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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition
- Thread starter Spy
- Start date
FromTheFuture said:Need some quick help here, as I'm looking for a new monitor. Basically, I want about a 22-24" monitor, or basically something around there (upgrading from a 19" 1440x900). I play a lot of games competitively, so the lag/delay/whatever is called is important. Image quality is important, and it should be worth noting that I also plan to play consoles such as PS3, etc on it, so HDMI would be nice. I'd appreciate it if someone could give some suggestions, or maybe if someone has a link to some websites that might be able to help (I've seen a few, but I lost the bookmarks from getting a new computer, etc.). Thanks!
PS. My PC upgrading post should follow shortly after...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049 is probably what you want. Zero ghosting, and probably the lowest input lag monitor on the market. I play games competitively as well, so it was important that I found a monitor with those specs. I can't say how the image quality compares to other monitors simply because this my first LCD (stuck to a CRT forever), but I'm happy with it.
I have it, and bought it because I hate LCD's that can't hold the image, and the thought of input lag compared to CRT's was unbearable. A few of my friends have it, and they were happy with it so I bought it and haven't regreted it.
So I'm just waiting for UPS to deliver my new components: ASUS MoBo, Phenom II 945 CPU, and new OCZ Agility SSD. Are there any special steps I need to take to install Win7 and move my old files over? I figured I'd just hook up the SSD first (should be at newest firmware already), install Win7, then reconnect my old HDD and transfer my important files over. Anything I'm missing/potential pitfalls?
HomerSimpson-Man
Member
Man, the Geforce GTX 275 is a beast! Freakin' huge gains over my good ole' 8800GT.
The Phenom II x3 is a fantastic value, a helluva upgrade from the Athlon 64x2 6000+; stock performance already craps on the 6000+, but damn, it also has added awesome overclock abilities.
The only thing I wary about buying was the DDR3, the premium price of it simply wasn't worth it, but it was a new motherboard I had to get, my old one didn't allow the easy overclocking abilities of my new one and it had to have DDR3 RAM. Still I satisfied, I got a good 800Mhz overclock easy on my Phenom II x3.
The Phenom II x3 is a fantastic value, a helluva upgrade from the Athlon 64x2 6000+; stock performance already craps on the 6000+, but damn, it also has added awesome overclock abilities.
The only thing I wary about buying was the DDR3, the premium price of it simply wasn't worth it, but it was a new motherboard I had to get, my old one didn't allow the easy overclocking abilities of my new one and it had to have DDR3 RAM. Still I satisfied, I got a good 800Mhz overclock easy on my Phenom II x3.
RocketDarkness
Member
I have a friend that wants a new rig for about $600, but the combo deals in the OP have expired. Would it be too much for me to ask for the recipe to be updated? His main requirement is to play Diablo III, if that helps at all.
Ok, here's what I configured so far. I'll put the whole thing together myself.
Mobo: AsRock H55M Pro - $110 + shipping
Cpu: i3-530 - $125
Video Card: XFX 5770 1GB - $160 + shipping
Ram: 4X2GB DDR3 - $57/unit + shipping = $240 (help me find cheaper 8GB DDR3 1333 MHz ram)***
Fan: Antec 12mm case fan - $16/unit = 32
Case: Help me find a small, slim, sleek, good looking case that is quiet***
I loved the small form factor config someone posted earlier (Sugo), I may go for that, if it's a quiet PC.
***HALP!
Mobo: AsRock H55M Pro - $110 + shipping
Cpu: i3-530 - $125
Video Card: XFX 5770 1GB - $160 + shipping
Ram: 4X2GB DDR3 - $57/unit + shipping = $240 (help me find cheaper 8GB DDR3 1333 MHz ram)***
Fan: Antec 12mm case fan - $16/unit = 32
Case: Help me find a small, slim, sleek, good looking case that is quiet***
I loved the small form factor config someone posted earlier (Sugo), I may go for that, if it's a quiet PC.
***HALP!
diztrukted
Member
just wondering PC-Gaf. Is there a thread where people show images of their PC set-ups.
A New Challenger Has Appeared, in the <$1500 gaming notebook arena: the MSI GX740.
The Quiet Man
Member
coopolon said:
Good points. I have a 5770 for my own rig, and I love it. One thing that occurred to me was that the Compaq stock tower might not be very good for transferring heat out from within, so the fact that the 5770 is more efficient sounds good to me.
nitewulf said:
Nothing fancy.
RAM
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX22682(ME).aspx
PSU
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX22031(ME).aspx
This is my case.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX14200(ME).aspx
Video card: (Which is very quiet)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX26961(ME).aspx
There is only one case fan in this case but everything runs cool and quiet to me anyway. I would compare it to an idling PS3.
diztrukted
Member
vocab said:
Thank you vocab. that Hardocp is a goldmine of info. I haven't found the actual thread yet but i've skimmed through some their stuff that will be useful. Much appreciated vocab!
Basically this was the build I was planning on: (left out parts which I don't think are relevant)
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 945 (or higher if a deal is on that levels the price)
Mobo: Asus AM3 AMD 770
RAM: 4Gb (2x2)
GPU: Saphhire or XFX 5770
Unfortunately this is coming in a little high budget wise for me at the moment, so I was wondering what I could realistically change with the least hit to performance or even if there's anything obviously incompatible/awful please say (first build).
Would 2GB RAM be enough? or even an X3 or lower processor, this pc is generally gonna be used for gaming and pretty basic processes otherwise (no video editing or the like).
Thanks in advance
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 945 (or higher if a deal is on that levels the price)
Mobo: Asus AM3 AMD 770
RAM: 4Gb (2x2)
GPU: Saphhire or XFX 5770
Unfortunately this is coming in a little high budget wise for me at the moment, so I was wondering what I could realistically change with the least hit to performance or even if there's anything obviously incompatible/awful please say (first build).
Would 2GB RAM be enough? or even an X3 or lower processor, this pc is generally gonna be used for gaming and pretty basic processes otherwise (no video editing or the like).
Thanks in advance
Revenge Of Taco
Member
Howdy, looking for some opinions:
Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157155
Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011
Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145258
Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145287
Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161302
Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025
Optical Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
Operating System:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758
This is my build, the total is ~$1530, is this looking good or is it overpriced, or what?
I just really want to use this to play games at high settings and maybe use a bit of video software, so is this a decent build?
Also: I find it kind of difficult to search for ram for the X58 type motherboards. Any good 8gb kits?
Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157155
Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011
Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145258
Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145287
Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161302
Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025
Optical Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
Operating System:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758
This is my build, the total is ~$1530, is this looking good or is it overpriced, or what?
I just really want to use this to play games at high settings and maybe use a bit of video software, so is this a decent build?
Also: I find it kind of difficult to search for ram for the X58 type motherboards. Any good 8gb kits?
NorrenRadd
Member
Oni Jazar said:
I am interested in this as well after watching the Batman AA vid that shows the difference between the dynamic environment (paper on the floor). I'm planning on getting a 5770 in the near future.
By the way, guy above me, why would any of us want to click your links to find out what the parts are? Also, finding an 8gb kit for an X58 would be awkward because it runs in triple channel. you'll be looking for a 6gb kit or a 12gb kit.
Revenge Of Taco said:
I'd cut down to an i5 750 with a socket 1156 mobo and 4GB DDR3. That'll save you quite a bit, with no difference in game performance.
Also, get yourself a cheaper Corsair PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9005&cm_re=corsair_650-_-17-139-005-_-Product
evil solrac v3.0
Member
Revenge Of Taco said:
basically what TheExodu5 said, and if you need a full tower case, get either the Antec 1200 or the HAF 932.
Druz
Member
Minsc said:I've used that site once or twice, when I first got my monitor I ran through some of those patterns, it did pretty well, not perfect. The black/white dotted ones hold nicely, without appearing like static. It came from here (#28), it was posted along with:
"Can anyone close this "$1 vs $2? What is the difference?" thread? This has been chewed 100 times already"
Apparently if you want to find the original source, you'd probably have to go back 20-30 discussions on the matter. But I read a bunch about the TN panel you have, and many people said that it has exceptional color for a TN monitor... maybe it would hold up better than average like you say. I did read it did have extremely minor ghosting issues in a few reviews though, which I thought strange.
Anyway, I think we've both made our points (no hard feelings, I'm glad you defended TNs are much as you did), and anyone buying a monitor should probably be happy knowing if they buy a good TN, the color will be better than it used to (but viewing angles are still poor), and if you spend more money and buy an IPS, the input lag will also be better than it used to be (but probably a hair more noticeable).
So it comes down to where you are the most picky. I'm much happier with even colors and the wide viewing angle, the older Westinghouse MVA panel I have has a input lag of around 30-40ms I believe, and it doesn't even bother me, hard to believe. Other people may not even be happy with half that, or 1/4 that.
Once they start making 120hz IPS monitors, I'll upgrade. The unofficial 75hz on the Dell IPS monitor sounds like a nice little tweak, but I just want a 24" non-TN 120hz display, then I will start looking at 3D gaming!
Watch your back, buddy. If you think your monitor is staring back at you, it probably is. You will rue the day.
indigo-cyclops
Member
Well, got everything set up, installed Windows 7, and forgot that the product key is only valid on upgrades so now I'm reinstalling my copy of Vista, then upgrading 
. The process was just as easy as I remember. It was a lot of fun, but I hope I didn't leave anything out/screw anything up. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchases and can't wait to really test it out. Also, the optical drive seems to be a bit loud, is this normal? Thanks for the help, this thread was a great help with getting everything ordered and picked out. Eventually I think I will pick up a new case fan, and CPU fan so I can do some more advanced overclocking.
Hope there aren't any issues with the video card like I've been hearing. I haven't held a video card in years, can't believe how fucking big they are now!
. The process was just as easy as I remember. It was a lot of fun, but I hope I didn't leave anything out/screw anything up. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchases and can't wait to really test it out. Also, the optical drive seems to be a bit loud, is this normal? Thanks for the help, this thread was a great help with getting everything ordered and picked out. Eventually I think I will pick up a new case fan, and CPU fan so I can do some more advanced overclocking. Hope there aren't any issues with the video card like I've been hearing. I haven't held a video card in years, can't believe how fucking big they are now!
The Quiet Man
Member
Just reporting back to say that the graphics card and PSU installation went well, and my fiancee's computer is running Fallout 3 on High like a dream. =) Thanks for your help!!
I know people are building from the ground up, and that's mostly the best way to go. But what do people think of this system? I realize it's sold out, but I'm loving the ram on this. I do some HD video editing, so I need some serious ram for projects:
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=6cb7cd2099828fcce36f6fb352c0415den02
Gateway FX Series (FX6802-07C) $1500 Canadian
Intel Core i7-920
12 GB DDR3
1 TB (7200 RPM) SATA
NVIDIA GeForce GTX260 1792mb
10 USB 2
2 Firewire
2 PCI Express 16 slots
750W PSU
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
I realize I can do better with the graphics card, but it's hard getting systems that have this much ram without spending a lot of money it seems. I'm also looking at a Dell Studo that has 6 memory slots and I can get 12gb as well, but not as good of a power supply and not dual PCI Express 16 slots.
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=6cb7cd2099828fcce36f6fb352c0415den02
Gateway FX Series (FX6802-07C) $1500 Canadian
Intel Core i7-920
12 GB DDR3
1 TB (7200 RPM) SATA
NVIDIA GeForce GTX260 1792mb
10 USB 2
2 Firewire
2 PCI Express 16 slots
750W PSU
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
I realize I can do better with the graphics card, but it's hard getting systems that have this much ram without spending a lot of money it seems. I'm also looking at a Dell Studo that has 6 memory slots and I can get 12gb as well, but not as good of a power supply and not dual PCI Express 16 slots.
BravoSuperStar
Member
Minsc said:That 14ms is not grey to grey, like Dell and other companies report, it is black to white to black, so it's actually much more in line to the lower numbers than it sounds.
One thing you can usually count on is some good information on hardforums, here is the thread for that monitor, it probably won't be a bad idea to read through the last 20-30 pages of that thread yourself. I read a few reviews too, here is one, and bit-tech said:
So no worries, especially if gaming is not the primary purpose. There's a small bit of backlit bleed - so displaying extremely dark or black images will have a glow from the edges, but it's no worse than any other monitor from what I read. Other sparadic issues that came up were text quality being slightly less than perfect (probably a non-issue, just a super-nitpick of IPS panels), and some reports of noise/buzzing on a few panels (but not on most). There was also mention of it lacking a few of the typical inputs one would expect, so make sure you're covered in that area obviously.
People seem impressed with it, so go for it and good luck! At $300 it seems like a steal! I take no responsibility if you don't like it though
Thanks for the links. Good info there. I think I am going to go ahead and pick one up. The lack of a HDMI port sucks, but it's not a deal breaker. Plenty of adapters and options to fix that. So glad to hear about no ghosting/lag in games. I may wait until the shipping price drops, almost $19 to ship it is a little steep. And if I don't like it I'm sure newegg will accept "Minsc from gaf told me to buy it" as a legitimate return reason. =)
Now what to do with my old 23inch Acer TN monitor....
Big Baybee
Member
Revenge Of Taco said:
What are the differences between this version and the retail version?
indigo-cyclops
Member
I've got everything up an running. Sorted out any of the issues I had with the CD drive, and I've got the 620 running a stable 3.0 ghz for the time being. As I read up more on some advanced overclock, I'll up the ante, but for now I'm trying to keep stability in mind. Speaking of, does anyone have some good overclocking resources I could check out? I've already tried out STALKER, but excited to play some more games with the 5770. Really glad I spent all this money 
I may get a picture or two up of the build; actually had a little less room than I hoped but I managed to organize things well. Thanks again people!
I may get a picture or two up of the build; actually had a little less room than I hoped but I managed to organize things well. Thanks again people!Odious Tea
Member
Glad all went well. If you're playing Shadow of Chernobyl, I hope you're playing with the Complete 2009 mod. It's absolutely amazing. Also, the 5770 is an absolutely amazing card for the price. I hope to be adding a second to the mix within the next few months.INDIGO_CYCLOPS said:I've got everything up an running. Sorted out any of the issues I had with the CD drive, and I've got the 620 running a stable 3.0 ghz for the time being. As I read up more on some advanced overclock, I'll up the ante, but for now I'm trying to keep stability in mind. Speaking of, does anyone have some good overclocking resources I could check out? I've already tried out STALKER, but excited to play some more games with the 5770. Really glad I spent all this money
Odious Tea
Member
Yes, but not worth it unless you won't be reusing your old RAM in your new build seems to be the consensus.
Hi, folks. So... I've decided I want to get a new PC. I've been mostly out of PC gaming for a number of years now, so I really don't have much familiarity with the current state of technology and what's good or what isn't good. I see that there are a couple recommendations of parts in the first two posts but I'm not sure how current those are.
I'd like to get a... decent, I guess, PC capable of gaming. I'm not really looking for anything super extravagant or graphically advanced. Just pretty good, you know? I'd like to play stuff like Dragon Age, The Last Remnant, some non-intensive adventure games, and maybe stuff like Civ 5 and Diablo 3 when they come out (though I have no idea how advanced they're likely to be). I'd also like it to be HDMI compatible so I can hook it up to my HDTV rather than using a monitor. Can this be done for around a max of 600, 650 dollars? What's the best I can get at that price range?
I'd like to get a... decent, I guess, PC capable of gaming. I'm not really looking for anything super extravagant or graphically advanced. Just pretty good, you know? I'd like to play stuff like Dragon Age, The Last Remnant, some non-intensive adventure games, and maybe stuff like Civ 5 and Diablo 3 when they come out (though I have no idea how advanced they're likely to be). I'd also like it to be HDMI compatible so I can hook it up to my HDTV rather than using a monitor. Can this be done for around a max of 600, 650 dollars? What's the best I can get at that price range?
Hey guys,
quick question.
I have the folllowing setup:
CPU: Core 2 Duo E8300 (not overclocked)
RAM: 4 GB DDR2 RAM 800mhz
Board: MSO EP 35 DS2
GPU: 8800GTS 320mb
OS: W7 Home Premium 64bit
I'm looking to play Crysis 1/2, Farcry 2, Metro 2033, so basically the new stuff in 1680x1050 with settings on 'high'
Now my question is can I keep the CPU and RAM and just go for a new GPU? (That is of course my preferable choice.) And what GPU? rice range is 200-250$ and the stock fan should be quiet when idle.
Thanks for the help guys.
quick question.
I have the folllowing setup:
CPU: Core 2 Duo E8300 (not overclocked)
RAM: 4 GB DDR2 RAM 800mhz
Board: MSO EP 35 DS2
GPU: 8800GTS 320mb
OS: W7 Home Premium 64bit
I'm looking to play Crysis 1/2, Farcry 2, Metro 2033, so basically the new stuff in 1680x1050 with settings on 'high'
Now my question is can I keep the CPU and RAM and just go for a new GPU? (That is of course my preferable choice.) And what GPU? rice range is 200-250$ and the stock fan should be quiet when idle.
Thanks for the help guys.
Ok sooo...
I'm pretty sure my video card just went belly up on me.
I was playing STALKER1 for like, 30 seconds when my PC froze and I had to hard reboot it. Since then, I haven't been able to load into Windows due to a "recent hardware or software change." I'm in safe mode right now, and there are vertical yellow lines across my screen that do not show up in screen caps. The thing is I've been running my vid card OC'ed the past couple months farther than normal without doing any stability tests so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. So if someone could confirm what I'm already thinking that would be cool, and I'll go ahead and order that 5770 now..
I'm pretty sure my video card just went belly up on me.
I was playing STALKER1 for like, 30 seconds when my PC froze and I had to hard reboot it. Since then, I haven't been able to load into Windows due to a "recent hardware or software change." I'm in safe mode right now, and there are vertical yellow lines across my screen that do not show up in screen caps. The thing is I've been running my vid card OC'ed the past couple months farther than normal without doing any stability tests so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. So if someone could confirm what I'm already thinking that would be cool, and I'll go ahead and order that 5770 now..
brain_stew
Member
ethelred said:
Absolutely, look at something along the lines of the Althon ii X4 630, 785g and 770 AM3 DDR3 boards, the 5770 and 4GB DDR3 RAM.
That'll net you roughly double the performance you get out of your console at twice the rendering resolution as a guide of what you can be expecting performance wise.
Launch said:
Don't go with less than 4GB of RAM. Switching to a Athlon ii X4 630 would seem to be the way to go imo. You can always OC to make up the difference.
Anyone experience any noise problems with their micro atx cases (the cube/box-like M-ATX cases). Still mulling over this case, wondering if it'll be worth it or if noise will play a factor. My current GTX260 can get pretty loud even in this relatively quiet ATX case I have now. Curious if the 5770 will get to humming in those things too.
SuperSonic1305
Member
I'm thinking about getting a new PC for Mafia 2. Between $1000-$1500 CDN. Something that will be able to run this years games on highest settings and be future proof for a while.
Tech Report updated their build guide last week: http://techreport.com/articles.x/18510ethelred said:
Ok, so while my HD4870 is still kicking ass, I have been noticing that for CPU-limited games, my Athlon X2 5600+ is no longer cutting it. I don't have a ton of cash to spend on my rig, but I have been looking at upgrading to one of AMD's quad core chips.
Provided that I have ~$150 (Canadian) to spend, what will give me the most bang for my buck?. I am locked into AMD, because I do not want to replace my MB.
Provided that I have ~$150 (Canadian) to spend, what will give me the most bang for my buck?. I am locked into AMD, because I do not want to replace my MB.