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Rate my new build

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Hi all, first build for me in many, many years.

This is what I plan on ordering. I passing on a video card at first because of the onboard video with 128mb sideport.
I'm planning on using it for games, video and as a backup DVR
I also have a second DVD-RW and IDE Hard Drive (250GB) that I will be using also.

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GPM-DS2H
AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION
ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
8 GB - G.SKILL (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA
ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe SATA - DRW-2014L1T
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI ,CrossFire Ready
Antec P182
Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP

If I need a video card, which one? I don't need a screamer, just something that will work in addition to the mobo video. I am also planning on a second monitor within 6 months.

Thanks for your opinions

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Looks good . As for Video Solutions, an ATI 4850, or 4870 (can X-Fire with onboard). I'd personaly go with the Samsung 22" over that Acer.

Reply to IH8U

Check Frostytech for cooler reviews, sections for either best cooling or quietest.
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm
Low powered non gaming GPU might be what you want at $20 after rebate it makes a good interim solution HD2600XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121082

Reply to dirtmountain

The onboard HD3200 integrated graphics really isn't well suited for 1680x1050 resolution gaming - even paired with a HD3450 video card working with the onboard HD3200 in "hybrid graphics".

from the THG 780G review

And the 780G chipset isn't always happy with the high power 125W CPUs like the 9850BE 2.5Ghz. The X2 4850e 2.5GHz 45W makes a near perfect HD playback and DVR choice and is decent for medium duty gaming.

My suggestion;
GIGABYTE GA-MA78GPM-DS2H $105
X2 4850e 2.5GHz 45W $65
ZALMAN CNPS 9500 AM2 CPU cooler
4 GB - G.SKILL DDR2 1066 (4GB is plenty)
WD Caviar WD6400AAKS 640GB
ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA
Corsair CMPSU-550VX 550W PSU $80 after rebate
Antec P182
Sapphire HD 4850 video card $160 after rebate
SAMSUNG T220 22" ToC Monitor $300 after rebate

Reply to WR2

WR2 makes some good points. You may want to consider a 790GX board. Its integrated graphics is a step up. It still only scales well with something like a 3470, but perhaps instead you might just get a 4850 and forego the integrated. This board can also handle the higher-wattage Phenoms like the 9850BE.
The PSU he suggested would also be a good choice. The one you've chosen is definitely overkill.
Ditto on 4GB of RAM. I'm not sure what 8GB would do for you in your stated applications.

------------------------------ There is ALWAYS a drone. Exactly where, or how many drones you will encounter may vary, but that there will be at least one will not.
Reply to jtt283

I would change the MB to K9A2 Platinum, add a HD 4850 card now, maybe another one a year from now if new games need it, and keep the Phenom 9850. That's the best future-proofing you can do IMO.

You could save $45 by getting a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 cooler instead of the Zalman 9700. Don't be fooled by Zalman's "Ultra quiet" claims, by the way. The Xigmatek and lots of other coolers are quieter under load.

The P182 is very expensive too. I'd rather have a cheaper case with more room and better cooling, like the RC-690.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130136
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] =HDT-S1283
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137

Good CPU, HDD, DVD, PSU, monitor.

8 GB of DDR2-1066 is overkill IMO. 4 GB of DDR2-800 would cost a lot less and you'd still get the same results. You'll never use more than 4 GB of RAM if you're just playing games and watching movies. Not in the next few years anyway.

Reply to aevm

Thanks for your input everyone. Gives me some options I hadn't thought of before I make my purchase.

Message edited by zenProgrammer on 09-03-2008 at 08:52:34 PM

Reply to zenProgrammer

Looks good from this end. However if it was me I would go with something more in a 5400+ or a 6000+ dual core black editions. They are more versatile for OC and for power effeciency. Having built a few boxes with these in them I can stand behind them. I did research on the Phenoms for the last gaming build I did for a customer. The Phenom got a lot of bad reviews for being a power hog and not having a lot of oc capability. As far as the motherboard goes, its subjective for everyone I guess, and with video cards I have been sworn to NVidia for the moment because of my bad deal with my ATI 9800 all in wonder pro. By for the best card for the money anywhere right now is the 8800GT from NVidia, but thats just me. Happy gaming and good luck.

Reply to captjack5169

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