AMD custom build, motherboard

I am building my first custom desktop, and I have run into a problem: I have no idea which motherboard to get. My current build includes:

HDD: Seagate Momentus XT ST95005620AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ Solid State Hybrid Drive -Bare Drive

RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model 991770 (x2)

COOLING: CORSAIR Hydro H70 CWCH70 120mm High Performance CPU Cooler

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

PSU: CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-950TX 950W ATX12V v2.3/EPS12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

My budget can run to $1200; however, I would like to keep it to $1000 (probably not going to be possible with the stuff I am buying above). I am going to be using the computer to play games at max settings, autodesk animation, the adobe products (e.g. photoshop, illustrator, dreamweaver), and i generally do not want to have any problems with it whatsoever in terms of performance because I am fed up with owning really bad computers. I also realize that I need a case, which I am still trying to figure out. I would also like to know if sound quality is affected if I use the stock soundcard on the mobo if I ONLY use headphones (i don't even own speakers). Lastly, I would like to know if there is anything on the list that can be downgraded without losing much performance but at the same time saving a lot of money. Any help would be appreciated - Thanks

Well, I would get a good air cooler over the H70, you can save a lot of money that way. Of course, this all depends on your case you get. Also, a 950 watt PSU is overkill, unless you plan to run 3-4 nvidia 580's . A good 650 or 750 will be enough, all depending on what your upgrade path will be.

What do you plan to overclock to?

Any quality 790/890 chipset mobo will probably meet your needs. Everybody seems to have a favorite brand. Gigabyte has been very good in my experience.

I don't see a video card? Definitely drop back to 650 watt PSU unless you're running dual 580 Vid cards. Make sure that 2x 4 Gb. Mushkin will run without issues vs. 1x 8 Gb. kit. Multiple RAM kits even of the same part number do not always work together so it's better to buy one, tested, matched RAM kit. Air-cooling is fine and trouble free.

I have not decided what I wanted to overclock to, and the GPU I am getting is going to be an ASUS brand AMD 6870 1gb graphics card

to OCF!


I think the H70 is good choice. Though a high-end cooler can perform better they often don't because you also have to careful about your case choice and the case fans that go with it.

I agree with the above sentiments about the PSU - it's definitely overkill for a single video card. Get a good 600-700W Corsair and you'll be fine.

Since this is obviously a business machine I'd get an ASUS M4A89TD or Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5 board. There may be other boards that will overclock as well for less money but ASUS (especially) and Gigabyte high-end boards have a fair reputation for longevity so, for me, it would be worth the extra investment.

Keep us posted as you flesh out your new rig and we'll be here when you decide to OC it ...!

Thanks QuietIce I really like those motherboards. I am however wondering whether the on-board audio and LAN are permanent on the motherboard, or if I can in the future upgrade them. Additionally, I have picked out a case that my friend has recommended me: it is the Haf 932 series coolermaster case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160&cm_re=haf_932-_-11-119-160-_-Product. Is this more than I need for a case, I think it is too expensive.

If you're asking about the on-board devices being upgradeable, no they're not. (All boards are like that and have been for years.). However, most on-board devices, including audio and LAN, can be disabled in BIOS, which means you could add a sound card or whatever at your leisure.

Almost any case will work with the H70 as long as it has a 120mm rear fan. The one you linked is very functional but there are less expensive options from both Cooler Master and Antec that would also work well. Cases are so personal it's hard to comment on them ...

My first final draft of my build is

COOLING: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181013&Tpk=h70\ - $109

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095 $114

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849


[AMD] $230




Graphics: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121401


AMD radeon 6870 ($250)


PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171053 89.99

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128441 $179.99

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=cooler_master_haf_932-_-11-119-160-_-Product $139

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...591&cm_re=momentous_xt-_-22-148-591-_-Product $139.99


However I may take out the h70 for the Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018&Tpk=nh-d14

Or do you suggest I just go with stock cooling (plus haf 932's airflow) because the rig is costing a hefty sum. I am also looking for a very nice monitor that will not cost too much money and is in the rand of around 20" or higher

You can save money on the cooler by going with the NH-D14, and the D14 is very quiet. I would suggest getting an aftermarket cooler just because the stock ones are usually fairly loud. Also, the D-14 will let you overclock .

As for monitors, I really can not help you. I bought a Samsung Lavendar (I think) 22", and it is great.

Good choice of motherboard, I really like mine. Only thing I am not sure on is the ram. Since you have a X6, I would recommend 1600 Mhz ram, and at the very least you could down clock it if need be. From what I have read, the IMC of the X6's are much better and can handle 1600.

If you like Mushkin RAM you might want to get these DDR3-1600CL7 sticks instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226154

Same model as your choice but faster with the same latency and cheaper as well. It should help with your CAD and Photoshop apps.


That case will handle any 120mm tower cooler so you don't need the H70. I personally like the TRUE Black Rev.C but Newegg has stopped carrying it. The NH-D14 will easily fit in that case, though it is a monster ...