AMD Athlon (New Build)

[Lazarus65]

I recently came into some money, and have been wanting to build my own computer for awhile. I bought this really nice CPU and have been wondering which MB can support it. Here is the CPU. I've read that a mother board that supports AM2+ can support an AM3 CPU, with the ability to support DDR3 memory. So, does anybody know if this MB can support my CPU? Or if you know of another one that can support it. My budget is fairly limited, but I'll take into consideration any help I can get.

[RicheemxX]

Well yes and no, yes most AM2+ boards support AM3 CPU's but no they don't support DDR3. The board has to specifically support DDR3 which that one doesn't. Posting your budget and considerations would be the best bet.

[Lazarus65]

I just want a fast computer, within a reasonable price. Since I'm shopping on Amazon, the prices are slashed in half. I paid 50 for the Athlon II X2. And was hoping to pay around the same price for the motherboard. I have a MB budget around $65.

[RicheemxX]

Well when I said other considerations I meant do you already have RAM, you mentioned DDR3 is why I ask? Do you have a specific GPU? Or do you need on-board video? odd add-on cards, need extra ide channels ect that all needs to be considered.

Amazon pricing is hardly ever that good, just because they say its half off doesn't mean squat!

[Lazarus65]

Just checked my email from them CPU purchase, and saw a great deal on a motherboard that supports AM2+ DDR3. On the specifications list, my CPU is supported. I always have more questions. When buying a new case, what would be the best PSU to use? Would a higher wattage completely fry my motherboard? Or will the motherboard, limit the amount of watts it sucks up?
I just need to know what kind of case I should get. I've seen some pretty cool ones with 350w-500w, but just didn't know which one I should get. This is my first time building a complete new computer, so I'm just trying to be cautious.

[Lazarus65]

Well when I said other considerations I meant do you already have RAM, you mentioned DDR3 is why I ask? Do you have a specific GPU? Or do you need on-board video? odd add-on cards, need extra ide channels ect that all needs to be considered.

Amazon pricing is hardly ever that good, just because they say its half off doesn't mean squat!

Well I look for the refurbished, or just really good deals. But I don't have any RAM yet, I'm just trying to get the main things first. I started with the CPU and built around it. I have my own GPU, but it's only a GeFore 6200 OC. With the DDR3 thing, I was just reading about it on wikipedia that a AM2+ motherboard can support an AM3 CPU as long as it has DDR3 ability.

[RicheemxX]

LOL - this is like pulling teeth - you'd have been much better off posting a budget and asking for help for the entire build right from the get go but here goes!

How about you back the bus up - all you have is a CPU and sorry to say, crappy GPU? Do you have your drives??

I say crappy GPU because you can find better on-board video in most newer boards that support AM3 CPUs.

So how about you give us a budget for everything you need, which sounds like motherboard, RAM, case and PSU.

You do not want to buy a case that already have a PSU, most of those are crap. A good PSU is a must for any system. The board and components only use as much power as they need, so no you don't need to worry about having "too much" power. Just as long as its a good PSU.

[stroyal]

Only buy good brand name power supplies, this is very important.
The size of your power supply depends on your system, with the video card being a big factor.
As far as tooo big, it would be just a case of spending money you don't need to.

No electrical device will draw more power that it needs, no matter how large the source.

On the other hand if you get 350 watt for example, and the computer requires 450, that 350 watt PS will try to put out 450watts until it dies. That is if it works at all.

I digress, the amps on the 12v is what we will be looking at.

[Lazarus65]

I know the GPU is crappy, that's why I didn't even mention, nor care that the motherboard has PCI slots. My girlfriend has my other GPU, which is a 1GB PCI-E GPU. But I don't really care about that too much, since It's not really a gaming computer, more along media and other personal effects. Only thing I need now, is the RAM and case. I have a case already, but I wanted a better one, since I blew the PSU on it, and I didn't want to purchase a new PSU since it was only 250W, and I need something with a bit more power for this new build. So, you say too much power is never enough power? Great. My budget is actually whatever, since I can always find a cheaper price somewhere else for the things that I need. So, If I tell you that my budget was only $130, you'd probably laugh at me. I just have set limits for each item. Like I have $130 for the MB and CPU. Everything else I'll play by ear.

[Lazarus65]

Only buy good brand name power supplies, this is very important.
The size of your power supply depends on your system, with the video card being a big factor.
As far as tooo big, it would be just a case of spending money you don't need to.

No electrical device will draw more power that it needs, no matter how large the source.

On the other hand if you get 350 watt for example, and the computer requires 450, that 350 watt PS will try to put out 450watts until it dies. That is is it works at all.

I digress with watts, the amps on the 12v is what we will be looking at.

Well I won't be adding my GPU, and Most of the motherboards and PSU's I've found have been 12v. I'm just not sure what my MB needs, until I get it. So i'm just being cautious.

[stroyal]

Well I won't be adding my GPU, and Most of the motherboards and PSU's I've found have been 12v. I'm just not sure what my MB needs, until I get it. So i'm just being cautious.

All motherboards have 12v, I'm talking about the AMPS on the 12v rail.
The amps tell you how much 12v you have.

Volts X Amps=Watts,

[Lazarus65]

All motherboards have 12v, I'm talking about the AMPS on the 12v rail.
The amps tell you how much 12v you have.

Volts X Amps=Watts,

What type of PSU would you reccommend for this type of motherboard, and CPU combo?
Motherboard: MSI Global – Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Mainboard, Graphics and more

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 - ADX240OCK23GQ (ADX240OCGQBOX)

[RicheemxX]

This right here would be suitable for what you are using Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies

this also wouldn't be a bad fit
Newegg.com - Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU 500W ATX 12V 2.0 Power Supply - Power Supplies

either one would offer more than enough power for what you are running and give you a bit of extra overhead incase you decide to get a better gpu

[stroyal]

2 good choices, when you stick with good brands, you can trust the specs.
I know that Corsair 400watt has 30amps on the 12v rail.

I know I repeat this a lot, but I have 400watt Allied that has 17 amps on the 12v rail, that's one of the differences from a good brand and a so so brand to be kind.

[-FMA]

I know the GPU is crappy, that's why I didn't even mention, nor care that the motherboard has PCI slots. My girlfriend has my other GPU, which is a 1GB PCI-E GPU. But I don't really care about that too much, since It's not really a gaming computer, more along media and other personal effects. Only thing I need now, is the RAM and case. I have a case already, but I wanted a better one, since I blew the PSU on it, and I didn't want to purchase a new PSU since it was only 250W, and I need something with a bit more power for this new build. So, you say too much power is never enough power? Great. My budget is actually whatever, since I can always find a cheaper price somewhere else for the things that I need. So, If I tell you that my budget was only $130, you'd probably laugh at me. I just have set limits for each item. Like I have $130 for the MB and CPU. Everything else I'll play by ear.

OK, taking the CPU you have already purchased...

1. Spend no less than $40 on your PSU. Richeemmx has suggested a couple that will work well.
It's never a good idea to skimp out on your PSU. For reasons mentioned before.

2. As for the case, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say. I understand you have a case but the PSU died. You also want a better case but you didn't want to purchase a new PSU because it was only 250W? The PSU that died was 250W or another PSU you were looking to replace it with was 250W?

Either way, unless you've got the money, you're better off buying a better PSU (again like Richeemmx suggested)
If you do decide to get a new case, if it comes with a PSU, it's garbage. Do not use it.

3. A motherboard is going to run you roughly $60-100 or even more depending on your needs.

4. RAM? You'll spend no less than $50 for 2GB of quality RAM.

[-FMA]

What is the return policy on the CPU you purchased? This is a pretty good deal:

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

The case does come with a PSU, however it's not compatible with that motherboard. Though I wouldn't be suggesting you use it anyway.

[Lazarus65]

OK, taking the CPU you have already purchased...

1. Spend no less than $40 on your PSU. Richeemmx has suggested a couple that will work well.
It's never a good idea to skimp out on your PSU. For reasons mentioned before.

2. As for the case, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say. I understand you have a case but the PSU died. You also want a better case but you didn't want to purchase a new PSU because it was only 250W? The PSU that died was 250W or another PSU you were looking to replace it with was 250W?

Either way, unless you've got the money, you're better off buying a better PSU (again like Richeemmx suggested)
If you do decide to get a new case, if it comes with a PSU, it's garbage. Do not use it.

3. A motherboard is going to run you roughly $60-100 or even more depending on your needs.

4. RAM? You'll spend no less than $50 for 2GB of quality RAM.

I was saying that I didn't want to purchase a new PSU for my old case, since it isn't enough power, so I was deciding on a replacement. And since I'm going to build a completely new computer, I was thinking of a better case, and a higher quality PSU. I found a great Corsair for $45.
The RAM I also found for $56. So, that one you suggested isn't as good a deal as it looks. I can find a computer case without the PSU for a cheaper price, or just mod a cheap one to fit the needs I have.
I just needed advice on certain items, so I don't blow my new build.

[-FMA]

The RAM in that deal is $49, it's actually cheaper than what you have found. What RAM is it?

In all honesty, if you're asking us for advice on this you may want to be open to our suggestions. I wouldn't like to see you purchase a part that isn't compatible with another, overpay or buy a bad piece of hardware.

This PSU you found, is it compatible with your motherboard? Don't have a motherboard picked out yet? Better make sure they work together.

[Lazarus65]

The RAM in that deal is $49, it's actually cheaper than what you have found. What RAM is it?

In all honesty, if you're asking us for advice on this you may want to be open to our suggestions. I wouldn't like to see you purchase a part that isn't compatible with another, overpay or buy a bad piece of hardware.

This PSU you found, is it compatible with your motherboard? Don't have a motherboard picked out yet? Better make sure they work together.

I am very open. I just keep finding cheaper deals then listed elsewhere. I haven't bought the PSU yet. I'm waiting til I get the motherboard to see how it looks, and how much power I should add. So far I have found a Corsair at 550W. The RAM i bought is 1333Mhz 2GB DDR3. You say not to use the PSU that comes with a case, but what about a case that is name brand? Like an AMD?

[-FMA]

If you can look up the PSU that comes with the case, check it out though I wouldn't expect much from them. You want a reliable PSU, one that isn't going to harm your parts when it goes out.