Need help with Configuration

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Hi guys,

I've been reading Digit since the second issue and I'm a subscriber too. I'm not a forums guy, not because of choice but due to nature of my work. So please forgive me for my first post here being a request.

So, I was wondering if you could help me out with a configuration I've decided on buying next week. The configuration is as follows:

Processor: AMD Athlon II X4 635 2.9GHz
MOBO: Gigabyte GA 880GM USB3
Memory: Kingston 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333MHz
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB

Now there are two issues.

1. The MOBO has an onboard HD 4250. Is this ok for Full HD videos and moderate gaming or should I buy another card? I have intentions of buying a Sapphire Radeon HD 5570. What do you suggest? I think there might be an issue of the PCIE standards too with this model that makes it incompatible with my MOBO, but I'm not sure. Or can I add a less intensive card and use it together with the onboard graphics?

2. I require a monitor too. I've decided on the Viewsonic VA 1601W. Are there any other recommended models that's cheap, easily available and compatible with the above configuration? (Requirements: 1920 x 1080, HDMI support, min 17", widescreen)

3. I need a cabinet too. I can't decide on anything. I'd rather have one with a built in Power Supply Unit and at the same time compatible with the other parts.(I was thinking of Coolermaster 690)

By the way, I'm trying to keep it under 35K. I already have the other components like the Optical Drive, speakers and input devices.

Kindly advise me on the above issues as I don't want to mess it up.

Thank you.

 

[Cilus]

Your choice is really good and there is no issue to plug in any new generation graphics card with this board. HD 6850 ill run just fine on it. But you did not mention if you are having a good PSU or SMPS with you as you need a good one to power up HD 6850.

Regarding display,avoid Viewsonic. For Full HD display you can opt for BenQ G2220HD @ 7.3K. It is good but lagging a HDMI input and has a DVI-D input. But the image quality transferred to HDMI and DVI-D are identical and HDMI can also carry Sound along with the image which DVI can't.

Regarding graphics card, HD 4250 can handle HD movies in full HD resolution but forget about gaming. You need a dedicated card for it. May be older games will run.

Here is a full suggestion from my side
AMD Athlon II x4 635 @ 4.5k
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H @ 4.5k
G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333MHz CL7 @ 3.7k
Sapphire HD 6850 @ 11K
Seagate 500GB 7200.12 @ 1.7k
FSP saga II 500W @ 2.1k
CM Elite 310 @ 1.5k
BenQ G2220HD @ 7.3K

Total 36.3K

 

[Ishu Gupta]

AMD Athlon II x4 635 @ 4.5k
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H @ 4.5k
G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333MHz @ 3k
MSI HD 5770 @ 7.8K
Seagate 500GB 7200.12 @ 1.7k
Corsair VX450W @ 3.5k
NZXT Gamma @ 2k
BenQ G2220HD @ 7.3K

Total 34.2K

3. I need a cabinet too. I can't decide on anything. I'd rather have one with a built in Power Supply Unit and at the same time compatible with the other parts.(I was thinking of Coolermaster 690)

CM690 II doesn't comes with PSU.
Any PSU that comes with a cabinet is crap.

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Thank you for the quick reply and your suggestions.

I had come across HD 6850 while I was researching the parts. But I'm not a hardcore gamer so I really wouldn't want to spend 11K on a card that's not really going to be used to the max. Any other cheaper suggestions? And I assume from your reply that HD 5570 is compatible with the GA 880GM USB3. Please confirm.

I see that you have mentioned the Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H in your recommendation. What difference does it have when compared to the USB3?

I accept your views on Viewsonic. But I would really like it better if there was a model (regardless of brand) which supports HDMI.

Regarding the the cabinet, CM Elite 310 seems good.
But is a 500W PSU necessary if I'm not opting for a high end graphics card? If no, any other alternatives?

Thank you.

 

[Jaskanwar Singh]

I will suggest u to go for cilus config.

Buddy spending on a 6850 will allow u to play more upcoming games for next 1.5-2 years or so.
The 880gm ud2h lacks usb3.
For HDMI look at DELL ST2220L @ 8.5k.

 

[Cilus]

Even for a good gaming experience in full HD (1920X1080) resolution if not hard core gaming, you need at least HD 5750 or HD 5770. HD 5570 or HD 5670 can't handle that resolution. So if you don't wanna spend 11K, then go for HD 5770. I think MSI version will be available within 9K.
And as I mentioned, if a motherboard hs PCI Express 2.0 X16 slot, you can plug any PCI Express Graphics card on it. It is not like that some low end card can be used and high end cards can't. It depends upon the interface the cards are using, no matter how powerful they are. All the current gen mobos have PCI Express 2.0 X16 slot for Graphics card. So plugging any graphics card on the suggested board is not a problem.
The Motherboard we have suggested does not have USB3 where as ur's one is having it.

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

AMD Athlon II x4 635 @ 4.5k
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H @ 4.5k
G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333MHz @ 3k
MSI HD 5770 @ 7.8K
Seagate 500GB 7200.12 @ 1.7k
Corsair VX450W @ 3.5k
NZXT Gamma @ 2k
BenQ G2220HD @ 7.3K

Total 34.2K


CM690 II doesn't comes with PSU.
Any PSU that comes with a cabinet is crap.

Thank you Mr.Gupta for your views on the issue.
Your specs seems pretty ok too.
However, can you suggest any alternatives on the cabinet (due to non-availability of the product in my area) ?

Since both of you suggested the BenQG2220HD, I think I'll give it a shot. But do tell me your views on BenQ G900W if I sacrifice on the resolution.

Edit:

Thank you guys. I think I'll settle for a 5770 then. And I'd prefer the one with a USB3.Just as a future proof measure.

And thanks to you Mr.Singh, I think I'll go for the DELL ST2220L.


So, here's the final configuration I'm settling on.

AMD Athlon II x4 635
Gigabyte GA-880GM-USB3
G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
MSI HD 5770
Seagate 500GB 7200.12
Corsair VX450W
CM Elite 310
DELL ST2220L

Please tell me if this looks ok.

Thank you.

 

[Jaskanwar Singh]

Perfect just change mobo to gigabyte 880gma ud2h which has both sata3 and usb3

 

[Ishu Gupta]

If you want USB3 get Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H @ 5.5k. Same mobo we suggested but with USB3 and SATA3.
Rest looks good.

PS Mr. Gupta and Mr singh sounds so odd. We are teenagers.

EDIT - Beaten.

 

[Jaskanwar Singh]

How old are u ishu? I am 17

 

[Ishu Gupta]

I'm 18. 2 mths to 19.

 

[mitraark]

Get the i3 540 3.06 Ghz @ 4.8k if possible, its almost in the same price range now.

Also , try the ATI 5670 @ 5.5k , it seems better suited for you

 

[skeletor]

You can also consider MSI 880GMA-E45 as your motherboard if Gigabyte GA-880GMA-UD2H is not available. Both should be around 5.4k.

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Thank you all for your overwhelming responses.

Since it comes as a popular recommendation, I guess I'll go for the Gigabyte GA-880GMA-UD2H. I was just confused with Jaskanwar's contradictory statement about the USB 3 feature. But I figured that what he meant to say was the absence of SATA 3 support.

However, if the any of the components are not procurable from the local shops, then I'd ask you guys for alternatives. So, I hope I can expect advices from you then too.

P.S Ishu: Apologies if I sound too formal. But I tend to give respect where its due, regardless of age.

Thank you all once again. I'll be back on this thread once I assemble the components.

 

[Ishu Gupta]

Since it comes as a popular recommendation, I guess I'll go for the Gigabyte GA-880GMA-UD2H. I was just confused with Jaskanwar's contradictory statement about the USB 3 feature. But I figured that what he meant to say was the absence of SATA 3 support.
He meant that the mobo you suggested has USB3 ONLY and this one has BOTH USB3 and SATA III.

However, if the any of the components are not procurable from the local shops, then I'd ask you guys for alternatives. So, I hope I can expect advices from you then too.
Contact your dealer(s). ico already gave an alternate for the mobo. If you can't fond anything just tell us.

P.S Ishu: Apologies if I sound too formal. But I tend to give respect where its due, regardless of age.
Nah mate. No need to apologise. Its cool.

Thank you all once again. I'll be back on this thread once I assemble the components.
We will want pics

My answers in red.

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Roger that bro

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Ok. So, I'm getting my rig today. Only the PSU model was replaced by another one due to non-availability.

AMD Athlon II x4 635
Gigabyte GA-880GMA-UD2H
G.Skill 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
MSI HD 5770
Seagate 500GB 7200.12
CoolerMaster 450W
CM Elite 310
DELL ST2220L

Just wanted to ask you guys two things.

1. I've just heard from a few people that the Athlon II series has a bit of heating issues and may not have been the best choice. Is this true? Did I go wrong on my selection of the processor?

2. How powerful do you think this config is? I mean for example is this good enough to play COD:BO at a medium or low setting at least?


Thank you.

 

[skeletor]

Ok. So, I'm getting my rig today. Only the PSU model was replaced by another one due to non-availability.

CoolerMaster 450W

Avoid every Cooler Master PSU. But please be specific about which series?

1. I've just heard from a few people that the Athlon II series has a bit of heating issues and nay not have been the best choice. Is this true? Did I go wrong on my selection of the processor?

They don't have any idea about anything.

2. How powerful do you think this config is? I mean for example is this good enough to play COD:BO at a medium or low setting at least?

Easily.

 

[m3t4l_c0d3r]

Avoid every Cooler Master PSU. But please be specific about which series?

I'm not exactly sure. I had to ask another guy to buy the PSU and the cabinet. He said the Corsair PSU wasn't available and he is getting me a CoolerMaster PSU rated at 450W. So I've gotta wait till he brings it around to check which model he bought.
May I please know as to why you recommend against it? Is it a serious issue or is it a reparable one?

And thanks for the quick reply.

 

[skeletor]

Efficiency is the reason. I still want to know which CM series PSU it is. Honestly, in the world of hardware you have to always talk in the language of specific model numbers.

Personally, I always suggest everyone to avoid CM PSUs because 99.5% of the time dealers sell CM Extreme Power Plus series which is ridiculous.