Suggestions on AMD phenom 965 build

[viperjt90]

Open to suggestions, im using this mostly for gaming...im not sure on a budget yet because im not sure if a wanna keep my 2 GTX 285's (they have koolance water blocks) or buy some new ati cards (5850-5870), im getting rid of my q9650 due to getting coolant on my mobo and now my first pci-e slot doesnt work and it just doesnt seem the same when i do get it working...i think im done with water cooling everything. Im using the same ddr3 ram, case, ps, etc, just need to know if this mobo and CPU is worth it.

Mobo- ASUS M4A79T Deluxe = $164.95

CPU- AMD phenom 2 965 = $199.99

P.S- I do realize the q9650 is a better cpu than the phenom 965

 

[hunter315]

There is no good reason to pay extra for a 965 vs a 955 when the 955 has an unlocked multiplier so you can just increase it a little bit and have a 965. Also neither of your links work, i copy pasted the first one in and its telling me that the listing has been removed or the item is no available. Post the make and model of the motherboard you were considering along with the price.

 

[viperjt90]

Sorry about the links, i was also wondering about the increased power consumption from the 955 (125W i think) to the 965 (140W) does this effect cpu performance? Thanx

 

[hunter315]

The higher clock speed of the 965 pushes it just outside of the 125 watt thermal envelope that the 955 is in. The wattage rating is a result of the heat generated to give a specific level of performance, it doesnt affect performance itself.

The M4A79T is more than most people need, you are better off getting the M4A79XTD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402

However if you already have the 9650 why not just buy another LGA 775 board? There arent any good AM3 boards that support SLI, and why spend money when you dont really need to?

 

[viperjt90]

yeah, im stuck on what to do....i was really leaning toward getting a new cpu and mobo to start fresh, but i guess i can just buy a new mobo. What i was gonna do is sell the cpu and gpu's to buy all my new parts. I guess ill just buy a new board and take off the koolance blocks and put the stock heatsinks back on. thanks for the help, its greatly appreciated.

 

[masterasia]

If you're unsure about what graphics cards to keep then get a motherboard that will support both. That means X58 or P55 with an i7. I'd keep the GTX 285s until nVidia releases their DX11 cards. Maybe price will go down on those ATIs. By then the 5970 would have been out and it might just be the best single card on the market.