New computer build, please comment...

[Shargrath]

Hi,

I am planning on putting together a new system in a couple of weeks or so, since it seems my current one's motherboard is acting up a lot and may not last...

So, here is my build.

My main purpose is GAMING, followed by web. I do not overclock...

Motherboard : Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P

CPU : Phenom II X4 : 955 :


RAM : G.Skill 4GB DDR3

GPU : Sapphire Radeon HD 4890 1GB


HD : Samsung 500GB.


Case : Raidmax Smilodon


PSU : Corsair 650W :


OS : - I will be using Windows 7 candidate until Windows 7 comes out and then buy it.

- I will reuse my DVD-RW drive.

My questions :

- General opinion of this build? Do all the parts match together (as far as I see, yes, except some people had instances where the board wouldnt recognize the 955 but I hope the newer boards work fine)

- Is it worth to go for another 2GB of ram?

- Is the Power Supply sufficient for this build?

- How is the 955 stock fan?

Thanks. Much appreciation to anyone who chooses to give me feedback...

[staffsMike]

Yeah get tri channel RAM if you are going AM3/DDR3, might as well as you will get some benefit I'm sure.

Power supply is more than enough, could go lower if you wanted. A decent 500W would do nicely, corsair is a good way to go.

If you are going 500GB try to make sure it's a single platter. If you can't be sure I would get a 640GB preferably Western Digital but I'm terribly biased in this area.

Great build overall though, done your homework

No idea what that case is.. where is it from?

EDIT: Good point Andehh, the stock coolers are actually quite nice with the phenoms but a decent aftermarket jobby will always be a good bet. Scythe or Xigmatec get my money

[Andeh13]

DDR3 would work better with 6gb, the PSU will be more then enough and as for the stock colour whilst it will be find for stock settings, an aftermarket one would run quieter & cooler still!

My opinions

edit; he beat me to it!


I agree with western digital. Iv got 5 in my rig atm, with 1 more to try and squeeze in somehow. Same with Corsair, they are brilliant and their customer service is outstanding! Cant go wrong with either!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

AFAIK the DDR memory controller in the AM3 CPUs is only dual channel.

I would look at getting a single platter 1tb drive such as the Samsung F1 although this maybe around £25 to £30 more expensive than the 500gb WD drives which are now under £40.

Also a modular PSU maybe useful during the build as there will be less cable clutter in the case.

Also the stock cooler of the X4 955BE should be enough and TBH I would try it first before spending extra cash on an aftermarket cooler as the money could be better allocated elsewhere.



Phenom II X4 955BE cooler

X-bit labs also did a review of the AMD AM3 coolers and said that they were decent enough and not too noisy.

[staffsMike]

Oh if it's only dual channel then stick with 4GB, no need for 6

[Syd]

If you are interested I have a Brand New Asus 4870 1GB Dark Knight for sale on the forums, but because of your post count you cannot see the classifieds.

If you are interested it is this card:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/1GB-A...-DL-DVI-I-HDCP

PM me if you are interested, i'm asking £105 delivered. Either way gl with you new build

[Shargrath]

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciated!

I don't want to go with Western Digital because I've had bad experiences with the brand before and I heard Samsung is alright and my current drive is a Samsung that I have not had a serious problem with as of yet (*knock on wood*).

I dont plan to overclock, so the stock cooler should be enough.
I am not sure if I can spend more on the ram though, I'm pretty much at my budget limit already (if not a lil lower).

Syd, thanks for the offer, but I am in the US :/

[Syd]

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciated!

I don't want to go with Western Digital because I've had bad experiences with the brand before and I heard Samsung is alright and my current drive is a Samsung that I have not had a serious problem with as of yet (*knock on wood*).

I dont plan to overclock, so the stock cooler should be enough.
I am not sure if I can spend more on the ram though, I'm pretty much at my budget limit already (if not a lil lower).

Syd, thanks for the offer, but I am in the US :/

Lol!!

[Shargrath]

Hmmm, how do I know how many platters that HD has? I cant find info on that detail...

[staffsMike]

It's often tricky to find out. Best to go 640GB or 1TB as per CATs suggestion.

[Shargrath]

Dont want to get WD and the 1TB Samsung is not in my budget range...

Any ideas?

Thanks, lol...

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Dont want to get WD and the 1TB Samsung is not in my budget range...

Any ideas?

Thanks, lol...

Get one of the 640gb Samsung or WD drives instead. There is also a single platter Samsung F1 320gb hard drive IIRC.

[Shargrath]

Get one of the 640gb Samsung or WD drives instead. There is also a single platter Samsung F1 320gb hard drive IIRC.

Neither is on Newegg.

Is this F1, a single platter, since it is also an F1?

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F DT HD502IJ 500GB

(cant post link)

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

WD 640gb hard drive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

[Shargrath]

WD 640gb hard drive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

I don't use WD. Too many bad experiences with them...

any other suggestion?

[staffsMike]

I actually like Hitachi as well as WD and Samsung.