New AMD dual core build.

Hi all, I am upgrading my PC for the upcoming WoW expansion + SC2/D3.
I play WoW, CS:S, WC3, and D2 only.

I am looking at AMD because

1. I'm a bit of a fan boy.
2. Better performance per dollar.(very debatable)

So knowing that, lets get started.


CASE : I have one, its a mid size ATX.

MOBO :

AMD cpus are volatile, and require relatively high wattage, so this is where I absolutely do not want to skimp. Upper limit $150. When I think mobo I think DFI/ASUS, but I am really worried here. I hear tons of horror stories about boards burning out and frying capacitors, so I would go over my 150 limit to be sure the mobo can handle the cpu. I am buying a black edition CPU, this this thing needs to be able to handle the OC scene. I want this beast to be crossfire compatible.

My choice :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813136044

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPU

I'm really a fan of AMD's black edition CPUs, but I don't need 4 cores. I know Intel has the best duals on the market, but I'm looking to spend 100$ TOPS. I need to get 3 ghz on air, and have good stability.

My Choice :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103289

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RAM

I am more familiar with G. Skill, but Mushkin seems to offer good prices on high end products..

My Choice :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Graphics

I know everyone who reads this thread is gonna say go 4850! That card is awesome, but I really think its overkill for what I'm doing. MSI is releasing one of ATI's 4670s with a 256-bit memory interface... This sounds pretty sick. For half the price of a 4850, that card looks like it has potential. I may crossfire them in the near future.

My Choice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127383

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cooling

There are tons of good cooling setups out there, but Xigmatek has recently caught my eye because of their good performance and low pricing. I hear the cooler rocks, but the fan blows, so I tacked a 120mm scythe flex on there, with some good ol, AS5.

My Choice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Storage

I've never owned a seagate drive, but its 250gb, 7200 rpm, SATA2, and cheap. Cant beat it.

My Choice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148262

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media

Really skimping here, all it needs to do is read DVDs.

My Choice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106261

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PSU

AMD cpus suck wattage like no other, so I don't want to skimp here.

My Choice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading all, I realize you probably dont care about my commentary, but feedback would be appreciated.

-tav

The 4670 is half the price of the HD 4850 but has less than half the power. That is, for half the price of a HD 4850 you'd expect 400 stream processors (half of 800) but you're getting only 320. If you want best bang for the buck, the HD 4850 still rules.

BTW, if you're a big fan of D2 like me, make sure you have a good video card in early 2010 or whenever Diablo 3 will be released. That game will have amazing graphics, including Havok physics, and it would be a shame to play it with the eye candy on low. Maybe getting a HD 4670 now is smart, since it lets you save more so you can buy a new video card when D3 is out.