New AMD $1300 Build for Gaming

[Imconfused1234]

Hey Tomshardware, I posted a month or so ago concerning a new gaming computer build and you all helped so much with my questions on it, so thanks. After seeing my new computer my friend now also wants a new gaming computer and I though I would put together a build I made for him, and hope you guys could comment on it.

The big things is that he really wants the rig to be as "future proof" as possible, and wants to get the best bang for his buck. He only plays games, and will probably use the computer for little else, besides youtube.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2-3 Weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-1200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, youtube

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Cheapest possible

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD, mid-tower

OVERCLOCKING: As needed SLI OR CROSSFIRE: As needed

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Future proof, great bang for buck (in terms of gaming performance)

---------------------------------------
POWER SUPPLY
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail 139.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Case
Antec Nine Hundred Two Ultimate Gaming Case $124.52*
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Nine-Hundred-Two-Ultimate/dp/B001P4UAF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1248984829&sr=8-1
(Newegg sold out)

Monitor
Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2500:1 - Retail - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145

CD-Drive
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe LightScribe Support - OEM - $30.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118032

Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM (Free Windows 7 upgrade) $109.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674
+
Motherboard

MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223
Combo-$314.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212202)

GPU:
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail -$194.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail -$74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Key Board:
Logitech G15 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Wired Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126034&Tpk=g15

The total is $1301....$101 dollars over what he wanted to pay, I was hoping anyone could give some advice to lower the price in any way. Also, I am not too sure on the PSU, is it too strong for the rig? Like me, he may eventually get 2 4890's if he notices a slow down in some of the future games.

A way I see he can save money right now, would be to not buy Vista, but in the long run it seems he would probably save because Windows 7 and coming out for $200, thus saving him $90 if he bought it right now.

Ahh well thanks in advance.

 

[hunter315]

A good 750 should be able to handle 2 4890s so you can save an additional 55 by getting this Case/PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216237

 

[dirtmountain]

It's a well done build. I agree with hunter315 that his idea is the best way to save a chunk of money without an impact on performance. I would also go with this RAM at the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231200

any other change i can see such as going with a HD4870, or different keyboard etc. would effect performance. It's a good build, tough to make it much better.

 

[Shnur]

yeah, the keyboard is a keyboard so I wouldn't count it in the actual price... it's part of the system yeah... but with Logitech you have almost life-time warranty so he can use it forever, also compared to the old blue G15, this one the keys don't get washed out by use. (Had both, the blue died after 2 years, the orange is still keeping up to expectations)
So if you count like this: hunter315 saves you 55$, and if you take out the keyboard, it's another 75$ you're good.
By taking out, I believe it's not really "part" of the computer since it's going to last a lot longer... just... personal opinion.

 

[hunter315]

You can also save yourself $5 using this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205082.22-136-319
Every little bit counts

 

[Imconfused1234]

A good 750 should be able to handle 2 4890s so you can save an additional 55 by getting this Case/PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216237

Awesome thanks to all the advice given! Couple questions...
1. Is there any real difference when it comes to antec 900 vs 902?
2. with the CPU mentioned, do you think it will be able to run dual monitors (22in dont know if it makes a difference) as well as a decent 6 speaker setup?

 

[waynec121]

antec 902 is basically the same but has an all black interior and better cable management.

The cpu is not too big of a bearing on two monitors, that is the GPU. With a 4890 it will more then suffice.

Speakers are personal preference but Logitech makes some great speakers.

 

[batuchka]

A far cheaper config with about the same performance 😛 Good spot by hunter on that case+psu IMO hehe

 

[dirtmountain]

For top gaming performance i'd stick with the 955 BE and a 790FX motherboard, the ease of OCing a BE and the advantages of 16x-16x throughput, especially at the top end of the gaming spectrum is an advantage. Not that batuchkas build isn't a good one, but it would affect performance.

 

[batuchka]

Yes u have a point - the top most end where the air is thin is where 790FX or 16x + 16x multi chipsets have the edge. Generally not recommended to CFX HD4870X2s on an 8x+8x mobo but extensive testing have shown there is no untoward effects on CFing a pair of single GPUs 8x+8x CF on most current PCIex16 gen 2.0 lanes

An older PCIex16 gen 1.0 would be found wanting though ^^

 

[Imconfused1234]

A far cheaper config with about the same performance 😛 Good spot by hunter on that case+psu IMO hehe
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/THr955.jpg

What an awesome setup, thank you so much for this alternative build, hopefully my friend can get the money before all these combo deals you have found changed.

Thanks again to everyone for they're suggestions.