$1000 Gaming Rig Opinions

[winnoh]

Hi, I'm planning on purchasing a new computer build primarily for gaming that will be still viable with upgrades in the future. Hoping to get some tips on improvements (budget, performance, redundancies etc) before I order everything. This is a complete new system build meaning I'll be ordering everything including monitor, speakers, etc. Thanks!

Budget: Under $1000

Main System:
MB
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

RAM
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT - Retail
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model HDX945WFGIBOX - Retail

GFX
SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

PSU
APEVIA ATX-JV650W 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

CDD
LG 22X DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH22LS50 LightScribe Support - OEM

CPU Cooling
COOLER MASTER RR-CCH-P912-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail


Accessories, etc
Monitor
ASUS VH202T Black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail

Keyboard & Mouse
Saitek PZ30AUR Red USB Wired Slim Eclipse Keyboard - Retail

Logitech G7 Black 6 Buttons Tilt Wheel Cordless Laser Mouse - Retail

Speakers
Logitech S-220 17 Watts 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System - OEM

Computer Case
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

 

[jbakerlent]

Looks pretty good except for the PSU really. Get this one instead if you're not crossfiring
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004&Tpk=550%20vx

Some minor changes

This HSF
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

this RAM
Mushkin XP 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146871&cm_re=mushkin_ddr3_1600-_-20-146-871-_-Product

This HDD
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&Tpk=f3%20500gb

and since that GPU is deactivated, check out this one
XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150436&cm_re=hd_4870-_-14-150-436-_-Product

See what you think.

 

[aznshinobi]

I dont' think your getting the best for your money. You should try to utilizing Newegg's Combo deals. Also if you don't mind using a microATX mobo, you could upgrade to a Deneb 940 Black Edition with a higher megabyte cache with a Newer chipset/northbridge. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.271912
That's if you don't wanna crossfire. also you could spend 5$ more just to get a 500GB Seagate drive. and as far as cooling goes you should get a case that has cable management holes precut for you.

 

[jbakerlent]

Also if you don't mind using a microATX mobo, you could upgrade to a Deneb 940 Black Edition with a higher megabyte cache with a Newer chipset/northbridge. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.271912

The AM3 socket is newer, as for megabyte cache I'm honestly at a loss. Stick with the 945.

Edit to be clear the only advantage the 940 has is that it's a BE.

 

[dndhatcher]

If you are spending $145 you might as well go with a 5770 for $160 and be DX11 ready for a year or two when DX11 becomes significant.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858

Combo deals like this Antec 300 illusion plus Antec 650W PSU will save you some money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.265980

 

[aford10]

If you're not OC'ng, dump the cooler and save a few $$.

 

[aznshinobi]

Umm.... your high. Jbaker.... 785s were developed after the 770s which are newer. if your talking bout the 780s you may be correct. And the 940 has a L1 cache as well... Plus... why would you go with the 945... the 940 has L1 enabled its a BE and its also only 2-3$ more on Newegg..

 

[jbakerlent]

You are correct about the 785 socket (edit: meant to say "northbridge" here). However, the AM3 socket is more upgradable and can be paired with DDR3 RAM. Also the 945 has a faster HT connection and lower TDP.

 

[aznshinobi]

Ohh... I just saw my error sorry lol, i just checked the mobo and realized it was a DDR2 mobo sorry. But any of the other Gigabyte AM3 DDR3 Gigabyte boards with the 940 would be excellent. AND I STILL THINK THE 940 is the best choice. IF he's an overclocker.

 

[jbakerlent]

Although the BE is nice, the 940 won't fit in an AM3 motherboard - AM3 CPUs fit in AM2+ boards, but AM2+ CPUs do not fit in AM3 boards.

 

[aznshinobi]

Darn it again lol. I just noticed it was an AM2+ lol i thought it was a AM3 cause of the PH2 sorry.... Ok you made your point.