Hi there,I'm trying to find out an affordable way to upgrade my current system (see signature). I have a local shop (which I'll need as I don't have any hardware swapping capabilities), which quoted me the following:MSI X58 Pro-E Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ SLI & CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX MotherboardIntel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, RetailSuper Talent Gold Series DDR3-1600 6GB (3x2GB) CL9 Triple Channel Memory KitThe Motherboard is $229, the Processor is $349 and the 6 GB RAM is $159I compared the prices to those on pricewatch and they appear somewhat higher, which wouldn't be to big a problem as I liked the service I got from this vendor in the past. What I am wondering, after reading all the great posts about the i7 chipset is, memory etc., should I go a bit higher in processor size (e.g. i7 940 or 950) and/or is the above combo a good one regarding memory timings and overclocking abilities (although I'm a newbie at overclocking). The vendor also suggested to keep my current video card.I'm exclusively running FS9 and FSX on this system and will probably also get 64 Vista with a Win 7 upgrade.Any help or tips from the great guru's here would be appreciated.Thanks in advance,Pete

Hi there,I'm trying to find out an affordable way to upgrade my current system (see signature). I have a local shop (which I'll need as I don't have any hardware swapping capabilities), which quoted me the following:MSI X58 Pro-E Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ SLI & CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ ATX MotherboardIntel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, RetailSuper Talent Gold Series DDR3-1600 6GB (3x2GB) CL9 Triple Channel Memory KitThe Motherboard is $229, the Processor is $349 and the 6 GB RAM is $159I compared the prices to those on pricewatch and they appear somewhat higher, which wouldn't be to big a problem as I liked the service I got from this vendor in the past. What I am wondering, after reading all the great posts about the i7 chipset is, memory etc., should I go a bit higher in processor size (e.g. i7 940 or 950) and/or is the above combo a good one regarding memory timings and overclocking abilities (although I'm a newbie at overclocking). The vendor also suggested to keep my current video card.I'm exclusively running FS9 and FSX on this system and will probably also get 64 Vista with a Win 7 upgrade.Any help or tips from the great guru's here would be appreciated.Thanks in advance,Pete

See my specs.Try Newegg.com.

See my specs.Try Newegg.com.

I agree. Perhaps ask them if you can order the parts on your own (much cheaper) and rather or not they will put it together for you. The few shops around here in Salisbury offer those services ($100-$200). You're talking about possible savings in the hundreds if you order on your own... Paying premium for good service/labor is one thing, paying $70 more than average price --FOR EACH PIECE OF HARDWARE-- is another thing; Not wise. You should also ask why their prices are markedly higher so they know you're not easily hoodwinked.

MSI does not make products for enthusiasts, and Socket B (1366) is only for enthusiasts. I suggest you consider another mobo maker such as Asus, Gigabyte, or Foxconn. Also, that CPU is way over-priced. You can get the exact same chip for $199 at MicroCenter (in-store). There are 3 MicroCenters in your state so I suggest you make the drive.

Thanks a lot guys, good stuff but more questions :( I totally forgot Micro Center in CLE. Their prices are really competitive and they do install/upgrade as well!! Now, I don't think I can afford the i7 975 ($989 @ Micro Center), but should I go with the lowest of the i7 models, the 920? Also, will my current power supply and video card be good enough or represent a bottleneck?And last but not least, any specific model/make info for mobo, memory or anything else I might have forgotten would be great. I'd love to send that info to Micro Center in Cleveland to get a quote.Thanks again for your help,Pete

You should also consider different memory. Mushkin has 6gb triple channel sets that are CL6 for about $80 more, GSkill has one for $50 more than you are spending on the CL9. Check some of Nick N's threads. I has a chart about ram that is very helpful

MSI does not make products for enthusiasts, and Socket B (1366) is only for enthusiasts. I suggest you consider another mobo maker such as Asus, Gigabyte, or Foxconn. Also, that CPU is way over-priced. You can get the exact same chip for $199 at MicroCenter (in-store). There are 3 MicroCenters in your state so I suggest you make the drive.

Hello"MSI does not make products for enthusiasts, and Socket B (1366) is only for enthusiasts"Have to disagree with that statement, always had great results with MSI boards and the board the OP mentioned is a nice MB for the priceHave a read of this review:http://www.techspot.com/review/168-msi-x58-pro-e/

Hello"MSI does not make products for enthusiasts, and Socket B (1366) is only for enthusiasts"Have to disagree with that statement, always had great results with MSI boards and the board the OP mentioned is a nice MB for the priceHave a read of this review:http://www.techspot.com/review/168-msi-x58-pro-e/

I stopped using MSI motherboards in 2003 because they use low quality board-level components.There is a reason MSI *always* has the lowest cost products among the "big name" brands.