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First Time Builder - Need Opinions

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - First Time Builder - Need Opinions

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Hey everyone,

I'm by no means an expert when it comes to building a computer now a days, however I have had my experience years ago. I've been doing a ton of research the past couple of days thanks to this informative community. Hopefully you all will be able to help me out.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Anytime in the next couple weeks
BUDGET RANGE: 700-900 CAD (not including shipping/tax)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Web Development, Internet/Video, Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, Monitor, OS (Will use Windows 7 RC for now)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.ca (CANADIAN), or cheapest Canadian place

PARTS PREFERENCES: I've always had AMD processors, but whatever is best

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe, never actually done it. Is it worth the risk?
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No>Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: I have a 19" Insignia LCD TV 1440 x 900 HD Resolution that I would like to use. http://insigniaproducts.com/produc [...] 19-09.html

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am a web developer so I often have numerous applications running at once including FTP Program, MSN, FTP Program, and multiple Internet Windows. This leads me to think I need a quad core, but I decided to go with a x3 to save $100. My current laptop is a Athlon x2 and what I do works decently now.

Without further ado, this is what I have been looking at:


CPU - AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8 GhZ Black ($139.00)

Motherboard - ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard ($153.74 after $15.00 MIR)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813131366

Video Card Option 1 - ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card ($100.99 after $30.00 MIR)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814121272

Video Card Option 2 - ASUS EN9800GT/HTDP/512MD3 GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card ($99.99 after $20.00 MIR) (Includes COD WaW)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814121300

** Motherboard and Both Video Cards have a Bundle Offer.
Motherboard + Option 1 = $239.73 after $45.00 MIR
Motherboard + Option 2 = $238.73 after $35.00 MIR

Case - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($87.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6811119137

** Case has a Bundle Offer with a PSU. Not sure if the PSU is good enough (600W), or even a good deal. Anyone?
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Combo [...] mbo.201750 ($168.98)

Memory - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK ($71.49)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6820231189

Hard Drive - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ($84.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6822136218

DVD/CD Burner - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner ($32.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6827151188

PSU
No idea here. Is the one above okay for my build?

Total for above with both combos is ~ $737.18
I was kind of hoping to spend less, shipping/tax will throw this way up but owell.

If anyone has any cheaper alternatives, or performance improvements with minimal extra cost do tell. I'm not very familiar with todays technology, so please give me some suggestions =)

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600 Watts will be more than enough for you
Go with the 4850, it's worth the price upgrade
Everything else looks solid

Reply to tidefan94

Good build with sensible choices .

The ati card is a little stronger of the two , but in some nVidia optimised games the 9800 may be ahead . I'd choose ATI but thats personal choice only

A good quality 550 watt psu will be plenty but the combo you list is a good deal . Its a quality psu and even modular which mans the leads uplug and the inside of your computer will be tidier

Reply to Outlander_04

Okay thanks. I will probably go with the ATI card then.

Something I forgot to mention was regarding the cooling. When it comes to this I am absolutely clueless, so what sort of fans/cooling peripherals would I need and what would people recommend?

Reply to Purdy
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