Need help with Specs on new Computer

[lchenjr]

I am trying to buy parts or an already built machines.

Question 1: Will there be any bottleneck to the following specs?
Motherboard: Asus P6T SE Intel X58 Chipset CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 SATA RAID w/ eSATA,GbLAN,USB2.0,IEEE1394a,& 7.1Audio
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-930 2.80 GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366
Ram: Corsair Dominator - 3GB (1GBx3) DDR3/1333MHz Triple Channel Memory
Hard Drive: 320GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB DDR5 16X PCIe Video Card

Question 2: How much Power supply do I need? Also, what type should I get?

Question 3: I was checking out www.cyberpowerpc.com and they can build the above specs with a 450W powersupply for about $900, is this a good price? Or can I find individual parts and it would be cheaper?


Thank you for all your helps

 

[Alvin Smith]

That build is not what I would call "BALANCED" ...

I'm taking it that Gaming is important to you ... So go with ONE RADEON 5870.

You might as well get a nice cooler and faster RAM if you are going with a 930.
You are also prolly gonna want to upgrade that RAM to 6GB (3x2GB DDR3 1600 CAS7)

That is a slow and small HDD ... You will want a Seagate 500 GB or SpinPoint F3.
You can get more speed and more capacity for a very few moree $$$.

You would want a Corsair 750W PSU (more than enough) for that rig.


I STRONGLY recommend looking into a Phenom-II x4-955 "Black Quad" based platform ... way better bang for your bucks.

= Alvin =

 

[Niklas_13]

I would agree with Alvin on this

 

[lchenjr]

Thank you very much for your replies!!!

I was hoping someone can tell me what I am doing wrong. I kind of figure what I was doing, wasn't the best choice. I didn't know how to fix it.

I will agree to buy the higher Ram... But do I really need to get the higher Video card? I am planning to play Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in the future. Don't know if I need the power of 5870?

Because I am trying to keep this machine under $1,000.

Maybe I should look for lower i7?

And thanks for letting me know about the Power supply. I really don't know which one to get.

Also, another question, Do I need liquid cooling for this i7? or just regular cpu fan is good enough. I don't really plan on Overclocking...


Thanks again

 

[Alvin Smith]

5750 .. 5770 .. 5850 .. 5870 <<< Pick ONE ... FIRST !

I will say this once ... the most important component is the GPU card ... Stretch for the best GPU you can afford and "BUILD DOWN" (trim your budget) around that card.

Who knows what game you will want to play next week ?? What will THAT game
take ?? Next year ?? Two years ??

You can save more than $450 by stepping down to a faster AMD quad core.

Repeat that last statement.


= Alvin =

 

[Alvin Smith]

cooler would be the HYPER-212 for the Black Quad

Same cooler works fine with 930 but I might go with a V8 or a Zahlman for the 930

 

[Niklas_13]

For about 1k i would do something like this



SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEM
Item #: N82E16827151192
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info)
• 1 year: $6.99
• 2 year: $11.99
$21.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
$84.99
$69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148395
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$59.99
$54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

XFX HD-585X-ZAFC Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity - Retail
Item #: N82E16814150477
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$309.99
$299.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150477

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139006
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$139.99
$109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231303
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Return Policy
$99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754


• AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGMBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103808
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
• GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128416
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Combo
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$299.98
$279.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.353110
Subtotal: $1,056.91

Also if you think you will try OCing pick up this HSF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

This rig will let you play games @ mid-max setting on a rez of 1920x1200

You could also add a 2nd GPU down the road for xfire if you like

 

[Alvin Smith]

Perfect !! .. Forget the OP ... send ME one ... just like that !


= Al =

 

[Niklas_13]

Perfect !! .. Forget the OP ... send ME one ... just like that !


= Al =

Sure thing, send the check in the mail + tax, shipping ( and my labor fee ) You want a warranty or not ?

 

[Alvin Smith]

Sure thing, send the check in the mail + tax, shipping ( and my labor fee ) You want a warranty or not ?

With a build like that, WHO needs a warranty ? !

... And the check's in the mail .... and I won't ....

... And I won't get any peanut-butter in your DVDR ...

= Al =

 

[lchenjr]

Thank you Alvin and Niklas, I really appreciate all your post.

I have did some reading and reviews on those parts you have suggested.

Question 1: AMD vs Intel, I have never owned an AMD, will I encounter any problems that will require a lot of knowledge that are very technical? I read that most AMD are not reliable, and drivers don't get updated... Are these reviews True?

Question 2: Ram, G.SKILL Ripjaws Series vs Corsair Dominator... I am planning on getting 6GB, and probably 1600 speed. Don't know what is the difference between the 2, besides the Price...

Question 3: Radeon HD 5850 vs 5770, do I really need a 5850? Because the price between the 2, is drastic... Specially I will mainly be playing Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3... Heard they are not that Graphic intense.


Thanks again for your help,

Louie

 

[Alvin Smith]

(1) You asked us ... we told you. ... AMD ... If you want to pay ~$200 more for INTEL, we'll set you up.

(2) Given that the specs are identical ... go with price. With G.Skill, you can imagine yourself being "Gee Skillfull !" ... but with Corsair? ... You can imagine yourself on the deck of a true Corsair Sailing Vessel, crashing through the ocean waves as you plot your way through RAM specifications !

(3) Sounds like a 5770 will do fine ... for NOW ... We just wonder about what you might want to play this Christmas season, and in years to come. Your call.

= Al =

 

[shortstuff_mt]

AMD chips are just as reliable as Intel chips. They also don't have drivers for CPU's, so I'm not sure where your information is coming from.

You don't want a triple channel RAM kit if you go with the AMD build. The only chips with a triple channel RAM controller are the Intel LGA 1366 chips. Everything else currently uses dual channel RAM.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Good catch on the Dual Channel ... I was to busy being a smart-arse to catch that.

= Al =

 

[Alvin Smith]

And something that has not been said .. but is clear by reviewing this thread.

FACT : You say you want this build to be under $1,000 . . . BUT, What you have not realized but what we all HAVE realized is that your original build did not include several core components and your balance was way off so you may STILL think you are going to build some kind of decent gaming rig based on an INTEL socket 1366/i7-930 compute core with 6GB or RAM ... That, my friend, is not gonna happen ... Try $2,000.

= Al = Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player.

 

[lchenjr]

No No, please don't think I will take any criticism personally!!! lol... I am all for it. I will do anything to get the right PC for me for the Right price.

I do see a lot of value behind getting an AMD, because of value and performance. I know Intel has much more to offer but I have to pay more to get that.

I have done some research on my own on the prices.
This is what I found from Microcenter.
AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE ($179.99) + GA-790XTA-UD4 (144.99 after $15 mail in rebate) = $324.98 - $30 instant Combo Rebate = $294.98

Intel Core i7-930 ($199.99) + Asus P6T ($229.99) = 429.98

So there is a $135 savings right there. But can you compare a i7 to the Phenom X4 965...

GSkill Ram is a great Value: $4GB (1600) for only $110. Corsair Dominator 6GB (1600)will probably cost me $209.99 (after mail in rebate of $20) Again I see another savings of $100.

1) So I guess what I am asking now, is this $235 to maybe $300 bucks of savings worth the switch from Intel to AMD? I am keeping all other Specs you all suggested the same. So I will be over $1,000 but not that much more...

2) Does anyone know if there are GSkill memory for Intel? Like a GSkill 6GB for Triple Channel?

3) I found a newer model of the Gigabyte Motherboard for the AMD chip. Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
This motherboard has a built in ATI Radeon HD 4290. And better sound card built in as well.
Does anyone have any reviews on this?

3a) I know that build-in graphics card aren't the best. But it uses Share memory and it can be even faster than the HD 5770. Wonder if that is true or not. And I believe from what I have read, this graphics cards can support Starcraft 2...

3b) What are the disadvantages of having a built in graphics card? If I buy a better and newer graphics card, will it have issues? Or it will just disable the on board graphics card and I will have no problem?


Thank you all again for your time. I am hoping to make my purchase decisions soon.

 

[Niklas_13]

1 The AMD will game as well as a i5 750 or i7 930 give or take a few FPS ( unless you are doing photoshop work whare speed is money ) I would just go AMD

2 Yes http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335

3 I don't ( sorry )

3a It can share memory, faster NO

3b If your main GPU goes out you have a backup GPU on the MOBO / NO / it will disable the onboard and you will have no problems ( you might have to disable the onboard yourself in the bios )

 

[whitefang]

You chose a 965, which is only a 955 factory overclocked.

You would want to get either of the two combo deals below, both are basically the same. The first one is 890GX which will 100% support the hexacore while the other is 790X which will need a bios flash.

This $279 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.353112

Or this $279 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.353110

If you went with your intel setup you would have to get 6GB of ram which is an extra $100, so then your Mobo + cpu is an extra $250 all together.

IMO it's totally up to you, the I-7 930 isn't all that much better then the 955 in my opinion, you won't see a ton of difference in games. And if you were getting the 930 for that slight performance increase in games it would be better to just get the 955 + a 5870 instead which would crush the I-7 5850 / 5770 etc.

Up to you, I would just get the AMD platform.

*EDIT* On your GPU question. NO, a built in GPU can use system memory but that is not video card memory so it will not be nearly as fast. The actual videocard chip on the motherboard sucks too, it won't be able to play very many games at all. MAYBE starcraft 2 on the lowest of low settings.... maybe.

 

[Alvin Smith]

... fang is here ... !

... listen to the fang ...

... the fang is wise ...

... the fang save you money and give good rig !!

 

[lchenjr]

OK, this is great news for me!!! I can finally say I want the AMD... HAHAHA.

I know I might sound like I am repeating myself, but I just want ask a few more questions before I click checkout on New Egg.

1) Whitefang said that 965 is just a overclocked 955. Does that mean there is no need to get a 965, because I can just overclock a 955 myself and I will get the same result?

2) The new motherboard Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H 890GX. I wanted to ask a more detailed question. That is if I buy a motherboard with build in graphics, and a graphics card. Will it be the same as? Faster? or Slower? Than, buying a Motherboard without a build in graphics, and a graphics card?

3) How much of a difference will I see between the 3 graphics cards, HD 5770, 5850 and 5870... Because the prices are so dramatically different between the 3.


I think I am wiser after all these answers. Thank you all!!!

 

[Alvin Smith]

I think a 5850 is a good investment, ... especially for someone with your usage profile. This is what matters most and everything else is there to support it ... say that again.

The 5850 puts you in a whole nuther upper league, when it comes to HD resolution. It is also a very good candidate for later Crossfire upgrade ...
... Think about this ... you are now two years into the amazing future and the newer games are pushing your 5850 pretty hard. Cha-ching! ... 1GB 5850s are now only $200 (less?) ... Cross-Fire ! ... Boost your longevity for cheap.

Just to answer one of your questions ... Regardless of what you are doing/playing, right now ... What's gonna be happnin' in 2 years ?? (6 months ? ).

= Al =

 

[coldsleep]

1) Whitefang said that 965 is just a overclocked 955. Does that mean there is no need to get a 965, because I can just overclock a 955 myself and I will get the same result?

2) The new motherboard Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H 890GX. I wanted to ask a more detailed question. That is if I buy a motherboard with build in graphics, and a graphics card. Will it be the same as? Faster? or Slower? Than, buying a Motherboard without a build in graphics, and a graphics card?

3) How much of a difference will I see between the 3 graphics cards, HD 5770, 5850 and 5870... Because the prices are so dramatically different between the 3.


I think I am wiser after all these answers. Thank you all!!!

1) For all intents and purposes, yes. An overclocked 955 will perform the same as a 965.

2) The same.

3) Depends on your monitor's resolution. At high resolution (1920x1nnn), the 5770 will not be able to game well with high graphics settings. The 5850 should do high settings at that resolution. The 5870 will do high/max settings at that resolution, and should be relevant a little longer, possibly 6 months-1 year more than the others before it starts to struggle.

 

[cerchiarax]

Hi Guys,

So I'm a close friend to the OP and I referred him to tomshardware to help with building his new dream machine. It's been probably 8 years since I last built mine. Well you guys have been great and I'm actually now thinking of buying the same setup you recommended. So I'm just a little old school and things have changed so much in the last 8 years. So anyhow enuff with the introduction.

I have a question about the mobos discussed here the GB 790 and GB 890.

1) The real big difference I see between the 2 boards is that the GB 890 has a integrated video card and the 790 doesn't. Is there any performance difference of having a board with and without a integrated card? I mean the plan is to put the HD 5850 in so that should bypass it and do the bios change as mentioned and forget about it.

2) Is the 890 really a step up to the 790 or is it just a 790 with a integrated video card and it's just a nice treat to enjoy until the real video card you want to put in comes from the Newegg fairy?

3) Reason for my madness and my thinking couldn't find a good comparison between the 2 boards online but that could just mean I'm all googled out. But I just want to put it in somewhat laments terms what is running through my head below.

GB890- Ok you put in the HD5850. Disabled the HD 4290 on board. So my thinking is the hardware should just go directly to the HD5850 and the HD4290 should no longer be a factor. Or does it still kind of know it's there and kind of jumps over it which in my thinking is like a nano second of time to think every time which in turn somewhat uses the bandwidth.

GB790- You put in HD5850. Nothing to jump over. Just power on access the HD5850 and call it a day. Full bandwidth to HD5850.

 

[coldsleep]

There's no performance disadvantage to using the 890. Video signal will go through the HD 5850 without any effect.

The 890 chipset should also be able to accept hex-core processors without further updates. The 790 should accept them, but is likely to need a BIOS update.

Onboard graphics can be handy in diagnosing problems if, say, your discrete video card dies. But it's obviously not a requirement. There may be other differences between the boards as well, perhaps someone else can comment on that.

 

[Alvin Smith]

I would surmise that the advanced ports and drives controllers would be better implemented on the newer/latest/890 boards.

It stands to reason that *some* issues were "worked out" on the latest revs ...

... I am (perhaps wrongly) believing that the 890s are less likely to have those early resource conflicts between mult-x crossfire and the future ports (USB3.0 & SATA-III).

ASUS 890s (look at the egg-specs) are now touting "TRUE USB3 and SATA3" support ...

... There have also been issues with which (native or advanced) drive controllers a boot device can be attached and the flexibility of configs with RAID enabled.

Some of that has been ASUS (Ports vs. Lanes) and some of that has been Gigabyte (legal controller configs) ...

... Despite "all this" ... I *WOULD* have ANY of them (790 or 890) as they are all great boards (by and large) ... I guess I'm just looking for the greatest. ... 890.

Keep in mind ... The reviews don't see that much difference and, if you get a great price on a 790, then, go for it ... so long as it sports all the features you are likely to want in coming 3 years.

= Al =


= Al =