Speculative Build Feedback: i7-970

[thornomad]

Am close now! Wanted some feedback on this setup if you please:

Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R $184.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128423
Seems like the gold standard around here - why not!

Intel i7-970 $594.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115066
I do a bit of video editing - I could save $300 by dropping to the i7-960 but I am so tempted to get six cores it hurts me. Plus VMs running ... come on! I may not need it but I want it.

GIGABYTE GV-R577UD-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125309
Don't know a thing about graphics cards - will this use the display port so I can hook it up to a 27" LED from Apple (with the money I save building my own)?

CORSAIR 12GB RAM $109.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

Sony Optiaric DVD Burner - AD-7260S-0B $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118039

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W $69.99 (deal expires today)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Antec 300 Case $59.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

My Thoughts

The whole thing comes to $1,150 today - which seems pretty good for what I am getting (6-core beast!). The only thing I am not sure about is if I need an after-market CPU cooler ... I have never used one of those before and am not sure if it is necessary if I won't be overclocking. If it's recommended, I just need to find a simple model.

Also - I plan to get a new Intel SSD when they release their 320 series ... for now will just be using all the HDs I have accumulated over the years (maybe 5+).

Am interested to know what folks think -- from what I've seen on the site I think the main components should be compatible ... not sure about the i7-970 but I would imagine it is fine.

Thanks!

 

[thornomad]

Yes and yes. Although Intel are improving their stock coolers, even without overclocking getting an aftermarket cooler can help extend the life of your Proc, not to mention reduce overall temperature. I would HIGHLY recommend the following cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181010&cm_re=corsair_cooler-_-35-181-010-_-Product

If you are going for air alone, this cooler is getting great reviews (plus it looks BA): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055

Thanks for those recommendations - when you say, "if you are going for air alone" is that just a preference people go for or do I need to make other considerations if I am using liquid based cooling? And, do I have buy my own thermal compound or is everything I need in the box?

Thanks! Will use the referral links.

They were a little pricier than I had hoped but I will take a read on each of them.

 

[jpa]

woow 970