New PC Specs, what do you think?

Moondoggy · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:10

Hey guys,

Firstly just like to say that I am a long time lurker of the forum and love the amount of effort that goes into helping. I have often got component advice here before buying parts, so thanks!

Its taken me long enough to get an account and get stuck in, so hopefully I will be able to offer some advice myself soon.

Anyway, I am just in the process of buying a completely new system and would appreciate it if anyone could look over these specs and let me know your thoughts.
(Hopefully there wont be any obvious screaming incompatibilities)

GPU : Asus GTX 285 1GB (http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-190-AS)

Mother: Asus M4A78T-E AMD 790GX (Socket AM3) (http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-335-AS)

CPU : AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 810 2.6GHz (Socket AM3) (http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-239-AM)

RAM: Corsair Dominator DHX 4GB(2x2GB) DDR3

PSU: Corsair TX 650W ATX SLi Compliant Power Supply (http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-008-CS)

My approach to PCs is that I usually buy a full computer system and then don't bother updating it ever and just use and abuse it for a number of years, then repeat the process. Do don't worry about certain components not being future proof as it is unlikely that I will upgrade, say the graphics card, I might bung in another 2/4GB of RAM at some point, but that is not an issue.

Thanks.

95thrifles · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:30

Hi its looks ok, but personally Id go for an ATI card, better value for money and that board supports xfire, so if you wanted/needed to add a 2nd card in a couple of years for some more power it would allow you to do that. Id go for a 4890 gfx card and use the money saved to get a 955BE CPU which would give better OCing due to unlocked multiplier
Alternatively you could prob get an i7 set up for similar price, a UD3R mobo, 920D0 CPU and a set of OCZ platinum triple channel RAM
Oh and either way dont forget to add a decent aftermarket cooler if youre gonna OC

Sharlaw · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:34

For tri-channel ram you'll need at least the UD4, I think the UDR3 is only dual.

95thrifles · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:35

no its tri, but it only has 4 slots (may as well be 3)

Gunda · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:35

What harddrive are you going with? for me a new HD is just as important as some of the other bits.

Griff7520 · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:37

Sharlaw said:
For tri-channel ram you'll need at least the UD4, I think the UDR3 is only dual.

UD3R is triple channel....

Moondoggy · 12 Jun 2009 at 11:46

Thanks for the replies guys.

Gunda - I will probably be getting a primary SSD drive, something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-009-OC&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=910
For my main operating drive, then probably a secondary 1TB drive for storage.

95thrifles - Thanks, but I think I will stick with Nvidia.. I dunno why but I have just always prefered them to ATI. Its unlikely that I will add another GPU card, even 2+ years down the line. So in this respect the GTX 285 seems good value for money and something that will last me for a while.