Gaming Computer Opinions

[t3hlazy1]

Ok, I've been saving for a first time build, and I was just wanting to know what to expect.
I've alredy purchased the Video Card and Case for 89.99 each.
And I plan on purchasing 4gb more RAM in the near future, and another video card to Crossfire with. Probably a 4830 or 4850.

Well, here it is:

Case: Thermaltake V9 Black Edition ATX Computer Gaming Chassis with Dual Oversized 230mm Ultra-Silent Cooling Fans VJ400G1N2Z Mid Tower - Retail

Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100265L Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

HDD: Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Mobo: ASRock
A780GXE/128M AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
140W phenom w/ 128M sideport memory, AM3 CPU ready

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor - Retail

RAM: OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Here's a few questions:
How good is this computer, and what do you expect it to play?:

Are all these parts compatible and what not?:

Anything else I need to buy(like cords, thermal paste stuff, anti static thing.)?:



Thanks.

 

[xthekidx]

Get this instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.165024
The mobo will allow you to xfire later on when you want more power, and that CPU is faster and has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking pleasure so you get a lot more out of your system for your money. ASRock mobo's are cheap and you get no support from them, you should avoid them.

Don't get that HDD, get this one instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Its faster and much more reliable, seagates suck nowadays.

I'd get this ram instead, you don't need 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

I'd go with this PSU, its high quality and cheaper, and will be enough for 2 4850's xfired if you eventually wanted
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

 

[t3hlazy1]

Thanks.

 

[MykC]

Also since the 720BE is one of the better overclocking CPU out there right now don't pass up that opportunity since it so easy. Read Tom's Hardware own article: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-overclock-athlon,2161.html

CPU Cooler XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail $26 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
Artic 5 Compound 3.5g $7 (not required but helps)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

[t3hlazy1]

And what games do you expect I could play? I can probably play everything, but like Crysis on highest settings, what do you expect.
I could probably do some decent overclocking, because my case has like 4 fans.

 

[t3hlazy1]

and I'll look into that cooler.
I don't think I will need a cooler right now.
I've been saving up for this computer for like 4 months and really just want to have it now, but... I won't let my bad patience get me a bad computer, so I'll definately get that 720, the better HDD, the RAM, and the PSU.
And what does the artic 5 compound do?

 

[MykC]

Artic 5 compund is just a material that you place between the heatsink and the CPU, it transfers the heat better than the stuff that comes will the coolers. Basically it'll drop the temerature of the CPU by a couple of points.

 

[t3hlazy1]

So the CPU cooler and Compound will let me overclock it more?
Also, can anyone tell me how good this computer will be?
Thanks for all the help.

 

[xthekidx]

Your gaming performance will be dependant on the resolution you play at. If you play at high resolutions you need a lot more GPU power than if you play at low resolutions. If you play at 1440x900 (19" widescreen monitor) in crysis you will have to turn the settings down to probably medium to high no AA for good framerates. Getting two of those 4830's in xfire would allow you to turn up the eye-candy to probably full settings. If you play at 1680x1050 (20-22" widescreen), you would probably need a 4870 1gb at least for full settings in crysis, but you might have to back it off a bit. two 4830's would do it too. If you play at 1920x1200 (23-26") you are looking at needing dual 4850's in xfire for full settings in crysis.