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Build Advice

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So I'm building a new computer for my relatives this Christmas, and I have created two builds on newegg. One is based on the phenom ii x6 1075t, and the other is based on the core i5 760. From what i have read, both processors offer similar performance both at stock speeds and when overclocked, so I am trying to figure out which is the correct way to go. The most taxing apps for the computer will be games, and overclocking is a possibility.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: $800 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Games (everything else will be web surfing and MS office)

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, Monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050 (i think)

Additional Comments: Quiet is better and looking for longevity in the mid-range

Here's What I have so far...

Build #1 (Intel)
2 x Samsung DVD RW http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Cooler Master HAF 912 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 750gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

XFX 650w PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

G.Skill ripjaws 2x2gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Intel Core i5 760 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Cooler Master Hyper 212+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

XFX Radeon HD 5850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

Intel H55 LGA1156 mATX motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

The Motherboard includes a free Lost Planet 2 game

The Price Comes to $848.91 before Rebates and 763.91 after rebates

Build #2 (AMD)
Components are the same except for...

Asus AMD AM3 870 motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

AMD Phenom II X6 Thuban 1075T http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Price for this build is $833.91 before rebates and $748.91 after rebates

I am happy eeither price, and at this point I would like some advice if you think i have selected any inferior components. Other than mistakes of this nature, any suggestions to provide a greater value in the build would also be appreciated. If you think both builds are fine, then I'd appreciate guidance in the choice between the two builds. Please note, I realize that this PC is probably overkill for my purposes, but I would like it to last them as long as possible. They've had their current computer for over five years ;) . Also, Sorry if I broke any posting rules i tried to follow them to the best of my ability. Thanks for the helps guys.

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Homebuilt system Expert


Welcome Newcomer, and you did fine following the positng rules. There is only one fan in the case you selected. You either need to purchase a couple more, or buy another case. Here is the COOLER MASTER Storm Scout , a much better case for only $10 more.

Here is another alternative for the same price: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel

I bought two optical drives with my last build, and hardly ever use either of them. I took the second one out to contirbute to another machine, and do not miss it. With flash drives so cheap, and huge hard drives, burning DVDs just does nto make sense to me.

I think the video card is a bit much for the monitor; consider getting an upgradde to the monitor! Other than that, all is fairly well balanced, and compatible.

Thanks for the response, and i was actually thinking of purchasing some yate loons from Petras as i have heard they are a good value at $5 a fan. Do you think those other two cases would be better for my purposes even with the additional fans the CM HAF 912. About the optical drives, I know exactly what you mean. I did the same thing and have never used the second drive, but since the I won't be using the PC I just want to keep the option there especially if it only cost anotherr $17.
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insideOUTlaw said:
Not Sure about the monitor. It might, actually be higher res, but thank you for the advice what is your opinion on the i5 760 vs phenom ii x6 1075t?



To be honest based on the needs that your presenting I would be thinking more along the lines of a phenom II X4 965, This processor holds it's own against the I5 for a gaming / light use computer as you have described, and it does so at considerable cost savings.

Both the I5 and the 1055 would be superior for non gaming related tasks that are multi core stressfull... ie. Video encoding or similar things. But per your original description that's not what your needing the computer for!

The reality is that games development is really only now starting to utilize two cores, I would imagine its gonna be a few years before we see games maximed for use on systems with 4 cores. So anything above that is total overkill.


so for me, I would shave of another 40-50 from your build cost and go with the X4 and again either use the saved money to invest in a higher quality monitor... or just giggle all the way to the bank because you now have built a killer gaming system for a lot less than you thought it would take...



:D  :D  :D 

This build will probably be around for awhile, and from what i've heard, the i5 outperforms AMD per core, so its perofrmance is more on par with the x6's. One thing that I am not sure about is the Intel motherboard that i selected. I might be paranoid, but these components seem to warrant a full ATX board rather than micro ATX. Might just save money on the processor, either way this will fly through almost everything thrown at it.

I have a cooler master elite case myself... so you will see no argument from me.

I do understand that the I5 is the stronger of the processor's, but just dont think you need that or the six core thuban based on what you say expected usage will be.

With that said, there's always gonna be a difference between what's wanted and what's needed.

On a side note it may be worth your while to wait just a bit longer if you do choose to go the intel route, With new processors and boards due to debut for intel early january, some of the older stuff is surely gonna get cheaper.

I would but its for Christmas and they live like 600miles from me so i'm just gonna bite the bullet and do it now. Just gotta make a call on the CPU. Other than that I'm happy with both. Now i'm just gonna look at P55 ATX board to see how prices are. Thanks again for the help everyone.
Homebuilt system Master

WHAT Did you really just tell him to downgrade his video card? The 5850 is the sweet spot for any 1680x1080 resolution. The 5770 already starts to struggle at 1440x900. Keep the 5850 in the budget. If you want to save some go with the GTX 460 Hawk 1gb. That's 190$ now on newegg. Great OCer and super low temps.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

As for 5850, get the DirectCu, you'll be able to OC it so well, up to a 5870's performance., and if you plan to CF in the future, you'll be able to CF on an AMD/Intel platform as CF is supported on all/most boards, unlike SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Any micro ATX mobo isn't large enough to fit many things. With a card like the 5850, it'll probably block the SATA 3/6 ports and with the 5770 barely fit it. So I suggest the ATX board. Post it if you can.
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