MRMATSON

Distinguished
Feb 26, 2010
5
0
18,510
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 weeks BUDGET RANGE: $800-$1000 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: None

OVERCLOCKING: Probably SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Crossfire in the near future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1280x1024 upgraded in the future

What do you guys think about the following build?
Phenom II x4 955
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674
MSI 790FX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130223
Gskill ripsaw 4gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
XFX 5770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447
antec performance one case and truepower 750w PS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.344867
WD 640gb HD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
samsung dvd burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

Would I be better served spending a few extra bucks for an i5-750 and mobo?
 
That would be fine for right now, but the build below will be a lot better once you upgrade the monitor:

CPU/Mobo: X4 620 and Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4 $221
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $115
HDD: Seagate 7200.12 500 GB $55
Case: HAF 922 $90 after rebate
GPU/PSU: HD 5870 and Antec Earthwatts 750W $463
HSF/Optical: Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus and cheap SATA DVD burner $40

Total: $984.

While nice, if you upgrade to a 1900x monitor, that 5770 would not hold together. You would likely have to buy one more or a new different card, thus increasing the cost of the upgrade. If you went with the above, you could easily pay $150ish for a decent sized 1080p monitor and be good to go.