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
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)
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
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 =)
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
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?