Please Critique my $600+ Build

[dyebroke]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: buying parts now, over the next month or so..

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: audio & video production, web surf, light gaming, flash.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS-Win7.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: -

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe - unlocking, SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I put this list together, would like comments and/or recommendations. Its been a long time since I built one! Thanks!


Antec Three Hundred Black Computer Case - Retail $54.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail -$119.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

ASUS EAH4670/DI/1GD3/V2 Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $74.99 - $20 rebate = $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121328

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail $99.99 - $20 rebate = $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223B - OEM $30.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187

$629.89 - $40 mail in rebates = $589.89 !

 

[build]

Motherboard's a bit expensive. This one's better value http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

For a build like that, you'll only need a 450W PSU at most.

 

[dyebroke]

Okay, thanks, so using these....

GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $79.99 - $10 rebate = $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retai l$74.99 - $15 rebate = $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

That makes it around $519.89

- How about the ram, since changed mobo... I am not sure which ddr3 suits the mobo and is best?
- Should I use an "active" PSU?

I appreciate y'all's comments, hopefully I am one the right track.

 

[foomangoo]

hey, price is right! I like what you have here. will follow this thread.

 

[Guest]

Your build looks good.
Active PCFs is definitely a must.
A note about your motherboard: You can't crossfire/SLI on it so it only supports one GPU.

 

[lonema]

It would be better to use memory with Cas latency of 7 (at 1.5V) rather than 9, e.g.,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

You might want to hold off on the GPU until the new ATI 5000 series chips come out to see the impact on prices. The HD 4850 is a nice GPU for light gaming (I play WoW with one on a 22" monitor).

 

[Jim937]

Hi,

You will need a better PSU than your current choice, a PSU will last you thru 2 builds [6 years +] so look ahead, also a PSU will lose power with age.

My I suggest:

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail
Special 10% off w/ promo code Sepsave10, ends 9/21

Original Price: $129.99, You Save: $30.00...>$99.99
($69.99 after $30.00 Mail-In Rebate Card )
Free Shipping*

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018

 

[theAnimal]

You will need a better PSU than your current choice

The one you selected is higher wattage, but definitely not better.

 

[lonema]

^+1 theAnimal.

700W is overkill for the OP's needs as well.

 

[dyebroke]

Thanks for the input.

Looking at this mobo, ram choices - DDR3 1666(OC)/1333/1066, which type to choose? lonema's 1333 looks good.

I also was looking at the 785 non-micro boards, what is the opinion of them? Are they better than the 770? Is it worth the extra $?
saw this one
ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398

Any other thoughts? I appreciate your help!

**EDIT** The Antec box is now free shipping, I'm ordering.......
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

I also ordered the Samsung Spinpoint already.
Hopefully can finalize this list or get a few ideas so I can watch out for deals.

Thanks

 

[foomangoo]

Gotta love that free shipping!

Havent seen anything "bad" about the 785, is a little more $, maybe others will know if its worth it.

Good luck with your build!

 

[brockh]

Okay, thanks, so using these....

GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $79.99 - $10 rebate = $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retai l$74.99 - $15 rebate = $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

That makes it around $519.89

- How about the ram, since changed mobo... I am not sure which ddr3 suits the mobo and is best?
- Should I use an "active" PSU?

I appreciate y'all's comments, hopefully I am one the right track.

Just get this. Don't let people talk you into other parts or a bigger power supply, you won't need it. The only thing that should be recommended is a little more powerful video card if you care, which is the HD 4850. It costs about $85 with a $15 mail-in rebate. Stick with DDR3 1333 or 1600 (this memory is a good choice) with that motherboard, it's cheap (about $79.99, don't go over that).

Oh, and that is a great motherboard (quoted) for that processor, you won't get better for the price. And the features are fine for what you need.

 

[overshocks]

Just get this. Don't let people talk you into other parts or a bigger power supply, you won't need it. The only thing that should be recommended is a little more powerful video card if you care, which is the 4850. It costs about $85 with a $15 mail-in rebate. Stick with DDR3 1333 or 1600 with that motherboard, it's cheap (about $79.99, don't go over that).

Oh, and that is a great motherboard (quoted) for that processor, you won't get better for the price. And the features are fine for what you need.

You are wrong, his resolution is "1024x768, 1280x1024." no need for 4850, you outta your mind? the 4670 is fine.

 

[brockh]

You are wrong, his resolution is "1024x768, 1280x1024." no need for 4850, you outta your mind? the 4670 is fine.

Excuse me for not taking note. Regardless, the extra $35 wouldn't have ruined his life, especially if he ever wanted to upgrade his monitor.

Also, this power supply is $54.99 after mail-in rebate with 600W and good combo options.

 

[overshocks]

Excuse me for not taking note. Regardless, the extra $35 wouldn't have ruined his life, especially if he ever wanted to upgrade his monitor.

Also, this power supply is $54.99 after mail-in rebate with 600W and good combo options.

are you talking about the 4850 512mb? by the time he plans another upgrade, there will be better things..

 

[obsidian86]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.246572 good combo

 

[lonema]

You are wrong, his resolution is "1024x768, 1280x1024." no need for 4850, you outta your mind? the 4670 is fine.

If the OP is going to stick to a monitor of that resolution, the 4670 is a good choice. If there is a chance he'll upgrade to a 22" (1680 x 1024) in the not too distant future he should consider the 4850 for light gaming (like WoW).

 

[overshocks]

If the OP is going to stick to a monitor of that resolution, the 4670 is a good choice. If there is a chance he'll upgrade to a 22" (1680 x 1024) in the not too distant future he should consider the 4850 for light gaming (like WoW).

he did not state he'll be getting a new monitor, so that assumption is false and rejected. even if he upgrades his monitor later, there's better cards at a low price then, no need to spend the extra money right now. some people just fails at math.

 

[lonema]

he did not state he'll be getting a new monitor, so that assumption is false and rejected. even if he upgrades his monitor later, there's better cards at a low price then, no need to spend the extra money right now. some people just fails at math.

Now you are just being rude. Just become he didn't state that he'll be getting a new monitor doesn't mean that he shouldn't think about it, especially when the cost of 22" and 24" monitors has fallen so much.

 

[dyebroke]

Okay, thanks for the input. I got a couple pieces already ordered, (Antec Case and Samsung Spinpoint)!

Saw this Combo which is what I want to use -

AMD HDZ720WFGIBOX: $119.00 / GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P: $79.99
Combo Discount: -$20.00
Combo Price: $178.99
$10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card pdf
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $168.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259850

Think I am pretty well set on what to get, thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Hopefully it will fire right up and I can figure out how to unlock the X3!

**EDIT**
What do you think of this PSU?
Its Modular, ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 ???
Altho I dont like Mail In Rebates, , more wattage than needed, but for the price of a 450w , +free shipping.

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $99.99 - $40 mail-in rebate = $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

 

[brockh]

Okay, thanks for the input. I got a couple pieces already ordered, (Antec Case and Samsung Spinpoint)!

Saw this Combo which is what I want to use -

AMD HDZ720WFGIBOX: $119.00 / GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P: $79.99
Combo Discount: -$20.00
Combo Price: $178.99
$10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card pdf
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $168.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259850

Think I am pretty well set on what to get, thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Hopefully it will fire right up and I can figure out how to unlock the X3!

Good choices, and good combo searching. You should be ready to go. And yes, be careful with the X3. There's a lot of success stories on that motherboard, but just remember not to mess with any of the voltages or overclocking before you do that (likewise, if it does work raise it a little for it to be stable). You may have to also download a version of the BIOS from a different website.

 

[overshocks]

Now you are just being rude. Just become he didn't state that he'll be getting a new monitor doesn't mean that he shouldn't think about it, especially when the cost of 22" and 24" monitors has fallen so much.

first learn how to spell "because" and second did i say not to get a 22" or 24" why are you falsely accusing me now?

i said: "he did not state he'll be getting a new monitor, so that assumption is false and rejected. even if he upgrades his monitor later, there's better cards at a low price then, no need to spend the extra money right now. some people just fails at math."

learn to read my post dont make false accusations

to OP: nice build so far, make sure you read articles about overclockin if you do it and articles about unlockin

 

[lonema]

first learn how to spell "because" and second did i say not to get a 22" or 24" why are you falsely accusing me now?

i said: "he did not state he'll be getting a new monitor, so that assumption is false and rejected. even if he upgrades his monitor later, there's better cards at a low price then, no need to spend the extra money right now. some people just fails at math."

learn to read my post dont make false accusations

to OP: nice build so far, make sure you read articles about overclockin if you do it and articles about unlockin

First, please don't comment on other people's spelling or grammar when yours is poor, e.g., "..dont make false accusations", or "some people just fails at math."

Secondly, I never accused you of anything, nor did I say that you suggested a 22" or 24" monitor. If you actually read my previous post you'll see that the 22"/24" monitor comment was my own and the sizes were not in any way quoted or inferred from something you said. To quote you, "learn to read".

I just don't understand your need to be so rude. You could have simple said something like "the OP has not indicated he wants to upgrade his monitor and so he should stick with a 4670", or something to that effect. Instead you come out firing bullets over nothing.

To the OP: sorry this post has been hijacked. Have fun with your build.

 

[build]

overshocks is right about the 4670, but I agree he is a bit rude at times :lol:

@OP: The combo is nice. The PSU is great but still a bit pricey. The extra wattage should come in handy though if ever you upgrade to a more powerful GPU.

 

[dyebroke]

Thanks to all.

I didnt get the PSU, I think I will take those recommendations and stay in the 450 w range, keep my eye out for a good deal. I doubt I will ever go dual card, and probably wont upgrade until my monitor bites it.

I cant buy this stuff all at once, so I will look for deals on the stuff y'all suggested along the way.

=>>>I am nervous about unlocking and OCing and all that, I really want to have a reliable system that will last me a good long time. So I am rethinking the X3, maybe should go X4?
What y'all think on that idea?
**EDIT** I cant really see anything in the $120 range comparable unless I drop the L3 cache. So prolly wont do that n stick with the 720 X3.