First build for PC Gaming(Mainly)/Video editing $500-$550 budget

[cmdmoto]

So this is going to be my first home build and I've been reading alot on the threads that have been posted. This will be huge upgrade from my Dell Pentium 4 2.8 ghz and im really excited. First off im not looking for the best or close to the best system, just a really good upgrade for me.
This is what I have narrowed it down too:


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 2-4 weeks


BUDGET RANGE: ($500-$550) Before / After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: System is mainly going to be used for gaming but I will be doing some Video editing with Sony Vega.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, Power supply: Allied 500w with variable fan control

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: I would like to use an AMD CPU & MSI mobo with a 19" Samsung LCD and full tower case.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

CROSSFIRE: Yes , Depending on the mobo that I use.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Im really trying to stay on budget and stick with the DDR2 and not go with DDR3 atm. I will be upgrading to Windows 7 in about 3 months from xp. I will be using my old 160g 7200rpm HD.


CPU:

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471

OR

AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition Heka 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103652

^^Just dont know if it is worth it playing russian roulette with the CPU hoping to unlock it to 4th core

MOBO:

MSI 785GT-E63 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130266

OR

MSI 790XT-G45 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130265

CASE:

COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115

MEMORY:

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122


GPU:

MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490


Other thoughts and Questions:



Should I just go ahead and spend the money and get the AMD Phenom II X4?

Is the Stock Cooling on the AMD CPU going to be efficient enought for OC?

what is the difference between the 785 and 790?

Will my Power supply be efficient enough for my needs?

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments!

 

[tb boy]

I'd go for this:

Managed to fit in a 5830, X4 940, DDR3 Memory & Motherboard & a Antec 300 with extra fans for around $540 ($500 after rebates!). Seems like a ridiculously good deal.

 

[cmdmoto]

Totally forgot about the combo deals... thanks for suggestion.

 

[cmdmoto]

Up Date:

Power supply is Allied 500w

 

[batuchka]

I'd go for this:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6031/81488210.jpg

Managed to fit in a 5830, X4 940, DDR3 Memory & Motherboard & a Antec 300 with extra fans for around $540 ($500 after rebates!). Seems like a ridiculously good deal.

Negative on config:

The socket AM2+ 940BE Deneb has it's Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) strictly able to 'talk' to DDR2 only hence is incompatible with DDR3 RAM and AM3 socket motherboards with DDR3 DIMM slots

 

[batuchka]

Up Date:

Power supply is Allied 500w

Get a decent 80+ certified PSU ^^ Also unless u actually have 4 GB DDR2 of perfectly working RAMs, fresh builds best go with DDR3 as the sun has gone down on DDR2 platforms and they cost the same these days

 

[cmcghee358]

Forget the BE CPUs, you're on a tight budget, I'd go with a Athlon IIx3 or x4

 

[cmdmoto]

First, thx for the responce. Second, is there not going to be a significant difference between the two CPU's especially for gaming? (Phenom and Athlon) It does consume less power and is cheaper but am I really going to notice the difference?

Another question I have is that I currently have an AGP 7800GS OC that I am running and the 785g has the onboard GPU, will this GPU out perform the 7800gs? I would use this onboard for maybe a month to get HD 58XX series.

Also I was wondering if A 500w PSU would work for this or do I need 750w+?

Sorry for all the questions, im still a noob a this

 

[batuchka]

The expansion slot on the 785G for GPU is PCIex16 gen 2.0 lane so it is incompatible with your AGP GPU Look to invest in an 80+ certified PSU for peace of mind 24/7 ops

 

[cmdmoto]

I get the difference between the AGP and PCIex16 slots...just wondering if the mobo 785G is going to outperform the 7800gs in gaming. Might hold out for a HD 5800 till I get the money.

and the 80plus certified PSU, what the minimun watts I need?

 

[batuchka]

There is no straight comparison between an AGP and the most current IGP (PCIe version would be better than HD 4200 IGP definitely) but if u planning a HD 5850 look to hit something like a Corsair VX550?

 

[cmcghee358]

For gaming and general use the difference between an Athlon and a Phenom are negligible. For your situation, I'd say an Athlon IIx4 would be the best bet.

 

[cmdmoto]

New update:

Changing over to this:


ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398

AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100283VXL Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102868&cm_re=vapor-x_5770-_-14-102-868-_-Product


Thinks thank this is going to work for.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[cmcghee358]

You have no hard drive or case in your build?

 

[cmcghee358]

This is over budget but the best build I can do that still has good quality. I excluded your PSU because you have one already.