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New AMD Platform Builds

Z

zman1974

Weaksauce
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Messages
81
I think I am about ready to replace my aging C2D E6700 and Intel mobo with a new platform. As I do not want to break the bank, I am planning on an AM3 socket build. So far, I have come up with three builds, each one progressively more expensive than the former, however, I did not want to get too crazy as that would put into i7 country.

1. Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P ($85)
CPU: X3 720 ($119)
Memory: 4GB G.SKILL DDR3 1600 ($160)
Total Cost: $364.

2. Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P ($85)
CPU: X4 945 ($170)
Memory: 8GB G.SKILL DDR3 1600 ($160)
Total Cost: $415

3. Mobo: ASUS Crosshair III ($200)
CPU: X3 720 ($119)
Memory: 6GB G.SKILL DDR3 1600 ($200)
Total Cost: $519

4. Mobo: ASUS Crosshair III ($200)
CPU: X4 945 ($170)
Memory: 6GB G.SKILL DDR3 1600 ($200)
Total Cost: $570

Any alternatives to these, or comments on what I have came up with would be appreciated.

I use the system for 90% gaming. I currently have a 4890 GPU, and a 24" 1900x1200 monitor.

My only concern with this whole project is whether or not I should wait for the i5's to come out next month, but that argument can always be made (to wait, or not to wait).

Thanks,

Jim
 
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Those prices are a bit off. A 4GB set of DDR3 1600 RAM for $160? Talk about a ripoff. :)

For straight up gaming, option 1 and 2 would be your best bet.
 
I really like the Crosshair III. That would be my pick for an AM3 motherboard if I were to build an AM3 system myself. What are you running now? Would your board support a Core 2 Quad as a drop in part? That might be worth exploring. If the board is too old then fine. An AM3 setup might be worth it. As for the Core i5 most of the pre-release speculation says it is within a stone's throw of the Core i7's performance. Personally I think Intel chipsets are the best route for system compatibility, performance, and stability. I'd rather wait and have that than go with an AM3 part now. Not saying that the AM3 chipsets or board's can't be stable too, but I've always had fewer problems in the long run with Intel chipset based systems as a general rule. (Intel i820 not withstanding.)
 
Gigabyte 770T is great board, only way I would suggest Crosshair III is for crossfire and audio.
 
Danny Bui said:
Those prices are a bit off. A 4GB set of DDR3 1600 RAM for $160? Talk about a ripoff. :)

For straight up gaming, option 1 and 2 would be your best bet.
Click to expand...

That price is for 8 GB. Sorry I wasn't clear. Prices are all off the Egg.
 
Dan_D said:
I really like the Crosshair III. That would be my pick for an AM3 motherboard if I were to build an AM3 system myself. What are you running now? Would your board support a Core 2 Quad as a drop in part? That might be worth exploring. If the board is too old then fine.
Click to expand...

My current board is an Intel 975xbx. Can't do the quad's; at least not that I am aware.

[/QUOTE]An AM3 setup might be worth it. As for the Core i5 most of the pre-release speculation says it is within a stone's throw of the Core i7's performance. Personally I think Intel chipsets are the best route for system compatibility, performance, and stability. I'd rather wait and have that than go with an AM3 part now. Not saying that the AM3 chipsets or board's can't be stable too, but I've always had fewer problems in the long run with Intel chipset based systems as a general rule. (Intel i820 not withstanding.)[/QUOTE]

Yes, I will probably wait it out. Just testing the waters with thoughts on the AM3 platform. I have been very happy with my Core2Duo. Still, the prices of the AMD products are very good, and their performance is competitive (with the exception of the i7). It's going to be murder waiting for the i5 to see how the price/performance really plays out.
 
lt_shiro said:
Gigabyte 770T is great board, only way I would suggest Crosshair III is for crossfire and audio.
Click to expand...

It's a great board for the money, but the Crosshair III seems to be worth the cost for two reasons:

1. The Crossfire thing that you pointed out.

2. Build quality. For someone like me who only upgrades every 3 years or so the build quality of the board means more than a cheap price. Gigabyte had to cut some corners here I'm sure (loose heat sink seems to be a design flaw from various reviews I have read).

Doesn't take away from the performance which, I agree, is every bit as competitive. If it were only that parameter I would have no argument at all.
 
The Phenom II 955 is now $199 so the 940 on an AM3 board is a bit unnecessary.

But there is a cheaper 940 in the FS/FT forum.
 
If you're willing to spend $200 on a motherboard you might as well go i7 or wait for i5.
 
FoxhoundOp said:
If you're willing to spend $200 on a motherboard you might as well go i7 or wait for i5.
Click to expand...

Your probably right as the Crosshair III kinda defeats the whole purpose of a budget friendly platform. I assembled an i7 platform on the Egg, and it competes favorably in price to my most expensive system listed in the OP.

i7 920: $280
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R $190
6 GB of G-SKILL DDR3 1600 $115

Total: $585
 
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