New build + new builder (help)

[untiltheend]

So this is my first build. I'm looking to keep it in the 1000$$ range. Its going to be strictly a gaming computer. That is all I am going to use it for and that is all i want. I am looking for the best gaming machine i can make within my budget. I have searched for good gaming performance parts that wont break my budget. If you guys have any suggestions then please tell me. I am really in need of some constructive feedback and tips.
So here is what i got so far. Plus, i have yet to pick a case. So if you can recommend one that is good and is not crazy expensive i would be grateful.

Edit: New Build

CPU = AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674


MOBO = MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223


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


GPU = HIS H487QT1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported IceQ 4+ Turbo Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161265&Tpk=H487QT1GP


POWER = CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=CMPSU-750TX


RAM = mushkin HP 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996652
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146868&Tpk=MUSHKIN%20996652


Case = COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

 

[theAnimal]

No reason to spend all that money on a dual core, for that price you could get an i7 920.

DDR3 is not worth it for Socket 775.

I would recommend WD Caviar Black 640GB, there have been too many issues with Seagate.

For the case, I like the CM HAF 922.

What resolution is your monitor? Unless it's 19x12 or greater, there's no point in CF.

 

[untiltheend]

No reason to spend all that money on a dual core, for that price you could get an i7 920.

DDR3 is not worth it for Socket 775.

I would recommend WD Caviar Black 640GB, there have been too many issues with Seagate.

For the case, I like the CM HAF 922.

What resolution is your monitor? Unless it's 19x12 or greater, there's no point in CF.

Wouldn't i have to switch to a different mobo to use the i7 920. The one I am planning to purchase has a LGA 775 socket type. Doesnt the i7 920 only use LGA 1366 socket type.

Also, isn't a dual core just as good or better gaming performance wise?

Do you think i should go with a quad core now because of future upgrade issues? As in the dual core not being good for high end games in the next few years?

 

[theAnimal]

The 1366 mobo is only ~$100 more expensive, the DDR3 RAM ~$50 (although that's for 6GB rather than 4GB).

AMD Phenom II would be another option, more future-proof than 775 and as good in gaming as i7 or Core 2.

A faster dual core is still better than quad in most games, but unless it's a lot faster you won't notice the difference. And of course more and more games will start using multiple cores.

 

[untiltheend]

Ok, so i have been doing some research into AMD CPUs. I have come up with a second build. Like before im free for any constructive feedback on both builds. I think this new AMD build will be better at staying somewhat future proof at least for a few years. If im wrong and this build is not as good as my first please tell me. I need all the help i can get.

CPU = AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

MOBO = MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223

Hard Drive = Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=WD%20Caviar%20Black%20640GB

GPU = HIS H487QT1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported IceQ 4+ Turbo Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161265&Tpk=H487QT1GP

POWER = CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006&Tpk=CMPSU-750TX

RAM = mushkin HP 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996652
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146868&Tpk=MUSHKIN%20996652

Heat Sink = COOLER MASTER Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057&Tpk=CM%20RR-920-N520-GP

Case = COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197


by the way thanks for all the help "the animal".

 

[ragsters]

^Much better setup.

 

[untiltheend]

Whats a better MOBO? In relation to quality, performance, and compatibility with my build?

MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223

OR

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe AM3 DDR3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363


I ask this becuase i was orignaly going to go with the MSI but i can get a bundle package deal if i buy the CPU with the ASUS MOBO.


ALSO, is all DDR3 RAM compatible with DDR3 MOBOs. In other words can the ASUS MOBO use all makes/models of DDR3 RAM or is there certain kinds?

 

[ragsters]

Go with the Asus combo for sure. Better deal, better mobo.

 

[ragsters]

If you want to save yourself about $100 and still have almost identical performance you can get this board with the AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb combo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387
Then get yourself the same DDR2 Gskill ram you wanted on your first build.

 

[untiltheend]

Thnx ragsters, but i think im going to stick with the first combo. However, I was wondering if you or anyone knows of a good not so expensive heat sink for my AMD cpu.

 

[syclone]

CHeck out the e8400 for much less...it is a great processor with a good rep. for overclocking..

even if you weren't going to overclock, the e8600 isn't worth the extra cash IMO.

 

[theAnimal]

Thnx ragsters, but i think im going to stick with the first combo. However, I was wondering if you or anyone knows of a good not so expensive heat sink for my AMD cpu.

The MSI is a very good mobo.

 

[untiltheend]

Is this heat sink compatible/good for this MOBO/CPU combo?

Heat Sink = COOLER MASTER Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057&Tpk=CM%20RR-920-N520-GP

~

CPU = AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

MOBO = MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223

 

[untiltheend]

Also, what Video card should i go with.

HIS H487QT1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported IceQ 4+ Turbo Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161265&Tpk=H487QT1GP

OR

SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102841


~Is the second one worth the extra cash?

 

[ragsters]

I would rather have one with a better warranty like this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

 

[untiltheend]

How do you think my build will stand the test of time? Is it an easy future upgrade build or is it not? Is the hardware at the end of their tech lives (on the edge of total obsolescence) or a good choice for the future?

 

[hunter315]

Unless you are planning to do heavy overclocking off the bat, you may want to put off buying another heatsink, the one that comes with the 955 is a beast, its got a couple of heatpipes and a decent sized fan on it. Just be aware it takes a ton of force to get on on the ASUS deluxe board, i spent 10 minutes fighting with it tonight but it works.

 

[untiltheend]

Unless you are planning to do heavy overclocking off the bat, you may want to put off buying another heatsink, the one that comes with the 955 is a beast, its got a couple of heatpipes and a decent sized fan on it. Just be aware it takes a ton of force to get on on the ASUS deluxe board, i spent 10 minutes fighting with it tonight but it works.

Thnx hunter, i think i may do that. As long as the heatsink that comes with the 955 is what u say it is. I prob wont overclock right away unless u guys think i should do otherwise.

 

[jbakerlent]

In response to your question about the graphics card I would go with the 4870 not the 4890. And if the fan on the 940 is similar to the one on the 955 an upgraded fan is not really an essential.