New Build

[Drosenthal]

So, I posted a thread a month or so back, regarding a computer I was hoping to build. There was some delay in the financing for it, but it looks like it's going to happen soon. The parts I've picked have changed a little since the first build, so I'm just going to post a whole new parts list. I'm going to be using this computer to watch movies (Blu-Rays), listen to (and produce) music, some gaming, and maybe a little bit of photoshop work in the future. So here's what I've selected...


Case: Azza Solano 1000

PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W

HDD: WD Caviar Black 750 GB

Optical Drive: Lite-On 4X Blu-Ray Drive

Motherboard: Asus M4A79XTD EVO

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720BE

Ram: Patriot G Series; DDR3 1600; 2X2GB

GPU: Sapphire Radeon 5770

OS: Widows 7: Home Premium

Just want to make sure all these components are high quality, and that they're all compatible. Also, is the 5770 a good card? I've been reading a lot of mixed reviews. The 128-bit interface is a little unsettling, but if it doesn't make a big difference, great. Also, I see there are two of types of 5770. Some with the original fan/heatsink, and others with the 5750 heatsink. I'm assuming the original 5770 heatsink is better, but if it's not I'll switch it out for the other type. So really, any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
~DRosenthal

[Drosenthal]

No one?

[jdeb]

the memory you selected is not on the qvl, I know for sure this one is...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0666CL8D-4GBHK

here is a link to the qvl
http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us

I am not the AMD guru by any means but I trust you may be able to do a little better in terms of a cpu. I leave that to masaki and Khalil.

[glc]

I apologize, the only reason I didn't comment is I don't do AMD builds, and the rest of your components looked fine to me.

[MattV]

I'm no expert by any means but this article is about the 5770 and 5750.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3658&p=1

So here’s the bottom line for the 5770: Unless you absolutely need to take advantage of the lower power requirements of the 40nm process (e.g. you pay a ton for power) or you strongly believe that DirectX 11 will have a developer adoption rate faster than anything we’ve seen before for DirectX, the 1GB 4870 or GTX 260 is still the way to go.

[Masaki 7-11]

Looks good, the only thing I would change would be to use the ram jdeb linked to, it is one of the most compatible ram for AM3 motherboards (a lot of motherboard manufacturers have the ram on their memory certified list).

Regarding listening/producing music, you will want to get a sound card as the built in sound card isn't all that good; especially when you want/need good/accurate sound reproduction. Take a look at Turtle Beach cards; they are pretty inexpensive, work well and are supported on pretty much any modern OS.

Regarding the video card, the HD5770 will handle most games with good settings and resolution without any problems, if you can find a HD4870 or GTX260 for a good amount less and don't need any of the new features that the HD5770, they would probably a better choice.

[Drosenthal]

Hm... I'll have to think about maybe going for a 4870. I'll definitely change out the ram. As far as recording, I'll be using an external sound card--something like this

http://www.samash.com/p/MBox%202%20M...face_-49998326

That will just make it a lot easier, and it will sound better than most internal cards (I also have a connection to get it much cheaper, and it comes with the software). Is a dedicated sound card really necessary? I'm pretty sure that the mbox has the hardware component for recording. I'm planing on connecting the computer directly to a 5.1 receiver, via optical.

So with that info in mind, is a sound card necessary?

Thanks,
Drosenthal

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Drosenthal Hm... I'll have to think about maybe going for a 4870. I'll definitely change out the ram. As far as recording, I'll be using an external sound card--something like this http://www.samash.com/p/MBox%202%20M...face_-49998326 That will just make it a lot easier, and it will sound better than most internal cards (I also have a connection to get it much cheaper, and it comes with the software). Is a dedicated sound card really necessary? I'm pretty sure that the mbox has the hardware component for recording. I'm planing on connecting the computer directly to a 5.1 receiver, via optical. So with that info in mind, is a sound card necessary? Thanks, Drosenthal

It depends on how important good/accurate sound playback is to you, if it's important, then you will want to get a non-integrated sound card (you can get turtle beach sound cards for around $30, something like this: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16829118105), but if you just want something with decent sound playback, the integrated will work fine.

[glc]

Why would he need a soundcard if he gets a Mbox? Doesn't that little thing do everything?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by glc Why would he need a soundcard if he gets a Mbox? Doesn't that little thing do everything?

The MBox would be considered an external soundcard; I thought the question was whether something like the MBox was necessary or not.

[glc]

Something like it is necessary to use the computer as a recording studio. You got the question backwards - he wanted to know if he had a Mbox, would a sound card be necessary?

[gordintoronto]

I don't see anything that requires a $120 case. I'm delighted with my Centurion 534, although I did move a fan from the side to the front. My HD runs at 31 degrees!

[Drosenthal]

I'm not really a fan of the looks of the Centurion, plus, with the mail in rebate, the Azza is only $80.

I keep finding myself going over to Newegg, and seeing better components that I want to put in this rig. It's the first computer I'm building, and it's going to be the first time I have a machine that's above average. So I'm thinking of changing some of the parts. I found this combo...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.308218

Which has the same mobo, a better CPU (The Phenom II X4 955), and similar ram (it's also G.Skill, but it's 1600. I assume since it's in a combo that it's compatible, am I right?). The 650W PSU that I selected is sold out, so I'm getting the same one, in the 500W flavor, which, I believe, should still be able to power the other change that I'm thinking of making... upgrading the GPU to a 5850. My dad is paying for most of this system, but I think I can afford the difference between a 5770 and a 5850, it's about $140 difference, and with christmas coming up, that will be doable. The total comes out to $980. Does this sound like a good system for the money?

Thanks again for all your input.

DRosenthal

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Drosenthal I'm not really a fan of the looks of the Centurion, plus, with the mail in rebate, the Azza is only $80. I keep finding myself going over to Newegg, and seeing better components that I want to put in this rig. It's the first computer I'm building, and it's going to be the first time I have a machine that's above average. So I'm thinking of changing some of the parts. I found this combo... http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.308218 Which has the same mobo, a better CPU (The Phenom II X4 955), and similar ram (it's also G.Skill, but it's 1600. I assume since it's in a combo that it's compatible, am I right?). The 650W PSU that I selected is sold out, so I'm getting the same one, in the 500W flavor, which, I believe, should still be able to power the other change that I'm thinking of making... upgrading the GPU to a 5850. My dad is paying for most of this system, but I think I can afford the difference between a 5770 and a 5850, it's about $140 difference, and with christmas coming up, that will be doable. The total comes out to $980. Does this sound like a good system for the money? Thanks again for all your input. DRosenthal

Looks good; 500W should be enough for the system.

[Drosenthal]

Thanks Masaki, also i was looking at the case, and there's a combo with it and a psu from Azza, which essentially makes the psu free after mail-in-rebate. However, I now the power supply is an integral part of the system, and don't want to buy something that's not quality. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks,
Drosenthal

[flanzig1]

Haven't used Azza PSUs before but looking at the specs for it, the 12v rails are a bit on the weak side. Doesn't have as many connections as a comparable, quailty 500w PSU.

[nicolaus corelius]

do yourself a favor, get a antec or a corsair.

[Drosenthal]

ok, so i'm going to pass on the azza powersupply, but now i found this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.310962
sapphire's 5850, and a free thermaltake tr2 600w psu.

how's this powersupply? anyone have any experience with it?

thanks again
(again)

Drosenthal

[The Other Steve]

Originally Posted by Drosenthal how's this powersupply? anyone have any experience with it?

I do not have experience with that unit.

For what it's worth, there is an article on this site (Jun 2009) about Power Supplies that includes a reputable/not list:

What Power Supply should I get? How many Watts? Who made it? Guide Inside.

[Drosenthal]

Hey again everyone. My build's all done (has been for a while). Things are a little different than what I said, but all in all, it's basically the same. Thanks for all your help. I ended up needing to use your troubleshooting guide (the mobo was touching the case), but it was a great experience. Hope to be doing many more builds, using all of your help.

Again, thanks!