PIIX3 Build ~$900, Ordering today

[thehazard]

Hey guys. I'd like to order this build hopefully either today or tomorrow, depending on what kind of feedback I get here and from some friends. I'm relatively new to this, so any help would be very awesome.

I already have a 24'' monitor, and I plan to do some gaming, anything from WoW, to TF2, to Crysis. I multitask a lot, but I don't do any heavy video editing, making the i7 seem like overkill to me, plus, I just don't have the money for it. Already have a copy of Vista, as well as a mouse and a keyboard.

Alright, well, here's my current build, please critique as much as possible.

(Note: not including MIR in my prices)

Case: Antec 900 [$110]

Mobo: ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 DDR3 AMD 790GX [$140]

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel [$70]

GPU: Sapphire 4870 1GB [$200]

PSU: Corsair 750tx [$115]

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 [$142]

HDD: WD Caviar Black 640GB [$80]

DVD/CD Burner: LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW...etc [$23]

Subtotal : $885


Thanks!

 

[03SVT_COBRA]

Looks very similar to the build I am doing. The only things I can critique are the case and the PSU. I have found that in most cases you don't need to spend more than $80 on a case, but if you like that one it's fine.

Here is what I will be using. Great big case and great cooling, perfect for your needs: http://www.provantage.com/scripts/cart.dll/x/0/continue/COOL023

The PSU is much more than you will need unless you plan on utilizing crossfire in the future. Look at a lower wattage model. With the saved money you may want to look into upgrading to a 4870 x2.

EDIT: This is my first critique, so feel free to critique my critique lol.

 

[john_smarty]

looks good i dont know what your going to get on crysis but dont expect to be playing it on the highest settings. if you had the extra money i would recomend a 4870x2
but otherwise i think your ready

 

[effel]

Are you planning on Crossfire in the future? I'm pretty sure 790GX only runs 8x/8x for that. If you want full bandwidth, you're going to need a 790FX for 16x/16x. But if you aren't going that route, then you could shave off some money by getting a different power supply.

 

[thehazard]

I'm not really planning to Crossfire anytime soon. By the time I save up for another card, a single solution card will probably be out that is as good/better. Would you recommend a 650 watt psu for me, having only one 4870 1gb?

 

[effel]

Something like this would probably be a great Modular solution. Early reviews of the Modxstream line are promising.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

 

[thehazard]

I'm not that informed on PSU's. What is the difference between that and the Corsair 650tx - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005 ?

 

[effel]

Well, modular cabling would be the first thing. You'd only use the cables you need, as opposed to the traditional powersupplies, like the corsair, which would have unused cables lying around in your case. Corsair's power supply offers similar amperage on the 12v rail to the OCZ. OCZ has 2 12v rails, at 25a each, so 50amps, and the Corsair has a large single rail at 52amp. Either power supply would handle your video card, cpu, and hdds without any hassle, that's for sure.

Corsair's power supply benches better than the OCZ, but that's not to say the OCZ is bad either.

 

[theAnimal]

Well, modular cabling would be the first thing. You'd only use the cables you need, as opposed to the traditional powersupplies, like the corsair, which would have unused cables lying around in your case. Corsair's power supply offers similar amperage on the 12v rail to the OCZ. OCZ has 2 12v rails, at 25a each, so 50amps, and the Corsair has a large single rail at 52amp. Either power supply would handle your video card, cpu, and hdds without any hassle, that's for sure.

Corsair's power supply benches better than the OCZ, but that's not to say the OCZ is bad either.

12V rails are generally not additive. The OCZ actually has a total of 504W or 42A available on the 2 12V rails.