First build $1000 or under

Motherboard is old. Get a newer model with USB3 since the price is basically the same.

4770 is an old model. Getting a newer 5770 that is almost twice as fast for $60 more would really help your performance. You may still be able to find a 4850 about the same price as that 4770 and though its still a generation behind its 50% faster for the same price.

Caviar black 640 is a slightly older HDD model. The Samsung F3 and Seagate 7200.12 500GB/1TB are both faster for less $$.

The old style Zalman coolers are also outdated. Coolermaster Hyper 212, Sunbeam core contact freezer, Scythe Mugen 2, Xigmatek 1283 (Dark Knight, Balder) will all give you better cooling for less money.


In terms of gaming performance and balance, the Phenom II x4 CPU is much more powerful than the old 4770 Graphic card. Backing off the CPU to increase the graphics card will make a better gaming system for the same amount of money. Changing to a Phenom II x3 CPU and a 5770 for example would be a much stronger gaming machine at the same price.