"I need a New PC!" 2011 Thread of reading the OP. Seriously. [Part 2]

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Microcenter's weakass blackfriday ad. Not a single damn GPU on sale. Only thing notable is I5 2500k for $149.

Just so I'm clear, is that processor this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

And if so, is here any reason not to pay $170 for it over this one for $225 at NewEgg? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

It looks to line up spec for spec but I want to be sure I don't overlook something. The closes MicroCenter I have is in Houston, but I don't think I'll be driving out there for Black Friday and $179 sounds a lot better than $225.
 
Just so I'm clear, is that processor this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

And if so, is here any reason not to pay $170 for it over this one for $225 at NewEgg? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

It looks to line up spec for spec but I want to be sure I don't overlook something. The closes MicroCenter I have is in Houston, but I don't think I'll be driving out there for Black Friday and $179 sounds a lot better than $225.

It is the 2500k, yes. It's THE processor to buy. And $150 for it is an absolute steal.
 
Arh this sucks, I've done the 2 ways Of which I've known to re format my OS, but to no prevail, however I did do a system restall so I'll see if it will work again.
 
Damn, $150 for the 2500k is crazy.

It's only $180 at Microcenter right now as is, and if you buy a Mobo with it (certain Mobos, in their November add, but pretty much the whole ASUS z68 line) - you get an additional 60 bucks off. Some of those boards are on sale too.

Not sure if the Black Friday ad combines with the November add/60 dollars off, but if it does, it's an even better deal
 
Accidentally double linked to the Newegg i5, ha. I meant to link this one: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

Still the same. I thought I could order it online for $170 now, but that appears to be in store only, too. Braving the crowds of Houston Black Friday seems like it'd be a nightmare, but I may have to do it for that deal.

yeah for $150 I have to give it a shot too. The worst part is that it's so close to the Galleria, traffic will probably be awful. Hopefully getting there a little early will be sufficient, it's not worth hours of camping the doors.

It's only $180 at Microcenter right now as is, and if you buy a Mobo with it (certain Mobos, in their November add, but pretty much the whole ASUS z68 line) - you get an additional 60 bucks off. Some of those boards are on sale too.

Not sure if the Black Friday ad combines with the November add/60 dollars off, but if it does, it's an even better deal

Yeah, I was wondering that as well. of those motherboards with the deal, which is recommended? I'm more interested in the best price than the best OC capability.
 
I need help in finding an ultra low RPM case fan. As I posted earlier, I'm building an HTPC rig with an AMD E350M mainboard. From what I understand, it might need a little bit of airflow to keep it within an acceptable temperature range.

So, I'm looking for a very low RPM case fan. 200-300RPM 120MM fan would do, as I could just stick it on top of the heatsink. Any help in finding this?

edit: whoa, Antec P280...finally a refresh worth looking at:

p280open.jpg


That's bound to be a great case. Finally the Fractal R3 has some competition.
 
Lucky Forward said:
Is there some kind of tacky tape or something I can use to improve the grip on my new mouse?

I had a Logitech G5 for years but when the scroll wheel started acting up, I replaced it with a G500. I liked it well enough at first, but playing Skyrim I realized how much I need to lift and reposition the mouse as I'm moving, looking, or in combat. I find that when I lift the G500 I can't grip the it very well and my thumb seems to slide up the side of it, so I'm constantly respositioning my grip. If I grip it harder, I'm afraid of clicking the side buttons. I don't have any of the weights in it.

Looking at my G5, it had a much more deeply defined "thumb well", where the G500 just has a gentle curve to rest the thumb in. Also the G5 sides had more of a rubberized texture than the G500's gritty plastic. Is there any way I can make the sides of the G500 a little more "grippy"?

Honestly man, try to buy another G5. I've had mine for 5 years now and still use it. Awesome, awesome mouse. Some people say the MX518 is better, but I <3 the G5.

I bet they're cheap on eBay/Amazon.

Thanks for the reply, but I'm not ready to give up on the G500 because I've quickly gotten used to using the programmable buttons on it for web browsing (page up/page down/home/F5), so I tried this quick fix to add some grip texture to the thumb side...

RSZ_005ps.jpg


It's self-stick velcro material like they sell in Staples, I used the nubby "hook" side of it. So far it's working nicely and gives me something I can get a grip on without having my thumb slide up the side. Of course, I would prefer to have it in black, so I'll keep an eye out for black velcro next time I'm in an office store.
 
I need help in finding an ultra low RPM case fan. As I posted earlier, I'm building an HTPC rig with an AMD E350M mainboard. From what I understand, it might need a little bit of airflow to keep it within an acceptable temperature range.

I'm guessing you used the ASUS variant of the AMD E350.

Take a look at the Scythe case fans as they tend to be on the quieter side or just use an even bigger fan (e.g. 140mm) if you have room.
 
edit: whoa, Antec P280...finally a refresh worth looking at:

That's bound to be a great case. Finally the Fractal R3 has some competition.
Have you seen the price? Not really competition. Also, check out the CM Silencio 550.

They also are previewing the Eleven Hundred, which seems to have finally caught up to Coolermaster circa 2009. Supposedly it'll be priced around 600T range, which makes it even more of a joke.

I want to like a case by them so bad, but they're so bloated and stuck in the past. They're clinging to one of their decent cases (P series), but are totally pricing it out of competition. They're lucky they have so many retail partners.
Lol, 5% performance gain on 3DMark11 but in BF3 it's more like 25 - 30% gain.

Here is an image to show temps after 2 hours Prime 95 run at 4.5Ghz while running 1.4v
What are your ambients like? That seems pretty high for an H100 @ 1.4V. Though, I'm not overly familiar with what is typical for SB-E.
So when are the expected release dates for the first 28nm graphics cards?
Q1 or Q2 of next year. Probably around March. AMD is looking to beat Nvidia to the punch, again.

*edit*

Exodu5, have you considered just grabbing a voltage regulator knob/fan controller type thing, like the one included with Fractal cases? Could just grab a a really low RPM fan and then additionally put that at close to min. Or even just a plain old fan controller, could internally mount it. Would look ugly on the inside, but I'd imagine your dad wouldn't care too much.
 
I need help in finding an ultra low RPM case fan. As I posted earlier, I'm building an HTPC rig with an AMD E350M mainboard. From what I understand, it might need a little bit of airflow to keep it within an acceptable temperature range.

So, I'm looking for a very low RPM case fan. 200-300RPM 120MM fan would do, as I could just stick it on top of the heatsink. Any help in finding this?

The Noctua NF-S12B is 500RPM i don't think theres going to be anything much slower than that. I know noctua also has in-line resistors to slow the fans even more but with such low voltage it may not turn at all. I seriously doubt there would be any noise difference between 300 and 500 though.
 
So is it safe to pull the trigger on that 2500K? I'm in the market for one for my 560ti. Is that site reliable? I'm also looking for a mobo. I'm overclocking both the 2500k and the gpu.
Nvm the nearest micro center is in Michigan... I live in California. Any place that can price match, Fry's?
 
So is it safe to pull the trigger on that 2500K? I'm in the market for one for my 560ti. Is that site reliable? I'm also looking for a mobo. I'm overclocking both the 2500k and the gpu.
Nvm the nearest micro center is in Michigan... I live in California. Any place that can price match, Fry's?

what? there is a microcenter in silicon valley and one in orange county
 
I need help in finding an ultra low RPM case fan. As I posted earlier, I'm building an HTPC rig with an AMD E350M mainboard. From what I understand, it might need a little bit of airflow to keep it within an acceptable temperature range.

So, I'm looking for a very low RPM case fan. 200-300RPM 120MM fan would do, as I could just stick it on top of the heatsink. Any help in finding this?

edit: whoa, Antec P280...finally a refresh worth looking at:

p280open.jpg


That's bound to be a great case. Finally the Fractal R3 has some competition.
Get the lowest rpm version of the more expensive series of Noiseblocker fans and undervolt them to 5volt by modifying a molex connector

Smoothest running fans I've ever had
 
The older builds had an x4 640, and the x4 955BE is also an option. These were removed upon Bulldozer being on a different socket and review of gaming benchmarks with the Intel chips.
The problem is for gaming and even in some multi threaded apps the G850/2100 beats both in everything so it is hard to support people buying that when you are giving people lowered performance for their money. Additionally at the time there was no upgrade path to Bulldozer without a new motherboard so that added to the cost. Now the Intel 1155 chips should work with Ivy Bridge as well and those chips should be great upgrade to anyone on a budget system.

An x4 955BE with a ~$100 AM3+ board will do just fine on most games and shouldn't limit you too much. Just make sure to overclock to get your value out of it. Unfortunately until Bulldozer is fixed it isn't even an upgrade for gaming.

Thanks, Haz
 
What will it be used for? Can you fill out that section from the OP?

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: N/A
Budget: 600-700
Main Use: At the moment, just general use, but I'd like everything to be up to par so I can eventually throw in a video card and be good.
Monitor Resolution: I plan to get a 24 inch 1080p monitor.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: N/a
Are reusing any parts?: No
When will you build?: I'd like to have it read for christmas to build, but if waiting for hdd prices to decrease is worth it, I'd be in favor.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes (The 2500 3.3 apparently overclocks well to 3.7 ghz)

Right now, I'd like to omit the video card and upgrade later at some point. I'm playing Skyrim on PS3 right now, I'd like to eventually double dip on the PC version and use mods.

Will the current 800 dollar rig minus the video card work just fine? Also, I'd like to consider getting a small SSD for the OS and then storing the rest of my music and stuff on a larger drive.
 
Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: N/A
Budget: 600-700
Main Use: At the moment, just general use, but I'd like everything to be up to par so I can eventually throw in a video card and be good.
Monitor Resolution: I plan to get a 24 inch 1080p monitor.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: N/a
Are reusing any parts?: No
When will you build?: I'd like to have it read for christmas to build, but if waiting for hdd prices to decrease is worth it, I'd be in favor.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes (The 2500 3.3 apparently overclocks well to 3.7 ghz)

Right now, I'd like to omit the video card and upgrade later at some point. I'm playing Skyrim on PS3 right now, I'd like to eventually double dip on the PC version and use mods.

Will the current 800 dollar rig minus the video card work just fine? Also, I'd like to consider getting a small SSD for the OS and then storing the rest of my music and stuff on a larger drive.

My connection is acting up and I can't resolve some domains (DNS flush did nothing) so I can't see the images in the OP, but the $800 build should be fine as long as you make sure you have a Z68 board so you can overclock and use the onboard video until you buy a GPU.
 
Yeah, just grab the $800 build, put in an 64GB c400/m4 SSD, wait to buy HDD, and make sure you get a 2500K with a Z68 motherboard.
The 3.7Ghz is the automatic turbo. Overclocking targets around 4.2-4.5Ghz
 
Seems like now that BF3 and Skyrim hit, this thread has settled way down. PC Hardware manufacturers should thank EA and Bethesda for that boost.
 
Anyone have experience with this keyboard? (Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000)

23-109-148-TS


I've read good reviews about it. Anybody that's used it, is it decent for gaming? That's what I'm a little concerned about, that it won't be an optimal keyboard for gaming.

It's on sale right now for a good price, which is why I'm asking (and I've been in need of a new keyboard).
 
Looking for a new computer, but I'm pretty hopeless when it comes to this.

Your Current Specs:
Budget: $1500ish Australia
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1080P
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Battlefield 3, Witcher 2
Are reusing any parts?: Nope
When will you build?: The next month or so would be nice
Will you be overclocking?: No
 
1k build. Drop a bit more on PSU and Case if you'd like. Toss in an SSD.
Upgrade GPU when new cards roll out, or get a GTX 580 now.
 
Anyone have experience with this keyboard? (Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000)

23-109-148-TS


I've read good reviews about it. Anybody that's used it, is it decent for gaming? That's what I'm a little concerned about, that it won't be an optimal keyboard for gaming.

It's on sale right now for a good price, which is why I'm asking (and I've been in need of a new keyboard).

Using it right now. It's absolutely fantastic. So comfortable and actually works extremely well for gaming.

Where's it on sale at? I'll return mine to Best Buy.
 
Err Newegg question...went to check my cart to see if any prices had changed today and saw this:

zhPEk.png


The NZXT Source 210 case is the one from the spreadsheet, but the HEC 6T series w/ 400W PSU just kind of appeared in my cart, and it appears to be free? Is this just an advertisement or something? Could I use the free one instead of the one from the spreadsheet? It would save me a lot of money...

Edit: reading the reviews, seems like it's pretty cramped inside, frequently doesn't come with the necessary screws, and only comes with 1 SATA power cord...I also have no way to remove it from my cart.
 
Using it right now. It's absolutely fantastic. So comfortable and actually works extremely well for gaming.

Where's it on sale at? I'll return mine to Best Buy.

At NewEgg.

They're selling it for $29, and I still have a $15 dollar NewEgg voucher.

Been browsing through the NewEgg reviews, and it seems people are a bit divided on the gaming aspect. Some say it works great, while others disagree. Either way, seems great from a typing perspective.

Any other opinions?
 
Err Newegg question...went to check my cart to see if any prices had changed today and saw this:

The NZXT Source 210 case is the one from the spreadsheet, but the HEC 6T series w/ 400W PSU just kind of appeared in my cart, and it appears to be free? Is this just an advertisement or something? Could I use the free one instead of the one from the spreadsheet? It would save me a lot of money...

Edit: reading the reviews, seems like it's pretty cramped inside, frequently doesn't come with the necessary screws, and only comes with 1 SATA power cord...I also have no way to remove it from my cart.
It is a smaller case, but you have a small board and the 460 should fit. The 210 is a much better case, but if that is free (looks to be some weird error) I'd take it. It should work fine.
 
Mechanical keyboard or bust for me. Haz posted a link to the Thermaltake Meka, which has cherry black switches for $50 shipped. Last page I think.

Nothing compares to typing on mechanical switches.
 
Mechanical keyboard or bust for me. Haz posted a link to the Thermaltake Meka, which has cherry black switches for $50 shipped. Last page I think.

Nothing compares to typing on mechanical switches.
That KB is $60 shipped, lacks a windows key, is small, and has red lights on caps,scroll,num lock. So it might not be for everyone.
 
Err Newegg question...went to check my cart to see if any prices had changed today and saw this:

zhPEk.png


The NZXT Source 210 case is the one from the spreadsheet, but the HEC 6T series w/ 400W PSU just kind of appeared in my cart, and it appears to be free? Is this just an advertisement or something? Could I use the free one instead of the one from the spreadsheet? It would save me a lot of money...

Edit: reading the reviews, seems like it's pretty cramped inside, frequently doesn't come with the necessary screws, and only comes with 1 SATA power cord...I also have no way to remove it from my cart.

I was looking at that the other day. The hard drive in your cart comes with a free case.
 
I was looking at that the other day. The hard drive in your cart comes with a free case.

Ah, right you are. Think I'm going to go ahead with the recommended one though, especially since (hopefully) I'll be using the new case for a while. I don't want to worry about being unable to upgrade in a year or two because the case is too small.
I'm also friends with an Amazon employee and getting a discount :p
.
 
Couple of Windows 7 related questions.

I heard that you can activate OEM Windows on another computer as long as it is only installed to one computer at a time. Can anyone confirm this?

Is it all right to use a Windows 7 ISO file from the internet if you have misplaced your disk or don't have one, as long as you have an Activation Code?

Oh, and also, does a clean install of Windows 7 automatically format a HDD?
 
Is it all right to use a Windows 7 ISO file from the internet if you have misplaced your disk or don't have one, as long as you have an Activation Code?
You can download ISOs from Microsoft's site.

Oh, and also, does a clean install of Windows 7 automatically format a HDD?
No. It'll put your previous Windows installation under Windows.old folder.

During installation though, it will ask you if you want to reformat it.
 
Bought this GTX 460 (now out of stock on Newegg) on Amazon, just wanted to know if I could SLI it with this GTX 460 on Newegg, or would I have to go back to Amazon and get the same exact one? I'm considering doing it in the future. Seems like the only difference between the two is the placement of the fan...

PSU is 700w, by the way. Should I be good?
 
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