Need Help with a New Build

[Oyiwaa]

Hello,

Thanks for a very informative forum. I am about to update my 5 year old rig. Haven't build a complete system in years, so this would be fun. I need some advice in putting my components together. Here is what I have / considering:


1. Purpose of computer: Office applications, statistical analysis, audio/video processing and some gaming - WoW, Runescape, Fifa Soccer

2. Budget: $200 - $300 for remaining components

3. List which parts you have and/or which parts you are considering:

a. CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...2GH z%204)

b. Mobo: Considering ASUS M4A87TD/USB3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6813131651)

c. GPU: Considering the XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro..._-14150447)

d. Hard drive: Will use two old drives - will use existing WDC 640 (SATA) for OS/Applications & WDC WD 80.0 GB (ATA) for data. Considering an SSD drive to run my OS / applications

e. Ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333: (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6820231426)

f. PSU: XFX P1-650X-CAH9 650W ATX12V v2.2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6817207007)

g. Case: Roomy, good airflow: Considering the Cooler Master Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP or the Antec 902

h: Optic (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): Lite-On LH-20A1L (SATA) & TEAC-DVD W58E ATA Device

i. Monitor (size&resolution): Will use existing Dell 1901 FB and Dell 2001FP for dual display. Maximum resolution: 1600 x 1200 (2001FP) and 1280 x 1024 (1901FP). and have analog (D-Sub) and Digital (DVI) inputs. Would upgrade later to an HDMI monitor

4. Overclocking: May not need, but want it as an option.

5. When will you build it: ASAP - when parts are ready.

6. Misc: CPU Cooler -- would be ok, not but urgent, once the case has enough fans


So folks, there you have it. Basically, I have to get a good video card, a case and a motherboard, all for about $300.

I will be running it mainly with win7 Ultimate (possible dual boot with MacOSX, if I can get it working with the AMD processor).

I would appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks again for this informative forum.

rgds, Oyiwaa

 

[mnewsham]

HAF 912 case

GTX 460 1gb

ASRock 880GM-LE AM3

 

[mfenn]

I'm confused, which if those components have you already purchased and which have not been purchased? You can probably do a Sandy Bridge build for similar or slightly more than the Phenom II. Sandy Bridge will be much faster and have better Hackintosh potential.

 

[Oyiwaa]

Mfenn,

Thanks very much. I have everything except the Case, Motherboard and Video card. I have about $300 to spend on these.

Since I've bought the CPU (AMD) already, Sandy Bridge is probably out of the question, unless I can sell it.

Thanks .. Oyiwaa

 

[mnewsham]

added links to my post for convenience, Total is $305 before rebate.

 

[mfenn]

Mfenn,

Thanks very much. I have everything except the Case, Motherboard and Video card. I have about $300 to spend on these.

Since I've bought the CPU (AMD) already, Sandy Bridge is probably out of the question, unless I can sell it.

Thanks .. Oyiwaa

In that case, go with what Mnewsham suggested.

 

[Oyiwaa]

Thanks Mnewsham,

How does any of the following compare with the Gigabyte you mentioned:

MSI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127519)
ASUS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121390)

Thanks very much - Oyiwaa

added links to my post for convenience, Total is $305 before rebate.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks Mnewsham,

How does any of the following compare with the Gigabyte you mentioned:

MSI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127519)
ASUS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121390)

Thanks very much - Oyiwaa

Those are both 768MB cards which due to the unique design of the GTX 460, are significantly slower than the 1GB cards.

 

[mnewsham]

Are they cheaper? yes but the 1GB version is the min for 1080p

 

[Oyiwaa]

Thanks Mfenn and Mnewsham,

I really like the GTX 460 1gb, and would get it for my build. If I need to increase my price point for the motherboard a bit, what would you suggest ? Should I still go for the ASUS M4A87TD/USB3?

thanks - Oyiwaa

 

[mfenn]

Thanks Mfenn and Mnewsham,

I really like the GTX 460 1gb, and would get it for my build. If I need to increase my price point for the motherboard a bit, what would you suggest ? Should I still go for the ASUS M4A87TD/USB3?

thanks - Oyiwaa

If you were to increase your overall budget by $40 (do not think in terms of budgets for individual components), you should keep the same motherboard but get a GTX 560 Ti instead.

 

[Oyiwaa]

Mfenn, thanks again for your sage advice ... I will take into consideration. Rgds, Oyiwaa