Upcoming AM3 build.

[nibbler]

I'm really ****** off as I had this whole thread written up and was switching tabs when I closed the whole thing .
Anyway, I'm going to to be updating to a new pc at the start of January and I can't afford to go down the X58 route. I will be gaming at 1920 x 1080. I reasoned that I will be looking at an AM3 build. I will be getting the 955 BE for £135 from scan shop offers. I have a few issues. The build has to be under £1k (preferably under £950) and this includes CPU, RAM, Mobo, Case, PSU, GPU(s), BD-ROM reader/dvd writer, Cooler (decided on corsair H50), and storage (decided on Sammy spinpoint f3's (2 * 500GB in RAID 0))

1. Which motherboard? I need 2-3 PCI-E slots and good overclockability. Sata ports not an issue.

I have a few options:
a) MSI GD-70
b) Asus CIIIF
c) Third choice: either cheaper chipset or a different 790FX board.

2. Which GPU(s)?

Again, my choices:

a) 5850, possibly add in another if I save up enough later.
b) Crossfire 2 5770s
c) Third option: you decide

I have decided that the Be Quiet! 650W will cover even 3 5770s. I also need a case, and I am looking at the Lian-Li PC-P50B, although suggestions are welcome. Memory I have decided on Corsair Dominators, but I don't mind suggestions, however 4GB and DDR3 is a must.


Basically, it's like a multiple choice test for me, but with no right answers! Any suggestions or previous experience much appreciated!

[Cheapy]

If you dont mind loosing crossfire then have a look at the 770 chipset. The Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P was the value board to have at one point but scan also have the MSI 770-C45 for £20 less which looks intresting.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=1-0-31-657-0

Overclockers have some DDR3 4Gb kits by G. Skill.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/produc...1517&mfrid=245
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...atid=8&subcat=

If you used the 770 board and choose the G. Skill memory then that gives you at least £70 more to spend on graphics if not more. Ur not far off a HD 5870 then

[Champman99]

I would go for the 5850 over crossfire setup - in fact I was having the same dilemna myself. You never know when a game is going to come along with terrible CrossfireX support, at least you know the single GPU is going to be consistent.

I hear good things about the 770 chipset, I'm not really an expert on AM3 motherboards, have a 690G in HTPC and that was my last AMD build.

Actually looking at an AM3 build myself for a PC to use at home (so I don't have to lug my rig back from uni in holidays) so will face the same decision myself soon.

[nibbler]

Cool. Thanks guys.

[watercooled]

That MSI board got a glowing review in CustomPC and it's fantastic value. Also save a few quid and don't bother with RAID, it's not all it's cracked up to be for desktop computers. I'd also go with a single faster card over crossfire - firstly because most games see better performance this way as few game scale well over multiple GPUs and this route would also allow you to get the MSI motherboard which has 1 slot.

[nibbler]

I guess if I'm gonna go crossfire and I'm spending £300 on another gpu then I can afford a better board later

[jimbouk]

... and storage (decided on Sammy spinpoint f3's (2 * 500GB in RAID 0))

Have you considered an SSD for speed rather than the complexity of raiding 2 mechanical drives? If I was thinking about a ~£1000 build then a SSD for OS and programs and a slower (maybe laptop) mechanical drive (to keep the noise down) for data would appeal to me. Just a thought...

[Pob255]

You may want to look at the Lancool K58, steel and not quite the same inside but looks very simular to the Armorsuit on the outside
And half the cost
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Lanco...97-Audio-ports

[xman29]

I recommend HAF 932

[Champman99]

I definitely agree with your choice of case already, just rehomed my system in PC-P50B from a P182 and I'm delighted. For me, there are cheaper steel cases that have the same look/features, but the whole point of me buying this case, is that it was alluminium. Antec 902 but made out of alluminium with higher build quality and only a ~£20 premium? Yes please.