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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

If you can muster up an extra £60 you can have it all now, without compromising anything really.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/177044
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/177044
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/188602
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/166995
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/165438
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146252
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145450

The Samsung F3s are faster than the WD drives, cheaper too.


richisawesome said:
I was planning on overclocking to 3.8ghz, but after thinking about it I've realised I really don't need a processor that stupidly fast. :lol
Click to expand...

You don't need particularly fast RAM to do that on an AMD rig, any bog standard DDR3 RAM will do you. Since you're not averse to OCing then just go with the 925 and save the extra cash, they'll both manage very similar OCs.
 
richisawesome said:
I was planning on overclocking to 3.8ghz, but after thinking about it I've realised I really don't need a processor that stupidly fast. :lol
Click to expand...
He meant overclocking your ram (Well I assume he did) as Ram clock speed has nothing to do with OC'ing your CPU :P (I think).
 
pseudocaesar said:
He meant overclocking your ram (Well I assume he did) as Ram clock speed has nothing to do with OC'ing your CPU :P (I think).
Click to expand...

You need RAM that, at a minimum, can run in sync with your FSB if you're OCing (e.g. I have to OC my 800mhz DDR2 to 840mhz to keep it at a 1:1 timing with my 420mhz FSB), but any old DDR3 should manage that with an AM3 chip so its a non issue.
 
brain_stew said:
If you can muster up an extra £60 you can have it all now, without compromising anything really.
Click to expand...

Good choices actually. I've had a good experience with samsung 2.5's so far.

Problem is, together with the (obviously essential) case and PSU, it comes to £507 altogether. I guess I could just wait until June to order it all, but I really need a working rig ASAP, as my laptop is fucked. I can put up with shitty graphics support for a month or two afterwards until I earn the money for the 5570.

I might combine some stuff you chose with my original choices and see what's the best compromise between the two, while still sticking to my £400 max total.
 
richisawesome said:
Good choices actually. I've had a good experience with samsung 2.5's so far.

Problem is, together with the (obviously essential) case and PSU, it comes to £507 altogether. I guess I could just wait until June to order it all, but I really need a working rig ASAP, as my laptop is fucked. I can put up with shitty graphics support for a month or two afterwards until I earn the money for the 5570.

I might combine some stuff you chose with my original choices and see what's the best compromise between the two, while still sticking to my £400 max total.
Click to expand...

Um, that price includes the case and PSU, £471.64 delivered, you won't find a better budget case/psu for the money then that combo, I use that case myself and my brother has the PSU it comes with:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135101

If you can't quite muster it yet I'd just go with a 785g motherboard instead of the MSI 770 board
 
You could always go with a 4770 for the GPU and that'd bring it under budget. No DX11 and about a 30% decrease in performance, but it'd still be a mighty fine rig. Depends if gaming is the number one priority, your demands and what resolution you play at.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167966

If you play at 1680x1050 I'd say this is probably the the way to go. That card's a steal at that price.
 
I've currently got an 8800GTS 512, and I play at a max res of 1440x900.

I'd like to get into DirectX 11 soon too. Any recommendations?

Also, with my budget, I've got ~$100 already, but I can wait for more cash later.
 
darthbob said:
I've currently got an 8800GTS 512, and I play at a max res of 1440x900.

I'd like to get into DirectX 11 soon too. Any recommendations?

Also, with my budget, I've got ~$100 already, but I can wait for more cash later.
Click to expand...

A 5850 at $290 is your only real option atm.
 
brain_stew said:
A 5850 at $290 is your only real option atm.
Click to expand...
That's pretty much what I was leaning towards.

I'm guessing the price will drop (albeit not by much) by the time the HD6000 and GT300 series is released.
 
darthbob said:
That's pretty much what I was leaning towards.

I'm guessing the price will drop (albeit not by much) by the time the HD6000 and GT300 series is released.
Click to expand...

It depends, GPU prices have actually risen substantially within the last 6 months, no one can tell you where pricing will go.
 
darthbob said:
Thanks to TSMC I'm guessing?
Click to expand...

Only partly, Nvidia basically withdrawing from the high end for 6 months sure didn't help either. More than that though, the previous 18 months had seen the biggest tumble in GPU prices in at least a decade, there was just no way that trend could continue indefinitely.
 
I have a 8800GTS 320MB by XFX, would I just be able to buy any 8800GTS and use SLI with it and the other card? (ie. A different card with more Memory or made my someone else that isn't XFX)?

Would I see a nice performance upgrade on what I have now?
 
So I just bought:

i5 750
GTX 260
4 GB DDR3 RAM @ 2000 MHz
Windows 7 64-bit

I can play TF2 at 1440*900 at maxed settings and get an average framerate of roughly 110. How well will new titles run on it? Resident Evil 5, Call of Duty MW2, etc.

Are these components overclockable? Is it even worth it? How much of an increase in performance can I expect?

Also, is this a good enough setup to consider purchasing NVIDIA 3D Vision?
 
Alright Gaf, I need some advice. I've been primarily a Macintosh user for the past 3 years, and I've really lost touch with the computer scene. All these new things that are out, numbers here and there, make no sense to me. I want to get back into the Windows scene for games primarily. I'd like to buy/build the PC. My budget is anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. I can possibly stretch it up a hundred or so if it's worth it.

What are some suggestions?
 
FrancisH said:
I have a 8800GTS 320MB by XFX, would I just be able to buy any 8800GTS and use SLI with it and the other card? (ie. A different card with more Memory or made my someone else that isn't XFX)?

Would I see a nice performance upgrade on what I have now?
Click to expand...

No, its a completely different card based on a different architecture (despite the name). SLI can bring a whole world of problems and is generally not recommended. I'd just say pick up a 5770 or something.

BlaneH said:
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=13641106

My budget build. Looking good? I have to toss a copy of 7 in there and I passed on a video card for the time being since I can wait to drop the 150 bucks.
Click to expand...

I can't see it.
 
Ydahs said:
So I just bought:

i5 750
GTX 260
4 GB DDR3 RAM @ 2000 MHz
Windows 7 64-bit

I can play TF2 at 1440*900 at maxed settings and get an average framerate of roughly 110. How well will new titles run on it? Resident Evil 5, Call of Duty MW2, etc.

Are these components overclockable? Is it even worth it? How much of an increase in performance can I expect?

Also, is this a good enough setup to consider purchasing NVIDIA 3D Vision?
Click to expand...

You'll max out any game at your native resolution without any trouble at all.

They're all pretty damn overclockable parts, yes.
 
filipe said:
Alright Gaf, I need some advice. I've been primarily a Macintosh user for the past 3 years, and I've really lost touch with the computer scene. All these new things that are out, numbers here and there, make no sense to me. I want to get back into the Windows scene for games primarily. I'd like to buy/build the PC. My budget is anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. I can possibly stretch it up a hundred or so if it's worth it.

What are some suggestions?
Click to expand...

i5-750
Radeon 5850
4GB DDR3 (any speed will do, just get it from a decent brand)
500w or better PSU (I'd recommend a modular design)
1156 motherboard
1TB Samsung F3

Should run you less than $1k. Look into getting an SSD boot drive with the extra cash.

Edit:

This is the best bang for buck you can get imo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100302
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128406
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103064

Only $930, feel free to upgrade individual areas as it suits.
 
filipe said:
Alright Gaf, I need some advice. I've been primarily a Macintosh user for the past 3 years, and I've really lost touch with the computer scene. All these new things that are out, numbers here and there, make no sense to me. I want to get back into the Windows scene for games primarily. I'd like to buy/build the PC. My budget is anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. I can possibly stretch it up a hundred or so if it's worth it.

What are some suggestions?
Click to expand...
honestly i'll sell you my computer for $1400. it's an i7 hackintosh so you'd have the best of both worlds, i've pm'ed you on this
 
BlaneH said:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11973365

This link work?
Click to expand...

Are you planning to OC that X4 620 a little? Probably recommended for any games that use only 1 or 2 cores. You can just do a simple stock volts/cooling clock to 3-3.2ghz and it'll make all the difference.

I'd go with this case/PSU bundle:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...29024&cm_re=antec_500w-_-11-129-024-_-Product

You can use the money saved to upgrade to a 5770, well worth it.

I'd probably get the G.Skill RAM instead.
 
Hey, it's harder to search threads now so hopefully this hasn't been asked, but anyone know a good $300-350 build? I'm trying to convince someone to get a new pc over a 360 so the price shouldn't go over by too much.
 
Cronox said:
Hey, it's harder to search threads now so hopefully this hasn't been asked, but anyone know a good $300-350 build? I'm trying to convince someone to get a new pc over a 360 so the price shouldn't go over by too much.
Click to expand...

You're not going to get anything that's worthwile for gaming with that sort of budget.
 
Glass Brain said:
I'm looking to build a new gaming pc for under $1000, the one I have is about 2 years old.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=8788869 is what I'm working with so far. Any suggestions? Should I be alarmed by the Foxconn issues or has that all passed? What am I missing? Can I shave some dollars off?
Click to expand...

You really should be stretching to a 5850. If its for gaming just simply switch the i7-860 for a i5-750 and the RAM to the $93 G.Skill stuff and you should be able to bring it under budget.
 
Hey guys , I need to upgrade my pc ram , I currently have 2GB , and would like to get 4GB .
However , the prices being what they are , I think I'm gonna import those 4 GB . I live in Europe .

Do you know any good and reliable shops ?
 
Whats the most recommended place to get a pc built for you? my friend doesn't know how to build one and wants a new one for around $600 - $700
 
Costanza said:
Whats the most recommended place to get a pc built for you? my friend doesn't know how to build one and wants a new one for around $600 - $700
Click to expand...

In the US?

ncixus.com

Say:

5770
Phenom ii 925
Gigabyte/Asus/MSI 770 AM3 motherboard
4GB DDR3
450w+ PSU from a decent brand
500GB Samsung F3 or 640GB WD Caviar Black
 
brain_stew said:
You really should be stretching to a 5850. If its for gaming just simply switch the i7-860 for a i5-750 and the RAM to the $93 G.Skill stuff and you should be able to bring it under budget.
Click to expand...

Definitely considering that, thank you.

1) I just read Anandtech's review on the i5-750 and the i7-870. Besides hyper-threading and slightly increased clock speed, what am I missing out on by forgoing the i7 in favor of the i5?
2) Taking your suggestion into consideration, I'm looking at this 5850. Do you recommend one over others?
3) How important is it to use a non-stock thermal grease? I overclocked my past two builds quite a bit with whatever came with the processor. Am I just lucky that nothing bad happened?

Thanks again.
 
Would anyone here recommend overclocking a Pentium Dual Core E5300 @ 2.60ghz? I've heard that it can be a bottle neck on gaming performance (i have an nvidia Geforce PNY 8800GT 512mb).

Also, what would you recommend as a good replacement for an 8800 GT graphics card? I've learned that the brand i have is known for getting unusually high temps and it's already crashed on me several times already. Xclash already mentioned to me that it only has 1 heatsink or something. And that the PNY brand uses very cheap parts.

EDIT: I.E something thats not too expensive and that can run with a 500w PSU.
 
brain_stew said:
Are you planning to OC that X4 620 a little? Probably recommended for any games that use only 1 or 2 cores. You can just do a simple stock volts/cooling clock to 3-3.2ghz and it'll make all the difference.

I'd go with this case/PSU bundle:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...29024&cm_re=antec_500w-_-11-129-024-_-Product

You can use the money saved to upgrade to a 5770, well worth it.

I'd probably get the G.Skill RAM instead.
Click to expand...

Awesome. I'm gonna take both of these suggestions. The video card is going to be purchased at a later date when funds are more plentiful but swapped out my case and memory for your suggestions. Thanks.
 
Glass Brain said:
Definitely considering that, thank you.

1) I just read Anandtech's review on the i5-750 and the i7-870. Besides hyper-threading and slightly increased clock speed, what am I missing out on by forgoing the i7 in favor of the i5?
2) Taking your suggestion into consideration, I'm looking at this 5850. Do you recommend one over others?
3) How important is it to use a non-stock thermal grease? I overclocked my past two builds quite a bit with whatever came with the processor. Am I just lucky that nothing bad happened?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...


1. Just the Hyper Threading. Not a big deal with games.
2. I bought the one you linked, and got a free power supply with it last week. While I can't comment on the card it self because my new build isn't up and running yet, but I'm pretty sure the card is going to be amazing from the test results I have already seen. The mature drivers that will be coming out will only make the card better.
3. You'll get a temperature decrease with non stock thermal paste. You can do some overclocks on stock stuff, but if you want to push higher, getting a 3rd party heat sink, and some 3rd party thermal paste will put you in a good position to do so.
 
Heavy's Sandvich said:
If I'm allowed to ask a pc related question, Is it worth me upgrading from XP to 7? Will direct 10 improve things that much gaming wise?
Click to expand...

How much ram do you have, and what kind of video card/processor do you have?
 
Heavy's Sandvich said:
If I'm allowed to ask a pc related question, Is it worth me upgrading from XP to 7? Will direct 10 improve things that much gaming wise?
Click to expand...

Not particularily for gaming. If you can get it at a good price I would consider getting it because it is a much better OS for other reasons. If you're not planning on doing anything different or new with your machine for a while there's no reason to upgrade or to fix what isn't broken.
 
Heavy's Sandvich said:
I currently have 2 gb of ram, would consider going to 4 gb and my gpu is 9500 gt. There's a student deal going so I am tempted.
Click to expand...


Well if you have only 2 gigs then get windows 7 32 bit. Anything over 4 get 64 bit. With that video card you really won't notice much of a performance boost in gaming period. If you can upgrade to windows 7 then do it, but you won't get a huge boost like your expecting. However, if you plan to upgrade that video card in the near future, you'll want 64 bit, and you'll be capable of rendering Direct x 11 games.
 
vocab said:
Well if you have only 2 gigs then get windows 7 32 bit. Anything over 4 get 64 bit. With that video card you really won't notice much of a performance boost in gaming period. If you can upgrade to windows 7 then do it, but you won't get a huge boost like your expecting. However, if you plan to upgrade that video card in the near future, you'll want 64 bit, and you'll be capable of rendering Direct x 11 games.
Click to expand...

Cheers mate, I think I'll give it a miss then. I would upgrade but I've got quite an old processor so it'll probably be all in vain.

Thanks for the heads up though.
 
I'm sure this has been mentioned earlier, but I don't think a reminder would hurt for new buyers and those who may have missed out before.


yi3aw.jpg



If I'm not mistaken, it was on sale previously, went back up to regular price and is now on sale again until tomorrow. As opposed to having been one continuous sale/markdown.


Online purchase for in-store pickup.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0299412


Locations:

http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html
 


anything i need to add or should change? i don't know shit about pc's (which is why i need them to assemble it lol) and just want a decent build for gaming. if i could get the price down that would be great.

any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
WickedLaharl said:
any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...


1. Ditch the IDE burner. Get a Sata burner. IDE ribbon cables are a pain in the ass.
2. Why are you going with a micro atx board?
3. You can save a few bucks on the ram by switching brands.
4. Also, can I ask why you are not building this your self? With that $50 you are spending to get it built, you can get a 5770, and have a better video card for gaming.
 
ezekial45 said:
Would anyone here recommend overclocking a Pentium Dual Core E5300 @ 2.60ghz? I've heard that it can be a bottle neck on gaming performance (i have an nvidia Geforce PNY 8800GT 512mb).

Also, what would you recommend as a good replacement for an 8800 GT graphics card? I've learned that the brand i have is known for getting unusually high temps and it's already crashed on me several times already. Xclash already mentioned to me that it only has 1 heatsink or something. And that the PNY brand uses very cheap parts.

EDIT: I.E something thats not too expensive and that can run with a 500w PSU.
Click to expand...

Anyone?
 
ezekial45 said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...

You can push that chip to at least 3.0-3.6 but you might want to invest into some better air cooling.

For video card upgrade, I just need to know your budget. The best bang for buck would probably be a 5770 atm.
 
WickedLaharl said:


anything i need to add or should change? i don't know shit about pc's (which is why i need them to assemble it lol) and just want a decent build for gaming. if i could get the price down that would be great.

any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
You're using a microATX motherboard which could restrict you in the future if you wish to add components.

With the money you save by using the deal I PMed you about on Windows 7, you can upgrade your video card to a 5770:

http://www.ncixus.com/products/48038/HD577XZNFC/XFX/

If you want a full sized motherboard that's USB 3.0 ready:
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku...55A-UD3&manufacture=Bundle Deals&promoid=1084

You can also look at replacing your PSU + Case with this which is about the same price: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=24294&vpn=SONATA III 500&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1084
Edit: Oh yours comes with a rebate

I agree on getting a SATA burner.
 
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