'buy date' gets closer, the build can be refined if necessary.

BTW: Reason I'm waiting for late December is NCIX's Boxing Week sale XD Though if there is no reason to wait (IE: a good sale comes on before then, and the 6000 series is out), I might get it earlier.

I might not go the 3D route, since you need like a $400USD monitor to get good quality 3D gameplay and Video Playback >_<

So I need 3 ram sticks? 3x2GB?

quote

edit: and yes, for triple channel, you need 3 sticks. so 3x2 GB, or 3x4 gb if you feel like splurging. otherwise its just dual channel

dual channel is not supported on boards that have triple channel

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So I need 3 ram sticks? 3x2GB?

yes

well he did want a 1366 cpu, so i can immediately assume he will get triple channel.

as far as im aware, there are no dual channel motherboards for the 1366. the memory controllers must be different, i dunno.

quote Ohmycaptain

As far as I'm aware, the Radeon 6000 series GPU's will come in about a week. First with the 6770, 6850, and 6870, then later on in november with the dual gpu graphics (6950/6970, perhaps).


Also, from what I've read (this is completely unconfirmed by AMD, just speculation), the 6850 will be up to 30% better than the 5870, and the 6870 will be around the same as the 5970 hemlock (dual GPU in 5000 series). The 6770 is supposed to replace the 5770 for the mid-range gpu market, being about as good as a current Radeon HD 5850.


I'm assuming the 6970 (dual gpu) that will come out most likely in november will cost the same as a 5970, but with maybe a 25 - 35% increase in awesomeness. Let's hope it's not too big though :x

You're off a little there. The 6770,6850, and 6870 will be released in about a week, you're right on that. And the 6970 and 6950 will be released in november, right again. The 6950 and 6970 will be single gpu cards though, and the 6990 will be the dual gpu card. The 6990 will be released in december, depending on demand/prices.

Incorrect. Both my Asus 1366 boards and EvGA Classified support Dual and Triple channel ram configuration. I think different boards may vary on the # of sticks they support in dual channel mode.

Yes they can.

I can confuse your more, I can run 4 sticks in triple channel mode too lol. Well at least that's how it's detailed in the manual. I currently only own 6 sticks of DDR3 triple channel, but they are different speed/sizes (2 sets) so I haven't had a chance to test that.