First Time Build! Advice Requested

[Gromit259]

Hello everyone,

This will be my first build so you could call me a noob... I have decided on an AMD build with a budget of $700ish (I can go a little higher if needed but I would prefer the cheaper side ) My uses for this comp will be mostly everyday use, but I do enjoy gaming so it needs to be good in that respect. The system I will be replacing is a fairly old HP computer from 2005 (pentium D 3.2ghz) so almost anything I do will result in a huge difference (I hope...). I don't have a huge desire to OC but I would like the option if feel like it in the future.

I have done some research and decided on these basic components, But I would like you input on these items.

GIGABYTE GA-890XA-UD3 AM3 AMD 790X SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard $139.99
(Im not sure if I need SLI/Crossfire, but I think sata 6 and USB 3 support would be nice)

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX $159.99
(Should I skip the Black Editions since OC is not my main goal? or should I spend the extra $30 for a 965?)

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA $89.99
(I dont actually know how important HDD is to performance but the specs on this looked good)

Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT25664BN1337 $113.99
(I am a little lost on this subject, so any advice would be great, like what is supported by the selected mobo, I figured 4gb would be fine for now but upgrade in the future?)



Currently owned and will be used in new system:

EVGA 9800gtx+ (will upgrade eventually but not now)
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 80 plus certified
HP 24X Multiformat DVD Writer Black SATA Model 1260i


I haven't decided on a case but should I look at mid tower of full tower?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

 

[Niklas_13]

quantity of item 1


COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

-$5.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate11-119-137

$84.99
$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
select item 2 quantity of item 2


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM

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
Subtotal: $199.98

Rest looks good

Might want to pick up a HSF if you want to try OCing one day http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[Niklas_13]

Get this CPU it looks the same but its a newer rev http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

 

[Gromit259]

A HSf didn't even cross my mind, Is the stock going to be ok as long as I dont OC?

 

[Niklas_13]

Yeah, the stock HSF will be good if your not OCing, AMD wont put in a POS that would make the CPU overheat and die, they would have to replace it

 

[Gromit259]

I wanted to thank everyone for their advice, but I have another question.... I am not a rich man, so I would like to build on the cheaper side, so how much of a difference would I see in gaming/regular use with an Athlon II X3 440 or even lower cpu? And on that note, what about a cheaper mobo?

 

[jevon]

You can check out the AMD X2 555 3.2 ghz dual core CPU. It goes for about $100 and it can be pretty easily unlocked into a quad core (so far all 3 that I have bought have unlocked). Even if you're unlucky and it doesn't unlock, it's still a good CPU and overclocks well (it's a Black Edition). 3.8ghz without bumping the voltage (or 3.6ghz if you unlock it to a quad).

For a cheaper motherboard I'd recommend Gigabyte's
GA-770TA-UD3. It has 6gbs Sata and usb 3.0, the downside is that it only has one PCI-E x16 lane - that means no Crossfire, but it doesn't really seem like something you'll be doing anyway so meh! It also has the "ACC" feature in bios you would need to activte the 555's other 2 cores (very easy to do this, easier than overclocking).

The Hyper 212 heatsink mentioned is the way to go, but I'd wait on that for now because you may find your system is fast enough w/o needing to be overclocked (yet!).

You should also look at your local computer shops for cases and compare prices with newegg and shipping. I often find it cheaper to buy cases from a local store rather than pay to have them shipped because they are so heavy.

 

[whitefang]

Go with the rana 435 and Gigabyte 770 USB 3.0 + sata 6GB's. and the cheapest CAS 7 ram available besides OCZ.

Mobo $94 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128419&cm_re=Gigabyte_770-_-13-128-419-_-Product

Processor $74
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724&Tpk=Rana%20435

Ram $115 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276&cm_re=10666cl7D-_-20-231-276-_-Product

if your not interested in USB 3.0 + sata 6GB's then the below is an excellent combo.

Rana 440 + ASUS 770 $154 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.368435

 

[Gromit259]

Best answer selected by Gromit259.

 

[sequoia464]

Deleted - bad info