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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition
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infinityBCRT
Member
This PC upgrade has been ridiculous, perhaps even a comedy of errors.
- Replaced 8800 with a 470. Had issues uninstalling the 8800 because I've never dealt with the PCI-E slot tab before
- Had trouble getting the 470 in the mobo. Had to try three or four times before the tab snapped out properly
- Once 470 is in, PC doesn't boot up all the time or shuts off while on. When it does work, games mostly run like crap (worse than 8800), clock speeds of GPU keep reverting to 2D Desktop mode
- Noticed a clicking noise while my PC was on, I chalked that up to one of the case fans being blocked by a wire (which has happened before). It wasn't a big deal since the case has 3 separate fans and doesn't really need all 3 running anyway. Figured I'd fix it when I put in a new PSU.
- Go to get new 850w PSU, when I open up my PC, turns out a PSU cable was blocking the CPU's fan (which caused the clicking noise). I had the PC on for about a day when I noticed that. Luckily I didn't open the new PSU box yet
- Backed up HDD, reinstalled Windows and installed StarCraft 2. Works like a charm now.
- Next time I turn on the PC, it gets stuck at the HDD detection screen. Looks like my primary HDD is dead. When I just stick in the eSata drive and unplug my internal, the PC starts up fine and detects the eSata drive fine. Good thing I was forced to backup my HDD before this happened
Next step: Get a new HDD.
- Replaced 8800 with a 470. Had issues uninstalling the 8800 because I've never dealt with the PCI-E slot tab before
- Had trouble getting the 470 in the mobo. Had to try three or four times before the tab snapped out properly
- Once 470 is in, PC doesn't boot up all the time or shuts off while on. When it does work, games mostly run like crap (worse than 8800), clock speeds of GPU keep reverting to 2D Desktop mode
- Noticed a clicking noise while my PC was on, I chalked that up to one of the case fans being blocked by a wire (which has happened before). It wasn't a big deal since the case has 3 separate fans and doesn't really need all 3 running anyway. Figured I'd fix it when I put in a new PSU.
- Go to get new 850w PSU, when I open up my PC, turns out a PSU cable was blocking the CPU's fan (which caused the clicking noise). I had the PC on for about a day when I noticed that. Luckily I didn't open the new PSU box yet
- Backed up HDD, reinstalled Windows and installed StarCraft 2. Works like a charm now.
- Next time I turn on the PC, it gets stuck at the HDD detection screen. Looks like my primary HDD is dead. When I just stick in the eSata drive and unplug my internal, the PC starts up fine and detects the eSata drive fine. Good thing I was forced to backup my HDD before this happened
Next step: Get a new HDD.
lastplayed
Member
CryptiK said:
I run a 1080p resolution with my 1GB 5770, and it runs pretty good with some high frame rates.
TheHeretic
Banned
Well I pulled the trigger on a GTX 460 768 for $240 AUD, cheers for everyones help. I was going to go for the 1GB version but at 1680x1050 the performance difference won't be there. A hard pill to swallow, I hope i'm impressed!
CryptiK said:
CryptiK said:
Wait. So you're able to adjust the BIOS and it just didn't work? From what I see, that mod is going to raise your FSB. It's meant for OEM motherboards that don't let you adjust the FSB in the BIOS. If you can manually adjust the BIOS and it doesn't work, it's because something is unstable (voltage, FSB, northbridge, memory, etc.) This problem isn't going to go away with that mod.
ChryZ said:
I'm no expert but I just recently (read: 2 days ago) did a build with an Evga X58 SLI board, i7-930 ($200 @ Microcenter if you have one local), Gigabyte GTX 460 1GB, 6GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 RAM, my existing 600W OCZ PSU, and today I'm getting a Solid State Drive. Even w/o the SSD, the thing is running excellently, and I was able to overclock the processor to 3.6Ghz on the first try with no stability issues whatsoever. (Hyper 212+ cooler btw, ~42-43C idle, 50s in SC2)
My point: I have a similar build and so far, so good. I haven't tested it with anything major yet though, but it's already super fast even without the SSD.
infinityBCRT
Member
Around the time that Windows 7 came out, I got the art of installing windows down to about 2 hours including all of the apps I use and all of the default configurations that I need. I had to install that thing like 5 or 6 times before I got media centre working properly with my 360.kpop100 said:
Inkwell said:
thanks alot inkwell
I successfully reinstalled my drivers correctly for once and so reinstalled the drivers for my chipets.
My pc hasn't had a BSOD in a full day! I hope this holds up. Imagine if the source of my BSODs were incorrectly installed mobo/gpu drivers !
infinityBCRT
Member
Don't use g-skill with a Gigabyte mobo though, I had problems with the second stick being detected (2x2gb) on my p55m-ud4. I ended up swapping to Kingston Hyper-X's and those worked fine.Lexxon said:
Felix Lighter
Member
ChryZ said:
DDR3-1333 is fine but if you're going to overclock, DDR3-1600 or better would probably make your life a little easier.
Solid State Drives as the OS drive.
I've been toying with this idea for awhile now, but I'm only willing to spend less than $150 CAD (taxes & shipping fees in). There are plenty of options out there for around that price including the following:
Keep in mind that I'm currently using a WD Raptor 36 GB as an OS drive, so I can live with the limited space.
I've been toying with this idea for awhile now, but I'm only willing to spend less than $150 CAD (taxes & shipping fees in). There are plenty of options out there for around that price including the following:
- Kingston SSDNow V Series Gen II 64GB
OCZ Vertex 2 Sandforce 40GB - OCZ Onyx Series Indilinx 32GB
- Corsair Storage Solutions Nova Series 32GB
Keep in mind that I'm currently using a WD Raptor 36 GB as an OS drive, so I can live with the limited space.
infinityBCRT
Member
Its hit and miss. Some work, others don't. And that compatibility list is pretty unreliable for the mobo, I've read about some of those brands on that list not working and vice versa.Salaadin said:
Maybe its different now, but when I built my i5 last fall, thats the experience I had.
I don't know what the consensus is in this thread. Will I get slapped for asking questions I might find deep within it?
I'm building a new PC and I have no idea what to get when it comes to a video card, so that's one thing. I don't need the top of the line but something that will last for a year or two. The other thing I have no idea about is if I should get an Intel or AMD CPU. Some people claim you get more value for the money when it comes to AMD but everyone keeps talking about Intel? Motherboard is another thing as well as a PSU. Maybe just the whole thing huh?
What I do not need is top of the line stuff. I'm just gonna play Starcraft 2, Diablo 3 whenever that arrives and maybe use it as a HTPC(?). Asus suggestions would be good because I can get that at my job.
I already bought some RAM because I got a really good price on that, and a new monitor is on it's way too. Can't wait!
I'm building a new PC and I have no idea what to get when it comes to a video card, so that's one thing. I don't need the top of the line but something that will last for a year or two. The other thing I have no idea about is if I should get an Intel or AMD CPU. Some people claim you get more value for the money when it comes to AMD but everyone keeps talking about Intel? Motherboard is another thing as well as a PSU. Maybe just the whole thing huh?
What I do not need is top of the line stuff. I'm just gonna play Starcraft 2, Diablo 3 whenever that arrives and maybe use it as a HTPC(?). Asus suggestions would be good because I can get that at my job.
I already bought some RAM because I got a really good price on that, and a new monitor is on it's way too. Can't wait!
Midas said:I don't know what the consensus is in this thread. Will I get slapped for asking questions I might find deep within it?
I'm building a new PC and I have no idea what to get when it comes to a video card, so that's one thing. I don't need the top of the line but something that will last for a year or two. The other thing I have no idea about is if I should get an Intel or AMD CPU. Some people claim you get more value for the money when it comes to AMD but everyone keeps talking about Intel? Motherboard is another thing as well as a PSU. Maybe just the whole thing huh?
What I do not need is top of the line stuff. I'm just gonna play Starcraft 2, Diablo 3 whenever that arrives and maybe use it as a HTPC(?). Asus suggestions would be good because I can get that at my job.
I already bought some RAM because I got a really good price on that, and a new monitor is on it's way too. Can't wait!
Blizzard and HTPC? 460 GTX is built for you. It's an absolute champion in SC2 and the fact it idles down so low in power consumption is great for HTPC when you're not gaming.
MiniBossman
Member
So my mountain of PC parts arrived yesterday. In looking over everything I noticed the cooler master had 932 case has an insert pointing out which points should be used for the motherboard stand offs. There were like 12 for an ATX mobo.
Should I be using all available standoffs for the mobo? I usually use only 4 or 5 as I was told as a teenager using more could short out the mobo. However this has resulted in squishy mobos when inserting addons.
Should I be using all available standoffs for the mobo? I usually use only 4 or 5 as I was told as a teenager using more could short out the mobo. However this has resulted in squishy mobos when inserting addons.
Felix Lighter
Member
MiniBossman said:
I would just recommend adding one for each screw hole on the motherboard. Don't add any more or less. There is no danger of shorting out the mobo if they are each aligned with a screw hole and your board will be properly supported.
BigBlackGamer
Member
You can get a 1TB WD Caviar Black for less then 100$. I would pick one of those up.
MiniBossman
Member
I like the WD green drives for low cost storage. I've had no issues with 1tb and 1.5tb drivesAlucrid said:
If you need more performance the WD black drives are well reviewed.
bigmit3737
Member
My cousin wants to build a PC for around $500 mainly for Starcraft 2. He lives in New Jersey, so he has access to Newegg and what not.
He already has a M+KB and monitor.
He would like at least 4 gigs of ram.
He doesn't need a huge hard drive.
He wants to build possibly this week/next week.
I checked the OP post, but it seems to be from Jan 2010, so hoping that things have changed by then.
Thank you.
He already has a M+KB and monitor.
He would like at least 4 gigs of ram.
He doesn't need a huge hard drive.
He wants to build possibly this week/next week.
I checked the OP post, but it seems to be from Jan 2010, so hoping that things have changed by then.
Thank you.
SuperAwesome
Member
bigmit3737 said:
He's going to get raped by taxes.
The_Inquisitor
Member
SuperAwesome said:
Yep he sure will. Does he have relatives in any local states that he can ship to?
Midas said:
KUFI said:nVidia cards dominates
CPUs
whole article (czech language needed
He posted that in the SC2 thread and took a lot of hate. I've seen no reason to think it's not legit. 460 GTX is about as future proof as anything. And at 229.99 for 1GB (don't buy 768MB), it's best bang for the buck.
SuperAwesome
Member
Also, that's the 768 mb version on the graph. Expect performance between that and the 480.
Minsc
Gold Member
bigmit3737 said:
I'd do this build and switch the 5670 for a GTS 250 (@ $100) for an extra $10, will net in a huge performance increase in SC2. He could also add another 2GB of RAM down the road for a nice boost... but with such a tight budget, that's a simple enough thing to split up to help keep the rest of it as good as it can be. I'd just go up to 4GB to start out personally.
Edit: Those SC2 benches above are CPU limited when you get to the GTX 460, plenty of other benches also support this showing nearly 0 gain going to SLI GTX 460s and is also supported by the GTX 480 having little gain, same w/ the 5870.
I'd like to see some SC2 benches done on a 7GHz+ i7 CPU, then we'd have some definitive answers to GPU scaling.
The_Inquisitor
Member
My GPU just arrived at the local distribution center. That means my GPU won't be delivered until tomorrow right? 
DrForester
Kills Photobucket
Here's my first draft.
Grade me GAF (And recommend me the best value for RAM, looking for 6 GB maybe 8 if it's a good deal). Also, I'm not very good with PSU's so let me know if that's not enough. I'm currently running a GTX260, which requires the power of several suns, so maybe that's what has me spooked.
Also, cooling with the case there. Should it be a problem? I have a cooler master now with a large fan on top and one in front, but I have questioned their usefulness. Might also go with a black case, haven't decided yet. I like that case because the USB inputs are on the bottom, better recommendations are welcome.
Components I'm keeping from my current PC:
2 disk drives
2 hard drives
Thanks
Oh and games I'll be playing:
TF2
FFXIV
Starcraft II
Civ V
Grade me GAF (And recommend me the best value for RAM, looking for 6 GB maybe 8 if it's a good deal). Also, I'm not very good with PSU's so let me know if that's not enough. I'm currently running a GTX260, which requires the power of several suns, so maybe that's what has me spooked.
Also, cooling with the case there. Should it be a problem? I have a cooler master now with a large fan on top and one in front, but I have questioned their usefulness. Might also go with a black case, haven't decided yet. I like that case because the USB inputs are on the bottom, better recommendations are welcome.
Components I'm keeping from my current PC:
2 disk drives
2 hard drives
Thanks
Oh and games I'll be playing:
TF2
FFXIV
Starcraft II
Civ V
Minsc
Gold Member
DrForester said:
Just look up reviews of the GPU you're buying, they list total system power at load. In your case, total system power in futuremark with a GTX 460 is a little over
A single 460 will max all those games you listed no problem, except maybe FFXIV, if they don't get the engine optimized. Seems to be doing better now though from what I've read, so things should be fine.
Smash88 said:
The 470 was basically the same price? Can that be right? Seems a bit weird if it's better. My friend is pushing me to get a i7 930. Really expensive, and the motherboard for it as well.
Edit: Sorry, it was 465 which had the same price. What's the difference between 460 and 465?
Minsc
Gold Member
Midas said:
There 465 is inferior in many ways (heat, noise, power), for a slightly better performance gain (a few %), which doesn't always hold true.
In the Techpowerup chart, the 465 actually came out slower on the average of many games than the 460.
The 460 is way more future proof than the i7 imo, easier to replace anyway! Better bang for the buck as well, unless you find the i7 at a bargain like at microcenter for $199.
Get a 955 instead of a 965. RAM? Get a 890X or 890GX chipset motherboard as they're cheaper and you don't really need 16x/16x bandwidth, even SLI GTX480s have 98% performance in 8x/8X mode. Get a better case such as an Antec 300, the inbuilt cooling will be more than up to the job.DrForester said:Here's my first draft.
Grade me GAF (And recommend me the best value for RAM, looking for 6 GB maybe 8 if it's a good deal). Also, I'm not very good with PSU's so let me know if that's not enough. I'm currently running a GTX260, which requires the power of several suns, so maybe that's what has me spooked.
Also, cooling with the case there. Should it be a problem? I have a cooler master now with a large fan on top and one in front, but I have questioned their usefulness. Might also go with a black case, haven't decided yet. I like that case because the USB inputs are on the bottom, better recommendations are welcome.
Components I'm keeping from my current PC:
2 disk drives
2 hard drives
Thanks
Oh and games I'll be playing:
TF2
FFXIV
Starcraft II
Civ V
Minsc
Gold Member
Midas said:
The i5 760 overclocked or the X6 1055T overclocked would both do it well. The X6 has more cores, so is probably a little more future proof, but the i5 generally runs slightly faster in games now, since most games don't use more than 2 cores. Even if you don't overclock, they both ship at around 3GHz, so they're still very capable.
The AMD platform seems to fair better in CPU upgrades if you get the right motherboard, Intel is generally one and done.
Didn't work? So you have a BIOS you can change stuff?CryptiK said:
Either way the BSEL works fine on tha large majority of Q6600's, but if you have a BIOS that can change FSB you should use it. Make sure your RAM is set at 1:1 in case you stepped over your RAM speed or something.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3756/2010-value-ssd-100-roundup-kingston-and-ocz-take-on-intelNo_Style said:
That said, you can get a WD Blue for $200 that has 128GB
Alternatively if you only care about read performance you can get a 64GB C300.
Samsung F3 1TB (Faster, cheaper) or WD Black 1.5TB (Better value).Alucrid said:
i5 750ChryZ said:
GB P55A-UD3 / Asus P7P55D-E Pro (If you plan to SLi)
4GB G.Skill 1600
CM 690 (Cent 5 will fit a GTX460, but it's a small case) I'd stay away from the advanced version. $20 more for nothing important imo.
GTX460 1GB
Corsair (650W has a combo deal with F3 1TB) - 750W if you plan to SLi 460's later
Samsung F3 1TB
________
That's $170 saved for 97% of the performance you'd get in most applications.
4GB is fine, 460 uses less power so keep your current PSU, If your CM case now has 2 large fan ports then it is better than the CM Cent 5 so use that as well.DrForester said:Here's my first draft.
Grade me GAF (And recommend me the best value for RAM, looking for 6 GB maybe 8 if it's a good deal). Also, I'm not very good with PSU's so let me know if that's not enough. I'm currently running a GTX260, which requires the power of several suns, so maybe that's what has me spooked.
Also, cooling with the case there. Should it be a problem? I have a cooler master now with a large fan on top and one in front, but I have questioned their usefulness. Might also go with a black case, haven't decided yet. I like that case because the USB inputs are on the bottom, better recommendations are welcome.
Components I'm keeping from my current PC:
If you are planning on FF14,Civ, and SC II I'd go with an i5 platform since it is better (and cheaper than the components you listed).
i5 750 (Not 760)
GB P55A-UD3 / Asus P7P55D-E Pro (If you plan to SLi)
4GB G.Skill 1600
i5-750 is better at: Clock for clock speed, gaming, some movie editing, can overclock to 4.2Ghz on averageMinsc said:
x6 1055T is better at: Having 2 more cores for same price, some specialized movie editing, stuff that actually uses 6 cores, Socket AM3 will stay for next generation of CPU's, can OC to ~3.8Ghz on average
i5-750 vs x6 1055T http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/147?vs=109
*Note that the super leads that are present in 3/4 games are entirely CPU bound unlike most modern games such as Batman: AA.
i5-750 vs i7-920 (Both 2.66Ghz, 920 has HT) http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/47?vs=109
...and reposting.
what's the best gaming laptop for $1,000-$1,200? Interested in Starcraft 2 of course...and i don't much feel like building a desktop pc anymore.
This one any good? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+6GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/9741729.p;jsessionid=722B301A5DC827BD7ACDE97BFF332ED9.bbolsp-app05-13?id=1218165344675&skuId=9741729&st=Asus_IntelPowered_Laptops&cp=1&lp=4
Is the ATI Mobility 5870 better than the Nvidia G360m?
This one any good? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+6GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/9741729.p;jsessionid=722B301A5DC827BD7ACDE97BFF332ED9.bbolsp-app05-13?id=1218165344675&skuId=9741729&st=Asus_IntelPowered_Laptops&cp=1&lp=4
Is the ATI Mobility 5870 better than the Nvidia G360m?
DrForester
Kills Photobucket
Hazaro said:
Sounds good. Asus board still good if you're not going to SLi, but may in the future?
Thanks again for the help.
Hazaro said:
That's interesting. Especially Intel Core i7 920 - 2.66GHz - 1MB L2 - 8MB L3 vs Intel Core i5 750 - 2.66GHz - 1MB L2 - 8MB L3. But that must be because the quad core isn't used that much, no?
This is a jungle. I know which GPU to get now thanks to you guys. But CPU, still can't decide. :lol
Yup. It's just another $40 for a possible SLi setup in the future. Note you need the pro board due to a chip on the PCI-E lane giving extra bandwidth to support USB/SATA3 bandwidth. As far as I know that's the model sub $200 board with that atm.DrForester said:
Look at the performance differences and what programs they were used on. Is the extra $120 worth it? For most I think not.Midas said:
Get the i5.
DrForester
Kills Photobucket
Hazaro said:
Hehe yeah. But what about that AMD CPU you posted? It's six core, right? But the moterboard only support four? So if I decide on i5. Which is the better on? 750 or 760? And which motherboard should I get?
Edit: Ooh. 750 is quad core? Yeah, that's the one to get then.
And thanks for all the help.
So my HIS 5770 has been using the GPU at nearly 100% with Starcraft II at Ultra settings and FFXIV at, well, whatever settings because that game needs help. And it gets up to temperatures of 70-80 celsius quite easily (running MSI Afterburner to monitor GPU load, temp, fan speed, etc) with the fan going absolutely nuts (it's quite loud).
This seems pretty wrong, but I'm looking for feedback and possible issues. I'm not sure if my card is faulty or something else is wrong, but it's making me think I should just switch videocards.
Edit: I should add that it's idling at 45 celsius, which is about 10 degrees hotter than almost all the reviews I've found for the card.
This seems pretty wrong, but I'm looking for feedback and possible issues. I'm not sure if my card is faulty or something else is wrong, but it's making me think I should just switch videocards.
Edit: I should add that it's idling at 45 celsius, which is about 10 degrees hotter than almost all the reviews I've found for the card.
bigmit3737
Member
Minsc said:
Thank you for this. I will talk to him and see if he can bump up his budget a little more.
Yup.DrForester said:
Those temps are fine if you are using Kombuster / FURMark to load. Loudness is relative, does it seem unnecessarily loud? Try turn down the fan to 40-60% and see if that helps.LaneDS said:
Cut the HDD to a 500GB Samsung (-$25), get an Antec 300 + 380W or Antec sonata + 500W (-$10), and bump GPU to a GTS 250 (+$25)bigmit3737 said: