Gaming PC for $800

[kmulli]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Tonight

BUDGET RANGE: Around 800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (namely WoW and CS:S), simple excel work, internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Mouse, Keyboard, OS, Monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: amd

OVERCLOCKING: Yes / No / Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: yes, maybe xfire in the future

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX
-Combo right now on these 2- http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.190731

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801

PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

Totals to $808.88

I'm having trouble deciding between a 4870 and a gtx260, maybe even a 4850. I really haven't looked into building a pc in a couple years so I'm not even 100% on all these parts being compatible so any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Proximon]

The 4870 1GB and the GTX 260 core 216 are very similar in performance.

You will pay less for the GTX 260:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133270
But then you have a crossfire board, and you are paying EXTRA for a good one?


How about the 790X combo?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.190734
It's a nice board, really. The FX board is more because of the faster CROSSFIRE chipset. If you are just getting one card, and really even if you are getting two, the 790X is fine.

Sunbeam cooler mounts better on AMD boards and comes with TX-2 paste. Also slightly cooler (like .3C or something).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004&Tpk=CCTF

It's a good build, really. I would probably try to get the AM3 board and DDR3 RAM if I could afford it.
Something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.190879
and this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180

 

[kmulli]

Cool, thanks for the quick reply. I'll def. get that fan. Realistically, I don't see myself picking up a second video card so I'll ditch the 790fx. Also going to go ahead and take your recommendation on the am3 board. Does 750w seem like overkill?

 

[Proximon]

Yes, but it is a nice PSU at a nice price.

For 10 bucks more you could have a nicer case and a PSU that is adequate... and modular:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.193712
Antec 900 comes loaded with fans that you have to pay extra for with the 300. The TP-550 is new but it's good.

Or if you just want to cut costs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817702008&Tpk=LS-550

 

[mbbs20]

well here is an AM3 built with DDR3 memory i tried to build for you...should be a good open upgrade path. The motherboard has crossfire too albeit at 16x and 8x ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152
COOLER MASTER Centurion 590


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.190879 (Combo)
1. AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail
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2. ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
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total 789 dollars without shipping - 25$ rebates. 764 without shipping..