New system build $400 excluding GPU

[VampD]

bump

 

[Trotter]

Don't get the x4 635, it only has 2mb L2 cache. The i3 540 is way better than it, and even though its only dual core it has 4 total threads for multitasking. For gaming tho, I think the x2 555 will be your best bet, considering it fits in well with your budget too.

4 cores > 2 cores, cache or no cache. Hyperthreading won't help you in gaming.

L3 is nice, but not having it is not a huge deal. Heck, all CPUs worked just fine without it for years. it is a relatively new thing on the CPU scene. It allows the CPU to stay a step ahead, but the speed difference is not enough that you would be able to really tell in normal computing, and not more than a shade different in gaming.

 

[VampD]

how about this,

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X4 635 Propus 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX635WFGIBOX
+
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 1.5MB Cache SATA 24X Burner LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

totals to about $387

however on the case, if you/your friend can't decide what to go with for all the internal parts, i would suggest to atleast get this case that BiG listed, it's great for the price (only a 48hr sale)

So guys I'm going to go with Muffins build, just a few questions:

1. THe AMD x4 635 should be the best because according to trotter no matter what the cache is quad core > dual core right?

2. Is there any alternate PSU anyone can recommend thats only 10 or 20 bucks more? 520 W seems kind of low for any future expanadability past a 9800 GTX+ plus doesn't it only have 40A on the 12V rail like the cheap corsair PSU?

3. Anyone have any other suggestions before I go through with the build? Maybe some 48 hour sales or something?

 

[patonb]

The psu isn't bad... You can get a 550W Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

This ones got 3 rails for about 58Amps

 

[VampD]

The psu isn't bad... You can get a 550W Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

This ones got 3 rails for about 58Amps

Hmmm all these PSUs have 2 -6 pin connections for the GPU right? How much does say a GTX 470 require amp wise from a 12V compared to a 9800 GTX+?

 

[Trotter]

Hmmm all these PSUs have 2 -6 pin connections for the GPU right? How much does say a GTX 470 require amp wise from a 12V compared to a 9800 GTX+?

Google will be your freind on that one.

 

[patonb]

Unless you get over a 650/700 W psu, you will only get 2 pci-e cables.

My oc q6600 and 2 260s maXed out at 520Ws as reported by APC UPS.

 

[VampD]

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! $165
processor + mobo

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ $48
ram

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $50
hd drive

Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply $60
psu

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $60
case


Newegg.com - ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 1.5MB Cache SATA 24X Burner LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners $22
optical

total price $405

so this is the build I'm going with, I decided on the Antec case since it's more recommended and the higher end Antec PSU for more future compatability, whats everyone think? This is my final build so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know

PS: So I got the GTX 470 uses about 18-30Amps on the 12V rail, so I think that Antec PSU should be good for a stronger card in the future

 

[Trotter]

I have that case. Wire management could be better, but it cools well and looks great.

$10 more will get your a WD Black 500GB drive, though w/free shipping.

 

[VampD]

I have that case. Wire management could be better, but it cools well and looks great.

$10 more will get your a WD Black 500GB drive, though w/free shipping.

I'm guessing you are referring to this: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

The only difference between the blue vs black I see is 32MB cache compared to 16 MB, does the cache really matter? I just checked my own hard drives back in the day when I built my system ( 3.5 years ago ) and they were all 16 MB cache.

I guess according to this article: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/understanding-hard-drive-performance,1557.html the cache for hard drive doesn't matter much but that was back in march of 2007