First Build

[Guest]

Hello peeps.

I'm thinking about putting together a new computer, with your help and advice of course.

I have read the sticky and used it to help me reach what I have at the moment:

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5126/build.png

I havent chosen any RAM at present because I have no idea what to look for, apart from low timings and PC2-6400. I'm told Corsair or Kingston is best...

I dont plan on overclocking any parts therefore is e8400 overkill for me? I plan to use this for gaming (CS1.6, CSS, CoD4 and probably CoD4MW2).

With all that in mind does everything match up okay? I would like to lower the cost by maybe £50-£80 as well, but if I cant its not the end of the world.

Thanks, Nick

 

[nerrawg]

Can't help but notice you are using overclockers.co.uk - check out ebuyer as well here:
http://www.ebuyer.com/store/Components
Either one may be cheaper depending on item

Even if you don't plan on overclocking - if you the most strenuous thing you are doing on you're pc is gaming (it probably is unless you are a graphics designer) then you should get a E7400. Also if you live in england I would get 2 x 4770 on ebuyer - they are only £80 each - cheaper in total than that 4780 1GB and much much more powerful
Also the money you save on not buying the E8400, use it on an AMD PII 720 BE and a 790X gigabyte mobo AM2+ with DDR2 ram, or get the E7400 with a P45 (Gigabyte DS3-p45)

 

[nerrawg]

4770:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/164142
AMD 720 BE:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159071
MOBO - Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4 AMD 790X Socket AM2+ ATX 8 channel audio ATX
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/160854
RAM:OCZ 4GB Kit (2x2GB) 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory Platinum Performance CL5 (5-4-4-18)
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132904
ultra low latency ram - ace stuff

Use the money you save on the processor to spend on the mobo - its worth it I think

 

[xthekidx]

+1 for the Phenom II build, that will give you the best value. I would get a 550vx psu though, I think that 450vx will be close to maxed out on that system and will run inefficiently and have a short lifespan.

 

[kevin1212]

The e8400 will suffice, gpu is fine.

MOBO: I would go with a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L, costs more but i think its worth it.

PSU: Technically, that power supply should be able to handle your setup, but i would stay on the safe side and go with something a bit more powerful. At least 500W, maybe 600W if you intend to get a more powerful setup in the future. Good call on the 80plus, I wouldn't go any lower.

Hardrive: Don't you think you need a bit more storage than that? Games aint small anymore.

RAM: You're right, low latencies are good, and PC-6400 usually has nice prices, especially considering that you don't want to overclock. OCZ is my preference, but many other brands are also great.

 

[nerrawg]

Look at these crossfire benches (preliminary) and you will see that the 4770 CF beats a 4890 1 GB by 20% on average!!!! that will blow you away mate!
http://en.expreview.com/2009/04/28/first-look-at-radeon-hd-4770-crossfire-benchmark.html
Just ridiculous to waste £160 on a 4870 1GB - the story is different in the states as the 4770 costs $110 and a 4870 1 GB costs only ~ $180, but in the UK you would be mad not to get the 2 x 4770's in CF

 

[xthekidx]

Apparently 4770's scale VERY well too, two 4770's in xfire supposedly whoops a single 4890 and competes well with the GTX 285, for much cheaper and lower power consumption while fully loaded.

Edit: Damn nerrawg beat my comment by 30sec lol.

 

[nerrawg]

Maybe I deserve that "nimble knuckle" status already - LOL

 

[aevm]

I like that Phenom build too.

The Corsair 550W would be a great match if you buy a HD 4770 now and another one later.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132563

If you get a HD 4870 now and want a second one later, get the Corsair 650W.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135514

 

[binwhui]

two thumbs up on phenom build..