OK, He wants his own PC because the one I built for my Father is OLD.

He wants to Mainly Run Final Fantasy 14,
So decent GFX Power, Moderate CPU, After market Audio isn't important..
Speakers aren't important, he's using headphones.
I'll Order Aftermarket CPU Cooler/AS4 and Fans later.

Basically he needs the Rig, and a Screen. I think He'll use the "IbuyPower USB Keyboard/Mouse"
(anyone got a recent picture of those?)


I have a budget of about $900 ish, i'd like to keep it around $750 though.

So My Family and I are trying to build him one for Christmas, I would like to just use Ibuypower because I've had good experience with them so far on my rigs. But if I have to I'll order from NewEgg/Tieger or whoever in waves and build it as the parts Come.

EDit: Shipping Parts in $300 Installments... See last Post

Maybe having an AM3 motherboard will add a bit more future-proofing to the system? It would mean going DDR3, but DDR2 prices are going up anyway and are about level with DDR3.

Asus has some boards in the same price-range:

Asus M4A785T-M (AM3, 785G, mATX, DDR3, 2x PCI, PCI-e 1x, PCI-e 2.x 16x)
Asus M4A77TD (AM3, 770, ATX, DDR3, 3x PCI, 2x PCI-e 1x, PCI-e 2.x 16x)
Asus M4A88T-M (AM3, 880G, mATX, DDR3, 2x PCI-e 2.x 1x, PCI-e 2.x 16x)

If ASUS isn't directly necessary, there's also Gigabyte
Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3 (AM3, 770, ATX, DDR3, 4x PCI-e 1x, PCI-e 16x, 2x PCI 32-bit, 66MHz)
Gigabyte GA-880GM-D2H (AM3, 880G, mATX, DDR3, 2x PCI, PCI-e 1x, PCI-e 16x)



[EDIT]Gigabyte

i dont really do "Upgrades". I just build a new rig and retire the parts or hand it down to one of my brothers.

FWIW: I just ran to Newegg and quickly put together a fairly high end quad-core DX11 system that will run any game currently on the market for $1035. If I shopped more intently, I probably would come close to your $950 mark. When the HD6xxx ATI cards hit the market at the end of November, GPUs of all makes will be cheaper. AMD is in the process of lowering the CPU costs too.

Phenom II X4 965
Gigabyte 890GX AM3 motherboard
4GB Patriot DDR3 1033 (more is meaningless)
ATI HD5830
Corsair 750W PSU
Seagate 1TB HD
ASUS 23" LCD monitor
Windows 7 HP
etc. etc. -- all the parts needed

So, by the end of November (the Newegg Black Friday weekend sale -- which I used last year to make an economical system), one should be able to build a system able to run anything and with "legs" for the future -- for under $950. No need to compromise with dual-core or any of that.

By the way, I agree with the above post -- I build a new system for myself -- my wife gets mine -- a grandkid gets my wife's -- sometimes there is a further bump -- lots of folks happy including me and my new system

For what its worth.

So far no where i've done Custom configurations came close to iBuypower.

half the "free Upgrades" i had the option for are gone now a week later.

Im prolly gonna wait to see if they do a "black friday" weekend special,

But even if i get a pre-built from IBP, I still have to take it apart and add some stuff to help with cooling, Add software to prevent him from screwing with settings and to monitor is system to protect it. etc etc, then run some CPU Burn Ins and GFX Burn Ins (Yeah IBP does that, but Im gonna fiddle with the cooling so I'm gonna have to re-burn in the Heatsinks and stuff.

I hate the stock HSFans they use, that was my only gripe from my system, their Certified Heatsinks are garbage, and killed my AthlonX2 6000+ in a month, i had to go out and buy a Zalman 9700NT to keep my temps down. and other than the Cert. Heatsinks they only offer water cooling. blah.

My Budget was around $750, so, even my $900 is over budget, but Im looking at some BF deals, and coupon codes that I'll have from google or whatnot.

I would not even fool with a dual-core anymore. And DDR2? No way.

Someway, I would work in a Nvidia 460 too.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/value-gaming-pc,2578.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-pc-build-a-pc-overclock,2739.html

Yeah, I was looking at the eVGA 450 SSC because they use a different cores than the stock 450s, so its OCd and has more CUDA cores *supposedly*, and a lifetime warranty.

I'll wait to see what tom's says abotu the $750 PC, then make adjustments,

I saw that i can get a cheap Dual core Phenom and turn on cores 02 and 03 to make it a legit Quad w/ a lil program.

I was looking into making the adjustments to get DDR3/USB3.0 and prolly quad core, That brought it to $896 without a LCD, Shipping/Tax and Add On Heatsink/Fans.

The egg has a heck of a sale on right now. 72 hours. You can pick up a 750Gb Seagate 12 series for 49.99.

LINK

Here are some budget system recommendations by a few well known sites:

ArsTechnica latest
Bit-Tech.net's latest
TechReport's latest

So I Guess im building it myself based on some info. Like i said, buying 3 core and activating the 4th

Using the Above guides, and making substitutions i want (ie eVGA 460), and replacing the CPU/Mobo I can build a system for liek $599 without Windows

Case
Mobo
AMD Phenom X4
4 GB Corsair Dominator
500GB HDD (might just buy a 1tb from local walmart for $70, w/ 32 MB cache)
SATA DVD-R
2 Sata Cables
Evga 460 SSC
4 120MM Fans.

Allocated about $100 for PSU and Another $130ish for Display.
Didnt look at aftermarket cooling until i see what kinda room I got. might not need it anyway.
Just gotta make sure the mobo's onboard sound is a "DirectSound® compatible sound card (DirectX® 9.0 or higher)"

I think most onboard sound is done by realtek, anyone know if they work in newer games or will I have to buy a SB XFi. (I think would be overkill considering he's gonna be using Stereo Headphones)

Keyboard and mouse are dirt cheap so I'll get those when Im moving the sytem from my house to his after assembly (I might toy with it too.)


I'll Post specs and links once I finalize my selections.

Looks like a nice system for the money. OS is going to be at least 90 bucks too.

ahh, i forgot to save the links while i was browsing at work, so now I have to re-find the CPUs and stuff.

earlier I clicked the Athlon X3 link and it took me to a Phenom X4.. now it wont. I guess I'll wait till i go back to work tomorrow to go back and get specs from the links.

$708.86,
Everything But the Display, Keyboard and Mouse. I Might sub some stuff if funding permits or if cheaper alternatives appear, but right now this looks like its the setup, prices may go down before I order it all.

I coulda went with cheaper parts, but chose not too, for example the AthlonX3 is only $77 but theres no garauntee in activating the 4th core or if it will even be stable.

The only GFX intensive game he'll be playing is Final Fantasy 14 Online, Using DX10/11. I still need to see if Final Fantasy 11 Online works on Win7 or Im gonna have to set it up to dual boot XP or if i can jump to Win7 Pro and use XP mode.

Any Thoughts/Subs?

$39.99
Case – NZXT GAMMA Classic Series ATX Mid Tower Interior Steel Chassis (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Inte...4371&sr=1-1

$6.99 x2
Case Fans - NZXT 120mm Performance Case Fan FN 120RB (Black/White)
http://www.amazon.com/120mm-Performance-...4371&sr=1-5

.99 x2
SATA Cables - Cables Unlimited 18-Inch SATA Cable Right Angle Connector to Straight Connector
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-1...4326&sr=1-1

69.99
Power Supply - NZXT PERFORMANCE POWER 600W ATX/BTX SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/PERFORMANCE-POWER-...2313&sr=1-1


$59.99
Mainboard - ASRock AM3 processors AMD 770-140W 4DDR3/ATI CrossFireX motherboard M3A770DE
http://www.amazon.com/ASRock-processors-...0889&sr=1-1

109.95
Processor - AMD Athlon II X4 630 95W AM3 2MB 2800MHz Retail
http://www.amazon.com/AMD-Athlon-630-280...0889&sr=1-2

43.99 x2
Memory - Crucial CT25664BA1339 2GB 240-PIN PC3-10600 DIMM DDR3 Memory Module
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-CT25664BA1...e_ai_172500_t_8

139.99
Graphics Card - EVGA GeForce GTS450 SuperClocked 1 GB GDDR5 PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card 01G-P3-1452-TR
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperClocked-...4891&sr=1-1

23.99
Optical Drive - Samsung SH-S223C - Disk drive - DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM - 22x/22x/12x - Serial ATA - internal - 5.25" - black
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SH-S223C-D...9693&sr=1-2

64.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200 1 TB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Hard Drive ST31000528AS-Bare Drive
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-...3622&sr=1-1

99.99
Operating System - Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit System Builder 1pk
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Home-Premi...2955&sr=8-1

Right off the bat you can save ten dollars at the egg on the OS.

I think i can get SATA Cables for .49 too at the egg, I just used amazon's for specs/price reference.

I'm gonna try and order it in waves and assemble, so some things i know i can get cheaper at the egg.

the only things i am concerned with is:

The HDD, alot of people get D.O.A. drives when ordering online, but that drive is $79 at the local store.
The PSU, Im not sure but I think thats the same PSU running my system, and my GFX/CPU eats more wattage than his will.

Im gonna see if I can spring for the eVGA 460 Superclocked ($50 more).
Wierd though the 450 has Higher Clocks and more memory.
Whats the CUDA cores difference.. 192 to 336, so 144 cores difference, Im gonna have to look at some charts on this one.

I think I can get the eVGA 460GTX Superclocked from the Egg cheaper too.

I've read that about Amazon bought ones, but then I don't know if the pack was marked "handle with care" and if the post sorters think "it's just another book" and throw it around. I've not had one DOA drive amongst the ones I've ordered online, but then the distances in the Netherlands don't compare.

Cool, The CPU already dropped $15....

Also read alot of Reviews of the eVGA 450 GTS SSC and im sure my brother will make use of it fine, only running one screen at 1680x1050 so its sufficient, the only DX10/11 games he'll play are FFIV, and the Third Wwire Titles. My Card can run all of his DX9 Based games at max details smooth, so the 450 should be able to run them no problem as well.

As for the HDDs, Im prolly going to buy it from a local store, too many of my friends are having issues with the sites shipping the improperly so they are DOA or damaged. To Amazon's Credit my 2 500 GB Seagates are still alive and kicking running 3 years almost 24/7, but i baby my HDDs. And they did arrive in bad packaging (inside a plastic casing designed for retail store display, and in a box), no foam or padding around it. i cant even RMA my Western Digital because I don't have the Foam to ship them. its sitting in a box, I might do the Send me a drive first and I'll use their box to send it back.

as for me, DX11 isnt important, so im gonna pickup another eVGA 8800 GTS SSC 640MB off ebay for $40 and SLI them :p

Phenoms are Dropping $95.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...3-644-_-Product

OK, I have the hardware finalized and im gonna start ordering them in 3 or 4 waves, The GFX Card, CPU/Mobo/Ram will be last. (Im ordering the GFX, CPU, RAM, MOBO last to wait to see if prices drop and so that everything is together so i can boot, that way if it dont boot i can get it replaced through newegg.)

I will post new links/hardware info when i get home from work tonite.

The only thing im still ify on is the GFX Card:

I had Selected this one for $149.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130577
EVGA 01G-P3-1458-TR GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) FTW 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16

or this one for a few bucks cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121394
ASUS ENGTS450 DirectCU TOP/DI/1GD5 GeForce GTS 450 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16

Would an ATI 5770 be better?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873
SAPPHIRE 100283-3L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16



is there a better one for the same price or less from AMD?

Im also looking at if I get an AMD Card, I can switch the mobos to one with integrated 4xxx Series and have a 2nd GPU to help. (Assuming that ATI/AMDs drivers do that.) Ie Run a 5770 as Primary and the Onboard 4200 as a second GPU to help the 5770


Also If I order all this from New egg, in waves of say $300 each, how much are they gonna charge me for shipping?

Public Wishlist:
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=12619411

Next week I'm ordering all the "instant savings items", the total has gone down $30 in two weeks...I'm Hoping the Graphics cards drop as well as CPU/Ram, the Mobo,Ram, CPU will be the last thing I order for the kit in about 4 weeks from now, so If i can get a kit on a black Friday deal I will.

Ok: I Finalized the Parts, well 99% Finalized, Barring anymore "out of stocks".
Or Last Minute recommended changes by you guys.

Was Supposed to be a Budget build, but I found a way to squeeze some more funds into it. so.

Final Total : $951.89 + Shipping (not countning Mail In rebates/Promo codes.)
(and this system beats my system I built 3 years ago that cost me $3000)

Im Ordering Case Components First, then the Mainboard components, then lastly the display and graphics;
I hope some of the prices drop on the GFX and other components.

Most of the Items were chosen because of Reviews and Compatibility w/ components,
Except the HD6850, $179 for Performance of a $300 HD5850 is too good to pass up.

1st Shipment Case Components:


Shipment 2 Mainboard Components:


Shipment 3, GFX Card, Display, WIndows OEM Disc

Just a reminder.... I see the sale on the 18.99 DVD Burner ends today

The 10% Public Promo Code ends today yes, but I have other promo codes that dont expire till the end of the month that take off more than 10%, and Codes cannot be stacked so.


IM also gonna review daily deals for some stuff when Im building the orders to ship.

This first Wave will be ordered this week.

Below is my 1st wave shipping packing list that is being shipped in the 1st wave, and the list of remaining parts.,

But right now, I've come to a snag when looking at Graphics/ CPU Cooling,
The most intensive game my brother will be playing is Final Fantasy 14 Online, So I'm still kicking around which video card I want to get him.
CPU Cooling, the Zalman 9700NT Cools My 125W Athlon X2 Nicely, But the Price has gone up since I purchased mine 3 years ago. Any Reccemendations for a Nice AM3 socket Cooler under $50)?

OK Heres What I just Ordered For the First Wave, Came to $470 after Promo/Shipping Etc:




Yet To Be Ordered:

I think the stock cooler will do it both for cooling and quiet -- unless you OC or unlock some cores.

We have two of these -- one in my system and one in my wife's. Its the best blend of cooling, size (not too big that it gets in the way), quiet I have personally experienced (but, other coolers I have not experienced may be as good). It was very high ranked in test reports -- better than most of the stuff folks bring up. Its also a bit expensive -- yet under $50. Its on sale for under $40 from time to time.

Zerotherm Cooler

Again, before I'd put any money into a cooler that will have no visible effect, I'd put the extra $50 into a GPU. Or, push up to a Callisto 555 with the idea of unlocking a core.

BTW, the cheaper CPUs (including 555) have cheaper, weaker coolers in the box.

However, the Phenom II quad 965 etc, come with real good heat pipe coolers as standard in the box. Though I bought a Zerotherm, I see it made no real difference compared to the stock 965 cooler. So, rather than buy a cheap CPU plus an expensive cooler, one could simply buy a first class CPU to begin with and get both -- quad CPU and heat pipe cooler.

Just suggestions

The CPU i picked was an OEM and didnt come with a Heatsink/Fan, and my brother's house has no A/C so in the summer I need a cooler that can cool with no problems. and if by my luck cores 02/03 unlock, it will have higher heat output.

on my AthlonX2 my idle temps were in the 40s, and I hit the 60^c cap running Prime, and eventually that CPU Failed using stock Alu/No Heatpipe Cooler and no overclocks. got the CPU replaced and bought the 9700NT and temps dropped to the 20^c and in the teens during the winter, Load temps never exceeded 32^C from that point on. This is the reason I chose the cooler, I know my brother's house has no AC so it will get hot (my system was at his house the first year I had it.)


Edit:

If I Upgrade to a Retail AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

I'll save $48.99
OEM CPU 75.99
Heatsink fan 64.99
Total 140.98

Retail CPU w/Heatsink 91.99

This CPU will also be a Black Edition, I can Prolly run it at stock until I get some extra cash to buy a nicer cooler down the road before it gets too hot outside.

Which Heatsink comes with the Black edition CPUs?

I would not pay that for a 450 when Fry's had their 896Mb 460 last week for 129. Oh, it's still there.

http://www.frys.com/product/6340831

Because the nVidia 460GTS 768MB/336 Core Variants are being discontinued,

nVidia is Shipping out boards for the 460SE, which has 1GB of memory but only 288 Cores. But they use the same PCB Reference design as the 460 1GB, so from 3 MFG Lines in the 46x Series to 2 MFG lines, the 465 is about to be discontinued as well.

Going by my "hands on" personal experience:

Before the 555 Black there was a 550 Black which I bought and unlocked -- got 4 good cores. The cooler was no doubt adequate for the 550 running stock -- as these were nominally 80W CPUs. But, it was just an "old fashioned" aluminum heat sink and fan (of good quality for what it was). Since I had the Zerotherms on our 940 and 965, I used the "left over" 940 heat sink on the unlocked 550. I got my sister a 555 and unlocked it -- got 3 good cores. The 555 had pretty much the same aluminum heat sink as the 550. I gave her the other left over 965 heat pipe heat sink. Both the unlocked units run cool in the Prime 95 stress test for a few hours (with the heat pipe coolers installed).

Our Phenom II 940 and 965 were both 125W - 140W CPUs -- they came with equivalent heat pipe coolers. So, I "surmise" that if one buys a 125W Phenom II, one gets the good cooler. But, I am guessing. Here is the cheapest 125W -- the Phenom II Quad 945 -- its not unlocked -- but folks OC it on the stock heat sink and say it stays cool.

Phenom II 945 $136

The cheapest Black is the 955 at $160 after shipping. The 955 was $140 a month or so ago. Newegg has raised some prices just so they can mark them down for Black Friday ("shady practice" -- "caveat emptor"). I think the real prices are going down on Black Friday back to where they were -- Zerotherm for under $40, 955 Black for $140. Of course, that's speculation. But, food for thought when buying prior to Black Friday -- if money matters.

Im only trying to get him a Dual Core, later on when I get him a better cooling solution I might check the core 02/03 stability, but i doubt he'll need it.

the 1st shipment will be here in 2 days, I'll build the case and do the wiring and order the mainboard,cpu,ram,gfx

I've lost track of what GPU you will buy (maybe a 450? -- they're dirt cheap today, I see).

Anyhow, I see my XFX HD5830 is down to $150 (after rebate, free shipping). Has a "lifetime" warranty.

Mine OCs to 900/1200 using normal Catalyst Control Center (it comes 800/1000 stock). Even at 800/1000 plays my games at max in-game settings 1920x1200 (I always set 0AA, 8AF when those settings are available). But, check out Tom's Hardware for the card's rank relative to others (within a couple percent of GTX460 when both are similarly OC).

Comparison Chart -- All "Performance" GPUs Sum of Benchmarks

Only down side: When its working hard, the XFX fan speeds up enough that you can hear it clearly (my Sapphire HD5830 remains virtually quiet). So, not for someone looking for a "quiet at all times" build.

I'm not selling this -- as there are other good cards and prices go up and down daily now and one must peruse all the selling prices of all possible picks at the moment of purchase (fortunately the Newegg summary pages showing all GPU arranged by price make that easy). So, just info.

HD5830 $150

Fan Noise wont be an issue because he wears noise cancelling headphones when he plays games, as do I.

My PC is louder than my vacuum cleaner from the second you press power .


as for the Graphics, I'm waiting to the last minute before i hit the order button in a few weeks, to see which one is cheaper, rebates aren't gonna be taken into price consideration. So Its actual Price when I hit order, not price in 2 weeks when a $20 check comes in the mail.

The only reason I ordered Windows7 and the LCD now is because windows was on limited markdown to 94, and the LCD Screen was instant $50 off. though I dont think it comes with an DVI cable. Some Items were going back and forth between 2 different price points over the last month.

AS for the mainboard components, here is what I have (down $48 from the OEM/Aftermarket solution).

54.99 - ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176

91.99 - AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz, C3 Revision
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

69.99 - G.SKILL 4GB F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ PC12800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

Which is $222 After Shipping, which brings system total to 692.38 with the graphics card left.

This was supposed to be a budget build, but I've gone over on a few components because there was no way to fit what i needed in the original budget. which was $700, and is now $850.

Im hoping graphics cards go down in a few weeks.

1st Shipment of everything will be here tomarrow, I'll take Assembly Pics.

1st order is here,

assembled case and components/cooling.

I'm glad i didn't purchase the Large Zalman 9700NT because it don't look like it would fit.

Test the LCD screen, keyboar dand mouse, i might open my system to test the SATA DVDRW and HArddisk.

now i just have to order the mainboard components.

The Case Components have been assembled, but Im gonna Remove the HDD and DVD Drive to stress test in my system. before neweggs return/rma window closes.

Just waiting on the Mainboard/CPU/RAm and GFX Card. Which will be ordered in about a week.

Last thing im ordering is GFX, So heres My Question, if I order a NEW EGG OPEN BOX Card, is that jsut the card shipped in Static Bag or does it come with everything that would normally be in the box?

Also, Might "Borrow" his Win7 and put it on my system until his is done then just install on his system and activate it on his.

(can I do that? install activate on mine for a few weeks, then install and activate on his?, then when i get another license / DVD just re-activate mine using the new license key?)

FWIW just an observation: Newegg "open box" is often more expensive than an equal or better "untouched" item on sale. Moreover the "return policy" (if its a bad card), is often less forgiving than with a "new" item. However, you can probably see that.

For example, after all discounts and rebates, I got a new "lifetime" guaranteed XFX HD5770 1GB for $91 as part of a combo deal with a similarly blowout priced PSU -- delivered price a couple weeks ago (works like it should and quiet). That same card is $143 delivered today.

XFX HD5770 I got for $91

You might notice the prices I paid in my thread on my new Phenom X6 system. They're the delivered prices after shipping and tax, if any. There are several "equally good" makes and models out there. Generally, I look every day until something "gets cheap" and I grab it (sometimes part of a combo deal with another item I need). That spreads the purchase over a couple weeks, but gets rock bottom prices for that time period. You may already be doing all that.

I was looking at every few days they have 1GB GTX 460s and such for $130.

My problem is my Upper budget for Graphics is $150 max. So I dont know if I want to try and get a Decenlty overclocked GTS450, or an AMD Card.

I was thinking a XFX 5770, For $149, Just because he's gonna have AMD Phenom II and AMD Chipset.
But I dunno how it would run his DX9 games or Final Fantasy 14.

I think the egg's policy on open box states there could be stuff missing, like adapters or the manual. I would not buy any open box hardware unless I could see it.

I don't think you are going to be able to activate two computers with one serial. You do have 30 days to activate though.

So I can Install it now, run it for 30 days on my system to test it all out, then when His is finished I can install it and Activate it on his?.

then go back to XP on mine until I purchase a license for mine, only reason I havent gone to Win7 on my system is because my Video platforms all use XP an DX9, but new drivers for my HDV card and Updates for Premiere and After Effects to Use DX 10 and 11 hardware for acceleration, I can have Premiere use DX10 and the hardware on my HDV Card. But I was gonna look at Replacing my Mainboard CPU RAM and Graphics with my tax return.

Does Microsoft Still offer "Purchase a License" where i can just put my credit card Number in and purchase a new License Key?

I bought this XFX HD5830 1GB recently for $151 delivered. It was $145 delivered a few days ago. Now, they've added shipping so $153 delivered. Includes a free game (download the game) -- maybe worth $10 to me. BTW, I'm not an XFX fan -- its just that XFX stuff is well made and selling cheap right now.

XFX HD5830

Performance similar to the 1GB GTX460 (on that basis, a $130 1GB GTX460 is a good deal).

Pros for XFX HD5830 in my experience: Cheapest HD5830 with good reviews (XFX has an older version -- supposedly better, selling cheaper, but gets bad reviews), lifetime warranty (double lifetime with registration), mine easily OC from stock 800/1000 to 900/1200 in Catalyst Control Center (I run at 875/1200), plays most games at max settings 1920x1200 (0AA, 4AF) smoothly to my eyes (cutting resolution to 1650x adds a lot of FPS), runs Eyefinity at 5760x1200 (my set up) playable at high to max settings in many games but near the edge of usefulness (thus, I got an extra one for Crossfire to fix-up performance in Eyefinity with the cutting edge graphics games).

Cons in my experience: Stock heat pipe cooling. When it runs near 100% GPU for a while, the fan speeds up and becomes very noticeable -- normally don't hear it.

Anyhow, though I don't know from personal experience, the GTX460 1GB at $130 sounds great -- if its as good as the HD5830 I have.

I'm not selling them. Just have time to kill -- whoops, wife just got home

I don't think you can just buy a key anymore. Your best bet is to buy a disk. The egg has pro 64 OEM for 129 right now. Got an email about it with this code.

EMCZNYX39

For my upgrade im waiting a bit,

As for my brother, Im definitely looking at the 5830 now, the only thing i was worried about with the 5770 and GTS450s is the 128 Bit memory interface.

I'll have to see what my budget is next weekend after i pay bills, i was looking at having $150, but it may be more or less, so If I have enough, the 5830 might be what I get.

Noise from fans isnt an issue as he'll be using headphones 99.9999999% of the time.

128bit definitely hurts a couple games according to test reports -- though a non-enthusiast may never notice -- and you have to be playing one of those games. One reason the 256bit HD5830 was the "minimum" GPU I considered.

There are a lot of XBox 360 ports -- 128, per se, not a problem with those, as I understand.

he has a Xbox 360 to play those games on, i was just looking at Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy IV MMOs are BOTH Texture Intensive (well FFXI can run on a PS2). He Also plays a few more MMOs so I was looking the larger Memory Interface / Bus would help alot for $10 more than what I was gonna spend,

Now if only the CPUs and stuff at new egg would stop going up and down so I can order the CPU/Heatsink/Mobo/Ram. ONe day the PhenomII OEMS are like $59, then they go back to $75. ERRR, annoying!.

Im trying to find a heatsink for the chip that I know can do Rear Exhaust, so far they all mount as top exhaust besides the Zalman 9500/9700 which can be rotated using the AM2/AM3 Retention Clip (as my system uses this)

I need to look at some of the others and see if they come with a bracket that requires me to replace the mobo bracket to mount as rear exhaust.

Does the Coolermaster Hyper 212 your using allow for different exhaust configurations?

ON ANother NOte, New Egg added the 1100T Hex Core

Yes, it allows any orientation (360 degrees in 90 degree increments).

Comes with a fan (a PWM fan it seems -- the kind you want) and mounts for an extra fan. I mounted an extra fan -- but that may not be necessary.

Excellent cooling. I was very surprised for such a cheap heat sink (I got it for $15 plus shipping on Black Friday). Anyhow, I can OC to 4.1GHz with it and the temperature stays 51C-53C under full load in my slightly warm computer closet.

I don't keep my 1090T at 4.1GHz because I don't like the voltage associated with it (its not real high, mind you -- only 1.45V). They say some people get 4.2GHz on air -- very believable if one is willing to set the voltage to 1.5V (I won't try it). Looks like its possible with this cheap cooler.

Hard to see how one can beat that cooler for performance/price -- especially on sale.

Supposedly the best air cooler regardless of price is:

Prolimatech

Not everyone agrees. But test reports are good. Costs too much for an economical system.

I'm happy with the 1090T. The 1100 only adds 0.1GHz and probably OCs the same -- for about $85 more than I paid.

Cool, I'll Prolly Get the 212, How does it mount to the CPU?, does it use the AMx Retention Clip or a bracket that replaces the mobo bracket.

I'll prolly stick with a dual core, and if it unlocks, cool, if not, I'll O/C it to about 3.8ish, i didnt want to push the voltage on his mainboard either.

IM looking at 4 GB Ram, PhenomII X2 545 @ 3.0 GHz, and OC it, and Adding a ATI/AMD 5770 At the least and a 5830 if price permits (Right now it depends on some things and it looks like I'll have less than I wanted to play with (prolly $130-$140, if I have to, I'll get the ASUS DirectCU 450 and O/C it to 1 GHz like alot of people have done, actually the 460 768MBs are dropping to 450 prices..).

This build was based on Budget (BOX+DISPLAY+PERIPHS+OS, not just the box like most sites guide), as well as keeping it cool because theres no AC in my brothers house.

However, Doing what I do best, bundle/bonus Shopping:

CPU/RAM/MAINBOARD: $235 After Shipping

$15 Promotional Gift Card
75.99 - AMD Phenom II X2 545 Callisto 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103817

59.99 - ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176

29.99 - 212 Heatsink/Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

58.99 - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193



Then I Can Turn Around and Apply the $15 Gift Card to the Graphics as well.

It has its own very good mounting system.

You remove the 4 screws holding in the standard plastic mount. You replace the mount with a metal bracket on the underside of the motherboard. That bracket is held in place by 4 very custom screws -- with threaded holes in their heads -- into which you mount the heat sink "hold down clamp". The clamp is adjustable to allow rotation of the heat sink and use on Intel CPUs as well as AMD. Installation is easy -- but you have to see the parts to understand it. It seems very sturdy -- and it uses 4 strong springs to provide the right amount of down force on the CPU.

Well, the mainboard and GFX are on hold till after the holidays.

I'll prolly stick with the PhenomII x2, 212 Cooler, and go with a AMD Card (6850 or 5830), which ever is cheaper in a month.

I'll prolly Drop the ASROck Board for the MSI Military Class board (which is cheaper right now), same chipset, better Audio, no eSATA but I dont need that.

I Have the Mainboard down to Final Selection w/ Some Changes. (anyone see anything wrong?)

$59.99 - ASRock M3A770DE,
Came Recommended By Toms in the "Budget Build" for the last 4 months.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176

$89.99 - AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz,
Switched to BE from OEM so I Can Up the Multiplier when I Get a custom cooler later when it gets warm. If cores unlock great, if not, I'll OC to 4Ghz area.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

$47.99 - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
ON the Mobo's "Compatible" List.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

Which Brings Mobo Total to $202.81 Shipped.

Which Brings this Build to $673, w/ only the GFX Remaining. Seeing as Toms Budget Buils are only the box and not the O/S Screen, KB, Mouse Etc.

Which leaves about $150~ for the GFX, and 30 Days to finish building / testing

Very nice price/performance. I would be happy with it

I have similar memory and have bought a 555 (for my sister).

My sister's 555BE unlocked 3 cores. I have a 550BE that unlocked 4 cores. And, I have a 545 (not-BE) that stayed at 2 cores (it might be a motherboard issue -- oh well, like you, I was not depending on it).

IM still getting mixed reports from people about the stock retail cooler, some say they can OC and unlock cores with it and its fine and others say it wont handle the heat, i dont think it would handle the heats since it would go from a 80W Chip to a 140W+ Chip.

I dont think any of his games take advantage of 3 or 4 cores anyway.

I'm just gonna end up getting a 212 and jump the multiplier to get 3.6+ GHz, and OC the Memory to prolly past the 1600 rating, which I know I'm prolly gonna have to tinker in the bios to get the ram to 1600, alot of reviews say it defaults to 1333 when letting it auto/spd setting.

Like I said though, I got like 3 weeks to get it assembled and tested, and I know testing and adjusting voltages etc will take longer than ordering the parts.

Based on my experience, going from 1333 to 1600 won't make any difference (or only a very small "invisible" one). Heck, I went from 4GB of 800 to 8GB of 1333 and saw no practical difference in game FPS. I think the fast memory is only a real benefit on a non-black Phenom. Then, one overclocks the memory, usually, in the process of OCing the CPU.

The stock cooler on the 555 is not the same as on the 955 and other 9xx. Its well made but weaker -- no heat pipes. May be fine with 3.6GHz and 2 cores. Big 4 core OCs could use a better cooler to advantage (or the stock 9xx cooler). In my tests, a relatively inexpensive aftermarket one ($30 range) works as well as an $80 one -- just have to pick the right cheap one (Coolermaster makes a good one -- not the only one).

You Shoulda Saw the Peice Of Junk that Came with my Athlon X2 6000+ 125W AM2 Chip, it couldnt keep it cool at stock clocks int he middle of winter, killed one chip so I RMAd the chip and bought the Zalman at the same time, smooth sailing ever since. I think I have pics of the PSU and the Case w/ the DVD-ROm installed to post.


The Keyboard, Mouse, and LCD etc were delivered as well, tested the LCD no dead Pixels, Keyboard/Mouse tested as well (will take pics of those)

THE 700W PSU BOX:


The Case, DVD Burner, PSU Installed (left Plastic on the front until I deliver it)



Will take more pics of the "Assembly" because I'm prolly gonna have to disassemble the case to install the main board.

Ok, what im trying to figure out, is why toms monthly best cards is constantly putting the 5770 for under $150..

is the 5770 really that good of a chip/card to constantly be beating GTS450/460.

if so I'll definitely go back to re-consider the 5770 if i can get one for $120 or below when it comes time to order the main board components.

We definitely have the same PSU SkateZilla. Install was a snap and it's running like a champ for me, your bro should be pretty happy.

The HD5770 is competitive (will play most anything at max or virtually max graphics -- not the "toughest" games with everything maxxed) up to 1680x1050 and can be had real cheap at times (the limitation is the 128bit bus). Of course, it works fine at 1920x1200 with a minor turn down in some details in some games. The HD5830 is only a little better at stock speeds but does better at 1920x1200 (due to 256bit bus) and can be OC. So, its a performance/price thing.

I got a single slot HD5770 for my wife (to replace HD4870 and give DX11) for $81 (discount, rebate, combo sale). She uses it at 1920x1080. She doesn't come close to straining it.

Today, the cheap HD5770 is $100 delivered (discount, rebate) -- a real good deal -- especially for a casual gamer (all one needs for that).

Im hoping to order the mainboard int eh next week and a half, and use my current GFX Card to get the system's OS up and running. Then look at graphics cards w/ my tax return. But My Cap is at $150ish. (for $159 i can get a 460SE though). I'll prolly be looking at Re-Cert./Open Box Deals at Newegg as well.

I was looking at 5770's when I first started to assemble the parts list in september. but was weary of the 128-bit interface.
That and I seemed to like the ASUS DuirectCU TOP 450.

The max resolution he'll play at is 1680x1050, The games he plays now that I know of are:
* = His Current System wont run it but he wants to be able to play with the new system.
My system runs all of the * games on the list fluidly on HIGH Settings.


Final Fantasy XI

Imperium Galactica II

Total War Titles

America's Army 2.xx

Battlefield 1942 w/ MODS

Strike Fighters/Wings Over Series

*America's Army 3

*Final Fantasy IV

*Strike Fighters 2 Series



Most of the Shooter games he plays, he plays on Xbox Live/360.
He's not into Driving games (except Forza and TDU, again Xbox360).
He's not into heavy simulations (So no DCS A-10C )
He's into Real Time Strategy type games, so Im sure he'll download demo's from steam.

The XFX 5830 just dropped to $159.99, But i think its the newer Revision people have had problems with.

I bought this one for $151 -- now its $130 (delivered after rebate). Mine runs fine at OC 900MHz -- 1200MHz memory. At those settings, it did Eyefinity at 5760x1200 0AA just fine with the XBOX ports (e.g. Fallout 3, Fallout NV). This is NOT the problem one.


XFX HD5830

This is the last of the Build that I am Ordering tonite.(From NewEgg)

$59.99 - ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Reccemended By Toms For Budget Builds. Has USB2.0 and eSATA as well as Front Audio

$89.99 - AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz Socket AM3
Unlocked Mulitplier To allow slight overclocking. 80w (so it will run cooler than my 125w AthlonX2 6000+)
Later on I'll get a decent Cooler andtry to unlock the cores for maybe a bonus core or 2, for Now its still and awesome CPU.

$47.99 - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel
Decent Price and is on the Mainboard's Compatible List, Decent Reviews as well.

$159.99 (Orig. $179.99, $129 after MIR) - XFX HD-583X-ZAFV Radeon HD 5830 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity
Waited for it to Drop from $179 again, Comes highly reccemended.

$3.99 (Orig. $14.99) - Link Depot 6 ft. HDMI TO HDMI A/V Cable Model HDMI-2-HDMI - OEM
Not gonna limit his display w/ a Analog VGA Cable. Using HDMI will free the VGA Input for his Xbox360.


This Comes To: $366.79 Shipped.

WHich brings his entire Rig, Plus O/S, Periphials and Screen to:

$837.36

That Price doesn't take into Effect the MIRs. After MIRs its a Sub $800 System.

All the parts are here, Assembly starts tonite, followed by the long process of Installing Windows7 and updating it and stress testing. then its time to install steam and download some games. Pics to come tonite or tomar.