System Upgrade: Mobo, VC, CPU, RAM

bpladirector

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Mar 19, 2010
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Hello I am seeking some advice or useful information to consider with respect to a partial system build.

I currently am running a socket 939 system (3800x2) and am looking to replace the motherboard, video card, ram, and cpu.

My purpose for the system is to do gaming and everyday computing tasks. I would rather have a good system for a great price than a system that is a little faster but for a far greater price.

The parts that I am interested in using are: Athlon II X3 435
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724

ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176

The video card I am thinking about a 5770 1Gb and am not sure about the brand or model (too much choice)

The ram: I heard good things about GSkill but was thinking of Kingston.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134718


My power supply is like 5 years old. Has Molex and is 550 Watt Cooler Master
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/stress-test,1073-13.html
I am planning on upgrading my PSU when I try for Crossfire. I was thinking of upgrading my motherboard in 2 years (3 at most) and doing crossfire with two 5770`s Not sure if that is a dumb idea or not.

So ya any comments that can be made are appreciated
Thank you.
 

dominnater

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Feb 28, 2010
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If you plan on crossfiring 2 5770s u should just go ahead and get a 5850 because it has about the performance of 2 5770s and it uses less power being only one card. besides some games use only 1 gpu, for instance gta iv
 

iggybeans

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Actually, I don't have a problem with your choice of video card, but I'd get a different motherboard. The 770 based board you're looking at runs 1 slot at X16 and the other at X4. You'd get better Crossfire results with a dual X8 or dual X16 board.
 

blackjellognomes

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Feb 17, 2009
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Two 5770s in CF perform about as well as a 5870.

bpladirector, are you saying you plan to upgrade your mobo now and again in 2-3 years? I don't see the point. Get an 890GX board now, and forget upgrading your mobo for at least another 5 years. It'll cost probably twice as much as the 770 board, but you'll appreciate the investment, because in the end it'll cost less. Just make sure the mobo you get now has 2 (or more) PCIE 2.0 x8/x16 lanes.
That CM PSU might be able to support CF 5770s, but upgrading would be a good idea.
Any of these 5770's would be fine, though personally I would avoid the reference-based models (the boxy ones with the fan at the end of the shroud). Make your decision based on price, warranty (XFX offers double-lifetime), and features (consider heatsink + fan).
G Skill offers better value. Kingston RAM is usually very OC-able, but if you're not into heavy OCing, go with a G Skill set.
 
G

Guest

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Agree with blackjellognomes (interesting name but your picture kinda freaks me out).

If you are going to crossfire, you can't use the motherboard you listed. It only supports one. Grab a 890GX motherboard since it will be more futureproof.

Athlon x3 435/Gigabyte 890GX USB3 - 213.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.353224

Plus if you are going to buy from newegg.ca then watch for the COMBOS!

What's your budget on all this?