Here is information on the latest EVGA X58 motherboard build I did with 24GB of DDR3 memory running at 1867Mhz
Technically it is possible to build a desktop computer for under $1,000 that plays Blu-ray movies just fine. For people that also want a superfast desktop computer that also plays Blu-ray’s then the following is an example of a higher end computer system one can build.
The following PC build has an overall Windows 7 speed rating of 7.8 out of 7.9
1. Monitor: I was considering getting one of the NEC 30 inch 2560 X 1600 resolution monitors but ended up getting a 24 inch monitor with 1920 X 1200 resolution instead since the family member that was using the PC could not fit a 30 inch monitor on the style of desk they are using. So instead of spending up to $3,000+ on a 30 inch monitor they ended up with a low cost NEC EA241WM 24 inch computer monitor for under $400 that supports 1920 X 1200 resolution and does HDCP over a DVI connection.
2. Motherboards: Back in October of 2011 before the new ASUS X79 motherboards were released with 8 DIMM sockets, the best motherboard that would fit in a Mid Tower case that supports E-ATX form factor was the EVGA X58 Classfied3 (part number 141-GT-E770-A1). This motherboard supports 24GB of DDR3 memory running at 1867Mhz. It also has 2 SATA III 6Gb/s ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports. Download PDF Spec Sheet
3. Computer case: Very few Mid Tower cases will allow an EATX form factor motherboard to fit in a computer case. Most people need to use a full tower case.I went with a Thermaltake Armor + MX Mid Tower Case that is upgradeable to liquid cooling later if I wanted to switch from fan cooling to liquid cooling. The case cost around $118. Warning the Thermaltake Armor + MX Mid Tower was never designed to hold an EATX form factor motherboard. I had to make some special modifications to the hard drive bracket assemble in order to fit the EVGA X58 E770 motherboard inside the case. The modifications were successful but I would recommend that anyone that is planning on getting an EATX form factor motherboard, go with a computer case that is designed for an EATX motherboard.
4. 24GB of 2000Mhz DDR3 memory: The EVGA X58 motherboard maximum capacity is 24GB. I was able to use 24GB of 2000Mhz memory at 1867Mhz speed. I am using 2 kits of Patriot Xtreme DDR3 memory that sells for only $129.99 a kit now on Amazon (prices sometimes change daily or weekly). MemTest software ran with no errors for over 400 hours at 1867Mhz speed with 24GB of memory. This is a new record for me to be able to get 24GB to work at 1867Mhz. Most likely since I was using a high-end Intel CPU it allowed me to do this high of speed for the memory.
5. Intel Core 990X 3.47Ghz: The fastest CPU that works with the EVGA X58 E770 motherboard is the 990X. This CPU can sometimes be found for under $1,000.
6. OCZ REVODRIVE 3 X2 PCI EXPRESS SSD (240GB): When I installed this 240GB solid state drive it has read speeds of up to 1500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1225 MB/s. Windows 7 speed rating has it coming up with a 7.9 speed out of 7.9 for the hard drive speed. RVD3X2-FHPX4-240G Product Sheet Back in October 2011 this was the fastest 240GB solid state drive available for consumers but now OCZ technology has an even faster 240GB sold state drive available that does 1900 MB/s read and 1700 MB/s write (RVD3MIX2-FHPX4-240G). The 960GB solid state drives are even little bit faster but they cost a lot more money also.
7. 3TB Seagate Barracuda XT 7,200 RPM (ST330005N1A1AS-RK): This top of the line 3TB hard drive is ideal for computer storage. Originally before the hard drive shortage hit one could purchase the drive for $221. Because of the floods that caused the hard drive shortage, inflation has occurred and the hard drive is now selling for around $325.
8. EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 2560MB graphics card: I went with a medium quality graphics card since the monitor being used was a medium quality monitor. I ended up getting the EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 2560MB graphics card for under $400. Download PDF Spec Sheet . This cards has HDMI 1.4a and with the proper software both broadcast 3-D and Blu-ray 3-D sources are supported if one has a 3-D display. No software 3-D broadcast tuners are on the market yet.
9. Thermaltake 1350 watt power supply installed: TP-1350M part number.
10. 18X DVD-ROM drive: A 18X speed DVD-ROM drive that reads DVD-ROMS at 18X speed and CD-ROM’s at 48X speed was installed.
11. Pioneer BDR-206MBK 128GB BDXL Blu-ray drive: The Pioneer BDR-206MBK is the world’s first BDXL Blu-ray drive recorder that can hold up to 128GB of data onto an optical BDXL Blu-ray disc.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Professional/Computer-Drives/BDR-206MBK
12. PowerDVD 11 Ultra Blu-ray software: To play Blu-rays on the computer the latest Blu-ray software player was installed.
13. Cyberpower Pure Sine Wave PR1500LCDRTXL2U was used for power backup purposes.
14. A THX computer speaker system was used. There are many on the market to choose from.
15. A Logitech Trackman Marble mouse and standard Keyboard was used: Many on the market to choose from.
16. High speed Verizon FIOS Internet connection speed in use.
17. Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Edition was installed.
18. Also all the latest software drivers and windows updates were installed.
19. Various other hardware and software was used in the build also.