Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Building new AM3 system- What GPU and Case?
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Hello friends!

I am building a new system, here are the following specs:

  • AMD Phenom2 X4 955 3,2Ghz, AM3
  • 650W Corsair CMPSU-650TXEU
  • 4096MB (2x2048MB) DDR3 PC12800 Corsair XMS3
  • 750GB Samsung SpinPoint F1 HD753LJ
  • Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P, sAM3


This is supposed to be a gaming system.

However I have a few problems that no matter how much I think I can't make a decision;

What GPU should I go for?
I have used nVidia all my time and feel very comfortable with it. This system is going to be a gaming system as I said and my monitor is going to be 1920x1200. I want to be able to play games without going down to low or medium (It's ok if I can't max settings)

What case should I go for?
I have absolutly no idea what I should go for. Something that keeps my stuff cool, no big worries if it makes noise but as long as it's good, can stop hdd vibrations for example and so on.

What would you change?
Is there anything in the system above that you would like to change?

Thanks!


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For the case i have been very happy with mine and would higly recommend it

 

NZXT Tempest
That baby has 6 120mm fans, it should keep everything ice cold

 

As for the gpu, i would personally go with the 4890 1GB or the 4870 1GB as i have the best results with ATI (a bit of a fanboy haha)

 

But if you must go nvidia i would suggest the 260 or the 280
whichever you can afford.

 

Looks like a pretty solid build, if you plan to run SLI or Xfire you may want a more powerful PSU
look at this one: Corsair 750W


Message edited by Thefox14 on 06-21-2009 at 04:57:46 AM
Reply to Thefox14

have a look in the charts section of this site

look at the vga charts to guide you to your gfx card

alsio look at
\http://www.guru3d.com/category/vga_charts/

Reply to Outlander_04

With your 650W PSU you are in an awkward spot as crossfiring 4870's or 4890's would be pushing it. Because of that, I would just say rock a 4850x2 or 4870x2 now. And not worry about it until DX11 cards come out.

As far as cases go, that's largely personal preference. There are so many solid cases out there just find one with good cooling.

Antec 300/900/1200
Coolermaster 690/ HAF series
Lian Li
Silverstone


Message edited by astrodudepsu on 06-21-2009 at 06:02:46 AM
Reply to astrodudepsu

1. Drop your Processor to a PhenomII 940 and then OC it, trust me it goes up to 3.2ghz stock everything.

2. As for your CPU, a 4850x2 would do good at that resolution, or if you have the money, a 4870x2 2gb, and if not just go for the 4890 1gb.

3. The case if completely up to you haha, I would personally go for the Coolermaster Storm Scout, its a neat case with good airflow, very portable too. sexy looking!

4. Nothing else I'd change, looks good. the rest are completely up to you =]

------------------------------ Core I7 920 @ 3.66ghz | Xfx 4870 1gb Tri-Fire | DFI Lanparty x58 UT | G.Skill Trident 3x2gb @1834mhz | Asus Xonar Dx | Coolermaster Ultimate 1100w | Coolermaster Storm Sniper case | BenQ E2400HD 24inch 1920x1080 | Thermalright TRUE Push/Pull Fan |
Reply to stevensl2


I would suggest to go for two 4770 512MB in CrossFire (if 4770 is available in the market). Two 4770 in CrossFire outperform 4890 and GTX260 easily, also consume less power.

I don't any suggestion about case, sorry :-).

Reply to enayet_redeemer

I would suggest dropping to an AM2+ system with a 940. It's quite a bit cheaper ($55 processor, then RAM on motherboard and less as well)

 

4850X2 would be nice. If you must have nVidia, I've heard only good things about the 980a chipset, though, despite it being a rebranded 780a. The Foxconn Destroyer is also cool.


Message edited by smithereen on 06-22-2009 at 01:52:41 AM
------------------------------ Main PC: Phenom II X3 720 @ 3.680gz - 2X eVGA 8800GT @ 700/1050/1620
ASUS M3N72-D - 2GB Corsair DDR2-800 4-4-4-12
Studio Computer - Athlon X2 5000+ @ 3.2GZ (cheapie board can't adujust voltages) - Radeon 2600XT
2GB OCZ DDR2-800 @ 4-4-4-12 - Asus M2NVM-
Reply to smithereen

^ or drop down to the UD4P if he isn't going to SLI.

Reply to Helloworld_98
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Building new AM3 system- What GPU and Case?
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