So I've started adding parts to my newegg cart, but thus far the only thing I am sure about is the CPU. I need a CPU, Mobo, GFX card, Ram, PSU and maybe liquid cooling solution and SSD (I can hold off on these for now). I have everything else or I can piece the rest together. I would like to keep it under $700 or maybe $800 if I deem the extra $100 worth it. I want to be able to play all of the current games at high settings and I am an overclocking virgin. CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo Socket AM3 125W Six-Core ($229.99 - $15 Newegg gift card). I plan to OC to 4 GHz, eventually. Mobo: MSI 890GXM-G65 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ($114.99) Video Card: I'm completely ignorant when it comes to gfx cards - I have been way out of touch for a while so I really need some guidance here. I don't want to go crazy here - $250 or so is about the most I'll spend, but $200 really what I would like to spend. I've seen some combo deals that look decent (Card + PSU mainly) here is one I was looking at: XFX HD-587X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 + XFX P1-650X-CAH9 650W ATX12V ($228.98 after rebates and combo). This will take care of two parts, but I am weary of the card because I read that it isn't a true ATI rev and some people are down on XFX and this card if particular. I really need help here, so if nobody comments on anything else please lend some advice here. I really don't even know what will be acceptable to play the latest games at high settings. RAM: Not really worried about getting any advice here as RAM is cheap and all that. Maybe suggestions on how much I should be looking at getting - 6GB, 8GB, ++? It's been a while since I've played games on a PC so I really don't know what the standard amount is for gaming. Is there anything that I should be aware of - keep in mind OC'ing will likely be taking place - Read that these: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) ($75), can reach 1800 MHz. PSU: I mentioned above that I'm looking to save a little here and get a combo deal. Sorry for the novel guys, but I really appreciate any help/advice anyone can offer.
for a video card, id recommend abt what you are considering for the one card: 230 dollars or so. i have a 5870 (diamond) and i like it. the thing that disappointed me is it didnt have the intake ports on the back of the card, like the xfx does, just a big fan in the middle. but it works and the auto overclock setting in ati's drivers got my particular up to 890 mhz gpu and some other number for ram that was higher than stock. Some people like the non-reference designs that XFX produces, if not that specific card. Memory - i personally dont see a need for crem de la crem meory for amd, because these (phenom ii) memory controllers are not too great, apparently. 1600 to 1800 mhz sounds about right. according to some reviews, 2000 mhz is not too attainable unless you have "hand-picked"(?) parts. look for moderate to higher speed memory with as low a latency as possible. and 8 gigs should be best 4GB x 2, 4 gigs is just abt right (for now) and 8 gigs is "minor overkill" but won't be so inna while, ya know? Get a ***high enough** powered PSU from a reputable, known company for best results. I use an Antec 650 for a similar configuration to your desired comp, and its adequate.
Thanks for the tips, I actually am going with a different card - a 6950 because it is hackable to reach 6970 specs. I figured $250 isn't too bad to get a $350 card. Only problem is that I'm already up to $782.64 shipped and I don't have a PSU in my cart yet! Not to mention that I'm going to have to hold out for a SSD and liquid cooler... I might holdout a little longer, now that i know what i want, and wait for a good deal on at least on of these parts since I'm not really capitalizing on any great deals right now as it is.
That is a good choice in getting the 6950 and hacking it to a 6970. Depending on the game the 6970 wins over the 5870. The GTX570 OC is also neck and neck with the 6970 but cost around $325. Here is a review of comparison of the GTX 570 OC, 6970, 6950 and 5870. http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revie...5870-all-overclocked-review-introduction.html
