first build, need compatibility check + advice

[babicz]

My first build, so if I have some big issues, I wouldn't be surprised. Post any problems of course, along with your thoughts and/or suggestions!!! Thanks so much.
_____________
Budget = +/- 800$
*Looking for something powerful, moderate-high gaming capabilities, multitasking, fast.

CPU
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black (**Heatsink+fan included, but should I buy separately?)
119.00$ - Newegg
Board
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
178.99$ - Newegg

^ The above is a CPU+Motherboard combo deal
267.99$ - Newegg

GPU
MSI R5750-PM2D1G Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support
144.99$ - Newegg

OR (can't decide, but biig price difference...)

ASUS EAH5770/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support
174.99$ - Newegg

RAM
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1200 (PC2 9600) Desktop Memory Model F2-9600CL6D-4GBRH
109.99$ - Newegg

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000KSRTL 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
69.99$ - Newegg

Optical Drive
PLEXTOR Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD/CD Writer LightScribe Support
51.99$ - Newegg

Case
Rosewill R5717-P SL 120mm Fan Pre-Installed on the Top and 80mm Slim Fan Cooling HDD,ATX Mid Tower
34.99$ - Newegg

Power
SILVERSTONE ST50F 500W ATX12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC
74.99$ - Newegg

And that's what I got so far. As it being my first build, I might have overestimated/underestimated some items, and what not.
Forget about keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor, OS.

Any thoughts, tweeks, suggestions, concerns? I really appreciate it.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

I'm not up to date on my ATI/AMD so I'll let someone else handle that.

I would suggest switching to the Western Digital "Black" series.

I would also go with a SATA DVD Burner instead of IDE. You can also save some money with a Lite-On brand. Plextor is unnecessarily expensive.

[babicz]

Originally Posted by Alaron Welcome to PCMech. I'm not up to date on my ATI/AMD so I'll let someone else handle that. I would suggest switching to the Western Digital "Black" series. I would also go with a SATA DVD Burner instead of IDE. You can also save some money with a Lite-On brand. Plextor is unnecessarily expensive.

Thanks so much, I've just finished looking into that! Probably going to change the optical drive, and trying to find a good WD black edition, 320 or 500, @7,200 RPM; any suggestions?

[12twelve12]

I would go for the 640GB Black 32mb cache. Better performance with it's two 320GB platters.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2032mb%20cache

[babicz]

Originally Posted by 12twelve12 I would go for the 640GB Black 32mb cache. Better performance with it's two 320GB platters. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2032mb%20cache

Anything with same performance but less memory? Or is that what I'm going to see in this day in technology advancement...? I did look at the WD website and they off 500GB min. caviar blacks; is that correct?

[babicz]

Originally Posted by 12twelve12 I would go for the 640GB Black 32mb cache. Better performance with it's two 320GB platters. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2032mb%20cache

Any other suggestions on the build? Tweeks? Yada yada

[glc]

Due to some motherboard limitations, cut the ram back to DDR2-800. You don't need anything faster anyway.

DDR2 1300(O.C.)/1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory *Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ / AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

Correct, the smallest Black is 500gb. At today's prices, the 640 or 750 is the most storage for the buck.

[babicz]

Originally Posted by glc Due to some motherboard limitations, cut the ram back to DDR2-800. You don't need anything faster anyway.

I had a suggestion elsewhere to switch to a DDR3 RAM supported motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131363). Would this be fine? Also, I've read that DDR3 isn't necessarily faster than DDR2, so could I essentially save some $$ by sticking to DDR2 mobo with your DDR2 800 RAM?
And thanks for the hard drive update. Will definitely consider it. Thanks a lot for your help!

[glc]

Compare the price of DDR2-800 to DDR3-1333 to make your choice. DDR3 may be more future-proof.

[babicz]

CPU
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor – Retail
$119.00 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103649

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$79.99 – Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N82E16813128392

GPU
XFX HD-477A-YDFC Radeon HD 4770 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card – Retail
$114.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150369

RAM
Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BA1067 - Retail
$101.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...KIT25664BA1067

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Bare Drive
$74.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2032mb%20cache

OPTICAL
Sony Optiarc 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 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
$27.99 - Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-NA-_-NA-_-NA

CASE
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58 Black CECC Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case – Retail
$74.99 – Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-237-_-Product

POWER
CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
$49.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008
___________________________________________________________
~$646.00 (not bad? :-D)

Almost 100% that it's OK to go. Just wanted to make sure psu is ok; don't want to fry anything up :-)
Ya?

[glc]

Threads merged, please do not start multiple threads on one build. Thank you.

I'm a bit concerned about both the video card and the PSU - I try to avoid XFX due to quality and customer service issues, and 400 watts is cutting it pretty close, even though a Corsair is a very high quality PSU.

I also think you can get DDR3-1333 ram cheaper than that 1066 you have speced out there.

[systempat]

Good that you are getting advice before you buy. Many times the requests come after the parts are assembled.
For the AMD motherboards the memory selection is not that critical. Buy the 'standard' speeds for the memory type because faster versions will see almost no difference. This seems to be connected to the on-chip memory controller. So for DDR2 that would be the 800 speed and for DDR3 that would be the 1333. Between the 2 the speed of the system will be almost the same. The 'speed' is higher on the DDR3 but it has more latency also. Note that you have to get different motherboards for the DDR2 or DDR3 memory. Gigabyte offers a good selection for this, just be sure which type you are getting.
For the CPU, the triple-core Phenom II 720 is fine. However you might want to check out the Athlon II x4 620. Which is a quad-core that sells for a bit LESS than the 720. It has shown very good results even though it has less cache than the Phenom II.
There are CoolerMaster cases in the $50 range that are very nice. You might want to check out centurion 5 and some other models. I used one of their mini-towers and was very pleased. What you save on the CPU or the motherboard you can put into a 500-watt PSU. As GLC said, with the GPU selected you might be cutting it a little close at 400.

[babicz]

UPDATE:
CPU
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor – Retail
$119.00 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103649

OR (cheaper, 2 core):

AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
$102.00 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103680

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$79.99 – Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128392

GPU
XFX HD-477A-YDFC Radeon HD 4770 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card – Retail
$114.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150369

RAM
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1333LV4GK - Retail
$109.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING ($20 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...OCZ3P1333LV4GK

OR

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail
$94.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231189

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Bare Drive
$74.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2032mb%20cache


OPTICAL
Sony Optiarc 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 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
$27.99 - Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-NA-_-NA-_-NA

CASE
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58 Black CECC Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case – Retail
$74.99 – Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-237-_-Product

OR (cheaper, just as good?)

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$59.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137

OR (even cheaper)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black SECC / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$64.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING ($15 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119152

POWER
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
$99.99 – Newegg FREE SHIPPING ($20 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
________________________________
It's RAM and power that I think I need the most help on. I feel pretty solid on everything else...

[glc]

Excellent PSU, and I think either ram would be fine. I really like the RC690 case, and at that price, it's a steal.

[systempat]

Note tha both of the Coolermaster cases are of the bottom-PSU variety. While not a problem to me - I like the way that works - it is not the 'normal' arrangement that people are used to. Since it's your first build you won't have any hangups on this!
Also these 2 cases are on the large size for mid-tower cases. This is good for putting all that you want inside the case. But it will take more room at your desk or table. You will notice from the review counts that they are very popular.

[Masaki 7-11]

Between the two ram sets, the G.SKILL one is probably better; it's lower cost, has good ratings and every AM3 motherboard I've looked at had that set of ram in it's memory compatibility list. If you want to save a bit on the PSU and/or want modular cabling, this is a good power supply for the money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371016

[glc]

Another thing I noticed - from a support and reliability standpoint I'd prefer the Powercolor 4770 over the XFX.

Yes, the RC690 is a big case, but it's extremely well made and has an excellent cable management system. A modular power supply makes that even better. It also cools extremely well and fairly quietly with the stock fans and mesh construction. The only downside to this is keeping it clean inside.

[systempat]

Did not say the case size was a problem, just something to be aware of. They are an inch or 2 taller than most mid-size towers and maybe a bit wider as well. Sometimes there are placement issues. But those are good cases. Very good for the price. And can handle almost any reasonable amount of hardware you can throw at them. Cases of this quality would have been 90 a couple of years ago.

My last build I used a micro-ATX motherboard as the hardware was very basic. Since I wanted the box to take up less space, I installed in a mini-tower case from CoolerMaster. This worked very well for me and I was very pleased with the case. Especially since it came in at $40. With 2 fans on the back and the mesh area on the front, the airflow is excellent.

[babicz]

Originally Posted by systempat Did not say the case size was a problem...is excellent.

Thanks a lot. I'm just going to stick with the 690 probably because a good case will last me long. I also do plan upgrade my cpu+gpu in the future, so it'll help that I have sufficient space; I'd rather get a good case that might be a little too big than risk the reviews and get a mediocre case that will screw me in the future