New computer sufficient/overclockable?

[jmikem825]

My current setup is definitely showing its age. Load times in and out of games are way below what they should be and my friends smoke my frame rates even with vast differences in graphics settings. I am running hardware that was only middle-of-the-road four years ago, and it's just not adequate any more.

I will be ordering parts for an entirely new system from newegg within a week and am looking for advice on overclocking, which I have never tried for fear of frying components and voiding warranties. Also, any insight on inconsistencies or poor choices is definitely welcome.

I will be my computer primarily for gaming/programming (MATLAB, Java, C, C++)/heavy internet use/music & video.

The only things I will be keeping from my old setup is my 74GB Raptor, as well as all peripherals. I plan to use the Raptor as main/OS drive, with games and storage on the second, larger drive. (I have searched and read through numerous discussions and have found no definitive answer on exactly how to partition and split up files onto a multiple hard drive setup, but that's probably a discussion for a different forum.)

Here is everything I plan on purchasing:

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058
Power supply: Antec TruePower New TP-750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378
Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674
RAM: Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148262
Graphics Card: EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130475
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

I chose the quad-core because I do tend to multi-task quite a bit. I'm not sure how intensive a process needs to be to justify using a separate core, but for example I might have a game running, Firefox with several tabs, iTunes, virus and other background programs, AIM, word processor, possibly something being downloaded. Is this sufficient multi-tasking as to require a quad-core, or should I save myself some money and go with dual-core? Also, as more software is written to take advantage of multi-core capability, the quad-core could conceivably become even better by comparison, correct?

Another question I have is whether I need a new monitor to really be able to display the kind of resolution I will be capable of generating. I currently have a Samsung SyncMaster 730B:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1784
The resolution is 1280x1024. Does this mean that no matter what my GPU is capable of, the monitor will never be able to display anything greater than this? If so, I may have to go cheaper on case/CPU/GPU in order to upgrade my monitor as well.

Any advice, especially that related to overclocking, is welcome.

 

[tecmo34]

My recommendation would be to switch your GPU to the XFX 4890, since your MOBO supports Crossfire and not SLI. I say keep this setup and upgrade monitor a little later when you have the money. I wouldn't downgrade your system for a better monitor. By doing that, you will have a monitor you cannot max out since your system isn't strong enough.

Overall a good build.
edit: You will need a HSF to overclock your CPU, which is a good overclocker. I'm a fan of the COGAGE True Spirit and Xigmatek Dark Knight S1283V.

 

[jmikem825]

I knew that I wouldn't be able to take advantage of SLI, but I really can't see myself buying another card any time soon. I wouldn't have the money to buy it for at least a year.

The Xigmatek doesn't specifically state that it can fit AM3, but can all the AM2 coolers also fit AM3?

 

[jbakerlent]

Yes, the Xigmatek Dark Knight works with AM3.