what RAM and GPU for AMD build?

[stingo99]

I'm looking at doing an AMD build using the Phenom II 720. It'll mainly be for FPS gaming and surfing, downloading. Everything to be stock. Should I go for DDR2 or DDR3 RAM?...interested in the futureproof aspect, as opposed to the price differences. As well, I understand that it may be better to get an ATI GPU (looking at a 4870 or 4890) instead of NVDIA (either a 275 or 260/216 core)....any comments on why ATI may be better, or does it make much of a difference?

[cadaveca]

I'd say go with an AM3 board, as the same should happen i nthe future as now...next AMD socket should have cpus back-wards compatible. When future cpus come out, you'll have a better chance at getting a cheaper upgrade with AM3.

ATI gpus may be a better fit as they are together part of a platform. The Dragon platform; AM3 and "RV770/RV790"; seem fairly decent, given the cost of i7, and Sli.

I'm going the same route..already have a 720BE, but no board...

[stingo99]

Thanks Cadaveca....the AM3 was what I was leaning toward, despite the slightly higher cost of DDR3, plus there doesn't seem to be a lot of AM3 boards out there, especially if you are just looking at Asus or Gigabyte. Don't hesitate to let me know what kind of board you're looking at.

I also heard that an ATI GPU is more "compatible" with AMD, but still not sure in what way....does it just generally make things run smoother, fewer potential technical glitches?

[cadaveca]

No, there is no real benefit by going with a complete platform, at this point, as far as I am concerned...

I'm looking at the gigabyte 790FX-UD5P, because I use pci-e sound cards, as well as multiple vgas, but I'm also keen on running three vgas, not just two, and no board currently offers room for 3 vgas and a pci-e soundcard. So I'm in no rush.

DDR3 isn't really all that expensive any more...especially the dual-channel kits.


I recently had some serious hardware failure that left me with just a p35 board, and an E8400, as well as just a single vga. I've not overclocked a thing...i tried, but didn't get what I wanted out of it...

So I know for sure now that I'm not in much of a rush...there's only minimal performance gains to be had for me, so at this point, I'm picking my parts based on warranty, and color. I'll build a "pretty" pc this time, and put having the best money can buy on the backburner.

[martin_metal_88]

There is no more compatibilities, these are rumor. I'd go for AM3 me to because of time factor. If you want more in 2 or 3 years you can get a phenom 2 X4 955 (if always exist ) for cheap in 2 years so is betteer choice. A platform is only the add of some piece like Intel Santa-rosa for Intel powered Notebook wich have centrino + turbo memory + Draft N wifi.

[Realityshift]

I agree with cadaveca, if you can find a good cheap DDR3 dual channel kit then it will give you alot more flexability in the future and they have come down quite a bit recently. Also if your going AMD I would also stick to ATI cards as Nvidia isnt as well supported on the AMD side, their SLI solutions are horible right now and I am a big supporter of multi GPU motherboards. Just grab a good 790x/GX motherboard with 2 x16 PCI-E lanes and a 4890 or even a couple 4870s and you should see some great fps in games for atleast the next 6 months to a year or so, beyond that it gets pretty fuzzy though =(

[geokilla]

First off, both ATI and NVIDIA GPUs will work like they're supposed to in ATI or NVIDIA chipset motherboards. HOWEVER, if you decide to go SLI/Crossfire, then ATI GPUs work with only ATI chipsets and NVIDIA GPUs will only work with NVIDIA chipsets.

I prefer to go DDR2 over DDR3. DDR2 is cheaper too.

What's your budget and gaming resolution? If it's at 1680X1050, I suggest a 9800GTX+ (GTS250) or ATI 4770. If you're going to game at a higher resolution, then get a ATI 4870 or NVIDIA GTX260-216.

[stingo99]

I'll probably go 1680x1050 resolution and will be okay for mid-high settings. I'd prefer to stick with a single GPU. My budget will hopefully be $1,300 max with taxes in (including needing a new monitor). I think it's possible to go DDR3 RAM and get a either a 4870 or a 260/216 core GPU)...may even push for a 4890 or 275 if there's a slight decrease in overall prices by June/July.

Everyone's input is much appreciated....thanks so much!

[cadaveca]

No problem...and when you're ready to buy, toss up your chosen parts in the thread...chances are, someone here may be aware of a deal that could save you a few bucks, or if they are any hardware issues, we may have already dealt with them.


$1300 is a decent budget for 1680x1050...really. I'm sure you'll have no issues pieceing together a decent system.

[Soultribunal]

I'd vote to get yourself a X4 810 or 910 for your Chip.
I just got an 810, and it so far is a dream chip.
Plus, for single graphics solution, it works just fine with my GTS250.

My thoughts at least, I am actually very pleased with my AM3 build.


ST