I'm finally going to do my first build. I've pretty much had a whole computer apart, other than replacing the processor, but I've never done a build. I'm looking forward to it!

Here's where I'm leaning, going within my budget for now (some parts used), but with lots of room to upgrade in the future

- amd phenom II 965 BE
- asus M4A89GTD Pro usb3 - asus's new 890gx chipset board, can be had at nc-ix and others for around $160. I'm hoping Mysterybyte can get these in soon. I'd wait for an 890fx board but they might be a little too expensive for me.
- gtx 260 (soon on its way from ronedogg)
- 6g ddr3 supertalent 1333 ram (already bought used)
- silverstone strider plus 850w psu (or maybe coolermaster silent pro 850w)
- all in nice new coolermaster cm690II advanced case: (http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews ... _advanced/)

With the motherboard I get sata3 built right into the southbridge, and usb3 support (added chipset). Plus it will support the new hex core cpu's when amd releases them.

In the future I may upgrade the gtx to a 58series ati card (and could then try the hybrid crossfire for an extra 15-20% boost). I have a 22" samsung monitor that I use at 1680x1050 res, so I think the gtx260 should be enough for now.

I will like to try a little cpu overclocking of course, any suggestions for a good reasonable priced cpu cooler? Comments on the build?

You are probably better off going with an ATI card from the get go. The later picking up a 2nd for xfire.

You also may be able to oc the ram some for better performance. Very nice board choice BTW. Those look amazing. As for a cooler, I would suggest a Zalmann CNPS extreme, V8 for two air options or the corsair H50. The H50 should give you greater OC results.

Also very nice case choice. It will give you tons of room, cooling and cable management capability. Grab a couple more 120mm fans as well. If you need a spare set of hands to help with the build, let me know.

I thought about that, but in my price range (unless income tax return is good) I'd have to get a 5770, and the gtx260 performs better on average in games than the 5770. If I could find a used 1g 4890 I'd probably go for that, but the 4890's are hard to find.


I like the board. I was thinking the v8.


We've talked about the case, I like it too
Thanks for the offer for help. It probably would be good to have someone with experience to help guide a noob

Well always good to have a hand. You can do the work but some help to oversee and a hand in cable management is always good. You would need someone to hold the board to get the V8 on if you go that route lol

The offer is there. I would help ensure a good clean looking build.

Thank you very much, I may take you up on that offer.

I've noticed your sig, you've got your 965 running at 4Ghz. Is that with the V8?
The V8 is massive! I'd be worried anytime I move my case that the motherboard might snap from the weight of it

Maybe I might spend the extra quid and get the H50. Although reading about it I find it strange that the fan for the h50 blows into the case, sending the warm air inside. Of course with that cm690II the top and back fans help make up for it. I wonder if I could mount the H50 fan on the top, along with the pre-installed top fan? The perhaps the warm air will be vented right back out by the top and back fans.

I've also noticed Phonix running his 965 at 3.9, I wonder what kind of cpu cooler he is using.

Yes 4Ghz is easy with the V8 and my ambient upstairs is much hotter than it is downstairs.

It's not that heavy actually - but when its secured properly with a different bracket its fine. I would worry about the V10 - that thing is huge.

Keep in mind you will have a 690II. Exausting warm air will not be an issue. Besides, depending on placement - any warm air will be pulled directly out of the case. Your video card will have its own cooling and the cpu will now have liquid so it won't have any bearing.

Either choice would be fine.

I did some reading regarding that board.

Long story short - insane. The fastest chipset of any previous asus board hands down.

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews ... _pro_usb3/

Maybe I should order mine now before they are all sold out

I've been doing some reading about heatsinks, there's been some people who have had just as much luck with a direct contact heatsink like the coolermaster hyper 212+ as they have had with the v8 and h50. The hyper 212 is certainly a lot less expensive.

I probably wouldn't be too crazy with my overclocking - I was thinking even a 3.8 would be respectable enough. I wonder if the 212+ would be enough for that? I like the look of the h50, but then again the cm690ii doesn't have a window. I've also read complaints about the noise of the h50, and the pump failing within a year.

So many things to think about, I'm getting a headache

well if you are worried - go air. Take online results with a grain of salt tho. home results is definitely going to vary. 3.8 is respectable and easily doable. If you have cool ambient you can do stock cooler and get that.

But always good to have the headroom to go higher if wanted. I don't think the H50 is noisy - I would ask Steve-o about that. I am going to pick one up myself soon.

H50 is very quiet and worth the investment over a air cooler now.

I think you are going in the right direction with this build. It's important to futureproof and amd seems to be the futureproofing platform at the moment.

I will say I am VERY impressed with my 5850, it destroys my old 4870 which pound for pound beat any 260 on the market.

USB3, I don't think it will really catch on but we'll see, sata3 is great though.

Since you've never did a custom build before, just make sure you keep all your cables neat and tidy for good airflow and MAKE SURE all power connectors and fans are connected before you boot.

G'luck!