Phenom X4 940 combo/BIOSTAR TA790GXB A2+ AM2+/AM2 790GX for $189.99

[robnfl]

I was wondering if this Newegg combo: AMD Phenom X4 940/BIOSTAR TA790GXB A2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX ATX AMD Motherboard is a good starting point for a low cost gamer/home computer?

Newegg AMD Phenom X4 940/BIOSTAR TA790GXB combo $189.99 linky

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: A week or two

BUDGET RANGE: $500-$800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, and surfing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: KB/mouse/monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: I prefer intel, but will go with AMD if comparable $$$/performance. Radeon 4850 or 4870 Video or comparable GeForce video card. 4gb DDR2 ram.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes, some

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes, I do prefer the option to upgrade to a second SLI/CF video card in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200, 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Looking for the best bang for the buck

I will not be using the onboard video.

Unfortunately this MB is not SLI/CF.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Proximon]

Yep Biostar is not our first choice in boards, but at that price you pretty much have to.

That would be how I would start at that budget.

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Wow prices are low on DDR2 again. I'm surprised.

 

[megamanx00]

Wow, that's... pretty darn good. Even though that's not a crossfire board it's still like getting a decent board for $20 when you get that phenom II 940. Just add a 4870 and 4GB of Mushikn DDR2 1066 and you're ready to go.

 

[Proximon]

GPU:
XFX 4870 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

NZXT Beta case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146055

OCZ 600W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010&Tpk=OCZ600SXS

HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

You'll want a good cooler for some OC.

Scythe Mugen:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093

MX-2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020

Extra case fan (blue, variable):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999122

 

[robnfl]

Thanks for the info guys.

Wow, RAM has dropped a bit. How about this RAM for $42.99 after rebates... Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit .

Also this case/ps combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212508


Rob

 

[Proximon]

Nothing wrong with that RAM, as long as you don't mind hassling with the rebate.

No, you don't want a Rosewill PSU either. If you would like an education on PSUs, have a look at my guide linked in my sig, and see the section on power supplies. You'll find several links there, so you know it's not just me spouting off 😉

There really aren't any good case/PSU combo deals for your budget right .
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208561
That's the least expensive combo I found that will work for you.

 

[robnfl]

Thanks Proximon. Yeah, I'm a little embarassed...over the past two weeks I've read your guide a bunch of times and refer to it daily...I even have it saved in a word doc on my iPhone. I'll reread it and pay more attention to the PSU section.

Oh, and I don't mind dealing with rebates.

Thanks again,
Rob