Hi all I want to build a powerful, gaming PC desktop. Here are the specs - I7 975 overclocked to 3.86 Ghz Nvidia dual gtx295 sli 24 gb ram Hard disk 1tb (this is actually the problem) wireless network card tv turner card Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium I got the specs from - Alienware Area-51 ALX. Here is the problem - I really need this Super talent Raiddrive GS http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/06/2tb-ssd-runs-crazy-fast-burns-desks/ Main Link - http://www.supertalent.com/products/ssd_category_detail.php?type=RAIDDrive [ the one on the right ] But the thing is I have no more PCI slots. Where can I get a great motherboard with i7 975 support and with enough PCI slots to support all my adapters? And if there is any thing i can do to make it go faster (perhaps overclock to 4Ghz!?) or better video or sound card? And secondly- Should i buy the Alienware Area-51 ALX or should i build my own custom designed PC and then put in the SSD? Any reply appreciated TED
These boards will both support 2 PCIe-x16 cards plus a x8 card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136065 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128362 You might get slightly better performance from 12GB of ram (2GBx6), as the memory speed will be higher, and 12GB is already extreme overkill. I would recomend Corsair ram. As for video, I would go with twin 5870 cards if it was my build. The sound card is nice enough, though you might be happier with something from HT Omega if you have the slots once you are all done with everything else. For network, I know that the mainboard will have at least 2 gigabit ports onboard, but I would still drop the $25 on a nice intel adapter if wired networking will be used at all. As for overclocking, you could go with a phase change cooling system that would push the chip to its theoretical limits, but these setups are very expensive (over $1000). You forgot the power supply...I would go with a nice Corsair unit. Also, the TV tuner card will end up being a big issue if you plan to use it with HD cable or HD satelite. One other thing to keep in mind...Alienware was once a high-end PC builder catering to the performance croud. This changed when Dell bought them, and they now cut corners in order to save money...and they don't pass the saving along to you. If you want top-of-the-line, don't copy Alienware.
Your going to spend $6000 on hard drive(s) by itself? Thats a bit on the extreme side. If you truly have the budget, go for it, but atm Intel has proven to have the best SSDs on the market. 24 gb ram is ridiculous as well. TV Card - Are you really even going to use this? Regardless with out a make and model its hard to say much. Dont get the Alienware.
thanks for your reply. Yeah i really really need a 2tb supertalent ssd. I need this pc for audio/video edit and playing hardcore games. 1.which is better - dual gtx295 or dual 5870? 2.I took a look at these Motherboards - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136065 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128362 but i dont think they have enough slots for all my adapters. Can u help? (Are there any with USB 3.0 support) 3.And which Phase cooling system shall i use. for better performance i7 975. All of them are very complicated.
