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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

I'm interested in dual booting windows 7 and snow leopard but I don't even know where to start. I found a multitude of tutorials on google, too many really, but most of them seem to be for a specific type of netbook or desktop. How do I find out if my hardware is even compatible and what tutorial is right for me? Really I'd just like to be able to run Final Cut Pro but buying a whole new system just for that one app seems silly.
 
Spiko said:
I'm interested in dual booting windows 7 and snow leopard but I don't even know where to start. I found a multitude of tutorials on google, too many really, but most of them seem to be for a specific type of netbook or desktop. How do I find out if my hardware is even compatible and what tutorial is right for me? Really I'd just like to be able to run Final Cut Pro but buying a whole new system just for that one app seems silly.
Click to expand...

Do you have an intel based Mac? (if you're running Snow Leopard you must be).

You just need to use bootcamp assistant. Use spotlight to search for bootcamp, it should show up, run it and follow the instructions.

Dual Booting on Mac is ridiculously simple.

All you need is your MAC OSX installation disc and Windows 7 installation disc. When you go through Bootcamp it will partition your current drive to whatever size you're looking for. Do yourself a favor and use disk utility on your HDD first, run all the diagnostics it offers before using Bootcamp Assistant.

If I misunderstood you and you're trying to run it on a hackintosh I don't really have any first hand advice for that.
 
Spiko said:
I'm interested in dual booting windows 7 and snow leopard but I don't even know where to start. I found a multitude of tutorials on google, too many really, but most of them seem to be for a specific type of netbook or desktop. How do I find out if my hardware is even compatible and what tutorial is right for me? Really I'd just like to be able to run Final Cut Pro but buying a whole new system just for that one app seems silly.
Click to expand...

Sounds like your trying to create a hackintosh (unless you already have a Mac), better check your components first:

http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
 
I am considering replacing my dinosaur DELL M70 notebook computer.

Lenovo B450/T657

  • Intel Core 2 Duo T6570 (2.1GHz. 2MB Cache, 800 MGHz. FSB)
    HDD 320GB
    RAM 2GB DDR3
    NVIDIA G105M 256MB
    14" WXGA LED
    DVD+/-RW Drive
    Windows 7 (probably fake - this is rural Thailand)
    1 Year International Warranty

    Free speakers, carry bag, cleaning kit, FCUK Watch (fake)
PRICE: $572 USD

Another option is

Compaq Presario CQ40-514AU

  • AMD Athlon Q146 (2.1GHz. 512MB KB L2)
    HDD 250GB
    DDR RAM 2GB
    ATI R.HD3200
    14" WXGA LCD
    DVD+/-RW Drive
    DOS OS :lol
    1 Year International Warranty

    Free speakers, carry bag, cleaning kit, Mousepad (ugly), FCUK Watch (fake)
PRICE: $467 USD

These are the 2 best deals that I could find. I have very little idea about new computer tech. My current laptop is about 6 years old. Any advice greatly appreciated...

*Edit* Added the Compaq model number. I have googled both notebooks but they seem to be only released in this region (SE Asia). I don't really play PC games very much, but do like to use Flash and Photoshop.
 
ok, so I finally got the go ahead for the new build. was going to go with the $600 build in the OP. But now I see one of the combo deals is gone and the memory is at least $20 more than it was.

So what would be a good build for around $600-650. win 7 included in that price would be nice as I cant for the life of me find anyone who can get it on the cheap for me.

gaming is not a priority but it wouldnt hurt if its possible in that range.
 
Anton668 said:
ok, so I finally got the go ahead for the new build. was going to go with the $600 build in the OP. But now I see one of the combo deals is gone and the memory is at least $20 more than it was.

So what would be a good build for around $600-650. win 7 included in that price would be nice as I cant for the life of me find anyone who can get it on the cheap for me.

gaming is not a priority but it wouldnt hurt if its possible in that range.
Click to expand...
Check your PMs.
 
Thanks again for the recommendations guys!

Went ahead and bought:

Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5850 with DiRT2 code
Intel q9400
Arctic Silver Thermal Paste

Total: $520 off of NewEgg

Looks like my old ass Abit AB9 Pro actually supports quad after a firmware update, so yay!
 
I'm getting a tax refund this year and was thinking about upgrading my current PC. The game I play the most is probably L4D2. Current specs are:

E4300 stock speeds
x1950pro
DFI ICFX3200-T2R/G
PC and Power Cooling 600W
2GB DDR2-800

I was wondering what the best upgrade path would be for me. I did look at what CPUs my current board could support and it looks like I don't have much of an upgrade option there. Best I could do is a wolfdale cpu. Is there anything worth upgrading or should just build a whole new PC instead? Thanks.
 
xero273 said:
I'm getting a tax refund this year and was thinking about upgrading my current PC. The game I play the most is probably L4D2. Current specs are:

E4300 stock speeds
x1950pro
DFI ICFX3200-T2R/G
PC and Power Cooling 600W
2GB DDR2-800

I was wondering what the best upgrade path would be for me. I did look at what CPUs my current board could support and it looks like I don't have much of an upgrade option there. Best I could do is a wolfdale cpu. Is there anything worth upgrading or should just build a whole new PC instead? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Get an extra 2GB DDR2
Q9400 or 2nd hand Q6600 (Oced to 3ghz+) depending on motherboard compatability/budget. On a stricter budget just OC your current chip to 3ghz, should be a good interim upgrade for the price of a $20 cooler.
5770

Should be pretty cheap and its a ridiculously huge upgrade.
 
Thanks for the answers, I'm still testing, but I'm finding myself liking more the 1080p downscale. Have tried it with Mirror's Edge, Dawn of War II (and Crysis of course) and I really like how it looks (and the performance is better). So far I have not detected any delay or felt uncomfortable with the controls.
 
wanted to say thanks again to Brain Stew for the recommendation.

i picked up a 5770 and its awesome. its a major upgrade from the 4670 i was using. my games are looking amazing right now.

edit: im playing Sega Rally Revo right now in your honor. getting a rock solid 75 fps. its gorgeous. damn i need a wired 360 controller pronto.
 
Decided to start back where I left off on building my gaming rig after finally saving enough money.

any suggestions? opinions? WARNINGS???


  • CPU - Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz
  • MoBo -ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366
  • SSD -Intel X25-M Mainstream SSD
  • GPU - Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 or DIAMOND 5850 Radeon HD 5850
  • HDD - Western Digital Caviar Internal Hard Drive - Bought this already
  • RAM - G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
  • PS - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX
  • Fans -Something Rosewill I guess?
  • Case - Thermaltake Element T
 
since the $600 comp in the op no longer exists, I was looking at the "Econobox" build from the TechReport site.

Their setup is..

Processor AMD Athlon II X3 435
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P
Memory Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR3-1333
Graphics XFX Radeon HD 5750 1GB
Storage Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB
Samsung SH-S223L
Enclosure Antec NSK 4480 II w/380W PSU
Total $557

I will swap the Western Digital for a Samsung seeing as how its getting good remarks in here. Also the case they list with the power supply is gone so I would need to find another one. So newegg shows I need at least a 450W PSU. what brands to avoid, which are good?

anything you would change?
 
Anton668 said:
since the $600 comp in the op no longer exists, I was looking at the "Econobox" build from the TechReport site.

Their setup is..

Processor AMD Athlon II X3 435
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P
Memory Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR3-1333
Graphics XFX Radeon HD 5750 1GB
Storage Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB
Samsung SH-S223L
Enclosure Antec NSK 4480 II w/380W PSU
Total $557

I will swap the Western Digital for a Samsung seeing as how its getting good remarks in here. Also the case they list with the power supply is gone so I would need to find another one.

anything you would change?
Click to expand...

According the newegg, the reccomended PSU for an XFX 5750 is 450W minimum.
 
Shadow Red said:
Hey guys, I need a little help with picking out psu. Newegg has a good deal on the hec 585W with coupon code. I plan to game on my new pc but won't possible need crossfire so anyone has any experience with this brand? My budget is under $50 btw. thanks.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-TechBargains&cm_mmc=AFC-TechBargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16817339012
Click to expand...


When it comes to PSU's stick with good well known brands.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008
 
Just wanna say my ASUS N61JQ-X1 laptop ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220696 ) came in yesterday and it is a beautiful thing. I can't fully recommend a laptop until I've had it for a while, but right now I'm extremely happy with the power and build quality of it at just $1k. The pictures also don't really do it justice either, and it's a really good-looking computer cosmetically.

I haven't had a chance to test it out on games yet, though. Any suggestions for reasonably cheap, recent games I should pick up from steam?
 
HappyBivouac said:
Just wanna say my ASUS N61JQ-X1 laptop ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220696 ) came in yesterday and it is a beautiful thing. I can't fully recommend a laptop until I've had it for a while, but right now I'm extremely happy with the power and build quality of it at just $1k. The pictures also don't really do it justice either, and it's a really good-looking computer cosmetically.

I haven't had a chance to test it out on games yet, though. Any suggestions for reasonably cheap, recent games I should pick up from steam?
Click to expand...

How recent? Titan Quest Gold might still be $5 if you're lucky. It usually helps to make a thread though, and list what games you enjoy (so you don't get 100 FPS shooter suggestions when you want strategy games or vice-versa), you'll get yelled at for asking here ;)
 
Minsc said:
How recent? Titan Quest Gold might still be $5 if you're lucky. It usually helps to make a thread though, and list what games you enjoy (so you don't get 100 FPS shooter suggestions when you want strategy games or vice-versa), you'll get yelled at for asking here ;)
Click to expand...

Fair enough. The main point of my post was to just let people know how pleased I am with the laptop. With the i7 and HD5730 it'll be something to look at for anyone looking to game on a laptop. And since I may be the only one on GAF who owns one (it just started shipping a few days ago I believe) I thought I'd share.
 
Spiko said:
I'm interested in dual booting windows 7 and snow leopard but I don't even know where to start. I found a multitude of tutorials on google, too many really, but most of them seem to be for a specific type of netbook or desktop. How do I find out if my hardware is even compatible and what tutorial is right for me? Really I'd just like to be able to run Final Cut Pro but buying a whole new system just for that one app seems silly.
Click to expand...
List your:
- motherboard
- video card
- CPU
 
ok, so this is what I got setting in my cart @ Newegg

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
COOLER MASTER Elite 460 RS-460-PSAR-J3 460W ATX12V V2.31 Power Supply - Retail
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864BA1339 - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX435WFGIBOX - Retail
XFX HD-575X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
TuneUp Utilities 2010 - OEM

Total: $526.62

am I doing it wrong?

its my first time so please be gentle with me
 
 
just upgraded 4670 with 5670
slightly better framerates, i am a little disappointed
although i stopped overclocking my cpu and gpu

i blame my shitty mobo with 4x pci-e

this is what happens when u go budget pc
 
T-Matt said:
Does anyone have the Logitech illuminated keyboard?http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Illuminated-Ultrathin-Keyboard-Backlighting/dp/B001F51G16/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265412604&sr=8-1

Looking for a quiet keyboard that is nice to type on and isn't super ugly if anyone has other suggestions.
Click to expand...

The one you linked has a problem called "phantom key blocking". Basically if you're a fast typer, certain keys might get missed (example being if you type the word "can't" too fast, the "t" won't register). Do a Google search about the issue if you want to read more about it.
 
Struct09 said:
The one you linked has a problem called "phantom key blocking". Basically if you're a fast typer, certain keys might get missed (example being if you type the word "can't" too fast, the "t" won't register). Do a Google search about the issue if you want to read more about it.
Click to expand...
Well that is not good to hear. However, I'm not a fast typer at all so I don't know if it would effect me, but it could be frustrating.
 
any input on the parts I listed? should I go higher on the PSU?

kinda waiting on input before I pull the trigger on the deal.
 
Anton668 said:
any input on the parts I listed? should I go higher on the PSU?

kinda waiting on input before I pull the trigger on the deal.
Click to expand...
I just put together this which would be $625. I think you should go lower on your HDD and put that money into more RAM or a better CPU / video card like in this build. The motherboard in this build can be replaced with yours as it's cheaper. This one just provides USB 3.0 support for the future.

Phenom II X4 + HIS 5770- $268.99 after $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.312206

Antec Sonata III w/ 500W Antec EarthWatts PSU- $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

500GB Samsung Spinpoint F3 - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

4GB Patriot RAM - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220468

Sony DVD Drive - $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Gigabyte 770TA-UD3 Motherboard - $84.99 after $10 rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128419
 
UPS just dropped off my Corsair PSU that I returned to them a few weeks ago. Since they don't make HX520s anymore, I have in my possession a brand new HX650. Cost me around $18 for shipping and insurance. When building my PC a while back, I was tempted to cheap out on a few components, specifically the PSU. I'm glad I opted to pay a bit more for a quality product with a great warranty.

I know it's tempting to throw all your cash at the CPU and GPU, but consider a good power supply, too. Just a little advice...
 
I was thinking of building a new PC, but then decided I might just upgrade the video card of the two year old one I am using now.

My pc is currently:

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35
4 Gigs of DD2 800
MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS G92
A Tuniq Tower cooling a Q6600 OC'D to 3.0ghz.
500 GB HD.

Should I bother building a new PC? My resolution is 1920 x 1080. I can run games like Mass Effect 2 maxed. I would like to play FF14 comfortable when it comes out.

Oh. The case is a LIAN LI PC-A05B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower.
 
Im gunna cross post what I just said on the ATI forums, maybe you guys can help:

Ill start with my system specs:

GA-P55-UD4P mobo

Intel i5 750 CPU

Sapphire Radeon HD5850 gpu

4GBs Gskill 1333



Ever since I got this card and the free version of Dirt 2 that came with it, Ive been having odd issues in Dirt 2. Instead of explaining, Ill just link to some pics and video:



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/mgs2_solid_snake/Test2.jpg (small on the right hand side, coming off the crowd)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/mgs2_solid_snake/Test1.jpg (This ones pretty obvious)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLQmxwRvQUQ (Video of me just driving around to show the errors, ignore the framerate. It got wonky once I started recording. Sorry for the bad quality, you can really notice the issue around the 20 second mark)



Now turning crowd detail down to high or low practically eliminates any issues with the crowds but I cant get rid of them for anything else. I cant find anything on a google search either.

The only other game to show these weird issues was The Witcher but that was fixed back in November with a driver update and hasnt shown me any issues since. Crysis, Crysis Warhead, Titan Quest, Torchlight, UT3, and Mass Effect all run and play amazing. Dirt 2 is my only issue.

Does anyone have any ideas?
 
chuckddd said:
I'm going to disagree with Struct and say that you're not getting enough power on your +12V rail.
Click to expand...

Janken said:
Thank you for your answers, Struct09 and KittyKittyBangBang.

I've run HWMonitor while on a game and the card goes from 102º to 128º in a matter of seconds. All cores on the i7 920 stay at around 130º, but I don't know if that is hot or not. I think what I have here is a major overheating problem. I have not overclocked anything and, as far as I've been told, nothing has been overclocked before I got the PC home. The PCI-E plug sure is connected to the card!!!

The case is as ventilated as it can be, I guess. What shall I do? D:
Click to expand...

Am I on Janken's ignore list or something? Someone tell him it's his power supply.

EDIT: Is it anything like this?

Catalyst 10.1 hotfix Features:
Alleviates some of the intermittent grey screen and vertical line corruptions that may randomly appear during normal usage when using an ATI™ Radeon HD 5800 series graphics card
Click to expand...

It was also reportedly locking up PCs. I know you said you had a 5700, but it can't hurt to try the new driver.
 
Spiko said:
I'm interested in dual booting windows 7 and snow leopard but I don't even know where to start. I found a multitude of tutorials on google, too many really, but most of them seem to be for a specific type of netbook or desktop. How do I find out if my hardware is even compatible and what tutorial is right for me? Really I'd just like to be able to run Final Cut Pro but buying a whole new system just for that one app seems silly.
Click to expand...

Final Cut Pro costs 999 Snow Leopard costs 30. if you are going to use if for serious editing it's going to take a significant system and hackintosh is really not reliable enough for it.
 
Firestorm said:
I just put together this which would be $625. I think you should go lower on your HDD and put that money into more RAM or a better CPU / video card
Click to expand...

I went smaller HDD and upped the Ram and the PSU

so now it looks like...

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $39.99
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $49.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - $94.99
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT - $94.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard -
AMD Athlon II X3 435 Rana 2.9GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor Model ADX435WFGIBOX - Combo - $134.98

XFX HD-575X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - $139.99

Total - $582.72


so, will it blow up?
 
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