So in the last few months Iv been noticing my computers getting old :( . So Iv started looking into my next build. Im planning on spending around AU$1900 max, maybe even $2000 if its worth it, but for the hell of it, dont take the price into consideration with your answers. Iv got afew questions about the parts Im thinking of getting so here we go.
Im thinking Of getting 2xHD4890's, But Im wondering about the OC version because its $20 cheaper then the regular version. I assumed the OC'd one would be alittle extra, anyone able to explain why the price difference?
For the CPU im looking into a Phenom II X4 Quad Core 955 Black Edition, wondering if the AM3 sockets going to be around for awhile or at least stay compatible with future stuff. My current computer was a 933 socket, and well as soon as I got it, it seemed outdated.
And for my Motherboard Im thinking Asus M4A79T Deluxe. Seems to be the only board I can find thats specifically designed for the AM3 sockets and Crossfire. But Im alittle confused about the RAM for it, which brings me to my next question.
The board supports DDR3, 16GB. So Im wanting to make sure I get DDR3, with at least 8GB of RAM. But what Iv noticed is most of the RAM is sold in 3's with a max of 2gb per stick. What I'd like to know is how would I actually get 16GB of RAM if they only come in 2GB.
Last thing Id like some help with is the PSU. What type am I going to need and does anyone have any sujestions on one?
Thats pretty much it, feel free too recommend other things, although Im set on an AMD CPU and ATI card.
Kamuikankatsu
The HD 4890 is a really nice card, it should be able to handle any game you throw at it without a problem. As for a reason why the OC'ed version might be cheaper....maybe they're having troubles moving them and they just want to clear out their inventory? I personally would start with 1 of the HD 4890 and see if things work well enough, at that point you can decide to stick with just one or you can purchase another.
They are beefier cards and would require more juice to run, you'd want a good high end CPU that puts out at least 60+ amps on the +12v and is 850W or greater - Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, OCZ, Antec...are just to name a few of brands you should check out. This option would be if you are set on getting two of the HD 4890s. If you are only going to get one and never add another in the future, a good solid 600-650W PSU would work.
DDR3 tends to come in 3s - so you end up with 6GB memory (3 x 2GB set) instead of the more common DDR2 setups of 2 stick sets (2 x 2GB for example). In all honesty, 4-6GB is more then enough memory for any gaming computer.
As for your AM3 chips, they are the new addition to AMD's processor family and it should be a good while before they move on to something newer. From the current trend that AMD seems to have hit home with, some of the AM2+ motherboards can support AM3 chips (consult your MB manufacturer for compatability). Perhaps if they move on to a new socket the AM3 will be backwards compatable as well. For now as how things look, you shouldn't have any issue as to worry about AM3 being obsolete anytime soon.
AM3 boards are slowly coming out more and more, it's still a fairly new socket type so finding the exact motherboard you need could be a daunting process. I'm surprised that you only found one AM3 board that supports Crossfire....I haven't looked for a while, but for some reason I thought that finding a motherboard that supports SLI was hard....oh well, I could just be remembering wrong.
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