New Build / Couple of questions

[gman801]

I am about ready to pull the trigger on these items. I have a couple of questions if someone would be so kind as to help out.
First, do these all seem to be compatible?
What are advantages, disadvantages of 1066 vs 800 memory?
How much memory is best? The specs say max memory 16 GB. From what I can see XP32 bit only recognizes 3-4 GB. I am considering Vista home premium. Should I go with 32 or 64 bit? Does my software I already use work with the 64 bit version? ( Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, Macromedia Fireworks, flash, etc. I do a lot of gaming, have a 22" monitor, but also play on my 40" LCD tv. I have a lot of games already but intend to get the new titles as well. I know this is a lot to ask but I appreciate any input.

I am also considering these 2 motherboards:
Which would you prefer and why? Or is there a different one altogether you would recommend? I do intend to add a second video card in the next few months but am at about my limit for cost at this point.
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

* CPU Type: Phenom X4/ Phenom X3/ Athlon X2/ Athlon/ Sempron processors (socket AM2+/AM2); Compatible with Phenom II/ Athlon X4/ Athlon X3/ Athlon X2 (AM3 CPU)
* FSB: 2600MHz Hyper Transport (5200 MT/s)
* South Bridge: AMD SB750
* Number of Memory Slots: 4×240pin
* Memory Standard: DDR2 1066*/800 *Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ / AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only
* Maximum Memory Supported: 16GB
* Channel Supported: Dual Channel
* PCI Express 2.0 x16: 4 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 (@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 link)
* Model #: M4A79 Deluxe
* Item #: N82E16813131361
* Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy

OR

ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Customer Choice Award5x Winner of Customer Choice Award - AMD Motherboards

* CPU Type: Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2
* FSB: 2600MHz Hyper Transport (5200 MT/s)
* South Bridge: AMD SB750
* Number of Memory Slots: 4×240pin
* Memory Standard: DDR2 1066
* Maximum Memory Supported: 16GB
* Channel Supported: Dual Channel
* PCI Express 2.0 x16: 4 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots with ATI CrossFireX™ support (@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 modes)
* Model #: M3A79-T Deluxe
* Item #: N82E16813131339

1 AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HDZ940XCGIBOX
Item #: N82E16819103471
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy -$19.00 Instant
$219.00
$200.00



1 CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5D CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5D
Item #: N82E16820145214
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy -$7.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$72.00
$65.00
1 SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
Item #: N82E16814102802
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy $162.99
1 Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #: N82E16822136284
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy $119.99
1 CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817139005
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$60.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$159.99
$99.99

1 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Item #: N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy $6.99

1 Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129021
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy -$30.00 Instant
$139.99
$109.99
1 SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F
Item #: N82E16827151171
Return Policy: 30 Day Return Policy $23.99


Thanks in advance. I have been lurking here for a while and have picked up a lot of helpful info.

Mike

[RickyTick]

I'm having trouble finding the M3A79-T in stock anywhere. Maybe the M4 has replaced it, so that might be the way to go on the motherboards.

If I'm reading the specs right, you can use the DDR2 1066 memory with that Phenom II processor. It would be a little faster than the DDR2 800 ram. The prices are very close too, so why not get the better one.

The Radeon 4850 is a really nice video card, but the 4870 1gb is certainly a big step up for essentially the same price range. Either are good choices though.

[RickyTick]

Here's some good info on 32 bit and 64 bit.
http://gizmodo.com/5076473/giz-explains-whats-so-awesome-about-64+bit

And this kind of explains the amount of ram you can use, and a little more info on 64 bit systems.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1FikX8XWvs&feature=channel_page

Hope that's helpful.

[gman801]

It looks like the M4 does not support the 940 processor. It will the 920. I am going to do a bit more research. I can't find the ASUS M3A79-T in stock either. i was leaning towards it. Any other info is appreciated. Thanks for your help. I'll be back.
Mike

[RickyTick]

It looks like the M4 does not support the 940 processor. It will the 920. I am going to do a bit more research. I can't find the ASUS M3A79-T in stock either. i was leaning towards it. Any other info is appreciated. Thanks for your help. I'll be back.
Mike

The 920 and 940 are both Phenon II X4. I don't know why it won't work.:confused: Did I miss something?

[gman801]

I have decided on my components.

Case:Antec 1200
PSU: PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-650TX 650W RT - Retail
Motherboard:ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD
CPU: AMD|PH II X4 940 BLK 3.0G
RAM: Corsair Dominator TWIN2X4096-8500C5D (8GB)
Graphics card: VGA SAPPHIRE 100258-1GL HD4850 1GB
Sound card: Integrated ADI® AD2000B 8 -Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Hard Drive(s): HD 750GB|WD 7K 32M SATA2 WD7501AALS R
Optical Drive(s):DVD BURN LG|GH22NS30 22X SATA
Monitor: 22" Asus (already own)
Speakers: 5.1 creative (already own)

Operating System: Vista Home Premium

I will get it in a few days. I will let everyone know how it turns out.

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I will be back with questions once I start assembling.
Mike

[RickyTick]

Oh good, so you were able to find a M3A79-T.

Best of luck.

[gman801]

I have completed my build. Actually, I finished a couple of weeks ago but I have been gone for a while. I will post some pics as soon as I can. It only took me 1 day to build it. Pretty good I thought for a first timer. Everything went smoothly and I am amazed t the difference between this new build and my old computer. I will post the parts used and pics soon. Thanks for the help. Bye the way, I love the motherboard and the antec 1200 case is awesome. I have so much room leftover I could camp out in there.
Mike

[The Wise Monkey]

Congrats - post in the Graduates section with your specs. :)