Upgrade has turned into a new build...thoughts, please

[hondaf17]

OK guys, buying Battlefield2:BC has led into an upgrade, which has led into a new build route. The game wouldn't play with the rig in my signature below. I've since got it to power up and get 20-30 frames on medium with a GTS250. I want maybe 30-40 frames on high, and in order to do that I realize I need to upgrade. I game at 1920x1080 and I want an AMD system and run Windows7 64-bit.

My budget is cheap - say $350 or so not including the video card. PC is mainly used for gaming and of course office work, internet, etc. I've read other threads and here's what I've picked out so far:

Corsair 550W Power Supply - $70 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 RAM - $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231193

Gigabyte 770TA-UD3 AM3 Mobo & AMD X3 720 OEM Heka - $173 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.353082

Scythe Katana 3 Cooler - $28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185096

That totals about $375 and I figure I can sell parts from my existing PC for around $175. I'll be re-using my case, HDD, and other items.

What are your initial thoughts? Any better deals or components out there where I could save a little $$$?

Some questions I have:
1) Is it "OK" to buy an OEM processor? I know there's no warranty from AMD when bought from a reseller. I've never bought an OEM processor but all OEM HDDs I've bought have been fine.
2) I will plan to "unlock" the 4th core on the processor. Should I be able to accomplish that with that selected motherboard? How complicated of a process is this, b/c I'm not an experienced overclocker, and I'm really only getting that processor b/c it seems to be a great value if you can unlock the 4th core.
3) Is that an OK heatsink and fan? I've always had retail so have never purchased or installed one. Will it be enough if I unlock the 4th core and do a slight overclock?

Thanks a lot guys, you've always been helpful!

 

[mfenn]

OEM CPUs are perfectly fine as long as you realize that there is no warranty from AMD (seems like you're clear on that). The Katana is a decent cheap HSF, it's nothing fancy, but it will get the job done better than the stock one will. Also, that board will unlock the 4th core. However, the 4th core unlock isn't as guaranteed as some would have you believe so don't stress if it isn't stable with the 4th core unlocked.

Also, FSP PSUs are pretty good. You probably don't need a new one. Can you tell us what the amperage is on each rail (should be on the PSU's sticker)?

 

[sandorski]

I'd just go with the Retail CPU, saves you $9 if you stick with the retail HS. That Combo deal isn't much of a Deal.

Edit: Oops, I see there is no Retail and I made a huge assumption(incorrect) when I posted that.

 

[M0RPH]

Where's your video card upgrade? That should be your focus, not the CPU. I'm pretty sure your video card is slowing you down the most.

Also, why are you 'upgrading' from a 500W to 550W power supply? Looks like a waste of 70 bucks to me. A Fortron 500W should power any of the single-GPU cards out there.

 

[hondaf17]

My existing power supply is linked below. I looked at the sticker and it has dual 12v rails with 17.5 amps each.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-CPC-_-NA-_-NA

I thought I'd have to upgrade the PSU because has a 4-pin ATX12V connector and the motherboards have an 8-pin. See this thread...

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2056474

In terms of video card, I have to run a GTS250 right now but I think I'll return it and pick up a 5770. The 5770 won't work in my current system, for reasons I have not yet determined...but the 5770 would obviously work in this newly built system.

I would love to save the money and keep my current power supply if possible! The FSP is still going strong and it's high quality.

 

[M0RPH]

I think you will find that Gigabyte mobo comes with a plastic cover over half of that 8-pin power connector. That's because they expect the typical usage to be a 4-pin connector. The full 8-pin connector is there if you need it but it's not required. So don't worry about it, you're PSU will be fine.