Yes, another gaming build. $650-$700

[mar2010]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing. Gaming, writing, internet surfing

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread $650-$700

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc. In this price range, AMD seems the way to go. I would like to avoid Biostar mobos.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. Yes.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Just a smidge probably.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with. 1280x1024.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it? Would like to order Today, 8-15-10.

10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.

Here is the build I have worked out. Biostar mobos have a poor rep and the micro atx form factors lack PCIe slots for future expansion (eg USB 3)

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106289

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152181

AMD Athlon II X3 445 Rana 3.1GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX445WFGMBOX $78
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103872

GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-768I GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
combo deal $240 with $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.470418

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1600C9
Item #: N82E16820145260
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
NZXT M59 - 001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811146058
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy combo deal $125 with $10 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.469344

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
MSI 870-G45 AM3 AMD 870 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130290
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy combo deal $160

MS Windows 7 and MSI 870-G45 AM3 AMD 870 ATX AMD Motherboard

subtotal is about $678 with $8.89 in shipping, $30 MIR so about $657 AR.

Is the memory compatible? Corsair does not list that mobo on its memory tool. MSI does not show a list of compatible memory. Do I match up RAM voltage with mobo voltage?

Would like to stay at or near same price.

 

[mfenn]

Everything looks fine except for the ModXStream. They are pretty crap IMHO; Sp12 has some links to reviews where they just outright fail under not-very-demanding loads. This Antec is very close to the same price after rebate and promo.

You'll also want to get the 1GB version of the GTX 460 because the 768MB version is actually significantly slower. Here's a 1GB version for $205 AR.

 

[Davidh373]

Everything looks fine except for the ModXStream.

Why do you suppose everyone pops those into their lists if you can get better ones for the same price?

 

[Davidh373]

AMD Athlon II X3 445 Rana 3.1GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX445WFGMBOX $78

Get the X4, it's only $10-$20 more

GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-768I GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
combo deal $240 with $20 MIR

I also agree, forget the combo deal (which isn't great to begin with) and get the 1GB.

 

[Sp12]

Because it's in a combo with the GTX 460.

Here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.466028

You could combo a nicer PSU+1tb version of that hard drive for 135.

The OCZ PSU+768 GTX 460 combo and 500GB HD you have listed totals 305. Subtract 135 for the PSU/HD combo above and that leaves 170$ for the vidcard to stay exactly in line with the OCZ combo.

A GTX 460 1 GB is 205$. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

Making the additional cost of a nicer PSU, twice the HD space, and the 1GB 460 35$.

Here are some of those reviews:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/936/1

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2008/11/12/ocz_700w_modxstream_pro_power_supply/4

Some of the nicer quotes:

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600 W can really deliver its labeled power, however during test five it shut down twice.

Then we have noise and ripple, which were below the maximum allowed (during test five -12 V output touched the 120 mV limit and +12 V was a little higher than we’d like to see, but still within specs).

Unfortunately we couldn’t pull any more power from this unit. If we tried to increase one amp on any output the unit would shut down.

Similar to our recent Xigmatek NRP-MC851 review the OCZ 700W ModXStream Pro failed our 120v load testing not just once but twice with two different units. Upon attempting full load on the second unit the unit ceased to function and would only emit a high pitched whine whenever plugged in.

 

[mar2010]

Thanks every body. I decided to get the 1 GB GTX 460, and the different PSU and Samsung 1 TB HDD.

I called away and missed a weekend deal on the Athlon 445 Rana, but the 440 Rana should be good enough.

I didn't go for the Athlon II X4. Just $30 too far, and I'd rathr put the money towards a new monitor.

Thanks again!

 

[mfenn]

You're welcome. Good luck with your build!