My First Build (I7)

[thenew050]

Hi All:

This is my very first post on SuperPC, hello all! As I stated, this will be my first attempt at building my own PC (I am an IT major, but only two years along) and I wanted to list the components I am considering so that I can get good feedback from the experts here at the forum. Thank you for any input!

Case/Power Supply:

Antec Sonata III 500 Quiet Super Mini Tower ATX Case (Black) ($126.28)

I have already purchased this case...Will I need stronger PSU or fan(s)?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000QAVVAM/

CPU:

Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz 8M L3 Cache 4.8GT/sec QPI Hyper-Threading Turbo Boost LGA1366 Processor ($279.99)

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-2-66GHz-Hyper-Threading-LGA1366-Processor/dp/B001H5T7LK/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_b

CPU Heatsink:

Vigor Monsoon III LT Dual 120mm Fan CPU Cooler Socket 1366 Ready ($61.99)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835702007

Thermal Compound Accessories:

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound ($6.99)/
Arctic Silver ACN-60ML (2-PC-SET) Thermal material Remover & Surface Purifier ($5.99)

(no link required here)

Mobo:

EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 X58 3-Way SLI Core i7 Motherboard with Tri-Channel DDR3 and Tuning Utility ($298.00)

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-132-BL-E758-A1-Motherboard-Tri-Channel-Utility/dp/B001KX8VES/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_c

RAM:

Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D Dominator 6 GB 3 x 2 GB PC3-12800 1600MHz 240-Pin DDR3 Core i7 Memory Kit ($183.50)

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-TR3X6G1600C8D-Dominator-PC3-12800-1600MHz/dp/B001L4A76G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1235589397&sr=8-1


Now, I obviously plan on exporting my drives into this new build, but I am looking for any pointers you all can give me on what I have decided on so far. Also, with regard to a monitor, I have taken a liking to this one:

SAMSUNG 2433BW High Glossy Black 24" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 20000:1(1000:1) ($299.99)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001309

Is this worth the deal or are there unforeseen issues that I am not noticing?

Also, as far as the GPU goes, I am taking any and all suggestions.

Thank You!

thenew050

[RickyTick]

Howdy, and welcome to the forums.

You should verify that there is enough room in the Sonata III for that cpu cooler. Get the dimensions of each and just make sure.

Everything looks great. I like the monitor too. I'm sold on Samsung.

The video card market is kinda cloudy. Hard decisions to make. It really depends on a few things.
a) Monitor size
b) Budget
c) Gamer or not

The really high end video cards like Nvidia GTX280, 285, 295, or ATI 4870 X2, are only required for large monitors above 24 inches. For a 20 to 24 inch monitor, the GTX260 or the Radeon 4870 are more than adequate. They are running around $200 - $250 right now. If you're now a big gamer, you could settle for the new Nvidia GTS250. Great card for around $140.

Hope I didn't cause more confusion. :)

[The Wise Monkey]

Check this article out from tomshardware:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/geforce-gtx-radeon,review-31515.html

[thenew050]

I was hitting myself last night after realizing I should have gone with the Antec 900 and simply boughten a PSU. I have a feeling the Monsoon (120mm) is simply going to be out the question size-wise. I have no problem purchasing a socket 1366 converter, but the question is what can I buy that will fit my case and still keep the I7 cool enough. The case is only 8.1 inches wide...any suggestions?

Also, as far as the video card is concerned, I would like to think I could try any game on the market today and experience no lag. I've never played WoW, but I am a Diablo II junkie. When I caught wind of Diablo III in the works, needless to say I was floored. My point is that gaming matters to me and I'm looking at a 24'' monitor at minimum. I don't mind paying $300 or so, so long as it does the job.

My big dilemma is the case I'm stuck with. I really do not want to have to go out and get another...

Thanks everyone (Rick and Wise), you've been immensely helpful!

thenew050

[RickyTick]

Here's two great cards that fit within your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130433
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161247