First time build - Any Advice?

[Mechy09]

Hey Guys!

I'm looking to build a mid range system for 3D modeling / gaming. I'd like to keep the total cost around $650. This is my first build so I thought I would get some advice. Here is what I have so far:

AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Quad-Core - $110
ASUS M5A97 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - $ 95
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $47
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 - $ 145
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" - $75
Windows 7 Home Premium - $100
Rosewill TU-155 II 500 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with 500W Power Supply - $65

Together it comes to ~$650 from Newegg.

Any thoughts about overall composition, bottlenecks, etc. would be awesome.

Thanks!

 

[Maxwh2o]

Your CPU isn't a true quad core it is really a dual core. Go with this AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
It is only $10 more

 

[clutchc]

Yes, the system is fine. Like maxwh2o says, you would be better off with a 'true' quad core for gaming as well as 3D work. Personally, and I'm sure I will get some flack, the Zambezi isn't quite ready for prime time yet. You'll be better off with the Phenom II X4. But AMD is going to try again with Piledriver this fall (hopefully).

 

[nekulturny]

I agree, Phenom II>FX-4100. HOWEVER, if you can go with the FX-8120, its actually very reasonally priced currently. One other critique I would give on your build, is that it would be a good idea to spend a few extra bucks on a 6870 over the 6850, but both are fine.

I'd also consider getting a case without a power supply and a separate one.. More often than not the power supplies that come with cases are garbage.

BTW clutch, Tom's has a first peek at Piledriver with early Trinity Benchmarks, Piledriver is definitely showing promise.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a10-5800k-a8-5600k-a6-5400k,3224.html

 

[nekulturny]

Better pick on a case and power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227&Tpk=elite%20430

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=cx430

 

[clutchc]

Cool. I'll want to read that. Right now I'm just hoping the laptop Trinity dual graphics machines arrive pretty soon. I've been holding off buying a new laptop waiting for them...

 

[nekulturny]

I think they're already out in laptops.. let me look around and confirm.

 

[nekulturny]

nope.. not quite yet.. that i can find.

 

[Mechy09]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I upgraded the CPU and built it and it works great!