Budget WoW PC - yes another one!

[brich92]

http://www.outletpc.com/ba108a0-amd-dual-core-barebones-computer-with-500w-psu.html#axzz1d5a4XN7uHello All!

This is my first attempt ever at building my own PC, as well as posting on a forum asking about it. You'll have to forgive me if I'm not quite versed on the format of this type of thing.

The primary function of this computer will be to play WoW, however alternatively, I'd like to be able to expand upon a bit for some newer games too. I'd just like to get some feedback on the set up below to see if this is a suitable build. Also to make sure everything is compatible and nothing is missing.

I started with the Barebones kit, I researched each included component and priced it out. This kit is saving me about 20-30 bucks-ish.


Barebones Kit [url=http://www.outletpc.com/ba108...nes-computer-with-500w-psu.html#axzz1d5a4XN7u [/url]

Which includes:

AMD A4-3400 Processor
Socket FM1
Dual Core (2-Core CPU)
2.7 GHz Clock Speed

Biostar TA75M Motherboard
Form Factor: mATX (9.6" x 8.9")
Maximum Memory: 32GB via 4 DDR3 Memory Slots
Memory Speeds Supported: DDR3 1866 / 1600/ 1333 / 1066
Multi-GPU Support: None
5.1-Ch Audio
10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet Port

Case
Apex TX-381 mATX Mini-Tower Black

Power Supply
500W Power Supply Included

These are from Amazon:

HDD:


Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB SATA III 7200 RPM 16 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00461G3MS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER





RAM:

Corsair XMS3 8 GB (2 x 4GB) 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003N8GVUY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER



Graphics:

EVGA nVidia GeForce 9800GT 1 GB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032W602A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=AZ8ZZL30AH7DI




Thanks in advance for your expertise and insight.

 

[WR2]

Hello brich92;

Have you set a total budget for this project? If we know that we can look at other possible options.
If you fill out the form in *How To Ask For New Build Advice* you'll answer all the standard questions that help things get started.

 

[brich92]

Sorry I just realized I didn't have it in the OP.

My budget is stupid low - for now I'm only looking to spend $500 MAX, anything below that would be awesome.

Thanks again

 

[WR2]

It won't take too much time to edit the OP to include the usual questions we ask.
I have a few concerns with some of your parts so I think looking at options is a good idea.
Things like your monitor resolution can make a different in parts suggested

 

[samuelspark]

Tom's hardware recently did a $500 build that will totally dominate that build you just made. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-ii-overclock-graphics-card,3032.html

 

[WR2]

I think samuelspark was reading my mind.

 

[brich92]

Holy Cow.... that is a good build, more homework to do

 

[WR2]

With Black Friday / Cyber Monday coming up shortly i think we can do better for you and keep the price the same or a bit lower.
Half the homework is done with that article. You just need to find matching components, at the same or better prices.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[SinisterSalad]

Hard drive prices are going to mess up the budget, though... Stupid floods...

 

[WR2]

I think you can claw back half the extra HDD cost in GPU savings.
And a few other Black Friday specials or rebates should cover the rest of the HDD cost increase.

 

[brich92]

I was reading through the comments and decided I'll end up upgrading the mobo to allow for bulldozer compatibility. Chances are I'll end up tweaking a couple of things on that build, nothing crazy though. I should have come here first..I read the forums all the time and spent probably about 10 hours just looking at parts.

Thanks for the help and replies - you guys are the jam.

 

[brich92]

Actually I just realized I had another question...


What type of AM3+ mobo would work for that build?
I'm looking pretty hard at this one:

[url=http://www.tigerdirect.com/ap...CODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE [/url]

 

[WR2]

Any AM3+ motherboard with a black socket:
ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Motherboard $85 for an example.

 

[WR2]

Checking for NewEgg combo deals can sometimes turn up useful and tasty deals.

 

[brich92]

Wow that mobo is way more worth it than the one I was looking at....

Yea I'll take a look at the Newegg combos and see if there's anything good

 

[WR2]

I already checked the motherboard but when you look around - you'll see the combo options at the bottom of the NewEgg item listing.

 

[andywork78]

Hmm.
WoW pc...
AMD Phenom II x 4 is fine~
4GB of memory is fine~
ATI 5770 is fine~
550W PSU is fine~
looking good any case is fine~
around $500
Good luck~

 

[brich92]

Thanks again for the replies everyone!

I've compiled what I want and think everything is in good order... however I ran into another issue.

I need to clarify whether or not this PSU would work with this set up. Newegg wattage calculator puts it right at 490, but tiger direct says that the video card needs 500w. I'm not sure if this is for the card alone, or if it's a recommendation.


SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product...48&Tpk=Sapphire 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1 GB [/url]

COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power Plus RS500-PCARD3-US 500W ATX12V v2.3 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=4#scrollFullInfo

AMD HDZ955FBGMBOX Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition - Quad Core, 3.20GHz, 6MB L3 Cache, 2MB L2 Cache, Socket AM3, 125W, Fan, Retail, Unlocked
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5752143

ASRock 970 EXTREME3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=o31ffscj5ccv

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4 GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-Corsair-_-20145315

Seagate Barracuda ST250DM000 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148765

SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151233




Thanks for all of your help!

 

[WR2]

Newegg wattage calculator puts it right at 490, but tiger direct says that the video card needs 500w. I'm not sure if this is for the card alone, or if it's a recommendation.

It's a recommendation for an entire systems power requirements and takes into account 'average' and 'below average' quality PSUs.


The eXtreme Power Plus RS500 is a just slightly below average PSU and not quite matching the quality if your other parts. It's the one item in you list I'd like to see upgraded if you can find some extra room in the budget through Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales and bargains.
Coller Master eXtreme Power Plus RS500 review