Here's where I'm stuck with my budget build...
CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W
Motherboard: ?????
RAM: ?????
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
Video: XFX HD-467X-DDF2 Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
Optical: LITE-ON iHAS424-98 LightScribe
Power: Corsair CMPSU-550VX 550W
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower
OS: Windows 7 Home 64
Key Q&A:
SLI/Crossfire: no, never.
USB 3.0: yes please
Over-clocking: I'd rather not.
eSATA: on front panel of case, so not necessary for on-board
Slot usage & growth prospects: I will want to upgrade the sound and currently use a PCI sound blaster that I am assuming I will want to use - if that doesn't upgrade the sound enough I'll add a newer PCI or PCIe sound card. I want to add a TV tuner and/or capture device, "soon" (these are either PCI or PCIe). Want to be able to upgrade later to a Phenom II X6 proc.
At one point, I had this all picked out. Now the ability to grow into DDR3 PC1600 (or greater) vs. topping out at DDR3 PC1333 has me hesitating. I want to be smart about getting the most performance I can for my small dollar system, but also want room to grow in areas where performance gains can be realized and without over-clocking.
Feel free to ask me any questions that might help pinpoint an answer better or provide clarity if I confused you.
CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W
Motherboard: ?????
RAM: ?????
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
Video: XFX HD-467X-DDF2 Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
Optical: LITE-ON iHAS424-98 LightScribe
Power: Corsair CMPSU-550VX 550W
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower
OS: Windows 7 Home 64
Key Q&A:
SLI/Crossfire: no, never.
USB 3.0: yes please
Over-clocking: I'd rather not.
eSATA: on front panel of case, so not necessary for on-board
Slot usage & growth prospects: I will want to upgrade the sound and currently use a PCI sound blaster that I am assuming I will want to use - if that doesn't upgrade the sound enough I'll add a newer PCI or PCIe sound card. I want to add a TV tuner and/or capture device, "soon" (these are either PCI or PCIe). Want to be able to upgrade later to a Phenom II X6 proc.
At one point, I had this all picked out. Now the ability to grow into DDR3 PC1600 (or greater) vs. topping out at DDR3 PC1333 has me hesitating. I want to be smart about getting the most performance I can for my small dollar system, but also want room to grow in areas where performance gains can be realized and without over-clocking.
Feel free to ask me any questions that might help pinpoint an answer better or provide clarity if I confused you.
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