First Build, How Does It Look?

cts_88

Distinguished
Jun 25, 2009
3
0
18,510
Hey everyone this is my first build and I finally decided on the parts for it. Any help or suggestions on any errors I made or better deals would be great.

PURCHASE DATE: Within the next month

BUDGET: US$700-900

SYSTEM USAGE MOST TO LEAST: gaming, school work, surfing the internet, watching films

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: None really

PARTS PREFERENCES: Just parts by reputable companies

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe later on SLI/CROSSFIRE: Probably not

OK here is UPDATED list.

Case
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

Graphics Card
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

Power Supply
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Memory
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298

Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Optical Drive
HP Black 22X DVD+R 12X DVD-RAM SATA 22X Multiformal DVD Writer - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827140040

Monitor
ASUS VW192T+ 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 4000:1(1000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236056

If I am missing anything or am going overkill or skimping on something let me know.

EDIT: Put the exchanged parts on the list.
 

cts_88

Distinguished
Jun 25, 2009
3
0
18,510
Thanks for the help guys.

I was trying to decide between the motherboard I first listed and what you suggested smith, and I think the 790X is the way to go, also changing the memory and Hard Drive. Its just a bit over my budget but I may as well spend the little extra and do it right the first time.

 

xthekidx

Splendid
Dec 24, 2008
3,871
1
22,790
HD 4890 is a complete mismatch with a 19" monitor. Try a GTX 260 or HD 4870.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

+1 on the WD6401AALS

I think I would go for a nicer MB to allow for better OC'ing, with the SB750 like a GA-MA790X-UD4P, and then pick up a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 CPU cooler. Even if you don't overclock now, pick up to cooler so you don't have to dismantle the PC later when you decide to overclock.
 
^+1 19" and HD 4890 is an overkill...

And looking @ your requirements and the amount you are willing to spend, I would suggest you stick with the 770 Chipset as you are not likely to add one more card in crossfire...But the 770 that am referring to is the AM3 version...As the AM3 version has a revised SB710, that has ACC, which is required for a good overclock with the AMD CPUs...and that mobo has sufficient features too...

Here is a config that you can consider...

CPU + Graphics card
X4 955 + ASUS HD 4890
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.202976

Mobo -
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

RAM -
GSkillz DDR3 1333MHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189

HD -
WD Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

CASE + PSU
Antec 300 + EA 650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204132

Monitor - Same

DVD - Same

Total - $931 compared to yours with the changes, which comes to $920
And the changes here do justify the extra $11...Actually you will get better performance with this one compared to the previous setup...

And if you stick with xthekid's suggestion of changing the graphics card, then the cost would come down by atleast $40...
 

cts_88

Distinguished
Jun 25, 2009
3
0
18,510
I'd like to keep the 4890, so I was thinking of dropping the monitor I have and hooking it up to my TV until I have enough money for a more worthwhile monitor