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[DSF767]

So I'm building a new budget system for my girlfriend and we both wanted a new desktop so because we both wanted a new system I had to make it a good one on a budget.

Anyway, I have not built/OC'ed a machine in years and thought I needed a little refresher. I had an account here before and it was a huge help so I thought id come back for some advice.

Here are the specs of the new system:
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX
AMD Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3GHz Socket AM2+
2x SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB (going to run X-Fire)
2x SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM (going to run Raid 0)
2x WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (4 Gb Memory toal)
SeaSonic M12II SS-430GM 430W ATX12V 2.2 /EPS12V 2.91 (Modular)
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner

Now I have been researching the Biostar TA790GX and I know with the Phenom you can get the memory to run at 1066 (people say it usually runs 800 out of the box) How would I go about bumping the memory up to the 1066 and get the timings up to 5-5-5-15 as the memory is rated at that speed and timing

Also what do you think would be a safe OC on that processor I was thinking maybe pushing it up to about 2.7 GHz shouldn't be much of an issue. Anyone with experience what do you think would be the best setting to achieve this without taxing the processor to much

I know I might need aftermarket cooling for the processor and also that the FET's will probably need a heatsink

Any thoughts on my setup or how my goals will be best achieved would be a great help.

Thanks a lot!

 

[lt_shiro]

I think you should get a 9950 since its only $155 and I don't think 430 watt powersupply is nuff for crossfire setup.

 

[lowteckh]

Haha, that's if you can get the 9600 to 2.6GHz. That 9600 is a piece of shit beyond shit, slower than a X2 5800 I replaced it with. Choose a 9850 or 9950 if you're clingy to AMD.

Ram as usual is the often recommended G.Skill 1000 2x2GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...mc=EMC-IGNEFL011609-_-Memory-_-L1C-_-20231145

Hard drive is the usual 6400AAKS or the Black 640gb.

PSU um, yea you're looking at 500w or more.

PSU - Corsair 520HX $110-$20MIR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001&Tpk=520hx
PSU - Corsair 620HX $160-$30MIR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002&Tpk=620hx
PSU - Silverstone ST60F $105-$25MIR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817163109&Tpk=st60f
PSU - Silverstone ST70F $125-$25MIR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256045&Tpk=st70f
PSU - Antec NeoPower 550 $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103941

And why Crossfire? You failed to mention anything specific and answer the questions in the 1st stickied thread.

There are other build threads with similar hardware recommendation that I'm too lazy to refer to, it's all on pg 1 of this forum section.

 

[Dangman]

Please answer the questions in the sticky marked "ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FIRST" so that we can help you better.

 

[DSF767]

Sorry I did not anwser the sticky:

1) Gaming, Web Browsing, Office Apps
2) $1000
3) MA
4) Everything but OS
5) None
6) Possibly
7) 19in Windscreen LCD (1440x900)
8) Now
9) RAID 0/Crossfire
10) Yes have a OS license

Just an update when I was specing the machine out the PSU was in a combo deal on newegg. I did not notice it was only 430W all I saw was crossfire ready so I took that out of the mix and added this PSU

XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4 700W PSU (Modular)
I am also going to bump the processor upto the 9950

Here is the rest of the system:
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX
2x SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB (going to run X-Fire)
2x SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM (going to run Raid 0)
2x WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (4 Gb Memory toal)
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner

The questions still remain about the motherboard getting the RAM up to the correct speed/timing

 

[tiraides]

You don't need CrossFire for a 1440x900 resolution. If you really want improved performance, get a 512MB HD4870 instead of two HD4850s -- you'll still be able to max out most games with just one card.

Why are you doing with four 1GB sticks? And why are you limiting yourself to WINTEC? Get a 2x2GB kit from a better-known brand like Corsair (but avoid their Dominator brand), G.Skill, A-DATA, or Mushkin. Make sure that the RAM you choose can run at the default JEDEC standards of 5-5-5-18@1.8V (for DDR2 667 or DDR2 800 speeds).

If you leave the BIOS settings at their defaults, RAM will clock up or down on its own to match the FSB speed. When NewEgg lists the "RAM standard" for the motherboards, it lists the fastest speed each particular motherboard can support. (You should double-check with the manufacturer's product page to confirm that "standard.") You don't need DDR2 1066 RAM if you aren't planning a major overclock -- DDR2 800 can give you a decent (if only minor) overclock for a bit less.

If you plan on overclocking -- if only slightly -- which CPU cooler were you planning on using? For a heavy overclock, you should look for an aftermarket CPU cooler. The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 works just as well with a Phenom setup as it does an Intel Core 2-based build.

Get the Samsung SH-S223F instead of the Lite-On drive, as it runs much quieter.

Likewise, you don't need a 700 watt power supply for your setup. Go with one of the power supplies that lowteckh recommended earlier.

 

[DSF767]

The reason I was going Xfire was because I was planning on upgrading the monitor (and running a duel screen setup with the old monitor as the 2nd screen) at a later date and I wanted to be already ready for that plus be able to have some longevity and I figured the X-Fire setup would do nicely for awhile. and I am going to go with an aftermarket cooler I was planning on a Zalman but I can choose the one you suggested if you think its better.

I will switch up the CD drive as well I ahve just always had good luck with the liteon drives.

also the reason I choose the 700W PSU because it had good reviews and I figured it would give me some room for upgrades in the future.

Down the line I would love to switch to a water cooled solution and overclock more which is why I bumped the processor up to the suggested one.

The reason I choose the Memory I did was because it was cheap and I have heard good things about it but I have no problems swiching to to a better known brand. the reason I choose 1 GB sticks was that I always thought it was better t have 4 1GB sticks as opposed to 2 2GB sticks because 4 memory sticks could be accessed at once thus being a bit faster.

 

[engiNURD]

When will you be adding the 2nd monitor? Crossfire will do nothing for you in the meantime. I suggest you "upgrade" to Crossfire, if and when it is needed, since GPUs are the fastest depreciating component in a PC, so it would be best not to waste your money on more GPU power than you need. If you wait until you get the new monitor, chances are, a new GPU will be out that will outperform the one you buy today, yet will cost even less.

Zalman's are overpriced for their performance. The Xigmatek offers even better performance for less money.

The system you've spec'd doesnt even use 400W when you remove Crossfire. Read some reviews of the vidcards and their power consumptions, and also take a look at the test systems used. That should give you an idea of how much power you need. In case you were referring to newegg user reviews, don't use those to rate how good a PSU is... use real review sites like HardOCP.com, anandtech.com, jonnyguru.com, and hardwarecanucks.com, that use automated test equipment and actually test for voltage fluctuations, hotbox testing, full load tests, etc.

If you want good OC'ing results, switch to Intel Core2 -- don't even bother with AMD Phenoms.

Accessing RAM in a 2x2GB or 4x1GB config is the same... no performance difference -- its still dual channel... using four sticks doesn't make it quad-channel. However, there is more power required to run 4 DIMMs, therefore adding more stress on the MCH, making it a bit harder to OC (for both AMD and Intel). There's no good reason to choose 4x1GB over 2x2GB unless you already own 2x1GB.

 

[Dangman]

I concur with Tiraides and Enginurd:
- Rethink your build,
- Rely on sites that actually TEST their PSUs like the ones Enginurd listed since they provide a significantly better overview of the PSU's capability
- You do not need Crossfire unless you're going to get a 24" monitor in a month. Even then you can get a single GTX280 for that much more than HD4850 CF. With a single GTX280, you do not run into any scaling issues with Crossfire and games.

 

[DSF767]

2nd monitor will be added within the next 3 weeks (thinking about getting 24" with 1920 x 1200 resolution) and that's why I choose to add the 4850's X-fire as I think that right now they are the best bang for the buck.

The review I was refering to on the PSU I found here

http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews/cases/Meridian_XClio_GreatPower_700W_1.html

Not newegg

The reason I like that PSU is the modular cables at a decent price.

Right now this is where the build stands

BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX
AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION Socket AM2+
2x SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB (going to run X-Fire)
2x SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM (going to run Raid 0)
G.SKILL 4GB DDR 2 1066
Meridian XClio GreatPower 700W X14 S4P4 700W (Modular)
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Samsung DVD±R DVD Burner

then going to add the 24" monitor within the next 2 weeks running duel screens with the 19" I currently have.

This build currently comes in at about $975

 

[engiNURD]

The CWT XClio is decent, but there are better deals out there, even for modular. The Greatpower offers 43A on the combined +12v rails. The ST60F offers 42A on the +12V rail, is the same price, and is of better quality. The Corsair HX520W offers 40A on the +12V rail, is nearly the same price, and of much better quality.

The 9950 costs $170, runs at 2.6Ghz, and has TDP of 125W, but can reach 3.4Ghz OC'd. The Q6600 costs $190, runs at 2.4Ghz, and has a TDP of 105W, but can reach 3.6Ghz OC'd. Intels are faster, clock for clock, and AMDs need a ~400Mhz advantage to perform on par with Intels. Intel's OC easier and much higher. I'd go with the 9850, which is cheaper yet OC's the same as the 9950, or the Q6600.

You'd probably be better off with a single vidcard option, nonetheless. If you're dead set on the HD4850, then get the HD4850X2 and avoid explicit Crossfire altogether. However, a single HD4870 1GB, GTX260 216sp, or GTX280 can handle a 24" just fine, IMO.

RAID0 for a desktop environment isn't really needed and doesn't show much improvement over current 7200RPM drives for most uses, especially "Gaming, Web Browsing, [and] Office Apps." Furthermore, there's also the doubled risk of data loss.