Budget AMD build

[zapht3rg]

1234

 

[lt_shiro]

-New Truepower is better option than 520 HX at the same price point.
-No need to spend big with 17" CRT, 4850/4770 would be fine.
-Ripjaw 1600 is more than enough for overclocking.
-22-23" display is gaming sweet spot ($150-180).

 

[Dangman]

I concur with lt_shiro.

With that said, you can drop the mobo/CPU combo to this CPU/mobo combo to save $45:
$179 - AMD Phenom II X3 720 CPU + Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UDP3 AMD 770 ATX Motherboard Combo

So that should give you enough money to pay for the XFX HD4870 1GB. However if you really need to save an additional $20, you can get the XFX HD4850 1GB:
$125 - XFX HD-485X-ZDFC Radeon HD 4850 1GB PCI-E Video Card

However, lt_shiro said, the HD4850 512MB is more than enough for a small 17" screen. The HD4870 1GB is more worthwhile if you have a 22" screen.

If you do go with the HD4850, you can drop the PSU down to this:
$67 - Seasonic SS-500ES 500W PSU

But if you go with the HD4870, stick with either the Antec or PC P&C.

HSF wise, the Scythe isn't a good choice for the money. Go with this HSF instead:
$37 - Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm HSF

 

[zapht3rg]

1234

 

[zapht3rg]

1234

 

[Dangman]

So it's the best choice among those three at the same price point? (Although the crucial is a bit less)

Once you factor in shipping, the G.Skill Ripjaws are the same price as the slower Crucial RAM. So the G.Skill Ripjaws RAM is the best choice for the money.

Like we said, totally up to you if you want to spend the extra $25 for the HD4870 1GB. It won't harm anything besides your wallet. We're just saying that if you had to save some money, you won't be too affected by a drop in video card

 

[zapht3rg]

1234

 

[Dangman]

Warranty:
Powercolor and HIS: no mention
Sapphire: 2 years
Asus and MSI: 3 years
Even with the $15 MIR and 15 mhz overclock on the msi, I'm leaning towards the Asus. Thoughts?

Flip a coin between Asus and MSI. Don't bother with the other three manufacturers.

The last place I am having trouble making a decision is between a gigabyte p55 ud3r and the more expensive ($10) ASUS P7P55D. This is the cheapest mid-range Asus board vs the entry level gigabyte board. The Asus has has onboard 1394a, and ... 12+2 Phase Power Design. I don't know how else I might benefit from spending $10 more. I don't care about crossfire support. Really just want an easy overclocking experience. This is my first build, so I don't need extra hassles. Comparing overhead photos of the two boards, I see some differences in layout, but I don't really know their significance.

Again, flip a coin. Both should be decent mobos and you can't go wrong with either of them.

Edit:
I forgot about your the Seasonic 500ES suggestion. This is still enough power to overclock my quad core, attempt to overclock my gpu, and be able to handle an upgrade to a 5850 in a year or so when they are cheaper? I'd love to cut a few extra dollars at no cost to performance.

I can say that it can handle everything you listed except for the HD5850. There haven't been any solid power usage numbers for the HD 5850 so I cannot vouch for the Seasonic's capability there. But for everthing else you listed, it'll be fine.

 

[hossdaddy]

the glaciator cooler on the asus 4850 is great. I have the same one on my 8800gs and it keeps it pretty cool(59c overclocked) and is very quiet. They have great proprietary software for fan control and overclocking as well.