AMD PC Build advice, ideas?

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jackthelad

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#104899 22-Jun-2012 11:05

Hi... I hope this is the right forum :) decided to branch out of the trademe boards as they're not very busy and too wide in topics.

I've got the PC building bug now. Having put a little HTPC together I'm planning a bigger project. My next gaming PC.I like AMD (and don't want to start a big Intel vs AMD argument :) and I wondered if anyone had done a recent build and wanted to share what they built. - their choice of cases, motherboards and video cards etc...

Thats a fairly wide brief for replies but I'm in the early days so any opinions appreciated. I'll probably build it around the highest spec bulldozer chip, just because! :)

(gave up the red wine this year, so the missus will let me spend my pocket money on this)

Thanks!

Blazher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644652 22-Jun-2012 11:51

Hi mate,

I don't know how much you want to spend. But here's a good mid/high level gaming rig.

Solid CPU/GPU and 8 gigs of DDR3.

I'd add a 60Gb SSD for Boot/Gaming and some 1Tb's for storage.

With a monitor/keyboard/mouse etc you be looking at just under $2000

Tradepub

Free professional, reference and technical white papers (affiliate link).

jackthelad

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644724 22-Jun-2012 13:21

hi Blazher,

That looks quite good. thanks. Yep, id have a SSD as boot drive and a couple of the games that i'd play the most.

I want to try and future proof it as much as possible... using your specs, if you had a few more dollars to enhance it what would you spend them on for best bang for buck...the next CPU up? more RAM? or an even higher spec graphics card? or....?

Cheers!

Blazher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644813 22-Jun-2012 15:32

Being a gaming rig, I would up the GPU first

You could get a 7850/7870 or even a 7950/7970, also up the RAM if you wanted.

It all depend on how much you want to spend.

Just note, you could go the other way

Intel/NVIDA for around the same money.

If I can help in anyway please let me know.

Cheers

jackthelad

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644815 22-Jun-2012 15:36

thanks :) i have a million questions probably but won't bore you with them all.... one though - do you think the stock cooling fans that come with the AMD cpu's provide enough cooling?

Im nervous of handling the CPU in terms of adding liquid cooling etc...because that means adding new thermal compound i think?

Blazher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644823 22-Jun-2012 15:49

I'd personally upgrade the CUP cooler.

I currently use

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=216/ID=16449/SID=916103174/productdetails.html

but you could get the cheaper H60.

As for questions, please feel free.

lucky015

742 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#644825 22-Jun-2012 15:50

jackthelad: thanks :) i have a million questions probably but won't bore you with them all.... one though - do you think the stock cooling fans that come with the AMD cpu's provide enough cooling?

Im nervous of handling the CPU in terms of adding liquid cooling etc...because that means adding new thermal compound i think?

I have an 8120 in my system and I'd have to say that the stock cooling is not enough, Although my case doesn't have the best air flow.

I've been looking at replacing my case and grabbing a Cooler Master Hyper 212.

jackthelad

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644827 22-Jun-2012 15:52

Blazher: I'd personally upgrade the CUP cooler.

I currently use

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=216/ID=16449/SID=916103174/productdetails.html

but you could get the cheaper H60.

As for questions, please feel free.

thanks. I see the thermal compound is pre-applied so thats one of my worries out the way. :)

lucky015

742 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#644829 22-Jun-2012 15:54

Blazher: I'd personally upgrade the CUP cooler.

I currently use

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=216/ID=16449/SID=916103174/productdetails.html

but you could get the cheaper H60.

As for questions, please feel free.

Those sealed unit water coolers are good for specific purposes for example if silence is an absolute must but do have their problems (Coolant running dry, rare but possible leaks, inability to fit in a case, etc) also they aren't particularly known for having overly good cooling considering the price tag.

Blazher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644843 22-Jun-2012 16:36

lucky015:
Blazher: I'd personally upgrade the CUP cooler.

I currently use

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=216/ID=16449/SID=916103174/productdetails.html

but you could get the cheaper H60.

As for questions, please feel free.

Those sealed unit water coolers are good for specific purposes for example if silence is an absolute must but do have their problems (Coolant running dry, rare but possible leaks, inability to fit in a case, etc) also they aren't particularly known for having overly good cooling considering the price tag.

I'll speak from my own experience only.

I've built complete custom watercooling systems. I've modified Air/heatsink systems and currently using the "All In One" systems.

Like everything, I'm sure some of them have had problems. But my H100 is running my i7 4.5Ghz 24/7 at 21c ( under 100% load 44c )

jackthelad

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644844 22-Jun-2012 16:39

would anyone like to comment on this (below) being sufficient cooling for the top AMD Fx (Bulldozer) Chip
(assuming the case also has sufficient cooling of course - i would add at least one case fan to the Cooler Master Storm case)

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=215/ID=17438/SID=707641896/productdetails.html

Thanks

Blazher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#644897 22-Jun-2012 20:31

jackthelad: would anyone like to comment on this (below) being sufficient cooling for the top AMD Fx (Bulldozer) Chip
(assuming the case also has sufficient cooling of course - i would add at least one case fan to the Cooler Master Storm case)

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=215/ID=17438/SID=707641896/productdetails.html

Thanks

That looks fine, But something you should know about heathsinks. Use top grade paste and a push/pull fan setup.

LesF

176 posts

Master Geek

#649576 2-Jul-2012 14:02

"Use top grade paste"

Yes, I have been advised in the past to replace the pre-applied thermal paste with something better.

It was easy enough to do, and I never had any problems with it, after installing a cooler master in place of the heatsink/fan that came with my CPU.