Building a gaming pc, have a question about my mobo and video card

**ibanezrocker06** · September 3rd, 2009, 07:07 PM

So I'm building my first pc which I intend on using for gaming.Specs below:

AMD Phenom II X2 545 3.0Ghz 6MB Cache FSB 4000MHz HT
Cooler Master RR-CCH-L9U1-GP Hyper TX2 Quiet CPU Fan/Heatsink
MSI 785GM-E65 (Radeon HD4200 Video, HDMI, DVI, PCI-Ex, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 5xSATA2, 4xDDR3, 1394)
4GB (2GBx2) PC3 12800 DDR3 1600Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
320GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA300
22X LG Dual Layer DVD+/-RW/CDRW w/Nero
1GB ATI Radeon HD4850 GDDR3 PCI Express DVI/Tvout
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3
Xion Black Solaris XON-403 (4 5.25, 5 3.5 bays) 2 Fans, Window, Front Audio/USB
650watt Antec EarthWatts EA650
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
Standard 1 year parts and labor
$764.00

Ok so I know the mobo has a Radeon hd4200 video, but I have a 4850 video card.Somebody told me I need an addon card so the video card will override the mobo video.Is this true and what is it called exactly.If you could give me a link to a site that sells one that will work with my setup I'd be greatly thankful.

**ibanezrocker06** · September 3rd, 2009, 08:02 PM

Actually I think I'll just get a mobo without the onboard video.
MSI 770-C45 (AMD 770, 2xPCI-Ex, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 6xSATA2, 4xDDR3)

**ShyguyXPC** · September 4th, 2009, 12:00 AM

all you do is disable the onboard video in the motherboards bios. really easy to do, takes all of maybe a minute (if you have to dig through settings and menu's in the bios)

Otherwise the build list looks good.

much much better list of parts than most 1st time builders present on here.

looks like you did much of your research ahead of time before picking out parts. everything matches up, good quality PSU, etc.

looks good to me.

and Welcome to TechIMO!!!

Only change I'd make is upgrading to a 64-bit OS, like Vista 64. you won't be able to use all of your RAM with XP 32-bit, can only address 4GB max of everything, and you have 4GB RAM, 1GB Video memory, plus whatever cache memory is on the CPU, DVD Burner, HDD's, etc, deduct all the latter memory from the 4GB max, and thats roughly what you'll have for available System RAM.

grab 64bit and you should be able to use all of it.

but even still, under 32-bit, 3GB or just under it will still be plenty for a decent gaming rig.

right now, depending on which version of Vista you get, you can get a Voucher for free upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit when it comes out, right now Windows 7 Release Candidate, though has some hiccups, is almost as stable as current versions of Vista. so when it comes out in about a month and half to two months, it should be relatively rock solid as compared to when Vista debuted.

**pullmyfoot** · September 4th, 2009, 01:17 AM

if you could bump up your HD to a nice 500gb or 640 gb Western Digital Caviar Black you will see a nice increase in performance. Also I would just go for the regular 512mb HD4850. I dont think you will see that much of an improvement moving to 1gb (you can only have as much ram as the card can actually use, more is useless except for very specific games)

**ibanezrocker06** · September 4th, 2009, 05:10 AM

Ah ok thanks guys. I would like to upgrade the HDD and OS, but the rig is expensive enough for me as it is.I'll probably upgrade to Vista sometime after I get the pc.Yes I've done a bit of research before hand, made sure the parts were compatabile with everything.

**ShyguyXPC** · September 4th, 2009, 05:26 AM

if you know someone with a copy of the download for Windows 7 Release Candidate, 64-bit version, which isn't downloadable off Microsofts site anymore, but you can still get keys for it, till October 21st.

Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) Download Is No Longer Available

but if you can obtain a copy of Windows 7 64-bit Release Candidate, you could install that on the system and give it a try. it's good until March of Next year.

**pullmyfoot** · September 4th, 2009, 06:14 AM

yep, I use W7 and its awesome. dont bother with vista.

**Lukeno1** · September 4th, 2009, 12:45 PM

Or you could just go straight to the released version of Win7, surely?

**Networker4321** · September 4th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

all you do is disable the onboard video in the motherboards bios. really easy to do, takes all of maybe a minute (if you have to dig through settings and menu's in the bios)

Otherwise the build list looks good.

much much better list of parts than most 1st time builders present on here.

looks like you did much of your research ahead of time before picking out parts. everything matches up, good quality PSU, etc.

looks good to me.

and Welcome to TechIMO!!!

Shy,

Well here goes. I have everything now that you put on my list, went out last night and got a 3 foot DVI cable for the new GTX GPU. All The Shack had was a DVI cable with one end that has that DVI adapter. Any issues with those?

Also, on the TOP of the GPU are three sets of gold contacts, like a three pin next to a 6 pin next to a 4 pin ( counts could be way off, I am in the office office ) I don't use those do I? There are no connectors in the new case that match, nothing pops out at me on the mobo in the old case.

Other question, If I reset my monitor to DVI will I have recognizable screen characters / graphics BEFORE my chance to run the CD that came with the card of is that CD more for gamers?

Really appreciate your assistance. I know I have a good build list, mt pair of $7 coolers came in Wednesday too. Now I am nervous about powering down my main desktop and moving the guts to the new case. I already screwed the new 500W PS in the case. Only three screws would go, the corner has a rivet that is offset or I would just Dremel or drill it out. No biggie there.

I haven't figured out the new locking mechs for the HDD's, DVD/RW and a strange issue, the top section of my Compaq has the small board with all the slots for mem card readers. Maybe everything will line up when I pop out the sheet metal covers that are in the case now.

Thanks Again Shy!

Only change I'd make is upgrading to a 64-bit OS, like Vista 64. you won't be able to use all of your RAM with XP 32-bit, can only address 4GB max of everything, and you have 4GB RAM, 1GB Video memory, plus whatever cache memory is on the CPU, DVD Burner, HDD's, etc, deduct all the latter memory from the 4GB max, and thats roughly what you'll have for available System RAM.

grab 64bit and you should be able to use all of it.

but even still, under 32-bit, 3GB or just under it will still be plenty for a decent gaming rig.

right now, depending on which version of Vista you get, you can get a Voucher for free upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit when it comes out, right now Windows 7 Release Candidate, though has some hiccups, is almost as stable as current versions of Vista. so when it comes out in about a month and half to two months, it should be relatively rock solid as compared to when Vista debuted.

**ibanezrocker06** · September 4th, 2009, 05:01 PM

Yea I never really liked Vista, plus theres no sense in getting the hang of one new OS (Vista) and then having to learn another OS (W7) shortly after. I'll just wait for the release of W7.

**ShyguyXPC** · September 4th, 2009, 07:41 PM

Windows 7 and Vista are the same OS, just that 7 is a stripped down, more efficient and more stable version of Vista, sort of like back in the Windows 98 Days, a year later 98SE came out, more efficient and stable than 98 was.

as to a learning curve, if you know Vista, most of 7 will come naturally.

**ShyguyXPC** · September 4th, 2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Lukeno1

Or you could just go straight to the released version of Win7, surely?

but since Windows 7 isn't out yet, can't do that.

**ibanezrocker06** · September 4th, 2009, 08:51 PM

Oh ok, well I have only used Vista once at a buddy's house, everyone else I know looks down on Vista so they dont use it.

**EXreaction** · September 5th, 2009, 12:26 AM

Personally, I'd get a mobo with integrated video before one without. It's nice if you have to troubleshoot and if you want to turn it into a server or something later (saves a lot on power usage with integrated).

Windows 7 is actually out, if you know where to get it (Technet). IMO Vista is much better than XP and Windows 7 is much better than Vista.

**KarmaKiller** · September 5th, 2009, 01:43 AM

I just made up this list for another thread, but it's only $60 more then what you have on your list, and is all pretty much "cream of the crop" parts.

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
$189 Free shipping

Newegg.com - ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards
$120 Free shipping

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ - Desktop Memory
$75

Newegg.com - Scythe MUGEN-2 SCMG-2000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks
$37

Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners
$29

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives
$75 Free shipping

Newegg.com - XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$145 Free shipping + Double lifetime warranty

Newegg.com - OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Power Supplies
$70 ($60 after MIR)

Newegg.com - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K56W Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
$70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: $810 (without shipping or rebates)

That's for a Quad Core, 4Gb of RAM, Fast HDD, FAST gpu that's able to max out most any game, nice quality case, pretty much everything you need for a great gaming box.

**Lukeno1** · September 5th, 2009, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

but since Windows 7 isn't out yet, can't do that.

So what about all those people who have already installed launch version of Win7?

**ShyguyXPC** · September 5th, 2009, 09:24 AM

The Release Candidate?

that was offered for free public beta testing on Microsofts Site.

There's a reason it was called the Release Candidate.

the OS has yet to hit Retail Shelves yet, so its not out yet.

the RTM version has been shipped to companies like Dell and other business's to build up their supply so they have plenty of PC's with it installed in stock when it does go public, and for retail stores that Sell Prebuilts to have those systems with 7 already installed on them.

yeah, sure you could get a copy from Technet as EX mentioned, but not everyone is signed up or subscribed to that.

as well as other less legit channels that won't be mentioned on this site.

as for Retail, which is what we were talking about (buying a copy of Vista and get the free Win7 Voucher with it), at least I was, Windows 7 IS NOT Out Yet to buy.

**Lukeno1** · September 5th, 2009, 10:17 AM

No, what about that half-price offer that was Windows 7 RETAIL? And that quite a few people already have it?

**KarmaKiller** · September 5th, 2009, 10:32 AM

Anyone who is legally running windows 7 either bought a pre manufactured PC, is a member of tech-net, or is running the RC. There is no way to "go out and buy it" right now.

**ShyguyXPC** · September 5th, 2009, 10:33 AM

Its a Voucher for it when it comes out, they don't have a physical copy of it yet.

the retail release date for 7 was End of October, as far as I know, it hasn't been pushed forward of that yet, all I heard was a chance of it being pushed back possibly due to some issues that needed to be addressed.

if they do have a physical copy, its from Technet or some other Legit Source or they've illegally obtained it.

Explain this then?

Newegg.com - Software,Software,Operating Systems,Windows 7

notice all the Pre-Order's?

and even the first item lists a Windows 7 Free upgrade Coupon.