Tig.

Okay, right now I have an OEM computer with the graphics card, RAM, and power supply upgrade. So, I plan to keep these and upgrade to a different motherboard, processor, and the rest of the computer until its not an OEM anymore.. Like, upgrade everything until none of the parts are stock. I hope that makes sense.

So, I think I need:
Case
Motherboard
Processor
CPU Cooler
Hard Drive

That's all I think I need. Please tell me if I need anything more. Will my power supply still hold up?

Also, I plan to upgrade to AMD because it is cheaper and the Phenoms are looking like they are a good deal. My budget is around $400-$500. Right now, I'm planning to get an AMD Phenom II X2 520 and a Cooler Master Storm Scout Case.

I don't know what to get next.
Please Help me!
Thanks.

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L3gacy

So no dedicated gpu? and how many watts is your current PSU?What brand?

Tator Tot

AM3 Quad Core + ATi GPU

You can really pull off an amazing machine for not alot
AMD Athlon II x4 620 - $100
AM3 AMD790GX ATi SB750 Motherboard - $100
2x2GB DDR3 1600mhz Cas 7 - $100
Xigmatek 650watt PSU
NZXT Beta EVO

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Craiga35

Case
CPU
Motherboard
Memory
Cpu Cooler

Total: 378.96 = Shipping and tax(if applicable)

Honestly theres no need to upgrade your HDD unless you need more space, its an IDE drive, or you are planning on buying a 10K Rpm drive.

You said you plan on keeping your GPU but I suggest upgrading. Get a 4850/4770 for $100-115 to put you near $490 which is within your budget. If you can I would suggest getting a 5770 for $160 its performance is between a 4870 and 4890 IIRC and you'll get the future security of DX11 as well as better temps and power consumption.

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Tig.

How good is AMD Athlon II X4 620 ? I plan to get a AMD Phenom II X2 550 because I heard it can overclock pretty good. How good can the AMD Athlon II X4 620 overclock to? (At least around 3.2ghz?) It's a quad... for $100. That a really good deal.

The only thing I plan on doing is probably be on the web and play Source games like Counterstrike Source and Team Fortress 2. If I overclock the Phenom II 520 to 3.6ghz, will it get at least 100fps? What about the AMD Athlon II 620, will that get 100fps in the source games without overclocking since it is a quad?

I plan on keeping the 9600GT because I don't really play a lot of games except the Source games. I don't think they need that much graphics power.

Also, that case looks pretty good, but I plan on getting the Cooler Master Storm Scout because it looks good. But if I had to, I'd probably just get the case you mentioned just cause it shaves off about $35 dollars.

About the CPU Cooler, is the Mugen 2 good at cooling compared to a XIGMATEK HDT-S1283? The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 will be cheaper if the rebate works... It also has free shipping. Which one cools better? They are almost the exact same price.

Motherboard
Which motherboard should I get?? I don't know which one to get. I know Gigabyte and Asus are good brands, but what is a good motherboard in a reasonable price for my budget? Also, do I really need a dedicated GPU? Is it for incase my 9600GT or any other graphics card dies?

Thanks for all the sugestions. +Rep

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Craiga35

Well the athlon II 620 and Ph II 550 are both good choices. With the Phenom 2 edging the athlon in most single or dual threaded apps (which includes source games except L4D).

Honestley to play source games maxed doesn't take much. I could play CS:S Maxed with a 4800+ and a HD3650 at 60fps so basically get either one.

A quad core will allow you to do more things at once but the phenom 2 will be a little faster at it. If you're only playing Source games just keep the 9600Gt and save yourself some money, theres no need for anything more.

IIRC the Mugen 2 edges the HDT, its better compared to the xigmatec Dark Knight, a much more expensive cooler, but be warned the Mugen 2 is MASSIVE, room for 4 120mm Fans!

For the motherboard I would go with either one me or Tator Tot suggested, they are both good brands. Don't get an ECS if you want to overclock! MSI does have a good reputation either I would stay away from them. Go with ASUS, Gigabyte, Foxconn, or DFI, and BioStar as a last option.

Good luck with the build!

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Tator Tot

Athlon II x4 620 can do 3.2ghz pretty easy. And they generally overclock really well.

Vs an x2 Ph II CPU in multi threadead games the Ath II x 4 is faster, and will yield more FPS in games like TF2/DoDs/L4D/L4D2.

In CSS a faster clock speed would be best as it is pretty single threaded, but it will still do just fine with a 9600GT

I would go for the NZXT Beta EVO, a perfect array of class, performance, and expandability is had in that case. It's price is impossible to beat.

On higher wattage CPU (IE 125watts, so overclocked x2 Ph II or Athlon II x4) the Mugen II would perform better. But on AMD systems, it's main advantage is being able to mount so the HSF blows out the back of a case.

Gigabyte is my number one choice for AMD motherboards as they really go top notch in quality, features, and ease of use.

The Foxconn I linked earlier is an overclocking beast with it's latest BIOS but it's a bit harder to use.

I'd either go for the Foxconn, or this Gigabyte which is equally priced after MIR

Do you mean an IGP (Integrated Graphics Processor)? If so, not really, but almost all AMD boards come with them besides the 790X & 790FX boards. They are useful for trouble shooting. And if your 9600GT dies, they can play Source Games on medium settings.

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VCheeZ

Just looking over your thread here...I have a system up in the FS section that may save you some cash. It is an AM2+ mobo, and an SLI board. Those 9600GTs are awesome in SLI
http://www.overclock.net/sale/585108...omponents.html

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Tig.

That's what I meant.

Also, I don't think I can buy from you, VCheeZ, because I kinda prefer Newegg. Sorry.

To Craiga: With my system now, I can't get a constant 60fps on any games except Counter Strike 1.6. It's sad.

Also, I don't know which motherboards are good and which ones are not! Which ones overclock good and are easy to use? I'm bad at this type of stuff.

That NZXT Beta EVO looks really good, but the only thing it's missing is a window! I don't really want to mod my case because I don't think I have the tools to. Also, I don't trust my craftsmen skills that much...

Also the AMD Phenom II 550 overclocks easier because all I have to do is up the multiplier, but with the AMD Athlon II 620, overclocking seems hard because I'm new to overclocking and building computer. It seems scary. lol

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Tator Tot

The Black Edition CPU's do overclock easier.

But in that case, I would suggest the 720BE as it's the same overclocking style, and it's only $10 more.

If you want a Window, the NZXT M59 has the same insides, but a different front & window.

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