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[NEW SYSTEM BUILD] general-purpose/scripts/gaming < $1000

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - [NEW SYSTEM BUILD] general-purpose/scripts/gaming < $1000

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ~05/13/2009

BUDGET RANGE: USD$700-1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: general productivity -> running python scripts over large datasets -> gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, OS**, DVD burner*

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: hi-quality please

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: First time builder. Specifically interested in soliciting opinions on an AM2/AM2+ vs AM3 build; if I could get an AM2+ build cheaper/better performance than AM3, should I? Also if there were better bang:buck, I'd consider Intel, but when looking at the Phenom II comparisons I felt like it was really the best option right now. Lastly concerned if I can reuse a DVD burner and HD from an older computer; especially concerned about the HD because it has Windows and some other stuff on it.

CPU = $140
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Retail
Mobo = $125
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Mem = $55
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
GPU = $80
SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
HD = $65
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
Case = $100
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
PSU = $90
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
LCD = $220
LG L227WTG-PF Black 22" 2ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 10000:1DCR with HDCP Support - Retail

TOTAL = $875

Reusing:
*Media ::= reusing DVD burner from an emachines T6212
Keyboard ::= reusing Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard
Mouse ::= reusing Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse
**Software ::= Windows exists on emachines T6212 HD, can I reuse it?

Message edited by Anonymous on 05-13-2009 at 12:27:11 AM

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to move your windows you would need to do a sysprep or even if you want to tinker you could try and use winpe 2.0 disk (1.5~ gig download) to make a .wim file for your disk. I'd would just say do a reinstall of the os to prevent any issues. AM3 would be more future proof but know that it runs on the older 790 chipset, i know that amd should be working on the 8xx chips but i lack any info past that. hope this helps!

Reply to crystal_tech

Hi...
Check out the combo deals also on newegg...

CPU + Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.190879

RAM - Same

HDD -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

Better graphics card -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102835

CASE - The Antec 900 is a very good case...But here are a few other options...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811146047

PSU - Certainly a 750W PSU for your usage is an overkill...
Get this PSU ...It can handle the 4770 crossfire...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341001

Reply to gkay09

About $882 less that DVDRW and MIR with shipping since u dun need hehe

Message edited by batuchka on 05-12-2009 at 12:32:19 PM

Reply to batuchka

^+1^ for batcuhka.

I would switch out the Antec 300 case for COOLER MASTER RC-690 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137 ). It is worth the extra $20 and will be better for you down if you decide to upgrade to a Crossfire setup.

If you have the Windows CD from the Emachine and the Liscense Key, you can reuse it. You'll just need to activate windows online or by phone. I used my Dell Inspiron 530 Windows disk when I upgrade to my Gaming computer.

You can reuse your hard drive but I would highly recommend you do a fresh install and reformat your hard drive. IMO, this will save you issues with little system bugs popping up down the road. Just make sure you back-up all of your data to an external if you decide to do that. I do know when I installed Vista 64bit, it gave me an option to keep my old data from Windows XP in a folder but I choose to reformat since I do regular back-ups and wasn't going to lose data.

Message edited by tecmo34 on 05-13-2009 at 05:42:28 PM

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Reply to tecmo34

batuchka:

thanks for you suggestions, but I have a couple of objections.
you have opted for lower quality components in favor of the best available AMD processor. My philosophy is exactly opposite...

I have choosen an AM3 system for upgrade potential. The priceerformance ratio of the Phenom II 955 X4 just isn't there. why splurge on a CPU now when I can upgrade into the current sweet spot at any given point in time? Since I'm building a system that can be upgraded, I'd rather put money into things that do not lose value as fast as a processor does. That CPU you pick out may be half price in several months, and the GPU rendered outmoded by a new direct X version; a high-class monitor and nice case right now will not.

That's my rationale behind lowballing the CPU, and high-balling things that keep value (case, monitor, PSU, etc); a funny thing about stable-value items is they don't add to immediate performance. However I might be able to come out ahead in both total quality and cost value in the future; deference of gratification for future payoffs.

Reply to Anonymous

I can understand what you're saying about the case (the 690 is what I would recommend as well), but nothing else is *low quality,* and if that's going to be your defense, you can really just pack up and get out of here because you'll run into a loop in that argument; why get decent components now? Something better will come out later at cheaper prices...

Batuchka built a fine computer; admittedly, with the case and GPU (board is crossfire only I believe, not sure if there exists a BIOS flash to enable SLI) he has neglected expansion/upgrades, but that's easily remedied with a much cheaper 4770 and a Coolermaster 690 case.

The PSU, although it certainly isn't top tier, OCZ does make some reliable products; their stealthxstream is one of them.

I'd rather get corsair memory as well, but G.Skill is still an excellent performer. It's definitely not any kingston value memory.

The monitor has gotten several good reviews and I suspect that it might actually be reliable.

What you just did sir was casually insult a build that someone kindly constructed for you, and for that sir I call you an ass. Maybe that CPU actually just came out of the hundred dollars remaining in your budget range?

Message edited by mlcloud on 05-13-2009 at 03:05:00 AM

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