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[brain_stew]

I think I found a decent deal at Best Buy, but I could you some GAF opinions. My primary reason for a new PC is to play FFXIV at least at mid-range settings. Can this beast handle it?

Dell - Inspiron Desktop -Model: I580-5108NBC
Processor
Intel® Core™ i5-650

Processor Speed
3.2GHz

Cache Memory
4MB

System Memory (RAM)
8GB

Type of Memory (RAM)
DDR3 SDRAM

Hard Drive Type
SATA (7200 rpm)

Hard Drive Size
1TB

Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GT220

Video Memory
1GB (dedicated)

I know the graphics card is weak, but I would upgrade that in the near future. Thoughts?

Terrible buy for a FF14 machine imo.


On the subject of prebuilt machines though, Dell have really knocked it out the park with their Studio XPS 7100, if you buy the highest stock config.

For $1150 you get:

A 2-8-3.3ghz AMD Hexacore.
A HD 5870
A BD combi drive
Windows 7 HP x64
6GB DDR3
Wireless N wifi card
1.5TB 7200RPM drive

Its really fantastic value, you simply can't beat that sort of price if you were to build a machine on your own, which is something that can't often be said about high end prebuilt machines.

Now since this is a prebuilt machine you do lose a few niceities like OCing ability and since its a mATX 785G motherboard, upgrade options are very limited but considering what's bundled in to start with and the high clockspeed of the CPU its really not a dealbreaker imo. Put it this way, I'm pretty confident in saying that with just one $200/$300 GPU upgrade along the way, this machine should manage 5 years of high end gaming with little trouble. Now how many store bought machines available around the $1000 mark can you say that about?

Anandtech have a nice review of it here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100


So if you don't want to build a PC rig but want something that'll play FF14 and SC2 fantastically, go right ahead.


Edit: That other Dell rig is $800!!?? Step it up the extra $350, there's absolutely no way in hell you'll regret it, performance in FF14 should be around 4-5x better.

 

[Apath]

Don't be offended but just in case you've never done it before make sure you put thermal paste on when you're reseating it.

:lol I'm more or less retarded so it's okay. The stock cooler came with a bit of paste already applied. Are you saying I need to re-apply some when re-seating?

 

[tea_and_crumpets]

Dear GAFer's I am thinking of building my own PC. I have never done this before and have no idea where to begin (Im sure there are helpful guides available on the internet and I have several friends who have built many PC's). I have a few questions:

Does building a PC require technical knowledge or is it more like lego? Will I need specialist stuff to put it together?
Is there the chance of destroying some piece of my PC (GPU, RAM whatever) in assembling it wrongly - will a mistake cost me big £££?
Is it really that much cheaper to build your own PC? What am I getting over a pre built one?
How long will it take to assemble it, will it take a long time or a few hours?

 

[Salaadin]

:lol I'm more or less retarded so it's okay. The stock cooler came with a bit of paste already applied. Are you saying I need to re-apply some when re-seating?

If you removed the cooler after the first application, you should get some new paste on there. I got a kit containing old paste removal spray and new arctic silver 5 paste on amazon for like 5 or 10 bucks.

My i5 750 was running at 37-39 C with stock cooler and paste. After I removed the cooler and the old paste then applied new stuff and re seat the stock cooler,i started getting temps of 30 -33 C. You might want to try that.

If your stock cooler uses the same stupid pin system as mine to lock it in place, you might have to be real careful when seating it. I made sure to always apply a decent amt of pressure when seating it and wouldn't let up until all the pins clicked into place like theyre supposed to

 

[Shambles]

:lol I'm more or less retarded so it's okay. The stock cooler came with a bit of paste already applied. Are you saying I need to re-apply some when re-seating?

As stated above yes, often stock coolers have the thermal paste as a solid pad on the cooler itself so the first time you seat it you don't have to worry about paste. Most often aftermarket thermal paste is a liquid that you apply, the paste works a fair bit better.

 

[Classic_Gs]

New to PC gaming here, so I am not very knowledgeable on graphics cards, although I have read quite a bit over the last few days to be better informed. Anyhow, I think I found a decent rig at Fry's for playing FFXIV at mid-range settings...

processor
Model: Intel® Core™ i5 750
Speed: 2.66GHz
# of Cores: 4
Cache: 8MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Chipset: Intel® P55

Memory:
Size: 6GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333MHz
Total Slots: 4
Open Slots: 1

Storage
Hard Drive: 1TB, 7200RPM, SATA
Optical Drive: 22x DVD/CD Burner with Lightscribe Technology
Media Drive: 8 in 1: xD, MMC, SD, SDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC+

Graphics
Type: PCI-Express x16 Video Card
GPU: GTX 260 core 216
Memory: 896MB
Ports: DVI

What do you guys think? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

[gregor7777]

New to PC gaming here, so I am not very knowledgeable on graphics cards, although I have read quite a bit over the last few days to be better informed. Anyhow, I think I found a decent rig at Fry's for playing FFXIV at mid-range settings...

processor
Model: Intel® Core™ i5 750
Speed: 2.66GHz
# of Cores: 4
Cache: 8MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Chipset: Intel® P55

Memory:
Size: 6GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333MHz
Total Slots: 4
Open Slots: 1

Storage
Hard Drive: 1TB, 7200RPM, SATA
Optical Drive: 22x DVD/CD Burner with Lightscribe Technology
Media Drive: 8 in 1: xD, MMC, SD, SDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC+

Graphics
Type: PCI-Express x16 Video Card
GPU: GTX 260 core 216
Memory: 896MB
Ports: DVI

What do you guys think? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

It's a solid system. Depends on price though...

 

[Classic_Gs]

It's a solid system. Depends on price though...

$900 in a snazzy case at Frys.

 

[kagete]

$900 in a snazzy case at Frys.

You look like you've been shopping around and I'm sure you've got the bones to pay for a nice PC since you're looking at $900 machines... but FF14 is several months away and I think you can afford to wait for a Dell or Avadirect or NCIX or self assembled PC that will give you much better value with recent parts.

I'm not hating on that 260 since that card is a demigod but a little shopping aroundand patience can get you much better.

 

[Telosfortelos]

processor
Model: Intel® Core™ i5 750
Speed: 2.66GHz
# of Cores: 4
Cache: 8MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Chipset: Intel® P55

Memory:
Size: 6GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333MHz
Total Slots: 4
Open Slots: 1

Storage
Hard Drive: 1TB, 7200RPM, SATA
Optical Drive: 22x DVD/CD Burner with Lightscribe Technology
Media Drive: 8 in 1: xD, MMC, SD, SDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC+

Graphics
Type: PCI-Express x16 Video Card
GPU: GTX 260 core 216
Memory: 896MB
Ports: DVI

That's obnoxious. They're using a triple-channel memory pack for a dual-channel system, and I don't think there's a very good way to fill the fourth slot with a matching stick.

 

[Classic_Gs]

You look like you've been shopping around and I'm sure you've got the bones to pay for a nice PC since you're looking at $900 machines... but FF14 is several months away and I think you can afford to wait for a Dell or Avadirect or NCIX or self assembled PC that will give you much better value with recent parts.

I'm not hating on that 260 since that card is a demigod but a little shopping aroundand patience can get you much better.

Very true, but the beta starts tonight in 7hrs, and I am fiending for new PC

Terrible buy for a FF14 machine imo.


On the subject of prebuilt machines though, Dell have really knocked it out the park with their Studio XPS 7100, if you buy the highest stock config.

For $1150 you get:

A 2-8-3.3ghz AMD Hexacore.
A HD 5870
A BD combi drive
Windows 7 HP x64
6GB DDR3
Wireless N wifi card
1.5TB 7200RPM drive

Its really fantastic value, you simply can't beat that sort of price if you were to build a machine on your own, which is something that can't often be said about high end prebuilt machines.

Now since this is a prebuilt machine you do lose a few niceities like OCing ability and since its a mATX 785G motherboard, upgrade options are very limited but considering what's bundled in to start with and the high clockspeed of the CPU its really not a dealbreaker imo. Put it this way, I'm pretty confident in saying that with just one $200/$300 GPU upgrade along the way, this machine should manage 5 years of high end gaming with little trouble. Now how many store bought machines available around the $1000 mark can you say that about?

Anandtech have a nice review of it here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100


So if you don't want to build a PC rig but want something that'll play FF14 and SC2 fantastically, go right ahead.


Edit: That other Dell rig is $800!!?? Step it up the extra $350, there's absolutely no way in hell you'll regret it, performance in FF14 should be around 4-5x better.

A little more than I want to spend, but I very nice recommendation. I am looking that over now, thanks!

 

[TheExodu5]

Do you have a local computer shop that could assemble it for you?

You could get a much better PC for the money by going AMD, spending more on a video card, and not wasting money on triple channel RAM when the system only supports dual channel.

It's not a bad system though. It just doesn't quite have its priorities straight. If you must go with something today, then by all means, go for it.

edit: holy shit that Dell is a great computer for the money. That's the best pre-built computer I have seen in years. Justify the extra $250. Seriously.

 

[brain_stew]

New to PC gaming here, so I am not very knowledgeable on graphics cards, although I have read quite a bit over the last few days to be better informed. Anyhow, I think I found a decent rig at Fry's for playing FFXIV at mid-range settings...

processor
Model: Intel® Core™ i5 750
Speed: 2.66GHz
# of Cores: 4
Cache: 8MB L2 Cache
Bus Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Chipset: Intel® P55

Memory:
Size: 6GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333MHz
Total Slots: 4
Open Slots: 1

Storage
Hard Drive: 1TB, 7200RPM, SATA
Optical Drive: 22x DVD/CD Burner with Lightscribe Technology
Media Drive: 8 in 1: xD, MMC, SD, SDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC+

Graphics
Type: PCI-Express x16 Video Card
GPU: GTX 260 core 216
Memory: 896MB
Ports: DVI

What do you guys think? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Read my post, dude. Its the only machine you should be considering and utterly blows away every other prebuilt gaming machine in terms of priceerformance. Push your budget to it, it'll save you plenty in the long run.

Very true, but the beta starts tonight in 7hrs, and I am fiending for new PC


A little more than I want to spend, but I very nice recommendation. I am looking that over now, thanks!

Its worth every penny and more. Its insanely good value, you literally couldn't beat that price by building your own machine. You will not be disappointed with that rig.

You're getting a "free" BD player and wireless N card to boot, they're worth the small premium over the other machines you're looking at alone. Throw in the 6 core CPU and the $400 GPU and you really can't argue. Oh, and since its packing a 5870 it also comes with a pretty nice PSU, so you won't have to worry about the included PSU limiting your potential GPU upgrade options down the road.

 

[Mr_Brit]

Read my post, dude. Its the only machine you should be considering and utterly blows away every other prebuilt gaming machine in terms of priceerformance. Push your budget to it, it'll save you plenty in the long run.

This. You won't get a better prebuilt machine.

 

[Apath]

Turns out I was actually retarded and didn't put the cooler on correctly. I just put the four pins in the holes and twisted the black knobs at the top, instead of pushing in and hearing the click.

I am now running at 45-50 idle. I'm still going to buy the paste, but at least now I don't feel like my computer is going to explode :lol

 

[Diablohead]

White dots should be artifacts which means something is going wrong on your videocard.
Download FURMARK or ATiTool and run that. If you get static / flippy graphics your GPU is on its way out and you should try to return it. If you can't return it try downclocking it and see if it works when it is a bit slower.
For temps you can use GPU-Z or RivaTuner. CPU temps: RealTemp, Core Temp
The flame icon one is SpeedFan, but I've had it report wrong in the past so I just use Real/Coretemp. Some others haven't had issues.

I grabbed speedfan since I remember seeing a lot of people here use it and it's reporting my computer is at rather good levels of temp, system 49C , cores just below 40C but my gpu at 56C with a flame icon, though I read all the time that a gpu can float around 65 without problems. It's a gtx260 btw.

With the hot summer heat in the UK lately I think I best invest in another case fan just to keep things a few degrees cooler, speedfan can adjust fan speeds right? hm.

 

[Alex]

I'm looking to get kind of an affordable, mid range card for my PC. Need to upgrade my 8800 GTX because I'm getting a 1080p set and I wish to play at better resolutions.

I'm looking at the 5770 1GB, is that a pretty good pick? I don't need to set the world ablaze, I'm still not budging off of my E8400 for now :lol But I don't wanna be at 720p on a 1080p set!

 

[TheExodu5]

I grabbed speedfan since I remember seeing a lot of people here use it and it's reporting my computer is at rather good levels of temp, system 49C , cores just below 40C but my gpu at 56C with a flame icon, though I read all the time that a gpu can float around 65 without problems. It's a gtx260 btw.

With the hot summer heat in the UK lately I think I best invest in another case fan just to keep things a few degrees cooler, speedfan can adjust fan speeds right? hm.

CPU can run up to 60-65 safely.
GPU can run up to 85-90 safely.

Your temps are very good.

I'm looking to get kind of an affordable, mid range card for my PC. Need to upgrade my 8800 GTX because I'm getting a 1080p set and I wish to play at better resolutions.

I'm looking at the 5770 1GB, is that a pretty good pick? I don't need to set the world ablaze, I'm still not budging off of my E8400 for now :lol But I don't wanna be at 720p on a 1080p set!

The 5770 is a very minor upgrade over the 8800GTX. It's only better because it takes less power and produces less heat. It's not worth the money.

 

[Alex]

Really? That's the exact opposite of all of the posts and benchmarks I looked at I'm not really interested in DX11, just something to tip the scale for higher res for now.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

The 5770 is a very minor upgrade over the 8800GTX. It's only better because it takes less power and produces less heat. It's not worth the money.

Tell that to my 550W PSU! FUCK!! Just got a new PC and it won't run 5770 cause it requires more power (525W Minimum, 700W maximum). Returned the power supply, got a new one and realized that I picked up TX and not ATX PSU (P4 power connector needed).

Son of a bitch, fuck my life!

Worse of all, I ordered something from Tiger Direct and then I asked them to cancel the order. They canceled it but the item shipped regardless and they charged me. Now I have to send it back.

I also got 3 optional fans but the motherboard has only one 4-port Fan monitor connection. Is there a way I can get a splitter for the optional fans or am I stuck with getting a manually controlled fan?

 

[TheExodu5]

Tell that to my 550W PSU! FUCK!! Just got a new PC and it won't run 5770 cause it requires more power (525W Minimum, 700W maximum). Returned the power supply, got a new one and realized that I picked up TX and not ATX PSU (P4 power connector needed).

Son of a bitch, fuck my life!

Worse of all, I ordered something from Tiger Direct and then I asked them to cancel the order. They canceled it but the item shipped regardless and they charged me. Now I have to send it back.

I also got 3 optional fans but the motherboard has only one 4-port Fan monitor connection. Is there a way I can get a splitter for the optional fans or am I stuck with getting a manually controlled fan?

You must have bought the worst 550W PSU ever made. I have trouble imagining any 550W PSU not being able to run it. The 5770 should only take like 10-12A on the 12V rail.

Really? That's the exact opposite of all of the posts and benchmarks I looked at I'm not really interested in DX11, just something to tip the scale for higher res for now.

It's a little better, but not by much. Maybe, what, 20% increase in performance?

edit: this site seems to suggest the difference is much better than I thought it was. I was comparing the 5770 to the GTS 250 earlier today though, and the difference wasn't that big.

http://www.hwcompare.com/graphics/compare.php?c=GeForce-8800-GTX-vs-Radeon-HD-5770

edit2: so alright, it definitely is a decent amount faster. Still, if you can stretch to a 5850, that would be a much more substantial increase in speed. If your budget doesn't allow for it, then by all means, go to the 5770.

 

[Minsc]

Tell that to my 550W PSU! FUCK!! Just got a new PC and it won't run 5770 cause it requires more power (525W Minimum, 700W maximum). Returned the power supply, got a new one and realized that I picked up TX and not ATX PSU (P4 power connector needed).

Son of a bitch, fuck my life!

Worse of all, I ordered something from Tiger Direct and then I asked them to cancel the order. They canceled it but the item shipped regardless and they charged me. Now I have to send it back.

I also got 3 optional fans but the motherboard has only one 4-port Fan monitor connection. Is there a way I can get a splitter for the optional fans or am I stuck with getting a manually controlled fan?

The 5770 uses 80-110 watts at peak, and 15 watts at idle. Something was wrong with your PSU, you could probably run a 5770 on a good 300W PSU.

 

[FleckSplat]

Here's what I have chosen as a preliminary build based on TechReport's guide.

Anything I should be aware of? Are new cards coming out soon? I'm looking to buy this next Thursday or so.

 

[TheExodu5]

Nope, that system looks very solid, FleckSplat.

 

[Mystery]

CPU can run up to 60-65 safely.
GPU can run up to 85-90 safely.

It all depends on the CPU. Different CPUs have different TJMax levels. As long as you're 35-40c away from TJMax you're fine.

 

[Classic_Gs]

Terrible buy for a FF14 machine imo.


On the subject of prebuilt machines though, Dell have really knocked it out the park with their Studio XPS 7100, if you buy the highest stock config.

For $1150 you get:

A 2-8-3.3ghz AMD Hexacore.
A HD 5870
A BD combi drive
Windows 7 HP x64
6GB DDR3
Wireless N wifi card
1.5TB 7200RPM drive

Its really fantastic value, you simply can't beat that sort of price if you were to build a machine on your own, which is something that can't often be said about high end prebuilt machines.

Now since this is a prebuilt machine you do lose a few niceities like OCing ability and since its a mATX 785G motherboard, upgrade options are very limited but considering what's bundled in to start with and the high clockspeed of the CPU its really not a dealbreaker imo. Put it this way, I'm pretty confident in saying that with just one $200/$300 GPU upgrade along the way, this machine should manage 5 years of high end gaming with little trouble. Now how many store bought machines available around the $1000 mark can you say that about?

Anandtech have a nice review of it here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100


So if you don't want to build a PC rig but want something that'll play FF14 and SC2 fantastically, go right ahead.


Edit: That other Dell rig is $800!!?? Step it up the extra $350, there's absolutely no way in hell you'll regret it, performance in FF14 should be around 4-5x better.

Just Ordered! I went with the same specs as quoted above for $1149. Fantastic recommendation, many thanks to brain_stew and all who shared their opinions. I cannot wait to play the FFXIV beta on this bad boy

 

[Diablohead]

CPU can run up to 60-65 safely.
GPU can run up to 85-90 safely.

Your temps are very good.

Just played TF2 for a good hour and the gpu raised to about 78, other things raised to 50 or so, I guess i'm ok for now then

Still going to buy an extra fan due to to the hot UK heat this summer.

 

[Shambles]

Just Ordered! I went with the same specs as quoted above for $1149. Fantastic recommendation, many thanks to brain_stew and all who shared their opinions. I cannot wait to play the FFXIV beta on this bad boy

1797$ For the same build from Dell.ca, got to love the true north.

Hm, maybe a 4890 would be better than a 5770 for my purposes. Do these cards have HDMI out?

A 4870 even edges out the 5770 performance wise. You just get eye finity with the 5000 series along with DX11.

 

[WEGGLES]

1797$ For the same build from Dell.ca, got to love the true north.

Celsius -> Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8 and add 32
US prices -> Canadian prices multiply by 1.8 and add 32

:[

Luckily PC components aren't outrageously inflated in price. Here.
And luckily I have a US PO Box so I can just order from American stores anywho

 

[Alex]

Hm, maybe a 4890 would be better than a 5770 for my purposes. Do these cards have HDMI out?

 

[brain_stew]

Just Ordered! I went with the same specs as quoted above for $1149. Fantastic recommendation, many thanks to brain_stew and all who shared their opinions. I cannot wait to play the FFXIV beta on this bad boy

It'll play fantastically on that system, enjoy!

Be sure to hook that thing upto a HDTV and make use of that BD drive while you're on, it can be the ultimate media centre/games console if you want it to be.

Oh and just as I'm curious what's your current rig? If you've been out of the high end PC gaming arena for a while there's an assload of games that can be had for dirt cheap though DD for you to catch up on. You can quickly build up a great library of recent PC games for dirt cheap these days by picking up bundle packs or waiting for Steam sales.

 

[·feist·]

Wrong there.

Glaring common sense oversight on my part there, especially considering the first D in the name.

Here's what I have chosen as a preliminary build based on TechReport's guide.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2ujnllv.jpg

Anything I should be aware of? Are new cards coming out soon? I'm looking to buy this next Thursday or so.

Don't forget to use the code "EMCYVYX33" for an extra $10 off on that HDD. The code expires 7/15.

 

[FleckSplat]

Glaring common sense oversight on my part there, especially considering the first D in the name.

Don't forget to use the code "EMCYVYX33" for an extra $10 off on that HDD. The code expires 7/15.

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[kagete]

Just Ordered! I went with the same specs as quoted above for $1149. Fantastic recommendation, many thanks to brain_stew and all who shared their opinions. I cannot wait to play the FFXIV beta on this bad boy

Whew boy you really couldn't wait! Post pics when you get your new toy!

 

[FleckSplat]

Just for perspective, my current desktop PC is an old Dell Dimension from early 2005. I've been using my Macbook Pro for basic gaming needs for the last nine months or so, but it can't run most games, except at the lowest settings.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

The 5770 uses 80-110 watts at peak, and 15 watts at idle. Something was wrong with your PSU, you could probably run a 5770 on a good 300W PSU.

OK, so here's whats been happening with my current build:

After assembling everything, I ran it without connecting the Graphic Card so that I could install Windows first and then do the rest. During installation, there would be no progress bar. I left it on for half an hr and no progress bar.

Restarted, and same thing. After couple of restarts, it finally started installing but after rebooting, the windows logo would just keep on spinning. Restarted and it wouldn't reboot windows. Another restart without Windows disc and it finally worked.

Now onto installation of every other drivers. I connected the Graphic Card and the fan and everything would work but I forgot to connect the 4-pin/6-pin connector (realized it after installation disc gave an error than no graphic card could be found). I turned it off, inspected and connected the 4-pin/6-pin. After connected it and restarting, the CPU would run and the graphic card fan would run and everything else would run but there is no message on screen. Disconnected Graphic card and it would work.

So... where could the problem be: Graphic Card, PSU or Motherboard (or *gasp* processor)? It's an ASUS motherboard, XFX HD5770 1GB Card, AMD 2.9Ghz Quad-core and Ultra 550W Power supply (never had a problem with Ultra before, but then again the store had 6 of the Ultra 750W in stock and all of them were defective according to them).

Also, FUCK ATI CATALYST! Worst fucking software out there! Shit never installs.. never! Even in previous PCs of mine with ATI, that son of a bitch would never install!

ALSO: As I asked before, I also got 3 optional fans but the motherboard has only one fan monitoring connection. Is there a way I can get a splitter for the optional fans to connect to the motherboard or am I stuck with getting a manually controlled fan?

 

[darthbob]

Is there anything particularly wrong with this build?

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11170214

 

[Mystery]

OK, so here's whats been happening with my current build:

After assembling everything, I ran it without connecting the Graphic Card so that I could install Windows first and then do the rest. During installation, there would be no progress bar. I left it on for half an hr and no progress bar.

Restarted, and same thing. After couple of restarts, it finally started installing but after rebooting, the windows logo would just keep on spinning. Restarted and it wouldn't reboot windows. Another restart without Windows disc and it finally worked.

Now onto installation of every other drivers. I connected the Graphic Card and the fan and everything would work but I forgot to connect the 4-pin/6-pin connector (realized it after installation disc gave an error than no graphic card could be found). I turned it off, inspected and connected the 4-pin/6-pin. After connected it and restarting, the CPU would run and the graphic card fan would run and everything else would run but there is no message on screen. Disconnected Graphic card and it would work.

So... where could the problem be: Graphic Card, PSU or Motherboard (or *gasp* processor)? It's an ASUS motherboard, XFX HD5770 1GB Card, AMD 2.9Ghz Quad-core and Ultra 550W Power supply (never had a problem with Ultra before, but then again the store had 6 of the Ultra 750W in stock and all of them were defective according to them).

Also, FUCK ATI CATALYST! Worst fucking software out there! Shit never installs.. never! Even in previous PCs of mine with ATI, that son of a bitch would never install!

Make sure your graphics card is securely inserted into your PCI-E slot. In your BIOS options, set the PCI-E slot to be the first detected.

Also, try turning off onboard video in your BIOS.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

Is there anything particularly wrong with this build?

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11170214

http://imgur.com/ZRcQk.png[IMG][/QUOTE]^^ Just remember to install 64-bit Windows as32-bit will not access more than 3GB of RAM. Also, try replacing the Case with Antec 300. Heard good stuff about it and after buying it, it fucking delivers! Quickest installation ever with 2 massive 120mm fans pre-installed and room for 3 more.


[QUOTE=Mystery]Make sure your graphics card is securely inserted into your PCI-E slot. In your BIOS options, set the PCI-E slot to be the first detected.

Also, try turning off onboard video in your BIOS.[/QUOTE]

I'll look into that. Also, the fan of the graphic card runs but yeah, nothing shows up on screen. Oh well, I already returned the PSU. Maybe a quick change or two in BIOS would work. ugh, I'm so impatient about these things.. What power supply do you guys recommend?

 

[darthbob]

^^ Just remember to install 64-bit Windows as32-bit will not access more than 3GB of RAM. Also, try replacing the Case with Antec 300. Heard good stuff about it and after buying it, it fucking delivers! Quickest installation ever with 2 massive 120mm fans pre-installed and room for 3 more.

Yeah, I know.

The case, is not my decision, as I'm putting this build together for a friend. I'd have already chosen an Antec case, but he wants something...flashier. Lame, I know. :lol

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

Yeah, I know.

The case, is not my decision, as I'm putting this build together for a friend. I'd have already chosen an Antec case, but he wants something...flashier. Lame, I know. :lol

I build a flashier case for my brother. I know exactly what you mean! The case came with a shitty 500W (lol) power supply that couldn't handle jackshit!

 

[Hazaro]

Is there anything particularly wrong with this build?

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11170214

http://imgur.com/ZRcQk.png

Swap the HDD to an F3 1TB Samsung or 1TB Western Digital. It's cheaper and faster.

Some possible changes:
A P7P55D-E / GB mobo instead for USB 3.0 (+$15)
A Corsair 650w PSU (+$10 AR) This thing will be eat power outages for your computer.

Also might wait on some GTX 460 reviews!
The damn thing was supposed to launch in 4 days and newegg has it in stock :lol

 

[Hazaro]

Does building a PC require technical knowledge or is it more like lego?
Is there the chance of destroying some piece of my PC (GPU, RAM whatever) in assembling it wrongly - will a mistake cost me big £££?
Is it really that much cheaper to build your own PC? What am I getting over a pre built one?
How long will it take to assemble it, will it take a long time or a few hours?

Lego
Very low (Don't smash anything or drop stuff from 6 feet up). Also good not to touch the contacts. At first I was super careful but now I'm brutal to components :lol. They are pretty hardy.
Cheaper in most cases, but even if it isn't you will gain knowledge, gain experience, be able to know your system and upgrade any part of it at will, replace and troubleshoot yourself, and have a 3-5 year warranty on most of your parts.

3) 15 minute video how-to
http://vimeo.com/5685229
40 minute how-to
http://www.tested.com/news/video-how-to-build-the-best-1500-gaming-pc-step-by-step/152/

For the first time I'd give yourself 2 hours if you are super duper careful about everything. (I know I was my first build) Once you get good at it it can take you maybe 10-15 minutes.

That's obnoxious. They're using a triple-channel memory pack for a dual-channel system, and I don't think there's a very good way to fill the fourth slot with a matching stick.

Well that's not necessarily true. Some mobos have 4 slots and run triple channel.

Terrible buy for a FF14 machine imo.


On the subject of prebuilt machines though, Dell have really knocked it out the park with their Studio XPS 7100, if you buy the highest stock config.

Anandtech have a nice review of it here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100

That is a very impressive prebuilt.

 

[Shambles]

Swap the HDD to an F3 1TB Samsung or 1TB Western Digital. It's cheaper and faster.

Some possible changes:
A P7P55D-E / GB mobo instead for USB 3.0 (+$15)
A Corsair 650w PSU (+$10 AR) This thing will be eat power outages for your computer.

Also might wait on some GTX 460 reviews!
The damn thing was supposed to launch in 4 days and newegg has it in stock :lol

Considering a solid 550W system is ample for running a GTX 470 I can only see the 460 requiring less, not more power.

 

[Alex]

Man, I need to pay more attention to cards outside of the moments when I really need one :lol

So I guess I'll get a 4890, and I need a DVI to HDMI adapter for that? I am confused. I got a new TV so I'm trying to figure all this out. I wish to play PC games on my nice new 46 inch 1080p set! This is fun.

 

[FleckSplat]

Hmm, does the Sonata III come with a good enough power supply (500 watts)? Or should I upgrade?

 

[brain_stew]

Hmm, does the Sonata III come with a good enough power supply (500 watts)? Or should I upgrade?

Its fine for any single card GPU setup that isn't a GTX 470/GTX480 rig.

 

[Hazaro]

hey guys, long time lurker here, just wanted to see what you guys thought of my new build that Im working with, and see if any of you guys have some suggestions:

Im on a 1400 dollar budget, and I want to get as best as I can right now without going too crazy: (Keep in mind the 1400 includes my new monitor, which is around 200)

CASE: Cooler Master CAC-TO5 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068)

CPU: Intel i7 - 930 (had a crazy good deal at MicroCenter, decided to jump on board with this)

MOTHERBOARD: EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9&Tpk=X58 SLI LE LGA 1366 X58 ATX Motherboard)

HARD DRIVE: Seagate 250GB 7,200 RPM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148451)

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145236)

COOLING SOLUTION: (my friend suggested it, said it will help alot) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181010&Tpk=corsair h50)

POWER SUPPLY: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006)

GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5850 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150477&cm_re=5850-_-14-150-477-_-Product)

The GPU is what Ive been going back and forth with..

Any suggestions / comments would be awesome, this is the first time Im building my own PC as well, thanks!!!!!

Don't need closed water system, don't need 4gb, the CM 5 is not a good buy anymore for the price. GPU is good. Might want to wait a few days to see how the GTX 460 does and if ATi responses with a price decrease.
Might want to swap mobo to this as it has USB/SATA 3:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641

(Ignore i5/mobo)

Considering a solid 550W system is ample for running a GTX 470 I can only see the 460 requiring less, not more power.

I meant that there is only 1 or 2 benchmarks done by people. No major review site has one yet. I'd like to see reviews of both revisions of the GTX 460.

 

[FleckSplat]

Its fine for any single card GPU setup that isn't a GTX 470/GTX480 rig.

Cool, sounds like I'm good then. I'm going with Radeon 5770.

 

[Teknoman]

Thinking about upgrading my motherboard and CPU, yet want to keep using my current ram and video card:

My PC: Athlon 64 X2 6400, 4GB ram (PC 6400 DDR2) , Radeon 4870 1GB.

I've already got a decent case and 650w power supply from my current build. I'm guessing theres nothing wrong with using DDR2 ram on a motherboard that may support DDR3 right?