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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

Haz you're beating me back to the i5-570 :lol

edit: I guess I'm just worried that I would regret getting it instead of a more expensive one.
 
(last post on last page, hope it's okay if I move it)

From NewEgg:

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM $18.99

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply $124.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBRL $93.99

Subtotal: $237.97

From Amazon:

Intel Core i7/i5 LGA1156 4DDR3-2200 CrossFireX/GBE/Raid/SATA3/USB3.0/7.1-CH ATX Motherboard GA-P55A-UD3 - Gigabyte $139.99

Intel Core i5 750 Processor 2.66 GHz 8 MB LGA1156 CPU I5-750BOX - Intel $194.99

Subtotal: $334.98

From Ebiz:

Samsung SpinPoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB Hard Drive $40.45

GRAND TOTAL: $613.40 (using my existing HD4850)

Can you guys just make sure I haven't totally fucked anything up with this? Should this max out FFXIV and ToR?
 
Hey guys my aunt just bought a 750$ PC that crapped out on her out of the box. I recently told her I could build her one that's better for the same price. I was hoping you guys could give me details on a 750$ including tax PC. That would include everything monitor and Keyboard and mouse. Thanks for your help.


I have built a PC before, I'm just not to keen on the deals and I don't want to miss out on anything.
 
Hazaro said:
1 week till GTX 460 slots in at $200/$230

Lets not be hasty here.
If you get a premade I'd go with an HP or DELL, they have some decent options.
But then you need to sort out all of their crap!

So I whipped these 2 up.

http://i28.tinypic.com/9a4yeh.jpg
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.
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[IMG]http://i32.tinypic.com/30iuohx.jpg
:lol GAF has the same background color[/QUOTE]

Hey hey. That's in my wheelhouse for budget. I've got a 500 watt PS that I can cannibalise from another system.

[IMG]http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii94/princeeggtarts/enermax_nameplate.jpg

Is this passable?

So I'm thinking about 1k Cdn, but the case, psu, dvdrom are all from my old PC. Also pulling a SATA from my old box for storage. I think I'd be able to afford a SSD with the savings there. Looking at one of these, maybe.
 
Dr.Acula said:
Hey hey. That's in my wheelhouse for budget. I've got a 500 watt PS that I can cannibalise from another system.

enermax_nameplate.jpg


Is this passable?

So I'm thinking about 1k Cdn, but the case, psu, dvdrom are all from my old PC. Also pulling a SATA from my old box for storage. I think I'd be able to afford a SSD with the savings there. Looking at one of these, maybe.

I don't know what system you're trying to run but it will most likely be fine yes.

Also, the 750 vs 930 information is interesting. I guess I was still in awe of how it compared to everything else when the 920 came out. Who knows what socket Intel will continue to support anyways. I wouldn't see the point in buying a 300$ chip with an expensive motherboard that could both need replacement the next time you want to upgrade. :S
 
Husker86 said:
Amneisac, I don't think you're going to max FFXIV with a 4850.

Yeah, well if the performance is really bad I can still upgrade it in a few months, but it should be fine for everything I'm going to play in the meantime. I mean, in my present setup I can play Dragon Age, ME2, and other recent games on high with no problems.
 
Dr.Acula
i5 750 is kinda obsolete with the X6 at the same range of price. Specially for future proof setup.


Amneisac
Better go with the Phenom II X6 1055T. Better processor for the same price (+Asus M4A89GTD PRO).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851

Specially for those mmo's that requier more and more cpu with time.


StreetDisciple
newegg
Athlon II X3 440 3Ghz $75
Asus M4A785TD-V EVO $120
Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 2GB $63
Sapphire HD5670 512MB $90
Seagate 7200.12 500GB $55
Coolermaster Elite 335 $50
OCZ Modstream Pro 500w $60
Logitech Internet 350 Keyboard $20
GIGABYTE GM-M6800 mice $15
Samsung BX2035 20'' LED-BackLight $179
$727

Handle with ease whatever she does.


Another option in GPU:
Sapphire HD5750 1GB $139 / $776
 
Yeah, I keep reading that the six core Athlon has more power in most applications, but that specifically for games the i5-750 out performs it. I also see that they're pretty close in power and the i5-750 uses much less power and runs cooler / quieter.

Tough call.

Honestly, I'm presently going to be bottlenecked at the GPU anyways (HD4850), and I don't really see myself getting a card that will outperform either CPU for quite a few years, so I think I'm going to go with the CPU that will run quieter, cooler, and save a little money in energy bills. :) Besides, I've always gone with Intel builds and they haven't let me down yet.

What are some other good cooling options for the i5-750? This is what I'm leaning towards: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
Hey gaf, I'm in the beginning stages of scoping out the PC i'm going to build in the next month or two, and I'm sure I'll be in here all the time since I don't really have any experience. I was just wondering if someone could pick out a good HDD for me. I'm looking for a 1TB drive, but I'm not really sure about what prices/brands are good.

I'll post all the other parts I've picked out later so I can get some feedback.
 
The Samsung 1TB drives are the best. They're just overall better built than the others. They're quieter, use less power, and generally more reliable.
 
AcciDante said:
Hey gaf, I'm in the beginning stages of scoping out the PC i'm going to build in the next month or two, and I'm sure I'll be in here all the time since I don't really have any experience. I was just wondering if someone could pick out a good HDD for me. I'm looking for a 1TB drive, but I'm not really sure about what prices/brands are good.

I'll post all the other parts I've picked out later so I can get some feedback.

Most people will say WD Caviar Black or Spinpoint F3. Here's a deal I just did on the Samsung F3:

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/36394/hard-drives-samsung-spinpoint-f3-1tb-sata-desktop-$59,-samsung-m7-250-gb-$36,-m7-320gb-$44,-m7-500gb-$52

I went with the 500 gb because I don't need a ton of storage (I have a laptop and another desktop for that stuff) and it's a single 500gb platter so it's a little faster.
 
Thoughts?

25q52fn.jpg


Is everything compatible? Missing anything? Any replacements that are a better option? I could use power supply suggestions because I don't really know anything about them and just put that in there to have something. I appreciate the help guys!

edit: I actually meant to put the i5-750 in there instead of the i7. Is the i7 worth it?
 
Amneisac said:
Yeah, I keep reading that the six core Athlon has more power in most applications, but that specifically for games the i5-750 out performs it. I also see that they're pretty close in power and the i5-750 uses much less power and runs cooler / quieter.

Tough call.

Honestly, I'm presently going to be bottlenecked at the GPU anyways (HD4850), and I don't really see myself getting a card that will outperform either CPU for quite a few years, so I think I'm going to go with the CPU that will run quieter, cooler, and save a little money in energy bills. :) Besides, I've always gone with Intel builds and they haven't let me down yet.

What are some other good cooling options for the i5-750? This is what I'm leaning towards: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Less power yes, but cooler, not from what I've seen. Guru3D had their 1095T running at 4Ghz underload sitting at 44 degrees. I'm not sure how that translates to the 1055T but it's still damn impressive. The more I start to look at it the more I'm leaning away from the i5 and towards the X6. At the same price point and performance advantage going to the X6 combined with the much better longevity of the AM3 socket as well as AMD supporting USB3 in their chipsets makes the 750 is a tough sell. The select games the 750 barely outperforms in doesn't come close to negating all the other cons on the platform and the spanking it receives from well written multi-threaded apps.

Still they are both great chips, just where I was tipping towards the 750 for the last while I have now started to lean the other direction.
 
Shambles said:
Less power yes, but cooler, not from what I've seen. Guru3D had their 1095T running at 4Ghz underload sitting at 44 degrees. I'm not sure how that translates to the 1055T but it's still damn impressive. The more I start to look at it the more I'm leaning away from the i5 and towards the X6. At the same price point and performance advantage going to the X6 combined with the much better longevity of the AM3 socket as well as AMD supporting USB3 in their chipsets makes the 750 is a tough sell. The select games the 750 barely outperforms in doesn't come close to negating all the other cons on the platform and the spanking it receives from well written multi-threaded apps.

Still they are both great chips, just where I was tipping towards the 750 for the last while I have now started to lean the other direction.

Are AMD's next gen processors (Bulldozer?) expected to support AM3 Mobo's? If so, do any manufacturers have a good reputation for Bios updates of older boards to support the new processors? I know there were some issues and questions about the X6's not working on some older boards.
 
Go my asus G73J today from newegg and I gotta say I'm pretty impressed, played wow at max settings (yeah not the most intensive game) and it didn't hiccup in even the biggest pvp scrums much less hardly make any noise. Almost doesn't seem like it's even on. Came with a one year accidental warranty as well, liking that.
 
Reallink
They're bc wtih AM3 mobos. Now the questions are:

Just 800 series mobos or the 700series as well?


Shambles

The new 1055T 95w just got released in japan, here the awesome clock with ridiculous voltage:

1055T 2.8Ghz 125w 1.325v
1055T 2.8Ghz 95w 1.15v (1.28v for 4Ghz, the "old" 125w X6 needs at least 1.35vcore for the same 4Ghz)

*Less than the 1090T 3.2Ghz default vcore xD.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=254765


Amneisac
The X6 consume even less than the X4 Phenoms , even with a Coolermaster Hyper 212+ can get the 4Ghz without worrying about temps.

Also has lower temps. Thubies are a very improved chips over the X4. And now with the newer models with more efficiency just got even better. The 1055T 95w should consume less than the i5 750. Last but not least, Bulldozer CPU's can be put in AM3 mobos.

We can't forget the huge undervolt margin in all the Phenom/Athlon II family.


My X4 620 is undervolted from 1.325v to 1.1v.
 
*Notice to Everyone*

nvidia are releasing a new card next week and it is widely rumoured that it will provide better than 5850 performance at a lower price. What this means is that you can expect the prices of cards such as the 5850 to shift next week depending on how strong this card performs so I'd wait a couple of days if you're buying a GPU to see what happens.

Also to anyone going with Hazaro's deal make sure you don't get the Coolermaster TX3 CPU cooler. It's terrible and will struggle to get any CPU above 3.4GHz. A much better option would be the Artic Cooling freezer 7 pro rev 2 or even better is the Cooler master Hyper 212 plus if you can find one at a decent price.
 
So im running a phenom II x2 550 on stock clocks now, but i replaced the heatsink with a coolermaster Hyper N520. How far with that heatsink config do you guys think i could push the x2 550 safely and stably?
 
Amneisac said:
(last post on last page, hope it's okay if I move it)

Can you guys just make sure I haven't totally fucked anything up with this? Should this max out FFXIV and ToR?
Looks good. Don't know about max settings, but it should run well.
Dr.Acula said:
Hey hey. That's in my wheelhouse for budget. I've got a 500 watt PS that I can cannibalise from another system.

So I'm thinking about 1k Cdn, but the case, psu, dvdrom are all from my old PC. Also pulling a SATA from my old box for storage. I think I'd be able to afford a SSD with the savings there.[/URL]
PSU and SSD look good.
AcciDante said:
Thoughts?

edit: I actually meant to put the i5-750 in there instead of the i7. Is the i7 worth it?
Looks fine. Stick with the i5.
Reallink said:
Are AMD's next gen processors (Bulldozer?) expected to support AM3 Mobo's? If so, do any manufacturers have a good reputation for Bios updates of older boards to support the new processors? I know there were some issues and questions about the X6's not working on some older boards.
Almost all mobo makers update their BIOS so I wouldn't worry about that. A few pages back a cheap AM2/3 board that used DDR2 was even updated to support the X6's.

As for Bulldozer that's the name for the more enthusiast chips, which might need to be on a platform like AM2+ (Called AM3r2 now), the mainstream chips don't mention AM3 in the roadmap for a socket. If it is compatible the question is what boards it will be compatible with (990/8xx/7xxetc. as Ryoma said).
Mr_Brit said:
Also to anyone going with Hazaro's deal make sure you don't get the Coolermaster TX3 CPU cooler. It's terrible and will struggle to get any CPU above 3.4GHz. A much better option would be the Artic Cooling freezer 7 pro rev 2 or even better is the Cooler master Hyper 212 plus if you can find one at a decent price.
I think that's a slight exaggeration, but I did look around at coolers and the Hyper N520 slots in at near the Hyper 212+ but a bit cheaper. I'll substitute that in since it's not much more at all. Thanks for looking out. I ain't perfect.
http://i28.tinypic.com/2nu6pgn.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/33cafl2.jpg
Ryoma-Echizen said:
i5 750 is kinda obsolete with the X6 at the same range of price. Specially for future proof setup.

Better go with the Phenom II X6 1055T. Better processor for the same price (+Asus M4A89GTD PRO).
So you've brought this up a few times in the past when you post, but performance wise the i5 is just plain faster (In programs that are not made for 4+ cores/threads). It just is.

AM3 looks to have a better upgrade path with the new chips that should work fine with AM3 and no doubt they will be priced excellently... when they actually come out (The real mainstream chips, nto the date for the top end). In terms of clock for clock performance I don't see AMD passing the i5/i7 line by much if they do at all. Obviously that is just speculation by me. I expect the 1156 refresh to line up competitively with Bulldozer and if the need be there, you can upgrade.

I just don't think the upgrade to Bulldozer to be worth buying a slower chip at the same price and waiting many months on an upgrade.

*Oh and the new rev of the 1055 is quite nice :D
 
Help guys, I am trying to remember the name of that site that allows you to download and install the multiple programs lie AVG, or VLC media player.
Edit: ninite ahh it was driving me crazy.
 
What's the scoop on monitors? I heard good things about these Asus 2ms ones, I basically want something at or under $200 and around 22-24" but I want the absolute best image quality/response time for the money. I have a 24" gateway right now, but it's a few years old and it's really bad with ghosting and artifact images.

Something like this ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms seems okay: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

I'd be willing to go with a slightly smaller screen if it meant a significantly better picture though, maybe this ASUS MS Series MS228H Black / Blue 21.5" 2ms? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236083

I'm so terrible with understanding the different ways people report contrast ratio and response time.
 
Amneisac said:
What's the scoop on monitors? I heard good things about these Asus 2ms ones, I basically want something at or under $200 and around 22-24" but I want the absolute best image quality/response time for the money. I have a 24" gateway right now, but it's a few years old and it's really bad with ghosting and artifact images.

Something like this ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms seems okay: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

I'd be willing to go with a slightly smaller screen if it meant a significantly better picture though, maybe this ASUS MS Series MS228H Black / Blue 21.5" 2ms? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236083

I'm so terrible with understanding the different ways people report contrast ratio and response time.

I just bought this monitor, and so far it's been great. I haven't exactly put too much time into it yet though since I only received it yesterday, but so far it's been pretty awesome.
 
Hey guys,

I'm interested in building a PC for multimedia use revolving around applications like Maya, Photoshop, Unity, and other programs. The thing is I want my operating system to be Mac based. So basically what I'm asking for is some direction on building a PC that will have the Mac OS installed.

I realize I'm going to need at least 4 gbs of ram, a Intel based processor, but everything else is confusing.

I'm potentially hoping the price will be affordable as my budget is roughly 1,000 dollars. I plan to connect the desktop to my HDTV, using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Anyways, I hope you guys can point me in the right direction.
 
Can anyone help me with the build I posted above? I'm kind of just picked that power supply randomly and could use some help finding a good one.

Also, somebody PM'd me after I posted that and said that I should get a Phenom II X6 instead of i5/i7. Also said that 1155/1366 are dead platforms. Is this true?

I just need help with everything :/
 
AcciDante said:
Can anyone help me with the build I posted above? I'm kind of just picked that power supply randomly and could use some help finding a good one.

Also, somebody PM'd me after I posted that and said that I should get a Phenom II X6 instead of i5/i7. Also said that 1155/1366 are dead platforms. Is this true?

I just need help with everything :/

First of all, those spinpoint f3's were on sale at superbiz and you could use code SUNSHINE15 for an extra 15% off. I got the 500gb for $40.45usd.

As to the 1055 vs i5... I think it's a matter of possibility. They each have a 'turbo' mode that will make use of more of the CPU's power in applications that weren't made to handle all 4 or 6 cores. As I understand it, for gaming, the i5 still has an edge over the 1055. If these change and games are meant to utilize the 6 cores that could shift, but still probably not by a lot (a few games already run better on the 1055 though, like GTA4).

I went with the i5 because of its performance in games vs. the 1055 (about 10-15 fps in most titles) and because it's lower power usage and quieter than the 1055. Also there are more of them so I'm hoping it will kind of keep the socket in use longer. I can't comment on the other sockets being dead platforms but I have heard there won't be new CPUs for the 1156. I tend to not upgrade CPUs though, I usually just sell off my computer and build a new one for a reasonable price when the one becomes outdated.
 
This is the best thread to ask in but what is a good piece of software that can show heat and temp for parts of the pc (if supported) ? I have seen it shown around gaf a few times where if the temp is too hot it shows a flame icon.

I ask because team fortress 2 is the only game I have which makes small white dots appear on the wall textures, I don't think it's heat related as no other game has ever shown problems and the player models themselves in tf2 are fine, but it's always wise to check anyway just in case I need to buy an extra case fan or two.
 
Hi guys, I think I got my build 90% done right now.

Almost everything will be from newegg:
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=11967411

My case will be the NZXT Vulcan from Amazon since Newegg charges $15 for shipping while I have Prime.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IPOYGK/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Plus maybe the 212 cooler from Amazon as well
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-...8696058&sr=8-1

Right now I have the XFX 5850 on my list but im thinking about ordering everything minus that card since next week could bring a shakeup. Since the mobo has integrated graphics I figured I could just go ahead and setup everything else while waiting on whether the GTX 460 proves to be good at its price range or the 5850s go down enough.


I play 1920x1080, thinking about getting another ASUS VH236HL-P soon but only to have a secondary monitor and not for dual-screen gaming.
The hi-res Dolphin emulation thread has me somewhat interested in it but I will primarily be playing DOTA, HON, WOW, SC2, and maybe FF14 when it comes out.
Any thoughts on this build? I don't think I can afford the bump to an i5 as that will get me closer to a thousand.

As usual, any help will be much appreciated. My last two pc purchases have been 99% GAF recommendations (mid-range laptop, and an e7200/hd4850 build) and I still love them!
 
Yeah it expires on the 15th. Now that I look at it though, even at $269.99, with California sales tax and shipping, it would be the same price as Amazon (where I was originally planning to buy it) with no tax and free shipping. Guess I'll just wait to see what happens to the prices next week. Kinda sucks to wait since the majority of my parts are being delivered to my house today. :|
 
Is there any reliable way to know where your bottleneck is? In other words, I just bought an i5-750 and how can you tell what video card will complement that properly and not be too much or too little card? Right now I have a 4850, which will clearly be the bottleneck, but would a 5850 be overkill or could the i5-750 push an even better card?
 
Nightz said:
Yeah it expires on the 15th. Now that I look at it though, even at $269.99, with California sales tax and shipping, it would be the same price as Amazon (where I was originally planning to buy it) with no tax and free shipping. Guess I'll just wait to see what happens to the prices next week. Kinda sucks to wait since the majority of my parts are being delivered to my house today. :|

umm it's 305.97 at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NSBGHC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I guess I'll just order my parts minus the card then. Hopefully some good deals popup next week, or the landscape shifts enough that prices go down
 
I'm selling a motorcycle and I've been debating buying a second Vapor-X 5870 with the money I receive for it. I asked earlier in the thread about pairing up a 2GB card with my current 1GB one, but on further investigation realized my 2GB card would be limited to the amount of memory on its "partner" card. I'm wondering what the benefits are for added memory in a crossfire set up; should I sell my 1GB 5870 and simply buy two 2GB ones? Or will two 1GB cards suffice (as in, does performance justify the $60-80 cost increase of the extra GB per card)? I've seen remarks indicate that extra memory somehow benefits crossfire set ups, but I'm not sure I understand exactly why.

Also wondering how an 850w psu will serve me running two 5870s xfire, with a GTS 250 as dedicated physx, three 7200 rpm HDDs, and 10 fans. Is an upgrade to a 1000w or higher psu recommended?
 
Crunched said:
I'm selling a motorcycle and I've been debating buying a second Vapor-X 5870 with the money I receive for it. I asked earlier in the thread about pairing up a 2GB card with my current 1GB one, but on further investigation realized my 2GB card would be limited to the amount of memory on its "partner" card. I'm wondering what the benefits are for added memory in a crossfire set up; should I sell my 1GB 5870 and simply buy two 2GB ones? Or will two 1GB cards suffice (as in, does performance justify the $60-80 cost increase of the extra GB per card)? I've seen remarks indicate that extra memory somehow benefits crossfire set ups, but I'm not sure I understand exactly why.

Also wondering how an 850w psu will serve me running two 5870s xfire, with a GTS 250 as dedicated physx, three 7200 rpm HDDs, and 10 fans. Is an upgrade to a 1000w or higher psu recommended?


I'm running a 5970 plus 2 raptors, an overclocked Phenom II x4 @ 4ghz a dvd burner and 4 gigs of ram, all on a 750w Corsair. Not a single issue.

So long as your PSU brand is decent, you should be more than fine.
 
Dr.Acula said:
I was quoting this build

Running a 750 without a GPU, 500W is lots, even if the PSU turns out to be a turd. Should still be fine if you throw a higher end GPU into the system. Worst case scenario it doesn't cut the mustard, your system goes through unexpected shutdown and you know for sure you didn't waste money by buying a new PSU.
 
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