Review budget gaming system ($520), also cooling suggestions?

Approximate Purchase Date: this week


Budget Range: ~$600


System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming


Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, HDD


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, tigerdirect, fry's, amazon


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: I'm looking at AMD.. didn't price Intel since I found such good AMD deals


Overclocking: Yes


SLI or Crossfire: No


Monitor Resolution: Don't care 1680x1050, since I was asked.


Additional Comments: I'm pretty convinced what I have is good, but outside opinions are very helpful.

What's your monitor resolution? Do you need windows 7?

1680x1050 (single 22" widescreen monitor, might do two someday); already have it on the HDD I'm transfering

^ Not a good idea to get a AM2+/ DDR2...
Cheap and good one -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A very good one with USB3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
A decent one with a very good combo -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

CASE - Cheaper and equally good...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Or this case + RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

CPU Cooler - Cm Hyper 212+
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-RR-B10-212P-G1-Univ...

I debated DDR3-- concluded it's not worth any extra cost to me. Price of ram is the same, so it's about the mobo. Someone can feel free to prove me wrong.

A good motherboard is *very* important. Bad mobo, huge headaches.
- The ASrock and especially the Biostar have numerable bad reviews..
- The gigabyte is $98 with shipping, $88 when the rebate clears (rebates suck). So to me, $98.

Without a really notable performance difference, I just don't see the reason to care about DDR3-- in 3 years when I plan to upgrade again, I will need a new mobo and ram regardless, just like every other time. Don't you think?

Moving on; Great case suggestion! I should get this + some extra 120mm fans.

Thanks for the cooler suggestion too.

^ Mobo - IMO ASRock have significantly improved their quality, also as for bad reviews, I have seen equally bad reviews with ASUS and Gigabyte too...Not trying to justify but just just supporting a good product...
How about this board then ? MSI 870-G45 AM3 ~$75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

As for the reasoning behind DDR3, assume you will be building a PC in 3 years time, IMO DDR3 will still be around as is DDR2 now, also there are good DDR3 RAMs for less than that GSKillz that you have chosen...
Msuhkin - Cheaper and better...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
So it only logical to go with a newer tech which still has a longer lifespan...

Somewhat related question, is there any point to playing a game at a resolution higher than your monitor? Aren't most full HD monitors only 1920x1080? In which case, why are people always looking for resolutions in the 2000+ range?

Because there are some rich bastards with 4k resolution (they are rich indeed)

Us, the poor, are using the 1080p xD

At work, just wanted to say thanks for giving me items to consider.

I decided to go with DDR3 and an am3 mobo, just have to pick one. I'll research on this new video card suggestion. DVD burner I don't need, but god they're so cheap these days.

Phenom II benchmark tests show it isn't that spectacularly better than Athlon II. I'm not justifying the price just for gaming, even if it keeps me within budget.

^ Well if mainly for gaming, even the Athlon II X3 would suffice, but if planning for multiple card config, then the Phenoms would be a better choice...

Best answer selected by louiebasile.

The friend I was putting this together for no longer wants a new comp.

Thanks for the responses. I picked best answer just as who gave me the most to think about, but really gkay09 and yesitsmario were equally helpful for this.