Sub $700 AMD - First Build

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kuitems

kuitems

Distinguished
Jul 14, 2009
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18,510
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the month

BUDGET RANGE: $600-700

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies, desktop publishing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS not included in this price

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com to order everything at once

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD Phenom II X2 CPU, a mid-tower case, ddr3 memory

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This will be my first build. I would like a quiet PC that runs cool and could possibly work with Ubuntu.

Planning to run Windows 7 when it comes out. Until then I will use an old 32 bit copy of Windows XP professional or Windows

7 RC. I will buy the monitor locally once the rest of the parts are ordered - 22-23".

Build so far:

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Rosewill Wind Knight Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computert Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147135

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190

Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS

BRONZE
with...
EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208799

Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
with
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212212

$637.23 with shipping before rebates
 
Looks pretty nice to me. I would personally spend just a bit more on the AMD X3 720 BE. You would get better performance and better oc ability, but that would be my preference.

Also, again my preference, I would get an HD4850.

Looks like a nice budget gamer!
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337

$5 more before MIR and $10 less after MIR, so the upgrade to three cores, a better motherboard, and better performance wont cost you much at all or may even come out cheaper.

You can also get a 1GB 4850 and a Corsair 650 watt PSU for slightly more and at your resolution the 1GB will help.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=corsair%20650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150351
 
The 9800 GTX+ is the odd ball in that build since the motherboard is crossfire compatible and the PSU would power two GPU's. I would go with a 4850 instead to leave the option of crossfire open.

The 640GB drives have higher data density and are faster than the 500GB models. It would be worth the $5 to upgrade to the WD6401AALS.

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=wd6401aals $74.99

You can also get the WD6401AALS in a combo with the Antec 300 case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204205

The RAM you picked is pretty slow CAS 9 DDR3 1333 RAM. You can get considerably faster DDR3 1600 RAM with CAS 7-6-6-24 timings for only a little more:

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600EB4GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227286 $74.99

Using combos you can even step up to the Phenom II x3 720 with a better Asus board for an extra $5:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337 $204.99 - $15 MIR


Edit: Hunter315 beat me to it on the CPU + motherboard combo. :)
 
with most games not using multicore processors the 550 be is a good choice . IMO its a coin toss as to whether you'd get better gaming performance out of a 720 be .
The 720 would definitely be better as a multitasking cpu

What bothers me is the foxconn mb . I hear they are better these days but I have vivid memories of their hardware from just a couple of years ago .Id probably go with a
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P for $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
Its a high quality mb .It cant crossfire because it only has one pci-e x 16 slot but unless you are definitely crossfiring later thats no issue [ you have an nVidia gfx card listed so its not that likely anyway because you cant SLI nVidia gfx cards .

Theres also a combo with the mb that includes a 4850 for a very decent price .

EDIT : hard to argue with shortstuff and hunters mb/cpu combo . Looks cheaper after rebate and is better
 
Thanks for the replies. I've been looking at the different options you've suggested and will update later.
 
Y'all all beat me to it! Stupid work pc is a pile of crap. Quits opening links in a new window after a while. But dang it, I was trying.

+1 for the Gigabyte or Asus mobo, the 4850, and the Corsair 650.
 
Here's my 2 cents. I don't need any change back. Taking a lot of the advise from the knowledgable above, this is what I've swung.

The x3 720 asus mobo combo for sure. Hard to pass up that kind of discount and you'll definately notice the extra core now and in the future. $205 - $15 mir
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337

Your DVD burner of choice. If you don't need the DVD-R DL, there is a lite-on with free shipping and $4 cheaper.
Sony $32
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030
Lite-on $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106291

Ram suggested by ShortStuff $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227286

Shorties pick for the HDD and case also $120. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204205
If you really want that Rosewill case for the blue LED fan, you're picks work out to be about the same price I think. This combo for your first pick case has a free external HDD docking station w/ free shipping also.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.213963

Now heres where I'd step a little more. Playing at 1920x1080 will really stress the 4850. The fan is going to spin up and make a lot of noise which you are trying to avoid. I'd actually go with a 4870 1gb for $150 - $10 mir. This combo will get a 4gb usb flash drive too for $1.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.210809

Now to power the 4870 and keep an option open for a crossfire system later, I'm suggesting the Corsair 750TX. The 650 has enough watts, but only has 2x6pin. So the 650 is fine if you choose the 4850s. The 4870 needs 2 per card and the 750TX has 4x6pin connectors leaving options open for the future.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Total $702 + S/H about $720 - $45 in mail in rebates
Final $675
 
Thought about your suggestions while I mowed the lawn and went swimming.
Updated:

LITE-ON 24X CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106291

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227286

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
with
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.204205

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified
with
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.213924

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor
with
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.206782

$671.03 with shipping with $30 mir making it ~$640
 
The 770 only has one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot. So the 750TX is WAY overkill. More power and more connections than you need. The combo for the OCZ modxstream would work fine and save you another $30. That would allow for the option of the 4890 or Nvidia 275. Since one vid card is the only option, look at the games you play and see which (ATI or Nvidia) performs better for those games. Lots of different combo options to reevaluate if you go with the gigabyte 770 and reduce the PSU.
 
That's true, but you are getting a quad core instead of a triple core, so better multitasking. Someone here might have more information than myself as to the ddr2 vs ddr3 question, but do keep in mind that you would end up with a better cpu. That combo makes that board almost free which is why I suggested it. Also keep in mind as skora mentioned, if you look at the combo, you might save more money on the PSU, and you'd probably save money on your memory as ddr2 should be less expensive than the ddr3, so you might go with a better card, which would balance out the system. And with say a 22-24 inch monitor, you will be running a little higher resolutions, which the better video card would help with.

However, I can definitely respect the idea of going with the ddr3. Just remember, balance is the key on the system. Especially once you get into deals like this, so many options to pick from.
 
Problem is that board will cost him much more in the future. As any processor upgrade will require a motherboard upgrade and new ram so upgradability for that board is 0. The 770 board and the 750TX while not providing you a second PCI-E slot to do crossfire you wont have to upgrade your PSU which are often more expensive than the motherboard so that combo is pretty good and in the Antec 300 your spare power cables can just sit on the bottom of the case.
 
A 600w psu should serve him well while working on the 770 AM3 platform. I doubt he'll ever end up with a card that will require more than that. So if he can get more GPU from the savings, it's worth asking the question. If there's a platform change in the future, then yeah, a new PSU may or maynot be needed. Certainly not for a single card. As the technology and standards advance, you'll see less power consumption from here on out. No one wants to make a standard that the EU will ban (like plasma tvs.)
 
Thanks for all the advice. I swapped out the PSU to save some money after seeing the deal skora posted. Would it would be worth the money to add a different cpu cooler other than the one included with the processor? Also, does using name brand thermal grease help or just void my warranty?
 
Was looking around newegg and found this combo deal

Maybe you are intereted on a Phenom II x4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.213770

ASUS EAH4870 DK/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121291

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341019

You have about 70 bucks on mail in rebate after all that, add the DVD burner of your choise and you are on a total of around 710 bucks.

Looks like a good deal to me :)
 
Excellent find Dark Mantle. That is worth a look kuitems. But the Ram isn't as good as the OCZ and you are paying for a lot of HDD space you won't need. If you are looking for a longer term investment and willing to spend the extra, something to consider. If you're looking for a quality system for as little as possible, stick with the x3.

The stealth xstream series is suppose (don't know from experience) a quiet PSU and at a resonable price. Leaves a lot of options open for the GPU (4870 1gb or 4890 or 275 GTX) and find a case that you really like.

If you are worried about warranty, then I'm guessing you can't OC the processor at all so using the stock fan will be fine. Not sure what voids the warranty, that will take some digging.
 
I have built a computer with a StealthXStream and they are awesome PSU.
I would take a 720 BE + an Xigmatek Dark Knight and OC the hell out of that chip. Going quad will cost you, and since games use two cores, the third can be used to offload the extra random extra work your PC is doing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029
My shot for the case is a CM RC-690 since it's a lot more user friendly/sold construction than the Antec 300. On top of the whole thing a 150$ 4870 with 1GB is very important, buffer size at your screen rez is crucial, you'll even see a 4850 with 1gb perform better than a 4890 with 512 (not even sure they make some) on your resolution.
For better OC you can get Artic Silver 5 thermal paste and it's not going to void your warranty don't worry 😉
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
As for DDR2 vs DDR3, it's pretty much the same performance/$ so you can just go with a bit more expensive board, like a GA-MA-790XT which is a solid board that is able to do CF if you ever want it later =)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378

 
True, but i was thinking just in case he was not going to overclock, because he said "Overclocking: maybe" at the beggining of the post, but then again after some research it seems that this Corsair memory have some problems to work at 1600 with this Asus board (seems it would only work at 1066). i haven't really use neither of them, so it would probably be a good idea to research a little more before spending money on that deal i posted before.
 
Thanks for the all the advice. I've placed an order at newegg.com tonight after making quite a few changes from my original post without going beyond my budget. Let's hope all the stuff works when it arrives! Now it is time to go monitor shopping...
 
true... what did you got?!?!?!?! *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* *drums* tututututum
 
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