Gaming build advice please?

S

superme1

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 31, 2009
Messages
147
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, minor web-browsing, possibly some minor video editing
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
1,200 USD (give or take)
3) Where do you live?
Virginia
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
Everything: Case, PSU, GPU, CPU, Mobo, RAM, HDD, Monitor, Speakers, Sound card, heatsink, keyboard (I have mouse covered)
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
This is my first build, I will not be reusing any parts
6) Will you be overclocking?
For the first time yes, minor OC
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
Plan on getting Dell S2309W
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
ASAP, during bing double CB deal
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
Good OC ability, easy UI (first build), possibly SLI in future
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Yes

Hey Hardforum, was hoping you could give me some advice on my first build

WD Caviar Black 640GB - $75
EVGA GTX 260 Superclocked - $160 AR
Xonar D1 Sound Card - $65 AR
Logitech G15 Keyboard - $75
Arctic Silver 5 - $9
Corsair XMS3 6GB RAM - $100 AR
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 heatsink - $26 AR
Antec 902 - $130
Phenom II X3 720 BE - $120
__
Already purchased:
Antec EA650 - $80 (I purchased from Zipzoomfly; should I return it and get Antec's TruePower 550W?)
M4A78T-E ASUS - $125 AR
Logitech G51 Speakers - $150
Dell S2309W Monitor - $150 (good monitor choice? I have the option to return for no fee)

Total: $1049
Thank you so much for all of your help, I will respond quickly to any questions

(Oh, and I'll be getting Ratpadz XT ^_^)
 
Last edited:
Thank you very much
what do you think the PSU needs of my system are?
Why would you choose that processor over the 720, I chose the 720 because it is the cheapest of the BE's, but the 945 is harder to OC if I'm not mistaken.
 
Last edited:
Earthwatt is good but the new truepower is better value for the money.

720 is easier to overclock but you get a better overclocks with the 945.
 
Oh okay, thanks for the advice

Does anyone know if the TruePower 550W will be able to handle this system though?
 
You don't need to return the EA650, especially if you already have it in your hands.

However, swap out the Arctic Silver 5 for some thermal compound that doesn't require curing time, like Arctic Cooling MX-2 or OCZ Freeze.
 
Thanks for the response, however I'm not sure about the AS5 comment. Do you know how much curing time it needs? the results turned out pretty well in the HardOCP thermal paste shootout
 
The numbers vary -- the actual instructions state that it will take "up to 200 hours" -- but it does require some time to cure before it starts lowering temperatures.

If you swap out processors and/or heatsinks often, you would be better served with a non-curing TIM.
 
In response to your question you asked in the thread about steam vs newegg.

The 945 is pretty easy to oc, you just have to use FSB over clocking as opposed to overclocking with the multiplier. In all honesty, if I had to do it again, I would probably just go with the 955, however if you can get a good deal on the 945 jump on it, I got mine to 3.5GHz stock voltage and 2.34GHz NB/HTT. I figure with just small bumps in voltage I could get this baby to 3.6/3.7 GHz. I haven't really pushed it yet, because I don't think an extra 100-200 MHz is worth it to me. I highly doubt I'll be able to break 3.8GHz.

Also about the 260 you're getting, Unless I'm mistaken am3 mobos only support crossfire. If you ever want to do multi gpu I'd go with the 4890. I only went nvidia because on games I like it seemed like nvidia had a slight advantage, and for my resolution 1680x1050 all you really need is a 260, I max or almost max most games out as it is.
 
tiraides said:
You don't need to return the EA650, especially if you already have it in your hands.

However, swap out the Arctic Silver 5 for some thermal compound that doesn't require curing time, like Arctic Cooling MX-2 or OCZ Freeze.
Click to expand...

/me agrees.
 
With overclocking a x4 945, must not forget to lower HT Multiplier as you rise HT (FSB). You should be able to get to 4 GHz, by slowly increasing the memory and cpu voltages.
 
Thanks everyone, I made my purchase and chose to go with the 720, saved me 60 bucks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top