(Another) Computer-Builder Looking for Input on a New Rig!

D

devries

New Member
Hey guys,

So, like many around here, I'm building a new computer and I'm looking for some well-informed input. My budget is $1500 ($2000 max) and I'm looking for something that will last a long time, work hard and fast, and play games like Starcraft 2 (mainly), Modern Warfare2, and other first-person shooters and stuff for the next few years. Other than that, I'm just looking to use it for internet/music/movies, etc.

Here is the rig that I'm currently assembling, so I'm asking for some recommendations and critiques concerning whether some things are incomparable with each other, obsolete, poor quality, or just whatever you think would be better. Also, if I'm missing anything, please let me know!

I haven't bought/built a computer for about six years, so I appreciate the help here, guys. If anyone can recommend a heatsink that is better than the one that comes with the processor, that would help too.

Here she is:

Case:
LIAN LI PC-A05NA Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($100)
Model #:pC-A05NA

MOBO:
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard ($190)
Model #:M4A79 Deluxe

VideoCard:
ASUS EAH4890 TOP/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card ($190)
Model #:EAH4890TOP/HTDI/1GD5

PSU:
Thermaltake Purepower W0121RU 600W ATX12V V2.0 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply ($95)
Model #:W0121RU

Processor:
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 140W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ965FBGIBOX ($245)
Model #:HDZ965FBGIBOX

RAM:
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK ($72)
Model #:OCZ2RPR10664GK

HDD:
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ($85)
Model #:WD10EADS

CD/DVD Drive:
Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B ($34)
Model #:AD-7240S-0B

Monitor:
ASUS VK246H Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor ($240)
Model #:VK246H

Keyboard:
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 ($43)
Model #:B2M-00015S

Mouse:
Microsoft B7G-00004 Black 5 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse 6000 ($30)
Model #:B7G-00004S

I plan on getting Windows 7 when it comes out next month, too.

Thanks for the help,

-D
 
bomberboysk

bomberboysk

Active Member
Id go with this psu, a bit cheaper, higher wattage, modular:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018

Why the heck you going with DDR2? You can get an AM3 mobo and memory for that price.
Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128377
Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

The green line of drives are pretty slow, get a caviar black:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Or 7200.12:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

You may want to think about getting a larger case, the lian-li is nice, but kinda overpriced for its size imo.


For a heatsink, id recommend this:
http://jab-tech.com/Prolimatech-Megahalems-CPU-Cooler-775-1366-pr-4428.html
+ AM2 Bracket:
http://jab-tech.com/Prolimatech-AMD-retention-mount-adapter-kit-ARM-01-pr-4455.html
Plus one of these:
http://jab-tech.com/Scythe-KAZE-JYUNI-SLIP-STREAM-120mm-Case-Fan-SY1225SL12SH-1900rpm-pr-3945.html
 
Last edited:
D

devries

New Member
Wow!

Wow!

Thanks for all the help, guys! I'm surprised I didn't violate any rules or suddenly get flamed.

So, I've taken your suggestions about the motherboard, the RAM, the PSU, and the HDD... Thanks!

...But, if you think I should get a larger case because the one I have is too small, then I'm looking for something that isn't too big, but also doesn't have any gaudy lights or LED fans, etc. I've lived with a damn disco-ball computer already, and I've "grown up" out of needing/wanting anything with lights or windows, etc.

So, how about this one, then?:

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

And what is with the "deactivated" Asus video card? It was "active" just a few weeks ago. Does that mean that, were I to buy it from some other store on the internet, that I wouldn't get tech support, or that it is no longer having driver support, or what?

I don't know anything about "POWERCOLOR" video cards... Are they ok?

I'm looking for a video card with an ATI RADEON chipset, 1 GB HD with Crossfire Support.

So, instead of the one suggested above, how about this one?:

ASUS EAH4890/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

What do you think?

Thanks to all for all of your helpful suggestions!

- D
 
2048Megabytes

2048Megabytes

Active Member
The ASUS EAH4890/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4890 video card is pretty powerful and I doubt you will be disappointed in what it can do.

$260 does seem a little too high in price in my opinion. I would look for another video card in the price range of around $200.
 
Bodaggit23

Bodaggit23

Active Member
bomberboysk said:
For a heatsink, id recommend this:
http://jab-tech.com/Prolimatech-Megahalems-CPU-Cooler-775-1366-pr-4428.html
+ AM2 Bracket:
http://jab-tech.com/Prolimatech-AMD-retention-mount-adapter-kit-ARM-01-pr-4455.html
Plus one of these:
http://jab-tech.com/Scythe-KAZE-JYUNI-SLIP-STREAM-120mm-Case-Fan-SY1225SL12SH-1900rpm-pr-3945.html
Click to expand...

That's up to $77.93 before shipping.

Spendy cooler, plus not offered at Newegg. I doubt it's much better than a V8, which is cheaper.
 
bomberboysk

bomberboysk

Active Member
Bodaggit23 said:
That's up to $77.93 before shipping.

Spendy cooler, plus not offered at Newegg. I doubt it's much better than a V8, which is cheaper.
Click to expand...

Its quite a bit better than a v8, in some places up to 10c difference on

Also, for cpu I'd recommend the phenom II x2 955 or 945,the 955 overclocks pretty much identical to a 965.
 
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