Any suggestions to this i7 build?

[Steelerz37]

I decided I want to build a new PC to replace my old P4 2.6ghz. Looking for something that will be able to run linux well, and run a few virtual machines using either xen, virtualbox, or vmware so I can play around with oracle 11g and rac, and mysql clustering. I also plan to run Windows 7 in a VM as well. I also want the video card to be able to handle the compiz eyecandy in linux and windows 7 eyecandy.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: Linux desktop PC, as well as running Windows 7 in VM. Would also like to run other versions of linux in VMs to test out Oracle RAC, and mysql clustering

2. What YOUR budget is: Around $1000
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from: US

4. IF YOU have a brand preference: i7-920
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are: DVD, monitor, keyboard,mouse, speakers

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads: Yes, used them to help come up with the parts listed below

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds: Maybe slightly

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with: very little to no gaming

9. WHEN do you plan to build it? ASAP, unless there is something big coming within the next month or 2 that may drive down the cost of the i7 cpu/mobo?

Have:
CPU: i7-920 Socket 1366 $199.99 (MC)
Case: Cooler Master HAF932 127.99 (MC)
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTS 250 512MB GDDR3 $115.99 (MC)
HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB $89.99 (NewEgg) Bonus Thermaltake BlacX SATA dock
PSU: Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W $79.99 (NewEgg)
Total: $613.95

MotherBoard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R $209.99 (NewEgg) (Leaning towards this due to SATA3 and USB3.0)
or Asus P6T $223.99 (MC)
Memory: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) OCZ3G1600LV6GK $159.99-$20MIR (NewEgg)
or G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ $164.99 (NewEgg)
or Corsair XMS3 Model CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 7-8-7-20 $179.99 (NewEgg)
or Corsair XMS3 TR3X6G1600C8
Total: $549.97



i7-920 Total: $983.93 +tax/shipping


Changes:
GPU: EVGA GeForce 9800GTX $134.99 (NewEgg) -> EVGA GeForce GTS 250 $115.99 (MC)
PSU: Antec Earthwatts EA650 650W $74.99 (NewEgg) -> Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W $79.99 (NewEgg)
HD: WD Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB $99.99 (NewEgg) -> Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB $94.99 - $15MIR (ZZF)

 

[mfenn]

You definitely want to stick with an Nvidia card for Linux. You can probably go cheaper than the 9800 GTX though. A GTS 250 is basically the same thing, but you can get one for $105.

With the prices so close between 1366 and 1156, you might as well do the 1366 build. There is supposed to be an i7 930 coming out "real soon now" to replace the 920, but there's no telling if MC will offer it for $200.

 

[Steelerz37]

One thing I forgot to mention, I would like at some point to go dual monitor, I see the cheaper GTS250s have a DVI and VGA output, the cheapest GTS250 I see that has dual DVI is $125 at newegg, would it be better to stick with the 9800gtx or go to that gts250? I really don't know anything about the capabilities of the graphics cards these days.

 

[mfenn]

One thing I forgot to mention, I would like at some point to go dual monitor, I see the cheaper GTS250s have a DVI and VGA output, the cheapest GTS250 I see that has dual DVI is $125 at newegg, would it be better to stick with the 9800gtx or go to that gts250? I really don't know anything about the capabilities of the graphics cards these days.

The GTS 250 and the 9800GTX(+) are the same GPU, and only vary in terms of clock speeds and fab process sizes. Since you're not heavily gaming, they're pretty much equivalent, so go with the cheapest that fits your output requirement.

Depending on what games you want to play, you might be able to go cheaper, like with a 9800GT or GT 240.

 

[Steelerz37]

I made a few changes to the components. Any input on the motherboard and memory would be appreciated.

I know the 750w PS is overkill for this setup, but its only $15 more than the Earthwatt I had originally, and just $10 more than the 650w model

I already have the CPU/CASE/GPU from Microcenter

 

[mfenn]

I made a few changes to the components. Any input on the motherboard and memory would be appreciated.

I know the 750w PS is overkill for this setup, but its only $15 more than the Earthwatt I had originally, and just $10 more than the 650w model

I already have the CPU/CASE/GPU from Microcenter

You changes look fine except for the PSU. You want to stick with a lower-rated PSU so that you will be closer to the "sweet spot" in the efficiency curve. I like how Newegg has the 550W Truepower New at $100 and the 750 at $90. The 550W TP New would be best for your build, but there's no sense in paying $100 for it. Go for the 650W.