Phenom II X3 build

[Dr510]

I'm pretty new to these computer builds, i plan on spending $1100 for all computer parts.

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail $135.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

ASRock M3A790GXH/128M AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157152

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8TU-6GBPI - Retail $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247

BFG Tech BFGEGTX2801024E GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $289.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143141

COMBO Antec Nine Hundred Two No PS Evolved Ultimate Gamer Case (Black)
Antec CP-850 850W Power Supply (Black) $212.99
https://www.ewiz.com/combo.php?cat_id=146 first one

Total before shipping and handling $1026.30

This is my first ever self build system, constructive criticism would be appreciated, i do not need OS or cd drives

 

[Outlander_04]

You dont need the 3 x2 gig RAM kit . Thats a kit for intel i7 motherboards that use triple channel RAM . The board you have works best with a 2 x2 gb kit .

Check out anandtechs article on the patriot viper ddr3

Your motherboard can support crossfire with two ATI graphics cards . Arguably that makes a single ATI card your best option as it gives you an upgrade path . Most people never do this though , but it is worth considering .
If you stick with intel spend the $ you saved on RAM to buy a GTX 285 . Much the same but runs cooler and uses less power .

Asrock are a decent brand , but newegg has phenom/gigabyte and phenom/ASUS combos that may save some money . You probably dont need a board with 3 pci-e x 16 slots

 

[Dr510]

The 3x2 RAM kit isnt far off from a 2x2 kit, maybe about 10 dollars, also the DDR3 1600 2x2 kits are by far more expensive than the 3x2 kits for some reason.

I also have yet to find a SLI AM3 board, but i do not plan on going SLI or crossfire ever. There arent any AM3/Phenom II combos, only AM2+/AM2 with Phenom II combos

I have considered going up to the GTX 285 but that will cost me another $50 but im leaning towards it.

 

[WR2]

I'm always skeptical when I see a site bundle it's "Best-Selling Gaming Case!" in a deep discount bargain.

I'm thinking - they must have ordered a TON and they're not selling. So I go looking for "the catch".

But in this instance - I can't find one. Looks like a genuine good deal.

JonnyGuru review of Antec CP-850 PSU

On the other hand its a lot more case and power supply than you actually need for your parts. They cost more than your CPU!! About 20% of your budget going to parts that don't make the PC FAST
Some alternatives: Antec Sonata III & EA 500 PSU $120 or Antec 300 case and Corsair 650TX PSU @ $130 after rebate

A good deal on a CPU cooler: Sunbeam Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler $30 after rebate
Review: Sunbeam Core-Contact cooler

 

[WR2]

Ok; for the GTX 285 you can leave out the 500W Antec Earthwatts PSU and Antec Sonata III case. It's slightly less than the EVA recommended 550W with +12V 40Amps.

 

[Outlander_04]

The 3x2 RAM kit isnt far off from a 2x2 kit, maybe about 10 dollars, also the DDR3 1600 2x2 kits are by far more expensive than the 3x2 kits for some reason.

I also have yet to find a SLI AM3 board, but i do not plan on going SLI or crossfire ever. There arent any AM3/Phenom II combos, only AM2+/AM2 with Phenom II combos

I have considered going up to the GTX 285 but that will cost me another $50 but im leaning towards it.

You definitely shouldnt use 3 ram sticks in that mb . If you do it will be in single channel . Two [or 4] sticks can work in dual channel . Two is the best option .
All RAM is not created equal which is why I suggested you look at the article on anandtech . Ideally you want the lowest timings [ like 7-7-7-20 ] which is a measure of how long it takes for data to be found while its stored in the RAM . Lower is better .

Pity about the lack of AM3 combo's . That makes your mb look like an absolute bargain .

WR2 is right about your psu being overkill for a single gfx card rig. The 650 xt will be plenty .
IMO buy the highest quality case you can afford . They dont wear out , and you can always update whats inside them

 

[dirtmountain]

I can see the plate you need to remove on the Antec1200 to get that power supply to fit, but cannot see how you can fit it in the Antec900 two case.

 

[Dr510]

You definitely shouldnt use 3 ram sticks in that mb . If you do it will be in single channel . Two [or 4] sticks can work in dual channel . Two is the best option .
All RAM is not created equal which is why I suggested you look at the article on anandtech . Ideally you want the lowest timings [ like 7-7-7-20 ] which is a measure of how long it takes for data to be found while its stored in the RAM . Lower is better .

Pity about the lack of AM3 combo's . That makes your mb look like an absolute bargain .

WR2 is right about your psu being overkill for a single gfx card rig. The 650 xt will be plenty .
IMO buy the highest quality case you can afford . They dont wear out , and you can always update whats inside them

I will consider the 2x2 kits with lower timings.

The only reason why the 850 is on the list is because of the combo with the antec 900, which says is free shipping for the case and power supply. Newegg doesnt offer free shipping with most cases so that combo doesnt look too bad. I'm still confused about the combo as i proceeded to checkout ewiz charged me for shipping, $38! I sent them an email about it.
hows this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

 

[Outlander_04]

I dont think you can go wrong with a PSU from corsair .

Seasonic , Antec , enermax are all good brands . There are others . The killer feature you MUST have is "active pcf" .

Did you see the combo for an antec 900 and antec 650 watt psu for $180?

 

[WR2]

Both the Corsair PSUs have free shipping from NewEgg.
From Buy.com you can get an Antec 300 for $60 tax and shipping included (to my zipcode)
Antec 900 under $110 shipped.

 

[Dr510]

thanks for everyone's input i will be ordering soon!

 

[WR2]

Are you getting free shipping from eWiz or was that a $38 "gotcha"?