Need build help

B

Backthen

n00b
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
39
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, 1080p movies

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included? just getting an idea, max is probably 600-650 ish

3) Where do you live? florida

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? processor, mobo, gpu, hdd, case, ram and possibly psu

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model. Ill be reuising, optical drive, and a psu, the psu i will be reusing is.... Bestec atx-250-12z rev.d3r, says max 250w , now that i think, ill probably have to replace, but we will see.

6) Will you be overclocking? Not at this time

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have? i have a 42 inch 1080p lcd tv

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC? soon

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? i have no idea

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? yes


I wanna stick with at least the phenom II X4 as the processor, so if you can work that into the build that would be great.
 
You can fit a Phenom II X4 920 2.8ghz quad build but, for your needs, Phenom II X3 720 BE triple core with a Radeon HD 4890 1GB video card will be a better suitable option for your budget.
 
CPU/MOBO - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 + AMD Phenom II X3 720 both for $209 ($10 MIR on mobo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198673

HDD/RAM - WD6401AALS 640GB + OCZ Blade Series 4GB DDR2 800 both for $117 ($10 MIR on RAM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199064

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - Biostar Radeon HD 4890 1GB for $215 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141091

Total: $648
 
Phenom II X4 Quad 920 build

RAM/CPU - OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB DDR2 800 + AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8ghz both for $201
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199940

MOBO - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 for $80 ($10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131381

HDD - WD6401AALS 640GB for $75 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - PNY Geforce GTX 260 (216) for $180 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133270

Total: $643
 
If you want to save more money

CPU/MOBO - AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1ghz Calisto + ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 both for $170 ($10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.200020

HDD/RAM - WD6401AALS 640GB + OCZ Blade Series 4GB DDR2 800 both for $117 ($10 MIR on RAM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199064

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - MSI Radeon HD 4870 1GB for $183 w/free shipping ($20 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127413

Total: $577
 
Thanks very much for the build suggestions, but in your opinion, which is the best? right now im leaning towards the 2nd 1.
 
If you're choosing between builds 1 and 2, I would pick 1 because:

Radeon HD 4890 1GB offers:

- 1GB of DDR3 Video RAM. GTX 260 has less graphics memory than HD 4890
- DX 10.1 and Shader Model 4.1 support. GTX 260 supports DX 10 and Shader Model 4.0
- Fully fledged hardware HD video decoding
- High-quality HD video post-processing with scalability
- Built-in 8-channel audio controller with HD support. GTX 260 has no built-in sound core.
- Sound over HDMI
 
Hmm.. excuse me you wanted the 2nd build with the Phenom II X4 920. Just swap the GTX 260 (216) video card with the MSI Radeon HD 4870 1GB.

RAM/CPU - OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB DDR2 800 + AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8ghz both for $201
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199940

MOBO - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 for $80 ($10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131381

HDD - WD6401AALS 640GB for $75 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - MSI Radeon HD 4870 1GB for $183 w/free shipping ($20 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127413

Total: $646
 
My Suggestions:

 $175 - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Processor
$120 - Foxconn BlackOps X48 Intel Motherboard
$42.5 - (Coupon MEMORYSALE15) ($20MIR) - OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 2X2GB DDR2-800 RAM
$140 ($15MIR) - Sapphire HD4870 512MB Video Card
$65 (Coupon EMCLTLN34) - Western Digital WD6401AALS 640GB Black Hard Drive
$70 - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Computer Case
$66 ($20MIR) - OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Power Supply
-----------------------------------------
Total: $678.5 LESS $55MIR
-----------------------------------------
 
Last edited:
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lt_shiro said:
You do know that Q8xxx series are not that great gaming CPUs.
Click to expand...
Yes. The lack of cache hinders its performance in games and Winrar.

HOWEVAAAR:
1) The Q8400 blows the Phenom II X2 and X3 processors in each and every application (except games and Winrar where they trade blows). It also will overclock better than they do, especially with that X48 motherboard.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=97
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=83

2) A 2.66GHz Core 2 Quad is more than enough for an HD4870 card.
 
TheInfernal said:
Yes. The lack of cache hinders its performance in games and Winrar.

HOWEVAAAR:
1) The Q8400 blows the Phenom II X2 and X3 processors in each and every application (except games and Winrar where they trade blows). It also will overclock better than they do, especially with that X48 motherboard.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=97
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=83
Click to expand...

The problem is that you're using the wrong CPU for comparison. The Phenom II 920 performs pretty close to that of Q8400 as shown:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=81

In addition, HardwareGuru's build with the PII 920 is $36 cheaper than your setup even after factoring the rebates. Without factoring the rebates, which aren't a guarantee, the price difference between your setup and HardwareGuru's setup is $91.

Other key differences between your setup and HardwareGuru's (HG) build:
- HG's build has a significantly far superior PSU. The OCZ PSU is a lowly Sirtec made PSU of relatively low quality
- The HD4870 1GB or the GTX260 in HG's build are faster than the HD4870 512MB.
- Significantly longer CPU upgrade
 
Hehe, I actually was going to make a reply to that also but then, Danny saved me the trouble of doing so. :D
 
My NEW Suggestions:
$198 (Coupon MEMORYSALE15) ($20MIR) - AMD Phenom II X4 920 Processor
____________________________________ - OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 2X2GB DDR2-800 RAM
$87 - MSI K9A2 CF-F V2 790X Motherboard
$107 (Coupon VGA661) ($20MIR) - HIS Radeon HD 4850 512MB Video Card
$107 (Coupon VGA661) ($20MIR) - HIS Radeon HD 4850 512MB Video Card
$65 (Coupon EMCLTLN34) - Western Digital WD6401AALS 640GB Black Hard Drive
$45 (Coupon HARDOCPCSE68FS) - COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 Computer Case
$100 ($30MIR) - PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750W Power Supply
---------------------------------------
Total: $709 LESS $90MIR
---------------------------------------
 
Last edited:
The problem is that you're using the wrong CPU for comparison. The Phenom II 920 performs pretty close to that of Q8400 as shown:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=89&p2=81
Click to expand...
I may be wrong, but the Q8400 is faster by a slight margin.
In addition, HardwareGuru's build with the PII 920 is $36 cheaper than your setup even after factoring the rebates. Without factoring the rebates, which aren't a guarantee, the price difference between your setup and HardwareGuru's setup is $91.
Click to expand...
That's because my build had a better CPU, motherboard, RAM, and case.
- HG's build has a significantly far superior PSU. The OCZ PSU is a lowly Sirtec made PSU of relatively low quality
Click to expand...
The OP can choose either a $20MIR or a better quality PSU. The OCZ PSU is fine, though.
- The HD4870 1GB or the GTX260 in HG's build are faster than the HD4870 512MB.
Click to expand...
Apparently not fast enough to justify the price difference.
- Significantly longer CPU upgrade
Click to expand...
That's why my updated build was AMD. Also because AMD motherboards support CF on the cheap :D.
 
TheInfernal said:
I may be wrong, but the Q8400 is faster by a slight margin.
Click to expand...
Yes but is that increased speed justify the extra cash for it? I doubt it.

TheInfernal said:
The OP can choose either a $20MIR or a better quality PSU. The OCZ PSU is fine, though.
Click to expand...
I disagree. Even with the MIR, the OCZ PSU is still of low quality.

TheInfernal said:
Apparently not fast enough to justify the price difference.
Click to expand...
Huh? HG had the GTX 260 and HD4870 1GB in his setup and it still was cheaper than your planned Intel setup.

That's why my updated build was AMD. Also because AMD motherboards support CF on the cheap :D.[/QUOTE]

Your updated AMD build is still $150 over the OP's budget of $650. In addition, there's no guarantee that the OP will receive all the rebates.
 
Yes but is that increased speed justify the extra cash for it? I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Excuse me? The Q8400 costs $175, while the Phenom II 920 costs $171. Am I missing something?
I disagree. Even with the MIR, the OCZ PSU is still of low quality.
Click to expand...
Fine.
Huh? HG had the GTX 260 and HD4870 1GB in his setup and it still was cheaper than your planned Intel setup.
Click to expand...
But the $125 HD4870 I suggested was much cheaper than the cards he recommended.
Your updated AMD build is still $150 over the OP's budget of $650. In addition, there's no guarantee that the OP will receive all the rebates.
Click to expand...
$709 - $650 = $59. That's less than 10% over his intended budget. After rebates he will have saved 5%.
 
They do that here. It's only love nibbles (Or at least that's what i tell myself.);)
 
TheInfernal said:
Was $175 yesterday.
Why are all you guys nitpicking me?
Click to expand...

Dont take it personally. Each of these threads is like a think tank, where minds come together and attempt to part together a best price/quality computer for the thread starter. Saving 5-10 dollars here and there paired with quality suggestions work out for the best for the thread starter. Anything you add to help is always appreciated.
 
That's why OP needs to consider this build with his budget

CPU/MOBO - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 + AMD Phenom II X3 720 both for $209 ($10 MIR on mobo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198673

HDD/RAM - WD6401AALS 640GB + OCZ Blade Series 4GB DDR2 800 both for $117 ($10 MIR on RAM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199064

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - Biostar Radeon HD 4890 1GB for $215 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141091

Total: $648

Unless OP would spend a little more for a Phenom II X4 920 paired with a 4890 1GB
 
TheInfernal said:
Excuse me? The Q8400 costs $175, while the Phenom II 920 costs $171. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Sorry, meant the cost of your entire system VS the cost of HG's build.

But the $125 HD4870 I suggested was much cheaper than the cards he recommended.
TheInfernal said:
$709 - $650 = $59. That's less than 10% over his intended budget. After rebates he will have saved 5%.
Click to expand...

But you're assuming that the OP will actually get the rebates. Rebates are not guarantees even if you do everything right. Bad idea to buy a system based mostly on rebates. So if the OP loses out on the rebates, it's $800 - $650 = $800.

TheInfernal said:
Why are all you guys nitpicking me?
Click to expand...

Well we're trying to make sure that the OP, as well as any future OPs, get the best parts for their money. So we will tend to nitpick things (like the low quality of the OCZ PSU) just to get that perfect-ish setup for the OP. Most of us would want others to help make damn sure that we're spending our money on the best parts we can afford.

So yeah, as MrCoffee said: Nothing personal. Just trying to help the OP out.
 
But you're assuming that the OP will actually get the rebates. Rebates are not guarantees even if you do everything right. Bad idea to buy a system based mostly on rebates. So if the OP loses out on the rebates, it's $800 - $650 = $800.
Click to expand...
Where did you get that $800? It is SEVEN HUNDERED AND NAAAAAAYYYYN DOLLAR. Then we deduct NUYNTEEE DOLLAR for rebates, so it becomes SIX WUN NUYN DOLLAR.
And it needs updating again because the PSU has increased its price.
Well we're trying to make sure that the OP, as well as any future OPs, get the best parts for their money. So we will tend to nitpick things (like the low quality of the OCZ PSU) just to get that perfect-ish setup for the OP. Most of us would want others to help make damn sure that we're spending our money on the best parts we can afford.

So yeah, as MrCoffee said: Nothing personal. Just trying to help the OP out.
Click to expand...
Well, it's better than being ignored.
 
TheInfernal said:
Where did you get that $800? It is SEVEN HUNDERED AND NAAAAAAYYYYN DOLLAR. Then we deduct NUYNTEEE DOLLAR, so it becomes SIX WUN NUYN DOLLAR.
Click to expand...

Was confused by the way you worded this:

TheInfernal said:
My NEW Suggestions:
------snip........
---------------------------------------
Total: $709 LESS $90MIR
---------------------------------------
Click to expand...


The way I read it: it's $709 after the $90MIR was factored in. So $799/$800ish was the actual price.
 
Danny Bui said:
Was confused by the way you worded this:



The way I read it: it's $709 after the $90MIR was factored in. So $799/$800ish was the actual price.
Click to expand...
:rolleyes:
I will use a MINUS and a TOTAL next time.
I'm also flattered with how you guys actually thought this build was good for $800.
 
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Ok so what build posted here is the very best performance? I think its either the triple core with the 4890 or the quad with the 4870, I need help deciding. thanks for all the help guys.
 
Backthen said:
Ok so what build posted here is the very best performance? I think its either the triple core with the 4890 or the quad with the 4870, I need help deciding. thanks for all the help guys.
Click to expand...

For straight up gaming at 1920x1080, Tri-core with the HD4890.
 
Backthen said:
i read somewhere about unlocking a 4th core in the x3, is this true?
Click to expand...

Yes. But it requires a specific mobo IIRC as well as luck: You might get one of the later batches where the 4th core cannot be unlocked.
 
Danny Bui said:
Yes. But it requires a specific mobo IIRC as well as luck: You might get one of the later batches where the 4th core cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...

ahh sounds like alot of trouble, so the build with the triple core and the 4890 is the right way to go for 1080 gaming and 1080 movies ?
 
I would say yes because it can deliver both gaming and will easily handle 1080P movies. As of now, you really don't require a Quad Phenom anyways. When that time comes, just drop in a Quad AM3 cpu in it.
 
HardwareGuru said:
I would say yes because it can deliver both gaming and will easily handle 1080P movies. As of now, you really don't require a Quad Phenom anyways. When that time comes, just drop in a Quad AM3 cpu in it.
Click to expand...

ok thanks alot guys, really appreciate it, im gonna go with the first build, and just to clarify, this is the correct stuff.

HardwareGuru said:
CPU/MOBO - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 + AMD Phenom II X3 720 both for $209 ($10 MIR on mobo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198673

HDD/RAM - WD6401AALS 640GB + OCZ Blade Series 4GB DDR2 800 both for $117 ($10 MIR on RAM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.199064

CASE/PSU - Antec 300 + Antec EA650 both for $107
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.198951

VIDEO CARD - Biostar Radeon HD 4890 1GB for $215 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141091

Total: $648
Click to expand...
 
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