Is this a good new computer build? (been out of it for a while!)

Helloworld_98

Distinguished
Feb 9, 2009
3,371
0
20,790
not really.

raidmax psu's are only good as paperweights and a 4770, due out in may, is pretty close to the GTX+ and 4850 in performance and only costs $99.

If it's a gaming build, switch the 940 for a 720 since 720's do better in current games because they have a higher HT, and then with the spare cash buy a better psu and gfx card, oh yeah there's a GTX 260 for $120 somewhere on newegg.
 
I'd say an Antec 300, considering your budget.

The PSU depends on what graphics card(s) you end up with. For a GTX 260 (which needs a PSU with 36A or more), the minimum PSU would be something like the OCZ Fatal1ty 550W (37A), or even better Corsair 550VX (41A). If you go with something like HD 4870 for now and hope to add a second one later, then Corsair 650TX would do well. BTW, why are you getting a Crossfire motherboard and a SLI card? They would work together, but it's not future-proof.
 

redsrule2500

Distinguished
Apr 22, 2009
5
0
18,510
Thanks for the suggestions concerning the PSU.



Basically because I really don't know what I'm doing I guess, haha. The motherboards/size/CPU and the future of them all confuse me so I just went with highly rated motherboards on newegg.

Why does an SLI card and that motherboard not be future proof? Should I change the GPU or Motherboard?
 

dannyboy33

Distinguished
Apr 17, 2009
37
0
18,530

redsrule2500

Distinguished
Apr 22, 2009
5
0
18,510



Ohhh! wow okay totally get it now.

I'm somewhat partial to the Nvidia Cards, is there motherboards out there that I could substitute instead?
 
Sure. There's a combo here for example,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181993

That gives you a Phenom II 940 and a ASUS M4N72-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a motherboard. Add a GTS 250 card now and another later, for example. You'd need a Corsair 650TX (52A) or similar for that sort of thing.

Either way, I wouldn't buy a 9800GTX+ these days, especially with the GTS 250 cheaper.

Or you could buy a cheaper MB based on the 780G chipset, with a single PCI-E slot (no SLI, no Crossfire). Then add a single card (but a good one), e.g. GTX 275 or even GTX 285. Of course, that means paying for the more expensive card right away rather than half now and half later, so it may not be an option.
 

redsrule2500

Distinguished
Apr 22, 2009
5
0
18,510


Thanks! That gives me a lot to think about, but really helps lay it all out