Originally Posted by jrharvey

Your an architecture major huh? ME TOO> Check out my portfolio in my SIG. This build looks good to me. I would splurge on a second monitor. TRUST ME, you will need it. Core i7 is great choice for architecture and rendering.

EDIT: you could always get a GTX 260 and a P6T if your trying to lower the price a bit.

Originally Posted by jouno53

I don't know if they've already been mentioned, but here's some quick changes I suggest for your build if you were to get it relatively soon.

Get the Coolermaster 690. I've heard a ton of good things about it, and the cooling on it looks a lot better than that Lian li case. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137

Also, I would suggest getting this power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

Here are some money saving options as well that people have been recommending:

GTX 260 core 216: Huge bang for the buck http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127409

The PSU mentioned above

and I would recommend that Xigmatek cooler as well.

Originally Posted by 003

A small part of me dies every time I see somebody spending money for an operating system. Hint hint, wink wink. Perhaps we could chat via e-mail to discuss other alternatives, such as, uh, Linux of course PM me your e-mail if that sounds interesting to you.

Also, I would recommend GTX280 SLI over that GTX285. On e-bay there are tons of new GTX280s going for dirt cheap, for like $250. This for example.

If you do decide to get an operating system for free, this would be a fantastic route to take. Great performance.

And I would recommend the P6T Deluxe (not the V2) over the P6T.

Originally Posted by spartacus

Also since you have time, you can wait around until you get a great sale, discount codes, or free shipping on most components. Every little bit helps

Also, since you're a student, you can probably get some deals on an OS--either from the campus IT department, or Microsoft's freebies and giveaways. (Linux would be great too, but c'mon-- you gotta have some sick games to throw on a new i7 build with a nice gpu. )

Originally Posted by Manyak

That's a pretty good build, but there are a few things you should change to get a better bang for your buck.


1: Change the hard drive. There are other hard drives that cost exactly the same price that perform twice as well as the one you picked and has more space. Such as the WD6400AAKS. Two 320GB platters is faster than two 250GB platters since the data is crammed closer together (thereby giving you much lower seek times). And you get more space out of it as well. You could also go for a single 500GB platter (best performance) with a Seagate 7200.12.

2: Change the PSU. You really don't need 850W unless you want some expansion-proofing. And even so, you can go with this Corsair 750W for $105 AR and save yourself $35.

3: Use your Student Status. Since you're a student, you get nice discounts on software. See if your college has an MSDNAA subscription, because if they do you can get Vista Business for free. And if they don't have one, you can also use your student status to get Vista Ultimate Red for only $65.

4: Change the keyboard. I've tried that logitech, and the keys are pretty stiff. The wide tops are great for gaming because you can hit far-away keys with very little errors, but you will despise typing your reports and stuff on it because it will tire your fingers out pretty quick. Instead, use the savings from the previous parts I listed and get a Deck keyboard. They are great for gaming (with no ghosting) and their feel is absolutely amazing. And they easily last 20 years + even if you abuse them. And their warranty even covers modding it if you choose to do so. They are a bit pricey, but I swear to you, you will consider it the best purchase out of this entire build. After all, about 75% of your interaction with the PC is through the keyboard, why skimp on it?

Originally Posted by jrharvey

Hey thanks, I use Rhino3d for all the modeling and Vray to render. I have been using a plugin for rhino called grasshopper alot lately. Its really cutting edge software. I love it.

EDIT: Alot of people will segguest going SLI or Crossfire but I have to step in and say it will really only help for gaming. It wont help for architecture at all. I havnt found any applications that utilize SLI very well. The FUTURE is GPU computing for rendering and such but we just arent there yet for professional applications. Thats why I ditched my SLI setup.

Originally Posted by Manyak

Oh, I also forgot to add - one of these SpaceNavigators supposedly helps tons. I got my girlfriend one (shes a designer too) and she swears up and down she'll never go back to 3d modeling without one.

Originally Posted by esocid

I second 003. Go FOSS or get a discount through your IT dept. Ubuntu is easiest to jump into imho, but I'm partial to Fedora.

As for what Manyak said, I agree. Logitech makes some great stuff, but I haven't heard good things about their keyboards. I recently got a split ergo keyboard (m$ natural ergo 4000) and really like it. They suck, but somehow make good peripherals. Took about 2 weeks to be able to type normally on it, but made my wrists feel better.

If I had the money the i7 would've been great, and will be especially for your graphic design, won't hurt for gaming either .

PSU- go for the 750, I have it and it works great. Runs really cool too. It'll be fine for SLI. But then again, if you want 2 295s the 850 might actually be better.

The gtx295 is a beast, but I would say go for the 285. You won't miss much by the time you either upgrade or get another one for SLI. Plus close to $600 is ridiculous to spend on a VGA if you ask me. There's an evga gtx285 at newegg for $309 after rebate. I've had no problem with their rebates by the way. If you have the money to spend you can run 2 in sli for $600, which outperform the single 295. evga is great for overclocking, lifetime warranty which covers any damage from overclocking.

Originally Posted by Pings

For school? Sound more like a gaming PC to me. Nice build though.

Originally Posted by Maian

Not sure if this is the correct place, but others have posted potential builds in need of assistance, so I followed suit.

I'm building a new computer after this semester is over. It's going to serve two purposes: Gaming and Rendering (Architecture). I would prefer if this computer would last me until I graduate (4 years starting next fall), with minor upgrades if necessary. I would prefer to keep it at $1,500, but under $1,600 is somewhat acceptable. I have to buy an entire system (monitor, OS, all of it).

Here's what I have so far:
Lian-Li PC-7B plus II -- $79.99
ASUS P6T Motherboard -- $239.99
Intel Core i7 920 -- $288.99
Xigmatek Dark Knight -- $39.99
G.Skill 6GB DDR3-1600 -- $89.99
eVGA GTX 260 -- $199.00
Corsair 750TX PSU -- $124.99
WD Caviar 640GB 7200RPM -- $69.99 x2
LG DVD-/+R -- $24.99
Acer 22" LCD -- $159.99

I have a Logitech G9 mouse that I use with my laptop, so that's the only thing I don't need.

Overall, this comes out to $1,416.27. Is there any assumed price drops coming this summer? Initially I was planning on ordering these parts (I have 0 of the above listed parts) during the second week of May or so. If there is supposed to be a price-drop in June, then I won't mind waiting. Also, if there are cheaper solutions (without losing much, if any, performance) while maintaining this platform (Core i7) then I am all ears. If the difference between GTX 285s SLI and GTX 275s SLI is slim (not necessarily noticeable) at 1680x1050, then I may go with the 275s. I am looking for a single card right now because I will SLI later, but I am open to suggestions.

Oh yea, I have about $3,000 left over from my Student Loans this past year (I got $18,000 because that was the estimated cost of living, but I was left with like $3,750 after I paid for school). So, as a result, I'm not necessarily pressed for money, but I would just like to not spend too much if I can help it.

As it stands, I'm having to get a brand new build because I have no desktop right now, and only a laptop, so the general consensus seems to be if upgrading from a C2Q, it may not be worth it, but if building a whole new system, i7 seems to be the way to go.



EDITS:
-- Changed Motherboard from eVGA x58 to the ASUS P6T.
-- Changed Power Supply from Silverstone Element 850 to Corsair 750TX.
-- Changed Video Card from eVGA GTX 285 to eVGA GTX 260.
-- Changed Hard Drive from WD Caviar Black 500GB to WD Caviar 640GB (x2).
-- Changed CPU cooler from Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 to XIGMATEK Dark Knight.
-- Removed OS Choice (much cheaper through school).


I might get the Xiggy DK, or I might wait and get a TRUE or the Optimus Prime when I feel the need for overclocking.

Originally Posted by roflcopt3r

May I suggest the monitor that I have? Its only $10 more after promo code and it does 1920x1080 on a 21.5 Incher! I love it. And I know from personal experience that big resolution is great for 3D programs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009157