Sub $600 CAD system

[JE_D]

Hi, I just wanted to get a second opinion on my planned build:

BIOSTAR H55 HD Socket LGA1156 Intel H55 Chipset - 71.99
i3 530 Intel Processor 127.99
G.Skill Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 (2x2GB) 105.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s 500GB 16MB Cache 45.99
Windows 7 Home Premium 109.99

The other parts (Video card, Optical Drive, Case, etc) will come from my old build or will be bought later.

I want to use it for medium to heavy gaming.

Any Suggestions, Comments, Criticisms or is this a solid build?

If you have any suggestions pleases get them from Tigerdirect.ca and Canadacomputers.com
These retailers are near my house and I dont want to pay shipping.

Your feedback is much appreciated

 

[shovenose]

yes i have suggestions, comments, and criticism (mostly the last one)

1st of all. the i3 is a dual core cpu. that it no longer considered good. I would suggest an i5-750 quad-core.

2nd of all. get this samsung 500gb drive instead
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

what parts are you going to use from your previous build. it would be good to know so we can make sure they are compatible and to make recommendations...

 

[Proximon]

Gah the CAD always throws me off... there are CAD computers you know, computers built for running Computer Animated Drafting?

Anyway, at this budget point you need to go AMD. You'll get more bang for the buck.

PII X2 555 -115
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=028512&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

Asus 870 board with USB 3, etc -109
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_340&item_id=030936&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

G.skill DDR3 1333 CL9 - 106
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_611&item_id=026153&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

WD Caviar Black 500GB -60
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=020449&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

Throw in Win7 and that's still well under. Consider a Quad core:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=027383&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

And perhaps a good aftermarket CPU cooler
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

 

[Proximon]

Or as shovenose says, get a quad Intel CPU, but you seem to have the budget for a quad either way.

 

[JE_D]

yes i have suggestions, comments, and criticism (mostly the last one)

1st of all. the i3 is a dual core cpu. that it no longer considered good. I would suggest an i5-750 quad-core.

2nd of all. get this samsung 500gb drive instead
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

what parts are you going to use from your previous build. it would be good to know so we can make sure they are compatible and to make recommendations...

1. I might consider an i5 750 if I could afford one. then again I might just wait until I can.
2. I can't get that Samsung hard drive from either one of the retailers I listed above.

Here are the old parts I will be using:
Video Card: Power Color Radeon 4650 (Will upgrade after new build completed)
Optical Drive: Generic SATA DVD Burner (Any suggestions for a cheap replacement?)
Case: Cooler Master 330 Elite
PSU: Cooler Master 350W PSU
Display: Acer X193w
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics 2.1 Speakers
Mouse and Keyboard: Generic

 

[shovenose]

well, your gonna need a way better psu.
why do u need to replace the dvd burner as it seems fine if thats all you need?
for a psu:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

 

[shovenose]

and about the hard drive, i would highly recommend either a samsung spinpoint f3 or a wd caviar black

 

[Proximon]

This OCZ is a decent PSU at a fair price:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4362114&CatId=1483
The EA650 is a good PSU as well but more expensive up there.

Review:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/936/1

 

[JE_D]

Gah the CAD always throws me off... there are CAD computers you know, computers built for running Computer Animated Drafting?

Anyway, at this budget point you need to go AMD. You'll get more bang for the buck.

PII X2 555 -115
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=028512&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

Asus 870 board with USB 3, etc -109
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_340&item_id=030936&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

G.skill DDR3 1333 CL9 - 106
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_611&item_id=026153&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

WD Caviar Black 500GB -60
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=020449&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

Throw in Win7 and that's still well under. Consider a Quad core:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=027383&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

And perhaps a good aftermarket CPU cooler
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7

i3 530 Outperforms the Phenom II X2 555. and is only 12$ more expensive
The i5 750 also out performs the AMD Phenom II X4 955 but not by much and it it a lot more expensive
So if I go dual core I will Go with Intel, Quad core AMD

I will definitely be getting that cooler as I have read amazing things about it and I forgot to mention it as part of my build.

The hard drive I am getting (link below) is number 9 on this Benchmark (link below) and is only 45$
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=021509&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/h2benchw-3.12-Avg-Read-Throughput,1010.html

Also My PSU will be fine if I go with an i3 530 or a Phenom II X4 955 because they have fairly low wattages
(Run the build past an online PSU calculator before you start going on that some needs a new PSU)
I will only need to upgrade my PSU if i am going to use a Quad core

 

[JE_D]

well, your gonna need a way better psu.
why do u need to replace the dvd burner as it seems fine if thats all you need?
for a psu:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

I might keep most of my old build and but it in an old case and attach some old peripherials and give it to my younger brothers to let them surf the internet

 

[Proximon]

i3 530 Outperforms the Phenom II X2 555. and is only 12$ more expensive
The i5 750 also out performs the AMD Phenom II X4 955 but not by much and it it a lot more expensive
So if I go dual core I will Go with Intel, Quad core AMD

I will definitely be getting that cooler as I have read amazing things about it and I forgot to mention it as part of my build.

The hard drive I am getting (link below) is number 9 on this Benchmark (link below) and is only 45$
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=021509&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/h2benchw-3.12-Avg-Read-Throughput,1010.html

Also My PSU will be fine if I go with an i3 530 or a Phenom II X4 955 because they have fairly low wattages
(Run the build past an online PSU calculator before you start going on that some needs a new PSU)
I will only need to upgrade my PSU if i am going to use a Quad core

When I started out I assumed you were much nearer your budget and was looking to squeeze out some more value and get you into a better board with USB 3 and SATA 6GB. The X2 555 is a good overclocker and has the possibility of unlocking more cores.

Given your actual budget though, the 955 makes more sense not so much because of the processor speeds as the AMD chipset motherboards, at least from my quick perusal of your two preferred sites. A dual core CPU works fine in most of today's games, but there is no reason to buy just for today. Get a CPU that will multitask for you and will still work in two years when things get more demanding.

Those benchmarks have changed since I looked last. Seems to me that this chart is more useful, but your choice ranks well on it:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/IOMeter-2006.07.27,1038.html
At least for gaming, but it's always hard relying on any one chart for gaming performance.

Our PSU concerns are much more related to quality than power. I am unaware of any 350W Cooler Master PSU, but the 380s and other low-end units they sell are all trash made by Hipro and Acbel.

 

[Proximon]

[strike]Hmmm are quotes broken?[/strike] Fixed.

 

[JE_D]

i3 530 Outperforms the Phenom II X2 555. and is only 12$ more expensive
The i5 750 also out performs the AMD Phenom II X4 955 but not by much and it it a lot more expensive
So if I go dual core I will Go with Intel, Quad core AMD

I will definitely be getting that cooler as I have read amazing things about it and I forgot to mention it as part of my build.

The hard drive I am getting (link below) is number 9 on this Benchmark (link below) and is only 45$
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=021509&sid=9ddai3pb0bmvq9rgk9jr30env7
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/h2benchw-3.12-Avg-Read-Throughput,1010.html

Also My PSU will be fine if I go with an i3 530 or a Phenom II X4 955 because they have fairly low wattages
(Run the build past an online PSU calculator before you start going on that some needs a new PSU)
I will only need to upgrade my PSU if i am going to use a Quad core

When I started out I assumed you were much nearer your budget and was looking to squeeze out some more value and get you into a better board with USB 3 and SATA 6GB. The X2 555 is a good overclocker and has the possibility of unlocking more cores.

Given your actual budget though, the 955 makes more sense not so much because of the processor speeds as the AMD chipset motherboards, at least from my quick perusal of your two preferred sites. A dual core CPU works fine in most of today's games, but there is no reason to buy just for today. Get a CPU that will multitask for you and will still work in two years when things get more demanding.

Those benchmarks have changed since I looked last. Seems to me that this chart is more useful, but your choice ranks well on it:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-3.5-desktop-hard-drive-charts/IOMeter-2006.07.27,1038.html
At least for gaming, but it's always hard relying on any one chart for gaming performance.

Our PSU concerns are much more related to quality than power. I am unaware of any 350W Cooler Master PSU, but the 380s and other low-end units they sell are all trash made by Hipro and Acbel.

Yeah the AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Is a good idea. I am just going to have to save up for a lot longer.
and the benchmarks you posted confirm that i will be getting the Seagate Barracuda. it is 7th on that chart.
also i will need a new PSU for the 955 (125W) here is the link for my current PSU
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6617

Also is this a good PSU for a 955? http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_442&item_id=016235&sid=8s35ar6base8e4brbjb1f5mmu3

 

[Proximon]

Your old PSU is probably built by FSP, and certainly cheap junk, although some FSP PSUs are OK.

The OCZ500SXS is a good budget PSU, if cash is tight and you aren't going to load it too hard. You'll find it as a rank 3 PSU in our list, linked in my sig.

 

[davcon]

Cpu - i agree with the other posters the AMD 955 is the ultimate for your budget but i'll give you other very good alternatives
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=031943
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=027383
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6394300&CatId=4919
Mobo
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_340&item_id=027363
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_340&item_id=031172
RAM
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_612&item_id=027827
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_612&item_id=026137
HDD
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=027644
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=020449
PSU
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_443&item_id=019983
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_441&item_id=020847
HSF
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125

 

[JE_D]

OK, I am revising my build let me know what you think about it:

CPU
AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition 114.99 (I read that it is an amazing overclocker with a small chance to unlock extra cores)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=028512
Or AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition 179.99 (if I get more money on my birthday)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_64&item_id=027383
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO Socket AM3 AMD 870 + SB850 Chipset 109.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_340&item_id=031172
RAM
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series DDR3 1333MHz 107.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_611&item_id=026155
Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 500GB 16MB Cache (ST3500418AS) 45.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=15_210_212&item_id=021509
PSU
OCZ StealthXStream 600W Power Supply 59.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_442&item_id=013680
Or OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Power Supply 64.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_443&item_id=019983
(Choice depends on which one is cheaper at time of purchase)
CPU Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 35.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM 109.99
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=39_530&item_id=026488

Thats 584.93 At the least (with tax 660.97)
and 654.93 At the most (with tax 740.07)

 

[shovenose]

ok. but definitely get the quad-core.

 

[Proximon]

Good list. Be aware that the MXSP is worth a bit more than the SXS PSU, different OEM and better reviews. If it were only a $5 difference I would try very hard to get the OCZ600MXSP.

 

[JE_D]

Yeah, I think I will most likely be going with the quad core Phenom II X4 955 and the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Power Supply.
They are both a little more expensive but better quality. So in the long run those two will be better

 

[JE_D]

Best answer selected by JE_D.