Comments/Suggestions on first system build

[moldycrow]

Hey all,


This'll be my first build. I tried to do as much research as I could on pretty much every component, but since I'm still new to all of this I'd like some feedback on my list, if I'm heading in the right direction or if its rubbish; that sort of thing.

Its a lower budget build, roughly $725, and I'd like to keep it that near that target. But I'm open to any suggestions for replacement pieces for any and all parts.

The build is for general usage: media, multi-tasking, internet, homework (some CAD programs). General crap like that, but it'll be primarily for gaming, but I don't plan to do Crossfire or SLI.

Anyway, here is the list.

Processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz $113.99

Motherboard
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G M2+ $79.99

Memory
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 1066 $59.99

Graphics Card
ASUS Radeon HD 4850 $194.99

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200 250GB $59.99

Case
Antec 900 $119.99

PSU
Rosewill 600W ATX12V V2.01 $69.99

Drivers
SAMSUNG DVD-Burner $26.99

Total Cost: $725.92 (without shipping and tax)

Some of my concerns are: Is my listed PSU adequate for job? Any components incompatible with one another? PCI 2.0 really worth it on the motherboard or should I try and find something cheaper?


Thank you for your tips, comments, and suggestions.

 

[akhilles]

The psu is plenty for an HD4850 PC:

450 Watt or greater power supply with 75 Watt 6-pin PCI Express® power connector recommended

http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonhd4800/requirements.html

You might want to pick out another psu.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108088

Everything else looks great, sir. IMO, if I had $100 extra for a mobo with PCI-E 2.0, I would so spend it on a BETTER gpu. That's just me. PCI-E 2.0 won't boost the gaming performance, but a better gpu def. will. I'm not saying you should pick up a better gpu. Stick with HD4850.

 

[moldycrow]

Thanks a lot for the feedback.

The PSU ranking list is a useful little guide, so thanks for that as well.

Interesting about PCI-E 2.0 though..I had found a less expensive motherboard, BIOSTAR MCP6P-M2. Only $49.99 compared to the other Biostar which is $79.99.

Only problem is that I don't fully understand the differences between them. The Mobo's have different northbridges, video chipsets, FBS, etc. I have a vague understanding of what each does, I don't know how much each will effect performance. I can see that it gives $30 better performance, but would it be a noticeable difference?

 

[akhilles]

Chipsets are the major differences between mobos. A chipset has a set of features. You can wikipedia the chipset and look at the feature set. If you don't overclock, you can get the cheapest board that supports your parts. It will run as more or less the same speed as the most expensive board at stock. Is a few percentage difference in performance worth the extra $100? Not to me.

 

[licid24]

Get a intel e7200 with a p43 motherboard. I comes out of the box ready for 45nm chips.
This intel chip can OC to 3.6 SUPER easy and will have a bigger cache. way faster than the windsor 6000


Also get the HIS 4850 with combo 2g of crucial balistix ram is free

and get the OCZ 600w power supply. its only 59.99 after rebate and way bettter brand

 

[moldycrow]

Ok, I changed my list a bit.

Got an E7200, heh actually before you suggested it licid24, but its reassuring to see you guys suggest it. I also picked up a P43 mobo.

Heres my refined wishlist. I was a bit skeptical about the crucial balistix ram, some of the reviews weren't flattering (heh, just a bit nervous about getting really good parts)but I the deal was pretty impressive; so the option is still on the table.

Anyway, here is the revised list. Oh...I picked up a new PSU as well.

CPU: C2D E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

Case: Antec 900 (same as before)

Mobo: BIOSTAR TForce TP43D2A7 LGA 775
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138122

GPU: VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129112

PSU: FSP Group AX500-PN ATX2.2 500W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104037

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (same from before)

Driver: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner (same from before)

I also had a question about Newegg, heh, I couldn't seem to find a way to make my wishlist public, as to just link that and makes things a bit easier.

Thanks again

 

[moldycrow]

Also, you had mentioned, and I've read in the forums, that the e7200 can be easily oc'd to 3.2-3.6 range.

I'm assuming thats with an aftermarket heatsink. Could I overclock to 3.2+ with the stock heat sink? If not, would a $20-30 one get the job done or would I need to look in the $50 range?

 

[akhilles]

The Wolfdale is a capable chip, but I don't know how well the P43 overclocks. P45 is def. a good overclock. i.e. GA-EP45-DS3L

The stock heatsink is ok for no to mild overclocks if you don't mind the noise. Or pick up a Xigmatek HDT-S1283

 

[moldycrow]

thanks again