i7 Build Suggestions
Currently running a q6600 with 4GB on XP32. Looking to finally make the move to Vista64 and bump up some hardware a bit. For the most part, I'm either doing 3d rendering or video editing.
Interested in suggestions for an i7 system, main criteria being the best bang for the buck and not straight performance. Video card and all drives are fine, so really just cpu/cooler, mb, ram, and possibly psu. Also, although benchmarks looked promising, if someone's rec is to wait till xxxxxx comes out, I'd be interested in hearing that as well. TIA for any advice.
Interested in suggestions for an i7 system, main criteria being the best bang for the buck and not straight performance. Video card and all drives are fine, so really just cpu/cooler, mb, ram, and possibly psu. Also, although benchmarks looked promising, if someone's rec is to wait till xxxxxx comes out, I'd be interested in hearing that as well. TIA for any advice.
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Core i7 920 ($280)
6GB of OCZ/G.SKILL/Corsair DDR3-1600 ($100)
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TOT: $617 USD
Throw in your favorite Corsair or PCP&C PSU and your upgrade is a shade over $700 w/ shipping.
Stock cooler is fine.
Honestly, My advice would be to wait for Windows 7 64 bit to come along. You have realy nice modern hardware right now, why burn cash on a 64 bit OS upgrade when you are just going to covet 7 when it comes out in fall?
Also, I am not sure when its going to happen, but I belive AMD has some plans that involve the stream computing model they have been talking about. Unlocking those stream clusters on the video cards for extra processising might do far more for 3D renders then the brute force aproach of the i7. Its hard to say, its all conjecture at this point, but I think given the quality of your current hardware, its worth the wait for Windows 7 64 bit before you decide what hardware to replace.
The DFI board is good, but you'll have to decide if the added hybrid power setup and slightly better board performance are worth it in your case. It's the difference between running 89 and 93 octane gas in a Nehalem V8.
Also, what would anyone think about waiting a bit longer for a Xeon 55xx system. Would the extra chip be worth the additional cost?
As for a pair of Xeon 5000-series CPUs, it's worth it if you're willing to cash in $1500-1700 for the chips and board alone.