Joined: September 10, 2002 Posts: 1802 Location: Maryland
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject: I want to build a PC
I know you guys are pretty good at building computers and although I'm fairly computer savvy I do mostly software so I'm going to ask some advice. I've built a couple different things (wishlists) on newegg and I'm looking for something in the $1200-1300 range. I've gotten tired of gaming on laptops, so I only really have questions on certain pieces of hardware:
Mobo: I think I'd want something with upgrade potential, either a second CPU slot or the ability to upgrade to higher end CPUs given a certain pin type. I think when I was building computer before 775 was the norm but it seems like there's several new processors out in a different format, so I'm not sure what to do here.
VideoCard: Eventually I'd like to hook up my PC to a TV so I could watch movies or even possibly play games on my TV. I know there's straight home media center videocards but I'd want one that could do both. Playing somewhat new games at normal settings with a decent framerate would be nice, I don't have to be and XTREME GAMR.
That's mainly it but I'll throw out what I'm thinking for the rest just in case:
Ram: I'd probably get at least 4gb (2x2) DDR3 1333/1600 and any mobo I'd want should probably have 4 slots.
Harddrives I'd probably get 2-1tb (and maybe raid them if the mobo supports it)
monitor: seems like people say buy this local in case it has bad pixels so you can return it ez. _________________ aka. hinch
Joined: Aug 06, 2007 Posts: 414 Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 3:15 am Post subject:
last three video cards i got had s-video/composite out adapters already...
If you get 4gb of ram just make sure you run a x64 OS or half of it is useless.
You might want to get a smaller and faster HDD for windows/games to me it seems like my 1TB drives are a bit slow... not really noticeable though, but i like having one dedicated drive so that the storage drives can turn off when i'm not using them.
And yeah, it's smart to research pin types before you buy a mobo... last time i didn't check intel switched the pin setup so i couldn't upgrade at all. It was like right in the middle of the processor series too, also made the ram obsolete. Stupid RDRAM, why i go with AMD now...
Oh and i'm not sure on this one, but i think programs have to be dual-cpu compatible, so that might not be something you want (since most game developers aren't even supporting windows 7 well, i doubt they go into dual processors)
I just felt like talking... i don't do that much, so i don't care if it helps.
Now to go get trashed and play STALKER: COP
I do hope it helps tough... _________________ Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn
Joined: Aug 7, 2002 Posts: 3307 Location: Euclid, Ohio
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:37 am Post subject:
I'd go ahead and spring for an ssd... even if its extremely small. Put your OS and your primary games on it. Keep your raided 1tb drives as your backup/storage.
The 1156 is the latest Intel core it out performs most 1366s however the 960 is slightly better at gaming that being said I personally think it is the better processor if you do not plan on doing sli/crossfire.
The processor, ram, and board are cheaper allowing you to put more money in the video card.
It overclocks well I am running mine at 3.46 stable.
The turbo mode allows it to run single core apps faster.
I do have the advantage of having every major computer store in my area and personally I am willing to pay tax or nominally more for the local return angle.
It paid off this time my first ram OCZ was shit out of 4 kits there where 2 bad sticks and it refused to run stable if I had used New Egg I would have been in a world of shit. Microcenter let me trade it out even after I had clipped the UPC codes out for the rebate.
Joined: September 10, 2002 Posts: 1802 Location: Maryland
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject:
All the comments so far have been good. I too had been thinking about getting an SSD just for gaming, and if that's a common thing and price appropriate I may just do that.
@king Yeah I'm not sure of all the local places that exist around here but I'll check that out. All of the parts you listed look good and have gotten good reviews. It's going to take some legwork to check out local places prices on these and similar stuff but it's a good start. Thanks for the help. _________________ aka. hinch
All the comments so far have been good. I too had been thinking about getting an SSD just for gaming, and if that's a common thing and price appropriate I may just do that.
@king Yeah I'm not sure of all the local places that exist around here but I'll check that out. All of the parts you listed look good and have gotten good reviews. It's going to take some legwork to check out local places prices on these and similar stuff but it's a good start. Thanks for the help.
It's much faster and sometimes easier to do returns at local small businesses but get ready to pay out the ass initially. I'd say ONLY buy the monitor locally for just the reason specified. Dead pixels can be handled quickly and easily, by just checking the monitor in the store.
I have never had a problem with newegg, they've always been prompt on delivery, RMA's, refunds, everything. And eVGA is the brand to go with for vid cards, their warranties are fucking unbelievable. Basically, you can throw your card under a bus and say "I threw it under a bus on purpose, give me another one" and they will. You can even do an advanced RMA if want to pay a little deposit (I think like $15). Of course, if you live up to your end of the bargain on an advanced RMA, you get your deposit back. How rad is that?
When my 8800GT SC crapped out, I ended up getting a 9800GTX in return because they didn't seem to have any left. They actually ASKED me if it was okay if they gave me a brand new card worth about $100 more. I fucking love eVGA.
And whumper, I though 32bit systems could only recognize 3gb of ram, not just 2? I know you need 64bit for 4. Why else would standard companies like HP/Dell put 3gb of ram onto their 32bit systems and 4 into their 64bit?
I still have 4, I planned on going 64 bit from the start but never did, and I TOTALLY WILL...one day. _________________
Joined: Aug 7, 2002 Posts: 3307 Location: Euclid, Ohio
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject:
DarkCarnage wrote:
All the comments so far have been good. I too had been thinking about getting an SSD just for gaming, and if that's a common thing and price appropriate I may just do that.
My processor was 60 bucks cheaper at Microcenter
The ram was 40 Bucks Cheaper
The Mobo was the same
The power Supply was 10 bucks cheaper at Frys
The Video was 10 bucks more at Best Buys however I got a 10 buck credit on my best buys points so really it was the same.
so even if you allow for taxes I saved 90 to a 100 locally.
And the shipping to return the ram would have been about 20 and guess what if you clip the UPC code on a new egg purchase you have to do a direct RMA with the company so I would have been stuck with OCZ ram which was not working.
I have used all the online people I build my whole last system with online parts because it was alot cheaper.
But now if you wait and look around in Atlanta at least you can beat the online pricing.
BTW I think buying a monitor online is fine my worked out great.
And Carnage I forgot get an after market cooler the stock ones suck.
Joined: Aug 06, 2007 Posts: 414 Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:50 pm Post subject:
DarkChilla wrote:
And whumper, I though 32bit systems could only recognize 3gb of ram, not just 2? I know you need 64bit for 4. Why else would standard companies like HP/Dell put 3gb of ram onto their 32bit systems and 4 into their 64bit?
I still have 4, I planned on going 64 bit from the start but never did, and I TOTALLY WILL...one day.
I think for anything before Vista it's 2GB, but i believe there's a workaround or something to get 3 on those as well.
64bit is pretty well supported now, probably be worth it to start at least dual boot now. Just got to keep that x86 for those classic games... _________________ Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn
Joined: Aug 7, 2002 Posts: 3307 Location: Euclid, Ohio
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:26 pm Post subject:
DarkKing wrote:
Jedi SSD is a good idea but they are quite pricing still my system is all in the 7.4-7.6 range and the HD drags it down to 5.9
yeah, there's no doubt that it's pricey but there's no way I'd make a build without one. I'm hoping to build next year around x-mas. If ssd price trends continue as is, they should drop another 15-25 bones making it slightly more affordable by then.
1 - It's much faster and sometimes easier to do returns at local small businesses but get ready to pay out the ass initially.
2 - I have never had a problem with newegg, they've always been prompt on delivery, RMA's, refunds, everything.
I stand by these quotes.
1 - You mentioned local large-scale stores, and sometimes returning at even those places can be a hassle. Well, Best Buy is the only large chain I've ever had actual hair-ripping difficulty returning something to, but that's NEVER happened at a small business. But I've always paid for it on the front end. Substantially, too.
2 - I guess everyone has differing expiriences. I've never had a problem, and I always keep the packing slip in case of an RMA. The only time I've had a problem with parts (2, both inside their warranty) was when they came out of the box and went directly into my computer. Packages were still hanging around, and they usually do for about a week just to make sure I have everything handy.Besides, they keep everything on record, so when you request an RMA, they send you everything you need to pack via e-mail. Dunno what happened with you.
turbo edit - except for the previously mentioned vid card, that was 6 months after install but still under evga warranty (which I think is into your grandchildren's lifetime) so that return wasn't through newegg, but I just so happen to always keep my vid card and cpu boxes around. Dunno why. _________________
Joined: August 5, 2002 Posts: 6174 Location: All Up In This Piece
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:43 am Post subject:
Whumper, you are wrong about the 2GB thing. 2000/XP/Vista/7 will all support 4GB of RAM, but only about 3.3GB of that RAM will be addressable, and possibly less with Vista/7 because it's using some more to shadow cache your video card's RAM.
The "workaround" is only applicable to 2003 Enterprise and higher OSes, and it's called Physical Address Extension.
Now after that nerd beatdown, back to the topic.
Carnage, if you're looking for future CPU upgradeability, then get the 1366 Core i7 920 CPU with an X58 board. The X58 boards will support Intels hexa-core Core i7's coming out later this year. The 1156 socket only supports a max of quad-core.
If you do go the X58 route, I'd recommend at least 6GB of RAM in a triple-channel config (3x2GB) to maximize it's capabilities.
For video on a TV, if your TV has HDMI or at least DVI, then any video card you buy today will have no problem outputting to your TV. If it's an older TV that doesn't have either of those connectors, then how good would a game really look on it anyway?
I also echo the others' recommendations regarding getting an SSD. BUT, make sure you check with us here before buying one. There are a ton of different models out there, and some (especially older ones) lack some key features such as TRIM (natively supported by Windows 7. Google it to see what it does) or high random read/write speeds. Just because an SSD advertises 150MB+ read or write speeds doesn't mean it's a good drive, because those are "sequential" speeds, i.e. what you'd get if you copied a large file. Windows operation mostly relies on small random reads and writes, and some drives based on older JMicron controllers had terrible problems with those types of transactions, and because of that even something as simple as chatting with AIM would induce noticeable delays.
I'd also recommend is either a good sound card, or good headphones with a built-in DSP. If you have good headphones already that use a standard stereo mini-jack, then definitely get a good sound card like the X-Fi XtremeGamer. Stay away from the Xtreme Audio, it's just a rebadged Audigy.
Regarding RAID, all enthusiast and nearly all consumer boards support RAID-1, so two 1TB drives in RAID-1 would make a good storage drive with redundancy.
One area you do NOT want to skimp on is the power supply. This is most often where people try to cut corners, and it will burn you in the end. Get a good quality power supply from a maker like Antec, or Enermax, or Silverstone, or PC Power and Cooling. An efficient power supply will not only provide cleaner power to your components, but it will also help reduce your PC's overall power consumption, saving on electricity.
If you get an X58 board, you can do either Crossfire or SLI, so it comes down to your preference between Nvidia and ATI. As of right now, ATI holds the performance lead with their Radeon 58xx series cards, but Nvidia's Fermi-based cards are launching this month, so it'll bring down prices all around.
Oh, and as Craig can attest to, DO NOT get OCZ RAM. Stick with Corsair or Patriot or Crucial. _________________ DarkViper
"Dude, I didn't piss my shit."
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