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Need help with newbie system am3+ Motherboard / Optimal RAM

Tags:
  • RAM
  • am3+
  • Systems
  • Motherboards
Last response: in Systems
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April 7, 2014 4:24:13 AM

Hello, this is my first post here in TH. I am trying to build a (I don't know what range it is) system that is composed of

CPU : AMD FX 8320
PSU : Cougar SL600 (better psu will come later ;) )
GPU : MSI R9 270x Hawk
HDD : Seagate 1TB
HSF : CM 212x

I am kind of stumped with what board I should get. I'm currently considering:
BOARD : Asus M5A97 R2.0

Currently considering :
RAM : Gskill Ripjaws X 8gb 4gbx2 DDR3 1866 CL9 F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL (wondering if it will work as Dual Channel; and if i could buy another pair will it work as another dual channel? I really don't know if I'm making sense here, lol.)

P.S. I know everyone loves 990 chipsets for AMD fx83**s atm (based on what I've read), but I am looking for an ALTERNATIVE because it would be a 86$-143$ difference.

More about : newbie system am3 motherboard optimal ram

a c 83 V Motherboard
April 7, 2014 4:28:50 AM

It is better to get a 990 chipset for the motherboard as they have the required power phases needed to stop the FX 8320 from being throttled.
This board isn't that bad:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-m5a99xevo...
Or this but get the Revision 4 of this board
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-ga990...
Also, i recommend you should change your power supply to some other well-known brand like Antec, Corsair (not CX or VS series), EVGA 80+gold, Seasonic or XFX
The one you chosen hasn't been certified to be at least 80 efficiency. It is better to choose from 80+ bronze and above. 550w is enough but if you want more a 650W is sufficient for single gpu setup.
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a c 83 V Motherboard
April 7, 2014 11:05:10 AM

The absolute lowest i would go is an Asus M5A97 Evo R2.0 if you can find it. But don't expect a large overclock even with a decent cooler.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-m5a97evor...
It is not that everyone love the 990FX chipset, it is because they are pretty much the only real motherboard that can handle a FX 83** well enough. They have the required power phase and vrm heatsinks to stop the FX 83** from throttling. There aren't much alternatives. Any motherboard that has power hase of 4+2 or less won't handle a FX 83** and will experience throttling.

To your RAM question, it will run as two pairs of dual channel memory if installing 4 identical ram modulus.
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Best solution

a c 1530 V Motherboard
April 7, 2014 7:27:19 PM

8+2 POWER PHASE design will handle it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $79.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-07 22:26 EDT-0400)
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a c 1530 V Motherboard
April 7, 2014 7:34:50 PM

ASUS over the GIGABYTE , ASUS boards are more reliable.
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April 7, 2014 7:39:25 PM

you know i was considering messaging you yesterday, since i am super newbie here i didn't as you might have not entertained the msg anyway

thank you for your time, and your patience keeping up with my nub Qs :) 
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a c 1530 V Motherboard
April 7, 2014 7:42:54 PM

Glad to help!
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