Building system number 2

[d-man]

Hello everyone, once again I come forward to ask for some advice.

I recently built a core2 quad 9550 for my self after upgrading from a amd 3800 + anyways my systems great and thanks again for all the help on it now my friend has come to me askingme to build a new system for just gaming

problem is he wants a amd build and I have not built a amd system since I built my 3800+ and his 4200+ thats hes coming from...



APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1 week

BUDGET RANGE: US $400

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: This is what he has already
keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319 Harddrive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151188 cd/dvd drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371022 Ps
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021 Case

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080, 1920x1200)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg


so basically he wants a board chip ram gpu

What is the best i can put together for him for 400 bucks ? any help is greatly appreicated

 

[hunter315]

please use the format shown here
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

There is alot more information that we need to know and i cant think off all the questions off hand.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

This is what I'd get with that budget:

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337 $204.99 - $15.00 MIR (CPU + motherboard combo)

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P16004GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297 $75.99

POWERCOLOR AX4870 512MD5 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131140 $126.99 - $10.00 MIR

Total - $407.97 - $25.00 MIR's

A 4870 1GB card would work better for a 24" monitor if you can get him to stretch the budget by a few dollars.

HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269 $149.99 - $20 MIR

 

[d-man]

what about a aftermarket cooler is it needed with this cpu, if he overclocks in the future? also what about a nvidia card vs ati in this price range hes stuck in ?

 

[hunter315]

For 400 he is either getting a cheap core 2 duo and OCing that or he is putting some more money into the system. Unless he wants to spring for a GTX260 then there is no nvidia card that comes close to budget. The cheapest one capable of giving decent FPS at that resolution is this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121316 comes out to $15 more than the 4870 1GB

If he is willing to expand the budget a bit you can get this cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I would highly suggest sticking with an ATI GPU with this build since he already has a 750W PSU that is capable of powering 2 GPU's in crossfire and the motherboard linked above is crossfire capable.

 

[d-man]

ok i talked to him and hes going to go ati for video and he has come up to 450 total and i have cash in hand and i will order parts from newegg tomorrow afternoon with 450 is there anything that should be upgraded cpu wise ? with 450 now

 

[hunter315]

nah just get the aftermarket cooler to go with it, make sure you pick up some thermal paste too.