Need advice on new build

N

NeedaComputer

Member
Well my computer gave my wife a scare when it pulled a no POST on her. She has her work stuff on there so I have the green light on a new computer.
I came here when I first built that computer, and it has been great. But I am very rusty on what the new builds are. I'd like to post this up here, while I try to get with the times.

I'd like to keep the total under $500. Most demanding games I play is the Orange Box. I would like to play CIV 5 come fall. Big questions I have are:

-AMD vs Intel (what's the best bang for buck these days).
-Socket type for that matter
-DDR2 vs. 3 (i have 4 GB of DDR2 currently)
-PSU (I won't be pushing SLI/Crossfire or anything exotic)
-Need a decent case for ~$60 (+/- $20)
-Really want a good "hobbyist" motherboard. Sounds like coax digital out is standard these days, if not, I'd like that. One with more controls in the bios, fan speed sensors, all that good stuff.


I'll need a DVD/RW, and if there's still money left over I might upgrade my video card.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
 
 
Last edited:
Wow, thanks for the list!
Couple thoughts:
- I don't need any HDD's.
- Would it be worth it to go for a DDR3 system?
- Would getting Win7 x64 be worth it? Would it noticeably take better advantage of the hardware than my current XP x86?
- I also need a PSU, do you have any suggestions for one of those? My loved my last one, XCLIO I bought solely on recommendation from this forum.

Edit - Checked out case, looks like it has a power supply. Are PSU's that are bundled with Cases good? I definitely don't want to skimp on PSU.
 
Last edited:
^ Typically you'd want to avoid a PSU/Case combo like the plague, but Antec's are usually ok. I'd take your XClio over it, though.

I'd spring for a DDR3 system, honestly. An AM3 motherboard will have a longer lifespan, so the next time you want to upgrade you won't need a new one.
 
Last edited:
I made the mistake on getting a AM2 board when I had an AM2+ chip...I would get a AM3 board and DDR3. But you can always upgrade...that's what I am doing. I flashed my board for the 945 so I am waiting for funds to come in before I get a new MB and RAM. But you have a budget and that build is a "bang for your bucks."
 
Last edited:
CPU- Athlon II x4 630- $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103704

GPU + Mobo- Asus 5670 + Asus 785G- $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.389639

RAM- 2x2GB G-Skill Ripjaws 1600- $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Case- NZXT Gamma- $40
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10011785

PSU- OCZ GameXTream 600W recert- ~$50
http://www.svc.com/ocz600gxssli-b.html

DVD/RW- Lite-On iHAS224-06- $23
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106333


I think I went over a bit, but this should give you a good upgrade path. Grab windows 7 next, and then a second 5670 to crossfire once the price goes down.
 
Drenlin - Thanks for pointing out that motherboard. Newegg has 4 pages of combo deals I'm going to have to sift through. My only thought is that I will most definitely never be buying another video card to 'crossfire' or 'sli'. I wonder if there is a motherboard like this one, (customer choice awards) with single graphics card slot and cheaper. I'd like to go with the quad core cpu as well. I saw that was one of the combo deals.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I have many decisions to make. I welcome as many suggestions as you are willing to offer!
 
sirsaechao - I think I will lean towards DDR3 if I can find a good combo deal. I don't want to waste my 4gb of DDR2, but I don't want to get stuck in the DDR2 world if everyone is moving forward.
 
If you're never going to CF, I'd suggest getting a better GPU for gaming, but the 5670 is pretty good as long as you're not playing at high resolutions. Since you're not going to crossfire, grab this one instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102870



There is absolutely a cheaper single-slot mobo. This would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131406

And if you want to overclock, or just want it to run cooler, it has a good combo with this heat sink- only $7 more for a $30 cooler:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.384237
 
Last edited:
I would get that cooler w/ the board Drenlin suggested. Even if you don't over clock...its good to have a nice cooler and for $7...heck...if you don't use it...turn it into a paperweight. :D
 
On Newegg, Motherboard Specs, if it says it supports Phenom II, does it support Phenom II x4? I see that in power search there is an option for Phenom II x4/x3 and that only yields two motherboards from MSI.
 
One more question, how would the Radeon HD 4200 integrated video with 128mb Sideport ddr3 memory compare with my stand alone MSI GeForce 6600 (128 bit, 256mb IIRC)?
 
Any AM3 motherboard should support Phenom II x4 cpu's, so you're good there. The only limiting factor would be the cheaper ones that only support lower-wattage cpu's.

Grabbing that only takes off $20, and puts you well over budget...but that's definitely a good cpu.

The HD 4200 is roughly equal to your Geforce 6600 in power, and I'm pretty sure it supports newer technologies. It can also be overclocked significantly.
 
That's good to hear (about the AM3 boards, and the onboard graphics). If the on board is good enough to hold me over till fall, i can skip the GPU and stay under budget. I'm going to investigate more combos though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top