New AMD system, advice needed *updated per board rules*

January 19, 2012 7:27:24 PM

Here is the update, guys. Sorry I didn't check the rules earlier on

Approximate Purchase Date: 3-7 days

Budget Range: 450 - 600

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Graphic Design, Pro Tools

Parts Not Required: Hard drive, mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, case

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, tigerdirect.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: na

This is the setup that I'm currently looking at:
AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3 $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GIGABYTE Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
ASUS M5A97 AMD 9 Series AM3+ Motherboard $100
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
Corsair Vengeance Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2x 4GB) $50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...

I haven't checked into a power supply yet...not even sure if what I have so far is worth the money invested. Are there any other more cost effective routes to go?

Thanks

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g-unit1111

January 19, 2012 8:05:15 PM

Quote:

I haven't checked into a power supply yet...not even sure if what I have so far is worth the money invested. Are there any other more cost effective routes to go?

What you have so far is really good. I'd switch out the Zambezi due to the BIOS issues with the Phenom II X6 1055T.

And I generally don't recommend video cards from motherboard makers because you're less likely to get service or replacement if something goes wrong. Go with a smaller manufacturer like Sapphire or EVGA for that reason.

What are you using now? If you post the specs of your current system it would help to identify what really needs to be upgraded.

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Davidmichaelgilbert

January 19, 2012 8:24:50 PM

My current outfit is pretty pitiful.

HP a6642pc
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.5 32-bit
4 GB DDR2
Optiarc DVD RW AD7201S5
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100

The case I'll be using is a Thermaltake that is around 5-6 years old. I'm going to strip that box of everything and throw the new guts inside of it. Great advice on the processor, didn't realize the BIOS issue was so prevalent. Any suggestions on a PSU? Also, would it make sense to downgrade to an AM3 ASUS board to save some money, or keep the AM3+ for upgrade purposes?

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g-unit1111

January 19, 2012 8:29:51 PM

Davidmichaelgilbert said:

My current outfit is pretty pitiful.

HP a6642pc
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.5 32-bit
4 GB DDR2
Optiarc DVD RW AD7201S5
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100

The case I'll be using is a Thermaltake that is around 5-6 years old. I'm going to strip that box of everything and throw the new guts inside of it. Great advice on the processor, didn't realize the BIOS issue was so prevalent. Any suggestions on a PSU?

Yeah that could definitely use some upgrading. It'll definitely be wise to use whatever you can reuse from your old build.

And the BIOS problem has been a huge factor in why the Zambezi was considered a failure out of the box. In order for it to work properly on the 970 and 990FX you have to have an older CPU installed, flash the BIOS, then take the old CPU out and install the new one. I think if AMD had really addressed this issue before they shipped the FX CPUs they would have been far better off.

As far as PSU goes I'll say you want at least a 600W, maybe 650 - 700 if you want to be future proof and run Crossfire or SLI your build. Here's a couple of suggestions:
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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