Best AM3+ Chipset??

[antrom1818]

OK, so I am building a computer soon for a friend. This will be my first build with an AMD processor, so I'm not familiar with the chipsets. I am planning on getting the AMD FX-4170, which is AM3+. WHat would be the best chipset if this doesn't need any overclocking? Also, because the stock speed it 4.2 GHz, will I need an aftermarket cooler? Or will the stock be OK? Oh yeah, and the budget is MAX 750$, not including monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Also, keep in mind that I am buying at Microcenter, so I think there is like 100 dollars off a cpu and motherboard combo.

Other Specs (not definite)

Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (requested, cannot change)
PSU: Something 80 Plus 650W (maybe NZXT HALE82 650W) (would like modular
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200RPM
Memory: Cheapest 8GB 1600MHz RAM they have (~40$)
Graphics card: recommendations? I was thinking the 6850
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
Optical drive: whatever regular one for around 18 dollars

Thanks!

 

[Dangi]

Best chipset is 990FX but if you are on a tigh budget a 990X or 970 will do

Also instead of the FX 4170 buy the 4300 that is second gen.

Stock cooler is OK for stock speed with little OC but is quite loud.


If the budget is too tigh take a look at AMD FM2 boards and CPUs you don't have to spend money on low end graphics while being able to play 1080 low - medium

 

[JKatwyopc]

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

The best Chipset for AM3+ is 990FX, 990X and 970X in that order. Anything less is rather pointless.

I agree with Dangi on getting a FX 4300 instaed of the FX 4170. The following build includes the FX 4170 but that is easy enough to change.

While the aftermarket CPU cooler is not really required, you would be better off to get one so I included it below.

For the GPU I would suggest you look at the Radeon HD 7850. Slightly more expensive but much better performance.

Do you have a Microcenter near you that you are buying from or are you just a loyal customer? Personally, I've always thought they were overrated.

Here's a good build for you.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4170 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 PRO3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($67.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX T1 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($167.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($82.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($91.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $747.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[antrom1818]

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

The best Chipset for AM3+ is 990FX, 990X and 970X in that order. Anything less is rather pointless.

I agree with Dangi on getting a FX 4300 instaed of the FX 4170. The following build includes the FX 4170 but that is easy enough to change.

While the aftermarket CPU cooler is not really required, you would be better off to get one so I included it below.

For the GPU I would suggest you look at the Radeon HD 7850. Slightly more expensive but much better performance.

Do you have a Microcenter near you that you are buying from or are you just a loyal customer? Personally, I've always thought they were overrated.

Here's a good build for you.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4170 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 PRO3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($67.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX T1 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($25.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($167.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($82.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($91.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $747.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Wow thanks. This is really helpful. Also, I completely forgot about the price drips on the amd cards!! This is very helpful. I will make whatever slight modifications my friend requests, and we're set! Thanks a ton

Also, yes there is a microcenter near me. When I built my oc they gave me a great deal on motherboard/CPU combo. It might be only for intel though...

Anyway, I might end up ordering online. I also think he needs a wireless card, so I will get something for around 30 bucks instead of the aftermarket cooler

Thank you soo much

 

[antrom1818]

Best answer selected by antrom1818.