Hi all, Apologies for yet another I7 build thread. I am currently looking at a new PC - but do I build it myself or buy? If I build I will go for the following components, with Windows 7 as the OS. Any comments on build? CPU - Intel Core i7 920 Memory - 6GB (3x2GB) CorsairXMS3, DDR3 PC3-10666 Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R OR Asus P6T SE Harddrive - 1TB Samsung HD103UJ Spinpoint PSU - 750W TX Corsair PSU Case - Akasa Omega - Black Aluminum Case Cooling - Noctua NH-U12P Graphics - 1GB Sapphire HD4890 Opitcal Drive - Samsung SH-S223Q/BEBN Monitor - 24" Samsung SM2433BW Keyboard - Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard Mouse - Logitech G5 Laser Gaming Mouse Total(inc VAT) £1,341.56 (£1116 excluding the monitor) However, Pcspecialist could build a similar spec system for £1139 which includes 1 year warrenty (the case would be Coolermaster 900). So which is better pre-built or home made? I know with home made I will be getting all of the componenets I want. However,buying prebuilt means at least I have someone else to blame if things go wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
home made definatly but there are a few things i would change graphics 275 GTX cooling titan fenrir motherboard Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R other wise very good choises
I was faced with this same choice last month (not for an i7 though, as my budget was lower). I couldn't find a prebuilt one that came in below my budget and had all the components I wanted. A lot of them had cheap RAM or cheap PSUs, or you had to pay lots more for a decent case. Ended up deciding I could build it myself so I read up on the do's and don't and asked for a bit of advice on a few forums and built it myself. Ok there's no overall warranty, but each of the components has a warranty. By the time you have learned to build it yourself, you will understand how to identify which component is at fault if you have a problem, and if you are stuck just get on the forum and ask for help. How technically minded are you? If you would consider yourself to be even of average intelligence then build it yourself. It's just like a big lego set really, you just follow the instructions and the feeling of satisfaction afterwards is great. Much better than just opening a box, unwrapping your computer and plugging it in. After having built my first computer I don't think i'd ever buy a pre-built one ever again.
+ 1 for the motherboard go for the gigabyte EX58 UD3R, i have one and it has no problem overclocking to 4.2Ghz. Dont go for pre-built system build it yourself its more enjoyable and you learn alot
Went through a very similar thought process with a similar budget a month or so ago. I went for the self build option as my theory was that I would change bits over time. Was great fun and a real learning exercise ... also means I know every cable and screw. Went for a similar spec to you but went with an Antec 1200 case - I also went for a 4890 and it has been brill. The motherboard I went for was the Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 which was / is a dream to work with. Also went for a Be Quiet Dark Power Pro PSU which I would recomend. Build yourself - you'll enjoy it.
Thanks for the input all. Just a question regarding the PSU - would the systems run fine with a 650W Be Quiet Dark Power PSU or should I be looking at 750W or more - I don't plan on overclocking. I did notice on the Pcspecialist site it said that the power requirements for the system was around 450W and the PSU I had chosen was a bit of overkill Thanks again
Have found the Be Quiet Dark Power Pro 650W to be a great unit. Comes with an excellent cable selection too. Highly recommended.
Think I will go for the Be Quiet Dark Power Pro 650W PSU and the Noctua NH-U12P for cooling as its quieter than the titan fenrir although it pushes my costs up. Will order all my bits soon - thanks again all
