Need opinions on new builds.

[zDest]

Ok, so a while ago I made a topic asking for recommendation for computer parts to build a computer.

Recently a quite bit of my electronics fried so after I saved had to spend what I saved up to replace stuff, so my build has been decreased dramatically.

I've came up with 3 different builds that I would like to get a few opinions on these builds that would be best for price/performance for use until maybe October when I get more money.

(Can't post links my apologies.)



AMD Phenom II 955 BE: $114
Asrock 870 extreme 3: $90
G. Skill Ripjaws 4GB 1333 DDR3: $43
Sapphire 100338L Radeon HD 6770: $118
Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power 80+ Certified: $55
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB HDD: $61
Xigmatek Asgard II Tower Case: $40
LG DVD+RW Super-Multi Drive DVD Burner: $19

Total: 540$ ($530 w/ $10 off customer code.)

__________________________________________
Intel Core i3-2100: $125
Gigabyte GA-H61M-D2P-B3: $73
G. Skill Ripjaws X 4GB DDR3 1333: $43
Sapphire 100338L Radeon HD 6770: $118
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB HDD: $61
Antec EarthWatts 430D Green Continuous Power 430W 80+ Certified: $45
LG DVD+RW Black Drive: $19
Xigmatek Asgard II Tower Case: $40

Total: $524 ($504 w/ $10 Promo Code & 10$ Customer code.)

__________________________________________
AMD Athlon II x3 450 Rana: $80
ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770: $65
G. Skill Ripjaws 4GB 1333 DDR3: $43
SAPPHIRE 100338L Radeon HD 6770: $118
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB: $61
Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power: $57
LG DVD+RW Black Drive: $19
Xigmatek Asgard II: $40

Total: $483 ($463 w/ 10$ Promo Code & 10$ Customer code.)

Which of these would be the best for gaming until October-November?

[TanAxys]

well, if you are going to completely scrap or sell this build to finance your next one, then #3 would be the way to go

if you want to salvage this one to use in the next, then #2.

If you could squeeze in a little more $$, upgrade the board in #2 to a P67. Then when you get more money in October, you can just grab a an i5 or even i7 chip of your choice (2500k would be good) and drop it right onto the P67 board, and crank up the OC.

$104 MSI P67

[zDest]

Snip

Thanks for the reply, almost decided this topic wasn't going anywhere :P.

I think the mobo is a bit out of my reach, I'm also still new to building, ATM I just need something to play old games and modernish games.
(CoD4, CS:S, BO and possibly BFBC2.)

Do you think the #2 as it is now, without that mobo, would play most games (My spare monitor is 1280x1024 because my old monitor (can't remember it's res) fried.)

Also is the PSU good enough?

[Cantii]

The second one will completely out-perform the other two rigs, even though it's only a dual core. It's pretty damn ridiculous and will play anything you throw at it at 1280x1024, easily.

[zDest]

The second one will completely out-perform the other two rigs, even though it's only a dual core. It's pretty damn ridiculous and will play anything you throw at it at 1280x1024, easily.

Thanks for the reply.

Would the PSU handle it just fine?

Also a Offtopic question;

What programs would you recommend after building it to test stuff?

I.E. Testing memory, temps, Hard drive, etc.

[TanAxys]

the thing with the MB is that it's what everything else in the computer plugs into. by gimping your MB like that you're limiting the growth potential of your machine, which means you will have to do a complete tear down sooner.

as for testing: prime95, will do everything you're looking for on the h61 board. if you get the P67 and get into over clocking, then core temp is another tool that allows for monitoring heat.

[zDest]

[QUOTE=TanAxys;12022092] Snip [QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply!

As for limiting the growth potential, it doesn't bother me tbh, as long as it plays the games I want until I absolutely need a upgrade (I.E BF3) then it should suit my needs considering i3 2100 doesn't OC anyway.

As for another question, (Which I'ved asked a lot of .) is Does it matter if any type of RAM go into any mobo, or should I see if it requires specific RAM?

[Cantii]

[QUOTE=zDest;12028071][QUOTE=TanAxys;12022092] Snip

Thanks for the reply!

As for limiting the growth potential, it doesn't bother me tbh, as long as it plays the games I want until I absolutely need a upgrade (I.E BF3) then it should suit my needs considering i3 2100 doesn't OC anyway.

As for another question, (Which I'ved asked a lot of .) is Does it matter if any type of RAM go into any mobo, or should I see if it requires specific RAM?

It's a safe bet that just about any DDR3 RAM that runs at 1.5 volts would do just fine in it. The 6770 (rebranded 5770 with slightly new architecture) may very well be able to run BF3 at decent settings depending on resolution.

[zDest]

[QUOTE=Cantii;12034326][QUOTE=zDest;12028071]

Snip

It's a safe bet that just about any DDR3 RAM that runs at 1.5 volts would do just fine in it. The 6770 (rebranded 5770 with slightly new architecture) may very well be able to run BF3 at decent settings depending on resolution.

I see, thank you.

As for my last question, the i3-2100 will be better than the 955/Athlon II 640 in BFBC2 even though it's not a true Quad-Core? Very interesting.

[Fuzzykins]

I see, thank you.

As for my last question, the i3-2100 will be better than the 955/Athlon II 640 in BFBC2 even though it's not a true Quad-Core? Very interesting.

Yes.
/thispostistooshort

[zDest]

Yes.
/thispostistooshort

Oh wow that was a fast reply :P

Thanks guys for all the help, I'd +rep you all if it was possible.

And I have to retract my last question because this one just popped into my head: Would a 430W EarthWatts run it all or should get more Wattage PSU?
Don't want to skimp on it and it blow up or something .

[Asmekiel]

Oh wow that was a fast reply :P

Thanks guys for all the help, I'd +rep you all if it was possible.

And I have to retract my last question because this one just popped into my head: Would a 430W EarthWatts run it all or should get more Wattage PSU?
Don't want to skimp on it and it blow up or something .

That PSU will be able to power that system without any problems.

[zDest]

That PSU will be able to power that system without any problems.

Thanks for replying! Awesome that it will work

Alright, I think this topic is pretty much done, thank you all for the help.