Trying to finalize build for cheap gaming computer.

[franzn258]

Is this a quality parts list? if there are any cheaper parts I wouldnt mind getting those instead but since the graphics card comes with dirt showdown, and I already wanted this game, Im pretending I'm buying that separately and pretending the card cost is reduced about 50 dollars

Approximate Purchase Date: (e.g.: this week (the closer the better))

Budget Range: around 700

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, general use

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: maybe later

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/acgV


Parts
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 870A-G46 ATX AM3 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($242.55 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus HF1 ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Enermax 550W ATX12V Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($98.99 @ B&H)
Total: $754.47

 

[franzn258]

anyone?

 

[tsnor]

Check CPU list here and make sure you want an AMD build. (I like AMD and have older amd servers, but right now intel i3 and up are just better) See last page of... http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

Suggest Antec vp450 PSU becase of this review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-VP450-Power-Supply-Review/1487 similar price to Enermax.

Caviar Blue vs. Black. Black = faster boot time at higher price. I tried a green drive once, mistake, now I always go for fast drive.

Sometimes "Ripjaws" have clearance issues. Just check vs. cooler/MB you want.

HD7850 = nice. Not sure if price will fall if nvidia ever finally announces gtx 660.

Maybe consider download Win8 and then buy when win8 avail (vs. buy win7 in last few months of win7 life?)

edit win8 offical download: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download

 

[dudewitbow]

iirc the sapphire 7850 is cheaper on newegg than the HIS one. just barely though. if your willing to wait through rebate and pay a tiny bit more now, then this is the best psu for its price, because its free shipping as well