Mid-Range PC : (Last updated : August 29, 2010)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 870 | $279.99 | check prices |
| Motherboard | ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i | $139.99 | check prices |
| Memory | G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 | $119.99 | check prices |
| Video Card | GIGABYTE GV-R587OC-1GD | $339.99 | check prices |
| Hard Drive | SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB | $59.99 | check prices |
| Optical Drive | Lite-On IHES208-08 Blu-Ray Combo | $79.99 | check prices |
| Case | Antec Nine Hundred two | $109.95 | check prices |
| Power Supply | CORSAIR CMPSU-750HX 750W PSU | $139.99 | check prices |
| Monitor | LG W2486L 24" LCD Monitor | $299.95 | check prices |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro | $99.89 | check prices |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core i7 870
Intel Core i7 870 quad core processor has a frequency of 2.93GHz and 8MB of L3 Cache. This processor features Intel Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading technologies and has a TDP of 95W.
A suggested aftermarket cooler for this processor is Thermalright's HR-02 and this is a review of it.
Reviews : bit-tech.net, Newseeker
ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i is the first motherboard in the "TUF" (The Ultimate Force) Series. The TUF Series is specially developed to meet the heavy computing demands of power users and perform well even under extreme conditions. TUF Series motherboards have undergone a more stringent testing program than what most motherboard producers currently undertake. Solidly constructed and equipped with resilient components that have passed demanding military-style testing, the TUF Series triumphs over the harshest operating conditions to deliver robust performance. For example, all its capacitors have undergone thermal shock tests to ensure continuous, stable operations during rapid temperature changes in the 60°C range. In fact, all its capacitors and VRM MOSFETs have been certified for military-level use through stringent testing.
The ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard, equipped with the new CeraM!X heatsink, delivers exceptional cooling to active components and uncompromising system stability even under intense operating conditions. With its advanced ceramics-based composition—commonly used in the aerospace industry for heat insulation—the heatsink dissipates heat rapidly to achieve ultimate cooling. Ceramics replace traditional anti-oxidant compounds to create a microfin surface texture for enhanced cooling. This rough surface offers an expanded area for heat induction into the surrounding air. As a result, more heat is rapidly conducted away from the active system.
As optimal memory operation relies on good cooling, the SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard includes the CoolMem! Fan Frame that encloses most standard 40mm or 50mm computer fans and fits them directly over the memory module. Users thus gain an affordable cooling solution that significantly stabilizes memory operation.
The SABERTOOTH 55i motherboard delivers E.S.P. (Efficient Switching Power) to all major components for superb system efficiency. Besides delivering efficient power to the CPU and memory, the power design also applies the same level of efficient power to the PCIe x16 expansion slots and IC. This improves overall power efficiency and reduces the amount of heat generated—resulting in cooler and more reliable operations. Additionally, the E.S.P. converts power at 90% efficiency.
Reviews : Trusted Reviews, OC3D
G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600
G.Skill Ripjaw Gaming Series Memory is designed to optimised the high performance DIMMs for reliability in order to get gamers consistently fantastic FPS, while maintaining a solid overclock to prevent a mid-game PC failure from memory errors.
G.Skill Ripjaws Gaming Series Memory features the latest heatspreader design for the ultimate in extreme aesthetics and sleek aluminium cooling.
GIGABYTE GV-R587OC-1GD Radeon HD 5870
ATI Radeon™ HD 5800 Series graphics processors support Microsoft DirectX® 11 and ATI Eyefinity Technology which maximizes field of view across up to three displays. The GIGABYTE GV-R587OC-1GD has a core clock of 870MHz, 1600 Stream Processing Units, and 1GB of GDDR5 memory that operates at 1200MHz (4.8Gbps).
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
The Samsung Spinpoint F3 operates at 7200RPM and with this offering being 1TB of data storage capacity using just two 500GB per platter disks it offers suberb speeds. As well as meeting datacentre requirements for addition storage to meet rising demand and increasing performance needs, the new drives also deliver high-performance with lower power for desktop computers and servers.
This Samsung Spinpoint drive offers a superior combination of density, recording quality and reliability. It also features Samsung's industry-leading NoiseGuard and SilentSeek‚ technologies to eliminate acoustic noise. Servers, high-end desktops, RAID systems and DVRs are among the applications well suited to the Spinpoint drive.
Reviews: bit-tech.net
Lite-On IHES208-08 Blu-Ray Combo
Lite-On's IHES208-08 Blu-Ray Combo comes with a multitude of reading capabilities and is a DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD+/-R DL, DVD-RAM, CD-R, CD-RW writer; plus DVD-ROM, CD-ROM combination drive. Not to mention, it supports BD-R, BD-RE, BD-ROM single or double layer read and a double layer DVD+/- R9 recording function. The Lite-On IHES208-08 Blu-Ray Combo features Smart-Burn and Smart-X technologies in which Smart-Burn avoids Buffer UnderRun errors and automatically adjusts writing strategy & running OPC to provide optimal burning quality and Smart-X adjusts CD-DA/VCD/DVD data extraction to the fastest allowable speed according to data request rate from host and disk quality.
Antec Nine Hundred two
Antec’s popular and award-winning Nine Hundred gaming case became an instant favorite among gamers, delivering versatility, style and performance to establish itself as “The Ultimate Gaming Case.” Now, Antec introduces the Nine Hundred Two, the next generation in premier gaming enclosures. Building on the tried-and-true designs of both the Nine Hundred and the powerful Twelve Hundred gaming cases, the Nine Hundred Two maintains popular features such as a perforated front panel, up to six variable-speed fans for maximum cooling, and a sleek, aggressive aesthetic. The Nine Hundred Two adds exciting improvements such as a top 200mm Big Boy TriCool™ fan now with blue LED, fan control knobs plus built-in washable air filters right in the front panel, and eight expansion slots for even greater versatility.
Reviews : AnandTech, Overclockers Club
CORSAIR CMPSU-750HX 750W PSU
Corsair Professional Series power supply units have been designed by Corsair and engineered to the highest quality standards to meet the demands of enthusiasts that expect the very best. The Corsair Professional Series HX750W PSU utilizes advanced DC-to-DC circuitry and meets 80 PLUS SILVER certification standards for up to 90% energy-efficiency, reducing wasted energy and lowering the amount of excess heat generated. Corsair Professional Series power supplies are built using industrial grade electrical components, ensuring the stable, clean and reliable voltages that are essential for high-end gaming PCs and workstations.
Corsair Professional Series power supplies boast an innovative cabling configuration that uses low-profile, flat modular cables that reduce air friction to help maximize airflow through the computer chassis. The modular design also simplifies installation as it allows unprecedented flexibility in using only those cables which are needed.
LG W2486L 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor
LED performance and a stylish, color-infused design set a new standard for desktop monitors. The LG 86 series of LED Backlit LCD Monitors combine superior technology with convenient features that provide clearer, crisper and a more color accurate image in an economical solution. The 86 series utilizes LG’s award winning f-engine for a life-like picture. Combined with a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, this series is perfect for today’s demanding graphics and video intensive applications. The 86 series also incorporates LG’s Smart Package which includes AutoBright, Live Sensor, Cinema Mode and Time Control further enhancing the capabilities of this series.
Reviews : InsideHW, Geeky Gadgets
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro combines the field- and laboratory-tested comfort of the Logitech Wave Keyboard with the exceptionally comfortable, rechargeable Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse.
A perfect complement to the Wave keyboard, the MX1100 mouse is designed to support the naturally curved shape of your hand. Logitech’s newest mouse features an elegantly contoured, full-size shape that fits your hand for maximum comfort, providing exceptional palm support.
The mouse’s MicroGear™ Precision Scroll Wheel has two scrolling modes, including hyper-fast scrolling for flying effortlessly through long documents and Web pages. Eight programmable buttons allow you to get to the information, the Web pages, the files and the applications you want – fast. With software installed, a stealth thumb button makes application switching easy and zoom controls allow you to zoom in and out of documents with the press of a button. The mouse also features adjustable dpi (up to 1,600 dpi), which can come in handy when editing an image at the pixel level or, alternatively, when you need to move the cursor quickly within a document.
To give you a secure, reliable signal in a busy wireless environment, such as an office, Logitech’s advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology dramatically reduces interference, effectively eliminating delays and dropouts. In fact, Logitech’s wireless technology exchanges data between the receiver and the mouse 300 times faster than conventional 27 MHz wireless technologies for cordless mice – and 800 times faster than conventional 27 MHz wireless technologies for cordless keyboards. Plus, Logitech’s advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology provides 128-bit AES keyboard encryption for advanced security.
By optimizing the power management system, the improved wireless technology delivers a 3-year keyboard battery life.
Reviews : ExtremeTech, TrustedReviews
