All AMD Build

Would appreciate thoughts, suggestions, feedback, potential problems etc... on this build:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=13028087

I especially need suggestions for CPU cooler. Preferably one that does that job and is EASY to install. I absolutely dread installing CPU coolers.

I will be running Vista Ultimate 64bit. So if you spot any drive issues that you've run into let me know.

For people who don't want to click:

Case:
Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
PSU:
ENERMAX MODU82+ EMD625AWT 625W ATX12V Ver.2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
GPU:
SAPPHIRE 100243-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
CPU:
AMD Phenom 9950 2.6GHz Socket AM2+ 140W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HD995ZFAJ4BGH - OEM
RAM:
4x mushkin 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory - Retail
HDD - Applications
Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
HDD - Storage
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Optical Drive:
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM
Motherboard:
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

One question though, with the Socket AM2+ Processor and RAM installed in all four slots won't it bring them all down to DDR2 800 anyways? Should I just buy DDR2 800?

Well from what I've read, if you put RAM in all four slots then they become DDR2 800 - so would it technically still be faster RAM?

It's gaming, movies, and coding.

Not bad, you can find great combo deals on an Antec Case/supply. With the P182 there is a great deal with a 1000W power supply. Total is only $269.00, saving you $20 and giving you 350 more watts. Also, with your budget being this high, you might want to consider going Intel instead for not much more. You'll get way better results.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] =10&page=1

From the reviews the BIOS on the ASUS 790GX is a nightmare at the moment. The FX has much better reviews.

The raptor should help improve times in games too, correct me if I am wrong. For example if a game needs to read from a save file or load HDD contents into memory the raptor will make that move faster. Also better page file speeds and windows load times.

I have a 1TB drive listed also. The 1TB is for storage. the raptor is for applications.

My current machine has roughly 180gb for applications and 750gb for storage. I have still like 60gb left on my applications drive so 300gb should be more than enough.

I've updated the build a bit:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=13028287

Good build. Go with the XIGMATEK HDT-RS1283 cooler. The RAM will probably default to 800 but you can set it to 1066 in the BIOS by selecting the appropriate speed and voltage. If it has any problems running at the recommended settings test the sticks one at a time and you can RMA it or contact Mushkin. Mushkin is really good with RMAs and it's got a lifetime warranty.

Anyway since you got a BE processor if you're going to overclock start by raising the multiplier. Once it gets unstable lower the multiplier and slowly raise the FSB. Stress test it to make sure it's gonna be stable at whatever setting you're going to leave it at. Overall good build.