"I Need a New PC!" 2014 Part 2. Read OP, your 2500K will run Witcher 3. MX100s! 970!

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Ok guys. I'm debating about getting an i7-4790K for 285€ or an i5-4690K for 200€. My shop is running a promotion where you would get 45€ cash back on the i7 and 35€ cash back on the i5. I was planning with 8GB of RAM but I would increase it if I go with the i5. Do you think an i7 might be more useful in the future or is i5 + more RAM a better way to go ? Does an i7 actually overlock better ?

You'll be fine with the i5. I went i7 but I'm an overachiever haha.
 
I just ordered my future case:
1145867-3.jpg

I want to prevent a situation where I sit there in September with everything but the case ready to go. Now I'm just waiting for X99 boards starting to get listed.
 
I've been looking at the Asus Ares III (aka R295X2 with a custom water block) as an alternative to 2 R9 290s. When you consider that you no longer need 2 water blocks, extra piping, fittings, etc, the cost difference really shouldn't be that big if it's priced similarly to the 295X2. Plus, these are going to be hand-picked chips that should OC really nicely.
 
[IM]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/charlottew666/2dc65266-6edb-4885-a0d5-b5ebb8c78c78.png[/IMG

With GTX 660 GPU

[IM]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/charlottew666/da9e8b0c-d311-436f-8260-3358492dea1f.png[/IMG

[IM]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/charlottew666/38fc7ac0-46f1-4b2b-9fe8-661e5d8b3624.png[/IMG

Most recent two. Recently my comp has crashed/ froze up without BSOD


Ok first things to try
- Remove any motherboard utilities (if you have installed any)
- Update Intel USB 3.0 drivers
- Update nVidia GPU drivers
- Create and run memtest86+ USB

If possible please zip up all the dump files and PM me the link so I can look at all of them easily.
 
One more question:

I can get an upgrade copy of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Professional for $10. (One of the many perks of working at a University.)

I understand you can use an upgrade copy as a fresh install through some registry tweaks pretty easily.

What I'm wondering is, should I purchase the 8 or 8.1 download from my school? Are you able to perform clean installs with both, or do I need to get the 8 download, and then do my free update to 8.1 once 8 is installed.

Thanks!

I'd suggest 8.1. If you get 8, you'll just be downloading the free update to 8.1 anyway. Starting with it will save you time.
 
I just ordered my future case:


I want to prevent a situation where I sit there in September with everything but the case ready to go. Now I'm just waiting for X99 boards starting to get listed.
Grats! It's definitely a beauty.
Awesome open air HTPC build
Looks great! Just need to sleeve the PSU to have it just right :P


This MDPC sleeve would look great with it.
My headset's mic stopped working today so I want to get a new one. Anyone have any suggestions that are <$120?
The Kingston HyperX one is getting some pretty great reviews so far. The Func in the OP is good too. Avoid wireless stuff.

Otherwise, grab a solid pair of $80-100 headphones and get a ModMic or V-Moda mic.
Sorry if it seems like I'm using this thread like my personal tech support, but I'm asking on behalf of a friend.

If building a PC purely for gaming, is it still better price wise to go AMD?
Nope. It hasn't been for 4+ years either :(
 
I guess what I'm trying to make sure is, that you can do a clean install with an 8.1 upgrade copy. As in, is it technically feasable? In the same way that this Lifehacker article says you can with an 8 Upgrade. Has anyone here done this?

http://lifehacker.com/5984278/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-8-with-an-upgrade-disc
That's how I installed 8.1. I created bootable flash drive with the update utility from the Microsoft website with a laptop, then booted my desktop with it and started a fresh install. I'll have to do it again in a week or so when I upgrade.


Looks great! Just need to sleeve the PSU to have it just right :P



This MDPC sleeve would look great with it.

That looks like 550 cord.
 
That's how I installed 8.1. I created bootable flash drive with the update utility from the Microsoft website with a laptop, then booted my desktop with it and started a fresh install. I'll have to do it again in a week or so when I upgrade.

Cool thanks! I'll buy 8.1 and send you a PM if I have any issues, hah.
 
I just ordered my future case:


I want to prevent a situation where I sit there in September with everything but the case ready to go. Now I'm just waiting for X99 boards starting to get listed.

Wow, super slick. I also really like the fact that it's a few inches above the ground, probably helps with air flow to the PSU and limits the amount of ground dust that can get into the case too.
 
I was taking another look at it, and the only thing that strikes me as not optimal, is that the PSU is exhausting out of the bottom, which is right where the intake is. It's not a lot of hot air coming out of the PSU, but that's definitely going to be recycled through the case.
 
GAF, put my mind at ease.

I've just changed out my 4GB of RAM for 16GB, everything seems to be fine, but CUP-Z is telling me the DRAM freq. is about 800MHz. This is actually correct and you're supposed to double that or something to get the true value, right?


While I was at it I cleared some dust from the case, my god there was a lot of it.
 
GAF, put my mind at ease.

I've just changed out my 4GB of RAM for 16GB, everything seems to be fine, but CUP-Z is telling me the DRAM freq. is about 800MHz. This is actually correct and you're supposed to double that or something to get the true value, right?


While I was at it I cleared some dust from the case, my god there was a lot of it.

Should be right. Just double check your BIOS settings if you're worried.
 
I was taking another look at it, and the only thing that strikes me as not optimal, is that the PSU is exhausting out of the bottom, which is right where the intake is. It's not a lot of hot air coming out of the PSU, but that's definitely going to be recycled through the case.
Yeah, but with a modern efficient PSU that should be what, 8W of heat? I'm not too concerned about that.

I'm more concerned that I'll have to buy a stupidly expensive slot-in drive that I'll never use, just for completeness' sake :P
 
BvU5XvoIMAAtNhm.jpg


I finally did it.

Is it normal to feel on top of the world the very first time you successfully build your own rig?

Cause that's totally how I'm feeling right now.
 
BvU5XvoIMAAtNhm.jpg


I finally did it.

Is it normal to feel on top of the world the very first time you successfully build your own rig?

Cause that's totally how I'm feeling right now.

Congrats, one of the most nervous moments of my life was when I was about to hit the switch on my first built PC, wondering if I'd wasted a couple of hundred €€€.

But yeah feels great to be up and running.
 
So it turns out, in a Fractal R4, you can't fit a 140mm fan on the bottom if you have a semi-modular PSU, as it's too long. I then went to replace one of the other fans in the case, only to find out that Fractal give you 2x 140mm fans, instead of 2x 120mm like I thought they did.

So now I have an additional fan in my case, but it's a second at the front, instead of on the bottom like I wanted, pulling air up in to the case at my GPU.

Excellent. Now I'm debating ordering another 120mm, but 1) I'm not sure even that will fit (looking at the cables and mounting holes, it'll be tight), and 2) I'm not sure I need 4 fans in the case (and I've also ran out of headers).
 
I just ordered my future case:


I want to prevent a situation where I sit there in September with everything but the case ready to go. Now I'm just waiting for X99 boards starting to get listed.

that is one good looking case
too bad I can't find it in my country

PC case didn't get too much attention here or maybe just me
I just use very cheap case ($10-$20 incl cheap PSU) with side door removed.
 
So it turns out, in a Fractal R4, you can't fit a 140mm fan on the bottom if you have a semi-modular PSU, as it's too long. I then went to replace one of the other fans in the case, only to find out that Fractal give you 2x 140mm fans, instead of 2x 120mm like I thought they did.

So now I have an additional fan in my case, but it's a second at the front, instead of on the bottom like I wanted, pulling air up in to the case at my GPU.

Excellent. Now I'm debating ordering another 120mm, but 1) I'm not sure even that will fit (looking at the cables and mounting holes, it'll be tight), and 2) I'm not sure I need 4 fans in the case (and I've also ran out of headers).
You don't need that many fans.
So, can anyone tell me whe my computer beeped a few times at startup and restarted yesterday?

It
Random BIOS issue #10234.

To answer directly, no :P
I have no sleeving experience. Do you have to remove the connector ends to sleeve the cables?

Oh, and thank you for the complimentary remarks.
Yeah, it is a bit difficult. There's a ton of how-to type vids on youtube and from MDPC. I'll admit that it's something that I've entirely avoided because it's really repetitive, which kills me.
 
That's a beautiful, monolithic structure.
Yeah. I knew I wanted it when I saw it, and I've been on the lookout for a case for this build for over a year (yes, it's been a long time coming). I was really happy when I found it, and then found out that not only does it look great it also works well (as long as you stay within the size limits on some components).
 
I recently moved and looking to downsize my PC. I have a Corsair 600T with a 2500k oc'ed to 4.1.

Option 1: Get mATX case with mATX mobo for the 2500k
Option 2: Get mATX case with i7 4790k & mATX mobo

I really only use my PC to play games and encoding videos for my NAS.
 
Are there other cases like the NZXT H440 that doesn't have optical drive bays? I really want that case, but I keep reading that the ventilation isn't great.
 
There's some ATX cases that are really small, unless you want the excuse to upgrade :P
I haven't really been able to find anything that isn't 17" tall for ATX cases, outside of strange form factor.

I was looking at the Cooler Master N200, which 14.9" tall, which for what I need seems to be about right.

I'm open to ATX case suggestions though. the Corsair 600T is great, but MASSIVE!!
 
Do modern motherboards come with wifi receiver for internet? If not, what's a good one? Not gonna be able to get wired internet to the part of the house this new computer is going to and the wifi doesn't reach that far. Figuring I can use a relay/signal repeater kind of thing to catch the wifi and send it out to the new computer?

Also, uh I forgot to buy an operating system when I ordered my parts. Does MS still do Student pricing? And I'm guessing Win 7 64bit is still the OS to go for right now for maximum compatibility?
 
Do modern motherboards come with wifi receiver for internet? If not, what's a good one? Not gonna be able to get wired internet to the part of the house this new computer is going to and the wifi doesn't reach that far. Figuring I can use a relay/signal repeater kind of thing to catch the wifi and send it out to the new computer?

Also, uh I forgot to buy an operating system when I ordered my parts. Does MS still do Student pricing? And I'm guessing Win 7 64bit is still the OS to go for right now for maximum compatibility?

Lots of people have been using powerline adapters to great success. If nothing else, it should be a large step up from relayed Wifi.
 
Do modern motherboards come with wifi receiver for internet? If not, what's a good one? Not gonna be able to get wired internet to the part of the house this new computer is going to and the wifi doesn't reach that far. Figuring I can use a relay/signal repeater kind of thing to catch the wifi and send it out to the new computer?

Also, uh I forgot to buy an operating system when I ordered my parts. Does MS still do Student pricing? And I'm guessing Win 7 64bit is still the OS to go for right now for maximum compatibility?

Built in Wifi isn't a standard feature for motherboards but some do have it so just look at the features for the MB you plan on buying. Another option for Internet is powerline adapters which are better than wi fi due to them being faster and no worries of signal loss. Not sure about the student discount but people have had success buying 7 or 8 for under $20 from reddit.
 
Yeah. I knew I wanted it when I saw it, and I've been on the lookout for a case for this build for over a year (yes, it's been a long time coming). I was really happy when I found it, and then found out that not only does it look great it also works well (as long as you stay within the size limits on some components).

Well, I'm jealous.
 
Do modern motherboards come with wifi receiver for internet? If not, what's a good one? Not gonna be able to get wired internet to the part of the house this new computer is going to and the wifi doesn't reach that far. Figuring I can use a relay/signal repeater kind of thing to catch the wifi and send it out to the new computer?

Also, uh I forgot to buy an operating system when I ordered my parts. Does MS still do Student pricing? And I'm guessing Win 7 64bit is still the OS to go for right now for maximum compatibility?

The online Microsoft Store still charges $70 for a discounted copy of Windows. However, check with your on-campus bookstore. They might have a much better deal. You should also look online if your school has a "dreamspark" store. That's how I'm getting Windows 8 for $9.75. My school's store on there also offers Office and Adobe Creative Cloud for $9.75. I'm staff though, not sure how it works for a student.

You can check for your school here: http://onthehub.com/search/higher-ed/
 
So I've had a visitor make his new home in my case, with a light touch (thermal paste size) of extra strong glue.


Ignore the dust that shows up really well with a backlight. How long until my PSU or the graphics card above it explodes?
 
I've been having a problem with my new pc. I've been getting an "uncorrectable hardware error" blue screen frequently, its mostly been happening if I have other applications open when installing large games, sometimes when playing games, or on rare occasions when I'm just surfing the web.

I did a little research and found that it can range from temperature problems, drivers, or components that aren't installed correctly.
I went into the BIOS earlier and ran the auto-optimization for the fans, but that didn't seem to work.

I'm hoping that I won't have to open up the case, but I could use some advice what the best course of action is.
 
If I was looking to emulate Wii games and the like, is there any particular components I should be looking at for an advantage? Like is 16GB RAM over 8GB a big deal when it comes to emulation or something like that?

Just wondering.
 
If I was looking to emulate Wii games and the like, is there any particular components I should be looking at for an advantage? Like is 16GB RAM over 8GB a big deal when it comes to emulation or something like that?

Just wondering.

Processor is key there, and an overclockable one at that. Intel leads the way, and Haswell especially, for emulation. Something like a 4670K or a 4690K would be a great chip for it.

All depends on your budget.

RAM will have no effect.
 
Processor is key there, and an overclockable one at that. Intel leads the way, and Haswell especially, for emulation. Something like a 4670K or a 4690K would be a great chip for it.

All depends on your budget.

RAM will have no effect.

Cheers. The 4690K is the minimum processor I'm looking at getting so that's good news then. Is there much noticeable difference to games (not just emulation) if I decided to get an i7 4790K? I'm assuming no.
 
I haven't really been able to find anything that isn't 17" tall for ATX cases, outside of strange form factor.

I was looking at the Cooler Master N200, which 14.9" tall, which for what I need seems to be about right.

I'm open to ATX case suggestions though. the Corsair 600T is great, but MASSIVE!!
Ooff, that is pretty dang short. The shortest ATX case I know of (outside of HTPC/cube stuff) is the Lian Li PC-A51, which is 15.3" tall. If something really wide is an option, there are a multitude of HTPC cases, like the Node 605, or HAF XB.

Take a look at the Fractal Node 804 and Corsair Air 240 as well, if you don't have width requirements.
Are there other cases like the NZXT H440 that doesn't have optical drive bays? I really want that case, but I keep reading that the ventilation isn't great.
There's a number with just single optical drives, and a lot of cases where the internal 5.25" bay is removeable. Is it an aesthetics thing as to why you don't want it?
 
Cheers. The 4690K is the minimum processor I'm looking at getting so that's good news then. Is there much noticeable difference to games (not just emulation) if I decided to get an i7 4790K? I'm assuming no.

No one can say for certain whether future titles may or may not take advantage of an i7's HT. i5 Vs. i7 is a roll of the dice at this point. Last year most people would get pissed if you called out 2GB or 3GB GPU's as being insufficient and short sighted, "no game's ever going to use more than 2GB, never mind 3GB!". Meanwhile WD's already blew past 3GB.
 
I'm looking at upgrading my current PC which is as follows;

CPU: i5 2500
Mobo: Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
RAM: 2x4GB DDR3 1600 Ripjaws X
HDD: Samsung 1TB
GPU: Gigabyte 670
Case: Bitfenix Shinobi
PSU: Corsair HX650
ODD: DVD-RW Drive

I'm looking to upgrade the CPU, Mobo and add an SSD or two. Once 800 cards start releasing I'll add an 870 or 880 depending on the price. This is what I was considering

CPU: i5 4690k $142
Mobo: Gigabyte Z97M-D3H $272
SSD: 250GB Samsung EVO $139 (considering a 500GB one though for $269)

I'm hoping to keep the PSU, case etc.

I use it pretty much exclusively to play games on, with a few CPU intensive ones like Arma and BeamNG.Drive.

I'm just looking for any ideas, maybe a way to save some money if possible. I think I'm wanting to OC the CPU at some stage as I regretted not getting the 'k' version of my current 2500. Also a recommendation as to what cooler to get for the CPU would be great too. All prices are from the old MSY PDF which can be found here.

Will I see any significant improvements in the games I've mentioned or would it be worth holding out?
 
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