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blkgti

Member
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Joined
Aug 5, 2003
Hi folks. I've been out of the game for a few years and things changes quite a bit. I guess it's one of the thing we all love about this hobby. I'm hoping you guys can point me in the right direction, and I can do the searches, etc to find the right options for me.

Here's what I'm dealing with. I need to build 2 machines - one for me and one for the family (don't ask). My current box is an Opteron165 with a DFI board. My family uses an Athlon2500 I built ages ago. Time for an upgrade all around.

Family computer
CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103873
Mobo - ?
RAM - ?

This machine will most likely not be OC'd. I'm looking for reliability, durability, and value. Suggestions?

My computer
CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
Mobo - ?
RAM - ?

This computer will definitely be OC'd. As I've been away for a while, and I wouldn't mind having having something easy to work with, yet with enough features to keep me busy. What should I be looking at?
 
QuietIce said:
It would help a lot to know a couple of things. What will each system be used for and what kind of budget are you looking at?
Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Family machine - Would like to stay in a lower price range. The computer will mostly be used for office apps and some light gaming by the kids.

My machine - I'm mostly going to play with it. As far as apps, I only run MSOffice. Other than the stress from OC, its most stringent use will involve burning digital media. Budget - I'd like to keep the core below $400.

Also, do you expect to keep these machines as long as you've keep the last two?
Click to expand...

The family computer is definitely a long term commitment. Mine, in all honesty, I don't know. If I don't get into hardware again, and I would like to, it may remain in a static state for a few months. If I don't, a few years. I'm actually debating a case purchase on these very grounds, but can't reach a decision not knowing what the future will bring. I'm giving myself a week and then it's time to settle on something. :confused:

One thing I can suggest is changing the 555BE to the 740BE ... ;)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103699&cm_re=740_be-_-19-103-699-_-Product
Click to expand...

Much appreciated. I'll look into it.
 
For the family machine I would suggest the ASUS M4A77TD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131603
I chose it because it has power circuitry for a 140W CPU. I know, the CPU you've chosen isn't anywhere near that but as boards get old it's often the power components that go out. Using an over-designed board should make up for the budget so it'll last longer. Also, if you happen to want to upgrade the CPU in a couple of years it'll handle that.
RAM for the family rig could be OCZ Plats, DDR3-1333CL7. Even when I'm not on a short budget I buy these because they perform well, the low cost is a bonus. ;) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227478


Your rig is a little harder since you want to OC it. A good, budget OC'er seems to be the Biostar 890FXE. A step down from that would be the ASUS M4A89GTD. A step up would be either the ASUS M4A89TD or Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138193
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131633
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131655
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128441

My RAM choice would be the same as above for DDR3-1333CL7 or Corsair XMS3 at DDR3-1600CL7.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145285
I've never put much stock in buying high-dollar RAM when it has so little effect on real world performance.


One thing not mentioned, but your post about a case reminded me, have you thought of a good CPU heatsink? If your current case is 8" or more (outside) then you can handle almost anything, including the good, budget 120mm tower coolers. If the case is less than 8" you'll may run into heat issues when overclocking.


I'm sure others will chime in over the next few days ... :)
 
If you happen to want a cheap 120mm heatpipe style cooler, the KingWin XT-1264 is great on a budget and with a 95watt CPU like the 740BE it should give you plenty of headroom (I got a 95watt 7750BE to 3.65GHz with 50C max temp).
 
Although you can argue the 555BE is better because it has a higher stock clock (like that matters...) and considering they both have the potential to be a quad core they're basically even. Although, the 740BE does have 3 cores guaranteed. I personally would go with the 740 =D
 
Let me tell you guys where I am. Ran into a few snags down the road - life can be a bear - and I'm still putting together the core for my machine. I bought a 740, ASRock 890FX board, and a Lian-Li PC-A05NA. Now I need RAM and a HSF.

What do you guys think of these choices?

HSF:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154014

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226103
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

With the rig in mind, does it makes sense to go for lower latencies?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226123
PHP:
 
Yep those Cas 6 will be considerably better performers and will probably oc better too. I would recommend a cheaper HSF than that one. From what I remember the Tuniq Tower is only on par with many coolers half its price. Perhaps one of the Corsair push/pull offerings? Or even the Hyper 212 (probably the most recommended)
 
I chose the Tuniq Tower, because of the case (Lian-Li PC-A05NA). Its intake fan is on the back about 1-2" away from the HSF. Given the TT's internal fan config, it should (hopefully) respond slightly better than a HSF with a front-mounted fan, at least that's the idea on an intuitive level. Plus, I think the TT looks cool. There's something to be said for that.
 
blkgti said:
I chose the Tuniq Tower, because of the case (Lian-Li PC-A05NA). Its intake fan is on the back about 1-2" away from the HSF. Given the TT's internal fan config, it should (hopefully) respond slightly better than a HSF with a front-mounted fan, at least that's the idea on an intuitive level. Plus, I think the TT looks cool. There's something to be said for that.
Click to expand...
I think any heatsink that has a front-back orientation can be 'turned around' if that's what you want to do.


I personally think there are better choices but as long as it's a good sink I've quit commenting. You want to spend a little more because you think it "looks cool"? I've got no problem with that ... ;)
 
QuietIce said:
You want to spend a little more because you think it "looks cool"? I've got no problem with that ... ;)
Click to expand...

<grin> The "cool factor," if you will, is important to me. I chose a 740 for my own machine, because it's fun - a core to unlock, a multiplier to play with, and relatively speaking an unusual config. I like that. I gives another dimension to the entire process. I'm also thinking that once I tap the 740, I can stick it into the family box and get something else to play with.

You guys have been a great help. Really. It is appropriate to ask about a graphics card, or should I start another thread? I'm looking at a 5770. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't really game - a few rounds of UT is about as far as I get.
 
Last edited:
Well if you don't game I would suggest the 5570 instead of the 5750/5770 or 5650/5670. The 5570 is right around $75 for a 1GB and is at the perfect price point. It is essentially a higher clocked 5550 but a slower clocked 5650/5670. It'll eat up unreal tournament at reasonable fps and will be a great card to OC a little bit to try and match numbers with its big brother (I did it before with a 4650). It wont be dumping so much heat as a 5750/5770 or being using as much power. If you do think you might want that little extra oomph, than the 5670 is an amazing card for around $85 - $100.

Good luck :thup:
 
I have a 5770 and I feel it performs pretty well, but I think you get more for your money on one of the slightly lower end cards.
I do quite a bit of gaming, and i can't complain really.
 
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