First Time Building A Budget CPU

[truest]

Im trying to build a CPU that will keep up with the new games that are coming out. Obviously every 1-2 years technology seems to advance; I still want a low budget CPU that will run games even on medium settings.

Budget $500-$800~
Please give advice on what components I can switch out for better performance, or more bang for my buck.

CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDX945FBGIBOX - Retail

MOTHERBOARD - ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

-$50.00 Discount
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.295024

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

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

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

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

PSU - COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171037

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1.5TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148337

TOTAL COST -- $600~

I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (all stock from dell & HP. 22" monitor is all I need. although a better mouse and keyboard might help)

 

[batuchka]

 

[truest]

Thanks. Do I need a better heat sink? And is this the best bang for my buck?

 

[batuchka]

If you looking for as high clocks u can get then yes get an aftermarket HSF. Yep for the money very strong gaming performance

 

[truest]

If you looking for as high clocks u can get then yes get an aftermarket HSF. Yep for the money very strong gaming performance

i was wondering why you down graded from the 3.0 quad to the 2.8 quad as well as the psu the 700 w to the 550w

 

[batuchka]

1. Same architecture, clock speed can be made up with OCing
2. You dun need 700W for a non CF/SLI gaming rig and that Corsair has plenty of teeth with regards to amps on the 12V for even a CF rig i would think!

 

[truest]

 

[truest]

how about this build batuchka? Hopefully everythings compatible heh.

I didnt nkow if the Heat sink was required, but i threw it in there anyways. any suggestions?

 

[batuchka]

Well looks good to go If you want to splash for an aftermkt HSF read reviews and you want to zoom in on these data

1. Idle Temp
2. Load Temp
3. Noise (db) at load
4. Cost

 

[truest]

i forgot to include the case.. the one i wanted SOLD OUT =/

is it okay for me NOT to get the heat sink? or will my mobo get fried?

 

[batuchka]

Of course - millions of peeps who just run machines at stock speed just have the HSF that came together with their boxed retail processors hehe

 

[truest]

confused. of course as in its not necessary? anyways. do you have sometype of messenger ?

 

[batuchka]

The boxed processor comes with a default stock HSF so one does not need to get an after market HSF Am posting from a Ubuntu rig so no MSN hehe

 

[truest]

oh alright. i just came back from a store. they ran out of all the graphics card =/

so im building a new one on newegg. heh

 

[batuchka]

Good luck n happy building ^^