AMD Value Midrange
Once again the AMD value midrange system is built around the Phenom II 720BE 2.8GHz triple-core CPU. The 720BE is a Black Edition processor, which means it has an unlocked multiplier and can be easily overclocked if you choose. The Phenom II offers better raw performance than the older AMD processors and much better overclocking. With prices as low as $99 for a Phenom II we can no longer recommend anything less for a midrange system. As has been stated many times at AnandTech, the Phenom II performance matches Intel performance through the midrange (i.e. the Core 2 family of processors). Unless you are looking for a top performing and top-priced Core i7 system then you can choose Intel or AMD in the midrange based on price and features.
| AMD Value Midrange PC | ||
| Hardware | Component | Price |
| Processor | AMD Phenom II X3 720 BE (2.8GHzx3, 3x512KB L2, 6MB L3 Cache) | $119 |
| Cooling | Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail (after $10 Rebate) | $27 |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P | $110 |
| Video | HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB (after $20 Rebate) | $130 |
| Memory | 4GB DDR2-1150 OCZ Blade OCZ2B1150LV4GK 5-5-5-15 at 1.8v | $80 |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB WD1001FALS | $95 |
| Optical Drive | Sony Optiarc 24X DVD - AD-7240S | $32 |
| Audio | On-Board | $ - |
| Case | ANTEC Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower | $60 |
| Power Supply | OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W OCZ600MXSP Modular SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified (after $20 Rebate) | $60 |
| Base System Total | $713 | |
| Display | Acer X233Hbid 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor (1920x1080) | $180 |
| Speakers | Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speaker - Retail | $79 |
| Input | Microsoft CA9-00001 Black PS/2 Standard Keyboard and Optical USB/PS2 Mouse - OEM | $16 |
| Operating System | Microsoft Vista Home Premium OEM | $99 |
| Complete System Bottom Line | $1087 | |
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The Phenom II 720BE is two steps up from the lowest priced Phenom II X2 550BE. The 3.1GHz dual-core 550BE is also an option here, particularly if your primary system use is gaming. For ripping video and intense video processing the tri-core 720BE is a better choice. For just $119 you get an unlocked multiplier, three cores each with 512KB of L2 cache, and the same 6MB L3 cache used in the X4 Phenom II processors. The rated speed is 2.8GHz, which basically makes this an unlocked 920 with a disabled core. In testing we easily reached 3.8GHz, about the same as the most expensive Phenom II, and you will only miss that fourth core in the few applications that actually take advantage of parallel processing. All in all the 720BE is a value buyers dream CPU.
For ultimate overclocking we paired the 720BE with a Xigmatek S1283 Rifle cooler. The Xigmatek cools very well and it's a bargain at $27 after the current $10 rebate. As a bonus, the S1283 also comes with the hardware for mounting on Intel socket 775. An alternative for heavy overclocks is the Tuniq Tower 120. The Tuniq can move a lot of air and it is superb at dropping temperatures in ambitious overclocks, but it can be very noisy at high fan speeds. It has been selling recently for around $50.
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The GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard uses the AMD 790X chipset. The 790X is very similar to the 790GX chipset except it does not provide onboard graphics. It also supports the newest AM3 processors like Phenom II and DDR2 memory. GIGABYTE combines the 790X with the latest AMD SB750 south bridge. This combo provides one x16 slot running at x16, a second x16 slot running at x8, three PCIe x1 slots, and two PCI slots. There are eight SATA 3Gb/s ports a parallel port, along with support for SATA RAID 0/1/5/10, 2600MHz HyperTransport, and maximum memory of 16GB in four slots.
This is one of GIGABYTE's Ultra Durable 3 boards that use extra copper to lower system temps and enhance overclocking. It also features solid capacitors for long life. Memory speeds as high as 1333 are supported at standard settings, and in testing overclocking abilities were top notch. Those looking to squeeze as much performance out of their money as possible will be very pleased with the GIGABYTE at a price of just $110.
The motherboard rear panel provides eight USB 2.0 ports, two Firewire, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, both optical and coax SPDIF out, and six audio jacks for the I-Channel onboard audio. In addition there are two USB headers for internal USB and one additional 1394a (Firewire) header. The GIGABYTE 790X board provides plenty of expansion capabilities for a performance AMD system, as well as excellent overclocking capabilities for those who plan to overclock. One caution with this board is that one PCIe card runs at x16, while with two PCIe graphics cards each slot only runs at x8 speed. For dual x16 slots you will need to run a board with the older FX chipset.
DDR2 memory is supported on this GIGABYTE, so the memory is the same OCZ Blade 4GB kit used in the Intel value midrange. If you prefer DDR3 memory then a good alternative is the GA-MA790XT-UD4P at $130. You will also need to substitute DDR3 memory for our DDR2 choice, and you can check out the Intel and AMD performance systems on p.5 and p.7 for some DDR3 recommendations. The actual DDR3 memory cost today is very close to DDR2 costs so there is little penalty for choosing DDR3 instead.
The rest of the component selections are shared between the Intel and AMD value midrange systems. You can find more information on these component choices on p.3, which details the common system components.
Comparing our $1100 systems, performance is a tossup between the AMD and Intel systems. However, just as AMD finally competes in the 45nm midrange space Intel is set to move to a new midrange architecture and the new Socket LGA-1156. Still, no matter how long or short the parity, the Phenom II competition is good for all buyers. With the prices of computer components generally trending down, both our AMD and Intel value midrange system builds give you room to grow. There are plenty of options to customize some of the components to your liking - such as a keyboard or laser gaming mouse, updated graphics, or an even larger monitor.
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SiliconDoc - Wednesday, August 5, 2009 - link
The idea that the 4870 or the 4890 beats the GTX275 is a FANTASY.-
http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=7...">http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=7...
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2009/04/...">http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphi...03/radeo...
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1539&pageI...">http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1539&pageI...
http://www.dailytech.com/422009+Daily+Hardware+Rev...">http://www.dailytech.com/422009+Daily+H...adeon+HD...
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-275-revi...">http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-275-revi...
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/944/15/">http://www.legitreviews.com/article/944/15/
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/nvidia_3d_...">http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/nvidia_3d_...
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canu...">http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/ha...a-geforc...
http://hothardware.com/Articles/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX...">http://hothardware.com/Articles/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX...
http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/02/nvidia-gtx-275-...">http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/02/nvid...275-ati-...
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/nvidia_gtx...">http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/nvidia_gtx...
http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=684&type=...">http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=684&type=...
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If you're spending $700.00 to $1,600 dollars and a $15 difference on one of your most important components, the videocard, makes your mind up for you... well...
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NVidia often has 1 or TWO free games with it at the egg - while the red card far less often has just 1. There's another $50 - or $100, going with Nvidia - because of course with either card that makes it a GAMING system - and one would need some games.
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I wasn't surprised that EVERY CARD in EVERY SYSTEM recommended was the red rooster card - considering where we are.
Mirrorblade - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
Hiya, for HDD choice you write"While there are differences between hard drives, outside of running benchmarks most people aren't likely to notice the difference in performance between Western Digital, Seagate, Samsung, Hitachi, and other major brands." -
but for memory, you recommend an overclocking memory set, where you could easily save some money (and you don't even give an alternative "for the people that will never want to overclock at all).
.. I don't see any point in advising only overclocking stuff. Sure one might want to overclock, but in this case you could add something as an alternativ, not recommend the OC stuff in general.
Wesley Fink - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
Even if you never overclock the low-voltage designs of the memory we recommend in the Guide will perform well and last a last time. You can certainly substitute lower cost and lower spec'ed memory if that better meets your needs.Search for a standard like DDR2-800 for the DDR2 systems and DDR3-1066 or 1333 for the Performance mid-range systems. Name brand memory with a real warranty is the better choice - even at the low end. If anything goes wrong quality memory suppliers will replace the bad memory quickly and many better companies offer a lifetime memory warranty.
In comparing memory at the same price choose the one that has the tighter timings, like 5-5-5 instead of 7-7-7. At the same timings and price the one that is specified with the lower voltage is generally the better choice.
nafhan - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
I think they recommended overclocking memory because they are recommending overclocking in general at this price point. Notice the processor and motherboard choices are geared towards overclocking as well. If you are definitely NOT going to overclock the value midrange, you could buy cheaper memory, motherboard, and (on the AMD side) a non-black edition CPU. You'd save about $100, and still have a fast, reliable system.It might be interesting if they listed a non-overclocking alternative for those parts (Mem, CPU, MB). Although, that may just push things down into the "budget" system range.
IlllI - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
can anyone tell me if the OCZ ModXStream Pro is better than the ENERMAX PRO82+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8... ? they are both about the same priceThe0ne - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
I don't know about the enermax but I've researched before purchasing my OCZ 700W PS. Their lower wattage PS have good reviews except for this one but with the recent updates it's gotten better reviews. It was below average before. Sorry I don't have the link to the website that reviews PS.One thing to keep in mind is that if you're not really going to use the max wattage then I wouldn't worry about it. Also, it's best to know your system configuration and try to get a PS with some buffer wattage just in case....you know like when it ages :)
Wesley Fink - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
Today's price on the OCZ Modular 600W is $50 after a $20 rebate, or an initial cost of $70. The Enermax is a decent PSU, but current cost is $60 after a $50 rebate or an initial cost of $110.The OCZ slightly higher power rating, modular design, and 3-year warranty tilt the value toward the OCZ. Both units are 80 Plus certified, and OCZ has an excellent reputation for Customer Service.
C'DaleRider - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
That OCZ ModXStream isn't even in the same class as the Enermax Pro82+. Interior construction----the OCZ uses Chinese off-brand capacitors while the Enermax uses high quality name brand Japanese capacitors.Efficiency----not even a contest, the Enermax by a landslide.
Voltage regulation and ripple/noise suppression----again, the Enermax trounces the OCZ.
In all, the OCZ is a mediocre power supply that failed testing when subjected to temps above 40C. On the other hand, the Enermax is better constructed, more efficient, and flew through testing despite being subjected to temps in excess of 40C.
You make the call.
jonup - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
First the Enermax comes with $50 MIR. Which is a turnoff for many.Second, I just bought OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W (it should ship today) and I did some reading before I bought it. Non of the reviews had an issue with the performance. It performed as rated or better with stable voltages.
Third, for a midrange system it should be running in less then 400-450. At such output the OCZ if working 2 85-86% efficiency. I am not saying that it is better than the Enermax, but in worst case the OCZ will be behind 1-2% which is immaterial.
erple2 - Monday, July 27, 2009 - link
My system (non-overclocked E6750, radeon 4890, 2 memory sticks etc) eats about 325 W at the wall when running at or near full tilt. Factoring in even the highest efficiency available for my PSU (85%), the system is using about 275W of power. I think that the midrange systems listed here (particularly the lower midrange ones) will be chewing through about 300W at full tilt. So I think that the 600W psu should be more than enough.Yes, you can play games with specific efficiencies at specific wattages, but for that you're going to need to see the charts to make that fine-tuned an estimate. But, most power supplies that I've seen reviews for hit max efficiencies between 30 and 60% utilization.
Also, does that extra few percentage of watts make that much of a difference? I dunno. Turn off a light instead. That will save you more power.