I'm trying to build a gaming rig, preferably for WoW and SC, should i get a better video card, case, or mobo? If i put this all together, will it blow up? I am trying to spend under $800. Please let me know if you guys have any suggestions.
Not AM3+ compatible so its a dead end system that cant be upgraded
3/10
Try
FX 4100
mb with a 970 series chipset . Asrock extreme4 can sli and crossfire and costs about $110
2 x4 gig of 1.5 volt ,1600 MHz RAM
seasonic 520 watt psu
Lets avoid suggesting an FX processor because they flopped in the marketplace for a reason.
In all likelihood, the motherboard will need a BIOS update in order to work with the processor and having only a FX processor on hand the OP won't be able to do the BIOS update.
There is no good reason to even put the OP at risk for things like that.
thanks guys for caring, im actually building this computer for a friend of mines, and hoping i dont make myself look like a jackass... so far i switched to this MB to am3+, what ram would you get instead raiddinn
Lets avoid suggesting an FX processor because they flopped in the marketplace for a reason.
In all likelihood, the motherboard will need a BIOS update in order to work with the processor and having only a FX processor on hand the OP won't be able to do the BIOS update.
There is no good reason to even put the OP at risk for things like that.
Lets suggest FX processors when they are an appropriate option for the specified use and budget . The M4xxx ASUS board the OP picked CANT run an FX processor . Thats why he should change the board to an AM3+ motherboard like the Asrock I mentioned .
Im surprised you didnt know that
As for which is better the 960t or the FX in an AM3+ platform the answer is overwhelmingly in favour of the FX 4100 . More performance , better gaming , over clockability , and a platform that can be upgraded for at least one more generation of processor .
But having said that if the OP is spending $800 he has better options .
A build based on an Intel i5 2400 and an H61 mb will cost around $700 with a 6870 and will outperform the FX or 960t options
Whatever you think it is that I don't know, I am pretty sure I do know it.
The OP had a 960T and a regular AM3 board selected, which works.
Then people started suggesting FX setups where it is not at all clear that they would work out of the box, like yours.
Are you buying the processor he will need in the very real possibility that he needs a BIOS update in order to use the parts you are suggesting to him?
For the 970 series chipsets (and 990FX) this is a very serious possibility.
I don't think the OP should have suggestions with serious compatibility questions before they even open the box.
I don't mind an AM3+ motherboard for potential upgrade compatibility, but if he is going for AMD then I would rather see them get a 960T with it. At least then it is guaranteed not to need a BIOS flash in order to operate together.
Such BIOS flashes could be done easily with the 960T and in a future upgrade time the Piledrivers could just be slotted right in.
I also wouldn't mind seeing a build centered around a 2400 instead.
I just can't abide by the FX setup quietly. I think we would be doing him a disservice by giving a setup with such high incompatibility risks.
------------------------------i5-3570k, Asrock Z77 Pro4, XFX Pro 650w Core, 2x 4GB Crucial CT2KIT51264BA1339, PowerColor 6850 SCS3, Lian Li PC - K59, Seagate Barracuda 500gb hd, ASUS DRW-24B1ST DVDRW
Its very unlikely that any 970 series chipset board in stock at Newegg has a 7 month old BIOS that doesnt support FX processors .
To suggest otherwise is scaremongering.......... unless you are also telling people not to buy Intel P67 motherboards because they could still have faulty SATA controllers ?
Message edited by Outlander_04 on 01-23-2012 at 07:19:29 PM
You never know how long a board has been on a shelf somewhere.
In my experience as a network admin, I have many times received shipments of 40+ computers all of which had BIOSs that were quite old. Longer than 7 months. Not all shipments of this size had BIOSs that old, but some did.
That isn't the same thing as an individual buying 1 motherboard, but it is reasonable anecdotal evidence. Having quite some experience in asset management I know how long things can sit on shelves sometimes.
As far as the Intel P67 thing goes, I don't remember seeing many instances of people wanting these and I also never suggest them. If someone wants a board I usually suggest one from Gigabyte.
Not like this situation is common for me in any event. I can't remember the last time I had someone suggest people not use a non-FX and instead use an FX processor. In my experience the advise is almost always the exact opposite.
------------------------------i5-3570k, Asrock Z77 Pro4, XFX Pro 650w Core, 2x 4GB Crucial CT2KIT51264BA1339, PowerColor 6850 SCS3, Lian Li PC - K59, Seagate Barracuda 500gb hd, ASUS DRW-24B1ST DVDRW