$750~$1000+ Gaming Computer

[kokin]

PURCHASE DATE: More likely in a month or two, so prices will change by then, but I'm just trying to figure out a good system.

BUDGET RANGE: $750-1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Mostly gaming (towards the current games) , might incorporate some CS3 or CS4 Photoshop.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Got a wireless laser mouse, keyboard, 22-in WS LCD monitor (basically need a system and nothing else)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: I will be using Windows XP SP2 Media Center Edition (32-bit) or MAYBE Windows 7. So I will be getting 4GB RAM (2x2GB) DDR2 or DDR3? AMD mobo with crossfire support (I would prefer one without integrated graphics to save money and HDMI-support if possible, but not important), preferably AMD Phenon II x4 955 Black Edition with ATI Radeon HD 4890 Black Edition.

OVERCLOCKING: Not for now, but I want to in the future. I'm pretty sure my processor and gpu can be OC'ed, but I have no clue for what motherboard to get same goes for my RAM.

Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No need to with that card.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 (probably using HDMI cable with 4890 adapter or mobo)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I've been researching and it looks like DDR3 is the better choice over DDR2. Any tips for me?

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First computer build for me so nothing complicated. I don't mind having stock fans, but I do want a good mid-tower/tower with a decent amount of cooling.

Preferred Parts:

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674
$245

ATI Radeon HD 4890 Black Edition
http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/Features/4890BE.aspx
$250-300 maybe?

Total so far: $500+

More or less I want to focus the cost my system mainly on the CPU and GPU. I'm guessing the break down of the rest would be:

SAMSUNG 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152102
$84

Sony Sata DVD/CD Burner/Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030
$26

Artic Freezer 7 Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
$30

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
$9

Total so far: $660+

RAM:

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227293
$70

Total so far: $740+

Not sure about RAM, if you guys have any suggestions, please do.

As for the case/PSU/mobo this is where I need help. There are a lot of different mobos compatible with what I want, so it gets confusing. Again, I don't prefer integrated graphics on the mobo, so it will probably go along the 790X or 790FX chipsets. $350 sounds like a good budget for these 3 parts. Maybe $70-100 for the case, $100 for the PSU and $100-150 for the mobo.

Feel free to change my preferences around, I'm open to ideas. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and recommending builds!

 

[batuchka]

Hmm ok something like this? $763.49 with ship less MIR - swap out parts as per your preference ^^

 

[Helloworld_98]

^ go with that build but swap out the hitachi hard drive to another one which isn't hitachi or maxtor. Then swap the GTX 260 for a 4870 X2 since that PSU can hold one up.

You might also want to get some 120mm fans for the case to help cool that 4870 X2 aswell.

 

[fullmetall]

Up to $1000,

I see the PII cpus took there best combo's off, hmm.

Since theres not much of a benefit from the am3/am2 board vs. the am3 board,

you could get the 955 and the gigabyte combo, nice and easy ddr3 1600 ram for cheap, the 4870x2 and a 750tx ina rc-690

 

[kokin]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Onus]

The AC Freezer 7 is for Socket 775. You want the Freezer 64 Pro, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185125.

 

[kokin]

Ah. Good point there jtt283. So when looking for a cpu fan compatible with the Phenom II x4 955, would AM2 sockets be good enough or do I have to look for a fan that covers AM3 sockets as well?

I found only 1 AM3 socket type cpu fan on newegg, but the 2 reviews said the stock fan performed much better than that fan. I might just stick with the stock fan and look for others later on if I really need it.