Rip apart this Phenom build

K

Katalysis

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Aug 8, 2008
Messages
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Please feel free to explain my ineptitude with this build (the last processor I've OC'd was a 2800+ single core, which is my current machine). If there is an Intel build comparable in cost for noticeably better performance, point me in the right direction. In regard to "The Questions" - I game on a T240HD, work usage is by no means extreme, and willing to spend another $100 on the core components for real-world noticeable performance (not 2 FPS at 2560, for example). Could buy the video card now if it would save me a substantial amount on the mobo ($50ish).

--Phenom 9950 Black Edition
--MSI DKA790GX Platinum AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX - Combo $319.98
--Antec Three Hundred Case
--Antec NeoPower 650 - Combo $139.94
--OCZ Platinum (2x2GB) DDR2 1066
--Windows Vista Home Premium 64 - Combo $179.98
--Western Digital WD6400AAKS - $74.99
--LiteOn 20X DVD Burner - $23.99
--No GPU (waiting for Black Friday)
--No OC HSF, Thermal Paste, etc. (buying locally, make sure it all fits)

Total Price: $738.88 Shipped ($30 MIR later as well)
 
What gpu are you planning to add on Black Friday? This looks like a semi-budget gamers build. Can I assume a 4850 or GTX260?
 
Probably a 4870 and maybe another 4870 eventually, assuming 650W is enough for two, which I would think it would be.

My brand loyalty with AMD has been strong since the K6-2 days, but now I am thinking of maybe going Intel, but for the price, I'd say the Phenom which I've seen OCing to 3-3.5 Ghz seems like a better value.
 
No doubt the 4870 is a great card. On a more budget minded build I thought you might have gone cheaper than a 4870 but it mates well for those specs. Are you planning to OC the Phenom into the 3Ghz neighborhood too?
 
GonzoP said:
No doubt the 4870 is a great card. On a more budget minded build I thought you might have gone cheaper than a 4870 but it mates well for those specs. Are you planning to OC the Phenom into the 3Ghz neighborhood too?
Click to expand...

That was the plan. I'm hoping that would be enough for most 1900x1200 gaming, and if not, get a board for future Crossfire.

The problem I've been having making a Q6600 build is the mobo. I'm not as familiar with the intel chipsets, don't know which board will produce better results in that price range. I hear a mediocre OC on the Q6600 is about the same as the Phenom (around 3.0), and for the price it seems like the AMD boards offer more features. Such as, the board linked above only has one PCI-E slot, other than that, it seems fine.
 
Thats a good counter point. I wasn't trying to steer him out of that Phenom but I suppose I should have. That Phenom is about the same price as the Q6600 or the E8400/8500. Any of those three would run circles around the Phenom, and that's before the OCing starts
 
Katalysis said:
That was the plan. I'm hoping that would be enough for most 1900x1200 gaming, and if not, get a board for future Crossfire.

The problem I've been having making a Q6600 build is the mobo. I'm not as familiar with the intel chipsets, don't know which board will produce better results in that price range. I hear a mediocre OC on the Q6600 is about the same as the Phenom (around 3.0), and for the price it seems like the AMD boards offer more features. Such as, the board linked above only has one PCI-E slot, other than that, it seems fine.
Click to expand...

The Gigabyte listed is a decent enough mobo. Also everyone and their dog is giving a lot of love to the quad cores. But those e8400 and 8500's are hitting in some cases well over 4Ghz on air. You can always get a Dual Core now. Crank it maybe 4.2Ghz and down the road pop in a Quad
 
Katalysis said:
Rip apart this Phenom build...
--Phenom 9950 Black Edition
...
Click to expand...

Intel chips are faster, clock for clock, and they also have way more OC headroom. Go with an Intel chip. Q6600 if you're on a budget, Q9450 if you can get it for $250, or Q9550 if its the same price as the Q9450. As for the board, go with an Intel chipset, like a P45 or X38 board.
 
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