My first build - AMD

[TheHorror]

I usually buy Alienware, but decided to build my own this time and save some money. I had a $1000 budget but went over by $100 (due to OS) so here's my build: What do you think?

Case: HAF 932
CPU: AMD PH II X6 1090T
MOBO: ASUS CROSSHAIR IV FORMULA 890FX
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312-3SR HD6950 2G
RAM: 4Gx2 GSKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX
HDD: WD Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
DVD: ASUS DRW-24B1ST
CPU fan: ZALMAN CNPS9500
OS: WIN 7 HOME SP1 64BIT

Be easy on me. I know a 2500K build is the norm in this price range.

I use my PC for many things, gaming is only one, and I'm pretty picky about my games. Next game for me will be Skyrim. But I do like speed. I'm also leaving open the possibility of Crossfiring another HD6950 in the not too distant future.

 

[TheHorror]

Approximate Purchase Date: purchased

Budget Range: $1000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Surfing the net, listening to music, gaming, home office

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Razer, Bose companion, Samsung monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: by brand or type: like towers and AMD

Overclocking: Yes if I can learn how

SLI or Crossfire: Yes but not right now

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080


The only thing I did not get, because I could not decide which way to go, was a sound card. Thinking about how often I use my PC as a home stereo, I should have factored that in.

 

[striker410]

Yeah, 2500k woud have been the definite choice IMO. It's faster in every category, especially gaming and media creation. Still a nice build! My only gripe is the 650TX does not have the connectors for a second 6950. Which kinda sucks. No offense, but next time drop by BEFORE purchasing

 

[TheHorror]

So when I decide to add another 6950 I'll have to get a new PSU?

I can always exchange a part or two (or three) if necessary. I wanted to take advantage of of some NE 4th of July specials so I had to pull the trigger. Kind of a rush build (while the wife is out of town).

 

[ChiefTexas_82]

1 Thing, Try to find an AM3+ motherboard. Just in case Bulldozer happens to be awesome when it is released and you want to upgrade to it later.

 

[TheHorror]

So my build is complete and running great, if anyone sees this thread and decides they want to do one. The OC settings on the MOBO are great for a noob like me. Windows ratings are 7.5, 7.5, 7.9, 7.9, and 5.9 (freakin' HDD). I am not running the GSkill yet... only have 2G of RAM until is arrives, so I expect to pop those 7.5 up to 7.9s. And no OC yet... even with the super easy MOBO settings. I did set the RAM to 1600 in the BIOS but that was all. Also, have not installed the HSF yet.

Will post Benchmarks when I get my RAM and HSF all set.

AND, from what I gathered Bulldozer will be compatible with AM3 not just AM3+, unless someone else have definitive info that says otherwise. All in all, so far so good.