$850 Rig

[VishKapish]

I'm building a rig for my brother, the main purpose is light gaming/office tasks. The games he plays are WoW, Team Fortress 2, Starcraft 2, nothing too demanding. All I need is the stuff in the tower, no monitor, OS, or peripherals.

Here's what I'm planning:
CPU/Mobo: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!
PSU/DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.418942
Graphics Card/RAM:Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!
Hard Drive: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

This is a total of $620.93 after shipping, without a case (he's still picking one that he likes).

My concern is with the AM2+ CPU and AM3 mobo. I thought you could use an AM2+ mobo with an AM3 CPU, but can you do it the other way around? Is there a reason to step up to an AM3?

Will a 5770 fit into a mid tower?

Like I said, this computer is only going to be used for undemanding games like WoW, and I believe this rig can max it. However, is there anywhere where you think its worth it to shell out a few more dollars? For instance, does a 6gbs HDD offer any increase in performance?

 

[Trotter]

That's an AM3 CPU there, mate. Phenom II X4 940 BE, A rather nice one, too.

AM3 will work on a AM2+ board, but AM2+ won't work on an Am3 board. I think.

Yes, the 5770 sill fit in a mid-tower.

That rig would wipe the floor with mine, and I can play those easily.

 

[VishKapish]

The specs say its an AM2+, and yeah, I thought the same as you. An AM3 cpu will work on an AM2+ board, but not the otherway around. Then I saw that they are bundled together it should work right?

 

[Muffin Man]

i know i've said this a few times before, but just because they are combo'ed together doesn't mean they'll work. ive seen ddr2 ram with mobos that require ddr3 ram in a combo, ive also seen an amd cpu and an intel mobo in a combo. it also says under the price, that newegg doesn't guarantee the compatibility of parts in combos.

am3 in am2, can work.

am2 in am3, cannot work.

 

[VishKapish]

Okay, so I'm switching the cpu/board to this: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

And the Video Card/RAM to this: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! because its cheaper and has slightly better timings.

Also, do you think I could OC the processor to match a 965 on the stock cooler?

 

[Trotter]

You're correct... it is an AM2+. It was well past midnight when I was looking at it. >.<

 

[VishKapish]

Alright, I'm going to buy these parts either tonight or tomorrow, so can someone tell me if the MSI board I picked is any good? I don't know too much about motherboards and I only picked it because its from a reliable brand and its pretty cheap.

And again, do you think I could OC the processor to match a 965 on the stock cooler?

 

[Muffin Man]

what About these,
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!
Newegg.com - XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (use the promo code in time to get the $10 off)
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-770TA-UD3 AM3 AMD 770 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

those along with the other parts you had listed.

and yes, you should be able to use the stock cooler for 3.4.

 

[Alive.777]

you dont need a HD5770 for light gaming. just more money you don't need to spend. Go with a 9800gt or HD4830. they will easily do the job.