New to assembled desktops - Guidance Required!

[armon300]

I'm in need of a new rig in the budget of 40k. I'll be using it mainly for surfing, movie/music downloads, some gaming once in a while and it has to be future-proofed for at least 2-3 years. I have it to get it by March end from Nehru Place. I'm also going to give a try at overclocking.. but it'd be my first and it won't be serious OC.

After a lot of reviewing and reading, have made up a final outline of the config, just need some confirmations that this is "ready-2-buy" now.

Motherboard = Biostar TA785G3 HD (4300 INR)

CPU/Processor = AMD Athlon II X4 630 (5100 INR)

Hard Drive = Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue (2350 INR)

Monitor = BenQ G2020HD 20" LCD Monitor (6300 INR)

Cabinet = Cooler Master Elite 310 + 2x120MM CM fans (1550 + 300x2 = 2150 INR)

Power Supply = Corsair VX450 (3800 INR)

Keyboard = Logitech/Microsoft (700 INR)

Optical Drive = Sony Optiarc --=OR=-- LG 22X SATA DVD-RW (1100 INR)

OS = Windows 7 64Bit (100 INR)

Memory/RAM = Kingston 4GB(2*2) 1333MHz DDR3 (4400 INR)

Graphic Card/GPU = ATI Radeon Sapphire HD5770 1GB (9800 INR) --=OR=-- (if squeezed by budget) ATI Radeon Sapphire HD5750 1GB (8200 INR)

UPS = APC 650VA (Won't add this to my budget)

Any final suggestions/hints/tips/bashing/critiques about it, please post now, or forever hold your peace.

[official]

get amd Quad x4 925 or x4 935 , ASUS AMD785G M4A78STD-V-EVO, Corsair 2 gb ddr3, LG or Sony DVDrw, corsair vx550, DELL 21.5" - S2209W, ATI HD 5770 1 gb, WD 320 gb HDD, KB/mm Logitech mutimedia combo, NZXT Gamma case - this config will be around 43K+, this is the best according to me..more over if you dont play games you can choose any gfx card after u hav purchased this rig, get this psu it is very good. Choose any monitor with good resolution and viewing angle...u can see among AOC or Samsung both are good and cheap...i wrote dell coz i hav one and it is fantastic.

[NoasArcAngel]

okay if 40k is your budget for making a pc including a screen then forget about buying a windows 7 original edition ...

here is what i suggest buy it from smc international in NP / computer empire
also i suggest go for a amd quad core processor a quad core processor make a hell of a difference in encoding etc... that is multithreaded apps

config option 1 :

1. processor : AMD phenom II x4 630 ( 5k )
2. mobo : Gigabyte GA-MA785GM-US2H [DDR2 board ] /
MSI 785G E-51 [DDR3 board ] ( 4.5k )
3.ram : Kingston 2x2GB DDR2 800MHz KHX6400D2K2 /
Patriot Signature ram 1GBx2 DDR3 1333mhz ( 4.5k )
4.gpu : HD 5670 sapphire 512mb GDDR5 ( 5k )
5.monitor : DELL ultrasharp / Samsung syncmaster 22" ( 12.5 ~ 14.5k )
6.PSU : cooler master extreme power 500w psu ( 2.5k ~ 3.5k )
7.case : Cooler Master Elite 360 / 310 without psu ( 2.5k )
8.optical drive : sony optiarc ( 1.5k )
9.hard disk seagate barrcuda 7200.12 250gb ( 2k )
10.keyboard and mouse : logitech combo ( 1k )
11.cooling : for cpu and overclocking cooler master Tx2 cooler ( 1.5k )
12.case mods : sun beam cathode light kit ( 0.35k )

total : 42.5k - discount = 40k + extra for os ..... pretty decent config.

1.quad core cpu decent power
2.4gb ddr2 / ddr3 ram quite a lot
3.mobo : msi and gigabyte mobo's both ocable.
4. HD 5670 just 1 grade lower than the 47k pc
5. awesome screen especially samsung syncmaster series
6. good psu stable voltage
7. looks nice alternatively you could save on cpu cooler and lighting and go for nzxt m59
8. 20x dvd drive / go for lite on
9. 250gb hard disk more than enough for daily computing need
10. alternatively you can go for the microsoft keyboard combo
11. necessary because amd cpus are prone to overheating and get damaged
12. makes our cabby look sexy.


on the other hand i would seriously suggest get a good 19" LCD monitor and spend the rest 5k in better ram and case....

---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------

config 2 : intel based

1.processor : Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 ( 5.5k )
2.mobo : MSI P43T-C51 [ DDR3 board ] /P43T-C51 [ DDR2 board ] ( 4k )
rest same components.....there will not be any price difference

the only difference will be that a dual core processor will give higher frame rates in games whereas for multi tasking the quad core is a better choice. also if you go for ddr2 ram then get a 64-bit OS and even if you dont still get a 64 bit - OS

---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 PM ----------

hopefully you go for AMD!!!

[Cilus]

Yes, u right, at abudget of 40k, AMD will be the best solution for you. I am suggestingyou a config which will be very good for now and for future upgrade

Processor: Athlon II X4 630 2.8GHz @ 4.8k
Mobo: Biostar TA785G A3 @ 3.7k
Ram: 2 X 2 GB Kngstone/Transcend 1333 MHz DDR3 @ 3.1k
HDD: Seagate 1 TB (32 MB Cache) @ 3.9k
Display: BenQ G2020HD 20" LCD Monitor @ 6.5k
Cabinet: Zebronics Bijli @ 1.2k (without SMPS)
PSU: Gigabyte 550W @ 3.7k
Keyboard/Mouse: t your Choice @ .7k
Graphic Card: XFX HD 5770 1 GB GDDR5 with 3 Yrs Warranty @ 9.6k

Total is around 38k. Now the street price is a bit lower. This machine is very good for any kind of office job, Surfing net, Editing as well as for gaming.

[armon300]

Ok some doubts..

CPU/Processor = But Athlon II X4 doesn't have L3 Cache.. whereas Phenom II X4 does. Does that make a big difference? As in is it worth the extra bucks?

GPU= Sapphire HD5770 1GB / Sapphire HD5750 1GB / Sapphire 5670 512MB
And how is XFX brand different from Sapphire?
I want to stay under 10k range for GPU.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by armon300

Ok some doubts..

CPU/Processor = But Athlon II X4 doesn't have L3 Cache.. whereas Phenom II X4 does. Does that make a big difference? As in is it worth the extra bucks?

GPU= Sapphire HD5770 1GB / Sapphire HD5750 1GB / Sapphire 5670 512MB
And how is XFX brand different from Sapphire?

if you don't do heavy encoding work & all, X4 630 is best suited for you. & as for mobo, go for Cilus suggestion. no use wasting 5k-7k on mobo when you getting a descent graphics card. for a bit more future proofing, get Biostar TA785G3 HD. 140W support & 4 DIMM Slots. & the stock fan is good enough.

as for graphics card, my suggestion get HD5670 512Mb from Sapphire or HD5750 1GB. go for HD5770 only if u are a gamer. if u game just casually, stick to HD5670 512Mb. invest the rest of the money in getting better Monitor, as NoasArcAngel suggested. preferably 22".

for cabby, if u prefer style + cooling, get NZXT Gamma. or CM Elite 310. fit it extra fans.

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 PM ----------

as for branding goes, get Sapphire. their graphics card a tad cheaper than other brands. & the HD5670 got a deal slot Arctic Cooler. wil keep your card cool.

[NoasArcAngel]

dude cilus from where did you get those prices??? man i am amazed 4gb ddr3 for 3k ?

---------- Post added at 08:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:57 PM ----------

okay what difference does the L3 cache make ?? actually it just increases the multicore threading performance of a cpu ex... i have a core 2 duo with no L3 cache and a amd phenom II x4 with L3 cache ... the time required to encode and do other processes becomes less time consuming

---------- Post added at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------

as far as XFX is concerned , they usually make solid overclocked factory cards and are commonly called GPU ovens... especially for the nvidia cards.... they reach temps of 110c

---------- Post added at 09:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 PM ----------

also as far as the mobo is concerned go for MSI as it has all solid capacitors... these not only ensure a good overclocking performance but also low operating temperatures and high component life... and why i suggested the MSI board is because it has many other features like overclocking and overvolting from the BIOS and is natively supported ...

as far as other motherboard manufacturers are concerned... i would suggest stick to a well reputed brand for good products and after sales service...

---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

dude armon300 go to nehru place once make a list of the components you require and check the prices, also dont listen to what anyone says there people have a habit of making everyone who goes there to buy a product " chutiya " so beware.... and ask for bill and warranty

[armon300]

@official
Thanks for your suggestions.. but I can't find the Mobo you suggested on NewEgg.. could you give me a link?

@Sam.Shab
Thanks a lot for your help, really cleared up big doubts. Could you tell me what's the difference between the Mobo you sugggested and Cilus' mobo? I'm kind of leaning towards the Biostar TA785G3 HD.
I can't find Cilus' mobo..
Oh and do you think HD5670 512 MB is good enough to last me some years? Or should I invest in the HD5750 1GB now itself?

@NoasArcAngel
Thanks, I really like your suggestions.
So.. L3 Cache won't make a big deal to me then..
I'm taking Sapphire for GPU.
And the AMD Phenom II X4 630 you suggested.. I can't seem to find any info on it.. I found Athlon but no Phenom..
The MSI board you're suggesting.. is it good for OCing too? I read in Tom's HD that MSI boards weren't meant much for OCing...
Yeah I'm aware of the people in NP.. and for sure I'm getting the bill and warranty.. I'm going there only after I have a list of stuff that I need.. and a good estimate of the price.

I think I'm going to drop the possibility of video tape conversions.. instead I want to focus on the fact that I'm gonna stick to this rig for atleast a couple of years (with SOMEWHAT-REQUIRED upgrading only).

---------- Post added at 02:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 AM ----------

I'm really close.. Just a few more loose ends and then I'm off to NP.. Really love this forum. One of the best I've joined in years.

[NoasArcAngel]

okay well, since you wont to lot of multi tasking and running apps for rendering like maya and 3ds max L3 cache wont make any difference... any primarily a major proportion of apps are single / dual threaded so better stick with a dual core processor...

saphhire for gpu is excellent choice... go with that they make good gpu's also go with 512MB gddr5 , since 1GB amount of ram is useless again unless you are gonna use your pc for rendering etc....

here is the info for the new quad core amd 620 and 630 : http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...oc.aspx?i=3638

---------- Post added at 10:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 AM ----------

as far as ocing is concerned i use a msi mobo top of the range 785G chipset and i have had no problems with it ..... it's up to you i suggest you could also go for gigabyte and asus mobo's since they also offer good features... the main thing which will decide the overclocking is you ram... so make sure you get proper ram and not value ram which is pretty cheap but cant be oced...

---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:31 AM ----------

i pushed my cpu to 4.5GHz on the cooler master Hyper N 520 cooler and the same MSI chipset

---------- Post added at 10:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------

also i have not been able to visit np for a long time so i cant give a better idea on the mobo's available there ..like ASUS and Gigabyte...but there is a nationwide ASUS dealer in np so that shouldn't be a problem ....

---------- Post added at 10:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 AM ----------

if you dont wanna go with the MSI board no probs... make sure you get a good board with solid capacitors and nice overclocking features.

---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 AM ----------

i think this should be your final config : including future proofing options....

1.processor : AMD athlon II x4 630 ( 5.5k )
2.mobo : MSI - 785G E-51 ( 4.5k )
3.ram : G-Skill F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ 4GB ( 6k ) [i suggest save up some more and get this ram kit you will be future proof for a long time or get 2GB DDR3 patriot signature for 4.5k ]
4.gpu : sapphire HD 5670 ( 5k )
5.monitor : get a DELL ultrasharp / samsung syncmaster 22" (12.5k~14.5k) [ i suggest save up on this get a good 19" monitor and invest in cooling for better oc ]
6.psu : cooler master extreme power 500w ( 3k )
7.case : go with a cooler master elite series cabby for looks and cooling / zebronics bijli for extreme hardcore sex bombshell ......up to you ... smc international has all cooler master cases so you can choose. choose a mid tower
8.optical drive : lite-on / sony optiarc. keep using regularly or they get spoilt . ( 1.5k )
9.hdd : get a 500gb hard disk ( 2.5k )
10.cooling : a cpu cooler is a must for amd pc's so get a cooler master tx2 for ( 1.5k )


total : 42.5k if you go for 4GB G-SKill kit and samsung syncmaster monitor for 12.5k / same if you get a better screen and 2GB Patriot Signature ram

---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------

since i compiled these prices online expect to pay anything by 2-4k less on the total compild here

[Sam]

Originally Posted by armon300

@Sam.Shab
Thanks a lot for your help, really cleared up big doubts. Could you tell me what's the difference between the Mobo you sugggested and Cilus' mobo? I'm kind of leaning towards the Biostar TA785G3 HD.
I can't find Cilus' mobo..

if u into OC, ignore my suggestion. Biostar TA785G3 HD or Biostar TA785G3 is not for serious OC. if u get X4 630, with the above listed mobo u can't pass 3.2Ghz. they lack many go0d OC features. but if u interested in light OC using the stock AMD cooler, to about 3.0-3.2Ghz range, Biostar TA785G3 HD good choice @ just 4.3k. till date i not seen X4 630 pass 3.5Ghz barrier anywhere. so think a bit if u really want to OC lot. this wil also need a OEM HSF like CM Hyper TX3 @ 1.2k minimum + a good board.

Oh and do you think HD5670 512 MB is good enough to last me some years? Or should I invest in the HD5750 1GB now itself?

from the reviews i went through, HD 5670 1gb is loss. the 512Mb is enough. HD5670 GPU not got enough firepower to use 1Gb. well 1Gb version gives some 3-5FPS more in games. so, i wil just say its wastage of money.

@NoasArcAngel
Thanks, I really like your suggestions.
So.. L3 Cache won't make a big deal to me then..
I'm taking Sapphire for GPU.
And the AMD Phenom II X4 630 you suggested.. I can't seem to find any info on it.. I found Athlon but no Phenom..
The MSI board you're suggesting.. is it good for OCing too? I read in Tom's HD that MSI boards weren't meant much for OCing...
Yeah I'm aware of the people in NP.. and for sure I'm getting the bill and warranty.. I'm going there only after I have a list of stuff that I need.. and a good estimate of the price.

I think I'm going to drop the possibility of video tape conversions.. instead I want to focus on the fact that I'm gonna stick to this rig for atleast a couple of years (with SOMEWHAT-REQUIRED upgrading only).I'm really close.. Just a few more loose ends and then I'm off to NP.. Really love this forum. One of the best I've joined in years.

anything based on AMD790GX or 790FX or even 790X is fantastic choice for OC. but they cost more. & theres nothing like MSI not good for OC. they make equally good board as others. pay 7k-8k & you wil get good boards.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

i think this should be your final config : including future proofing options....

1.processor : AMD athlon II x4 630 ( 5.5k )
2.mobo : MSI - 785G E-51 ( 4.5k )
3.ram : G-Skill F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ 4GB ( 6k ) [i suggest save up some more and get this ram kit you will be future proof for a long time or get 2GB DDR3 patriot signature for 4.5k ]
4.gpu : sapphire HD 5670 ( 5k )
5.monitor : get a DELL ultrasharp / samsung syncmaster 22" (12.5k~14.5k) [ i suggest save up on this get a good 19" monitor and invest in cooling for better oc ]
6.psu : cooler master extreme power 500w ( 3k )
7.case : go with a cooler master elite series cabby for looks and cooling / zebronics bijli for extreme hardcore sex bombshell ......up to you ... smc international has all cooler master cases so you can choose. choose a mid tower
8.optical drive : lite-on / sony optiarc. keep using regularly or they get spoilt . ( 1.5k )
9.hdd : get a 500gb hard disk ( 2.5k )
10.cooling : a cpu cooler is a must for amd pc's so get a cooler master tx2 for ( 1.5k )


total : 42.5k if you go for 4GB G-SKill kit and samsung syncmaster monitor for 12.5k / same if you get a better screen and 2GB Patriot Signature ram

your prices are kind of less than actual market price. here the config i think is good:

Processor: AMD Athlon II X4 630: 5.0k
Motherboard: Biostar TA785G3 HD: 4.5k
Ram: Transcend 2 X 2Gb DDR3-1333Mhz C9: 5.5k
Hard Disk: Western Digital 500Gb Caviar Blue: 2.4k
Graphics Card: Sapphire HD5670 512Mb: 5.5k
Optical Drives: LG 22X SATA DVD-RW: 1.1k
PSU: FSP Saga II 400W: 2.1k (super silent)
Cabinet: NZXT Gamma: 2.0k //check pics once//
Monitor: Benq G2220HD 22” FULL HD: Rs. 8.5k
Keyboard Mouse: Logitech Internet Pro Desktop: Rs. 0.6k

Total: 37.2k
all are inc of tax so total should not increase by more than 1k. so rest you may spend on getting UPS.

NOTE: using the above mentioned mobo you can OC proccy to 3.2Ghz at stock voltage. temperature won't get high so default cooler running should do its job.

the ram i gave is value ram as opposite to NoasArcAngel suggestion. so to OC you need to down the speed of ram to 800Mhz & OC. so after OC the ram wil attain speed of near 1333Mhz. if you wish to OC more, go with NoasArcAngel suggested config. but i not sure how much more you can go. but skip the PSU & get FSP/Corsair/Seasonic.

[Piyush]

Originally Posted by armon300

Ok some doubts..

CPU/Processor = But Athlon II X4 doesn't have L3 Cache.. whereas Phenom II X4 does. Does that make a big difference? As in is it worth the extra bucks?

GPU= Sapphire HD5770 1GB / Sapphire HD5750 1GB / Sapphire 5670 512MB
And how is XFX brand different from Sapphire?
I want to stay under 10k range for GPU.

I think u wont required l3 cache coz u r not going to play games that seriously and u wont be dealing with encoding stuff
athlon II x4 640/630 is a good choice

And same goes for graphic card
go for hd 5770 if u going to play games bla bla bla .........
buy any1 of these
hd 5750/9800 gt/hd 4850

for ati card i suggest u to opt for powercolour/sapphire

[armon300]

@piyush
Thanks man! I'm getting 630 and Sapphire HD5670 512MB card. Thanks a lot for your help!

@Sam.Shab
See, I've never OC'd before, it'll be my first and going to do it following a tut on the web. So.. I doubt it'd be a serious OC.. Thanks for pointing that out.
I guess that makes Biostar TA785G3 HD good enough for me.
Thanks for the info on the GPU, you're right.. I just read some reviews too and have decided to go with HD5670 512MB.


@NoasArcAngel
Thanks! I'm fixing HD5670 512MB then.
I don't have anything against MSI.. I just want to get the proper board.. Lol.. don't know much about motherboards.. even after reading guides and stuff.. but as I told Sam, I won't be serious OCing it.. so Biostar TA785G3 HD will do the job for me.
4.5 GHz by OC.. Dayum dude.. That's awesome..
Oh and I read in the forum that Asus quality was declining.. so no to Asus.





Now, only 4 things to clear up,

RAM:
If I'm not going to serious OC, then which one to get?
I see Kingston, Corsair and Gskill being suggested a lot.. and also read somewhere that Transcend had RMA issues.. so which one should I prefer?

PSU: I'm seeing loads of suggestions and I read some other threads and reviews... so I'm kinda getting confused. From my reading, Corsair VX450/ Corsair VX550 seem popular and match my needs.. so shouldn't I get a Corsair?

Monitor:
Dell monitors are coming up everywhere, and I personally like Dell products, never tried BenQ (sorry Sam.Shab). I rather put preference on the monitor being GOOD QUALITY rather than big size.. so even if it's a 19" but really good, I'm all for it.

Extra (Cooling..Etc.):
Noah, you said AMDs heat up a lot..
So what extra fans/etc. do I require for my PC? Keep in mind that I will OC it, but NOT A LOT.
And oh yes (thanks Sam.Shab) I do need a UPS as well.
Anything else?.. because I'm going to buy only what I decide over here.. but I will post my final choices once I've fixed everything.

[NoasArcAngel]

@ sam i was quoting the online prices... prices in nehru place tad to be about 500rupees cheaper per component....

also congrats looks like you finalized your mobo and processor..also i think the bio star mobo is a good choice.... solid state capacitors...

now if you are not gonna do serious overclocking , make sure that your ram has heatsinks.... like G-Skill / OCZ / Corsair etc... the ram is not that cheap but it ought to do the job for mild oc + stable performance go for Patriot signature you can overvolt these sticks without any probs....

go for corsair although the rating is the same they deliver higher efficiency... so it would actually be the same amount of money... you spend on any PSU.....also i suggest drop the 400w PSU and stick with corsair VX450

as far as a monitor is concerned get this month's digit mag and read the reviews....because i suggest get a good reputed brand like samsung / viewsonic etc.... for good after sales support.... i am using syncmaster 920nw bought 2 years ago and it still works flawlessy... no dead pixels

one peice of advice : Never run a AMD processor on a stock cooler this is because if the fan stops working / something goes wrong your processor and probably your mobo will be fried together.... so i suggest get a cooler master tx2 / tx3 cooler that ought to do the job

apart from that if you get a cooler master case it has a bundled fan so add 1 / 2 more 120mm / 60 mm in back and front ... these should cost about 100-300 per piece get cooler master one's they are heavy duty can be connected directly to the PSU

[Zangetsu]

Originally Posted by Sam.Shab

as for branding goes, get Sapphire. their graphics card a tad cheaper than other brands.

is it...the powercolor 5770 costs 9.5k..how much is the cost of sapphire version...but in one of the Gcards reviews..powercolor beat sapphire

[NoasArcAngel]

dude in general .... the sapphire cards are cheaper and better and especially powercolor sucks

[armon300]

@NoasArchAngel
Thanks for the quick reply!
Alright well then.. for RAM I'll get a Corsair/Gskill DDR3 4GB(2*2) 1333Mhz.. Will choose after comparing and get the one with lower CAS Latency/Voltage/Price.

PSU will be a Corsair VX450, and if I can afford it, will try for a VX550.

I'll get the extra 1-2 fans as well.. but not sure if the cabby will be NZXT Gamma or CM elite series.. but Cooler Master TX2 will get.

[Cool G5]

For cabby, go with NZXT Gamma. Way better than CM Elite Series.
Read my review here.

[NoasArcAngel]

forget about getting nzxt in nehru place... best option is stick to cooler master elite 310 with sidepanel / elite 360 also since ram is DDR3 latency wont make any differences...

for your config a vx 450 should be enough but if you can save better go for the vx 550

---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------

also you wont be able to get 4GB in that budget... unless you opt for value ram which is shite so i suggest go in for 1GBx2 modules from G-Skill etc... or if you can go for the 4GB nothing like it

[asingh]

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

dude in general .... the sapphire cards are cheaper and better and especially powercolor sucks

You post well, but that does not mean, you can make generic statements. Last I checked Powercolor boards were priced just as competitive (if not cheaper), and quality is quite good. Most sites review their accelerators as 'good'. I have 2 Powercolor HD4890s, and they are fairing quite well.

Originally Posted by armon300

@NoasArchAngel
Thanks for the quick reply!
Alright well then.. for RAM I'll get a Corsair/Gskill DDR3 4GB(2*2) 1333Mhz.. Will choose after comparing and get the one with lower CAS Latency/Voltage/Price.

PSU will be a Corsair VX450, and if I can afford it, will try for a VX550.

I'll get the extra 1-2 fans as well.. but not sure if the cabby will be NZXT Gamma or CM elite series.. but Cooler Master TX2 will get.

Do remember, lower latencies = higher price. They are not directly proportional. If you can manage get a Corsair 550W PSU, even if that means sacrificing a tad on RAM.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

forget about getting nzxt in nehru place... best option is stick to cooler master elite 310 with sidepanel / elite 360 also since ram is DDR3 latency wont make any differences...

for your config a vx 450 should be enough but if you can save better go for the vx 550

Doubt you will get NZXT at NP. Why not the CM690 2, or the vanilla CM690. Those are good cabinets. Gurmeet at SMC International (Meghdoot Building), would be able to procure one for you -- if they do not have it in stock.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Cool G5

For cabby, go with NZXT Gamma. Way better than CM Elite Series.
Read my review here.

+1. go with NZXT Gamma if you can find it.

Originally Posted by armon300

@NoasArchAngel
Thanks for the quick reply!
Alright well then.. for RAM I'll get a Corsair/Gskill DDR3 4GB(2*2) 1333Mhz.. Will choose after comparing and get the one with lower CAS Latency/Voltage/Price.

I'll get the extra 1-2 fans as well.. but not sure if the cabby will be NZXT Gamma or CM elite series.. but Cooler Master TX2 will get.

i think VX450W should suffix. also i not see any reason to get a aftermarket cooler. better add that money to PSU & get VX550W all together. & the fans on the cooler doesn't go bad so easily. AMD wil be in streets if one of the most critical part of CPU fails like this.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

dude in general .... the sapphire cards are cheaper and better and especially powercolor sucks

power color have evolved lot from what it was few generations back. well Sapphire & PowerColor are two of AMD partners, still i prefer Sapphire over Power Color. Sapphire never misses include any connector in their graphics cards & the Arctic Cooler is a pure Bonus.

Originally Posted by KaranTh85

is it...the powercolor 5770 costs 9.5k..how much is the cost of sapphire version...but in one of the Gcards reviews..powercolor beat sapphire

well it may beat Sapphire in few tests. but sapphire got solid design. i mean the cooler. however in some cards sapphire asking more than others. not know what marketing policy they follow.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

@ sam i was quoting the online prices... prices in nehru place tad to be about 500rupees cheaper per component....

oh, sorry mate. but the prices looked so damn low i seriously doubted.

also congrats looks like you finalized your mobo and processor..also i think the bio star mobo is a good choice.... solid state capacitors...

Biostar TA785G3 as well as TA785G3 HD got solid caps only near proccy. rest are old electrolyte caps. but at a price of 4.3k. & so much feature, over it asking for solid caps, its serious foolishness. give bio some air to breath. also the design of the board is good as well. not cramped as in most mATX. 128Mb DDR3 sidepport, though useless in OP's case as he getting a discrete card. still something to cheer about.

now if you are not gonna do serious overclocking , make sure that your ram has heatsinks.... like G-Skill / OCZ / Corsair etc... the ram is not that cheap but it ought to do the job for mild oc + stable performance go for Patriot signature you can overvolt these sticks without any probs....

+1. good point. or get 1600Mhz ram. they wil work at 1333Mhz & once OC'd they wil reach 1600Mhz.

go for corsair although the rating is the same they deliver higher efficiency... so it would actually be the same amount of money... you spend on any PSU.....also i suggest drop the 400w PSU and stick with corsair VX450

as far as i heard VX450W is a 500W unit & so can give power upto 450W easily. i not think OP require so much power even if he gets HD5850.

as far as a monitor is concerned get this month's digit mag and read the reviews....because i suggest get a good reputed brand like samsung / viewsonic etc.... for good after sales support.... i am using syncmaster 920nw bought 2 years ago and it still works flawlessy... no dead pixels

yah, agree. get something with good after sale service. cause none like dead pixels or even bright pixels appearing in monitor.

one peice of advice : Never run a AMD processor on a stock cooler this is because if the fan stops working / something goes wrong your processor and probably your mobo will be fried together.... so i suggest get a cooler master tx2 / tx3 cooler that ought to do the job

apart from that if you get a cooler master case it has a bundled fan so add 1 / 2 more 120mm / 60 mm in back and front ... these should cost about 100-300 per piece get cooler master one's they are heavy duty can be connected directly to the PSU

totally not the case. it may have been with the old Athlon XP or Athlon 64X2's. but with the Phenom, Phenom II, Athlon II's i not heard a single case of fan malfunction. who told you fan stops spinning?

for cabby, CM Elite 310 + 2X120mm from Cooler master or Xigmatek are good choice. also Sunbeam making somewhat low cost fans now. Rs.300-350 pps. also LED.

Originally Posted by armon300

@Sam.Shab
See, I've never OC'd before, it'll be my first and going to do it following a tut on the web. So.. I doubt it'd be a serious OC.. Thanks for pointing that out.
I guess that makes Biostar TA785G3 HD good enough for me.
Thanks for the info on the GPU, you're right.. I just read some reviews too and have decided to go with HD5670 512MB.

And oh yes (thanks Sam.Shab) I do need a UPS as well.
Anything else?.. because I'm going to buy only what I decide over here.. but I will post my final choices once I've fixed everything.

if u OC for 1st time, OC at default voltage. its safe. play with voltages, i mean upp the voltage too much & you may get a dead proccy. so stick to default voltage & you on relatively safe grounds. at most your pc won't boot. clear CMOS & you good to go again. simple.

for UPS, you need a good one. something like APC 650VA if you getting VX450W & above if u decide go VX550W way.

[armon300]

@Cool G5
Yeah I've read that review.. came up with some of the google results..

@NoasArcAngel
That's exactly what I've decided for PSU.
Oh damn.. I didn't know about the lack of availability of Gamma in NP.. that's gonna throw a speed-breaker at me..
Are you sure about Latency not making a difference though? I'd rule it out then..

@asigh
Ahh.. saw lot of your posts.. was wondering when you would enter here... xDDD
Yeah.. that's kind of obvious.. Lower latencies = Better than higher lats... hence the higher prices. But I'll keep in mind to check 550W before the 450W..
Thanks for the reference, I've already noted to check SMC Int. for CM cabbies if I don't get the NZXT Gamma.. your model suggestions really help narrowing down the choices for me.

@Sam.Shab
Yep, 1st preference for cabby is the Gamma.
I was thinking about that.. and it really struck me that such a critical issue was not being addressed by AMD.. Hmm.. will have to re-judge on the cooler.
Thanks for the OC tips.. I'll make sure to read ample amount of OC info...

Will post my final choices for a final check in a minute.

---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:22 PM ----------
This is what I see as my new config:

OS = Windows 7 64Bit
CPU/Processor = AMD Athlon II X4 630
Graphic Card/GPU = ATI Sapphire GDDR5 HD5670 512MB
Hard Drive = Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue
Keyboard = Logitech/Microsoft Wireless
Optical Drive = 22X SATA DVD-RW Sony Optiarc / LG / Lite-On
Motherboard = Biostar TA785G3 HD
Power Supply = Corsair VX550/ Corsair VX450
Case/Cabinet = NZXT Gamma / Cooler Master Elite (310/ 360/ Vanilla M690/CM690 2) at SMC Int. + 2x120MM CM fans
Memory/RAM = Corsair/Gskill DDR3 (2X2)4GB 1333MHz (To keep in mind low CAL Latency, Voltage, Price)
Monitor (Still not sure about this) = Benq G2220HD 22” FULL HD / DELL 21.5" S2209W

Apart from Monitor, I'm pretty sure about the parts I've decided.. So.. what do you think?

[asingh]

^^
Saw you finalized list now.

1. That card is useless. Will hardly render. Forget it doing Dx11 tessellation. Unbalanced rig.
2. Go for 1TB HDD. Better value for money. 500GB fills out fast.

What prices is SMS quoting for all this.

[NoasArcAngel]

okay dude here you go as far as DDR3 ram is concerned the latency for any DDR3 ram is higher than the cheapest shite DDR2 ram you can find.... also lower latencies usually results in quicker memory maps etc... so unless you are willing to spend 10-20k on your ram and want extreme performance i wouldn't be worried much about the latency of the ram... if it is DDR3.... so you get the point ?

also asigh what i meant was that powercolor cards are good lol but if you compare in general... sapphire beats powercolor by about a 10-20% margin because it has single layer PCB solid state capacitors...etc...

finding gamma or any NZXT cabinet in NP will be impossible unless you are willing to go all the way to chandigarh and get one... or ship by paying 2k ?

as far as the ram is concerned be sure you DON'T get the value ram opt for performance ram with heatsinks one major mistake people make

also dude a after market performance cooler is a must especially in hot temps of Delhi ... so i am sure a tx2 / tx3 will be required

---------- Post added at 09:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:59 PM ----------

rofl dude why the hell is that card useless? ..sad

---------- Post added at 09:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

500GB storage is enough and he can upgrade in future also ... or add another drive for performance... although the price/GB ratio will be lower for the 1TB hdd

---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 PM ----------

well for his purpose the rig is very well balanced + future proof with ddr3 support and a good psu so he can later upgrade to a crossfire setup and a octacore cpu... in future

---------- Post added at 09:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 PM ----------

also @ sam the fan's dont stop to function what i mean to say is that AMD processors generate a lot of heat and even a slight OC sends the temp running like crazy so to increase the life of the processor and better cooling i suggested a after market cooler

---------- Post added at 09:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:15 PM ----------

actually you are quoting lower prices than me

[Piyush]

Originally Posted by armon300

This is what I see as my new config:

OS = Windows 7 64Bit
CPU/Processor = AMD Athlon II X4 630
Graphic Card/GPU = ATI Sapphire GDDR5 HD5670 512MB
Hard Drive = Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue
Keyboard = Logitech/Microsoft Wireless
Optical Drive = 22X SATA DVD-RW Sony Optiarc / LG / Lite-On
Motherboard = Biostar TA785G3 HD
Power Supply = Corsair VX550/ Corsair VX450
Case/Cabinet = NZXT Gamma / Cooler Master Elite (310/ 360/ Vanilla M690/CM690 2) at SMC Int. + 2x120MM CM fans
Memory/RAM = Corsair/Gskill DDR3 (2X2)4GB 1333MHz (To keep in mind low CAL Latency, Voltage, Price)
Monitor (Still not sure about this) = Benq G2220HD 22” FULL HD / DELL 21.5" S2209W

Apart from Monitor, I'm pretty sure about the parts I've decided.. So.. what do you think?

sorry for being late
but a few changes are required:
go for hd 5750(i fear if 5670 is appropriate or not)not much difference in price
i'll suggest u to go for asus 785g v-evo mobo
gr8 performance
look
there is a separate column at tomshardware.com named as
Build your own

check it urself
might help:-P

[NoasArcAngel]

dude what do you mean by price difference ? if he changes his card he is gonna pay double the price... are you nuts? also asus mobo quality sucks specially the low end one's unless you are going for one of their formulas i think this is the best mobo

[asingh]

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

also asigh what i meant was that powercolor cards are good lol but if you compare in general... sapphire beats powercolor by about a 10-20% margin because it has single layer PCB solid state capacitors...etc...

What you mean compare in general. Can you show me some benchmarks of exact Sapphire vs. Powercolor accelerators (models are same) where the Sapphire ones are ahead. The only place where Sapphire beats Powercolor --- is that they give 3 years warranty vs. 2 years of Powercolor.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

rofl dude why the hell is that card useless? ..sad

It is cause, if you read reviews on that accelerator, it is punching it below 60 FPS. On that, the user will have poor gaming experience. And when the Dx11 features are turned up (Dx11), this card will crap in its pants.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

500GB storage is enough and he can upgrade in future also ... or add another drive for performance... although the price/GB ratio will be lower for the 1TB hdd

How you know 500GB is enough. Better to get more than enough in the first go. It will work out cheaper, plus less connectors and more empty slot, less hardware with one platter vs. two.

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

well for his purpose the rig is very well balanced + future proof with ddr3 support and a good psu so he can later upgrade to a crossfire setup and a octacore cpu... in future

I feel it is not well balanced. Rest is upto the buyer decide. His GPU will not cut the ice. But if he has monetary constraints, he is good to go.

[armon300]

@asigh
NoasArcAngel is right.. I don't need 1TB and plus.. in the "Not-to buy hardware list" it says 1TB HDDs crash rate is high. But the main factor is, I don't need more than 500GB (I'm using 80GB HDD right now, have only reached the limit..maybe once? Otherwise I'm always below the 40GB used mark.)
Hmmm.. will 5670 really be THAT bad? What do you suggest? Obviously don't push me upto double that price but within that range..


@piyush
No dude, don't be sorry.. You're not late.
I compared HD5670 and HD5750... price is around 3k more for the latter and it's also 1GB memory. HD5750 also has more Stream Processing Units (300 more), and little higher Memory Clock (0.6 GBps more).

@NoasArcAngel
Yeah 500GB is more than enough for me. Thanks.
And about the cooling part.. even after adding 2 fans I'll need that cooling kit? I don't want to risk anything here, but if it really is worth it, then sure. Do consider that I have an A/C in the room where this rig will be kept, so obviously in the peaks of summer, it'll be on.
And about the RAM, I'll get a good brand with 4GB DDR3 1333 MHz ram.. Gskill/Corsair are main choices, but if they don't fit in my budget, I hope Kingston does.

---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 AM ----------

My budget is 40000 INR, give or take. And I still have to add a UPS to this rig. It's a tight budget, but can't do much about it.
Am in the process of reading about the HD5670.. It turns out, HD5750 or HD4850 might be a good choice as well.

---------- Post added at 02:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 AM ----------

You're right asigh! Everyone suggests to get either get ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB OR Radeon HD 5750 512MB for that budget range INSTEAD of HD5670.. even in it's OWN review.

---------- Post added at 04:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 AM ----------

Ok, I read a bit more and decided that THIS will be the final rig.

CPU/Processor = AMD Athlon II X4 630

Motherboard = Biostar TA785G3 HD

Memory/RAM = 4GB(2*2) 1333MHz Kingston DDR3 RAM

Hard Drive = Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue

Graphic Card/GPU = ATI Radeon Sapphire HD5750 512MB DDR5

Monitor = BenQ G2020HD 20" LCD Monitor

Cabinet = Cooler Master Elite 310 at SMC + 2x120MM CM fans

Power Supply = Corsair VX450

Keyboard = Logitech/Microsoft

Optical Drive = Sony Optiarc / LG 22X SATA DVD-RW

Now, I found that the prices for these in the "Latest Prices!!!" thread total upto 37k. So, I've got a few extra to spend. Now, what do I spend it on.
Will be OCing, but not a LOT. So, with that in mind, any suggestions to where I should put the extra bucks?

[Piyush]

Originally Posted by armon300

@asigh
NoasArcAngel is right.. I don't need 1TB and plus.. in the "Not-to buy hardware list" it says 1TB HDDs crash rate is high. But the main factor is, I don't need more than 500GB (I'm using 80GB HDD right now, have only reached the limit..maybe once? Otherwise I'm always below the 40GB used mark.)
Hmmm.. will 5670 really be THAT bad? What do you suggest? Obviously don't push me upto double that price but within that range..


@piyush
No dude, don't be sorry.. You're not late.
I compared HD5670 and HD5750... price is around 3k more for the latter and it's also 1GB memory. HD5750 also has more Stream Processing Units (300 more), and little higher Memory Clock (0.6 GBps more).

@NoasArcAngel
Yeah 500GB is more than enough for me. Thanks.
And about the cooling part.. even after adding 2 fans I'll need that cooling kit? I don't want to risk anything here, but if it really is worth it, then sure. Do consider that I have an A/C in the room where this rig will be kept, so obviously in the peaks of summer, it'll be on.
And about the RAM, I'll get a good brand with 4GB DDR3 1333 MHz ram.. Gskill/Corsair are main choices, but if they don't fit in my budget, I hope Kingston does.

---------- Post added at 01:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 AM ----------

My budget is 40000 INR, give or take. And I still have to add a UPS to this rig. It's a tight budget, but can't do much about it.
Am in the process of reading about the HD5670.. It turns out, HD5750 or HD4850 might be a good choice as well.

---------- Post added at 02:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 AM ----------

You're right asigh! Everyone suggests to get either get ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB OR Radeon HD 5750 512MB for that budget range INSTEAD of HD5670.. even in it's OWN review.

---------- Post added at 04:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 AM ----------

Ok, I read a bit more and decided that THIS will be the final rig.

CPU/Processor = AMD Athlon II X4 630

Motherboard = Biostar TA785G3 HD

Memory/RAM = 4GB(2*2) 1333MHz Kingston DDR3 RAM

Hard Drive = Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue

Graphic Card/GPU = ATI Radeon Sapphire HD5750 1GB DDR5

Monitor = BenQ G2020HD 20" LCD Monitor

Cabinet = Cooler Master Elite 310 at SMC + 2x120MM CM fans

Power Supply = Corsair VX450

Keyboard = Logitech/Microsoft

Optical Drive = Sony Optiarc / LG 22X SATA DVD-RW

Now, I found that the prices for these in the "Latest Prices!!!" thread total upto 37k. So, I've got a few extra to spend. Now, what do I spend it on.
Will be OCing, but not a LOT. So, with that in mind, any suggestions to where I should put the extra bucks?

looks decent to me
well how much can u spend more?

---------- Post added at 08:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 AM ----------

Originally Posted by NoasArcAngel

dude what do you mean by price difference ? if he changes his card he is gonna pay double the price... are you nuts? also asus mobo quality sucks specially the low end one's unless you are going for one of their formulas i think this is the best mobo

listen dude he hasnt bought a gfx card yet
so we all can guide him to make right changes

plus
i think u r a damn fan of bio*
check this out
Seven AMD 785G-Based Motherboards Rounded Up

[NoasArcAngel]

rofl dude i aint no fanboy... i actually like MSI a lot... just that he suggested a biostar mobo so as well as go with it.... also ASUS boards are nice... but a little pricey and VFM is our main concern here...

---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------

see if you are adding 2 fans ... they will ventilate the cabinet well, also the ram gfx card will generate heat so you need about 2 fans minimum to keep your cabby temps cool and the area near the processor will really heat up a lot... so i suggest go in for a after market cooler for solid cooling ...

also rofl mistake on my part... i was thinking about the HD 5770 when i wrote that pricing thing down.. @ all guys sorry obviously if you pay 3k more and get a HD 5750 go for it

---------- Post added at 09:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 AM ----------

also armon dont go for ram.... see a increase ram buffer will be useless. i suggest stick to the 512MB HD 5750 and save the money... going for 1GB is useless as there is not a frame big enough to fill that... also performance difference wont be a lot as they are running the same core and memory clocks...

---------- Post added at 09:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:54 AM ----------

make sure for the ram get one WITH HEATSINKS

---------- Post added at 09:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 AM ----------

with 1GB of ram in HD 5750 you will max get 1-2 frames per second is it worth the cost?

---------- Post added at 09:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 AM ----------

you can save ont that and get better ram like G-skill [ ripjaw ] / hyperX [ kingston ] or xms3 [ corsair ] or ocz

---------- Post added at 10:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 AM ----------

hmm the ASUS evo mobo suggested by piyush seems a good buy with all solid capacitors and double gold layering between in the pcb...

---------- Post added at 10:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 AM ----------

the MSI mobo i suggest is E-53 785G chipset for about 5.5k whereas the ASUS mobo is for around 7k... its up to you...i would suggest stick with a mobo for about 2-5k and spend rest money on better RAM...

[armon300]

@piyush
I'm not sure how the prices from the stickied thread compare to Nehru Place prices.. but their the latest prices so their shouldn't be much difference.
Going with that, it comes out to be 37000 INR, which leaves room for 3k more.

Damn ****, I was looking for that! Will have to go back to 5th grade and find out how to navigate a site...
Actually that was made in Oct. 2009, and I was looking for the March version.. xD

@NoasArcAngel
I know.. I just couldn't find the 512MB version online anywhere.. So I thought there was no such thing.
But, I'll list HD5750 512MB so if I find it, I'll get that instead.
Better RAM.. could you point me to a list of such rams?
And yeah.. I was looking at that Mobo too.. Hmm.. I'll work up the mobo once again.

PS: Have changed my config to the 512MB version of HD5750.