Another one of those "Check my spec" posts

[NonFactor]

Hello.

I'm planning on building my own pc soon for gaming and some Uni work.

I've done some research on the interwebz and this seems to be a pretty good spec considering what I’ll be using it for.

I am still unsure about a few things though and would like to ask for your help:

First up, the case. I really can't decide between an Antec 300/902 or a CM 690/scout. I'm looking for good cable management/cooling performance. I've heard good things about all of these cases, and they are all below £100, so it's between these guys. (Could be tempted by the HAF though...)

Second, the motherboard. Would this be a good choice for an AM3 board and to compliment the Phenom II X3? Or is there a better choice for over clocking etc?

Also, the RAM. Should I just get some DDR2 RAM instead? I'm assuming that AM3 boards support them?

How about the PSU? Should I downgrade to the 520w for a modular one? Or will cable management be simple enough with the 650w? 520w would be enough for my needs anyways, right?

And lastly; I have until the end of the summer to build this pc (sometime in September) would you recommend waiting till then, or buying and building now?

I'm trying not to go too much over £850 to make myself feel better about not getting an i7 setup.

Sorry for all the questions, any advice is appreciated.

 

[95thrifles]

Hi, and welcome

If youre not getting all the bits til sep then yourebest to wait, theres no point buying some bits now which you cant use, prices will likely come down by then so you will either get this cheaper or a better set up for the same money
Case wise Id recomend the 902 or HAF, the 300 is a great budget case but if you can afford more these are better, personally Id go for the 902.
520W will suffice, and yes you may find it easier, even with the improved cable management in the 902
The mobo is fine, but it will only take DDR3 not DDR2, theyre different and not backwards compatible, you'd have to get an AM2+ board which takes DDR2 RAM and AM3 CPU but its not worth it imo, it'd only save you a few quid anyway
overall your spec looks very good though

 

[RJC]

Spec looks good, like 95thrifles mentions wait until you actualy need the items as prices would have changed and I think Intels I5 will be launched around that time as well.