Seeking advice on my < $1000 gaming build

[theawesomelucas]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: I aim to build it between December 19th and January 3rd, but I am unsure as to when I should buy the parts so that I have them on time and so that I can send any back if they are DOA.

BUDGET RANGE: < $1000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: The new generation of ATI video cards

OVERCLOCKING: Probably not, I don't want to risk it

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Because AMD owns ATI, does that mean there will be better compatibility between the two? Also, based on the parts below, should I get any extra cooling devices (e.g. fans, heatsinks, etc). The only part I haven't chosen is a power supply, so I need some input on that especially, keeping in mind that I have around $110 dollars left. Thanks!

THE BUILD ITSELF:

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $179.99

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail $171.99*

ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $119.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ - Retail $95.99*

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $84.99

Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM $31.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $99.99

Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) $104.99*

Total (does not include shipping) $889.92

*Denotes free shipping

Once again, I would appreciate any and all input!

 

[batuchka]

OC/Unlocking Gigabyte 770T-UD3P thread
http://forums.vr-zone.com/overclocking-bazaar/466518-amd-x2-550-phenom2-black-edition-unlocking-thread.html

 

[theawesomelucas]

Wow! Thanks, man, I really appreciate it. Could you possibly send me a direct link to that list? Wow, once again, thanks.

Also, that thread about OC is a tad confusing to follow. Could you clarify what they're discussing?

EDIT: Over the next month I'm going to be watching the price on the Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 card to see if it drops. If it does by the time I build my system, great, if it doesn't, then ok, the 5770 is still amazing, too.

 

[batuchka]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102864
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.291421
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.282580
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.285910

Basically that Gigabyte is definitely good to go for OCing for a non CF AM3 board

 

[theawesomelucas]

Thanks. Also, what is CF?

 

[batuchka]

Crossfire - where 2 or more ATI cards combine for better performance You are welcomed

 

[theawesomelucas]

Ah, I most likely won't be doing that. Thanks for clarifying. So, out of curiosity, how much experience do you have with building computers?

 

[batuchka]

I do up a couple every week but DIY is my side business hehe

 

[theawesomelucas]

Ah, I see. When should I start ordering my parts?

 

[batuchka]

That depends on if u have the funds on hand hehe

 

[theawesomelucas]

Yes, I do, I'm just 15 but I have money saved up from my whole life and this will be my first "major" purchase.

So when should I get the parts?

 

[batuchka]

Well if you could wait till Dec 19 then do so as there is a chance other HD 5k cards would be restocked....not to mention the knock on effect of a Hemlock HD 5970 on Egg...hmmm

 

[theawesomelucas]

"Knock on effect?" Please explain.

Also, I'll probably end up getting the 5770. It looks like an amazing card in and of itself.

Do you think that I should order parts as I see discounts and stuff pop up over the next month?

 

[batuchka]

As in the introduction of the world's fastest GPU could possibly drive prices down? Ya if u can wait why not ^^

 

[theawesomelucas]

Alright...if the 5850 drops below 300 I'll probably get it. Heh.

 

[batuchka]

Yep top class GPU with superior next gen power-to-frames ratio! Good choice ^^

 

[theawesomelucas]

Hmm, then I might just spend the extra money and get it. Thanks.