New Machine CPU/SSD/MB Advice

[zaphod]

I am upgrading a machine I bought in 2005. A 3500 Athlon 64 that has served me well.

My knowledge on hardware has fallen since then so I need some advice on building a new system(Link Below).

Here's the machine spec:

AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition 2.6GHz
Asus M4N78-SE
Crucial DDR2 PC6400 2048MB (x2)
OCZ Solid Series SATAII 2.5" SSD, 30GB

(Edit) my budget is around £350 (€400)

http://www.komplett.ie/k/shoplist.as...5-0578E769859B

Graphics card and all other components are staying as they are. Would seriously appreciate any input
Cheers!

[arthurleung]

Spec looks alright, you could get a cheaper board as getting a M4N gives no extra benefit.
If you want to overclock, you will be better off with a Phenom II. (Phenom have very small overclock headroom)

[jim]

Don't buy the OCZ Solid Series, if you want to get an SSD go for a Vertex or save money and go for a mechanical.

[fragster]

+1 for the Vertex!

I'd also recommend the Phenom II X3 720 for overclocking!

[zaphod]

I chose the M4N because it has no on board graphics. Any MB recommendations for doing some not-so-major overclocking?

I've heard great things about the Phenom II X3 720's OCing potential, I'll strongly consider that. Probably worth dropping a core to increase clock speed?

I'm going to flex the budget to get a Vertex, picked the SSD in a hurry.

Thanks!

[scaryjim]

If you're not using the onboard graphics and you want to overclock, it might be well worth looking at an Asus M3A76-CM or other 760G-based motherboard. The 760 chipset uses SB710, an enhanced southbridge that includes ACC technology to assist with overclocking (it's the same magic sauce as the SB750). Normally I wouldn't advise it above the 780G because the onboard graphics are rather cut down in comparison, but in your circumstances it might be worth giving it a go.

Couple it with an X3 720 BE - if the ACC is identical to that in the SB750 you might even find you can unlock the fourth core!

[zaphod]

Ok, pretty much made my mind up on the Phenom II X3 720, OCZ Vertex Series, 30GB.

The problem is finding all the components on the same site. Planned on buying off Komplett but they don't stock the Asus M3A76-CM. ebuyer.com don't stock a 30GB Vertex (only a £620/250GB!)

Komplett do however stock the Asus M3A78-EM which I'm considering?