I can vouch for the HAF 922, it is an outstanding case with superb airflow.
It's actually a large mid-size case, plenty of room for crossfire or sli setups.
I almost bought the HAF 932 last week, but I asked myself...why?

-------------------------
Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)

<retracted>

-------------------------
The opinions expressed above do not represent those of Advanced Micro Devices or any of their affiliates.


Edited: 02/09/2011 at 02:47 PM by Canis-X

@Canis-X: The dilemma I have right now is that I need to get rid of and sell my Dell Studio XPS 13 laptop that I have had for 2 years because I am not happy with the system at all specifically speaking the constant freezes and low-quality of speakers etc. Lost all faith in Dell products and probably won't buy from them again. Anyway, the problem is I was initially looking at the new Sandy Bridge builds to start but they have been recalled because of the whole MB chipset issue. So I thought to come on the AMD bandwagon considering I wanted a system around 700-800 dollars considering I a.) need to grab speakers (quality stuff is around 200 plus - already have monitor and OS) and b.) would like to bank some of the cash leftover. AMD right now is the cheapest from what I am seeing and I persuaded that this would be the better route for dealing with music/video editing and playback specifically. The catch is this I would like to have the option to CF in the future but I do not have the money to spend right this second. So my thinking is to go with a cheaper, decent option now until the new AM3 sockets come out for the eventual upgrade of the MB. I need to get rid of this laptop before it degrades more in value than it has already, but keep in mind I only have this computer running. So its not like I could sell this and then use something in the meantime. Bulldozer is going to be way way expensive when it first comes out anyway so I am not really too worried about that at the current moment.

Please let's not have any flaming thread type discussions on this thread thank you.

And in response to the previous reply by myself, really at the end of the day I just do not want to pay an arm and a leg because right now I just do not have the funds to support it. I just want help from you guys considering you have done this for a lot longer than I have. So please lets quit arguing here and rather focus on sharing knowledge for the better of the community.

Edited: 02/09/2011 at 02:25 PM by hackattackcentral

Gotcha on the thread highjack.... sorry about that

Ok, so what have you decided on and what do you have left?

Out of what you have decided on total cost so far, how much is left of your budget?

-------------------------
The opinions expressed above do not represent those of Advanced Micro Devices or any of their affiliates.

It's okay Canis-X, no hard feelings over here . As for what I have decided on so far ... I have decided I think to go with the following as a definite:

Case: Used to have the Antec Solo in the build, but NemesisChild made a good point that there is no way to vent. So I think it is between the Antec 900 or 1200 and maybe the HAF 922 suggested. Really like that 1200's look.

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

MB: This is where I am having the biggest trouble and am currently undecided.

GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-8GBRH (Not sure if I should downgrade this now or should I just prepare it for the future. Also need answers on Mhz and Timings vs Budget)

PSU: XFX Black Edition XPS-850W-BES 850W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply (This was the one I wanted but its sold out on Newegg. May go with the 750W version or another suggestion)

CPU Cooler: Scythe MUGEN-2 Rev. B cooler (Tough call here but looks the best for the price I think)

HDD 1 (Personal Data 1st HDD - RAID 1 config): SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HDD 2 (Personal Data 2nd HDD - RAID 1 config): SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HDD 3 (OS Data): OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
(This would be my ideal configuration even though I may have to drop part of this to save cash)

Optical Drive: not entirely sure, but shouldn't be an issue

In addition, I need speakers and eventually a quality sound card in the future. Looking at the Audioengine 2, Audioengine 5, or Logitech 5.1 Surround Sound as of right now.

I will try and get prices up for each shortly to help out.

_____________________________________________________________________
The Definite

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX ($199.99 from Newegg)

GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity ($259.99 after rebate from Newegg)

PSU: XFX Black Edition P1-750B-CAG9 750W ATX12V v2.2 / ESP12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply ($99.99 after rebate from Newegg - as long as 750W is good enough for the future)

I think I will set my budget at about 800 max for the computer itself. The speakers will cost at least 200. I am hoping to get about around 1000 (at least 800-900) for my computer, a Spire laptop bag, & Logitech Wireless Mouse and Keyboard combo. I have about 140 something from a previous Dell Latitude D610 as well but I would like to bank some money.

Right now I have 560 of 800 taken up by these 3 leaving 240. If you need to make a modification I am all ears.

Edited: 02/09/2011 at 03:35 PM by hackattackcentral

Well I have the Logitech z-5300e speakers (unfortunately I don't think they make them anymore) and I can tell you the bang for your buck cannot be better. Probably the single best purchase I have ever made.

I now currently have the Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro and it is a huge improvement in my listening experience over the Audigy 2 ZS I used to run. I did not think that my purchase of this soundcard would be such a drastic improvement. Just some food for thought.

QB

-------------------------

---

The MONSTER HTPC

---

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 C2 (140W).||.Cooler: Corsair H80i
MB: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD7.||.RAM: 8 GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3 2000MHz (7-10-8-27-1T)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 932.||.PSU: Corsair HX750
GPU:HIS IceQ 5 Radeon HD 5770 Turbo 1GB.||.Audio: Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro w/ Logitech Z-5300e (5.1, 280W-RMS)
Drive: 2xKingston SSD 40GB RAID0.||.Storage: 6TB (4x500GB Caviar Black RAID0, 2TB Hitachi & 2TB Caviar Green)

Edited: 02/09/2011 at 03:49 PM by QB the Slayer

I appreciate the input QB. Thanks . I will see if maybe I can find those on eBay and let you know if I spot them.

Edit: Just looked them up and realized the z-5500 series is the updated to model to what you have currently and was 1 of the 3 I was looking at . The previous model you have goes for i think anywhere between $50 and 100 on eBay depending on used vs. new.

Actually the z-5500 are just as old as my speakers... they are the 5300's bigger brother. 505W RMS vs 230W; 10" sub vs 6" and digital vs analog

When they both came on the market the 5300's were about $300 and the 5500's were about $500... it just goes to show that after almost 10 years on the market the 5500's are still being made and sold and have a great reputation.

QB

-------------------------

---

The MONSTER HTPC

---

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 C2 (140W).||.Cooler: Corsair H80i
MB: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD7.||.RAM: 8 GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3 2000MHz (7-10-8-27-1T)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 932.||.PSU: Corsair HX750
GPU:HIS IceQ 5 Radeon HD 5770 Turbo 1GB.||.Audio: Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro w/ Logitech Z-5300e (5.1, 280W-RMS)
Drive: 2xKingston SSD 40GB RAID0.||.Storage: 6TB (4x500GB Caviar Black RAID0, 2TB Hitachi & 2TB Caviar Green)

QB - Didn't know that was the difference actually. My bad. That is quite remarkable if I do say so myself . Hmm ... may have to seriously think about those. I know from the media and gaming front those things have got to be beast. My real question is from audiophile's perspective, how is the quality of the sound in your opinion for music only. Is it balanced between the bass and the rest etc.

Everyone else - Any other thoughts about my rig also would be appreciated

@hackattackcentral, MSI 890FXA-GD70 in my opinion is one of the best AM3 motherboards.
I had MSi 790FX-GD70, and it was fantastic. But I killed it. So replaced it with 890FXA model. If I wasn't anti highend ASUS, I would get that formula board of ASUS, that is very solid board. But it is quite expensive.
I wouldn't call MSi 890FXA cheap as well. And with MSI, if there is a problem or bug in BIOS, you can contact them and they will look into it. At least they fixed some problem with 1st 790FX board of theirs when some of us contacted them. Though their support forum is a bit with an attitude

-------------------------
AMD Phenom II X6@3.9ghz<>MSI 890FXA-GD70
8Gb OCZ 1600Mhz cas 7 RAM<>AMD Radeon HD6970
300Gb WD Velociraptor<>2.5Tb HDDs
CM Cosmos S<>Custom cheap watercooling
Win 7 Ultimate 64bit<>32'' 1080p TV

Yeah I was definitely looking earlier at those FX boards. Just wish I could come across a good price for them to make them worth it right now since we are on the heals of an AM3+ release . I have you seen any prices for that board that are maybe under 150 in price by chance.

Logitech speakers are far from an audiophile's choice... however you will not get better sound for the price. It is huge dollars for true speakers that an audiophile will go "Wow!" when they hear them... But for the money, everyone will go "Wow!" when they hear Logitech speakers

QB

-------------------------

---

The MONSTER HTPC

---

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 C2 (140W).||.Cooler: Corsair H80i
MB: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD7.||.RAM: 8 GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3 2000MHz (7-10-8-27-1T)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 932.||.PSU: Corsair HX750
GPU:HIS IceQ 5 Radeon HD 5770 Turbo 1GB.||.Audio: Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro w/ Logitech Z-5300e (5.1, 280W-RMS)
Drive: 2xKingston SSD 40GB RAID0.||.Storage: 6TB (4x500GB Caviar Black RAID0, 2TB Hitachi & 2TB Caviar Green)

Case: Trust me, you'll fall in love with the HAF 922, hands down the best large mid-size case on the market.
Mobo: Not sure what your remaining budget is, but my first choice would be the ASUS Crosshair IV Formula.
CPU & GPU: Nice choices on both, but I'm an Nvidia guy...lol
PSU: The XFX units are solid performers, but a notch or two better would be the Corsair HX750W or HX850W.
RAM: May I suggest DDR3-1600 memory with CL7 or CL8 timings, provides more OC'ing headroom & faster speeds.
HDD's: Looks fine to me.
Optical drive: I've always gone with Lite-On DVD/CD RW, they're cheap and reliable.

-------------------------
Phenom II X6 1100T B.E.@ 4.26GHz
Corsair H70 Core Hydro
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
2x4GB G.Skill RipjawsX@ 1894MHz, 9-10-9-28
SLI: 2x EVGA GTX 570's@ 902/1804/2032
Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
Corsair HX850W Modular
Cooler Master HAF 922
2x Win 7 Home Premium (x64)

Edited: 02/09/2011 at 05:00 PM by NemesisChild

@NemesisChild, in regards to case I agree, solid case, and great airflow.
Regarding motherboard, crosshair is way out of his budget.

@hackattackcentral, all the 890FX boards are over $150.
There are some cut down versions of 890FX board from MSI, Biostar, Asrock under 150, but for that money better get 870 board and be happy, as they will have the same features as those 890FX boards.

-------------------------
AMD Phenom II X6@3.9ghz<>MSI 890FXA-GD70
8Gb OCZ 1600Mhz cas 7 RAM<>AMD Radeon HD6970
300Gb WD Velociraptor<>2.5Tb HDDs
CM Cosmos S<>Custom cheap watercooling
Win 7 Ultimate 64bit<>32'' 1080p TV

@muziqaz - which 870 board do you suggest has the best value and features to be warranted into this build if I do not have the money to spend on the 890FX boards right now.

hackattackcentral, here is my final pick: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...138-303^13-138-303-TS

All of them have 2 pci-e slots for GPUs, but if two GPUs used one of them will work at x4 speeds. I guess this is main difference between 870 chipset and 890FX chipset as 890 will have two pci-e working at x16.
I would go with gigabyte from that list.

-------------------------
AMD Phenom II X6@3.9ghz<>MSI 890FXA-GD70
8Gb OCZ 1600Mhz cas 7 RAM<>AMD Radeon HD6970
300Gb WD Velociraptor<>2.5Tb HDDs
CM Cosmos S<>Custom cheap watercooling
Win 7 Ultimate 64bit<>32'' 1080p TV

Yeah this one seems to have the best reviews for that many purchases. It is on the high end of the scale but looks to be a solid performer. I am an ASUS consumer for the most part....I always go with ASUS. I only had one problem with them concerning motherboards, but that was because I thought a very newely released 1090T would work fine on it (M4A79T Deluxe) and the BIOS just didn't mature fast enough for my liking.....so, I sold it and got a Crosshair IV Formula. Haven't had one problem with this board...excellent performance and has all the bells and whistles that I could ever need.

-------------------------
The opinions expressed above do not represent those of Advanced Micro Devices or any of their affiliates.

I think the debate for me will probably come down to those two 870 (Asus and Gigabyte) boards you both suggested. I will investigate further with a little more research and reviews and then add one of the two in the build. Just out of curiosity and for my own knowledge, are the 790FX boards not supporting USB3 and SATA3?

I am a Gigabyte guy and love their boards... always seem to have just a little more than ASUS IMHO.... So with that it really comes down to price. You will get many that are happy with one brand and not so happy with another. They all basically have the same features. I will not promote one over another unless something specific is needed... for me it's SATA ports... nobody has more than Gigabyte on the 890FX platform... but again that is a specific requirement that I look for.

QB

-------------------------

---

The MONSTER HTPC

---

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 C2 (140W).||.Cooler: Corsair H80i
MB: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD7.||.RAM: 8 GB Mushkin Blackline DDR3 2000MHz (7-10-8-27-1T)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 932.||.PSU: Corsair HX750
GPU:HIS IceQ 5 Radeon HD 5770 Turbo 1GB.||.Audio: Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro w/ Logitech Z-5300e (5.1, 280W-RMS)
Drive: 2xKingston SSD 40GB RAID0.||.Storage: 6TB (4x500GB Caviar Black RAID0, 2TB Hitachi & 2TB Caviar Green)