By Billy Joe I. Allardo

AMD’s Spider platform is designed to work optimally by working the Phenom processors and chipsets with ATI’s new HD graphics cards. Here’s a basic run-down of what you’ll need to build a high-end rig based on AMD’s quad-core Phenom X4 processor.

Processor
AMD Phenom X4 9600 2.3GHz

As the system’s central figure, the processor basically dictates what other components belong in the system. Nowadays, a multi-core processor is a must-have inside every new performance PC to ensure that the system can hold its ground when it comes to multitasking environments and resource-heavy applications. The Phenom X4 9600 features a 65nm process that the results to less power use and heat emission and a HyperTransport bandwidth of 1.8GHz. Attach a capable cooling solution and this quad core processor has enough power to handle the workload.

Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-MA790-FX-DQ6

The motherboard is the backbone of the PC, so it is important to secure one that provides the best possible features and support for future upgrades, such as multi-core processors, multiple graphics cards and whatever level of connectivity you require. Currently the top dog of AMD’s 700-series chipset, the AMD 790FX chip allows the board to prop up Socket AM2+ processors plus PCI-Express 2.0-based graphics cards that support ATI’s CrossFire X multi-GPU technology. This board also has a number of expansion slots, connectivity ports for external Serial ATA devices, and four PCI Express x16 slots for a multi-GPU configuration.

Graphics Card
ATI Radeon HD 3850 1GB

The Radeon HD 3850, along with the other graphics cards built using ATI’s R600-based cores, slipped to the mainstream bracket after the brawnier Radeon HD 4-series hit the market halfway through this year. Still, the ATI Radeon HD 3850 offers enough punch to take on tough graphics processing tasks and HD videos such as the Blu-ray format. If one card isn’t enough, you can spring for an identical card and run them together on a Crossfire X configuration, which is supported by the motherboard. That should be easier to do from here on out, ever since the emergence of newer HD 4-Series cards have made these performers more affordable.

Hard Drive
Seagate ST3250620NS 250GB

The current crop of games and high-definition movies will require storage. This Seagate drive features a 250GB capacity—probably the minimum you’d want to get for the long run (although more is always better). But it features a reasonably fast 7200rpm spindle and a 16MB cache for quick access times and application loading.

Memory
Corsair DOMINATOR TWIN2×2048-8500C5D2GB 1066MHz

Having at least 2GBs worth of performance memory is, in a way or two, an investment. Especially now that the use of dual- and quad-core processors is becoming prevalent, adequate memory with a high bandwidth is critical for optimizing performance. The bandwidth of this Corsair memory module pair adequately matches the multi-core processor we’re using. These modules are also built with heatsinks to keep down the heat.

Chassis
Cooler Master CM960

The chassis holds everything in, so make sure that it has enough space for your hardware – including future expansions. Intake vents and cooling fans are important for maintaining a stable temperature, while additional connectivity and expansion slots–such as multiple dive bays and accessible connectivity ports–help you in the long run. The Cooler Master CM690 has a spacious interior, and features removable HDD racks, and can fit up to seven 120mm fans.

Power Supply Unit
Cooler Master Real Power M-850

A higher wattage gives the PSU a higher power ceiling, allowing it to accommodate more hardware with high-powered demands. With 850W at its disposal, Cooler Master’s Real Power M-850 gives you the space for additional hardware in the future. It also offers support for high-end systems and features modular cables that allow you to remove unused lines to reduce cable clutter.

Optical Drive
Lite-On 4x BD-ROM

While a CD/DVD burner is almost standard now, a Blu-ray drive should set you up—entertainment wise– for the next few years. A Blu-ray burner also helps with backups; the ability to store more than 25-50GB of data on a disc and out of your hard drive never hurts.

We ran some tests in order to gauge the setup’s performance. It did well and the scores it garnered were far better than the ones posted by our current test bed in the productivity apps. It notched a 127 score in Sysmark 2007 and posted a whopping 3DMark 2006 score of 10586.

The setup got rates of 152 and 57.3 frames per second in First Encounter Assault Recon and Company of Heroes, respectively.

A Quick Look