I can has input on this build plan?

Drenlin

Drenlin

Active Member
So I've been planning a rig for a while, and I finally have a job, so I'll be buying it within the next couple of pay-periods. I just want some input on the build plan. It may change a bit if prices fluctuate between now and when I buy it.


Here's what I've got so far:
Windows 7 Pro ($30, lol)
DVD/RW drive
80GB 2.5" Hitachi drive from my old laptop for OS and Programs
old 80GB IDE WD drive for media storage and games (I have maybe 10Gb worth of media files...)
Dell OEM Radeon HD3450
120mm PWM fan. ~85 CFM
PCI Firewire card for my audio interface
PCI Wireless G card
HP vs17e monitor (1280x1024, 8ms)

The parts I have yet to get are, more are less, as follows:

Mobo- Gigabyte GA-880GA-UD3H
My plan here is to Hybrid Crossfire the 3450 and overclock the IGP to match its core clock. I might even OC the 3450 by a tiny bit. I do plan to get another GPU later on, probably a 5670, but this is definitely livable for me.

I've also considered the Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3, but unless someone knows a reason not to get it, I like the Gigabyte better.

CPU- Athlon II X4 635
Nothing special here...

Case- NZXT M59
Again, nothing special. Going to grab it today while it's on sale.

RAM- 2GB Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR3-1600
I do plan on getting another 2GB stick at some point, but this should be ok for now. It shouldn't bottleneck the system, since I'll only have a hXFire GPU setup and an Athlon, right?

PSU- edit: Posted this part a bit early it seems. Grabbed a TruPower 550W for $60 shipped with a $20 MIR. :eek:


Later on, to finish it out, I plan on getting:

Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB
Card reader of some sort
Aftermarket HSF (???)
Fan controller/more fans




So...yeah, that's about it. Thoughts? Criticism?
 
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I hadn't planned on getting the HSF right away, unless I can find one for amazingly cheap...

That is a good idea though. Very much considering it.
 
Drenlin said:
I hadn't planned on getting the HSF right away, unless I can find one for amazingly cheap...

That is a good idea though. Very much considering it.
Click to expand...

Think about the long term, you could get the computer a little earlier, but have less power, or wait for another pay check to get the HSF too, and have a faster system
 
True that...but with the HSF that's going to be at least $40 more, with no guarantee that I can unlock the 4th core. The Athlon is more powerful than the Phenom without the unlocked core. Anyway, I think it Balances with a 5670 fairly nicely, no? You've got me thinking though...it might be worth it to attempt to save up a bit for a 925.


In the mean time, in the short term, the egg has a $20 off deal on this Antec TP-550, plus a $20 rebate, and free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

Beats the hell out of that OCZ, for the same price. Grabbed it with the case.
 
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So...I'll have a bit more in the way of funds than I thought, and I may do as suggested and just wait for another paycheck. Current plan is in the sig.

The only real thing left is the mobo. Going Gigabyte for sure, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra $35 for an 890GX board vs an 880G. I'll barely have a single GPU initially, much less two of them.
 
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