My New Planned Builds

You mean like mine???
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The trick is getting the most computer for my dollar but not build a $3000 computer.

So far I'm a dollar under 900. So the battle begins!

*enjoys his Rockstar* It's gonna be a long night.

Oh and those who need a warm place to bunker down, my office is a balmy 76F tho I've had it up to 80F before whoops.
 
That's what I am trying to figure out!!! :lol:

What is your approximate budget for this build? I am assuming it is to be a multi-purpose PC with enough power for casual (or a bit more) gaming?
 
You're pretty smart.

That 4170 paired with that 6870 I picked should destroy anything I dish out.

I'm trying to basically make this computer gaming compatible but remembering this is a "business" computer. That's why I wanted a full tower for my gaming computer.

I really want to keep the number under 1500. Even under 1000 would be awesome. But I for sure don't want to go past 1800.
 
$1000.... I can easily throw together an AMD system that will suit you well for under that...

What parts do you already have?
 
The case lol

All kidding aside, I do have some strict specifics.

Let's use the XFX card I picked, the 4170 CPU I found. The motherboard (prefer ATX, but can be MicroATX). I try to go with MSI, Gigabyte, and ASUS.

HDD's are always WD. Last but not least, PSU must be modular.

Oh and I always buy from newegg, but you knew that.

Thanks dude. (p.s. I thank you for your help, but I'll look at what you provide as a suggestion, so don't feel bad if I don't use them)
 
Okay.... Here is the basic set... No HDD/Optical Drive/Accessories... The "Meat and Potatoes" as you will...

Your choices for GPU & CPU

AMD FX4170 - $119.99

XFX Double D HD-687A-ZDFC Radeon HD 6870 - $179.99 (reg. $189.99)

Solid components to build the rest of your system from...

GigaByte GA-970A-D3 - $89.99 (Reg. $99.99)

XFX P1-650X-XXB9 650W ATX12V 2.2 - $99.99

Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) - $52.99

Subtotal - $522.95



Alternative Mobo

GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 - $139


Oh... And I would never suggest a µATX board unless it was necessary (enclosure restrictions)...
 
I switched to mobile so what I can view is limited. But none the less I like it a lot.

If I can't sleep I'll look more into your suggestions. Otherwise I'll look in the morning.
 
Don't worry, I won't get upset if you don't use my suggestions... I am a firm believer in "It's your money"... My only goal is to help you achieve your goal...

I also don't mind you asking "Why" I chose the components that I did...

I, too, am off to bed shortly. I will chat with you tomorrow at some time.
 
GZ said:
AMD offers the most "Bang for the buck" usually...
Click to expand...
While that is true it is important to note the cost of the CPU is but one factor in the cost of the entire computer. And when you factor in any difference in CPU costs, after factoring in the cost of the motherboard, case, PSU, RAM, graphics, monitor(s), speakers, OS license, mouse, keyboard, hard drives/SSDs, optical drive, shipping, taxes, etc., any cost savings by getting a less expensive CPU is greatly marginalized, if not negated all together.

And then there's the issue of power consumption and heat generation. With several notable exceptions, of course, since the introduction of the Core 2 Duo in 2006, Intel CPUs are generally considered more efficient - that is, they consume less power and generate less heat. Less power consumption results in energy cost savings over time, and the less energy wasted in the form of heat pumped into the room means less heat for the facility AC to deal with. So annual operating costs may factor in there too.

So while I agree AMD CPUs do (with several notable exceptions, of course) have the advantage in costs, other factors balance that out. MUCH more important than the CPU (other than to ensure motherboard compatibility), IMO is the sizing and selection of the PSU, motherboard, and the graphics solution - plus assuming what should be a given - lots of RAM. I generally recommend 8Gb minimum for dual-channel memory architecture motherboards and 6Gb minimum for triple channel motherboards as the current "sweetspots" for RAM and W7/W8. Of course, that means 64-bit Windows 7/8. Less than that amount of RAM and performance suffers. More than that amount of RAM and gains in performance are minimal, if perceptible at all - for most users.

That said, both Intel and AMD make excellent, reliable processors and either, if properly matched with a decent board, graphics, and sufficient RAM, powered by good power and cooled by a good case, would form a solid foundation for any computer.
 
Either PSU will do. But the Corsair, being Gold certified vs Silver, will be slightly more efficient - meaning it will cost slightly less to operate over the years.
 
Digerati said:
Either PSU will do. But the Corsair, being Gold certified vs Silver, will be slightly more efficient - meaning it will cost slightly less to operate over the years.
Click to expand...

The savings is negligible... Either one, with the current proposed build will not come close to it's efficiency because the Wattage rating is much higher than what the system will draw, at least at the moment... PSUs will not reach peak efficiency until after 70% load in most cases. If you are only loading the PSU at 50% to 60% you are going to see reduced efficiency...

The biggest plus to the XFX is the fact it is built by SeaSonic... The only PSU manufacturer that has consistently put out top-shelf quality units across the board for as long as I can remember... CWT, who makes the Corsair HX unit, makes good PSUs as well...

The argument of Intel vs. AMD is academic at this point... Price/Performance is the concern at this pont, and the Intel products are quite a bit more $$$ than the AMD equivalents. After that it is personal preference...

I have some work to get done, so I will be offline for a while...
 
[TABLE="class: wikitable"]
[TR]
[TD]80 Plus Silver[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]85%[/TD]
[TD]88%[/TD]
[TD]85%[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]80 Plus Gold[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]87%[/TD]
[TD]90%[/TD]
[TD]87%[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

GZ has a point, true these machines will never probably peak the power supplies.

However, what is to say that I won't expand over the PSU's life.

They start at 80% efficient at 20%. Even then at 75% efficiency that's good enough for me. It's better than 65% or less.
 
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