AMD/ATI Game Build (DZE-AMA4)

I really would like to know everyone's opinion about the new build I'm looking into.

I was going the SLI route until I encountered many articles relating to ATI performance.

I much rather prefer AMD due to budget issues.

Here is what I have compiled so far...

Windows 7 Ultimate or equivalent OS (Windows XP Mode, I like my older games.)
AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE 125W (Overclocking Potential vs 125W 955 BE)
COOLER MASTER V8 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
MSI 790FX-GD70 (AM3 Preference)
XFX Radeon HD4890 1GB 256-bit (Future CFX Plans)
OCZ AMD Black Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 SDRAM (Overclocking Potential)
Western Digital Caviar Black 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (Maybe two for RAID)
LITE-ON 24X DVD+/-R DVD Writer LightScribe Support
Rosewill Xtreme Series 850W Continuous @40°C 80 PLUS Certified
Rosewill Wind Knight Mid-Tower Case (Bottom Mount PSU)*
Silverstone 12cm Fan x2* (Model Number FN121) ;D
Silverstone 12cm Fan Blue LED x3* (Model Number FN121-BL) ;D
Zalman 8x1.5cm Slim Fan x1 (Behind Motherboard)*
Zalman 6 Channel Multi Fan Controller*
Rosewill Multi SD Card Reader*

Plus all the cables to make it fit. (Maximum Airflow, what's the point of $110 in fans if they don't work well?)

I was also thinking about a quad ATI HD5770 setup rather than a dual HD4890, kinda wanted to know which. I'm not really interested in paying more than $215 per 4890 or $180 per 5770. Each are single installments as my budget allows.

I am also interested in a OCZ solid state drive specifically for OS but not a "must have" item.

I also have the option for 14cm fans but none compare the the Silverstones. (Personal Opinion) Plus Silverstone doesn't manufacture 14cm fans, they really should though! *COUGH!*

I really would like to hear some ideas about this particular build, It offers me some of the newer technologies to run games currently on the market.

This is 2 months of research and refinement, I'm still in the planning stages and this is my final preview before I begin construction.

Plus I'm very concerned about this BIOS flash I'm hearing so much about because of the c3 stepping in the new AMD CPU, any thoughts?

*Already Purchased.

Unfortunately, he already bought the case. If I were you, I would opt for better components recommended above especially the PSU.

How about an AMD Phenom II 955 instead of the 965. The CPU's are basically identical you are just paying for a factory overclock. You are going to get the same overclocking potential out of both of them (up to 3.8ghz on air cooling). Apart from that go with what gkay09 said.

The 965 received an update and now has a TDP of 125W. As such, it will overclock slightly higher (0.2GHz I believe) than the 955 with the same cooler.

You're welcome

I know he said that he wanted it to be an AMD build due to budget constraints, but looking at the build he has come up with he could afford a Core i5 rig. Just putting that out there. Don't shoot me down!

I've already had my crosshair on your head.

Surely, he could put up an i5 rig.

^ Well taking the current situation - A single HD 5870 cost about ~$400
And 2x HD 5770s - $165 each - 2x 165 = $330
And 2X HD 5770s in crossfire performs nearly the same as the HD 5870 or in some cases, beats it...
http://www.guru3d.com/article/rade [...] iew-test/2
So I still feel having Crossfire as an option is always a plus...

ASUS 790X with that CPU combo - comes to around $100 - just about $5 - $10 more than the single PCIe mobos...
And about other components, I dont think again there would be much difference in cost...

And as for HD 5850, if he goes with it, he would wouldnt need the crossfire as of now...So later on when more intense DirectX 11 games come out, he can add one more later...by then am sure the prices would have come down...

I don't buy a graphics card that is as you say 'future proof'. That is an oxymoron. Technology is constantly improving and any 'future proof' graphics card that you purchase now will be obsolete in a years time. That is why I always buy what I need presently. I have an HD 4890. It is perfectly suited to my current needs. Sure the HD 5770 has similar performance, better power consumption and DX11. But how many DX11 games are currently out? NONE! It will take game developers a while to start optimising DX11. Therefore I am perfectly happy with my 'obsolete' GPU. If I need a new card when DX11 completly catches on I will get a DX11 card. By the same reasoning I will not get a DX12 card until DX12 is fully implemented. This is why I do not use Crossfire. If you have money to burn then you can waste it on crossfiring some ridiculously expensive bunch of cards. I do not. Like most gamers my two main concerns are cost and performance. You have to balance the two.

I know that XD. I am just making a point. You have to balance budget and performace. I use the top end of last gen's technology to save money. I never use current top of the line components. It is completely pointless for a gamer. My HD 4890 plays every current game at decent quality and resolution.

I agree that a single HD 5850 is a great idea. I am planning on getting one at some stage. I am just waiting until Nvidia releases their GTX300 series and ATI drops their prices. I am the eternal bargain hunter XD

Oh, I know this is the wrong thread, but TigerDirect has a XFX HD5770 card that comes w/ dirt 2 for free, FOR FREE! and is like 175 after all the rebates, just sayn'.

^ I would still not go with Rosewill PSUs...Even the Antec 750 is a better option...
And also if you will be going with HD 5770s, then you wont need a 750W PSU...Antec EA 650 would suffice...
And as for performance difference between a x16x16 vs x8x8 is not at all significant - maybe around 5% rarely more...

I dont think you have calculated the total amount you would have spent on your build...comparing with the reworked build(with the HD 5850), I think there wont be any significant difference...

Update:

Windows 7 w/ XP mode or equivalent
AMD Phenom II X4 955 BE 125W Deneb
Cooler Master V8 HSF
MSI 790FX-GD70
Radeon HD4980 or HD5850** (Depending on Budget)
OCZ AMD BE Edition RAM 2x2GB 8-8-8-24
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB HDD
LG 24X DVD+/-R Burner SATA
Antec EarthWatts 750W PSU 4x25A 12V Rails
Rosewill Wind Knight Mid-Tower Case (Bottom Mount PSU)*
Silverstone 12cm Fan x5*
Zalman 8x1.5cm Slim CPU Fan x1*
Zalman 6 Channel Multi-Fan Controller*
Rosewill Multi SD Card Reader*

*Already Purchased.
**XFX 5850 Black OC (Might as well go big w/ it.)

Currently $900 w/ HD4980 or $1100 w/ HD5870 (Estimated)

I'm sticking with them, they seem to be a hot item for AMD platform RAM, GSkill is more for P55 MOBOs. Reviews don't say much more than a pain in the a$$. OCZ has always been more compliant w/ AMD. They have a AMD BE Edition... that supports the innovative but lackluster AOD utility. I just wish I could get the ones w/ 7 cas lat.

Yeah, but the 790fx and the BE quad core are at the heart of my build, mostly for expandability, Having lots of PCIe is reassuring. I will look into a cheaper 790fx if the open box for sale sells b4 I buy it. I chose the fx because of the lack of onboard gfx chip. I really don't want to deal w/ the hassle of the gx, and the RAM it ties up. I have a onboard gfx nVidia right now that I dont use and I hate it. It makes ocn' much more of a pain.

Good luck with your build!