AwesomeWaffles

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Jan 20, 2010
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18,510
Hello all. Need some advice on my first build. Upgrading from an ancient PC.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Whenever I finalize my decision on the parts

BUDGET RANGE: 800-1500 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Work

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, and Speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: None

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

I have already selected some parts but not entirely sure they are worth the money.

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail 175.99

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-MA790GPT-UD3H AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail 114.99

PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail 79.99

RAM: Patriot Gamer Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PGS34G1600ELKC - Retail 109.99

Case: COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail 99.99

Monitor: ASUS VW224U Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 5000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail 169.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM 27.99

CPU Fan: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail 29.99

GPU+OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM + SAPPHIRE 100282SR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity - Retail 384.99

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive 54.99

PC TOTAL: 1376.86 + Shipping and Tax

Thank you very much, I know this was a long post.

 

tecmo34

Administrator
Moderator

Yes, the HSF has a bracket for the AM3 chip. With the Hyper 212+, you actually remove the standard AMD bracket and install it's own retaining bracket, which to me is better than the standard AMD method (little more work though :) )
 

AwesomeWaffles

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Jan 20, 2010
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18,510
Feedback I've received on the Scout is that it won't fit cards larger than 10.5", so you may have issues with the 5850. For little more, I would upgrade to the HAF922 case.

I would look to upgrade your RAM to a Cas7, due to the tighter timings. I would recommend the G.SKILL ECO 4GB DDR3 1333. The rest of your build looks solid...

Thank you very much tecmo34! Your guide on PC Builds by usage also helped me decide on what parts I got. Also, later on when I actually acquire the parts, I'll be using your other guide to set it all up. Once again thank you. :D
 
Some changes -
CPU + Mobo -
Yes the 965...these are better binned parts and the C3s are 125W compared to the C2s - 140W...And these can achieve higher overclocks easier...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.315747

CASE - Yes I know am going away from the standard...but this NZXT case is a very good value and has enough room to fit long cards...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146058
check the TOM's $1300 build...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-own-pc,2503.html

RAM -
Better one cheaper...
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
 

assasin32

Distinguished
Apr 23, 2008
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19,515
Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM : $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive : $90 (the 500gb was out of stock)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000 :1 (ASCR) Built-in Speakers - Retail : $190, -$20 mail in $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM - Retail : $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail : $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail : $100
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail : $75
Total: $175, -$30 combo -$25 mail in = $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.314450

GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail : $140
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX - Retail : $175 (c3 stepping)
Total: $315, -$25 combo = $290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.320340

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM : $105
SAPPHIRE 100281SR Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video ... - Retail : $410
Total: $515, -$20 combo = $495
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.298042

If your a college student you can buy win7 pro for $65
http://www.win741.com/

Total: $1,383.89, after mail in -$45 = $1338.89
Total Saving: $170 + $45 mail in = $215

The monitor is full HD 1080p, larger screen as well. The motherboard supports CrossX at dual 8x lanes, and has USB 3.0 and Sata 3.0, and the AMD 955 BE is the newer c3 stepping. And Lian Li is suppose to make high quality cases and will fit the 5870 card, the case even states the maxium card length in the description.

If you want a different case the PSU has a combo with multiple dvd-rw drives such as this (below), and even the one you already have selected (so at the very least choose that option and save yourself some money if your going with your build). So choose the case you like best.

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail : $75
LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM : $27
Total: $100, -$15 combo -$25 mail in = $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.323055

Cases that will fit 5870 off hand, that I would recommend
CM690
CM690 II
Antec 1200
HAF 932