legendor

UPDATED:

Hey OCN,

I am building an AMD build for someone. This is my first exp with AMD. Well, I chose AMD because it seems to be cheaper and has better performance in this price range.

The total budget is $800. I already used $200 on monitor already, so I am left with $600 for the system.

Please give me a lot of feedback. I am most concerned of the AMD CPU and Mobo because I never had them. If I forgot other important components please post them.

Oh yea, this system is just for general use; no hardcore gaming, video rendering etc...

EDITED: See pics. Those are my sales orders.
Thanks for all the help

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cs_maan

Um the motherboard isn't bad, but you could get a X2 550 with an unlocked multiplier. You got a hell of a deal on that motherboard though with that CPU, only get this if you can fit it in your budget.

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legendor

How much difference can be seen with L3 cache? Does it make better OC?

cs_maan

Definitely will see a better OC if you get the 550. Like I said, its a black edition CPU so it'll have an unlocked multiplier so your OC can go as far as your motherboard will allow, provided that you cool it well of course .

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kaivorth

No memory? Or is this not a full system? I read the OP a couple times, so I might be missing it lol

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legendor

Good catch.

I'm thinking of getting 2GB. Will that be comfortable in Vista? As I mentioned it's for general use.

Also, is one stick 2GB better than 2 X 1 GB?

cs_maan

If you can fit it in your budget get 4GB (2 x 2GB) for Vista, and 2 x 1GB is better because then you can make use of Dual Channel, with one stick you cannot.

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MijnWraak

2gb should be fine for that computer, since it cant handle a lot of multitasking anyways.

Anyways, you can switch to the cx400 from corsair to same some $$. if you plan on getting less than a gtx 295 in future, 450vx will be fine (ran 4870 + 3 hdds and fans at one point in my rig.

Also you can skip vista and use win7 for a year then buy after it expires. save some $ now.

legendor

Gee thx for info about dual channel.

Thx. Now I confirmed that 450W is enough for this build. And according to web, if I buy vista, it comes with "free win 7 upgrade coupon".


EDITED: Question about heatsink. Is AM3 socket fully compatible with AM2 heatsinks?

kaivorth

I would also buy the keyboard in a store. Bet you can find one for $10. a Corsair 450w will do fine...
I still recommend 2x2gb of ram, although there isn't anything wrong with 2x1gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227267 Those will do the trick.

__________________
Diamond Lapping Service!! PM if your interested
Personnel HD3300 Benchmark!!!

Arctic Cooling MX-2 > OCZ Freeze

Source