Please critique my first gaming build

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azdevil09

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I am looking to do my first gaming build in the next week or two. I would like to keep it as cheap as possible but would like a system that can handle they types of games that I want to play and that has the capability to upgrade in the future. Through my research it looks like I am in for about $600-$900.
I will be using the computer almost entirely for gaming with some internet browsing. But I have my trusty Macbook for all my "normal" computer needs.

Parts Not required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, just bought Coolmaster Scout case and Antec Earth 750W PSU = $220

Websites: newegg, zipzoomfly, ewiz, others if you know of them

Overclocking: Yes, I would imagine some, but a stable system is important to me.

Crossfire: Yes that is one of the future upgrades I would consider based on my needs

Monitor: Currently I have a CTX 700B 17" LCD. I am not in the know with all the resolution tech. I think it is a 1280x1040 max res. I will probably upgrade to a 20" max widescreen monitor, so I think thats a 1600x900 res.

I will primarily be playing FSX, FPS, and Empire (strategy) games so let me know if my list is overkill for what I am looking for. Thanks in advance, this is my first build and really my first time getting into what goes into a build. Have done a massive amount of reading on this site among others. I am thinking I would like to go the AMD route for budget performance.

CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 940 = $188
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=HDZ940XCBX

Mobo: Asus M4A79 Deluxe = 187.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010003

Video Card: I am not sure on this, mainly because I do not fully understand resolution requirements of the types of games that I am playing and my current monitor. I would like to keep the option to add another in crossfire in the future if needed.
XFX HD-485-X YFCD HD 4850 512MB - $100
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductList3.jsp
HIS H485QT512P Radeon HD 4850 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 - $123.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10009207
XFX HD-485X-ZDFC Radeon HD 4850 1GB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 - $138.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010242

Memory: $49.50
CORSAIR TWIN2X4096-8500C5 4GB PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066) DDR2 Memory
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10009122

DVD Drive: I just picked one - $27.99
Samsung SH-S222A/BEBET 22X DVDRW Internal Drive
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SH-S222A

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3750528AS 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148445

PSU: Antec EA750 - $119 - BOUGHT TODAY CAUSE IT WAS ON SPECIAL BUT CAN ALWAYS TAKE BACK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

CASE: COOL MASTER Storm Case - $99 - Bought today as well but can take back
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196

Let me know what you think please. I know as of now the PSU is probably overkill, but I was keeping in mind that I may want to add crossfire later. Thanks
 
Why_Me

Why_Me

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Jan 17, 2008
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Nice build :) I'm thinking with that psu you have, you might as well get a higher end card for now, and then later on you can add another one for Crossfire. No sense letting that 750w go to waste. For some really great deals on vid cards, check this link down below. Maybe something like a 4890 or a 4870 for now. This site has 4870's for as cheap as $150 and the 4890 for as cheap as $210.

http://www.ewiz.com/query.php?categry=635

 
gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
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Actually seeing your needs, the games you want to play and the resolution, you seem to be a modest gamer...So I feel you can cut down on components like the Mobo, PSU
If you are OK with suggestions, then here are some...

1. CPU - Good Choice...

2. Mobo - Change to this one...You wont need such a high-end mobo for your needs...Instead you can spend it on graphics...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

3. HDD - The Seagate 7200.12 are good but the WD Black 640GB are faster and better...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

4. Get 2x 4850 in crossfire - Cost about $208 with Free shipping has Mail-In-Rebates too...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161259

5. If you can return the PSU, then it would be good as you can save some money there by going with the Antec EA 650...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

6. Dint see a CPU cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

So if you see you would have saved enough money for 4850 crossfire...
 
xtc28

xtc28

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for this price I would grab two and crossfire them :sol:
Me personaly, I would drop the asus board and go with a Gigabyte ma790x-udp4- $109 on newegg This is the board I switched to in favor of the M4A79 that bbaord gave me problems and was more expensive than the gigabyte by far
 
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azdevil09

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Jun 3, 2009
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I am absolutely OK with suggestions and appreciative of them!! I am a complete novice at all this.

What kind of games would you classify as higher need on the mobo? I will be getting Assassin's Creed 2 probably (liked the first one)

With the lesser of the 2 mobo's have the same longivity as the one I originally had?

So 650W is enough power for two cards in crossfire then?

Thanks again for the reply and suggestions!

Another question, I have two older Seagate Barracuda HDD's one 120GB and 80GB 7200.7 are they usable? Or are they too old and would do no good to add with which ever HDD I do end up going with?

Thanks
 
gkay09

gkay09

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Jul 28, 2008
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@AZdevil09 650W actually suffice for 4850 xfire...750W is only required for 4870 xfire...

@ xtc28 what is the make of the PSU that you have ?
I dont think any good 750W or maybe even 700W PSUs like the Corsair/ PCP&S / Seasonic/ Silverstone would have any problem with the 4870X2...

And that Antec EA650 is a 80+ Certified PSU and is of very good quality...
 
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azdevil09

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Thanks, so you like two of these better than 2 of my options? Or just in terms of $$.

Its funny as I keep going on with this build design, I keep thinking whats another $40 in the grand scheme of things! Problem is that I am doing that with EVERY component!! :) It adds up quick!
 
xtc28

xtc28

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plus I have alot of other things going on like water cooler famultiple fans pumps lights 6 hard drives 3 dvds 1 b-ray But hey its all good man
 
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azdevil09

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Okay thanks!! I really appreciate all the input. Hope I did not say something that suggested otherwise!

Thank you.
 
xtc28

xtc28

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Im srry for the miscomunication. That comment wasnt directed @ you my friend.

Your are very welcome and I hope that we both have helped in some way.
 
gkay09

gkay09

Splendid
Jul 28, 2008
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@ xtc28 there is no bad points in you suggestions... :) It was just that he would have needed more graphics power for his needs...
And if you would google around and see, the overall power requirements would not be very high for him to use a 750W PSU...So it is just clearing up things so that he doesn't simply waste his money on components, which he might not use fully...

But I do agree with your case that you would need that 850W for your setup...
 
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azdevil09

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thanks for that!

Do you guys buy the replacement warranty for things? I never buy them but I wan't sure if it is worth it for this kind of stuff?
 
A

azdevil09

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Okay I am just going to buy 2 cards now since I can use that 10% off that gkay so graciously supplied me with. So take a look at these comparisons and tell me what you think is best. Other than the 1gb card and very slightly different core and memory **** #'s what are the differences? Which factor is the most important when looking at these cards?


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106792627%201067940677&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=N82E16814121272%2CN82E16814161244%2CN82E16814161275%2CN82E16814161259


Also any other Mobo suggestions? Or is the consensus to go with the Gigabyte mentioned above?

Thanks!
 
gkay09

gkay09

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Jul 28, 2008
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For the 1600x900 res, the 512MB version crossfire is more than suffice...Only for resolutions say 1900X1200 and above. the extra vRAM would come into play...So for your resolution, the 512 is fine...
And the major difference between the 2 HIS cards is the cooling - One directs the heat out of the case, whereas the other dissipates it inside the case...But it would not be a problem if your case has good airflow...
For better airflow, add more case fans as the case has many fan slots...
 
xtc28

xtc28

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Word!

To AZdevil I would stay with the gigabyte ma790-ud4p it has served me well and every customer I have used it for.
Also the reason I say stay with the 750 is for upgrade purposes I always get more than I need so I can add more later. I hate running out of power.
 
B

beef1218

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AZdevil09, just be aware of the rebates. Most rebates have a limite "1 per household". For the two graphics card you are buying, most likely you can only get 1 rebate back.
 
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