$800 Gaming PC - New Builder

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible

BUDGET RANGE: $700-800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, web browsing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, maybe speakers if they can't be squeezed into budget

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: After searching for a while for a decent CPU, I've kind of set my mind on the following:

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103649

But this is by no means an absolute necessity, and I'm willing to alter the CPU to get a better performing system for my price-range.

OVERCLOCKING: Never overclocked before but absolutely willing to give it a go.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Well, my current PC has been giving me a lot of trouble lately, so I've decided to splurge (with my $800 budget, that is) on a new setup. I've never built a PC before now, so my knowledge on which parts are good and why is rather limited.

I originally intended on using more hardware from my current system in this new build, but I really don't know what's worth saving and what would be better discarded. The PC that I bought some time ago was this one, and over the years I've added things such as more RAM and a GeForce 7800 GT GPU. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to continue using the same case, the DVD/CD drives, RAM, or other such things in the new system. It's probably better just to go for something entirely new, but any insight that you guys could offer me on that subject would be appreciated.

After finding the CPU that I intended on using in this new system, I went searching for motherboards, and I initially limited myself to AM3 mobos, but after looking at a few of your posts on this forum for the same CPU, I've noticed that most of you suggested using an AM2+ motherboard instead. I am terribly ignorant when it comes to motherboards, and I truly have little idea what to look for in one, so would any of you tell me why it would be better to opt for AM2+ over AM3?

I might also be in need of an OS. I have Windows XP on a series of recovery CD's that (I think) I could install, but would purchasing Vista be a better choice?

Finally, is the following a decent HDD? It's got a load of space, and it seems pretty cheap, but that makes me somewhat suspicious about it!

HITACHI 0A38016 1TB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822145233

A million thanks for your advice in advance!

Quite honestly, the 720BE is impossible to beat if that is your price range. It's got part of everything you need. It's what AMD tried to do with the triple-core Phenoms but failed to do.

Due to current price increases in DDR2 and drops in DDR3, I'm currently advising AMD builds to just start out with DDR3 now. Proce changes will continue and it will be harder to upgrade DDR2 RAM in the future. There was never anything wrong with DDR3, there was simply no reason to buy it while it was expensive.

CPU cooler
Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2

Here is a nice MB:
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
BFG 550W PSU
Sapphire 4870 1GB


The Hitachi is probably all right.
I would recommend the 1TB Caviar Black however, unless the budget requires less.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

Cooler Master 690

I wasn't looking for deals, just throwing up a quick build. I like the crossfire option of your build, but I'm pretty much sticking to DDR3 now. I just switched over this last week.

Both are good, of the 2 i'd pick the Asus. Always a good idea to google reviews for more info. Good info in several, also some decent overclocking info at this site.
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] eview.html

The cooler Proximon mentioned is a very good one. Good reviews of cooler at http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm both for cooling and quiet.

You listed gaming as most important. At your 1440 X 900 monitor resolution, forget about Crossfire or SLI and use the budget for a more powerful CPU and GPU. However, again with your resolution, it would be easy to go for an overkill and buy parts that will exceed what your monitor's capabilities, meaning you'll be getting 100 plus framerates per second. I would consider unloading the old monitor and getting at least a 22" or 23" monitor. You'll see the targets better and have greater "peripheral vision" during gaming!

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I wouldn't use the 650TX for crossfire 4870s... that's cutting it close. If you are not going to crossfire, it's a very nice choice... or say if you were going to crossfire 4770s.

This would cover crossfire 4870:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817703009

Cooler Master 690
Antec 300

Those would be my two picks.

Generally Cooler Master PSUs are junk, but they do have a couple decent models...

It's a moot point however because I can say for certain there are BETTER PSUs for less than what those will cost, even in combos.

The 650TX for instance

For $110 after rebate, the PC P&C I linked would put either of those to shame.

Then there's the Corsair 750TX, again a far better PSU at about the same price as those.

I had to check... turns out they (CM) never saw fit to get them reviewed, so no go. I have a prejudice against CM and Thermaltake PSUs though. Both companies should stick to cases and leave the PSUs to others.

Looks good to me. This would be money well spent though:

Sunbeam CPU cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 4&Tpk=CCTF

You'll need that to overclock and it's an excellent cooler. Number 3 on the AMD chart and very affordable:
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm