Computer Parts Check: Compatibility (Final check)

[Sporks]

Looking to build a new computer here as my old one is pretty much on its last legs. Won't be able to salvage much if anything from it beyond the monitor, so basically starting from scratch.

Mostly use my computer for gaming, but trying to stay on a budget.

How does this look? Would it all be compatible? Looking to spend around 500 dollars when all is said and done. Been a few years since I made my last computer so I'm a bit rusty to all the new stuff around.

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD2U800B1G5-DRH

Antec Basiq BP430 430W Continuous Power ATX12V Version 2.2 Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410793
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211066

Antec VSK-2000 Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410793

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.395720

ASUS M4A785-M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.395720

AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX435WFGIBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388284

SAPPHIRE 100253HDMI Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Low Profile Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388284

Thank you for your time and help!

(edit. Whoops Urlllzz)

 

[gkay09]

^ $500 for everything including monitor ? or just along with OS ?

And as for the build, I dont think its a good idea to go with DDR2 RAM...DDR3 will eventually out phase it in the near future and it will be a tough time for you to upgrade your RAM and also you will not be able to reuse it later on if you build a new PC...

As for the PSU, it is not of good quality...And at what resolution are you planning to game and what kind of games ??

 

[gkay09]

Here is a ~$500 build with quality components along OS
X3 440 + Antec case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410548

OCZ 500W + Lite On DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.418941

Gigabyte 770 + WIN 7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.395172

ADATA 2GB DDR3 stick - So that you can add 1 more later on
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211450

Samsung F3 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

Video card
POWERCOLOR PCS AX4670 1GBK3-PH Radeon HD 4670 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131179

Total : $515 | $460 Including Rebates...

 

[batuchka]

$492AR

 

[Sporks]

Thanks for the responses.

gkay09 - 500 excluding monitor. Need an OS, don't like free OS for some crazy reason. 1200X900 reso is what I'm aiming for. Mostly FPS, RTS, MMoRPG's.

Alright so stop going for a cheap PSU and look for a better rated one. Is that not enough power or just a bad one in general? Checking various power usage mods netted me around 375w.

Part of the reason I was thinking about using DDR2 for now (and a low amount) is I could probably get some extra DDR2 ram from either an old comp or friend (yay free) , and would use that until DDR3 drops down a bit more price wise.

I like most of your build, but am pretty leery of Powercolor, really don't know much about them.


batuchka - Mmm very nice build. Haven't had/made anything with Biostar or OCZ but have heard decent reviews about Biostar for certain. Ocz have been mixxed if I recall correctly. Have you had firsthand experience with either yourself? I think you understand my gamble with the CPU he he.

I'm not quite satisfied yet with my current build and appreciate your input. Will update.

 

[batuchka]

Yep - for OCZ some of their RAM lines/models are still dodgy for me but their 80+ certified PSUs are fine ^^ You are welcomed

 

[asteldian]

I've used Powercolor a few times, can't say I have had any issues with their GPU products so far.

Definately go with DDR3, the thought of saving a bit of money with DDR2 is nice, but AMD and DDR3 mobo means that when you have the money you can simply replace the CPU with a top end one (Phenom II x4 955) and upgrade GPU to have a computer that can run high settings at 1920 x 1080 resolution (assuming one day you plan on getting a better monitor).

Whereas the few $$ you save going with DDR2 will be a big costing when you want to upgrade and have to completely rebuild with brand new parts

 

[gkay09]

Yes OCZ Mod PSUs are fine unlike their RAMs...

And like asteldian said, it would make more sense going with DDR3, keeping in mind future upgrade options...

As for the card, if you dont want to go for Powercolor, then get Sapphire or HIS...

 

[geofelt]

1) Do you qualify for an academic license?
If so, you can get windows-7 at a discounted price.
2) Look for an upgrade version of home premium instead of OEM.
Upgrade is a retail version which gives you support from microsoft, unlike OEM(AKA system builder),
and allows a more hassel-free ability to transfer the os to a different pc(motherboard).
You get both 32 bit and 64 bit DVD's.

There is a legitimate two step instalation process to install an upgrade version
You install windows-7 from the cd, but do not initially enter the product code or activate.
After it installs, you have a fully functional OS for 30 days.
Step 2 is to insert the dvd again, while running Windows and then do an upgrade.
This time, enter your product code, and activate.
After activation. you may delete the initial version which is named windows.old.

 

[Sporks]

geofelt-
I do not qualify for an academic license, but if I was able too that would be a great idea. So would you almost suggest avoiding getting the OEM version and going with a retail one instead? Or would it cost more in the end?

gkay09-
Alright thanks for the heads up on OCZ memory. Thats what I thought but didn't know for sure about their PSU's. Again for the DDR2, I just can't really see the point in getting DDR3 yet. The price break is "almost" there to match with DDR3 but again, I just plan to wait another year or so until DDR2 is done being made and DDR3 starts going on sale. Unless there was a good cheap price for about 4 MB of DDR3 (like less than 100 and quality, which I haven't seen any besides Adata that look even remotely good)

asteldian-
Sapphire is good. Think I'll look up some of those video cards and see what is looking the best for my budget. Never done anything with HIS product's at this point. Everyone seems to be saying get DDR3, but I just can't justify it yet for the small increase in performance vs cost/availability of DDR2. Part of the whole reason I chose that mobo was so that I can later upgrade to DDR3 when it works for me.

 

[Sporks]

Updated new list:

Rosewill R101-P-BK 120mm Fan MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147112


Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3250318AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148451


Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199


A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211288


ASUS M4A785-M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.416754


ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.416754


SAPPHIRE 100293L Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Low Profile Ready Video

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388287


AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX435WFGIBOX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388287

Total: 403 (minus OS, not sure what I'm going to do yet with that, still wanting W7 oem I'm thinking.)

Feeling much better about this set up. Reviewed just about all the parts and many of them are low power/energy consumption. (i.e Sapphire 5570 vs a 5850 for now). More comments/opinions are helpful thanks!

 

[asteldian]

geofelt-
I do not qualify for an academic license, but if I was able too that would be a great idea. So would you almost suggest avoiding getting the OEM version and going with a retail one instead? Or would it cost more in the end?

gkay09-
Alright thanks for the heads up on OCZ memory. Thats what I thought but didn't know for sure about their PSU's. Again for the DDR2, I just can't really see the point in getting DDR3 yet. The price break is "almost" there to match with DDR3 but again, I just plan to wait another year or so until DDR2 is done being made and DDR3 starts going on sale. Unless there was a good cheap price for about 4 MB of DDR3 (like less than 100 and quality, which I haven't seen any besides Adata that look even remotely good)

asteldian-
Sapphire is good. Think I'll look up some of those video cards and see what is looking the best for my budget. Never done anything with HIS product's at this point. Everyone seems to be saying get DDR3, but I just can't justify it yet for the small increase in performance vs cost/availability of DDR2. Part of the whole reason I chose that mobo was so that I can later upgrade to DDR3 when it works for me.

I still strongly say go with the DDR3 - just get 2gb for now to save money. Because you have gone with AMD it means you can get a DDR3 mobo which will be reusable with new CPU chips. In a years time, if you go with DDR2 you have to buy a whole new motherboard and the new DDR3 RAM and likely getting a new CPU (just because you are upgrading). With DDR3 you just have to get a new CPU in a years time when you want it. Given the very small price diffrence it really is the best buy and will save you money - add in the fact that the DDR3 will perform better as well and it is a real win

 

[geofelt]

re: windows-7:
OEM will cost about $100, Upgrade will be $110.
For the extra $10, you get a retail license which gives you a no hassle transfer to a new PC. You also get both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. The difference is usually no big deal. Microsoft will almost always transfer a oem license if you assure them that the os is installed on only one PC. OTOH, oem is a simpler one step install.

If you initially want to go 32 bit, I suggest the upgrade version because you eventually will want 64 bit.

You can usually find a legitimate upgrade license on e-bay for <$95 or so.. Just be certain to buy from a honest seller.

 

[gkay09]

^^^ Frankly I would still prefer DDR3...

Just take a look at your build and the build that I or batuchka suggested...
The PSU that you have listed is not a good one...Slower video card, and most importantly DDR2 and AM2+ mobo...
And the price difference ~$10 Minus the OS...
IMO not a good choice...

So you decide...

 

[Sporks]

Alrighty, went with all your suggestions people! Sorry I'm such a hard head about DDR2, but after some research and everything else, I am going to take the jump to DDR3! Thanks for beating me into submission by the way, I am one of those people that won't listen to reason until it is cudgeled into me.

So this is my current build going with various parts I liked from previous posts, mixxed with some of my own.
This is pretty much my final order I plan on doing here, as long as it is all compatible.

Decided to skip the video card for now (will get a new one probably at the end of this month, will use just OBG, or borrow a buddies old VC).

Rosewill R101-P-BK 120mm Fan MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147112

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3250318AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148451

Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333G (PC3 10666)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410

AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724

BIOSTAR A785G3 AM3 AMD 785G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.417881

LITE-ON DVD Writer - Bulk - Black SATA Model iHAS224-06 LightScribe Support - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.417881


Total cost: 370. (going under budget, yay for new video card perhaps?)

Alright thats pretty much it. Skipping also the OS for now, will get W7 later but will probably start this all up using XP or whatnot.

Geo,Gkay,Bat,Asteld: Thanks again for your help folks! Let me know if this looks good to order combatibility wise, or have any other good suggestions.

 

[gkay09]

^ No to that PSU...
I would rather get any of these...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410790
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.418941

And another combo with the RAM and mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.414339

Saves you even more...So go with a graphics card if you want one...

 

[Sporks]

Alrighty! Down to the nitty gritty here. This is what I'm planning to order as soon as I get an OK flag!

Purpose: Gaming/Surfing
Upgrading: Video Card (later)

HD:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

RAM:
A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

CPU:
AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103843

MOBO:
BIOSTAR A785G3 AM3 AMD 785G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.417913

CD-Drive:
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.417913

PSU:
Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410721

Case:
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.410721

Price BFS: 402. (Have an extra 100 for OS/Video Card depending upon. Might do a trial of an OS just to make sure this all works when I build it, and upgrade to a full version later. Have enough money left over for a decent $75-100 video card looking for some good options.

Any Last minute suggestions/comments feel free to post! Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

[Sporks]

Best answer selected by Sporks.