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[kennah]

Sorry, I completely forgot to list the CPU since I already bought it. I got an i7 4790 from a fewllow Gaffer here for a pretty good deal, so I have that covered.

As for the case, I had no idea that would even be a problem! See, that's why I ask What kind of case should I be looking for then?

And yes, sorry, this will be an HTPC in that I'm not getting a monitor (going straight to the TV), but it will be used for gaming 95% of the time. Between Gaffers, friends, and online reviews, the whole R9 290/GTX 780 seems to be quite a big decision haha.



Will the 800 series have a comparable model to the GTX 780 for a similar price? I want to keep my video card budget at like $550 tops, so if it's just a matter of waiting for a refresh of the current "line", then yeah I'll definitely wait (though a kickass black friday/boxing day sale might be a deciding factor too).

Stay small form factor. The gigabyte Z97N is what you should be looking for.

So I got done playing a game and my screen turned white, then white with small green horizontal lines while the computer made a screeching sound. Had to take my 6870HD out and use onboard video to get my computer to work. I can assume my graphics card took a crap. Is there anything else I should check out to be safe?

Is the amd of nvidia when looking for new cards around $200 or so?

Nothing really nvidia in the $200 range. You should be able to find a 270x or 280 for under $200. Anything you get would be a hell of an upgrade from you 6870.

If you want to switch to nvidia a 750ti would be super low power and super quiet but not as fast as the amd options for the same price.

I was wondering when it would be a good time to replace my power supply. I've been using mine for almost 5 years now.

When it stops working.

 

[puffyshirt]

Stay small form factor. The gigabyte Z97N is what you should be looking for.

Got it! what should I look into for cooling?

Also, I realized that neither this case nor this case seem to fit a disc drive. Are they pretty much out of the question with small form cases? I suppose I don't really neeeeed one.

 

[CreepingFear]

So whats the best pop up blocker, anti-malware program and antivirus suite?

I use a combination of Windows Defender/Microsoft Security Essentials, adblock plus, openDNS to block malicous sites, and most importantly common sense. All free and I haven't had any problems. If using firefox, use something like noscript to only allow java script on sites you trust. I believe there is a chrome equivalent called something similar.

 

[zarnold56]

Nothing really nvidia in the $200 range. You should be able to find a 270x or 280 for under $200. Anything you get would be a hell of an upgrade from you 6870.

270x with 4gb or 280 with 3gb? I can get both for a little over $200

 

[kiyomi]

270x with 4gb or 280 with 3gb? I can get both for a little over $200

280, no question

 

[tarheel91]

270x with 4gb or 280 with 3gb? I can get both for a little over $200

280. You're never going to be able to use 4GB on a 270X unless you run a ton of mods on old games. Even then, you'll get a better frame rate with a 280.

 

[kennah]

Got it! what should I look into for cooling?

Also, I realized that neither this case nor this case seem to fit a disc drive. Are they pretty much out of the question with small form cases? I suppose I don't really neeeeed one.

You posted an ITX and a mATX case.

The Prodigy will take a disc drive. The Phenom will not. Be careful when looking, both of those cases have ITX and mATX versions.

You don't neeeeed a disc drive and could just get a usb external for the few times that you do.

Have you looked at the other small formfactor cases in the OP? Both of the cases you have picked are on the bigger side of small cases. Such to te point where it might be worth it to get a Fractal R4 anyway.

 

[bigf00t]

I'm looking at picking up a gaming laptop to use with my Oculus DK2. Would this have enough oomph? Is there something else I should be considering in the same price range?

 

[kennah]

I'm looking at picking up a gaming laptop to use with my Oculus DK2. Would this have enough oomph? Is there something else I should be considering in the same price range?

Gaming Laptop Thread - first line of the OP

 

[puffyshirt]

You posted an ITX and a mATX case.

The Prodigy will take a disc drive. The Phenom will not. Be careful when looking, both of those cases have ITX and mATX versions.

You don't neeeeed a disc drive and could just get a usb external for the few times that you do.

Have you looked at the other small formfactor cases in the OP? Both of the cases you have picked are on the bigger side of small cases. Such to te point where it might be worth it to get a Fractal R4 anyway.

Oh, I see what you mean with ITX and mATX. I'd need to get the Phenom with my motherboard. I honestly had no idea those two versions were even a thing, so thanks for pointing it out! Ill keep that in mind and keep looking!

 

[Smiley90]

Alright, put my order in. Upgraded to a gtx 780 at the last minute because.... I don't know.

IT IS DONE

now to hope NCIX approves all the pricematching I did and actually ships everything together. And that I'm home when it gets here. I picked Canada Post to deliver it because there's a post office very nearby in case I have to go pick it up, UPS office is WAY too far and I don't have a car lol

 

[puffyshirt]

Alright, put my order in. Upgraded to a gtx 780 at the last minute because.... I don't know.

IT IS DONE

now to hope NCIX approves all the pricematching I did and actually ships everything together. And that I'm home when it gets here. I picked Canada Post to deliver it because there's a post office very nearby in case I have to go pick it up, UPS office is WAY too far and I don't have a car lol

Which of your components did you find cheaper? I saw they price match, but didn't really bother looking

 

[Smiley90]

Which of your components did you find cheaper? I saw they price match, but didn't really bother looking

quite a few of them, let's see

RAM - pricematched at newegg
MOBO - pricematched at newegg
monitor - pricematched at directcanada
mouse - pricematched at directcanada
case - pricematched at directcanada
PSU - pricematched at tigerdirect
gtx780 - pricematched at tigerdirect

 

[puffyshirt]

quite a few of them, let's see

RAM - pricematched at newegg
MOBO - pricematched at newegg
monitor - pricematched at directcanada
mouse - pricematched at directcanada
case - pricematched at directcanada
PSU - pricematched at tigerdirect
gtx780 - pricematched at tigerdirect

Oh awesome. Do you mind showing me which gtx 780 you got, specifically?

 

[Smiley90]

Oh awesome. Do you mind showing me which gtx 780 you got, specifically?

sure

This one, which pricematches on tigerdirect with this one, so a solid 50.- cheaper

 

[puffyshirt]

sure

This one, which pricematches on tigerdirect with this one, so a solid 50.- cheaper

Thanks! I'll keep a look on this one for when I buy.

Random question. I noticed that some of these cards (like this one and this one) can change in size by about an inch. Do I need to pay attention to whether or not something will physically fit inside the case?

 

[Smiley90]

Thanks! I'll keep a look on this one for when I buy.

Random question. I noticed that some of these cards (like this one and this one) can change in size by about an inch. Do I need to pay attention to whether or not something will physically fit inside the case?

they should both fit fine, it's just a matter of the fans that the company puts on. They should both fit into even an mATX case, though.

 

[MTE]

Thanks PC-GAF!
I've just put an order in for my new PC. (The first in over 5 years)
Reading through this thread was really helpful when deciding what I wanted. Such an excellent resource

 

[puffyshirt]

they should both fit fine, it's just a matter of the fans that the company puts on. They should both fit into even an mATX case, though.

Cool, thanks dude

 

[Smiley90]

Cool, thanks dude

If you REALLY want to know, I can tell you once it gets here LOL

 

[puffyshirt]

If you REALLY want to know, I can tell you once it gets here LOL

Haha I dont need that much detail

 

[xero273]

My brother is thinking of building a new PC soon. Are there any new CPUs or GPUs coming out soon that I should wait for.

Thanks.

 

[Dries]

My brother is thinking of building a new PC soon. Are there any new CPUs or GPUs coming out soon that I should wait for.

Thanks.

There is always a new line of CPU's coming out soon. As for GPU's, Nvidia is rumoured to release their new 800 series in the holiday season.

 

[publicpwnerer]

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with MSI branded cards...and the MSI gaming app...that's basically a quick-switch overclock and underclock application.

It has 3 settings, Overlock Mode, Gaming Mode, and Silent mode. For some reason, whenever I switch to "Overclock Mode", it doesn't seem to recognise my MSI Afterburner custom fan curve. The fan just underperforms and sits at around 20%, regardless of the temperature.

On the middle setting, "Gaming Mode", my fan curve works as normal. Is this some kind of bug...has anyone experienced something similar? I know this is a somewhat tech-support question, but this is regarding brothers new budget gaming system, the card is a MSI R9-280.

 

[PaulLFC]

So whats the best pop up blocker, anti-malware program and antivirus suite?

Pop-up blocker - should be built in to any modern browser
Anti-malware - Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (it's free, premium version with realtime protection / auto updates is a yearly sub if you want those). I would also install the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit.
Antivirus - free: Microsoft Security Essentials, or paid: Kaspersky Internet Security

 

[McBryBry]

Figured I'd ask about this again. My dad, for our new one, is NOT backing down from the barebones systems he finds on Ebay, saying it's cheaper than if you were to buy part by part. Here's my list for a $2000 budget.

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($61.97)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($154.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual FTW ACX Video Card ($509.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($15.00)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($155.43 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex [RAW] Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: SteelSeries Rival Wired Optical Mouse ($49.19 @ NCIX US)
Other: SteelSeries QCK Mousepad ($9.99)
Other: Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology ($44.91)
Total: $1887.35

So far, all I've bought is the CPU cooler. Now the problem is, the barebones systems he's coming across don't have half the parts I'd like to have as options. Plus, I don't know if it's ACTUALLY cheaper. Finally, some of them have crap brands (from what I understand) or have none listed altogether. He's telling me brand doesn't matter! Does anyone have any experience on these?

 

[Prophet Steve]

Figured I'd ask about this again. My dad, for our new one, is NOT backing down from the barebones systems he finds on Ebay, saying it's cheaper than if you were to buy part by part. Here's my list for a $2000 budget.

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 113.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($61.97)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($154.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Dual FTW ACX Video Card ($509.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($15.00)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($155.43 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cooler Master JetFlo 95.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($16.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex [RAW] Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: SteelSeries Rival Wired Optical Mouse ($49.19 @ NCIX US)
Other: SteelSeries QCK Mousepad ($9.99)
Other: Creative Inspire T12 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with Bass Flex Technology ($44.91)
Total: $1887.35

So far, all I've bought is the CPU cooler. Now the problem is, the barebones systems he's coming across don't have half the parts I'd like to have as options. Plus, I don't know if it's ACTUALLY cheaper. Finally, some of them have crap brands (from what I understand) or have none listed altogether. He's telling me brand doesn't matter! Does anyone have any experience on these?

No, it would not be cheaper. And you'll have the lesser amount of options as you have noticed. Brand obviously matters, for some parts more than others. They are usually skimping on the hard drive and power supply. For both the brand can be very important.

Find a barebones system, put the same parts in PCpartpicker and look at some similar alternatives for the things you can't find and see what price comes out of it.

 

[kiyomi]

Figured I'd ask about this again. My dad, for our new one, is NOT backing down from the barebones systems he finds on Ebay, saying it's cheaper than if you were to buy part by part. Here's my list for a $2000 budget.

I dunno, you're working to a good budget and what you have there is great. Your dad should probably keep quiet.

 

[Stubo]

Just thought I'd say that the r4 comes with 2 fractal 140mm fans, so depending on your uses you may not need 3 extras. Solid build otherwise.

The component quality and general build quality on barebones systems are typically lower than you'd get by picking every part yourself.

 

[ekgrey]

if you can afford to build what you've been planning without parental help, I'd just let dad build his own. I don't think your goals are really compatible.

 

[Jinaar]

Emergency!
My Asus P8P67 Pro has a VGA_LED light on my graphics card slot, meaning I have no display output capabilities.

This allows me to upgrade. Looking for a new case, CPU, MB. Looking for thoughts if I should go with something else that I thought below. I don't read this thread often enough to catch whats trending or what is the best bang for your buck vendor wise.

For the moment I want to keep my Geforce GTX 660 Ti. I got a GS700 Power supply as well.

Thinking of getting the following tonight:
CPU: i7-4790K 4Ghx/8MB Cache
MOTHERBOARD: GigaByte GA-Z97X-UDSH
CASE: Input required here

OPTIONAL
RAM: (Brand Name here) 8GB DDR3 1866Mhz x2

I can rip out the power supply and DVD from the existing case without much issue.

Best place I got locally is MEMORY EXPRESS in Edmonton so I can price match too (Canadian Dollars).

I'm guessing I just want the highest end to last me another 3-5 years.

 

[puffyshirt]

Does anyone in Canada (or US that would work in Canada too) know the cheapest place to grab a Windows 7 64 bit license? Or Windows 8 too, but I was hoping to go with 7.

 

[The Llama]

Does anyone in Canada (or US that would work in Canada too) know the cheapest place to grab a Windows 7 64 bit license? Or Windows 8 too, but I was hoping to go with 7.

I guess this works in Canada but I don't really know.
http://www.reddit.com/r/softwareswap

 

[kennah]

Emergency!
My Asus P8P67 Pro has a VGA_LED light on my graphics card slot, meaning I have no display output capabilities.

This allows me to upgrade. Looking for a new case, CPU, MB. Looking for thoughts if I should go with something else that I thought below. I don't read this thread often enough to catch whats trending or what is the best bang for your buck vendor wise.

For the moment I want to keep my Geforce GTX 660 Ti. I got a GS700 Power supply as well.

Thinking of getting the following tonight:
CPU: i7-4790K 4Ghx/8MB Cache
MOTHERBOARD: GigaByte GA-Z97X-UDSH
CASE: Input required here

OPTIONAL
RAM: (Brand Name here) 8GB DDR3 1866Mhz x2

I can rip out the power supply and DVD from the existing case without much issue.

Best place I got locally is MEMORY EXPRESS in Edmonton so I can price match too (Canadian Dollars).

I'm guessing I just want the highest end to last me another 3-5 years.

Mem ex is your best bet. Usually I'll find what I want in stock and search for stuff to price match against on shopbot.ca

Case wise I like the fractal r4. But look into something smaller since you're upgrading anyway. ITX stuff is very good these days. Your old ram is likely fine for the new build too.

What is your old cpu and what are you planning on doing with it?

 

[DjRalford]

Ok, my current setup is this:

Fractal Node 804 case
I7 4790k CPU
H100i cpu cooler
Asus maximus Gene VII M/B
16gb GSKILL ripjawsx 1600mhz DDR3 RAM
256GB VECTOR SSD for Windows 7
120GB AGILITY SSD
750GB Seagate SSHD
XFX HD7970 Black edition DD
750w Modular PSU


Will I notice much improvement in real game performance if I went to a 290x from my HD7970? Or would I be better off waiting for the next GPU's to release?

Is it worth upgrading the DDR3 to 2400mhz if I'm only using it for gaming?

 

[kennah]

You might notice an increase but I'm not sure if it would be enough to warrant an upgrade.

And the ram would be minimal difference for gaming. 0-3% tops.

 

[puffyshirt]

I guess this works in Canada but I don't really know.
http://www.reddit.com/r/softwareswap

Hmm, I've never done this. I'll take a look, thanks!

 

[Azzurri]

Was this posted?

 

[Jinaar]

Mem ex is your best bet. Usually I'll find what I want in stock and search for stuff to price match against on shopbot.ca

Case wise I like the fractal r4. But look into something smaller since you're upgrading anyway. ITX stuff is very good these days. Your old ram is likely fine for the new build too.

What is your old cpu and what are you planning on doing with it?

Thanks for your time with the post, Kennah! The Fractal R4 might just be what I require going forward. Especially since it comes white. Match the rest of my computer room. Cheers!

 

[kennah]

Good!

Spoiler

i want your old cpu

 

[Jinaar]

Good!

Spoiler

i want your old cpu

I may still have use for it to create a STEAM box in the near future to stream too. Sorry!

 

[mkenyon]

Was this posted?

Going to be their tablet/gaming device announcement.

 

[Azzurri]

Going to be their tablet/gaming device announcement.

I don't think it is since the shield is releasing in less than two weeks.

 

[kennah]

I don't think it is since the shield is releasing in less than two weeks.

Maybe releasing two weeks later in eu?

 

[zeroeffect]

So something I've wondered about Amazon. I usually buy parts off Newegg but I'll probably just buy everything off Amazon this time since I have gift cards, Prime and no taxes over there. I'm wondering if manufacturer warranties on PC parts are okay on Amazon when it's not sold directly through them? Do they have to be on their authorized seller list or what since Amazon backs the third-party seller?

Like I just looked at BenQ's website and Amazon.com isn't even an authorized reseller the hell? If I'm not going to get manufacturer warranties off Amazon then that's a complete bust buying anything off there.

 

[mkenyon]

Most companies offer warranty through serial number. Others require proof of purchase. I don't know of any that only offer a warranty when purchased through a specific seller. I don't think that's legal. Or, I should say, that sounds like it would be illegal. This comes from gut feeling, not knowledge.

 

[mr2xxx]

So something I've wondered about Amazon. I usually buy parts off Newegg but I'll probably just buy everything off Amazon this time since I have gift cards, Prime and no taxes over there. I'm wondering if manufacturer warranties on PC parts are okay on Amazon when it's not sold directly through them? Do they have to be on their authorized seller list or what since Amazon backs the third-party seller?

Like I just looked at BenQ's website and Amazon.com isn't even an authorized reseller the hell? If I'm not going to get manufacturer warranties off Amazon then that's a complete bust buying anything off there.

Most companies offer warranty through serial number. Others require proof of purchase. I don't know of any that only offer a warranty when purchased through a specific seller. I don't think that's legal. Or, I should say, that sounds like it would be illegal. This comes from gut feeling, not knowledge.

It happens with TVs and cameras which is why there is authorized sellers and those not sold by them are considered grey market items. Never seen it happen with PC parts but if what you say is true I would contact BenQ if the warranty is valid if purchased through Amazon.

 

[anchorman128]

Finally found an awesome, compact, micro-atx case to buy! That is whenever it actually is released for sale.

Lian Li PC-V359

I love Lian-Li and the entire case comes apart, all the sides, the top, the motherboard tray. This thing is going to be awesome.

 

[ekgrey]

i was just looking at that case and it's big brother today. damn fine. if they're out by the time I build, I may reconsider my tentative decision to go with an Air 240. (which I'm also still waiting on...)

 

[Azzurri]

Finally found an awesome, compact, micro-atx case to buy! That is whenever it actually is released for sale.

Lian Li PC-V359

I love Lian-Li and the entire case comes apart, all the sides, the top, the motherboard tray. This thing is going to be awesome.

i was just looking at that case and it's big brother today. damn fine. if they're out by the time I build, I may reconsider my tentative decision to go with an Air 240. (which I'm also still waiting on...)

I've looked everywhere for the release date, but could not find anything. So I e-mail Lian Li, lol

http://youtu.be/qli9EjIpdJQ