HELP I need feedback on a budget build!! (HD 7770+FX 8320)

venM

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Mar 26, 2014
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Hello internet once again! I'm looking to build a fairly good gaming pc, with a grand total around $520 at the max, excluding the monitor and os, which I already have. For the processor I chose an AMD FX-8320 at 3.5 ghz, 4.0 ghz turbo. For the graphics card, I chose a Sapphire 1 gb gddr5 radeon HD 7770. All of that will be paired up in a micro atx motherboard with an atx mid case, 8gb of ram, 1tb of hdd, and a 450 watt power supply. Here are the full details of my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hGSD I'm going to be doing a moderate+ level of gaming, and hope this build can run games such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Battlefield 4, Minecraft and Rust at 60+ fps on at least medium settings. Another reason I chose the fx 8320 is because many new games seem to utilize 6+ cores, and I think that with the 8 cores it would run better. I know for sure that I will be doing at least some recording on Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Minecraft. I also think I'll be doing some light Photoshop and video editing on programs such as After Effects. I am planning to upgrade my graphics card maybe a year from building my pc. If anyone could rate, give feedback/constructive criticism, provide tips, suggestions, experiences, or any other helpful information on this build, that would be GREAT. Also, this is my first build, so if you could provide any tips or useful info about building a pc in general, that would also be gladly appreciated! Thank you all so much for your time! :D

[EDIT]: I was considering the same build a day ago but with a micro atx case and a motherboard not as good as the one mentioned here. The community told me that I should not use that motherboard and instead switch to a better motherboard and an atx mid tower case. Here is my new build with the changes. If you would like to view my OLD BUILD that I was considering, do so here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3gETt

Also, if anyone could tell me how this processor runs that would be great. I really want to know if I'll feel an upgrade difference from my current pc which has an intel i3 @ 1.9 ghz and intel hd 4000 graphics. Suprisingly, this laptop costs more than my build!

I would also like to know if this motherboard would be fine with overlocking my cpu.
 
Solution
One big problem. One slight problem.

Big problem: You don't want just one stick of RAM. Pick a kit that has two (2) sticks. You have a dual channel memory controller, so if you use only one stick you SEVERELY slow down you RAM.

Small problem: While you PSU will work for now, you don't have any room to expand and/or add a better card. If you know you'll never upgrade, the keep the PSU. But if you think that there is even a remote chance of upgrading, I'd go with a 650v or up.

If you need to know anything else.....just ask! I'm happy to help.
One big problem. One slight problem.

Big problem: You don't want just one stick of RAM. Pick a kit that has two (2) sticks. You have a dual channel memory controller, so if you use only one stick you SEVERELY slow down you RAM.

Small problem: While you PSU will work for now, you don't have any room to expand and/or add a better card. If you know you'll never upgrade, the keep the PSU. But if you think that there is even a remote chance of upgrading, I'd go with a 650v or up.

If you need to know anything else.....just ask! I'm happy to help.
 
Solution

venM

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Mar 26, 2014
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Thanks so much for looking into my build. I took your advice and took 2 sticks of ram. I also changed the power supply to a 600 watt thermaltake power supply. Here is my revised build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3hYOO also, will this pc be able to meet my needs as mentioned above? How about the motherboard? Is it suitable for my processor? Someone in the community told me that I shouldn't pair a micro atx motherboard with an fx 8320. Thanks!
 

numanator

Honorable
Swapped the mobo for a better one, about $20 more. ATX instead of mATX, 970 mobo from asus

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.55 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec VSK-4000 ATX Mid Tower Case ($43.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 600W ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $504.47
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-28 14:58 EDT-0400)

If you had another $30 I would recommend a 650x XFX psu so you have a good quality one rather than thermaltake but I'm not sure how flexible your budget is.

Also if you plan to do some minor OC on your cpu then a cooler master 212 EVO is a decent aftermarket cooler for $30
 


I have never heard someone say that you should not mix an FX-8320 and micro-ATX board. I'm not saying that they are wrong, but I would think that if there were to be a problem that I would have heard about it before now. A little research needs to be done to verify the validity of this claim.

You are headed in the right direction with your RAM now, but I would HIGHLY recommend that you spend another 20 dollars on high quality, very stable RAM. You will fair much better with a higher quality RAM solution than the one that you have currently chosen. I HIGHLY recommend this RAM

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-240-Pin-Platforms-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396050141&sr=8-1&keywords=Corsair+Vengeance+1600+2+x+4

This RAM is going to treat you MUCH better in the long term. Ask around and I'm sure that pretty much anyone you inquire will tell you the same thing. Corsair Vengeance is more of a high-end RAM that is far more suited towards gaming. RAM stability is a huge matter to consider. Read some reviews and you'll begin to see what I mean.

Finally, lets address your PSU choice. I am going to send you some VERY valuable info concerning your PSU choice. I want you to be aware that all PSU's are NOT the same, even if there wattage is the same. They are VERY different. A good quality PSU is to me a MUST in a good build. The info that I'm sending you on PSU's lists nearly all of the common brand names and models that are available on today's market. This list divides them into five (5) tiers. Tier 1 would be the best models while tier 5 is the worst. At the very top of this info it gives a description of the characteristics of each tier group. I would not go below tier 3. In other words, do not buy a PSU unless it was AT LEAST a tier 3. The following link shows the lowest quality PSU that I would purchase:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Series-Modular-Bronze-CX600M/dp/B00ALYOPSS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396051008&sr=8-2&keywords=Corsair+CX600

And finally, here is the "PSU Tier Grouping":

Tier 1 provides the best quality power, great for overclocking, super high-end systems, and bragging rights.  The best of the best. Very good longevity. 
Tier 2 offers very good quality power output, and great reliability.  Highly recommended for use in new systems. 
Tier 2b contains units that almost made Tier 2, but may not have quite as good quality output(still very good), or may not last as long.  Recommended for systems not expected to run 24/7 for several years. 
Tier 3 power supplies fully meet all ATX requirements for power output quality, but don't have as good of power output quality as above tiers. No reason to replace one if you have one, and they're still good choices for most systems. 
Tier 4 units may have some problems, such as being unable to deliver rated power at higher temperatures, or being slightly out of ATX spec on power output quality.  Not recommended to buy except in situations where you will not be stressing it, or expecting it to last for more than a few years.  If you have one, you can probably keep using it unless you're experiencing problems. 
Tier 5 power supplies are NOT RECOMMENDED.  If you have one, you should strongly consider replacing it ASAP.  These can damage your computer, and often cannot put out the power that they're rated for. If a brand name is listed here, then all models from that brand name are considered to be Tier 5, except for those specific models listed above. 

-----x-----x-----x-----x-----x-----x-----x-----

Tier 1 Brands - The Most Powerful And Stable Components On The Market. 
Antec Signature
Antec High Current Pro -1200w
Antec HCP Platinum 1kW
Cooler Master V series 700, 850, 1kW
Corsair AX
Enermax Galaxy
Enermax Revolution
EVGA SuperNova G2 1000W and 1300W
Kingwin Lazer Platinum
PCP&C TurboCool
PCP&C Silencer Greater than 610 watt
Sapphire Pure
Seasonic X-Series
Seasonic S12D/M12D
Silverstone ZF (Etasis 85/75/56)
Seventeam ST Greater than 600w (SSI, V2.91)
Silverstone OP/DA Greater than 700 watt
Silverstone ZM
Ultra X3   Greater than 1000 watt
XFX Black Edition
XFX XXX Edition
Zippy/Emacs SSL
Zippy/Emacs GSM
Zippy/Emacs PSL
Zippy/Emacs HG2
Zippy/Emacs HP2

Tier 2 Brands - Top Quality components With Top Notch Stability - For Those With Price/Availability Issues With Tier 1
Antec Neo HE
Antec High Current Gamer Series
Antec EarthWatts  greater than 700 watt
Antec TruePower Trio
Antec TruePower Quattro
Antec TruePower New  --  750w
Akasa PowerGreen 80+
CoolMax CTG-750 watt/850 watt/1000 watt
Cooler Master Ultimate/UCP
Cooltek CT
Corsair GS600 / GS800
Corsair HX
Corsair RM 550
Corsair TX
Corsair VX
Cougar SX700 and GX700
Enermax Liberty
Enermax Infiniti
Enermax MaxRevo 1350
Enermax MODU82+
Enermax Platimax (600, 750, 850, 1.2K)
Enermax PRO82+
Enermax PRO87+ (500w + 700w)
Enermax Triathlor (550, 650, 700)
Enhance ENP-GH
Fortron (FSP) GLN
Hale82-m 650-750w
iStarUSA PD2
iStarUSA PD3
LEPA G500 
OCZ EliteXStream
OCZ Fatal1ty
OCZ GameXStream  less than 1000 watt (only if manufactured in December 2007 or later)
OCZ StealthXStream 400 watt
OCZ StealthXStream 2  greater than 700 watt
OCZ Modstream (only if manufactured in December 2007 or later)
OCZ EvoStream
OCZ ProXStream
OCZ Z(t)(s) Series Less than 1000W
OCZ ZX 850w
PC P&C Silencer less than 610 watt
PC P&C Silencer MkII
Rosewill Capstone (450, 750)
Rosewill Fortress
Rosewill Hive (550, 650)
Seasonic G series
Seasonic S12
Seasonic M12
Seasonic Energy Plus
Sentey Golden Steel Power 850w
SevenTeam ST less than 600 watt
Silverstone OP/DA 700 watt or less
Supermicro/AbleCom
Thermaltake Toughpower greater than 600 watt
Thortech Thunderbolt Plus 800w
Topower Powerbird 900w
Xclio StablePower
XFX Core Edition
Xigmatek MC
Xigmatek HC
Ultra X3
Ultra X-Pro
Zalman ZM less than 1000 watt

Tier 2b - Tier 2 units which have either lower longevity or slightly lower quality output.  Still well within spec, and are good units. 
ABS-Tagan ITZ/BZ less than 1000 watt
Antec VP (350, 450)
BFG 800 watt
Cooler Master GX 80 Plus 450W
Cooler Master Real Power Pro >greater than 800 watt
Corsair CS
Cougar S700
Enermax NAXN-82 550w - 750w
Hiper Type-M >greater than 650 watt
Hiper Type-R >greater than 650 watt
Huntkey Jumper
Kingwin Lazer Gold
LEPA B650, B850
Mushkin Enhanced
NZXT HALE
OCZ PowerStream
OCZ StealthXStream <less than 700 watt (only if manufactured in December 2007 or later)
Rosewill Green 630w
Silverstone EF
Tagan U95
Tagan U25
Tagan U15
Tagan U22
Topower Powerbird 1100w
Xclio GreatPower

Tier 3 Brands - Power supplies fully able to meet ATX specs, although closer to the edges of the limits than higher tier units.  Still solid units. 
Acbel Polycom
Akasa PaxPower
Akasa PowerPlus (>greater than 500 watt Models)
AMS Mercury
Antec Earthwatts >greater than 700 watt
Antec Basiq
Antec Phantom
Antec TruePower III
Antec TruePower II
Antec TrueControl II
Antec NeoPower 480 watt (Old Model)
Athena Power Space Shuttle Series
Be Quiet Dark Power Pro
BFG ES
BFG LS
Channel Well
Cooler Master Real Power Pro <less than 800 watt
Cooler Master iGreen
Cooler Master Silent (and gold) Pro
Corsair CX Series
Corsair RM750, RM850
Enermax Maximum Plus
Enermax Noistaker II
Enermax Noisetaker
Enermax Whisper II
Enermax CoolerGiant
Enhance ENS-G
Epower Xscale
EVGA SuperNova NEX B 500
EVGA SuperNova NEX G 750
EVGA SuperNova NEX 1500 Classified
Fortron (FSP) GLC
Fortron (FSP) THN
Fortron AX
Fortron HLN
Fortron PFN/PN/PA
Fractal Design Integra R2 750 W
Kingwin Lazer
Kingwin Mach 1 (the negative 12v rail may go slightly outside of spec in some loading conditions)
LEPA G900
NorthQ
OCZ ModXStream (rated for 40° C)
OCZ Z Series 1000W
Rosewill RP 2 (temperature sensitive)
Rosewill Xtreme/RX
Seasonic Super Versatile
Sigma SP
Silverstone F
Sparkle FSP
Spire Rocketeer V/VI
Sunbeam Nuuo
Thermaltake Litepower
Thermaltake Purepower RX
Thermaltake Toughpower <less than 600 watt
Topower 1000w Gold
XG Magnum
X-Spice Kira
Zalman ZM 1000 watt
 

Tier 4 - Not Recommend for stressful situations.  May not be able to put out full rated power above room temperature, and may slightly fail to meet ATX specs. 
Aerocool
Asus Atlas
BFG 1000 watt
Cooler Master eXtreme (only use 75% of labeled wattage)
Cooler Master GX (except 450w)
E-Power
Futurepower
Hale82n 650w
Hiper Type-M
HIPRO
Masscool
MGE XG
Mushkin HP
NorthQ 4775-500S/BU
OCZ Modstream (if manufactured before December 2007)
OCZ GameXStream <1000 watt (if manufactured before December 2007)
OCZ StealthXStream (if manufactured before December 2007)
OCZ GameXStream 1010 watt (essentially a 850watt power supply)
Scythe Kamariki
Sigma Shark
Sintek
TTGI/Superflower
Ultra Xfinity
Ultra X2 <less than 700 watt
Ultra XVS
Xion Real Power PowerReal

Tier 5 - Other than the units listed above for any of these brands, NOT RECOMMENDED.  Replace ASAP if you have one. 
A-TOP Technology
Apevia
APEX (SUPERCASE/ALLIED)
Aspire(Turbo Case)
ATADC
Athena Power
ATRIX
Broadway Com Corp
Coolmax
Deer
Diablotek
Dynapower USA
Dynex
EagleTech
FOXCONN
FSP Everest
HEC Orion
Hiper Type-R
Huntkey
I-Star Computer Co. Ltd
In Win
JPAC COMPUTER
Just PC
Kingwin Inc.
Linkworld Electronics
Logisys Computer
MGE
MSI
NMEDIAPC
Norwood Micro/ CompUSA
NorthQ
NZXT
Okia
Powmax
Q-Tec
Raidmax
Rocketfish
Rosewill
SFC
Shuttle
Skyhawk
Spire Coolers
Star Micro
STARTECH
Thermaltake Purepower NP
Thermaltake Purepower RU
Thermaltake TR2  (and TR2-RX)
TOPOWER TOP
Ultra X-Connect
Ultra X2 >greater than 700 watt
Ultra LSP
Wintech 
XION
YoungYear
Zebronics

If you have any more questions/comments/concerns, PLEASE ask. You do not want to buy and then ask. You will NOT be bothering me by asking me anything and my door is open at all times. :)

One last thing for you to read. Just below all this text this is another link titled "Building a PC for your budget and level of gaming complete w/assembly step by step"
 
AMD FX processors have best feature sets on mb's with a 970 or 990 series chipset . No one makes an m-ATX board with one of those chipsets . They use ilder 760G chipsets mostly and it does not support all the features of FX .

I would not use the ASUS M5A97 LE . Severely limited board for a performance enthusiast .
Better by far and usually cheaper is the Asrock Extreme3 R2.0 .
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-970extreme3r20
Best of the budget 970 chipset boards is the ASUS M5A97 R2.0 , but it costs nearly $100

The thermaltake TR2 power supply is a door stop . Use only 80+ bronze or better rated PSU's . A 500 watt Corsair CX 500 would be the first to check for price .
But right now the 600M is the same price
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600m
 


Thank you for contributing that info on why FX CPU's don't sync well with n-ATX boards. I was hoping that someone would jump in with that! :) Just another fine example of how you can learn by helping others!