Need advice on possible new build...

[Shargrath]

Hi,

I'm starting to look into possibly building a new PC this summer. However, I don't have a very big budget to throw at it (around $900). I think I will only reuse the DVD RW drive from my current system.

The use of the system is going to be almost wholly for gaming (and internet/word processing which is something even my old Pentium 2 will do). I have been looking around to see what I can come up with, but I cant seem to fully grasp whats the better choice on the market today that is within my budget.

From what I looked into, it seems the new Phenom II : X4 : 945 is the best choice for a gaming computer build within my range. I cant seem to find a good motherboard for it, I've found this,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e%20GA-MA790XT

(Gigabyte MA790), but it seems some people are having reliability problem with it. In the past I've had Chaintech and ABIT but it seems neither company makes motherboards anymore.

Now I know the more important part in a gaming PC is the GPU, and I cant figure out whats going on with video cards these days. All of this new "crossfire/dual video card" business is really confusing me because I haven't been keeping up with whats going on with computers. What is a good single GPU to go with this setup?

If anyone has the time to give me some suggestion, I'll appreciate it...
Once again my budget is $900 TOPS and I need CPU/GPU/MOBO/RAM/HDD. Main use is strictly gaming.

Or do I need to keep saving? Is there any "big" breakthroughs coming up within this summer that I will need to watch out for? I remember when I built the system I am using now, A64's were right around the corner so I waited until they were out to put together the system (otherwise I'd be even more outdated now). From what I can understand, since my system is mainly for gaming, I can afford to skimp a bit on the CPU to allow for a better GPU...

I am not planning/interested in overclocking...

 

[fourdegrees11]

The new ATI 5000 series cards are supposed to be coming out around the end of summer, so depending on how soon you're buying it might be a good idea to wait. As for what you can get now:

SAPPHIRE Atomic Radeon HD 4890 $300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102839

1. AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz

2. BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX

Combo for $260

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.190736

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 $55

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W $95

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB $70

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

$780

Don't know if you need a case or OS, but that leaves you a bit of room in your budget. You could also add another HDD if you feel the need.

 

[Shargrath]

Why go with a 940 if I can go up to a 945 though?

Any reason?

Is 940 a better performer?

Also, im guessing there is no solid date for the ATI 5000 cards? I can wait all summer, but really wouldnt be able to buy anything once college starts up again in late summer since I wont be home to receive any package...

I guess I can build it now and reuse my current X800 Radeon and then put in the 5000 when it comes out?

Thanks for taking the time to give me advice, I really appreciate it!

 

[Shargrath]

Hahaha cool stuff, I looked over your sig and you have the Smilodon case that I want to use for my new system. I was just about to add that, but yeah. How is your experience with that case?

Thanks again...

 

[fourdegrees11]

The only reason to go with the 940 is price. When your budget is tight it's not really worth it (955) for 200 mhz.

I like the Smilidon, it's a pretty good case. The only thing about it that has been annoying me is the front usb ports, you can't close the door when using them.

 

[Shargrath]

So, it would be a better idea to invest in a 940 instead of 955 so that I can spend more money on the video card (since my main use is gaming) right?
How long have you had that WD drive? I am very very suspicious of getting a WD since my last WD experience was really poor...so I am just wondering if WD has improved their quality...

 

[fourdegrees11]

I've only had this build for a few months, haven't had a single problem with any component. The WD drive has been fast and quiet.

So, it would be a better idea to invest in a 940 instead of 955 so that I can spend more money on the video card (since my main use is gaming) right?

I think so

 

[Shargrath]

Okay thanks for the advice.

 

[fffblackmage]

Going with the 940 instead of 955 because of price makes sense, but is there any significant difference between AM2+ and AM3?

 

[fourdegrees11]

Originally posted by: fffblackmage
Going with the 940 instead of 955 because of price makes sense, but is there any significant difference between AM2+ and AM3?

Not really other then DDR2 vs DDR3. Looking at the future AM3 makes more sense, but if you don't plan on upgrading in the near future (like I plan on doing next year) an AM2+ 940 setup makes perfect sense.

 

[Shargrath]

I've heard ATI is suppose to release their new generation of cards later this summer. Do you guys think it would make sense for me to wait or would they be too expensive? Even if they are, wouldnt that push the price of existing cards down? What do you guys think about that...
Once again thanks for all the helpful advice so far!

 

[somethingsketchy]

If you need the build right now, go for a 4000 series card. One of those (4000 series) cards will last you well into when ATI (and their perspective card manufacturers) will be dropping the prices for the 5000 series. If you feel like waiting until the 5000 series are out, go ahead. But again if you want this build now then I would shoot for a 4870 or 4850 (1GB vRam if you can). That will hold you over till then.

 

[Shargrath]

What if I just go for a Geforce GTX 280? Would that be a better choice?

Looking at something like this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814143145

Thanks...