Hardware picks, advice?

Hardware picks, advice?

Postby 3040Krag on 16 Apr 2010 22:07

I'm going to pull some extra money out of savings and build a new system. There is a budget limit of about $700 USD.

Here's what I've picked out so far, but I've been out of the new rig market for a long time. Can anyone suggest better/different components given my money constraint?

Note that I'm very aggressive in overclocking, so don't want a fast stock rig so much as an economical rig that I stand a fair chance of making go fast! I'm also not tied in any way to AMD, it just seems more economical. Intel suggestions are just fine by me.

Thanks in advance!

Motherboard, $99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131398
CPU, $156: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819103471
Memory, $130: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820220432
PSU, $105: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817371026
GPU, $170: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102864

Windows 7 pushes this over the $700 budget, but I don't see using any other MS O/S.

I'll re-use case, HD, etc and upgrade them over time.
3040Krag
Senior Resident
 
Posts: 312
Joined: 06 Jan 2010 20:14
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota U.S.A.

Re: Hardware picks, advice?

Postby audioave10 on 17 Apr 2010 01:20

Re-using a case I have to ask...does it have good air flow front to back? The 2-slot video cards with a covered cooler blow the hot air out of the back of the case.
That video card will put its warm air in the case. You still might be fine there as ATI's temps aren't bad these days. Also, if you are going to game alot, that
video card is just a 128 memory interface. All of their better cards have a 256 memory interface (very important for games like Stalker). The quad I have is the
945 (95 watt) model and it runs easily at 3.4Ghz (stock is 3.0). Temps are still about normal. As you know, you will need a better CPU cooler for overclocking as
all retail coolers are cheapos nowadays. I use a Zalman 9500. Just a few thoughts to start out with. You know what your budget is.
Good Luck! I love hardware. :D

Edit: I did want to say...good choices. I'd try to squeeze more for a video card (not much) if possible.
"Let the Zone take me if I am"
User avatar
audioave10
Senior Resident
 
Posts: 1154
Joined: 14 Sep 2008 01:30
Location: USA

Re: Hardware picks, advice?

Postby 3040Krag on 17 Apr 2010 02:27

Thanks for the advice. I've been overclocking for almost 15 years now (oh, the days of the Pentium 300, O/C'd to 450. Abit BP6 with TWO of them, Voodoo GPU ;) ), so I understand your warning about airflow. Most of the cases I have here are old-school server chassis, with plenty of fan slots and are very configurable for good airflow.

Ouch! Stepping up to 256 bit is s p e n d y! But, I hear you. Might as well go for it. I'll look at 2 slotters, as well and make a determination.

I haven't made a CPU cooler decision yet, it seems to me the internet hype has really taken off on what makes a great air cooler. I still have an old tuned single-phase vapor phase change cooler, but, nah! Too much headache. Any recommends on air cooling? (Edit) Sorry, I missed the Zalman recommend. Will look at it, thanks!
3040Krag
Senior Resident
 
Posts: 312
Joined: 06 Jan 2010 20:14
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota U.S.A.

Re: Hardware picks, advice?

Postby audioave10 on 17 Apr 2010 05:07

This Artic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro is one of the best deals, but its kinda heavy and I had one break a clip off of an Asus mobo. That's why I went to the Zalman's.
I don't think the Zalmans are any cooler but they are lighter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835185125
"Let the Zone take me if I am"
User avatar
audioave10
Senior Resident
 
Posts: 1154
Joined: 14 Sep 2008 01:30
Location: USA


Return to Hardware Corner

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 23 guests

cron