Best Bang Per Buck Core i7 System Build

ExtremeTech builds a 'Bang for the Buck' based on the Intel Core i7 processor. The result was a combination of peripherals that give you the best value for your money.

Specifications:

• Antec 300 case
• Antec Earthwatts 650 PSU
• ASUS P6T motherboard
• Intel Core i7 920 processor
• 6GB (2x3 DIMMS) OCZ Gold DDR3 Triple-channel 1600MHz memory
• Western Digital WD1001FALS Black Ed. 1TB HDD
• Lite-On DH401S BD optical drive
• AMD ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB graphics card
• Creative SoundBlaster Titanium sound card
• Logitech Wave keyboard
• Logitech G5 mouse
• Dell S2409W Widescreen 1920x1080 LCD Monitor
• Creative GigaWorks T40 speakers
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit operating system

"This Bang for the Buck turned out more expensive than past efforts, but it's also more forward-looking. ... Even if you're only upgrading, we can't recommend higher each part in this system as it is, in our estimation, the best you can get for your money. Choose wisely, but consider this a guide. " [ExtremeTech | Build a Bang for the Buck PC]

The total bill for this build was US$2040. Take note that the setup is not a 'budget value system', but a best value and performance for your money build. If you prefer a different component, such as an AMD processor (and appropriate mobo of course) or Nvidia graphics card, you can just change the specs to your liking, using the above components as a guide.

IceRocket : best bang per buck pc, intel core i7

Four X58 Motherboards for Core i7 Compared

ExtremeTech rounded up four motherboards based on the Intel X58/ICH10R chipset. The mainboards tested were the Asus P6T (US$260), ECS X58B-A ($250), EVGA X58 3X SLI ($300), and Gigabyte EX58-UD4P ($270).

The test setup configuration was the following:

• Intel Core i7 920 processor
• 6GB (3x2GB) OCZ PC3-10666 DDR3 memory
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 750GB SATA 3Gbps HDD
• AMD ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1 operating system

"Take that ASUS P6T and build your Core i7 around it. Then overclock the bejeeszus out of it. You won't regret it." [ExtremeTech | X58 Motherboard Roundup]

While the ASUS P6T was the top choice, ExtremeTech also liked the Gigabyte EX58-UD4P:

"The Gigabyte EX58-UD4P, however, is a contender. It might not have overclocked as well as the P6T, but its feature set and its company reputation for support and stability go a long way toward a secondary recommendation." [ExtremeTech]

So, if you are planning to build a new system based on the Intel Core i7, and is highly interested in doing some serious overclocking, the Asus P6T motherboard would be on top of your list.

IceRocket : asus p6t, intel core i7, x58 motherboard