How to Build a Intel Core i7 System from Start to Finish




Build a system to last the test of time. In this demonstration, I show you how to install an Intel Core i7 on a Gigabyte GA-X58-A UD5 (Socket LGA1366) with 8GB DDR3 RAM using a CoolerMaster Centurion 534, CoolerMaster 600W Power Supply (PSU), and Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 120MM Heatpipe Cooler (RR-B10-212P-G1). For video graphics, we install a SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100281VX-2SR Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2 x 16 video card. We use a 128GB Crucial SSD to get us started with plenty of expansion room for future drives. OCZ Gold DDR3 1066 is used for the install. With a world class processor, motherboard, memory, hard drive and video graphics card, once you know how to install he mounting brackets for the cooler (heatsink/fan), the installation is literally a breeze, and you will be extending the life of your future proof desktop for a long time to come. The end result: A quiet PC that idles at 30C and passes Prime95 burn-in flawlessly. It's important to note that newer motherboards like the Gigabyte UD7 include built-in eSATA, USB3 ports, and SATA3 slots which can be a big consideration if you are looking to do it yourself (DIY) and build your own system today. With more memory and additional hard drives, this system could easily be commissioned as a high-powered server as well.


Parts and Components used:

  • Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58-A UD5 (03/11/2010-X58-ICH10-7A89QG05C-00) Northbridge: Intel Tylersburg X58; Intel Nehalem IMC Southbridge: Intel 82801JR ICH10R
  • Processor: QuadCore Intel Core i7 920, 2833 MHz (21 x 135); CPU on Idle: 33 °C (91 °F)
  • Memory: OCZ Gold XTC OCZ3G1333LV2G DDR3-1066 (533 MHz)
  • Hard Drive: Crucial CT128M225 2.5" 128GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Case/Chassis: COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKRK-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
  • Heatsink/Fan: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler
  • Power Supply (PSU): COOLER MASTER Extreme Power Plus 600W w/Latest Spec for High Profile Graphics and Intel Core i3/i5/i7
  • Video Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100281VX-2SR Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready
  • Thermal Compound: Artic Silver 5
  • OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate - 6.1.7600 (Win7 RTM) - Install Date: 9/18/2010
  • Burn-in Testing: Prime95, Folding@home, SETI@Home, Memtest x86
  • Windows Experience Index: 7.3
 
Nice.
And inspiring, been wanting to build a new I7 machine, I may very well use this as a template, specs look good. Not sure, I'll be able to budget it in before the Holidays, may have to wait until after, but it looks future proof enough to protect me for the next couple months anyway.
Thanks Mike, good job
 
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