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[brain_stew]

Its irrelevant because games are still GPU limited. Those tests only work by setting the graphics settings to low or using older games where all the results are well above reasonable FPS anyway. Completely inapplicable to real gaming, and yeah the Phenom II 550 is a great chip and your 920 is much better than an E8400.

Well there's that as well, so in the real world the difference will be even less pronounced. Its really an awesome gamer's CPU.

 

[K.Jack]

What's the best CPU buy around $100, for a person who won't ever OC it?

 

[TheExodu5]

Its irrelevant because games are still GPU limited. Those tests only work by setting the graphics settings to low or using older games where all the results are well above reasonable FPS anyway. Completely inapplicable to real gaming, and yeah the Phenom II 550 is a great chip and your 920 is much better than an E8400.

Pretty much. Other than Arma 2, I don't really know of any games that are CPU limited on a single GPU rig.

Still, that 550 looks like an absolutely amazing deal. The Phenom 920/940 seem pretty obsolete to me considering that...may as well jump up to i7 if you're plannin on moving to the higher price bracket.

 

[brain_stew]

What's the best CPU buy around $100, for a person who won't ever OC it?

Huh, see my posts above, at stock or for OCers, the Phenom ii X2 550 can't be touched at its price range.

 

[TheHeretic]

Still, that 550 looks like an absolutely amazing deal. The Phenom 920/940 seem pretty obsolete to me considering that...may as well jump up to i7 if you're plannin on moving to the higher price bracket.

Yeah, but its good to see AMD fighting back. For a while they had absolutely nothing, now they have the best chip on the market imo (AMD 720).

 

[brain_stew]

GAF's ultimate $500 PC Gaming Rig post.

If you want the absolute best performance for your dollar, this configuration that I've just put together can not be touched. This rig will run any PC game at high or max settings upto resolutions of 1680x1050 for your $500 with very nice framerates, often hitting the 60fps mark.

The value for money you're getting here can not be touched, every component is from a very highly regarded, top tier manufacturer and is picked because it offers the absolute best performance for the money.

[Motherboard (Gigabyte UD3 770)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128376
[Processor (Phenom ii X2 550 3.1ghz black edition)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680
[GPU (Sapphire HD 4850 512MB)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824
[HDD (WD Black 640GB 32MB Cache)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
[DVDRW (LG 22X)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167
[Case/PSU (Antec Basiq 500w and Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX case)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.197377
[RAM (OCZ SLI 4GB DDR2 800)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269

Total: $513 (less $20 MIR) = $493

If anyone at all is interested in PC gaming but doesn't want to incur the heavy costs then this is the perfect rig for you. It'll perform tremendously in every game you play (yes, including Crysis) and anything spent past this point will only get you diminishing returns. Feel free to quote this post in the future, I plan to do the same myself.

Component pictures:

Do you think this is worth its own thread guys, just to put it out there, how insanely cheap PC gaming has become? I mean, you really shouldn't be getting this level of components for $500, some might be really surprised the sort of performance that amount of moeny buys you, its really insane.

 

[archnemesis]

Oh prebuilt? That changes things. I tend to prefer to stick with ASUS or Gigabyte motherboards if possible, does the vendor not have any lower cost motherboards (based on the 770 chipset for example) available? Nvidia chipsets have such a dodgy reputation, and they're often rather pricey, add that to the fact that SLI is useless to you (considering your pick of GPU) and things get iffy.

On the RAM, fair enough, just don't expect much difference atm, but I'd rather put that extra cash into upgrading to a ii 940 instead personally, if you can get both, then by all means.

Could you link me to the vendor you're using?

I'm was thinking of using a small Swedish retailer, but if I can't get the components I really want then I might as well order the parts and build it myself.

How about this instead?

Case: Cooler Master Stacker 831 Black
PSU: Corsair Powersupply ???W Black,ATX/EPS (everything betweeen 550 and 1000W is available)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4H,Socket-AM2+/AM3
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition
GPU: Asus Radeon HD 4890 1GB GDDR5
Memory: Corsair Dominator TWIN2X PC8500 (1066Mhz) 4GB DDR2
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.B 1TB
DVD: Sony NEC Optiarc DVD±RW burner AD-7200S

 

[brain_stew]

I'm was thinking of using a small Swedish retailer, but if I can't get the components I really want then I might as well order the parts and build it myself.

How about this instead?

Case: Cooler Master Stacker 831 Black
PSU: Corsair Powersupply ???W Black,ATX/EPS (everything betweeen 550 and 1000W is available)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4H,Socket-AM2+/AM3
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition
GPU: Asus Radeon HD 4890 1GB GDDR5
Memory: Corsair Dominator TWIN2X PC8500 (1066Mhz) 4GB DDR2
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.B 1TB
DVD: Sony NEC Optiarc DVD±RW burner AD-7200S

Excellent choice of components. If 8GB of DDR2 800 RAM is priced similar to 4GB of DDR2 1066, then go with that instead, otherwise, there's very little to fault there.

 

[Gully State]

GAF's ultimate $500 PC Gaming Rig post.

If you want the absolute best performance for your dollar, this configuration that I've just put together can not be touched. This rig will run any PC game at high or max settings upto resolutions of 1680x1050 for your $500 with very nice framerates, often hitting the 60fps mark.

The value for money you're getting here can not be touched, every component is from a very highly regarded, top tier manufacturer and is picked because it offers the absolute best performance for the money.

[Motherboard (Gigabyte UD3 770)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128376
[Processor (Phenom ii X2 550 3.1ghz black edition)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680
[GPU (Sapphire HD 4850 512MB)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824
[HDD (WD Black 640GB 32MB Cache)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
[DVDRW (LG 22X)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167
[Case/PSU (Antec Basiq 500w and Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX case)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.197377
[RAM (OCZ SLI 4GB DDR2 800)]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269

Total: $513 (less $20 MIR) = $493

If anyone at all is interested in PC gaming but doesn't want to incur the heavy costs then this is the perfect rig for you. It'll perform tremendously in every game you play (yes, including Crysis) and anything spent past this point will only get you diminishing returns. Feel free to quote this post in the future, I plan to do the same myself.

Component pictures:

Do you think this is worth its own thread guys, just to put it out there, how insanely cheap PC gaming has become? I mean, you really shouldn't be getting this level of components for $500, some might be really surprised the sort of performance that amount of moeny buys you, its really insane.

Yeah it should get its own thread. However, I would say that if you could somehow cut costs elsewhere and use that savings to suppliment your build with a better videocard than a 4850. You can get a GTX260 for $130 and a 4890 for $150 at newegg right now.

 

[brain_stew]

Yeah it should get its own thread. However, I would say that if you could somehow cut costs elsewhere and use that savings to suppliment your build with a better videocard than a 4850. You can get a GTX260 for $130 and a 4890 for $150 at newegg right now.

I'm putting together a UK equivalent for £375 delivered, and its looking really good. I really don't see any area to cut back to allow a GTX 260 or similar, as I see stuff like a super fast and large HDD, as well as a very nice case as major selling points. There's no arguing with the performance you get for your money with a 4850, but I think I'll do is add a section for "possible upgardes" and add a GTX 260/4890 plus perhaps a better PSU to go with it, to that section.


UK GAF's ultimate £375 (delivered) budget gaming rig.

Just like the rig for US posters, I've put together a config that uses the absolute best "bang for buck" components whilst sticking to a strict £375 budget. The basic components are similar but I've used parts that are better priced at Ebuyer in order in come in on budget.

[Motherboard (ASUS M4A78 770)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167128
[CPU (Phenom ii X2 550)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/166518
[RAM (OCZ Gold 4GB DDR2 800)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146049
[GPU (XFX HD 4850 512MB)]:http://www.ebuyer.com/product/155496
[DVD (22X Samsung DVDRW)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145450
[Case/PSU (Coolermaster 330 Elite and Coolermaster eXtreme Power Plus 460w PSU)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145450
[HDD (WD 640GB)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144339

Total cost = £375.91 delivered

Optional monitor:

22" 1680X1050 DVI-D/VGA LG: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152124#

Total cost with monitor = £375.91 + £119.98 = £495.89


Recommended upgrades for 1080p gaming

[Case/PSU (Coolermaster Centurion 5 + Coolermaste eXtreme Power Plus 550W)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/141707
[GPU (XFX 4870 1GB)]: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/155500

New total cost = £425.62


Optional 1080P monitor:

Samsung Gloss Black DVI/VGA (£163.68): http://www.ebuyer.com/product/158382

Total cost of 1080p gaming rig + 1080p monitor = £589.30

 

[TheHeretic]

GAF's ultimate $500 PC Gaming Rig post.

If you want the absolute best performance for your dollar, this configuration that I've just put together can not be touched. This rig will run any PC game at high or max settings upto resolutions of 1680x1050 for your $500 with very nice framerates, often hitting the 60fps mark.

The value for money you're getting here can not be touched, every component is from a very highly regarded, top tier manufacturer and is picked because it offers the absolute best performance for the money.

Do you think this is worth its own thread guys, just to put it out there, how insanely cheap PC gaming has become? I mean, you really shouldn't be getting this level of components for $500, some might be really surprised the sort of performance that amount of moeny buys you, its really insane.

For $500 its awesome. For $600 you could get a 4890 though! If you make a thread (and you should) throw in the GPU options (the only thing i'd consider changing depending on budget) and some monitors too.

 

[brain_stew]

For $500 its awesome. For $600 you could get a 4890 though! If you make a thread (and you should) throw in the GPU options (the only thing i'd consider changing depending on budget) and some monitors too.

Ahh the moitor part is a good idea.

 

[zbarron]

Pretty much. Other than Arma 2, I don't really know of any games that are CPU limited on a single GPU rig.

Still, that 550 looks like an absolutely amazing deal. The Phenom 920/940 seem pretty obsolete to me considering that...may as well jump up to i7 if you're plannin on moving to the higher price bracket.

I would say Empire: Total War is CPU limited.

Very nice $500 system brain_stew. I'll have to recommend it to a friend who is looking for a $500 PC. If he reuses some parts from his current build it will come out even cheaper.

I finally got my CPU stable according to OCCT. It's at 3.0 right now.

IMPORTANT EDIT: Don't forget to mention to use the code " VGASALE10 " on Newegg for 10% off the video card.

 

[archnemesis]

Excellent choice of components. If 8GB of DDR2 800 RAM is priced similar to 4GB of DDR2 1066, then go with that instead, otherwise, there's very little to fault there.

Thanks for all your help, I'm placing my order tomorrow.

 

[zbarron]

Wait a second. Correct me if I am wrong but the mother board you suggested is AM2/AM2+ while the processor is AM3. Wouldn't that cause a problem? I don't really know much about AMD stuff.

 

[BravoSuperStar]

Wait a second. Correct me if I am wrong but the mother board you suggested is AM2/AM2+ while the processor is AM3. Wouldn't that cause a problem? I don't really know much about AMD stuff.

That board supports AM3 socket, just doesn't specify it in the link posted.

 

[Minsc]

The gap in price vs performance of the $5-600 PC, and ultra-high end (core i7, SLI) is bigger than ever.

It seems you put in much, much more than you get out to take the next step after the above build (with a 4890 for under $600).

 

[ACH1LL3US]

Excellent choice of components. If 8GB of DDR2 800 RAM is priced similar to 4GB of DDR2 1066, then go with that instead, otherwise, there's very little to fault there.

What is the difference between ddr2 and 3? Is it worth getting the ddr3? I notice in the post above you made that the going above the $500 setup you posted would be diminshing returns, care to elaborate on that?

Are you saying getting a better cpu, gpu and ram won't be that much of a difference vs the cost?

 

[brain_stew]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=16419055#post16419055

I've posted the thread now. What do you guys think? I need to add a few pictures but apart from that is it OK?

Formatting is a bit off but I'm no good with stuff like that, any suggested improvements are welcomed.

 

[ACH1LL3US]

What type of gaming difference would a 4850 and a 4890 produce? It doesn't seem like the 4890 is ALOT more giving the fact its Ati's top card??

 

[Gully State]

What type of gaming difference would a 4850 and a 4890 produce? It doesn't seem like the 4890 is ALOT more giving the fact its Ati's top card??

Performance differences are huge. That's why the 4890 is such a good deal.

 

[ACH1LL3US]

Performance differences are huge. That's why the 4890 is such a good deal.

Are they the same generation card? is there more memory pipelines in the 4890? What are the differences between the two spec wise?

 

[Minsc]

Are they the same generation card? is there more memory pipelines in the 4890? What are the differences between the two spec wise?

Go here for spec comparison and here for futuremark scores.

The 4850 scores around 6300 and the 4890 scores almost 11,000. When you look at that chart and consider the 4890 can be had for $130, you see what an absolutely amazing deal that is. It is right below $300+ cards.

 

[Hixx]

OK, not exactly a 'what should I buy' query, but not new topic worthy, so:

I got a replacement 9600GT today (yes, yes I know its an ageing card but it does the business for me, Crysis aint my thing), novatech said it was 650/1500/900. core/shader/mem or something, I'm not too into hardware. However, looking at rivatune, it was running at stock of 600/????/800. Now, I can get it up to what it SHOULD be easily enough. Reading around I should be able to OC it to 750/1800/950 'with ease'. Yet if I even consider going past 700 core speed, even the WoW login screen freezes the PC. The SFIV benchmark freezes straight afte Ryu's intromabob finishes. Yet at 650, my framerates hit the low hundreds at decent settings with no stress.

Cooling isnt a problem, 40c idle, goes up to 55ish in Fallout at 'fixed' stock speed. Well, I'm presuming it isnt a problem. I'm thinking more along the lines of lack of power, cos the card I got sent has no power inputs, just straight into the PCI-e slot. Which I thought was very odd, considering the previous 9600gt I had required this huge plug thing stuck into the back of it. Any ideas, fellas?

 

[TheExodu5]

The 4850 scores around 6300 and the 4890 scores almost 11,000. When you look at that chart and consider the 4890 can be had for $130, you see what an absolutely amazing deal that is. It is right below $300+ cards.

Okay, sorry, but stop lowering the price. You can't get an HD 4890 for $130.

 

[Ikuu]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

Well it's $10 more than he said.

 

[TheExodu5]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

Well it's $10 more than he said.

I don't see an HD 4890. Wrong card.

 

[kodt]

What type of gaming difference would a 4850 and a 4890 produce? It doesn't seem like the 4890 is ALOT more giving the fact its Ati's top card??

I can tell you exactly since I went from a 4850 to a 4890 without upgrading any other components (except for PSU)

With the 4850 I would get around 25fps in Crysis Warhead on Gamer settings at 1680x1050. Which is perfectly playable and looks great.

With the 4890 I get 30 fps on Enthusiast settings (except for Shaders on Gamer) at 1920x1080. So my playable settings just jumped significantly. I can turn on Enthusiast shaders and get 20-25fps. 25 I am fine with but 20 is too low.

The 4850 could only manage 15 fps on Enthusiast settings.

Every other game I have tried the 4890 can play at 1920x1080, full settings, 8xAA, 16xAF at 60+ fps. UT3 and FarCry 2 are 60 FPS solid (vsync) Source engine games are 150-300fps though typically around 215fps.

Of course the 4850 could play source engine games at above 100fps consistently, FarCry 2 didn't drop below 50. And it could max out UT3, so really Crysis was the only game that needed the extra boost from the 4890.

 

[Minsc]

Okay, sorry, but stop lowering the price. You can't get an HD 4890 for $130.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16363836&postcount=6344

Requires using 1-time discount promotions, but if you time your purchase with the right rebates/discounts, it is around $130.

Edit: Shit. Now it's actually $120 shipped with that deal! So, you're right, you can't get a 4890 for $130, you can get it for $120 :lol

 

[brain_stew]

Are they the same generation card? is there more memory pipelines in the 4890? What are the differences between the two spec wise?

Twice the bandwidth, double the memory pool, better performance per clock and a serious clockspeed increase make it a pretty major upgrade, especially if you game at high resolutions.

 

[zbarron]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16363836&postcount=6344

Requires using 1-time discount promotions, but if you time your purchase with the right rebates/discounts, it is around $130.

Edit: Shit. Now it's actually $120 shipped with that deal! So, you're right, you can't get a 4890 for $130, you can get it for $120 :lol

Yeah. You may want to consider including this in your thread brain_stew. For the minuscule price difference it is silly to get the 4850 over this.

 

[brain_stew]

Yeah. You may want to consider including this in your thread brain_stew. For the minuscule price difference it is silly to get the 4850 over this.

Well its more than a 50% increase in price so hardly minuscule, impossible to include it and hit the targeted budgets, no matter how much I'd like to. I've included it in the recommended upgrades anyway, and now highlighted how wothwile an upgrade it is in the opening blurb.

 

[lowlylowlycook]

Pretty much. Other than Arma 2, I don't really know of any games that are CPU limited on a single GPU rig.

Still, that 550 looks like an absolutely amazing deal. The Phenom 920/940 seem pretty obsolete to me considering that...may as well jump up to i7 if you're plannin on moving to the higher price bracket.

I think Flight Simulator can be depending on settings.

Oh and Dwarf Fortress :lol

 

[slidewinder]

What kind of gaming performance difference at equal cores and clock speed is there between the various AMD cpus out now? I've seen claims that Phenom is about 20% faster than Athlon 64 of the same speed. Is that about right, and how does Phenom II compare, assuming DDR2 memory?

 

[zbarron]

Well its more than a 50% increase in price so hardly minuscule, impossible to include it and hit the targeted budgets, no matter how much I'd like to. I've included it in the recommended upgrades anyway, and now highlighted how wothwile an upgrade it is in the opening blurb.

A $40 difference would benefit the PC greatly. It would be less than a 10% overall price difference for up a 50% gain in fps. And I was mostly talking about this specific deal, not the 4890 in general, though I could understand if you wanted to omit it for posterity reasons. I didn't really want it in the main deal since I think a nice PC for under $500 is a good feat. I just thought a repost of the deal on this card would be nice.

 

[brain_stew]

A $40 difference would benefit the PC greatly. It would be less than a 10% overall price difference for up a 50% gain in fps. And I was mostly talking about this specific deal, not the 4890 in general, though I could understand if you wanted to omit it for posterity reasons. I didn't really want it in the main deal since I think a nice PC for under $500 is a good feat. I just thought a repost of the deal on this card would be nice.

Oh, now I get you, yeah, I can add a note next to the US section since its such a good deal. It is the same GPU I chose for the 1080p version though, so I'm totally with you on how great a deal it is, just deals like that tend to be very temporary and I didn't want to use deals that would be gone in a couple of days.

You're way off base with the "posterity" comment I want you guys to trip me up as much as possible, and debate my picks, it ensures I've made the right choices. I've already made quite a few additions/changes from advice from others so I am listening! :lol

Anyway, here's Intel supposed CPU roadmap:

[/IMG]

Things are going to get very, very confusing for your average buyer, as the CPU branding doesn't tell you shit about what socket your processor uses. To go with that Core 2 CPUs are to be rebranded and Intel are keeping three sockets (none of which are backwards or forwards compatible like AMD's sockets) alive at the same time. AMD sure have things much simpler.

http://www.techpowerup.com/97604/De...ment_Emerge_Gulftown_to_be_Named_Core_i9.html

 

[brain_stew]

What kind of gaming performance difference at equal cores and clock speed is there between the various AMD cpus out now? I've seen claims that Phenom is about 20% faster than Athlon 64 of the same speed. Is that about right, and how does Phenom II compare, assuming DDR2 memory?

Clock for clock, Phenom iis are right around the performance of Core 2 CPUs, but perhaps a little behind on the whole. They're a huge leap over the old Athlon 64s, especially once you factor in the higher clockspeeds they also come in at stock / can reach after OCing.

To make things a little confusing though, AMD are releasing new Athlon processors, named Athlon ii (the first one is the 250) these are Phenom ii based but don't have any L3 cache, roughly 10-20% slower clock for clock compared to Phenom iis I'd say. This table should give you a good idea:

 

[Yoboman]

So I need some CPU cooling recommendations for my mATX build, as I've said before my build is

Asus Rampage II Gene
Core i7 920
GTX 260
4GB RAM
Inside an Antec mini P180.

Being a relatively small case I need something cool and space saving. I know NOTIHNG about cooling, so help would be much appreciated pleaseee

 

[brain_stew]

So I need some CPU cooling recommendations for my mATX build, as I've said before my build is

Asus Rampage II Gene
Core i7 920
GTX 260
4GB RAM
Inside an Antec mini P180.

Being a relatively small case I need something cool and space saving. I know NOTIHNG about cooling, so help would be much appreciated pleaseee

All the coolers I see recommended for Core i7 builds are huge behemoths. I think this is going to be a difficult one. Might be better off asking at a dedicated cooling/shuttle PC forum, perhaps?

Still, if you're running at stock, the included HSF should manage just fine, really. Just don't push it considering the airflow problems you might have.

 

[MWS Natural]

I use a Zalman in my SFF setup. Keeps things nice and cool, the only problem being you can't control the fan speed with software. You have to hook it up to a fan controller or use the included manual controller.

 

[brain_stew]

I use a Zalman in my SFF setup. Keeps things nice and cool, the only problem being you can't control the fan speed with software. You have to hook it up to a fan controller or use the included manual controller.

That doesn't say it fits Intel's new socket, though?

I've always found Zalman's coolers to be ovrpriced given their thermal charicteristics tbh. Look nice, mind.
This site should help you out with reviews of coolers, worth digging through:

http://www.frostytech.com/


This looks a little smaller than most other the others and performs decently it seems:

http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2357

Their reviews list all the dimensions of the HSF so you'll be able to measure it up.

 

[Yoboman]

All the coolers I see recommended for Core i7 builds are huge behemoths. I think this is going to be a difficult one. Might be better off asking at a dedicated cooling/shuttle PC forum, perhaps?

Still, if you're running at stock, the included HSF should manage just fine, really. Just don't push it considering the airflow problems you might have.

I actually found someone with the exact same setup using this dark knight fan

Do you think that would cause airflow problems? I think it might feed the hot air right out into the 200mm top + 120mm back fan

That seems like a behemoth, so I should have a bit of room to spare if going with something a little smaller right? The P180, is still quite a decent size despite being mATX

 

[Sleeker]

Well there's that as well, so in the real world the difference will be even less pronounced. Its really an awesome gamer's CPU.

Im thinking about upgrading every 12 or so months.
Would the 920 be a good option to upgrade from the e8400 by then?

Also, I checked by CPU temp in the bios and its saying the system temp is about 36C and the CPU temp is 91C.
Isnt that kinda high for a CPU temp?

 

[BravoSuperStar]

Do you think that would cause airflow problems? I think it might feed the hot air right out into the 200mm top + 120mm back fan

That seems like a behemoth, so I should have a bit of room to spare if going with something a little smaller right? The P180, is still quite a decent size despite being mATX

I'm using that exact case and it's excellent. I have a OCZ vendetta cpu cooler and it fit no problem. The top fan does not push air out though, it sucks it in. I also put a 120mm fan in the front, and removed the lower hdd cage just like in that pic. Stays nice and cool with fans on lowest settings, and using a gigabyte 4870 video card.

 

[MWS Natural]

That doesn't say it fits Intel's new socket, though?

I've always found Zalman's coolers to be ovrpriced given their thermal charicteristics tbh. Look nice, mind.
This site should help you out with reviews of coolers, worth digging through:

http://www.frostytech.com/


This looks a little smaller than most other the others and performs decently it seems:

http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2357

Their reviews list all the dimensions of the HSF so you'll be able to measure it up.

Ah my bad, I know it had the converter for Intel processors but probably not i7. I do like Zalman though because of their blend of cooling and quiet. Many heatsinks/fans offer cooler solution but on low my Zalman is whisper quiet.

 

[Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku!]

Alright so I have a 9600 GT w/ 4 Gigs of ram and a AMD X2 5200+ and I'm thinking about getting a new graphics card, maybe a GTX 275. I figure that I can still make that processor last a little longer and get another one later this year but if I get a new card am I going to see a big improvement or will the processor bottleneck it? I just want a computer that can play new games well (60 FPS). Most games seem to run fine but I want a card that will make things go smooth for a few years.

 

[Hazaro]

That doesn't say it fits Intel's new socket, though?

I've always found Zalman's coolers to be ovrpriced given their thermal charicteristics tbh. Look nice, mind.
This site should help you out with reviews of coolers, worth digging through:

http://www.frostytech.com/


This looks a little smaller than most other the others and performs decently it seems:

http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2357

Their reviews list all the dimensions of the HSF so you'll be able to measure it up.

Agree on Zalman's cost and performance. They do look nice and are generally quiet though.

FrostyTech is bullshit though. I wouldn't use that site for cooling reviews.

 

[brain_stew]

Alright so I have a 9600 GT w/ 4 Gigs of ram and a AMD X2 5200+ and I'm thinking about getting a new graphics card, maybe a GTX 275. I figure that I can still make that processor last a little longer and get another one later this year but if I get a new card am I going to see a big improvement or will the processor bottleneck it? I just want a computer that can play new games well (60 FPS). Most games seem to run fine but I want a card that will make things go smooth for a few years.

OC that processor to 3ghz and then we're talking. The 4890 from zipzoomfly.com for $130 after rebate (using code: eBillme) seems a good choice in GPU if you can get that CPU clocked.

What model is your motherboard btw? It may support the new Phenom ii processors.

 

[Minsc]

Tech Report's Summer 2009 system guides are up... for those interested. I think these were highly regarded earlier.

 

[pseudocaesar]

OK so heres my idea for a rig (Im a complete novice so any help would go a LONG way). I put it together with the aid of this thread, but am unsure 100% on things like compatability etc (I think I got it right).


Case: Antec 300
PSU: Antec Basiq 500W
CPU: Phenom HD9750 Quad Core
GPU: HD 4850 512MB
Ram: 4 Gig, 1066 DDR2
HDD: WD 500GB 7200RPM Sata 2
CPU cooler: Cooler master v8

Havent sourced a motherboard yet, most likely a Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3.

Does that sound right? Right card with CPU and Motherboard etc? What are better alternatives? Im in Australia though so Newegg etc is out of the equation.