Potential econo build

[anakin876]

I'm looking at a new build. I'm buying a copy of Windows 7. I am using my old case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. I'm looking at this:

MoBo Gigabyte GA-MA770T http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392 for $80
CPU Athlon II X2 245 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103687 for $62
4 GB of DDR3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148262 for $84
Gigabyte Radeon 4670 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277 for $73
500 GB WD Caviar Black http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320 for $70
Corsair 400W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008 for $50
a sony DVD/CD drive for $32
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit for 105

any suggestions? I need to keep it as low as possible - but I was aiming for something that I could upgrade in the next year or so (hence the socket AM3 MoBo)

[J Arcane]

Looks good to me. I really dig my 4670, and the Gigabyte one has been a much more stable experience than my Sapphire was. Only complaint I have with it is the driver CD doesn't work, but I just use the AMD site anyway.

[CappinCanuck]

I suggest going for the 640gb WD drive for the fewer platters, unless they've redone all their smaller drives in the last few months -- doubtful.

Also, consider a bigger more versatile PSU if you're planning on upgrading. $50 ain't a lot, but it's a lot if you'll need a new one later; even $70 will get you much more for your money and ensure 100% future proofing. The 550w fatal1ty one is on sale for $45, the 600w mod/stealth OCZ drives can be had for 60. If green is your aim, the Antec Earthwatts gets a lot of praise.

[Wraith]

Silent PC Review recently reviewed the Corsair 400W, giving it high marks. Only gets noisy when pushing a lot of watts.

500W would give you more options in the future, but the 400W you listed should run that system just fine. (I'd be more concerned if it was some no-name brand at 400W.)

[LiquidRain]

Yup, I'd spring a bit more for the PSU. 500 to 550W. And Grifter says he's seen nothing but trouble with OCZ ModStream PSUs, so maybe perhaps don't go by CappinCanuck's suggestion there. :)

[CappinCanuck]

Yup, I'd spring a bit more for the PSU. 500 to 550W. And Grifter says he's seen nothing but trouble with OCZ ModStream PSUs, so maybe perhaps don't go by CappinCanuck's suggestion there. :)

Heh, I didn't suggest it :P It was more a list of on-sale items to show that you could get 500-600w quality PSUs for only a bit more. I've bought a few modxstreams and had no problems. The only ones that have given me issues were thermaltake. It's more luck of the draw I guess. I'd personally pick an Antec. But yeah, 500-600 would be my suggestion, $10 more is a lot better than buying a new PSU later. Although 400 will run that system just fine, as is.

Edit: Actually I had one StealthXStream crap out on me after unplugging and replugging, heh got a spark at the plug and then the PSU wasn't good anymore.

[H.Bogard]

Get a Corsair VX 550. That's what I'm planning to get with a strained budget tomorrow.

[Crittias]

I'll also advocate Corsair PSUs. Great products.

[anakin876]

I suggest going for the 640gb WD drive for the fewer platters, unless they've redone all their smaller drives in the last few months -- doubtful.

Unfortunately the 640gb version on Newegg is sold out. Would the 750gb still fit the bill?

Also, I appreciate all the recommendations so far. I am planning on going for the slightly more powerful PSU - the 550 W Corsair Link. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004) With the mail in rebate it's not too much more expensive than the 400W - but without it there seems to be a significant price difference. I will definitely appreciate it next year when I start looking at upgrades.

[LiquidRain]

A quality 550W PSU will be enough for just about anything for years to come. Just like CPU makers hit the power wall, I think GPU makers have too. I believe we've hit max with 2x PCIe connectors, and considering the strides ATI's made while reducing power consumption, I think the tide's starting to turn like it did with CPUs.

[CappinCanuck]

AFAIK, only the 640gb and 1TB have them. I would just look on one of the million other internet retailers for computer parts. It's worth it, if you aren't getting a Raptor or SSD, this is the best choice. 2x the Platters FTW! These drives are beating some of the old Raptors considerably.

Edit: I just looked up some info and basically any size that can fit 320GB will use the new 320 platters. 320x2=640, x3=1000, x6=2000.

[CappinCanuck]

A quality 550W PSU will be enough for just about anything for years to come. Just like CPU makers hit the power wall, I think GPU makers have too. I believe we've hit max with 2x PCIe connectors, and considering the strides ATI's made while reducing power consumption, I think the tide's starting to turn like it did with CPUs.

Quite right. I don't think we'll see any major changes until some new connection type comes along like it did with PCI to AGP to PCI-E. You'll be safe for years.