Confused on CPU speed... and heatsink and RAM. Need help.

[ojvind]

It's been 5 years since I last built a system...

I'm mostly confused on (AND NEED HELP ON!):
1. How fast a processor I can pick -- I prefer the fastest Phenom II x3
2. What heat sink (if any) do I need? I prefer a quiet fan.
3. What RAM memory goes with that? I want a total of 4G.

I ALREADY PICKED:
CASE: Antec Sonata, microATX
Why? I want quiet; I want 4 internal bays
MOBO: ASUS M4A785T-M/CSM AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX
Why? Sweet spot x3 with L3; also, int.graph. 2560x1600
http://tinyurl.com/yg8poyf
BOOT DRIVE: 40G SSD
OS: Windows 7

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP
BUDGET RANGE: 700-900
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Home office, movies
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, ncix.com, frys.com
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe... I'm confused on this.
MONITOR RESOLUTION: Have 1920x1080, eventually will have 2560x1600
_
Ojvind

 

[ojvind]

bump

 

[p55ibexpeak]

CPU: Either of these would be good:

AMD Athlon II X3 425 Rana 2.7GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX425WFGIBOX - Retail

* Processors Type: Desktop
* Series: Athlon II X3
* Hyper Transports: 4000MHz
* L2 Cache: 3 x 512KB
* Your Price:$76.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103726

or

AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail

* Series: Phenom II X3
* Hyper Transports: 4000MHz
* L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
* L2 Cache: 3 x 512KB
* L3 Cache: 6MB
* Your Price:$124.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
--

HSF: this:

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long ... - Retail

* Type: Fan & Heatsinks
* Compatibility: Intel: Socket LGA1366 / 1156 / 775 AMD: Socket AM3 / AM2 / AM2+
* RPM: 600 - 2000 RPM
* Air Flow: 21.2 - 76.8 CFM
* Noise Level: 13 - 32 dBA
* Power Connector: 4 Pin
* Heatsink Material: Aluminum
* Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
* Your Price:$28.83

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
--

RAM: this:

OCZ Gold Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G10664GK - Retail

* Timing: 7-7-7-16
* Voltage: 1.5V – 1.6V
* Your Price:$75.99


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227346
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Overclocking can introduce instability & overheating. I think the stock speed is plenty for biz apps & movies.