$1300 New AMD Build

[Hpeuoc]

I'm not sure if i'm doing this right, but i'm hoping i can get some help with a new build.

Approximate Purchase Date: End of Sept.

Budget Range: $1300 Or lower if possible.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, 3D modeling with Blender (Not my job, i just want to try my hand at it)

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, OS

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Tigerdirect.ca, Ncix.com

Parts Preferences: AMD CPU, AM3+ Motherboard, ATI Graphics card.

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Large Case if possible, good cooling.

Build Thoughts

Case - Rosewill THOR V2
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147053

Motherboard - GIGABYTE AM3+ 990FX
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128514

CPU - AMD Phenom II X4 965
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

RAM - CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 1600 MHz
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233143

HardDrive - OCZ Solid 3
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227729

Power Supply - SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

Graphics Card - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6970 2GB
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102918

Media Drive - ASUS 24X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

 

[flashfir]

Why do you want to do AMD? Is there a particular reason why?

At the moment Sandy Bridge i5-2500k is a nobrainer hands down BUT since you're this late in the game, as I'm sure others will ask: Why not wait for AMD Bulldozer? You're going to be spending an extra $120+ for a processor for a few months.

The new 32nm process might prove promising and an alternative to Sandy Bridge.



*Protip: It looks like you're in canada but, the website slickdeals will fosho allow you to save lots of money & use that saved money to go either to 1)your bank account or 2)even better parts.






*2gb memory runs 3 monitors in eyefinity. Get 1gb and save money if you're not going to go massive resolutions.

 

[Outlander_04]

Why do you want to do AMD? Is there a particular reason why?

I cant speak for the OP but my reasons why my next computer will be AMD are
1/ they respect their clients by not making their hardware obsolete in 9 months
2/ they have often outperformed intel , if not on absolute performance then certainly bang for buck
3/ their marketing department spends way less time hyping their products and making stupid claims , that then get repeated endlessly by fanboys
4/ Its time


The only thing I would change about the build is to use a phenom 955 instead . Its the exact same part clocked a little lower , and with an unlocked multiplier it is very easy to clock it at 965 speeds and beyond .

Its also probably worth adding a cpu cooler to the build . A scythe Mugen or Yasya

 

[flashfir]

I cant speak for the OP but my reasons why my next computer will be AMD are
1/ they respect their clients by not making their hardware obsolete in 9 months
2/ they have often outperformed intel , if not on absolute performance then certainly bang for buck
3/ their marketing department spends way less time hyping their products and making stupid claims , that then get repeated endlessly by fanboys
4/ Its time


The only thing I would change about the build is to use a phenom 955 instead . Its the exact same part clocked a little lower , and with an unlocked multiplier it is very easy to clock it at 965 speeds and beyond .

Its also probably worth adding a cpu cooler to the build . A scythe Mugen or Yasya

Granted EVERYTHING I'm replying to is YOUR reasons for your next AMD computer. Not gonna waste my time typing all this and not hitting submit.

#1 is valid.
#2 is only valid WITHIN certain price points. i5-2500k is clearly the best bang for buck at a HIGHER pricepoint.

Yes, if you must have an AMD platform, I'd advise a 955 (which is what I have) find it on sale, for roughly $100-$110 and use that as a temporary CPU before bulldozer comes out.

 

[Outlander_04]

Granted EVERYTHING I'm replying to is YOUR reasons for your next AMD computer. Not gonna waste my time typing all this and not hitting submit.

#1 is valid.
#2 is only valid WITHIN certain price points. i5-2500k is clearly the best bang for buck at a HIGHER pricepoint.

Yes, if you must have an AMD platform, I'd advise a 955 (which is what I have) find it on sale, for roughly $100-$110 and use that as a temporary CPU before bulldozer comes out.

were you trying to make a point of some kind?