equimen

Hello,

I sadly cannot overclock my current PC since it is a branded one, so I'm giving it to my dad .

So, it is my first time building a computer, and I believe that I'm gonna need a bit of help. I'm pretty much a software dude, so I dont know much about hardware (like putting together a PC and stuff like that).

I would like to keep it under the 1000 $ or 900 if possible. I'm mainly going to use it for playing games (COD4, Crysis, CS, DMC4,etc), doing school work, chatting, etc. I've been looking at the AMD Phenom II X4 955 and I think its the processor I want, but I'm not sure if I should spend that much on a processor. Maybe I could use that money to buy a better graphics card or more RAM.

I'm looking for something that has:

A good processor (Quad Core 2.66+) that can be overclocked.
4 GB DDR3 RAM.
Pretty decent cooling.
A good graphics card (Nvidia 9800+).
about 500/750 Hard Drive space.
A Power Supply that stands overclocking (500 W or so I think).

The part of the PC that I'm most concerned about is the mobo, since it has to be compatible with the CPU, etc and has to be overclockable. Also, I'm a speed freak, so I want it to be fast and not get slow because I have too many apps opened, although I usually don't have that many opened at the same time.


Could you guys please help me with this?

Thanks


EDIT: Thanks man

kaivorth

Total came out to $1121



$860



$940


Price include shipping to me. I don't have tax. This also does not include rebates. I like the $940 option myself.

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equimen

Thats awesome. If you can lower it a bit that would be great. Thanks!

coffeejunky

I like kav's build.
To reduce costs you could go for the CM-690 rather than the HAF -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137
Not a full-tower but a great case.
or the Lian-Li lancool K7 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112154
A good quality case at a nice price.

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equimen

And what would be the difference between a full tower and a case? Does the full tower give you more space ??

coffeejunky

The full tower will give you more space, but it will also take up more room on or around your desk. I prefer mid-towers personally - they give adequate room and airflow if you choose carefully and don't look massive.

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equimen

Yeah, I like the 940 as well. What is the RAM like for that one? is it DDR3 1600? <---- nvm, found it.

Do you think that the Coolmaster 690 that coffeejunky suggested would be compatible with all the other components in the 940$ build?

Thanks!

equimen

One more question, will the DDR3 RAM work on the Gigabyte Mobo? because it says here that the motherboard supports "DDR2 1333(O.C.)/1066/800"

Is this info accurate??

uNeec

DDR3 won't work on DDR2 slots. You can also pick up a refurbed CM690 from CM store for $50 shipped, check out the online deals section. I think the 940 or below Phenom 2 models don't support DDR3, they don't got the memory controller, correct me if I'm wrong.

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equimen

So what mobo should I get then? :S (Is this one good?: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131366)

I also found the Gigabyte GA-MA790FXT-UD5P wchich does support DDR3, but has really bad reviews. What should I do? Should I just stick with the FX and buy DDR2 RAM, or get another mobo?


PS: I just got a PM with an offer of an almost new Antec 902 for 85$ (inc. Shipping). Will this case fit my PSU, etc?

Thanks