Friends planning a PC out

[Minions]

Intel Core i7 860
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2
Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 92mm Fluid Dynamic CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

MSI P55 GD65 Motherboard
Newegg.com - MSI P55-GD65 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Sapphire Radeon HD 5850
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

OCZ 6GB DDR3 1600
Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Desktop Memory

Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - Internal Hard Drives

LG BH08LS20 Blu-Ray Burner
Newegg.com - LG 8X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 6X BD-ROM 2MB Cache Blu-ray Burner Model BH08LS20 - Blu-Ray Burners

Cooler Master Storm Scout Case
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

So, I'm helping a friend build a pc, he's spending around 1300~ or so he says, however i'm sure it will be 1500~ by the time we are all done. So far I've mentioned to him that the ram is tri channel, the 860 only supports dual channel. Any comments towards a new board, or anything else feel free to comment. I've suggested a cosmos case, though its more expensive than the one currently listed, and since I'm helping him build it a month from now, and am use to the easy cable management. As far as I can see at a minimum (other than ram) the whole setup should work, and that is at least a start.

[Cephius]

No power supply? Probably going to want a 650W or so.

I'm not a big fan of MSI motherboards but I haven't been keeping up on the good i7 boards so I don't have anything else to recommend you. EVGA boards tend to be solid if you don't mind laying out some extra cash.

Also might want to consider a raptor or SSD as the OS drive instead of throwing everything on the 1TB.

[Fisban]

Haha your a brave one... I would never build or suggest parts to a friend. They always blame you if something doesn't work out and when they are stupid and break it.

[Solefald]

looks fine, aside from the ram like you mentioned. personally i would get a 120mm cooler instead, it should be quieter and cooler than that one. msi doesn't have the best track record on motherboards, but that particular one got great reviews.

one note, when choosing new ram, be sure to get ram that is certified for the new cpus, and 1.65v or less. ram that is over 1.65v is rumored to overvolt the memory controller that's built in to the i5/7, possibly damaging the cpu.

[Olo401]

I'd wait on that particular cooler until some reviews come in for the revised version, or go with something else that's already been tested & reviewed thoroughly.

[Harajuku]

Looks like a very solid build, but if you can spare the extra, I'd get: Newegg.com - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops and Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

[Nattack]

if you're going to be building a nuclear reactor, why not go all out on the input devices too? if you're going so far as to get a ricermade casemod, mayas well get a logitech G19 and maybe a mouse that gives off a light when the hand that holds it is pregnant.

just a thought, having a sleek 1500$ black box paired up with a beige keyboard is silly.

other than that it looks like everythings already been said, a quality power supply (for lack of can lay waste to your fancy innards) and the ram not actually fitting in the motherboard, all i can say is i sure hope the new technology doesnt have a drop in price soon

[Amastacia]

I've generally been happier with Gigabyte than MSI motherboards.

Also, not sure on that HSF. I pretty much only shop Thermalright, because they are consistently the best. If you're planning on an aggressive overclock on an i7, I totally think the IFX-14 + fans are worth the money.

I kind of disagree with Cephius on the OS drive. That's blatantly a "decent, but cost effective" gaming rig. Neither a VelociRaptor nor an SSD are cost effective, though they are quite nice.

As for cases, Lian Li's reputation is 100% deserved. Minimalist design, attractive, and incredibly well-thought-out. In terms of making the build and maintenance process quick and easy, they are utterly spectacular.

[Minions]

I'm kinda partial to the 920, but it does run alot higher due to the power it draws. I honestly am fine with doing either of them. I suggested a gigabyte/evga board to him, as I've always had nothing but success from evga as well, and their RMA's are quick and painless.

[Fisban]

Microcenter.com is selling the 920 for 199$ right now.

[Olo401]

Microcenter.com is selling the 920 for 199$ right now.

Is that an in-store only price? If so it's a great deal if you live near one of their stores.

[Fisban]

yea, in-store only

[Fisban]

Also have Q9550 for 169$

Which is what I got a few months ago, wish they had the 920 deal then -_-

[SaviorSelf]

If you're building it for your friend, couldn't you just use a site like ibuypower? Probably wouldn't blame you if anything or bug you for advice.

(Is ibuypower even good? I see lots of shinies but I don't cross check prices on the things from there.)

[Minions]

If you're building it for your friend, couldn't you just use a site like ibuypower? Probably wouldn't blame you if anything or bug you for advice.

(Is ibuypower even good? I see lots of shinies but I don't cross check prices on the things from there.)

Its fine if you want to pay the premium for someone else to do it. From their prices, I saved around 400~600 on the rig I built while shopping around.

People don't make businesses if they can't cant turn a profit. No offense to ibuypower, but when you head to microcenter and pick up the same processor and mobo for 100~+ off the price they charge that's just unacceptable as far as I'm concerned.

[SaviorSelf]

So they pretty much just charge a few hundred extra just to put it all together? Good to know, thanks. :D

[viperlasson]

Get two of these hdd's and raid0 them

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Awesome performance.

Also a note on ibuypower and all those other kinds of websites.... I'm not sure if you can choose the manufacturer of all your hardware, but if you cant, im sure they will put in the cheapest that they can find. The good thing about building it yourself is that you choose the hardware AND its manufacturer yourself.