Feedback of planned build?

[Rocket254]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week

BUDGET RANGE: ~$800

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Casual gaming, Blu-Ray, Visual Studio development, surfing.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: no peripherals, case, DVD-ROMS.

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1080

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AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398

SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102857

Crucial Ballistix Tracer 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148333

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200KSRTL 320GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136039
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What does everyone think? I've been set on the cpu for quite a while. I'm wanting the build to be able to hit it out of the part (graphically) for a while, so I decided on going bigtime with the 5850.

As for the Tracer memory, well, the poser inside of me came out a bit in that selection. This will go inside an Antec 1200 case and I could think of any reason not to go with the Crucial memory with the "leet" blue LEDS to go along with the case lighting and the motherboard itself. Stupid? Yes, but I can't help it!

 

[TheViper]

Good build but I'd go with a larger HDD.
WD Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283

 

[vznoobie12]

Spinpoint f3 is good also, if you can find it anywhere.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&cm_re=spinpoint_f3-_-22-152-181-_-Product

Ehh, if you really want those LEDS, go for it lol. But here are some cheaper alternatives with better timings.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231318&cm_re=g._skill_eco-_-20-231-318-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303&cm_re=ripjaw-_-20-231-303-_-Product

 

[Rocket254]

Good build but I'd go with a larger HDD.
WD Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283

Well, I already have a WD Black 1 TB that I use for Media storage. This drive will be replacing my 5(!) year old 80GB OS Drive.

 

[TheViper]

OK, that makes sense then.

 

[Rocket254]

Do you think I'm taking the right approach by getting a non-CrossFire MoBo?

I figure by the time the 5850 can't hold its own anymore, there will probably be a new affordable card out that will provide better results than 2x 5850s

Also, I do need a new PSU, right? I currently have an Antec 430w.

 

[BohleyK]

You will need a new PSU. With a good 650W you can power two 5850's as long as you don't have more than a few case fans and an optic going.

I would go for a less expensive Crossfire motherboard. Its always a good idea to leave yourself options.

 

[TheViper]

Do you think I'm taking the right approach by getting a non-CrossFire MoBo?

I figure by the time the 5850 can't hold its own anymore, there will probably be a new affordable card out that will provide better results than 2x 5850s

Also, I do need a new PSU, right? I currently have an Antec 430w.

Given that you note casual gaming in your first post, I'd say it is certainly the right direction.

Crossfire and SLI are the realms of heavy gamers who don't mind the extra costs, reduced scaling, extra heat and extra required power. The average casual gamer is more satisfied buying a single new card and being done with it.

 

[Rocket254]

Thanks for the help!

 

[Rocket254]

Anyone else?