Re: Wanting to build a computer.
The i7-920 chip is blazing fast, but you're definitely going to pay a premium for it. The 1366 socket motherboards are usually >$200 (some cheaper usually with a mail in rebate). If you really want the i7 architecture, I would look more at the 1156 socket type. You're paying a little more for the chip (i7 860 vs i7 920), but saving a lot more for the motherboard without losing anything in processor performance. Granted, even the 1156 mobo's can go for >$200, but there are plenty of $150 range motherboards. Unfortunately, if you want to go the i7 route, you're looking at $800-$900 range, without OS or monitor. Since you're keeping your HDTV as your monitor, that should be fine. Microsoft is still running Windows 7 for ~$30 if you have a valid .edu email (some people have bypassed this by getting an australia.edu account, google search that one). If you want to be able to build a solid system for less than $700, look into AMD-based computers. The great thing about them is their processor socket types are for the most part, compatible (AM2, AM2+, AM3). As long as you choose compatible parts. With Intels, if you got socket 775 motherboard, you'll only be able to upgrade to other 775 chips; same goes for socket 1156 and 1366. So that's another variable to think about. I personally have a mobo that supports AM2, AM2+, and AM3 chips and currently running a AM2+ chip. But that obviously leaves me room in the future to run an AM3 chip if I choose to do so. Anyway, let me know if you have any more questions.
The i7-920 chip is blazing fast, but you're definitely going to pay a premium for it. The 1366 socket motherboards are usually >$200 (some cheaper usually with a mail in rebate). If you really want the i7 architecture, I would look more at the 1156 socket type. You're paying a little more for the chip (i7 860 vs i7 920), but saving a lot more for the motherboard without losing anything in processor performance. Granted, even the 1156 mobo's can go for >$200, but there are plenty of $150 range motherboards. Unfortunately, if you want to go the i7 route, you're looking at $800-$900 range, without OS or monitor. Since you're keeping your HDTV as your monitor, that should be fine. Microsoft is still running Windows 7 for ~$30 if you have a valid .edu email (some people have bypassed this by getting an australia.edu account, google search that one). If you want to be able to build a solid system for less than $700, look into AMD-based computers. The great thing about them is their processor socket types are for the most part, compatible (AM2, AM2+, AM3). As long as you choose compatible parts. With Intels, if you got socket 775 motherboard, you'll only be able to upgrade to other 775 chips; same goes for socket 1156 and 1366. So that's another variable to think about. I personally have a mobo that supports AM2, AM2+, and AM3 chips and currently running a AM2+ chip. But that obviously leaves me room in the future to run an AM3 chip if I choose to do so. Anyway, let me know if you have any more questions.
Comment