Upgrading Computer (Parts Selected, LF comments/suggestions)

[Newfie]

Hey all!

I am upgrading my ancient PC (AMD Athlon 3500+, 1.5GB DDR Memory, 80GB HD, FLOPPY DRIVE >.<, etc)

I am a student on a tight budget (~$400) for now. I plan on some moderate gaming, general use and possibly some scientific work in school.

Here is my plan! (All prices in $CDN)

Mobo: MSI 870-G45 ATX AM3 870 DDR3 - $50.88​

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 925 Quad Core Processor - $69.99 (With special pricing)​

Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GB 2X2GB DDR3-1333 - $25.99​

HD : Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB - $39.99​

DVD RW: ASUS DRW-24B1ST 24X SATA DVD Writer - $19.99​

PSU: XFX 550W PRO550W Core Edition - $41.85​

Video Card: Possibly AMD HD 6850/6870. Will buy when I have the funds. Currently using a X1950XTX​

Windows: Windows 7 Pro - $39.99 (Education Pricing)​

***Total (AFTER MIR's): ~$348.78 (Tax & S&H Inc)***

I could get a AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition for $50 more. I would like to know if it would be worth the upgrade price?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

Edit:

I will also add that I will probably overclock to a comfortable level (i'd like to see if i could get the AMD Phenom II x4 925 at least to 3.0GHZ).

I am not married to any of these parts, but these are the best parts with a good price/performance ratio that I could find (I looked at various hardware sites and used hardware charts like the ones featured on Tom's Hardware). I'm pretty happy so far, but I always get second/third/nth opinions on such decisions.

Thanks again!

 

[mnewsham]

you can save some money by getting a cheaper PSU, you wont need close to 550w unless you are getting a 6970.

 

[Newfie]

It's already $41 (after $30 rebate). I'd be afraid to spend any less on a PSU as, from what I understand, it's not something you skimp out on.

I'll look around though!

 

[mfenn]

Yeah, I had the same thought as mnewsham. I did some quick searching on NCIX though and couldn't find a better deal. The build gets a :thumbsup: from me.

 

[oynaz]

It's already $41 (after $30 rebate). I'd be afraid to spend any less on a PSU as, from what I understand, it's not something you skimp out on.

I'll look around though!

You are nearly correct: You shouldn't skimp on PSU quality, but 550 W is a bit overkill. About 400W is plenty for your build, and you might be able to get one of those without skimping on quality. I believe that was what mnewsham meant.

 

[Newfie]

You are nearly correct: You shouldn't skimp on PSU quality, but 550 W is a bit overkill. About 400W is plenty for your build, and you might be able to get one of those without skimping on quality. I believe that was what mnewsham meant.

I got ya! Meant no offense to mnewsham either!

Thanks for the help guys!