New Build help

[2 scoops]

I've decided to retire my first built PC. I got 7 years out of it so I feel I got my moneys worth. Below is the build I'm going for but looking for any educated suggestions. I plan to order tomorrow in hopes to build on Sat. Thanks in advance!

*I intend to use for gaming but Im not hardcore so no overclocking. I dont want to have to worry about checking the specs on the back of a box when I buy a game though.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156098

Media: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148335

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Proc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130236

Proc/MB are a bundle from newegg @ $289

GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4670 (It's a freebie!)

My concerns are the motherboard and memory. I dont need the onboard video card so Im curious if that will cause any problems with adding my 4670. Any suggestions for another card would be appreciated to possibly save money. I wasnt able to confirm compatibility with the memory/MB sooo..

1) Any need for me to change the MB
2) If so, what suggestions
3) If not, will the memory I have selected work?
4) If not what memory based on your suggested MB?

Sorry for the long post but I appreciate any support!

 

[2 scoops]

I also meant to ask: What are the key differences in the WD Caviar HDs? ie blue vs green vs black? I can save $20 or so if I went with a 7200 rpm 500gb Caviar green version.

 

[lunyone]

Did you have a budget for this build?
Do you need an OS too?


IIRC, the Green HD's are for power savings (slower throughput), the Blues are generally mainstream performance, and the Blacks are the performance models. Now I know the AAKS models have been their best ones, but things might've changed. There is a new kid on the block that does the performance/price game better than WD right now.
Here it is:
$55 shipped!
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

Here's some changes I'd consider:
* Raidmax cases are usually pretty good, but the PSU's are not always that good. So here's what I'd recommend:
$110 shipped - $10 MIRc = $100!!!
Case
Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ,comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan - Retail
PSU
BFG Tech GS-550 550W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V V2.8 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.323362

RAM - $94 shipped! Runs at stock voltage (1.5v), which your selection runs at 1.65v's, so you'd need to adjust the settings in the BIOS to get the timings listed.
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Mobo - $88 - $10 MIRc = $78!! One of the better mobo's in this price range!
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392
or
Mobo - $103 shipped! Supports USB 3.0/SATA 3!!
GIGABYTE GA-770TA-UD3 AM3 AMD 770 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128419

DVD Burner - $30 shipped! Comes w/the software to read/burn DVD's!!
LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 24X DVD-R SATA Black 24X DVD Writer - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334

There ya go!

 

[2 scoops]

Thanks for the help Lunyone. My budget isnt set but I was looking around 5-600. I can get any OS I need for free at the moment. I have my K/M and Monitor already.

I noticed you picked 2 Gigabyte Mobos. Is this because of price or in your experience a great option for the price.

Also, should I consider a dual core versus a quad like the ones found at the link below? Reading one of the earlier posts made me think the proc may be a waste

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010340343+50001028+1302820275+105101317+1263016683&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&Subcategory=343&description=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

 

[lunyone]

I mainly used Gigabyte mobo's because of price and support reasons. I've been hearing lately (reading) that ASUS hasn't been the best supportwise. I haven't experienced it personally, but just something I consider when recommending parts.

As far as the CPU is concerned, I think you have selected the perfect CPU for the $. If you want to go to a dual core, I'd recommend getting a Tri-core. The extra cores help out when you start to multi-task and especially if the Anti-virus software starts scanning during gaming or other tasks.

AMD just release some newer CPU's! They should be coming to market this week, I hope. See the main page for details, but I'm liking the newer CPU's. The older ones are still good and will be dropping in price soon too!!

 

[2 scoops]

Lunyone -I appreciate all of the help. I ordered everything earlier today and hope it arrives before this big winter storm we have heading our way. I did end up with my original Case however.

One last question. As mentioned before, I'm getting a free VisionTek HD 4670. I'd like to run WoW and games such as COD MW 2 at higher graphics settings without losing performance. Will this system, including the free GPU, support my wants? I can get another card at cost so if I need to upgrade I can do it fairly cheap.

 

[lunyone]

Well the 4670 is a good GPU. It's not going to break any records, but it can handle itself pretty good at most resolutions at or below 1680 x 1050. Not sure what your resolution is, but that should give you some insight. You might also have to turn off some of the eye candy (AA and such) to get better FPS, but see how it goes for you. Let me know now it all turns out, I'm curious to hear how things went for you.

 

[2 scoops]

Best answer selected by 2 scoops.