I'm in the process of figuring out what I want for a system build. I've decided to go with a AMD Phenom II AM3 set up. I'm either going with a x3 720 or waiting for x4 950 next month.
I think I'm going to go with ASUS M4A79T Deluxe AM3 for the motherboard. What I need some help with is figuring out what the best memory is to go with this board. What I'd like to do is get 8gb that runs at least 1600mhz. Thanks for any help.
Why an AM3 motherboard, well unless you have the money ok but, am2+ is really big right now(populated).
As it was said before. I'd buy the AM2+ motherboard, nice tight timing ddr2 800mhz/1066mhz, AM3 cpu x3 720BE/x4 940BE and wait till am3 boards are actually completely ok to buy since they came out not to long ago. Could have some adjustments that still need to happen as cpu's keep coming and coming.
Like you said, it's in my budget. Also I'm going for the future proofing. This is my third computer, second self built. Usually I go about 4-7 years between systems and only make minor upgrades as needed. I figure might as well go with AM3 and DDR3 now since that will pretty much be the standard in the near future.
I was thinking of going with a I7 build, but between the savings on an AMD board and CPU I can spread the saving around to other parts such as GPU, better cooling etc. Plus I can pick up a few new games. I've been dieing to play Fallout 3.
GPU
Geforce GTX 280 1gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814143142 (I was thinking going with a Radon for the crossfire option in the future, but I read that those suckers run pretty hot. I can live with one card for the foreseeable future.)
So far I'm really happy with this build. I have my processor overclocked at 3.4Ghz currently, don't know if I should go higher or not (probably will though).
I only use 4GB of RAM but I don't think that any more is really necessary. All my apps never ever utilize the full 4GB of ram, so unless you are going to be doing 3D rendering programs or stuff like that I really think that 4GB is all that is necessary. And if you are going to be doing that I suggest getting the X4 processors.
As for me all I really do is game. With the X3 and GTX 260 I love to play Crysis, but only 1280x1024 for now (plan to upgrade later). With all the settings on High and about 4 or 5 settings turned on Very High, and also 8XQ AA I average around 45 FPS. So about that GTX 280: I think that you could probably save $100 or so if you just go with one of the GTX 260's, and it'll still play all your games with incredible FPS. (but if you do get the 260 be sure to get the Core 216 version, there is a difference between the 216's and 196's)
And the CPU cooler you got, I know you may not know this, but this MOBO's RAM is VERY close to the CPU. So with that cooler, it will block 1 RAM slot if not 2. So just be very sure what aftermarket cooler you are going to get for this MOBO. Even with my cooler I got (just installed today) it blocked 1 slot of my RAM with the fan attached, which resulted in me having to move my memory from the original slots I had them installed in.
Hey, get that 850tx and the RC-690 in the combo package then if you want to, sli later(well its a xfire board) and for the same price is the s1283v cooler.
BTW on the radeons, its normal for them to run 50-75c theres no problem with them getting that hot. You overall temp will still be in the 30c-40c
I dont know this, mabye you do, am2,am2+ and am3 sockets, can just a regular am2 or x3 x4 compatible cooler hook onto the am3?
I dont know this, mabye you do, am2,am2+ and am3 sockets, can just a regular am2 or x3 x4 compatible cooler hook onto the am3?
Yeah the AM3 Socket clips for coolers are exactly the same as the AM2+ socket clips. Just make sure what direction the clips are in so that way you can avoid any clearance issues you might possibly have.
Be careful with the 1600 mhz ram!!! If you don't have updated bios you may run into problems with booting your system for the first time. Not to mention there is little if any performance gain over 1300 ram.
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