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[Solved] New AMD $1300 Build for Gaming

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Best answer from batuchka.

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imconfused1234   07-30-2009 at 11:08:31 PM

Hey Tomshardware, I posted a month or so ago concerning a new gaming computer build and you all helped so much with my questions on it, so thanks. After seeing my new computer my friend now also wants a new gaming computer and I though I would put together a build I made for him, and hope you guys could comment on it.

The big things is that he really wants the rig to be as "future proof" as possible, and wants to get the best bang for his buck. He only plays games, and will probably use the computer for little else, besides youtube.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2-3 Weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-1200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, youtube

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Cheapest possible

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD, mid-tower

OVERCLOCKING: As needed SLI OR CROSSFIRE: As needed

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Future proof, great bang for buck (in terms of gaming performance)

---------------------------------------
POWER SUPPLY
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail 139.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139009

Case
Antec Nine Hundred Two Ultimate Gaming Case $124.52*
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Nine-H [...] 829&sr=8-1
(Newegg sold out)

Monitor
Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2500:1 - Retail - $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824009145

CD-Drive
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe LightScribe Support - OEM - $30.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827118032

Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM (Free Windows 7 upgrade) $109.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116677

CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674
+
Motherboard

MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130223
Combo-$314.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212202)

GPU:
XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail -$194.99*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150359

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail -$74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231189

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

Key Board:
Logitech G15 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Wired Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 34&Tpk=g15

The total is $1301....$101 dollars over what he wanted to pay, I was hoping anyone could give some advice to lower the price in any way. Also, I am not too sure on the PSU, is it too strong for the rig? Like me, he may eventually get 2 4890's if he notices a slow down in some of the future games.

A way I see he can save money right now, would be to not buy Vista, but in the long run it seems he would probably save because Windows 7 and coming out for $200, thus saving him $90 if he bought it right now.

Ahh well thanks in advance.

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Best answer from batuchka
Yes u have a point - the top most end where the air is thin is where 790FX or 16x + 16x multi chipsets have the edge. Generally not recommended to CFX HD4870X2s on an 8x+8x mobo but extensive testing have shown there is no untoward effects on CFing a pair of single GPUs 8x+8x CF on most current PCIex16 gen 2.0 lanes
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/8VS16cf-3.jpg
An older PCIex16 gen 1.0 would be found wanting though ^^
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Silver Home Brew badge hunter315   07-30-2009 at 11:31:07 PM

A good 750 should be able to handle 2 4890s so you can save an additional 55 by getting this Case/PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.216237

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to hunter315
dirtmountain   07-30-2009 at 11:52:42 PM

It's a well done build. I agree with hunter315 that his idea is the best way to save a chunk of money without an impact on performance. I would also go with this RAM at the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231200

any other change i can see such as going with a HD4870, or different keyboard etc. would effect performance. It's a good build, tough to make it much better.

Reply to dirtmountain
Shnur   07-31-2009 at 12:40:03 AM

yeah, the keyboard is a keyboard so I wouldn't count it in the actual price... it's part of the system yeah... but with Logitech you have almost life-time warranty so he can use it forever, also compared to the old blue G15, this one the keys don't get washed out by use. (Had both, the blue died after 2 years, the orange is still keeping up to expectations)
So if you count like this: hunter315 saves you 55$, and if you take out the keyboard, it's another 75$ you're good.
By taking out, I believe it's not really "part" of the computer since it's going to last a lot longer... just... personal opinion.

Reply to Shnur
Silver Home Brew badge hunter315   07-31-2009 at 12:44:23 AM

You can also save yourself $5 using this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] 22-136-319
Every little bit counts

Reply to hunter315
imconfused1234   07-31-2009 at 09:27:46 AM

hunter315 wrote :

A good 750 should be able to handle 2 4890s so you can save an additional 55 by getting this Case/PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.216237



Awesome thanks to all the advice given! Couple questions...
1. Is there any real difference when it comes to antec 900 vs 902?
2. with the CPU mentioned, do you think it will be able to run dual monitors (22in dont know if it makes a difference) as well as a decent 6 speaker setup?

Reply to imconfused1234
waynec121   07-31-2009 at 09:31:34 AM

antec 902 is basically the same but has an all black interior and better cable management.

The cpu is not too big of a bearing on two monitors, that is the GPU. With a 4890 it will more then suffice.

Speakers are personal preference but Logitech makes some great speakers.

------------------------------ Fire Protection Engineering Major @ UMCP

i7 920~ EVGA x58~ XFX 5770
 Reply to waynec121
Bronze Home Brew badge batuchka   07-31-2009 at 03:27:34 PM

A far cheaper config with about the same performance :P Good spot by hunter on that case+psu IMO hehe
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/THr955.jpg

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by batuchka on 07-31-2009 at 03:28:53 PM
Reply to batuchka
dirtmountain   07-31-2009 at 06:45:36 PM

For top gaming performance i'd stick with the 955 BE and a 790FX motherboard, the ease of OCing a BE and the advantages of 16x-16x throughput, especially at the top end of the gaming spectrum is an advantage. Not that batuchkas build isn't a good one, but it would affect performance.

Reply to dirtmountain
Bronze Home Brew badge batuchka   07-31-2009 at 06:51:45 PM
Best answer

Yes u have a point - the top most end where the air is thin is where 790FX or 16x + 16x multi chipsets have the edge. Generally not recommended to CFX HD4870X2s on an 8x+8x mobo but extensive testing have shown there is no untoward effects on CFing a pair of single GPUs 8x+8x CF on most current PCIex16 gen 2.0 lanes
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/8VS16cf-3.jpg
An older PCIex16 gen 1.0 would be found wanting though ^^


Message edited by batuchka on 07-31-2009 at 06:52:40 PM
Reply to batuchka
imconfused1234   07-31-2009 at 08:53:05 PM

batuchka wrote :

A far cheaper config with about the same performance :P Good spot by hunter on that case+psu IMO hehe
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums [...] THr955.jpg



What an awesome setup, thank you so much for this alternative build, hopefully my friend can get the money before all these combo deals you have found changed.

Thanks again to everyone for they're suggestions.

Reply to imconfused1234
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