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Input on my build? Cheap and (seems) powerful!

R

Reboh

Junior Member
Hey guys!

I just joined, and I need some tips/things to fix on my parts I have saved right now.

My PC will be used for some mid-range gaming, nothing like Crysis, COD, or anything like that. It will be used for some programming.

My budget is 500.

I live in the US

I love AMD. Don't mention Intel.

I will use only my 20" inch Dell screen with my Logitech keyboard.

I have not read others.

I will run at default speeds, no overclocking at all for me.

I plan on gaming at 1280x768 (when I game, that is)

I plan on building this at about May 2011.

My parts:

Code: 
ASUS M4A88TD-M 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6077271&CatId=5539 
99.99

AMD HDZ970FBGMBOX Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition Processor 3.5GHz  
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6730552&CatId=4432 
179.99

Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 XMS3 4GB DDR3 RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6044642&CatId=4524 
52.99

Seagate ST3500418AS Barracuda 500GB 7200RPM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4499974&CatId=2459 
39.99

Apevia Java 500-Watt Power Supply 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3986693&CatId=1079 
39.99

Apevia Silver X-Cruiser Case 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1446793&CatId=1509 
69.99

Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD-RW 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6078414&CatId=89 
19.99

Thanks for helping!
😀
 
The video card is on the motherboard.

If something sucks, can you tell me what to replace it with?
 
That Apevia (formerly Aspire) PSU is a disaster just waiting to happen.
Swap that with an Antec, Corsair, SeaSonic, or XFX PSU if you want reliable power and a power supply that's not going to go POOF! and take your components with it.

Oh, and find a better/more reliable e-tailer than Tiger Direct...NewEgg or Amazon come to mind.
 
No offense, but I think Intel is just way too expensive for their performance.

On topic, though:

By mid-range gaming, it means MineCraft. (Don't take me jokingly, MineCraft is VERY power-hungry, and the GfxCard is enough for it)

I know you all are probably thinking I am being annoying (as I read in the stickies) for saying this, but I will get a GFX card afterwards. It is not a priority.

I will probably go to NewEgg then, is it cheaper/more reliable or something?
 
The new sandy bridge i5-2500k for 200 beats anything currently out there and your current cpu by a LARGE margin. Stop making BS claims about intel being too expensive for the performance when compared to your current cpu intel is a better value.
 
To be honest, I've never heard of "Sandy Bridge" :S

Can you explain it to me? Is it another brand in processors or something?
 
It is intel's latest 32nm processor, it is brand new, very fast, and cheap. It currently is for socket 1155 and the i5-2500k performs as well in most applications as the core i7-980x ( costs about $1,000) for $200
 
One caveat is that Sandy Bridge motherboard are not available right now, they should be back on the market in 3-4 weeks.

If you do stay with AMD, then you should get a 955 instead of a 970. Since the 955 has an unlocked multiplier, it is literally a single BIOS change away from being a 970.

Finally, you should get this Antec 520C PSU instead.
 
 
Reboh said:
I have found a mobo and RAM to lower my total cost to 474 USD.

New mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138197

New RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

Should I get these instead, or are these cheap-o's?

(Note: I would like to keep my model Phenom II x4, because it is the latest x4 I can find besides the 975)
Click to expand...

1. get this ram
2. Your motherboard is cheap BUT that doesnt mean it is bad, biostar doesnt have a good rep. BUT in my experiences they arent that bad.

finally your CPU the 970 is THE SAME EXACT THING as the 955 it is just clocked higher, basically go into the BIOS bump up your multiplier or FSB and you can get the SAME CPU for cheaper, you are just being lazy and spending more money by getting the 970 instead of 955
 
1. Would that RAM have a noticeable effect on anything from the Ripjaws?
2. Should I keep that motherboard? It doesn't seem to bad from the reviews.

Would it void my warranty to overclock a 955 to 3.5? And would I need more than stock cooling?
 
Reboh said:
1. Would that RAM have a noticeable effect on anything from the Ripjaws?
2. Should I keep that motherboard? It doesn't seem to bad from the reviews.

Would it void my warranty to overclock a 955 to 3.5? And would I need more than stock cooling?
Click to expand...

1. no they are the same RAM one just looks fancier
2. That is up to you, i would but others may tell you biostar = evil
3. If you Overclock too far (4.5Ghz or something crazy) and fry your chip you wont be covered, keep it reasonable if you want an x4 970 buy the 955 and OC it to the 970 speeds. Stock cooling sucks, i would recommend getting a better cooler, however you COULD probably get 970 speeds on stock cooling.
 
Thanks. RAM updated (on my computer text file thingy) 😀

Currently, I'm at 464 USD

Well, cooling is my weak point: I don't really know what to search for. Mind helping me and pointing me to one that will keep me safe?
 
Reboh said:
Thanks. RAM updated (on my computer text file thingy) 😀

Currently, I'm at 464 USD

Well, cooling is my weak point: I don't really know what to search for. Mind helping me and pointing me to one that will keep me safe?
Click to expand...

The minimum in my books is the hyper 212+ another good one is this one. Because it is open box it may not come with a fan (it should however) if it doesnt then pick up one of these.
 
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