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$4000 Budget: Feedback on build please?! |
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scotts87 
AVADirect Noob 
Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 15 |
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 Topic: $4000 Budget: Feedback on build please?!Posted: 28 Feb 2012 at 2:25am |
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I came here from a competitor build-site, due to concerns over there with regard to delivery and service quality. So far I like what I see and hear with AVA Direct!
I wish to stay below $4K. I am not an extreme overclocker, but I am interested in toying with overclocking. I have selected a quality CPU aircooler, and stayed away from water cooling. I am open to switching to water cooling, if I can be convinced that I need it. The huge cooling capacity that comes with the Thermaltake Level 10 GT, I don't think I need water cooling. My gaming is currently limited to WoW, FSX, X-Plane 10, and in the future maybe some of the Battlefield games and GTA5 when it comes out. I don't do video editing, or anything else that is hugely processor intensive. I am concerned with my SSD choice. I am hearing issues with SandForce SSD controllers. I know Intel makes some great SSD's....but I am thinking I should change my selection for my SSD. I am at peace with my Graphics Card  Is AVA Direct on backorder with these 7970's?? Anyway, I look forward to hopefully doing business with AVA Direct. Feedback is definitely appreciated!! |
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff 
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1339 |
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Posted: 28 Feb 2012 at 10:09am |
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Hello scotts87,
I really like the build you have put together! I do have a few concerns that I wish to bring to your attention. The CPU cooler is great, don't get me wrong...the problem lies in the design of the X79 motherboards. Due ot the DIMM slot placement, it makes it very difficult to install practically every 8 x 4 RAM kit without there be issues when trying to mount the CPU cooler; it's pretty much impossible. For that reason, Intel actually recommends using a liquid cooler. If you plan on using this system for gaming, you would be better off going with Sandy Bridge to alleviate all of these concerns. If not that, wait for Ivy Bridge to release in April. If you decide to move forward with a Corsair liquid cooling unit then you limit your aabilityto overclock. They're not really built to handle overclocks, just a nice, quiet alternative to air coolers...definitely something to think about! We as well have heard and even experienced issues with Sandforce controllers. For that, I typically recommend Intel or Crucial M4 SSDs. If you want a combination of reliability and performance, go with the Crucial M4 series SSD, you will not regret it! The 7970's are not on back order, but they are a little difficult to obtain. Worse case scenario, we may ask you to switch to a different brand if the XFX is not available, but we shouldn't have a large issue obtaining a 7970 for you. Those are the only concerns I have; the direction in which you are going with this configuration is very smart so keep at it! |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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scotts87
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 15 |
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Posted: 28 Feb 2012 at 10:46am |
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Thanks a lot for the feedback! These are definitely issues that did not come up in my prior research. I don't have a LOT of experience with the various new motherboards and CPU's. I've heard of Sandy Bridge CPU archetecture, and I do know that Ivy Bridge is supposed to be coming out in a few months. Not sure if its something I should wait on, because even if Ivy is faster, will it be fast enough to notice a difference based on what I do, and am I also willing to pay the premium any Ivy Bridge system will require. To be honest, I THOUGHT the CPU I have selected is Sandy Bridge? How can I tell? I don't recall anything in the CPU specs saying Sandy Bridge specifically, but maybe I missed something. The reason I picked the X79 motherboard is due to the fact it has 8 DIMM slots, and it has plenty of good reviews. If there are other motherboards that are highly rated, have 8 DIMM slots, and are more accommodating to the various cooling options, then I would love to review the suggested choices. |
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scotts87
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 15 |
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Posted: 28 Feb 2012 at 4:23pm |
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OK, so I have done some more research, and I have taken some of the advice here. My current build now looks like this:
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1339 |
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Posted: 29 Feb 2012 at 10:38am |
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Hello scotts87,
No problem, it's a pleasure to assist you! I apologize for the confusion; I should have cleared that the system you originally configured was based off of the Sandy Bridge-E process, and I was recommending taking a look at the original Sandy Bridge chipset. The new config is schnazzy for sure! Keep in mind, if you decide to use that liquid cooling case you will need to do one of two things to ensure it reaches you sasafelygiven the added sensitivity from the liquid cooling parts: -Have the system shipping by freight (+$250) -Ship the system via second day air or next day (+$200/+$350) The goal is to ensure you receive the system with zero damage, considering the mess a damaged liquid cooling system is amplified x10 when compared to an air cooled configuration. You're definitely hitting many sweet spots of the socket, though, good job!
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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scotts87
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 15 |
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Posted: 29 Feb 2012 at 10:45am |
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Ok....more homework on the Sandy Bridge processors, and many of the other high end chips like Xeon. Since Xeon seems to be better suited to video editing, and running servers (VERY stable), and the i7 family of CPU's is more aimed at gaming applications, I'm committed to going the i7 route.
Within that family, I had to choose between 990X, 3930, and the 2600 (or 2700). It seems like the 2700 falls nicely between the 990x and the 3930. In all reality, I don't really think I will fully utilize 6 cores anyway....so its the 2700. I am eager to get some feedback on my choice of CPU cooler, I love this one because its so QUIET yet effective. My Motherboard choice came after some research as well. If anyone has some feedback on my selection (pro's cons) I'd be happy to entertain. I am willing to modify my choice. My SSD and HDD choices seem to be good choices. I was going to go with the 256 GB Crucial M4, but based on what I read online, the 128 GB has actually FASTER transfer rates. Question on RAID: do I need to add this? What is it good for? Question on Power Supply (most important component!): is my selection considered to be the best choice of all that are available? This build is currently running $3150, so I have room in my budget to upgrade. Thanks, here is my build in its current form: GAMING PC, Core™ i5 / i7 Z68 3-way SLI® / CrossFireX™ Custom Gaming System |
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scotts87
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 15 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 29 Feb 2012 at 11:07am |
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Since I appear to have some money left in my budget, I will surely consider one of the two options you have mentioned. The "competitor" site I mentioned before, did offer an enhanced protection shipping package. That involved added padding/foam inside and around the case to provide maximum protection from jarring or sudden movements (God forbid DROPPING!!). Ugh I just have images in my mind of that video over Xmas of the express delivery driver TOSSING a nice high quality monitor over the fence of the home that ordered it. Anyway, does AVA Direct offer any sort of enhanced protection of the system during shipment? Thanks Scott |
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Jmundy
AVADirect Staff
AVADirect Sales Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Location: AVADirect HQ Posts: 1339 |
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Posted: 29 Feb 2012 at 3:42pm |
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Hello scotts87,
The CPU cooler choice is certainly a great one. If you like that cooler, you may want to look at this: http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=22164 Motherboard was a great choice, good job. RAID is completely moot if you're using an SSD. RAID was designed to create, either a performance increase or data redundancy, by setting multiple hard drives to run in unison...the SSD basically eliminates the need for all the above. Cooler master has some great power supplies, but if you're looking for high-quality and low-noise then take a look at Seasonic; one of the best in the industry: http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=22384 I believe we spoke over the phone, but just to elaborate we do not offer that type of options simply because we do not need it. Our method of internal packaging has worked very well for us and will continue to work well on future builds based on our logilogisticsn't worry, we have a premier account with FedEx so we will make sure no one will toss your computers over the fence, to your door, etc...not to mention, they've had to be HUGE to get that done with one of our PCs. |
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Joseph Mundy
Assistant Sales Manager 1-216-503-6361 joseph.mundy@avadirect.com |
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JimmyX
AVADirect Noob
Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Location: LaPierre Posts: 1 |
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Posted: 06 Nov 2012 at 2:00pm |
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Hi,
Are you satisfied with the your PC for X-Plane 10? I am currently looking to build a PC that will accommodate maxed out settings. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks! |
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James
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vikonic
AVADirect Admins 
Joined: 11 Nov 2011 Posts: 350 |
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Posted: 09 Nov 2012 at 10:50am |
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Indeed, scotts87 please let us know how your experience with X-Plane 10 has been. We're going to be extending our forum dedicating to gaming and this kind of information would be very helpful.
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Vedran Ikonic
Technical Support Manager 216-503-6374 Option 4 support@avadirect.com How To Guides - FREE Troubleshooting Help from AVADirect Problems with your Computer? - Post HERE |
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