The ideal Windows 7 PC

From left, Altech's Michael Leins and Christopher Dragher

With Windows 7 expected to hit the market in October we asked the professional PC builders at Altech Computers Australia to spec out a PC to take advantage of the new OS. Altech’s Systems Product Manager Christopher Dragher is one of the PC maker’s master builders, while Michael Leins is Altech’s R&D engineer, in charge of components testing. Altech’s PCs are regularly reviewed in APC and win highly recommended and Editor’s Choice prizes. We asked them to configure a system that was ideal for Windows 7.
 

CORE SYSTEM 

CPU: Intel 920 Core i7 - $599

2.66 GHz, 4.8GT/s QPI, 8MB cache, Socket LGA1366
The new Microsoft Windows 7 OS will give great benefits to the processing department. Since Windows 7 requires far less CPU resources than Vista, the CPU can now be fully utilised by all of its multi-cores in critical applications and increase overall performance.

COOLER: Thermolab BARAM - $79

120mm fans, suits Intel Socket 775, 1366CPUs, AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 CPUs
The Thermolab BARAM heat sink uses a combination of pure copper and aluminium materials to provide optimum heat extraction, while the positioning of the fins provides maximum air flow. This heat sink also results in a dramatic decrease in noise levels from a stock cooler and allows headroom for overclocking while keeping temperatures stable. It comes with optional 120MM fans costing from $13.

MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R MB - $369

Intel X58+ICH10R, QPI 6.4GT/s, DDR3 2000, PCI-Ex16, SATAII, RAID, Gigabit LAN, 8ch audio, 2oc PCB,USB2, heat pipe, ATX
At last we have an operating system which installs all necessary motherboard drivers. You will never have to open the motherboard box again. Microsoft Windows 7 installs default certified drivers allowing the user to reduce workload and installation time. This Gigabyte motherboard provides stability and reliability under default or overclocked conditions as great partnership with the operating system. Another great feature of this motherboard is it now supports both NVIDIA SLI and ATI Crossfirex technology via an updated of the BIOS.

RAM: Corsair TR3X3G1333C9 3GB - $129

3 x XMS3 1GB, PC-10600 1333MHz, XMS DDR3 For X58 MB/i7 Core, 3x240-pin DIMMs, Triple Kit, 9-9-9-24, 1.50V
Corsair memory is reliable and offers a lifetime warranty, so you can’t you go wrong here. With Windows 7, you will be able to use most of the memory you paid for since the new OS will need less memory resources than its predecessors. You will be able to push your RAM to the limits.
 

GRAPHICS: ATI HD 4770 PCI-E 2.0 512MB GDDR5 - $199

ATI always consider the consumer first, just releasing their new 40nm technology ATI HD 4770. An excellent all-rounder offering HD video compatibilities and decent frame rates in games, the HD 4770 is extremely excellent value for money.

HARD DRIVE/S: 2 x Hitachi 500GB DeskStar 7K1000 - $119

3.5in SATA 3.0 GB/s HDD, 16MB, 7,200RPM
In our experience Hitachi hard drives prove to be reliable in both normal and RAID environments. With a generous 1TB of storage selected for this set up, you get plenty of space for movies, music and games. Also providing flexibility to RAID, will let you configure a dual boot system or improve your backup solution.

OPTICAL DRIVE: Sony SATA Double Layer Multi format 20x DVD±RW - $59

Sony is one of the leading brands when it comes to consumer products. With this drive you will be able to backup, store and record data to both DVDs and CDs media at impressive speeds. Windows 7 also have a great software tweak allowing users to burn ISO files without having to install third party software.

CASE: Antec NSK4000B-II Mini Tower - $99

The Antec NSK 4000B-II case offers easy installation, stylish designs and provides a cool and quiet solution for this Windows 7 PC build. It’s compatible with Mini-ITX, MicroATX, Standard ATX motherboard and plenty of expandability.

POWER SUPPLY: Antec True Power 550 - 80 PLUS Bronze Certified - $185

Ever wondered what the difference is between peak and continuous power supplies? Peak power supplies can only provide a maximum rating of the power for short periods of time. A continuous power supply can maintain a regularly power output for longer durations. Antec True power offers 550 Watt of continuous power, keeping your system stable while being easy on the environment.

Cost of core system: AUD $1,718

EXTRAS

MONITOR: BenQ G2412HD 23.6in Widescreen LCD  - $429

BenQ monitors provide a prefect display solution for movies, gaming and general everyday use with features such as 2ms response time (GTG), resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, 40,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, HDMI input with HDCP support and a elegant glossy black design. Combined with Windows 7 display features you can make your text even sharper and select the brightness that is best suited for your eyes.

KEYBOARD & MOUSE: Gigabyte GK-KM7500 wireless combo package - $67

This is a practical and stylish combination, offering a 2.4GHz wireless multimedia keyboard with 17 hot keys and is effective up to 10 meters. With an 800 dpi optical mouse this is a good all rounder.

Total with extras : AUD $2,465