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- AMD Gaming PC Build of the Month ($500): November 2012
- AMD Gaming PC Build of the Month ($1000): November 2012
- AMD Gaming PC Build of the Month ($1500): November 2012
Gaming PC Build Recipe:
All hardware is linked to Amazon.com – You Can also try Amazon.ca (CANADA) • Amazon.co.uk (UK) Newegg.com (US) • Newegg.ca (CANADA) Scorptec.com.au(AUS) pccasegear.com (AUS) to shop for these parts.
This month I have decided to go back to a high powered CPU + discrete graphics card due to this build being marginally better in benchmarks. Rather than compare this build with Corey’s equivalent, I’m going to compare it with the previous months build. The results can be seen below as well as at http://www.3dmark.com/compare/3dm11/4691950/3dm11/3662214 .
I’ve gone back to this CPU this month and since it was last used there has been a $20 drop in price which can be put down to the release of the new FX CPU’s.
This has to be one of the best value-for-money motherboards on the market. It has a whopping 16 USB ports as well as crossfire capability. You may have to flash the bios in order to use FX series CPU’s though (the CPU in this build is a FX series CPU). There has been a slight price drop since it was last used but nothing major.
This is a very quiet card, so those who want an ultra-silent gaming pc, this is the graphics card for you. This card is also energy efficient; hence, this build has a 500w PSU.
Just the same old standard 8GB kit really, and again this build can take advantage of the 1600Mhz speed.
This drive should provide plenty of space for your storage needs.
I opted for this PSU because it is 80 Plus certified and it has 500w, enough to run this rig to its full potential.
Due to a far bit of cash left, I decided I would put a decent case in.
I am throwing this in again, because, like I said last month, I have had no problems with my one I use currently.
Total: $575.84 after rebate $525.84.
The price was below the $500 mark but I decided to throw a decent case in.
AMD $1000 Build November 2012
Gaming PC Build Recipe:
All hardware is linked to Amazon.com – You Can also try Amazon.ca (CANADA) • Amazon.co.uk (UK) Newegg.com (US) • Newegg.ca (CANADA) Scorptec.com.au(AUS) pccasegear.com (AUS) to shop for these parts.
The only difference between this months and last month’s build is the CPU. It has slightly improved benchmarks, but nothing major. There are currently no valid benchmark results available for this CPU + GPU setup.
Due to the release of the new Vishera FX CPU’s, the 8320 has been brought in to replace the 8150. Benchmarks seen here show a slight rise in performance but nothing major.
This motherboard is the same as the one used in the previous months build, but has dropped a further $10 drop. It can take 32GB of ram, plenty of USB ports and supports 2-way SLI and 2-way crossfire (which is the norm on today’s boards). What more could you want?
I choose this kit again because of its price and it leaves 2 spare slots for future upgrades. In the long run, it saves you having to buy 4 modules later down the track. The kit has had a minor price drop from last month.
Again I’ve managed to squeeze a 680 in this build. It far exceeds the 7950 in Corey’s builds as seen in the benchmarks.
Again I was unable to fit a 1tb drive in, but 500GB should be enough for your storage needs.
Same PSU as last month, but with a slight price increase. 750w will be enough to run this rig to its full potential plus its 80 plus certified.
This case was chosen again because it is super cheap, and is a perfect fit for the gigabyte board and can fit full-length graphics cards.
I am throwing this in again, because, like I said last month, I have had no problems with my one I use currently.
Total: $1051.68 after rebate(s) $1011.68
AMD $1500 Build November 2012
Gaming PC Build Recipe:
All hardware is linked to Amazon.com – You Can also try Amazon.ca (CANADA) • Amazon.co.uk (UK) Newegg.com (US) • Newegg.ca (CANADA) Scorptec.com.au(AUS) pccasegear.com (AUS) to shop for these parts.
Due to the introduction of the Vishera FX CPU’s, this build has seen massive changes, namely the CPU + graphics. I will again compare this month’s build with the previous month’s equivalent built. Results can be seen below or at http://www.3dmark.com/compare/3dm11/4390690/3dm11/4741871 .
This is probably the biggest change in the build. The only noticeable difference between this CPU and the 8150 is the clock speed with the 8150 stock clock speed being 3.6Ghz and the 8350 being 4.0GHz.
Tests have shown that air cooling is just as effective as water cooling so this month, like last month, I’ve decided to include an air cooler rather than a water cooler.
I choose this motherboard again over the Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD7 because of it possessing the majority of features on the UD7 and being much cheaper.
Same kit as last month, but with a slightly lesser price tag.
Went back to the 680 due to the introduction of the FX-8350, but this card will still provide enough power for all your gaming needs.
For optimum boot speeds, you need an SDD. This SSD is perfect size for OS and any games to be quickly loaded. I’ve decided to change the SSD to a slightly smaller one due to budget constraints.
I choose this because it provides you with plenty of storage for all the essentials, and you shouldn’t run out anytime soon. And because I saved approximately $20 on the SSD, I managed to get a 3TB hard drive in the build.
This PSU has enough power to run everything with power to spare, if need be you could throw the 1200W Corsair professional Series PSU in but you shouldn’t need that much power. And it is modular.
This case is identical to the case seen in Corey’s equivalent build. It has excellent airflow for keeping cool; it is easy to use, made of solid materials, has an SSD holder, plenty of room for larger hardware & in my opinion, looks nice.
I am throwing this in again, because, like I said last month, I have had no problems with my one I use currently.
Total: $1515.59
November 2012’s AMD PC Builds Hardware Overview Video
