AM3 Build

[waynec121]

Okay guys so I posted here before about an i7 build but the new AM3 has definitely caught my interest. I am extremely interested in doing a AM3 720 build because of the bang for the buck and also because it is mainly for gaming, but I do have some questions. Right now there is really no need to invest in expensive DDR3 and DDR2 kits are insanely cheap. My main question is about the motherboard. Do any of the boards that support the AM3 chip support DDR2 ram as well as the DDR3 ram? I am wondering this because I would like to start with DDR2 and then when good performance gains start showing up in the future and the DDR3 becomes cheaper, I can make an easy switch. If so are there any motherboards that you guys recommend? I saw this one at newegg, but I do not know if it can support DDR2 ram -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128377

Oh and anybody know of a good cpu cooler for the new AM3s? Thanks for any advice/help

Other than that I know pretty much everything else I need from looking at so many other builds.
640gb Western Digital Caviar Black
Corsair 750tx power supply
AM3 720
Sapphire 4870x2
Good case...still haven't decided ->personal preference though
LG cd/dvd drive
vista 64 bit
Already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse

Thanks again!

 

[waynec121]

bump...sorry after about 10 min there are like 20 threads above mine. Just trying to keep it alive!!! lol

 

[waynec121]

sorry for the triple post...but it doesnt seem like the AM3 is a very popular thread : (((

 

[EQPlayer]

A board is going to be either DDR3 or DDR2. I'd definately get a DDR3 AM3 board if only for future upgradeability.

 

[waynec121]

bump

 

[batuchka]

Thats because the gain from DDR2--DDR3 is nil to little and so pure AM3 builds on AM3 mobos and DDR3 would not be bang for buck IMO Run atht X3 720BE on an AM2+ mobo and DDR2. Example

This would be for a 19-20" LCD so if you have a 24" swap out the GPU and possibly PSU for a better one hehe

 

[gkay09]

Get tis mobo...DDR2, latest SB750 and has crossfire support...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128352

 

[gkay09]

If money not much of a problem, then get tis...
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $199.99
Optimize AM3 Processors w/ 8+2 Phase Power & ASUS Turbo V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131361

 

[waynec121]

dang i guess i just posted at the wrong time of day...haha because i check it today and i have like 10 replies. and thats what keeps me coming back here!!! thanks i am getting my tax refund in about a week or two so thats when im building. i mite just invest in the am3 board and the ddr3 ram. As zipzoom said

I'd get a DDR3 mobo. The DDR3 is cheap already, about $80 for 4gb. Its the triple channel kits for i7 that are still running double that amount.

its mainly the i7 ram thats expensive. i will post the updated build in a few minutes and price it all out! should be sweet!

O and I just realized i will be spending about 1,000 usd or so...and i need windows vista too so it should be pretty sweet....im gonna go with the 4870x2 because i have a 24 inch monitor...its 1080p monitor so will it have any problem with the graphics card because i know most monitors that size are 1200p? O and i also have a 17 inch so i mite run the setup on both of them the 24 for gaming the 17 for just internet, aim, and stuff like that. I mite add in the z5500s as well for sound.

o i forgot about something -> cpu cooler? whats a good one to go with the x3 720 cpu?

so basically: 1) 24" 1080p monitor resolution with gpu (16x9) instead of normal (16x10) computer monitors
2) compatible aftermarket cpu cooler? thanks guys

 

[waynec121]

ok so i have the final build with a price, all components from newegg:

AMD x3 720
GIGABYTE 790XT-UD4P (combo) $273.99
SAPPHIRE 4870X2 $439.00
G.SKILL 4GB (2 X 2GB KIT) 240-PIN DDR3 1333 - $75.99
CORSAIR 750TX POWER SUPPLY - $124.99
WD CAVIAR BLACK 640GB HD - $79.99
LG 22X BLACK SATA DRIVE - $24.99
VISTA HOME PREMIUM for System Builders - $99.99
LOGITECH G5 MOUSE - $49.99
SAITEK ECLIPSE KEYBOARD - $34.99
ANTEC P182 CASE(maybe) - $129.99
LOGITECH Z5500 5.1 - $282.99

Already have a 24" and 17" monitor that I will use together.

my total in my shopping cart came to $1616.90
thats about right and this should be a sick setup
from the list any compatibility issues? and also cpu cooler recommendations?

 

[waynec121]

bump....

 

[Proximon]

That seems pretty nice, but you will probably end up getting one of the newer quads coming out in a few months. You will be a bit CPU limited there.

Also, you should save a bit and get this PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011&Tpk=S75CF

This would be a better case for less:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
CM 690

Or you could get one of these:

CM HAF
Antec 900

 

[waynec121]

That seems pretty nice, but you will probably end up getting one of the newer quads coming out in a few months. You will be a bit CPU limited there.

Also, you should save a bit and get this PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011&Tpk=S75CF

This would be a better case for less:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
CM 690

Or you could get one of these:

CM HAF
Antec 900

Yea I hear ya on the quad, but the system is going to be mainly used for gaming and dual cores are good for that, so i figure 3 cores would be just rite for quite a while. And thanks for the psu suggestion I will get it instead and save some dough. The case is a big maybe I have been confused on it and its personal preference but yea its pretty much w.e. I will be sure to get a good one though that cools well also.

Thanks, o and I still am not sure on a cpu cooler. Any suggestions?