Building my new computer

[linkinpark187]

I personally like Nvidia more than I do ATI, but that's just my preference. I would recommend that instead of going with a 9800 you go with one of the 200 series cards, they are much more efficient as the architecture is better built than that of the 9 series, and is still in the same price range as the 9800. I would also suggest this processor, so long as money is not a big constraint: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103656&Tpk=Phenom II X4 925

I just got that myself, and the amount of performance increase from my Phenom II x4 940 (my 940 was a 3.0GHz, but also AM2+, the one I'm suggesting is AM3). I like using Lost Planet: Colonies for benchmarking (not completely, though), and with this processor I noticed a 15-20 fps increase. It was incredible! So, if you're going to be doing any gaming, I would recommend a quad core because there are many games that utilize multi-core CPU's.

And I'm going to agree with Archer and twocows here. Don't go with Corsair. I myself would recommend either G.Skill or Crucial, but Kingston is another good, trustworthy brand. :D

 

[Archer]

I agree with Archer's suggestion, though I might suggest upping it to the 5770 if you can afford it (it's a very nice card).

Yeah, I've got a 5770, but it's a little further up the price bracket, which is why I didn't recommend it. I have the Sapphire Vapor-X Version, which is really quiet and cool, but you pay about 5% more for it.

If your computer is an ATX form factor, I believe you should also be able to install a microATX board, since it maintains backwards compatibility, so keep that in mind.

There's little point installing a micro-ATX when you don't have to. All it does is limit you in regards to expansion. That said, it doesn't hurt either.

I personally like Nvidia more than I do ATI, but that's just my preference.

At the moment, ATI simply has a better range at better prices. This isn't an ATI vs nVidia question, it has more to do with what is a better choice right now.

So, if you're going to be doing any gaming, I would recommend a quad core because there are many games that utilize multi-core CPU's.

Firstly, I would make sure that you go with at least a 3GHz Phenom, if you run with one. There is a performance spike with them at 3GHz+ but I can't be bothered to pull out the benchies. Also keep in mind that the Phenoms X4s run hot. Hot, combined with AMDs half-assed coolers means noisy. If you're capable and you intend to get one of these, get a aftermarket cooler, such as the Coolermaster Hyper 212+ (really cheap) or the Thermalright Ultra 120 (higher end). Noctua also makes great and quiet fans, but they're so damn ugly.

While I'm here, I'd like to pipe up and say that you are better off with a Phenom X2 than an Athlon X4 for gaming. Or and i5-750 is a good option if you want to consider Intel, but avoid the i5-600 series, they're a joke.

 

[linkinpark187]

I knew I forgot something...

Like Archer said, if you're going with the Phenom x4, get an after market cooler. I would actually highly recommend this one, though: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103046

I've got one in my system, and it keeps the processor VERY cool. My original cooler was the CoolerMaster Hyper Z600, but that was too big, and I was always afraid it was going to damage the motherboard (which it doesn't look like the Hyper 212+ would do that). The great thing about CoolerMaster coolers is that they come with a series of brackets so you can fit them to almost any socket. :D

 

[Archer]

I now have a 212+ and wouldn't go back. It keeps my Phenom 6^C cooler at all times and is almost silent at max RPMs. Not bad for a $35AU cooler :D. Keep in mind that 6^C is a lot for an AMD chip, as their heat range is about 35-60^C, whereas Intels (Core 2 Duos, for instance) run between 30-80^C.

* ^C is degrees celsius. I really cbf putting in the degree sign.

 

[twocows]

Stock cooling has always worked fine for me. I've never had processors melt or anything like that. $35 isn't a bad deal, though; even I'd consider that.

 

[Archer]

Stock cooling has always worked fine for me. I've never had processors melt or anything like that. $35 isn't a bad deal, though; even I'd consider that.

The noise is the issue. Sure, it keeps it cool enough, but only with enough noise to wake my family members. It was really that bad. 75mm fans just make so much noise for the same cooling capacity. You can also mount it NW or ES, although you have to be careful the heatpipes don't block RAM dimms with heat spreaders. With the fan NS, that is.