My 2nd Build- $600 AMD Gaming PC

[MBalance]

Hey guys, I'm doing my 2nd PC build for the upcoming Diablo 3 release. I'm sure you're flooded by people doing the exact same thing but I hope you can help me out. Apart from Diablo, I'll probably play Skyrim/edit videos(I'm into internet marketing)/stream 1080p video to my hdtv.

My last PC build was somewhat of a success, it worked generously for a good while but then the second the warranty on my GPU was out, the fan on it died and the computer was rendered useless. I suppose I could replace the GPU and run Diablo on low/medium settings but what's the fun in that? Scrap it and buy all new parts

Approximate Purchase Date: Today or Tomorrow

Budget Range: 500-600 for tower components

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Playing Diablo 3, Streaming 1080p video, video editing

Parts Not Required: Monitor: Asus 23.5" VH242H Keyboard: Logitech gaming keyboard Mouse: Logitech G series mouse, Speakers: Logitech Z5500, roommate has a Windows 7 disc

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com or Amazon due to having Prime

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: Doesn't matter but I dislike Asus/EVGA due to past experience and repetitive rmaing.

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: No need

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I'm not so much concerned about the computer being quiet because I like white noise but one thing that is a major concern is cooling. I've had a $1200 Asus laptop die on me due to the gpu fan dying out/gpu melting or something like that and they claim to no longer the part to fix it. As well as my last build fizzling out due to heat.(Might have had something to do with those giant IDE cables)

I don't want to spend too much like I did last time because the prices for the parts dropped by over 3/4th in value in less than a year's time. I'd rather build something useful for now that'll run Diablo 3 on high/max and maybe Skyrim at medium with good draw distance/console quality.

Parts I've picked out so far

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 Mid ATX $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=haf%20912

Notes: I like this case, it's built like a tank

Motherboard: BioStar A880G+ Micro AT $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283&Tpk=biostar%20a880g%2b
Notes: I'm not entirely sure about this one yet.

CPU: AMD Phenom II 965 $124.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
Notes: I do not want an intel

RAM: G Skill Ripjaws 8GB DDR3 1333 $41.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231426

GPU: Sapphire 6870 1Gb GPU $161.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

PSU: Corsair CX430 $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=cx430

HD: WD Caviar Blue 500Gb 6.0Gb/s $84.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769
-----------------
TOTAL: $573.94
-$25 rebates

Additional Parts: I'm still looking for a good CPU heatsink as well as some additional case fans. I think that will bring it up to about $600

What do you guys think of this build? Will I be able to max out Diablo 3? The only thing I'm concerned about is the motherboard really. Can I get good hd speeds with the sata drive I've picked? I've been on laptops way too long and no longer know the specs well- I hope you can help

 

[quickgroth]

The hard drive looks fine. You probably don't need a CPU cooler, but I would upgrade your power supply to at least 500W since AMD CPU's and GPU's are power hogs. If you have the keftover money, upgrade your motherboard as well. I know you aren't too happy with ASUS, but I've always had good luck with them: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131651

 

[MBalance]

Done http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

550W Antec PSU

What would I gain by upgrading the motherboard?

 

[Silvune]

I disagree with the general statement that AMD CPUs and GPUs are power hogs. It is true that AMD CPUs might be considered power hogs in comparison to Intel, but until recently (7970 vs GTX 680) AMD GPUs for the last two or three generations have consistently been more power efficient than their Nvidia counterparts.

AMD does recommend a 500W power supply for a system with a 6870, but that is to account for people trying to use PSUs which cannot provide what they claim and are low quality.

However the 6870 does need two 6pin PCIe connectors, which the Corsair CX430 doesn't have.

I'd choose one of these personally:
Antec Earthwatts Green EA-650 $52
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59339&vpn=EA650Green&manufacture=Antec
Doesn't come with a power cord, so you will have to reuse one you've already got.

Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus/Evo are popular budget choices for CPU heatsinks.

 

[zooted]

I disagree with the general statement that AMD CPUs and GPUs are power hogs. It is true that AMD CPUs might be considered power hogs in comparison to Intel, but until recently (7970 vs GTX 680) AMD GPUs for the last two or three generations have consistently been more power efficient than their Nvidia counterparts.

+1
Plus that is a good deal for that ea650 I would jump on that, and also agree with the hyper 212+/evo.. The hsf that come with the denabs are not the greatest and what is the point of getting an unlocked multiplier cpu and not overclocking :lol:

 

[nagol567]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/103446-8-gaming-computer