What Motherboard, CPU, and RAM should I buy?

[Draug]

I dont have time to do hardly any research (crashes happen at the worst time!) and CP is a better option than going into Memory Express and saying "Hook me up".

I had a Gigabyte P35-DS4 motherboard (and a Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66Ghz) which has two onboard Raid/Sata controllers. One is a 6 port intel controller, and the other is a 2 port Gigabyte one. The Gigabyte one has failed...

I am forced to buy another Gigabyte MB because I need the 6 port Intel controller to reconnect my two Raid5 volumes. I used the 2 port Gigabyte controller as well for a Raid0 volume (but may go Raid1 this time).

Of course, I havent kept up with the latest in Processors, since I bought my last one about 18 months ago. Should I buy an i7 processor, motherboard, and suitable RAM? Or, do the Core2 Duo's still hold thier own? The i7 920 for $340 looks like a good price point. Given that a Core2 Duo Gigabyte board with Intel Raid is well over $200 anyway, the increased cost for the i7 mb is not too big of a deal.

I have an 850W corsair powersupply, so power shouldnt be a problem. I like to game (although never have the time anymore) and use the computer a ton for High Definition video.

Well, what should I buy?

[TSXCman]

I'd hope you not deal with Memory Express at all, no longer much good for deals.

whatever you do get help with in terms of products, check out tigerdirect and redflagdeals. Sometimes you can find items up to 80% off

[Esoteric]

If you say the i7 price point isn't that big of a deal, go for it. Best choice I made when building my new PC. It's blazing fast; you especially notice it in day to day activities, like using WinRAR, and converting music and video files.

It is going to cost a bit more then the older processors, so likely you can pick up the processor for $340, the mobo for however much, and 6 GB of DDR3 for $120 (NCIX this week). It'll be money well spent.

[cal_guy]

Couldn't you just buy an PCI-E raid card?

[Draug]

Yes, I suppose I could have done that ... I didnt actually think of that.

I ended up getting an Intel Core i7 920 2.66Ghz, Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 motherboard, and 6GB of Corsair DDR3 1600Mhz RAM. The cost added up, but it should be sweet.

Now, I need to get a video card... the 2.5 year old 7950GT just isnt going to cut it!

[bomber317]

Originally Posted by TSXCman

I'd hope you not deal with Memory Express at all, no longer much good for deals.

whatever you do get help with in terms of products, check out tigerdirect and redflagdeals. Sometimes you can find items up to 80% off

Just price match with them at memex, then you don't have to deal with shipping and get the parts right away.

[mykalberta]

Dell deals today, 4GB Kingston Ram $60

Also last week they had deals on an Intel P4 QC and Mobo package.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Draug

Yes, I suppose I could have done that ... I didnt actually think of that.

I ended up getting an Intel Core i7 920 2.66Ghz, Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 motherboard, and 6GB of Corsair DDR3 1600Mhz RAM. The cost added up, but it should be sweet.

Now, I need to get a video card... the 2.5 year old 7950GT just isnt going to cut it!

I just bought the same MOBO and processor, they are freakin sweet. You will LOVE how fast your system is going to be.

[dissentowner]

Just go buy a Mac, you'll feel better!

[Cliche]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Just go buy a Mac, you'll feel better!

Apple Tax FTL

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by Cliche

Apple Tax FTL

But just think of all the extra smug they include with their machines.