~$850 amd/ati gaming build (first build)

firewing

Distinguished
Nov 6, 2009
14
0
18,510
Hello everyone, I'd really appreciate some advice on my first build. I'm looking for an amd/ati setup; nothing too major, but I'd like to be able to run L4D/L4D2, CoD4, and the like with good fps at 1680x1050, if possible. I've listed my current parts selections below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1 week (today if possible)

BUDGET RANGE: ~$850 after MIR

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming (mostly sp, but some mp (L4D/L4D2, etc.))

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything except speakers and an OS (win7 x64 pro)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: U.S.

PARTS PREFERENCES: amd/ati

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes, but not immediately

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Do you think I'll need any extra cables? Also, does anyone have a good wi-fi recommendation (I'm thinking external usb? any good ones?)? Are there any promo codes I'm missing out on? Thanks so much for the help!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-MA790GPT-UD3H AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
COMBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.295032

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
(I'll be getting another 5770 sometime in the near future, and I like the headroom)

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156
(Not really worried about having a gaming kb/mouse combo, at least not at the moment)

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858

Hanns·G Hi-221DPB Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254035

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
(I know it's OOS right now, but I'll get it as soon as it's in)

TOTAL: $883.32 before MIR/$848.32 after
 
Well for 1680 x 1050 i feel CF isn't necessary but feel free to disagree hehe
ugui.jpg
 

firewing

Distinguished
Nov 6, 2009
14
0
18,510
Ok cool, I think I'll go with that. I've always liked the idea of CF, but I guess I don't need it right now, especially since I'll be gaming at 1680x1050 and I won't be playing any brand new games (pretty much CoD4, L4D/L4D2, Crysis/Warhead, etc.).

Is it worth it to pay $20 more for the locked quad? Wouldn't the tri-core perform just as well, even in an intense game such as Crysis?

By the way, what fps would I be looking at with a single 5770 and a tri/quad system for Crysis at 1680x1050 on high/very high? Would it be enjoyably playable? :)