Feedback on my new system

[Relic]

Hey all, this has been long overdue but I'm finally getting around to building myself a new system. Wanted to get your guys feedback on what I have lined up so far, and anything that I might have missed =X .

Case $90 - Storm Scout
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196

CPU $160 - Phenom II X4 955
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

CPU HSF $40 - If anyone has any good suggestions please share as I don't have a lot of experience with aftermarket coolers. I like this one, but I'm a bit worried this won't fit in my case however.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057

Motherboard $100 - Divided on the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128443
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130275

RAM $110 - Divided on the following too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

HDD - Currently using this drive to store some files, figured I'd just move them elsewhere and reuse it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

GPU - For the time being I'm gonna reuse my old 4770.

PSU - Already have this PSU lined up.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

Optical Drive $30 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335

Total:$530

Still have to pick up Windows 7 as I was dumb and didn't buy it last year during the discounts . So let me know what ya guys think, my budget is flexible but I rather stay in the ~$700 range. I think it'll be easier for me to have a solid foundation that I can add on throughout the year like a new GPU, monitor and maybe even an SSD when they get cheaper.

 

[red1776]

I like that build very much, not a bum in the lot, as grampa used to say. I see both boards have 2x PCIE slots so im supposing that you are possibly looking at crossfire in the future. so before someone comes in (and they will) and tells you that the second PCIE running at 4x is useless....that's BS. you will only give up around 8-10% (possibly less with the 4770) to the 4x PCIE. so unless you are going for benchmarking records, the 4x works great for a crossfire system.

 

[Ritwik7]

Gigabyte mobo + G.Skill Ripjaws would be my pick.

Have you already purchased the PSU? If not, go with the Corsair 650TX.

Rest looks great.

 

[Relic]

I like that build very much, not a bum in the lot, as grampa used to say. I see both boards have 2x PCIE slots so im supposing that you are possibly looking at crossfire in the future. so before someone comes in (and they will) and tells you that the second PCIE running at 4x is useless....that's BS. you will only give up around 8-10% (possibly less with the 4770) to the 4x PCIE. so unless you are going for benchmarking records, the 4x works great for a crossfire system.

Ya, I was definitely looking into that. The 4X did worry me a bit, but that's reassuring that the loss is minimal. 4770 in crossfire performs around the level of a 4890/5830 so I wanted to have that option. I'll likely be waiting until after Nvidia brings out their new mid-range GPU's and see how they perform and if maybe ATI drops the prices on their cards to see if its worth it or not. I have no experience with crossfire so I might have to hit you up seeing as you're probably an expert with that quadfire .

Gigabyte mobo + G.Skill Ripjaws would be my pick.

Have you already purchased the PSU? If not, go with the Corsair 650TX.

Rest looks great.

Ya, I wanted the Corsair one as well but the Antec was on a 60% one day sale from Newegg so I went with them instead.


About the HSF, is that a good fit? Should I maybe go with something else? That is my biggest worry in this build so far, from reading reviews though it appears I should have no major problems fitting it into my case.

 

[red1776]

Hey Relic,
best to look up a review of whatever HSF looks good to you. they always mention how it fits/any conflicts with a 'normal size' case. If you want to make a short list I help ya scout them out.
as far as the crossfireX, any time, glad to help if I can

 

[Relic]

Checked out a few reviews and it appears to be a solid choice albeit louder then most high-end HSF. Also found someone using it in the case I chose with no problems, so I'll be getting it. If anyone has any other suggestions let me know as I'll be buying all the parts this week.