$700 gen purpose w/ some gaming

[elmo1]

Just wanted to check with the experts on the folowing for a replacement for my 10 yr old AMD 950mhz. Most interested in comments on the CPU / motherboard / and video card.
I'm in my 50's and not a hardcore gamer, but do like to have the option for some games.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within 2 weeks
BUDGET RANGE: $600-800) After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Internet, photos, light to medium games, MS Office,

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES:
MB - Asus M4A785TD V-EVO ~$100
CPU - 1st choice Phenom II X2 550 80 W ($91), then either Athlon II X2 250 65 W ($65) or or Athlon II X4 620 95 W ($96)
Video card - HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD 4670 ($ 85)
Memory - G Skill 2X2GB DDR3 1600 ($105)
HD - Western Digital WD7501AALS 750 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0GB/s
32MB cache ($ 80)
CD/DVD - Lite On iHAS424-98 w/ Lightscribe ($39)
Power supply - Corsair CMPSA-450VX ($61) , or Antec BP550 Plus ($75)
Case: NZXT BETA EVO Classic ($54 ), or GAMMA Classic ($65) , or
M59-001BK ($ 69)

OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit ($ 104)

OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quiet with no heat issues.

Thanks

 

[deadlockedworld]

For longevity I think you would be better off getting a processor with more than two cores. In your price range I would suggest either that Athlon II X4 620 that you reference, or one of the new triple-core models. They offer a higher clock rate, but still 3 cores for a very good price.

Athlon II X3 Rana processor:
2.9 ghz =$74.99
3.0 ghz = $86.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103843&cm_re=rana-_-19-103-843-_-Product

The only reason to get a Phenom II X2 is if you wanted a very high clock speed--and that would really only be important if you were a serious gamer getting a high end graphics card. For an average gamer the clock rate of one of the other processors would be fine.

Also:

-Very good PSU choice. You wont regret a corsair--they honor their rebates too. (Edit: but you could get lower wattage if you wanted--a 400w from either of those quality companies would handle your system easily.)

-You can get a 4670 for $62 on newegg, so you dont need to spend that much. Do you just want it cheaper, or can I suggest an $85 card?

-If you dont plan to SLI or crossfire, why did you pick an expensive motherboard capable of supporting it? No argument from me if you are future-proofing, but you could get away with cheaper if you wanted too.

 

[elmo1]

Good questions. I picked the MB primarily because it had very good reviews for the AM3 platform and seemed in the middle as far as pricing goes. HDMI support. I'm sure I will never use SLI or Crossfire. Let me know other MB suggestions.

For the CPU, I thought that I might be able to unlock the other 2 cores in the X2 550. A friend, who's a gamer, suggested to go with the X2 550. I like the X3 suggestion, though.

You can suggest an $85 video card. 4670 chosen again because I read good reviews and wanted to spend less than $100. 1GB memory and 128 bit processing. Seemed like an above average card.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Yea the unlocking thing is big among gamers right now. If it unlocked it would be a fantastic processor--but there is no guarantee that it will work.

If you watch sales on newegg for a week or so you should be able to get

- a 5670 (the newer replacement for the 4670) for just a little bit more.
- any 9800GTs you can find for under $90
- If you decide to go up a range, the 4850 at $99 is a very very good deal.


Performance of cards in this price range:

 

[elmo1]

Yea the unlocking thing is big among gamers right now. If it unlocked it would be a fantastic processor--but there is no guarantee that it will work.

If you watch sales on newegg for a week or so you should be able to get

- a 5670 (the newer replacement for the 4670) for just a little bit more.
- any 9800GTs you can find for under $90
- If you decide to go up a range, the 4850 at $99 is a very very good deal.


Performance of cards in this price range:

http://media.bestofmicro.com/6/7/236095/original/3DMark.png

Thanks for the suggestions. Can you suggest a MB instead of the Asus M4A785TD V-EVO, if I will never use SLI / Crossfire?
Thanks

 

[deadlockedworld]

Motherboards aren't really my thing... but i can offer ideas.

Anandtech uses this build for a low end AMD PC: (its a good example for you to consider--although you have already picked some better parts than they used)

http://www.anandtech.com/guides/showdoc.aspx?i=3739&p=2

Unless im missing something this board seems like a good deal:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128397

The cool thing about AMD integrated graphics on a board like this is that if you get an AMD/ATI graphics card they will work together to boost your power.

Or the cheaper version of the Asus board you started with: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131603

 

[batuchka]

No CF two options i.e
1. Form factor ATX 770 chipset
2. Possibly mATX 785G/760G - if u like the idea of IGP as backup in case your discrete goes AWOL (and u still have a functional rig whilst awaiting RMA)

 

[batuchka]

What i usually do up for me clients (specialise in mATX/LANparty/HTPC these days)

About $63x after OS but depends if non ATX is your thang ^^ 2GB more RAM still within budget too