Any Suggestions on Hardware?

[colliem]

I think I've got a pretty good thing going thus far, but I am getting stuck on a few items.

I've got my case - Cooler Master Black Elite 430 ($29.00)
I've got my Heatsink - CM Cyper 212 Plus
I've got 120 mm fans
I've got my PSU - 700W OCZ Mod X Stream-Pro ($59.00)

I believe I am going to get the following:

MB - GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 ($99.99)
Processor - AMD Phenom II X4 965 AM3 3.4Ghz ($99.99)
120 GB SSD ($104.00)
500 HDD
ASUS Radeon HD 6670 ($69.00)
Ram - TBD (only want 8 GB)
Optical Drive - TBD

Question is, I'm pretty set on these items, but if anyone has any further input on something slightly better for a little more, I'd be very appreciative. Does this look like a solid build? Also, do you see anything completely unnecessary in here?

I apologize in advance for the N00Bness...my first build.

 

[colliem]

Damn...no help here?

 

[TheBigTroll]

i feel sad for you to get the ocz modxstream 700w

for the SSD, id get a crucial m4 128gb.

for the video card, at least get a 6870 from xfx at newegg

for the ram, id get a set of gskill ares 1600mhz 2x4gb kit

 

[colliem]

Why sad for me about the OCZ? I've read really good reviews about it. What makes it a poor PSU?

 

[TheBigTroll]

its kinda known to be a unreliable unit. its also not very efficent compared to current psu models

 

[colliem]

Is the ASUS 6670 just old? Is the 6870 worth double the price?

 

[TheBigTroll]

you wont be playing games at high with a 6670. maybe medium for the most part

id get a 6870 because you can actually play games on high and some ultra features along with it

 

[colliem]

On the video card, do you jsut like the XFX brand, or do most 6870s come out the same? I figure, I'm building a PC on a budget, but my budget is flexible. I want to put in the best that I can without overkill...already in the hole with the PSU it seems

 

[TheBigTroll]

i just chose the xfx one since it is the cheapest one and they have a great warranty (more because of the low price)

if your budget is flexable enough, id even get a asus 7850 since it is a lot higher performing and uses less power. the 6870 is still very good

 

[colliem]

How do you feel about this Graphics Card:

XFX AMD Radeon HD 6770 http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Radeon-6770-Graphics-HD677XZNFC/dp/B005C31FJU/ref=lh_ni_t

 

[TheBigTroll]

id spend the extra 50 dollars on the 6870. the 6770 gets you medium high

 

[colliem]

I have a feeling there is nothing out there that I am going to find for cheaper and of equal quality than the 6870...So, I'll just get that. How will the motherboard I have listed fair?

 

[TheBigTroll]

im not the best with AMD hardware but i can put my opinion in it. here is my recommendation for the motherboard. it is the best bang for the buck AMD board out there

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62519&vpn=M5A97%20EVO&manufacture=ASUS

 

[colliem]

I think I may actually get this motherboard - http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62416&vpn=M5A99X%20EVO&manufacture=ASUS

Thoughts?

 

[TheBigTroll]

you arent using fx so not much of a point

 

[colliem]

Like I said...forgive my N00Bness. What is FX and have I selected a good processor? Is it the best/fastest/etc. at or around $150.00 or less?

 

[TheBigTroll]

fx is the next generation of amd chips. tbh, they suck more than the chip that you picked out.

the phenom Ii x4 965 is the best bang for the buck on the amd side

 

[colliem]

Best answer selected by colliem.