New computer build. I would like advice before ordering.

**riverside4455** · May 23rd, 2009, 08:20 PM

First I would like to thank everyone for even looking and considering this topic. I have not built a computer in a few years and its finally time to get a new one. I plan on using this for *some* games (most notably to make sure I can play Diablo 3) the rest is the usual internet, music etc...

What i would like is a critique on the build and to make sure its viable. Any tips on ways to make this cheaper and more reliable would be key. Also, if i forgot to add anything.

Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

HD: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies

Motherboard: ASUS M4N72-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD
Newegg.com - ASUS M4N72-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

Ram: mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
Newegg.com - mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Processors - Desktops

with Vista Ultimate (combo deal made it 15 more than home premium)

Thanks again everyone for taking a look. Please, what can i do better on this build or cheaper?
Is this even viable?

**riverside4455** · May 23rd, 2009, 08:23 PM

Oh and Keyboard, mouse, monitor and DVD drive i did not include.
I will use the Heatsink that comes with the processor.
Thanks again!

**KarmaKiller** · May 23rd, 2009, 08:52 PM

Hi and welcome to TechIMO.

Build looks good, I'd only suggest one thing. Switch out the motherboard for this
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

And if you can spend $10 more, you can get a slightly faster hard drive
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - Internal Hard Drives

One other thing. Instead of buying Vista, you might try out Windows 7 first. It's free for a year or so, and is much nicer then Vista IMO. It's very sleek and snappy. Just a side thought.
Good luck.

**riverside4455** · May 23rd, 2009, 09:38 PM

KarmaKiller-
Thank you very much for your reply, I really appreciate your help.
I do have one follow up question though. Why the gigabyte board over the asus? Dont get me wrong, i trust your opinion. However, I would like to know why it has the edge.

Thank you for your time.

**KarmaKiller** · May 23rd, 2009, 10:32 PM

Couple of reasons really. First off, the chipset on the gigabyte board is made by AMD, the same people that make your CPU. While I'm a fan of nvidia chipsets, I own one myself, they tend to run warmer then other chipsets. And that particular AMD chipset that's on the gigabyte board is one of the fastest they make for AMD socket boards.

Plus lately, Gigabyte has been one of the more reliable motherboard manufactures. So multiple reasons why.

**riverside4455** · May 23rd, 2009, 11:27 PM

Perfect!
That makes sense and I have switched to the Gigabyte you recommended. I liked Asus because I used it on my last build and it still had great reviews.

I have also made other changes, probably not a big deal but here they are anyways.

I switched to DDR 1066. I saw the motherboard had issues with this but the solution is to place it in the 1 & 3 slots.
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Oh, and I chose the HD you recommended as well.

Thank you for your time KarmaKiller. I understand you do not need to reply to this message as its mostly a confirmation on your information so you dont feel obligated.

**pullmyfoot** · May 24th, 2009, 04:06 AM

If you could spend $50-$100 more I would go for an AM3 setup instead. You might as well get the latest tech if your building from scratch.

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

If you want a Black Edition you will have to cough up a little more though
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

But if you want to stick to KK's suggestions thats fine too becasue they are good.

Also, personally I think that case you chose is kinda ugly in real life. It looks fine in pictures, but in real life it feels and looks a little cheap.

**cksboy15** · May 24th, 2009, 04:12 AM

Just to throw in a slightly cheaper option for parts. Which is something to look at

This memory is a few bucks cheaper and its ddr2 1066 Newegg.com - OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

and this PSU is only $74.99 and its the same wattage
Newegg.com - Antec EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

**pullmyfoot** · May 24th, 2009, 04:19 AM

Originally Posted by cksboy15

Just to throw in a slightly cheaper option for parts. Which is something to look at

This memory is a few bucks cheaper and its ddr2 1066 Newegg.com - OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

and this PSU is only $74.99 and its the same wattage
Newegg.com - Antec EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

It has less amps on the 12V rails.. It has less than 40amps on them (2 rails at 22amps never gives you 44amps total, always less). The Cossair has one big rail at 52amps.