APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this month BUDGET RANGE: $1,000.00 to $1,500.00
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: I would like to use an AMD CPU & ATI GPU card with a 24" LCD ( brand samsung )
OVERCLOCKING: No CROSSFIRE: for now no / yes in the near future
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200 ( for gaming build I think this resolution is the sweet spot )
Gamer / Enthusiast AMD gaming build
AMD Phenom II X4 955 $189.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103674
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 $36.61 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003
MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 790FX $163.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130223
this is the review that i have read in the newegg site: ( i think ddr3 1333 is the best choice )
Cons: the only con i have is that when i was reading what ram to buy it said ddr3 1600 was supported... well it is... only when you buy ddr3 1333 and oc to 1600 as the manual states. i had to RMA my mushkin ram and pick up the 1333.
Momery?
( please help me choose what is best for this build )
mushkin XP 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146871
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 25-11.html
HIS HD 5850 1GB 256-bit $259.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161302
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB $94.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284
or this one SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB $54.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R $30.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827151187
SILVERSTONE RAVEN RV02-BW $189.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811163154
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 $99.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817171037
SAMSUNG TOC T240 Rose Black 24" $309.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824001275
OS ?
( please help me choose what is best for this build )
any help would be appreciated
Would you consider an i5 build? It offers better performance at the same price point as your build. If not I would definitely consider getting a much cheaper case such as the Antec 300.
Ripjaws have been getting rave reviews, however, on the AM3 boards the memory is very close to the cpu, meaning that your xigmatek may block the first two ram slots if the memory has high heatsinks. I'm not sure if the ripjaws would fit under it in the first two slots.
Your build looks solid, you could save money on the case obviously as jbaker has said.
The performance difference between the phenom ii x4 and the i5 would be negligible in gaming. And the i5's x8/x8 crossfire/sli is quite a turn off to me at least. Also the future is unsure for the 1156 socket, whereas this is not the case for the AM3 boards. But to each their own.
May I recommend the HAF 922 for a case.
And a Samsung F3 1TB for the hard drive.
Your motherboard is sexy.
My 2 cents.
beautiful setup, not so sure about cooler master psu, but reviews look good

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 790FXT-UD5
how about this motherboard, It does not have as many PCI-e x16 slots but has 3 PCI-e x1 and 2 PCI slots.
| jbakerlent wrote : Would you consider an i5 build? It offers better performance at the same price point as your build. If not I would definitely consider getting a much cheaper case such as the Antec 300. |
Here are my reasons for choosing Raven2 gaming case:
The things I like:-
1. the motherboard 90 degrees so that the back I/O panel can be accessed from the top of the case. Not only does this change how cables are routed, but it also works better with heat rising from the processor and other components.
2. Wire management holes are nice
3. Window side view of the case.
4. killer looks!
5. Cooling performance
The things I don't like:-
1. Top USB and audio ports.
2. This case is huge for a ordinary full tower and longer. ( but overall a good case )
jbakerlent Antec 300, hmmm too common for budget gaming build
but thanks for the comments
| UrbanToaster wrote : May I recommend the HAF 922 for a case.
|
HAF 922 for a case, don’t like the side window, you can't see the good stuff inside
samsung Hard Drive hmmmm i'l check on this one. but the only brand that i trust, when it comes to hard drive is western digital and seagate.
but thanks a lot for the comments.
| xaira wrote : beautiful setup, not so sure about cooler master psu, but reviews look good |
i think your right, i'm also not sure of this PSU but i really like the looks and features. plus cables of this PSU is sleak and too neat. check this reviews:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0JF6toNn8Y
| ominous prime wrote : Ripjaws have been getting rave reviews, however, on the AM3 boards the memory is very close to the cpu, meaning that your xigmatek may block the first two ram slots if the memory has high heatsinks. I'm not sure if the ripjaws would fit under it in the first two slots.
|
What CPU cooler would you recomend for this set up? the biggest problem i have on this gaming build is what memory should get but i will seatle for (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
here are some good memory to choose from check the site below:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146740
please help me choose which one is better and why..... any help would be much appreciated.
thanks in advance....
DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)
DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)
DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660)
DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) is this the sweet spot? comments please.....
DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
DDR3 1800 (PC3 14400)
I would look for 1600 MHz CL 7:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146871
The goal is to get high frequency RAM with low latencies, and latencies are more important than speed.
For a HSF I really like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065
| jbakerlent wrote : I would look for 1600 MHz CL 7:
|
this is the review that i have read in the newegg site: ( i think ddr3 1333 is the best choice )
Cons: the only con i have is that when i was reading what ram to buy it said ddr3 1600 was supported... well it is... only when you buy ddr3 1333 and oc to 1600 as the manual states. i had to RMA my mushkin ram and pick up the 1333.
| jbakerlent wrote : For a HSF I really like this one:
|
can you show me a good site that reviews this CPU cooler?
I think this CPU cooler is good.....
thanks
May I ask why 1333 MHz is best? Don't pay much attention to newegg reviews, your motherboard will support the RAM, don't worry.
http://www.frostytech.com/articlev [...] 419&page=5
Also, check out this case:
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112239
And regarding your concern over the Spinpoint drive, it is reliable and much faster than the WD.
this is a good site for cpu cooler reviews... about the memory i think your right problem solve...... Thanks a lot keep up the good work
| jbakerlent wrote : Also, check out this case:
|
Wow! one of the best gaming case, all black with wide side window plus quality brand and good price.
hmmmm raven2 or LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 this is really hard.....
thanks
raven2 disadvantages:
1. Price
2. too big
advantage
1. motherboard 90 degrees ( I really lke this new design )
+1 for the Mushkin's jbaker recommended, I'm getting those for a build I'm putting together soon. Going for a very similar setup msi 790fx, phenom ii x4 965, those mushkin's Jbaker recommended, and the k62 I have been dead set on for months lol. It's a really wicked case, the tool-less PCI slots that actually work are what sold me. For the sink, I'm going for the Prolimatech Mega Shadow, mostly for looks, but I intend to try and overclock over 4.0ghz
Here's a link to the standard Megahalems, and the Megashadow. Both will require fans, as well as the am3 retention mount.
Megahalems: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] _Item.html
Megashadow: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] _Item.html
| ominous prime wrote : +1 for the Mushkin's jbaker recommended, I'm getting those for a build I'm putting together soon. Going for a very similar setup msi 790fx, phenom ii x4 965, those mushkin's Jbaker recommended, and the k62 I have been dead set on for months lol. It's a really wicked case, the tool-less PCI slots that actually work are what sold me. For the sink, I'm going for the Prolimatech Mega Shadow, mostly for looks, but I intend to try and overclock over 4.0ghz
|
Ominous Prime can you post your gaming build here, if it is just ok for you. thanks
Case: Lian Li Lancool PC-k 62
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112239
HDD Samsung Spinpoint f3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181
PSU Corsair's 650watt modular (imo, should be more than adequate to crossfire 5850's down the line for me)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139012
Ram Mushkins, same as Jbaker recommended.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146871
Mobo/CPU Combo deal msi 790fx-gd70 and phenom ii x4 965 with free canon printer, worth the 10 bucks to step up to 965 and a free printer imo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.270577
5850 if I can find one in stock, ordering those parts tonight, may have to get the 5850 later, I refuse to pay taxes so I'll have to get it off the egg.
Some cold cathodes, think it will make the K-62 even sexier
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811994001
Prolimatech Mega Shadow + Am3 retention adapter
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/ [...] html#blank
Going to push pull with a pair of Scythe S-flex's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185065
A 38mm large fan would be more ideal, due to the static pressure; but the Mega Shadow only comes with 2 pairs of 25mm fan brackets. And I can't find a san ace 38mm anywhere, so not really a big deal for me.
And that's my build in a nutshell, I'm stealing my blu ray drive off my old computer.
With the 5850 the build comes to be just under 1200 on my last calculations.
Oh and I currently use a 24" samsung, 1920x1200.
| ominous prime wrote : Case: Lian Li Lancool PC-k 62
|
MONITOR? brand and model please ( if your in my place right now what is the best lcd monitor for these gaming build )
It's an older Samsung I know it's a Synchmaster, I'm not entirely sure on the model number anymore. It's actually a 25.5 inch. Bought it a couple years ago for a pretty penny. Don't think they sell it anymore though.
I think the monitor you chose is a good choice. I've been really happy with my Samsung, and they make quality products.
5ms response or lower is good for gaming, I've heard 2ms response time to be the holy grail when it comes to gaming, but honestly I can't see the difference.
I'd definitely stick with 1920x1200 resolution, no matter the monitor of your choosing.
| ominous prime wrote : It's an older Samsung I know it's a Synchmaster, I'm not entirely sure on the model number anymore. It's actually a 25.5 inch. Bought it a couple years ago for a pretty penny. Don't think they sell it anymore though.
|
What to look for a good gaming LCD:
-Size: At least 22” to 24” going higher than 30” would be too big for a pc monitor.
-Resolution: 1680 x 1050 (At least 1680 x 1050 higher is better)
1920 x 1080,
1920 x 1200, ( sweet spot )
2048 x 1152 ( you need a very expensive GPU card to run at very high settings in this resolution )
-Brightness: 300 cd/m2
-Contrast Ratio: DC 20000:1 (1000:1) or higher
-Response Time: 5ms to 2ms (lower is better but your right you won't notice the difference)
-Connectors: D-Sub, DVI
(HDMI – optional) depending on your needs.
Oh sorry, I'm blind lol, the model number is on the monitor staring me in the face. It's the Samsung Synchmaster 2693HM
But I would probably stick with your current pick on the Samsung 24". You won't be disappointed.
Found it on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Sync [...] mvari0e-20
| ominous prime wrote : Case: Lian Li Lancool PC-k 62
|
your build is better than mine cause:
Lian Li Lancool PC-k 62 is cheaper in price, plus you get Mobo/CPU Combo deal msi 790fx-gd70 and phenom ii x4 965 with free canon printer, and due to performance issue. I think raven2 is not worht it....
[quotemsg=2004290,22,481655]Case: Lian Li Lancool PC-k 62
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112239
Mobo/CPU Combo deal msi 790fx-gd70 and phenom ii x4 965 with free canon printer, worth the 10 bucks to step up to 965 and a free printer imo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.270577
The Raven2 is a truly awesome case, but if you don't intend to water cool I don't think it would be a worthwhile purchase, as that seems to be one of the main features of the Raven.
I struggled for a long while between the Lancool K-62 and the Lian Li PC-60 FWB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112198
Eventually decided on the K-62 because of the top exhaust fans, looks as if it would be a better thermal environment than the PC-60. But the aluminum simplicity I find really appealing.
I also really like the Lian Li PC-P50 the Mid-tower Armor Suit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112240
Essentially an aluminum K-62 with a slightly different 3.5inch drive bays, and no side window.
But are you aiming for a full tower or mid tower case?
| ominous prime wrote : The Raven2 is a truly awesome case, but if you don't intend to water cool I don't think it would be a worthwhile purchase, as that seems to be one of the main features of the Raven.
|
full tower is ok but exception to size of raven2 and antec 1200 this is not a ordinary full tower case.
mid tower is ok for me
here are the list of gaming case that i like:
Midtower case
Antec Two Hundred $54.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129070
Antec Three Hundred $54.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129042
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel$69.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129066
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K56W $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112236
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58W $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112238
Xigmatek MIDGARD-W Black $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811815001
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119196
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112239
Antec Nine Hundred Two $124.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129058
Full Tower case
Antec Twelve Hundred $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129043
SILVERSTONE RAVEN RV02-BW $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811163154
( my best pick antec 902, LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 and raven2 )
Well for me, it's going to be the K-62. The choice of case is a very personal decision, just ask yourself what you would like to work in, and which case you find most pleasing to look at every day.
Another option, Coolermaster's HAF 922 if the military look is your thing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119197
| ominous prime wrote : The Raven2 is a truly awesome case, but if you don't intend to water cool I don't think it would be a worthwhile purchase, as that seems to be one of the main features of the Raven.
|
if Lian Li PC-P50 has a window this is a solid good looking case.
Lancool K-62 looks good because it is all black plus it has a side window, the only down factor is that the front case cover is plastic. It is not as good looking as PC-P50. if you don't care about the side window and you have the extra money go with PC-P50. just a thougt
Well there is this case, the Lian Li PC-P50BW but it isn't available yet
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] p50bw.html
It's definitely the case I would get if it was out.
| ominous prime wrote : Well for me, it's going to be the K-62. The choice of case is a very personal decision, just ask yourself what you would like to work in, and which case you find most pleasing to look at every day.
|
HAF 922 for a case, don’t like the side window, you can't see the good stuff inside
| ominous prime wrote : Well there is this case, the Lian Li PC-P50BW but it isn't available yet |
wow this is the case that i'm talking about, #1 case on my list today
if i were you get this one.
I definitely prefer the side window, hence the Mega Shadow, that will just look amazing inside. Unfortunately I need to go ahead and pull the trigger on this build, and maybe get the Lian Li PC-P50BW once it comes out and drops in price a bit.
The k-62's downside is of course the steel, certainly it's of good quality, but it's heavy and aluminum cools better. And the plastic bits as well. Brushed aluminum is just so appealing.
If you have the time to wait, I'd definitely recommend the PC-P50BW. However, the price may be a bit steep for the black paint job and the side window, but we'll have to see.
| ominous prime wrote : I definitely prefer the side window, hence the Mega Shadow, that will just look amazing inside. Unfortunately I need to go ahead and pull the trigger on this build, and maybe get the Lian Li PC-P50BW once it comes out and drops in price a bit.
|
The problem is I already have the Raven 2 case.
if not no questions ask i'l buy PC-P50WB. even if it is a little bit expensive cause looks and good quality case really matters to me.
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