NEw build..just advice or tweaks

[jdelp]

I believe I have everything worked out, but I wanted to post before hand to see if anyone has any suggestions. I will be using the computer for some gaming and some programming. I plan to keep my optical drives, HDD(for the time being), and 22" monitor (1680 x 1050 resolution). I would also Like to keep my case unless it just wont be that great. I would like to stick to this price as close as possible.

Case(already have) Free
COOLER MASTER CAVALIER 3 CAV-T03-UW Silver Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119075


Processor and MoBo $204.99 and $15 rebate
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail
ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337

Proc Cooler $39.99 and $15 rebate
Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004

PSU $119.49
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Ram $74.99
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600EB4GK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227286

Video Card $149.99 and $10 rebate
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

I currently have Windows Xp legal copy i could install or I could go for Vista with free Windows 7 upgrade for $110.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208025

 

[hunter315]

Or instead of getting the RC as a 'free gift' you can just download it off the microsoft website for free, then buy windows 7 when it comes out instead of paying for vista and then 7.

 

[OvrClkr]

On top of that you might get the " Vista Home Crash Edition" syndrome.... So your better off dl'ing Win 7 and upgrade later....

On a side note, if you are not planning on xfire-ing in the future you can shave off some money with a cheaper more efficient PSU. Not that the 750TX is a bad choice, its just that with those specs you might be able to get an EA650 and save some cash if needed. If you are considering x-fire-ing in the near future then the 750TX is a no-brainer.....Hope this helps.....

 

[jdelp]

Thanks for the info so far. Is everyone have good luck with Windows 7 as the main OS on their computers? I haven't messed with 64bit OS since they were first released, would that be the best route to go now adays considering my set up?

For the Cross fire...I haven't fully decided yet if I will or not, but I would rather spend the $40 extra dollars and keep the option open.

 

[hunter315]

yeah im running it on my new build currently, it installs significantly faster than vista which is quite nice. It hasnt given me any trouble yet.

 

[OvrClkr]

IMO anything that has an X64 next to it is garbage. Way to many compatibility issues very unstable. Now some people need an x64 OS for specific needs and that is understandable, as far as Im concerned the only x64 OS that will be worth buying in the near future is Win-7 64.....