• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 20:10
CEST 02:10
KST 09:10
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Maestros of the Game: Week 1/Play-in Preview2[ASL20] Ro24 Preview Pt2: Take-Off7[ASL20] Ro24 Preview Pt1: Runway132v2 & SC: Evo Complete: Weekend Double Feature4Team Liquid Map Contest #21 - Presented by Monster Energy9
Community News
Weekly Cups (Aug 18-24): herO dethrones MaxPax6Maestros of The Game—$20k event w/ live finals in Paris34Weekly Cups (Aug 11-17): MaxPax triples again!13Weekly Cups (Aug 4-10): MaxPax wins a triple6SC2's Safe House 2 - October 18 & 195
StarCraft 2
General
Greatest Players of All Time: 2025 Update Maestros of the Game: Week 1/Play-in Preview BoxeR's Wings Episode 2 - Fan Translation A Eulogy for the Six Pool #1: Maru - Greatest Players of All Time
Tourneys
LiuLi Cup - August 2025 Tournaments $5,000 WardiTV Summer Championship 2025 Maestros of The Game—$20k event w/ live finals in Paris $5,100+ SEL Season 2 Championship (SC: Evo) Esports World Cup 2025
Strategy
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation # 488 What Goes Around Mutation # 487 Think Fast Mutation # 486 Watch the Skies Mutation # 485 Death from Below
Brood War
General
Easiest luckies way to get out of Asl groups Post ASL20 Ro24 discussion. BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ BW General Discussion No Rain in ASL20?
Tourneys
[IPSL] CSLAN Review and CSLPRO Reimagined! [ASL20] Ro24 Group F [ASL20] Ro24 Group E [ASL20] Ro24 Group D
Strategy
Muta micro map competition Simple Questions, Simple Answers Fighting Spirit mining rates [G] Mineral Boosting
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Mechabellum Path of Exile General RTS Discussion Thread Nintendo Switch Thread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Canadian Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread The year 2050
Fan Clubs
INnoVation Fan Club SKT1 Classic Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread High temperatures on bridge(s) Gtx660 graphics card replacement
TL Community
The Automated Ban List TeamLiquid Team Shirt On Sale
Blogs
Lemme tell you a thing o…
JoinTheRain
How Culture and Conflict Imp…
TrAiDoS
RTS Design in Hypercoven
a11
Evil Gacha Games and the…
ffswowsucks
INDEPENDIENTE LA CTM
XenOsky
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 835 users

[H] Building computer advice

Blogs > vnlegend
Post a Reply
vnlegend
Profile Blog Joined December 2006
United States1389 Posts
November 20 2009 18:03 GMT
#1
My desktop has annoyed me for the last time and I'm considering building a new computer. There's an upcoming sale season and I'm looking for something cost-effective that can run SC2 and Diablo3.

I assume there is a bottleneck effect with hardware so what motherboard, RAM, or other relevant components will I need to fully take advantage of a Phenom II x4 945 + Radeon HD 4870 combo??

Newegg has a CPU + motherboard combo (link) but all the mobo specs are just mumbo jumbo to me. Can somebody recommend a decent motherboard?

*
Marines > everything
Pawsom
Profile Blog Joined February 2009
United States928 Posts
November 20 2009 18:35 GMT
#2
Get 4gb (2x2gb) ram. Find a mobo that supports 8gb (4slots) so you can upgrade later if you want. Make sure the motherboard is PCIe 2.0 x16. A 1.0 slot will support your card, but not optimize it.
Ecael
Profile Joined February 2008
United States6703 Posts
November 20 2009 18:45 GMT
#3
The real question is why a Phenom II and not an i5. Should also keep in mind that if you want future upgrades, crossfire could be highly useful.
Boblion
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
France8043 Posts
November 20 2009 19:10 GMT
#4
On November 21 2009 03:45 Ecael wrote:
The real question is why a Phenom II and not an i5. Should also keep in mind that if you want future upgrades, crossfire could be highly useful.

Cheaper and performances really close in games ?
o,o
fuck all those elitists brb watching streams of elite players.
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
November 20 2009 19:38 GMT
#5
would pay $10 more for the 955 and get the unlocked multi
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Manit0u
Profile Blog Joined August 2004
Poland17306 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-11-20 20:35:42
November 20 2009 20:33 GMT
#6
On November 21 2009 03:35 Pawsom wrote:
Get 4gb (2x2gb) ram. Find a mobo that supports 8gb (4slots) so you can upgrade later if you want. Make sure the motherboard is PCIe 2.0 x16. A 1.0 slot will support your card, but not optimize it.


This.
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI. If you just want to play anything that's on the market now without bothering about your vc not handling it, grab 8800GT (which should be really cheap by now). If you want your comp to be a bit more expensive but more set-up for the future then I'd advise getting some GTS or something like that (I know that ATI has the fastest card on the market now, but by the time we see DX11 and PS5.0 and the time something will actually require it, this card will most likely end up being some bottom-feeder).

Also, take note about 2 more things:
- mobo supporting DDR3 not DDR2
- psu of at least 500W
Time is precious. Waste it wisely.
Trumpet
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States1935 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-11-20 20:54:36
November 20 2009 20:53 GMT
#7
I'm in a similar boat to you and am looking to get this mobo.

I really don't think the i5 is worth it for gaming. I definitely disagree with getting an nvidia card right now, 4870 / 5850 (if it goes cheap enough over holidays) seem like a much better deal for the money atm.

+1 on getting the 955 instead of 945 as well.

I'm more clueless about the psu. I'm planning on getting this one (I think it was suggested in an older pc building thread here). It definitely fits the budget price but you can't be too careful right?

Edit: at least 500W? Looks like I need to do more searching lol
Chaos
Profile Joined July 2009
United States772 Posts
November 20 2009 21:01 GMT
#8
On November 21 2009 05:33 Manit0u wrote:
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI.


o_O

I would definitely buy from ATI right now...better price for performance at the moment.
FruitMarket
vAltyR
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States581 Posts
November 20 2009 21:14 GMT
#9
On November 21 2009 05:33 Manit0u wrote:
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI.

Not really. ATI's cards are pretty good performance/price. The 4870's going for about $150 now, which is a pretty good deal for a DX10 card. And Nvidia doesn't even have a DX11 card out yet, while ATI's 5000 series is damn good for the price.
내 호버크라프트는 장어로 가득 차 있어요
Boblion
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
France8043 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-11-20 22:20:39
November 20 2009 22:11 GMT
#10
On November 21 2009 05:33 Manit0u wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2009 03:35 Pawsom wrote:
Get 4gb (2x2gb) ram. Find a mobo that supports 8gb (4slots) so you can upgrade later if you want. Make sure the motherboard is PCIe 2.0 x16. A 1.0 slot will support your card, but not optimize it.


This.
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI. If you just want to play anything that's on the market now without bothering about your vc not handling it, grab 8800GT (which should be really cheap by now). If you want your comp to be a bit more expensive but more set-up for the future then I'd advise getting some GTS or something like that (I know that ATI has the fastest card on the market now, but by the time we see DX11 and PS5.0 and the time something will actually require it, this card will most likely end up being some bottom-feeder).

Worst advice ever.


The 8800GT sucks ( well it was good like two years ago ) and Nvidia cards are getting raped atm; ATI performance/price ratio is just too good. You must an Nvidia fanboy or a troll.

Also +2 for the Phe II x4 955 BE

edit: seriously the 8800GT lolololol. It has like half the performance of the 4870.


edit2: The only reason to get an Nvidia card is if you want to have 3D vision.
[image loading]



fuck all those elitists brb watching streams of elite players.
mahnini
Profile Blog Joined October 2005
United States6862 Posts
November 21 2009 00:04 GMT
#11
On November 21 2009 07:11 Boblion wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2009 05:33 Manit0u wrote:
On November 21 2009 03:35 Pawsom wrote:
Get 4gb (2x2gb) ram. Find a mobo that supports 8gb (4slots) so you can upgrade later if you want. Make sure the motherboard is PCIe 2.0 x16. A 1.0 slot will support your card, but not optimize it.


This.
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI. If you just want to play anything that's on the market now without bothering about your vc not handling it, grab 8800GT (which should be really cheap by now). If you want your comp to be a bit more expensive but more set-up for the future then I'd advise getting some GTS or something like that (I know that ATI has the fastest card on the market now, but by the time we see DX11 and PS5.0 and the time something will actually require it, this card will most likely end up being some bottom-feeder).

Worst advice ever.

pretty much. ignore everything in that post.
the world's a playground. you know that when you're a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.
Amarxist
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States371 Posts
November 21 2009 03:25 GMT
#12
Why are you advising someone get an 8800GT? That's quite an old card. You can get much better for the same price from nVidia or ATi?

In any case, if you're planning on getting a 4870 you need to keep in mind the Power Supply you get meets the power requirements of the Video Card. That is, 2(Pair)x6-PIN PCI-E External Power plugs to feed your 4870. You will need the PSU to be at least 550(i'd get at least 650 to be honest) watts of a good brand(Corsair to name one). For any modern high-end video card or even mid-range card, a sturdy power supply is required with at least 1 6-PIN PCI-E plugs, 2x is preferred if you want to upgrade down the line.
☺ ☻
haduken
Profile Blog Joined April 2003
Australia8267 Posts
November 21 2009 05:46 GMT
#13
On November 21 2009 07:11 Boblion wrote:
Show nested quote +
On November 21 2009 05:33 Manit0u wrote:
On November 21 2009 03:35 Pawsom wrote:
Get 4gb (2x2gb) ram. Find a mobo that supports 8gb (4slots) so you can upgrade later if you want. Make sure the motherboard is PCIe 2.0 x16. A 1.0 slot will support your card, but not optimize it.


This.
And don't forget that nVidia >>> ATI. If you just want to play anything that's on the market now without bothering about your vc not handling it, grab 8800GT (which should be really cheap by now). If you want your comp to be a bit more expensive but more set-up for the future then I'd advise getting some GTS or something like that (I know that ATI has the fastest card on the market now, but by the time we see DX11 and PS5.0 and the time something will actually require it, this card will most likely end up being some bottom-feeder).

Worst advice ever.


The 8800GT sucks ( well it was good like two years ago ) and Nvidia cards are getting raped atm; ATI performance/price ratio is just too good. You must an Nvidia fanboy or a troll.

Also +2 for the Phe II x4 955 BE

edit: seriously the 8800GT lolololol. It has like half the performance of the 4870.


edit2: The only reason to get an Nvidia card is if you want to have 3D vision.
[image loading]





Well, manitou's advice only holds up if you are using Linux and even that with ATI's new open sourceness it won't be long till they beat NVidia.

That NVidia 3D glasses thing is overrated. We have one at work and with that on for any longer than 5 mins will give you a headache + the fact that you need a 100hz monitor to use it.
Rillanon.au
haduken
Profile Blog Joined April 2003
Australia8267 Posts
November 21 2009 05:47 GMT
#14
On November 21 2009 12:25 Amarxist wrote:
Why are you advising someone get an 8800GT? That's quite an old card. You can get much better for the same price from nVidia or ATi?

In any case, if you're planning on getting a 4870 you need to keep in mind the Power Supply you get meets the power requirements of the Video Card. That is, 2(Pair)x6-PIN PCI-E External Power plugs to feed your 4870. You will need the PSU to be at least 550(i'd get at least 650 to be honest) watts of a good brand(Corsair to name one). For any modern high-end video card or even mid-range card, a sturdy power supply is required with at least 1 6-PIN PCI-E plugs, 2x is preferred if you want to upgrade down the line.


8800GT was never that great. 8800GTX was awesome but can you even buy that anymore?
Rillanon.au
Ecael
Profile Joined February 2008
United States6703 Posts
November 21 2009 07:04 GMT
#15
I simply don't really like the high end Phenom II. Can't help but feel like if we are going to suggest that the gaming performance between i5 and 945/955 is small enough to make the price difference a large factor, we could settle for an x3 and blow the money on GPU. That view is certainly debatable though.
ffswowsucks
Profile Blog Joined August 2005
Greece2296 Posts
November 21 2009 07:49 GMT
#16
I sold my GeForce 8800GT for just 35 euros and bought a ATi Radeon 5870. This card is a beast and at first I didnt think it would be able to fit in my system, I had to scratch some of my HDD's case to fit the card in, LOL, its a beast!!! hmm someone said something about PCI 2.0 , what exactly is that?? my mobo has PCI 1.0 i think (got the ASUS p5k) so dunno really what is that difference.
Terran in particular is a notoriously strong race for a no brain skillhand bot style.
FragKrag
Profile Blog Joined September 2007
United States11552 Posts
November 21 2009 08:24 GMT
#17
haha 8800 GT

...



The best cards on the market right now for price are probably the ATi 4870/5770.
As with the others, I recommend shelling out the extra bucks for the AMD P2 955, and take heed that the AM3 mobos do not support DDR2 ram.
*TL CJ Entusman #40* "like scissors does anything to paper except MAKE IT MORE NUMEROUS" -paper
Boblion
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
France8043 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-11-21 13:29:33
November 21 2009 13:27 GMT
#18
On November 21 2009 14:46 haduken wrote:
That NVidia 3D glasses thing is overrated. We have one at work and with that on for any longer than 5 mins will give you a headache + the fact that you need a 100hz monitor to use it.

Really interesting because i have read the contrary on another forum. Thank for the info, maybe i will have the chance someday to test it myself to have my own opinion.
Btw yup i forgot to mention the screen ( you need a 120Hz, the Samsung SyncMaster 2233rz or the ViewSonic VX2268wm ).
fuck all those elitists brb watching streams of elite players.
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Code For Giants Cup
22:30
#25
CosmosSc2 74
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
PiGStarcraft409
Nathanias 99
CosmosSc2 74
NeuroSwarm 33
StarCraft: Brood War
Shuttle 639
NaDa 38
Super Smash Bros
C9.Mang0394
hungrybox388
Other Games
tarik_tv23013
gofns19778
summit1g5773
FrodaN1914
Grubby1525
WinterStarcraft231
KnowMe208
RotterdaM152
ViBE70
PPMD27
JuggernautJason11
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1373
BasetradeTV289
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH87
• davetesta46
• poizon28 9
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• iopq 3
• Azhi_Dahaki1
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Other Games
• imaqtpie796
Upcoming Events
SC Evo League
11h 50m
TaeJa vs Cure
Rogue vs threepoint
ByuN vs Creator
MaNa vs Classic
Maestros of the Game
15h 50m
ShoWTimE vs Cham
GuMiho vs Ryung
Zoun vs Spirit
Rogue vs MaNa
[BSL 2025] Weekly
17h 50m
SC Evo League
1d 11h
Maestros of the Game
1d 15h
SHIN vs Creator
Astrea vs Lambo
Bunny vs SKillous
HeRoMaRinE vs TriGGeR
BSL Team Wars
1d 18h
Team Bonyth vs Team Sziky
BSL Team Wars
1d 18h
Team Dewalt vs Team Sziky
Monday Night Weeklies
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
[ Show More ]
PiGosaur Monday
3 days
LiuLi Cup
4 days
Replay Cast
4 days
The PondCast
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Maru vs SHIN
MaNa vs MaxPax
RSL Revival
6 days
Reynor vs Astrea
Classic vs sOs
BSL Team Wars
6 days
Team Bonyth vs Team Dewalt
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Acropolis #4 - TS1
WardiTV Summer 2025
HCC Europe

Ongoing

Copa Latinoamericana 4
BSL 20 Team Wars
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 3
BSL 21 Qualifiers
ASL Season 20
CSL Season 18: Qualifier 2
SEL Season 2 Championship
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025

Upcoming

CSL 2025 AUTUMN (S18)
LASL Season 20
BSL Season 21
BSL 21 Team A
Chzzk MurlocKing SC1 vs SC2 Cup #2
Maestros of the Game
EC S1
Sisters' Call Cup
Skyesports Masters 2025
IEM Chengdu 2025
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025
Thunderpick World Champ.
MESA Nomadic Masters Fall
CS Asia Championships 2025
ESL Pro League S22
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.