Gaming and Home Theatre - Advice for a FINAL CHECK!

[kfan35]

Hi all!

I just wanted to make sure I didn't make any incompatibility errors in my choices for my new home-build. Thanks for all your advice, and please give your criticism freely!


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: In the next few days!
BUDGET RANGE: Around $1000
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming and home theatre
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com
OVERCLOCKING: Yes
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future


The build:

CPU: AMD Phenom II 955 BE
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4
RAM: OCZ Platinum 4gb DDR3 1333
GPU: HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX
Case: Antec 900
HDD: WD Caviar Black 640GB



Questions for the gurus:

- Will the Arctic Freezer 64 Pro fit into my AM3 MOBO?
- Is the 650TX enough for me if I decide to set up dual GPUs in the future?
- Should I worry about purchasing extra cables to put my build together?
- Any build suggestions?? All are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[kfan35]

Also, as a first time builder, do the parts come with tools, or should I plan on purchasing some?

thanks for all your help!

 

[Proximon]

Atomic PC forums are showing CF 5770s as 200W (for the cards) So I would say as long as the total system remains conservative a 650TX should last a good long time.
http://forums.atomicmpc.com.au/index.php?showtopic=264

The AC Freezer pro 64 is probably a good fit but not the best cooler.
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

Most of the better coolers do block the first two RAM slots on AMD boards, but there is no performance hit using the secondary slots.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004&cm_re=sunbeam_core_contact_freezer-_-35-207-004-_-Product

 

[Proximon]

There is a great updated guide for building located at the top of the forum.

You won't need any special tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver and maybe some pliers.

 

[kfan35]

wow
thanks so much for the quick reply Proximon

i will take a closer look @ the Sunbeam CR-CCTF and see if it is a better investment. have you had any personal experiences with either heatsinks?

 

[Proximon]

Only Anecdotal experience from this forum... the Sunbeam can have installation issues when used with tall heatsinks that might block finger access to the spring clips. I don't think this board has very tall heatsinks.

It's a value choice for sure, and has been recommended here for well over a year now. I've just had the one negative feedback because of the installation issue. Pretty sure your board will allow you enough room, based on the pics.

 

[kfan35]

If the CCTF blocks the primary RAM slots, when I upgrade, should I opt for 4gbx2 or get a new heatsink and get 2gbx4?

thanks again for the help!

 

[Proximon]

For your usage, I don't see needing more than 4GB in the next few years. We have been capped there for a while now and I see no trend for games to use more.

There are a few, higher, coolers that do a great job and leave room for lower sticks of RAM. They just cost more. There are also of course other solutions such as Corsairs little water kit.

Have a look at this pic:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=348&Itemid=69&limit=1&limitstart=13

That would be a Zerotherm Zen, a decent choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887016

 

[kfan35]

hmm... okay. thanks

what's your opinion on the price/performance of the 790XTA-U4P? it's a little expensive for a 790X and SB750... i just dunno if the future proofing with USB3.0 and the new SATA is worth it.

would i be better off saving money and getting a 790GX?

 

[coldsleep]

Depends on how long you expect the lifetime of this build to be.

If you plan on keeping this computer for 4-6 years with some minor upgrades and then building an entirely new computer, go for future-proofing.

If you plan on building an entirely new computer in 2-3 years (maybe reusing DVD drive, PSU, etc.), then don't worry about future-proofing.

 

[Proximon]

Good advice.

 

[kfan35]

ok thanks for the advice guys!