I want to build a computer...

kazuyalegrey

Distinguished
Sep 25, 2011
2
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18,510
I want to build a new computer for myself since my current laptop is 4 years old and is pretty damn slow.
I did a little bit of research and came up with a list of components that I am thinking of buying. I am not very knowledgeable when it come to computers so I wanted to ask if these hardwares would work well together, if I am missing anything, and if there are better components that I should buy.
General feedbacks will also be greatly appreciated.

Here is the list:
- AMD HDT90ZFBGRBOX Phenom II 1090T Black Edition Six Core Processor - 3.20GHz, 6MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s) FSB, Retail, Socket AM3, Processor with Fan
- XFX HD-685X-ZNBC Radeon HD 6850 Black Edition Video Card - 1GB, DDR5, PCI-Express 2.1 (x16), Dual-DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, CrossFireX Ready, Eyefinity
- Asus M4A88T-M/USB3 Socket AM3 AMD 880G SB710 Chipset ATI Radeon HD 4250 Graphics w/HDMI DDR3 1866(O.C.)/1333/1066 Mhz 8-Channel HD Audio Gigabit LAN 2x USB3.0 12x USB2.0 6x SATA 3Gb/s Micro ATX
- LG GH24LS70 Black SATA Lightscribe DVD-Writer 24xDVD R/-R 8xDVD RW/6xDVD-RW 16xDVD R DL 12xDVD-R DL 48x CD-R 32xCD-RW OEM
- Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 700W v2.3 Power Supply (RS700-PCAAE3-US)
- G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800) 8GB (2x4GB) Dual Channel Kit (F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL)
- Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030, PCIe Half Mini Card Wireless Adapter w/ Bluetooth - 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, up to 300 Mbps, WiDi support (11230BNHMW)
- NZXT H2 Classic Silent Midtower Chassis WHITE
- Western Digital Caviar Black (WD1002FAEX) 1000GB (1TB) SATA3 7200RPM 64MB Cache (OEM)


I am going to be using the computer for design and rendering programs such as Photoshop, AutoCAD and 3D Max.

Thanks Guys.
 

Captacha

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Aug 10, 2011
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18,510
You seem to know alot about computer components, so i'll be honest. First off you're going overboard woth the 700w PSU, you only need a 500W PSU. Second, and most importantly, as I was reading through the list I assumed you were building this for gaming and was shocked when you said 3DS max. This will be way over the edge for 3DS max unless you halve over, let's say 10,000,000 polys in a scene. Get an high end 5000 series ATI card. You may(Key Word: May) want too get an after market heatsink for the CPU. Other than that I'd say you're good to go. Oh, and sorry for the wall of text :)
 
Ok, I see a few things that I believe should be changed.
First of all, most CoolerMaster PSUs are junk, and the Extreme Power series is among them. A quality modern PSU has full range active PFC (no little voltage switch) and some level of 80+ certification for efficiency. Seasonic, Antec, Corsair, XFX, and Enermax/LEPA are among the better brands. If you're interested in learning more about PSUs, the best site is probably HardwareSecrets.com, but Jonnyguru.com and HardOCP.com are good too. A single HD6850 can run just fine on a 450W PSU; 600W is enough if you're interested in Crossfiring a pair of them.
Up next, there are three truths about AMD vs. Intel CPUs: 1) Intel is faster, in most cases significantly; 2) for non-professional work (i.e. gaming) it really doesn't matter, since an Athlon II X2 can play any game; and 3) AMD is cheaper. I have two systems in use right now, one AMD and one Intel, and do not consider myself a fanboy, although I believe the AMD chipsets offer better connectivity options, especially for the price.
This brings up the next thing I'd change. If you're going to build an AMD system, get a socket AM3+ board with a 900-series chipset. This gives you an upgrade path to Bulldozer if you ever want it, AND the option of SLI in the future, not just Crossfire. I like ASRock and Asus mobos myself.
The third point is, especially if you might be interested in a Bulldozer upgrade, the hexacore Thubans aren't a good deal. Except in some well-threaded mostly pro applications (check to see if that includes any of yours), the Phenom II X4's are just as fast and OC better (if you're interested). The 955BE is pretty cheap right now. Another option, especially if you are planning to get Bulldozer, is to get the OEM X3 720BE; it needs to be bought in a combo, so get it with a CPU cooler because it doesn't come with one. That chip is no slouch itself, may unlock to a X4, and should tide you over for a month or two until Bulldozer gets here. Otherwise, consider the comments and suggestions of those who will suggest getting an Intel system. It will likely be notably faster in video apps.
Because of the HD6850 GPU you chose, I've assumed you also intend to play games with this system. If not, that GPU is probably overkill; a HD6670 would be sufficient; OR if your applications can use CUDA, get a nVidia GPU like a GTX460 or better. There is a sticky thread containing a template of questions to be answered when asking for new build advice. Please fill it out for the best answers possible.
 
Terrible choices in my opinion.

If you fill out the new build form in the new build section you'll get a lot better recommendations because we will know your desires and budget.

That power supply is junk, the motherboard you picked isn't even upgradeable. If your going AMD, you need a am3+ motherboard to be able to do future upgrades.