April 09 build - realistic expactations?

The price of bluray drives quartered after HD-DVD disappeared. it might go down a bit later on, but probably not by much.

 

I can't seem to find anywhere if it's best to install DDR3 memory in pairs. I'm trying to figure out if I should wait until DDR3 RAM comes down in price and then get 4 - 2GB modules (2-2GB modules list for $180). I read somewhere a long time ago that all DDR memory should be installed in pairs to get the most out of the RAM speed.

 

core i7 uses triple channel memory so it is best to use 3 sticks. 3x2gb. ram prices have dropped a little bit. a 6gb ddr3 1333 set is about $180. i would not wait till memory prices drop to build because you will always be waiting. just build when you need the computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161303

 

i7's memory performance is better than core 2s even with pairs, but it's vastly better if you use trios.

 

Great. Thanks for the added info guys. I'm getting closer and closer!

 

Vista 64 has been absolutely seamless for me. Naturally it will be different for different hardware but the only compatibility problem I've run into is trying to get old console emulators to work properly. 32 bit applications can run fine on a 64 bit system, and Vista also has a compatibility mode to let you run applications as if they were on XP.

 

Ok,I know it's been a while, but I've been holding off due to budget constraints (car repairs). Winding down now to the end.....

Using the suggestions you guys made, I've been adding and subtracting things from my cart fo the past couple of months, and watching the prices go down.

Here is what I am about to settle with:

MOBO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188046

GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102804

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152035

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231223

BLURAY READER
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106277

Total cost is $919 ($860 after rabates). The gpu is adequate for my needs. And it's cheap enough to upgrade in 6 months or so if I feel I need to. Plus the lower price allows me to squeeze in a modes Blu Ray reader.

Final thoughts before I pull the trigger would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for all your help!

 

EVGA have a mixed record for motherboards, you can do better. The chip that enables Triple-SLI is also a weak link, you won't need it.

Graphics card is alright, but very basic. Why such a ridiculously expensive motherboard and minimalist low-end graphics card? I'm going to assume this system is only for HD video, not for games.

PSU is diabolical, Raidmax PSUs are positively dangerous.
CPU and RAM are fine, BluRay drive is fine, assuming you actually need one.


My recommended changes to the motherboard and PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

 

Yes, it's primarily for HD video. Not much of a PC gamer, except for the occasional RTS. I was thinking that a more fully loaded mobo would allow for upgrades in the years to come. And that I could always upgrade the video card next year or something.

I wanted the bluray reader so that I can rip my blurays. I don't like using disc media for viewing movies and such. My PS3 is fine for playing them, but I would rather extend the life of any device I have by streaming and minimizing its use to occasional. My Popcorn Hour is great for that.

Thanks for the input on the mobo. I am all set now!