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[brain_stew]

Quick(?) Question....

I just ordered a 460 GTX 1gb to upgrade my old 8800GT 512MB. My CPU is a Q6600. Is it worth it for me to buy a new i5-750 or i7-930 processor/mobo combo?

Not at all, just OC to 3ghz+ and all will be well. You would still be GPU bottlenecked in most games at 1680x1050 with a GTX 460+3ghz Core 2 Quad, the small boost in a few games isn't worth the $400+ outlay (Mobo+CPU+RAM), far better off just getting a ~$30 cooler and getting practically the same ingame result.

 

[h0pper]

thr 5870 is better than the GTX460? hm. ok I'll check it out.

 

[brain_stew]

Ok question. I OC'ed my cpu to 3.34 Ghz and have ram at 1600.

My ambient cpu temp is 62 celsius w/ the stock cooler. Does this seem a bit high? I think it is really high. This is what the bios is reporting.

I used the stock thermal coating that came pre-applied to the stock fan. I then pushed down until stock fan clicked into mobo. I then twisted things to lock them in place.

Edit: Might it be because my paste hasn't cured yet? I admit I started to try to take it off when I thought I made a mistake. But I didnt actually pop it off, I just pushed the pin back on one of the legs.

Depends on the chip but generally speaking that isn't too high for a load temp, ridiculous for idle. Use OCCT to benchmark your OCs, you can have it cut off once your CPU reaches a certain temp (set it to whatever the max specified for your chip is.

You really shouldn't be OCng on stock cooling though. Decent coolers can be had for $20-$30 and are worth it for the reduction in noise alone, no excuses.

 

[brain_stew]

Hi, GAF. I'm a total PC noob. I've been strictly a console gamer for all of the last decade. Last PC game I played was Diablo II. But with Starcraft II finally here, I'm ready to come back into the folds of the PC master race (if you'll accept me!!).

I'm customizing a gaming PC via Dell.com right now. My parents have an account with Dell so they're insistent upon me using nothing else.

Here's what I've built so far (the important, relevant to gaming stuff, at least):

PROCESSOR: Intel® Core™ i7 820QM 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
VIDEO CARD: CrossfireX™ 1GB ATI Radeon™ Mobility HD 5870
LCD PANEL: 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED (1200p)
MEMORY: 6GB Memory (1x 2GB, 1x 4GB DDR3)
HARD DRIVE: 500GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
SOUND OPTIONS: Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio

This is for a laptop, btw. Need it for school, too.

I am not interested in being able to run Crysis or anything. I just want to be sure I can play Blizzard games (mainly SCII and Diablo III) at max settings + Valve games at max settings, really.

Is this good enough, GAF?

Please respond quick! I want to buy this today while my parents are convinced it's a good idea!

A mobility 5870 isn't going to push modern games at that resolution with much regularity, Use a lower resolution panel, should save you some cash as well.

How much of a premium are you paying for the 820 over the 720? if its anything more than $50-$100, don't bother.

You must also be aware this is not a laptop you are buying. Its a desktop replacement machine, big difference.

 

[brain_stew]

Thanks to my mother's employee discount I was able to upgrade to an Alienware M17x again.

Currently looking at the following:

PROCESSOR: (Undecided)
VIDEO CARD: CrossfireX™ 1GB ATI Radeon™ Mobility HD 5870
LCD PANEL: 17-inch WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 (900p)
MEMORY: 4GB Dual Channel Memory (2x 2GB DDR3)
HARD DRIVE: 320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD

I'm guessing that Video Card is for superior to the NVIDIA 260 I posted earlier?

Here are my Dell-provided choices for the Processor:

Intel® Core™ i5 520M 2.4GHz (2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 3MB Cache) [subtract $135.00]
Intel® Core™ i5 540M 2.53GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 3MB Cache) [subtract $90.00]
Intel® Core™ i7 620M 2.66 GHz (3.33GHz Turbo Mode, 4MB Cache) [Included in Price]
Intel® Core™ i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache) add $0.00
Intel® Core™ i7 820QM 1.73GHz (3.06GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache) [add $270.00 or $8.00/month-1]
Intel® Core™ i7 920XM 2.0GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache) [add $810.00 or $24.00/month-1] Alienware Recommended

That last one is out of the question. What's my best option? The 720QM?

Thank you for tolerating my CPU stupidity!

Get the 720m, the rest are all really poorly priced.

 

[brain_stew]

Hey, I'm planning to build a high end gaming PC, currently pretty much Final Fantasy XIV in mind. My price roof is probably around 1100-1200 euros (note: shit is a lot more expensive here in Finland). I want a PC that will last for a good while and won't have shit bottlenecking right away. I have no interest in overclocking, so I don't need any extreme parts in that regard.

These are the parts I've looked at, but I really don't know if it seems any good. Haven't decided if I should go ATI or Nvidia yet, either. These parts are 1033 euros at the moment, and it's not everything I need.

GFX Card: XFX Ati Radeon HD 5770, 1GB (or 5850? I dunno)
CPU: Intel Core i7 930 2.8GHz LGA1366 BOXED (is i7 an overkill?)
Motherboard: Asus P6T, X58, LGA1366, DDR3, SLI / Crossfire, ATX (good basic mobo i hear?)
RAM: Corsair 6GB Kit (3x2GB) Dominator, TR3X6G1600C8D, DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800)(4, 6 or 8GB?)
PSU: Nexus 630W RX-6300 ATX-Power Supply, PFC, 80Plus Bronze (is this enough for this sort of a PC?)

Also in need of a nice new case for all this junk.

Thanks.

Finland is part of the EU, right? Try some of the UK retailers in the OP, good chance at least one of them ships outside the UK and pricing here is much better and since the transaction is within the EU there's no worrying about custom fees or extra VAT charges.

Either way very poorly balanced for a gaming rig. Spend less on the CPU/MOBO/RAM (i5-750, 1055T, x4 955 etc.) and more on the GPU (a GTX 460 or 5870).

No need for a 630w PSU unless you plan to run a dual GPU config sometime soon. 500w would be fine. Get it from a more well known brand as well.

 

[brain_stew]

So I'm thinking about this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127495

I should be able to upgrade the motherboard at a later date and get a better processor and RAM without needing to pick up the other things that seems to add up on my budget. What's GAF's thoughts on this for a second?

Shitty outdated components, you'd need a new PSU as well. I.E. Don't buy this

 

[Osaka]

Finland is part of the EU, right? Try some of the UK retailers in the OP, good chance at least one of them ships outside the UK and pricing here is much better and since the transaction is within the EU there's no worrying about custom fees or extra VAT charges.

Either way very poorly balanced for a gaming rig. Spend less on the CPU/MOBO/RAM (i5-750, 1055T, x4 955 etc.) and more on the GPU (a GTX 460 or 5870).

No need for a 630w PSU unless you plan to run a dual GPU config sometime soon. 500w would be fine. Get it from a more well known brand as well.

You're not commenting the latest build i made Also I asked around and since I can get a 750W for like 13 euros more than a 550W I think I'll go with that.

Current build looks like this. Changed the RAM and the PSU.

 

[brain_stew]

Well that's much better, still feels a little pricey compared to UK pricing though so I'd still investigate that avenue if I were you.

200 Euros on a motherboard feels like overkill to me.

 

[MichaelEM3]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, guys. Just a few more questions before I add this to my cart:

A mobility 5870 isn't going to push modern games at that resolution with much regularity, Use a lower resolution panel, should save you some cash as well.

So you're saying the GPU is a little too good for modern gaming? Unfortunately that's the cheapest option this custom build provides.

Get the 720m, the rest are all really poorly priced.

Stupid question incoming:

So despite the 720QM having the lowest GHz, it's still the best deal of the bunch (excluding the overpriced 820 and 920)? Is that because of it being QM?

You must also be aware this is not a laptop you are buying. Its a desktop replacement machine, big difference.

Definitely. I don't even have a home desktop anymore. This is supposed to be my all-in-one device for the next half decade at least.

 

[brain_stew]

So you're saying the GPU is a little too good for modern gaming? Unfortunately that's the cheapest option this custom build provides.


Stupid question incoming:

So despite the 720QM having the lowest GHz, it's still the best deal of the bunch (excluding the overpriced 820 and 920)? Is that because of it being QM?


Definitely. I don't even have a home desktop anymore. This is supposed to be my all-in-one device for the next half decade at least.

Yes it has 4 cores and 8 threads. When applications don't stress all the cores/threads it will automatically clock upto a higher clockspeed, as high as 3.06ghz. In many games you'll effectively be running a ~3ghz dual core instead of a 1.66ghz 8 threaded, quad core.


The 5770 isn't fast enough for most games at native resolution if you go with the 1920x1200 panel, get the 1440x900 and it'll run everything just fine. If you want longevity out of this machine in games then you're going to have to sacrifice some desktop resolution. You can always plug in an external monitor if you need more desktop space later on, anyway

 

[MichaelEM3]

Yes it has 4 cores and 8 threads. When applications don't stress all the cores/threads it will automatically clock upto a higher clockspeed, as high as 3.06ghz. In many games you'll effectively be running a ~3ghz dual core instead of a 1.66ghz 8 threaded, quad core.

The 5770 isn't fast enough for most games at native resolution if you go with the 1920x1200 panel, get the 1440x900 and it'll run everything just fine. If you want longevity out of this machine in games then you're going to have to sacrifice some desktop resolution. You can always plug in an external monitor if you need more desktop space later on, anyway

Thanks for the clarification.

Will follow your advice and place my order now! Thank you so much, Master Race GAF! :lol

 

[Felix Lighter]

Thanks for the clarification.

Will follow your advice and place my order now! Thank you so much, Master Race GAF! :lol

You'll love it. Having a laptop that can run games well is awesome. If it wasn't for the poor price to performance ratio and the lack of upgrade options, I'd go with one every time.

 

[leroidys]

Sorry for the repost... I just wanted to get this on the new page. I'm a complete computer noob, and just want to make sure this won't blow up or has really stupid/obvious bottlenecks or anything.

OK, I'm getting really close to finally pulling the trigger. My target was under $600 and I just about made it if I get those rebates.

I wanted to build something that would have a clear upgrade path for the next several years, but still be able to play current games at decent settings at lowish resolution (my pc is hooked up to my 720p tv). I mainly want to play valve and blizzard games, rts, mmos, and a couple other fps like the new red orchestra. I also want to be able to run PCSX2, and will be doing absolutely no video editing or anything like that.

Please let me know if there's anywhere else I can cut cost without sacrificing too much, or if these parts aren't compatible, or if there are any obvious bottlenecks, or whatever. Thanks a lot, you guys have been a great help so far!

 

[Stormtrooper30]

So, I've been configuring different PCs over at Cyberpower's website and it always comes out to be about $1,100. I can only afford about $800 when all is said and done, but I want to be able to play games like StarCraft II and the Total War games. Maybe an RPG every now and then, but not really an FPS; that's what my 360 is for.

Is $800 too low to shoot for in a quad core PC with a GTX 460?

 

[shigsy]

I used the stock thermal coating that came pre-applied to the stock fan. I then pushed down until stock fan clicked into mobo. I then twisted things to lock them in place.

Not sure if you sorted this yet but I'm pretty sure twisting them is for unlocking them. Check the little manual that came with the CPU, when I fit mine I made sure the arrows were in the correct position and then pushed them down until they made a high pitched 'snick'. Be prepared to push fairly hard and do opposite corners first.

I've personally found the stock cooler to be pretty efficient and from previous posts in this thread it sounds very much like your heatsink may not be on properly.

Hope this helps!

 

[Felix Lighter]

So, I've been configuring different PCs over at Cyberpower's website and it always comes out to be about $1,100. I can only afford about $800 when all is said and done, but I want to be able to play games like StarCraft II and the Total War games. Maybe an RPG every now and then, but not really an FPS; that's what my 360 is for.

Is $800 too low to shoot for in a quad core PC with a GTX 460?

$800 is perfect.

Here's one thrown together in minutes on newegg for $825 and your getting six cores. With a little more work you could save more money I'm sure.

Edit: That doesn't include OS and other basics (mouse, keyboard, monitor)

 

[brain_stew]

If you want to run PCSX2 then go Intel.

 

[Osaka]

There we go, shuffled some money and parts around! I think this is pretty close to final.

Anyone have any experience of the XFX HD5870's size? How badly it'll block my shit on the mobo?

Other comments welcome.

 

[leroidys]

If you want to run PCSX2 then go Intel.

Oh ok. What if I swapped this in? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.443519

 

[The_Inquisitor]

Not sure if you sorted this yet but I'm pretty sure twisting them is for unlocking them. Check the little manual that came with the CPU, when I fit mine I made sure the arrows were in the correct position and then pushed them down until they made a high pitched 'snick'. Be prepared to push fairly hard and do opposite corners first.

I've personally found the stock cooler to be pretty efficient and from previous posts in this thread it sounds very much like your heatsink may not be on properly.

Hope this helps!

I lowered the clock to 2.8ghz and ran it overnight. idle temps are about 47C now. It passed OCCT with no errors. Perhaps around xmas I will buy an aftermarket cooler.

 

[mcdomination]

I just installed an eVGA 465 GTX (1GB) to replace my Saphire HD4870 (512MB). However, a couple of benchmarks and even my Windows Index show the 465GTX to be weaker than my 4870. Is this right???

 

[Mr_Brit]

There we go, shuffled some money and parts around! I think this is pretty close to final.

Anyone have any experience of the XFX HD5870's size? How badly it'll block my shit on the mobo?

Other comments welcome.

Is that a reputable PSU make? Personally I'd go with something like a Corsair if you can afford it or an OCZ if you want to go cheaper. Also, get some cheaper RAM, there is no point spending so much on that eco nonsense, get the cheapest good brand RAM you can get e.g. Corsair value 1333MHz RAM. Take the money you spend on RAM and try to get a GTX 480, stronger than a 5870 and gives you all the usual nvidia benefits.

 

[MikeE21286]

Thanks for the advice on the CPU/Mobo question. Looks like I'm gonna stand pat and possibly try to OC. I do have G0 Q6600, which IIRC is quite good at OC'ing

 

[Midas]

I'm back with more questions!

Regarding heat and such. How big should the case be? Do I even have to think about that? And will a modern graphics card fit in all cases these days? I remember that I hardly had space for the Geforce card I had in my old computer.

 

[Mr_Brit]

I'm back with more questions!

Regarding heat and such. How big should the case be? Do I even have to think about that? And will a modern graphics card fit in all cases these days? I remember that I hardly had space for the Geforce card I had in my old computer.

A midi tower case from a good make such as Antec will hold everything and have more than good enough airflow.

 

[Midas]

A midi tower case from a good make such as Antec will hold everything and have more than good enough airflow.

Hehe, Antec. I remember when I used to work with RMA. So many broken Antec PSU's that you couldn't even count them. But I guess a case is a different thing.

I was looking into this (without the included PSU): http://www.aceofsweden.com/catalog/product/view/id/110/s/apex4-white/category/3/

 

[K.Jack]

I just installed an eVGA 465 GTX (1GB) to replace my Saphire HD4870 (512MB). However, a couple of benchmarks and even my Windows Index show the 465GTX to be weaker than my 4870. Is this right???

I must ask.....

Why are you buying a 465, in the era of the 460?

 

[phinious]

Anyone have an opinion on the Asus laptop at bestbuy that they are claiming is a gaming laptop? Its $1200,but comes with 5870, 6 gigs of ram, 500gb HD. Both my laptop and PC are fried and I'm thinking of just getting a gaming laptop instead of a gaming pc and regular laptop.

 

[brain_stew]

Anyone have an opinion on the Asus laptop at bestbuy that they are claiming is a gaming laptop? Its $1200,but comes with 5870, 6 gigs of ram, 500gb HD. Both my laptop and of are fried and I'm thinking of just getting a gaming laptop instead of a gaming pc and regular laptop.

The G73?

Fantastic machine, best gaming notebook on the market imo. The GPU is equivalent to a desktop 5770, fyi.

 

[phinious]

I'd post a link,but I am reduced to posting on my ZuneHD
Think I could play crysis on it? Bought it for my PC. It didn't run it well enough to play

 

[K.Jack]

Anyone have an opinion on the Asus laptop at bestbuy that they are claiming is a gaming laptop? Its $1200,but comes with 5870, 6 gigs of ram, 500gb HD. Both my laptop and of are fried and I'm thinking of just getting a gaming laptop instead of a gaming pc and regular laptop.

The G73 is a pretty good deal. the Mobility 5870 is a downclocked 5770, and you can easily OC it.

edit: must be said, that there are quite a few lemons out there

 

[Mr_Brit]

Hehe, Antec. I remember when I used to work with RMA. So many broken Antec PSU's that you couldn't even count them. But I guess a case is a different thing.

I was looking into this (without the included PSU): http://www.aceofsweden.com/catalog/product/view/id/110/s/apex4-white/category/3/

Airflow on that thing looks terrible, I can't imagine the price of the thing makes it very good value either. Ideally you want a spacious case with space for at least 1 front, back and top fan and all of them should be at least 120mm, it should also have good build quality and cable management options. The thing with cases is that opinions on looks vary, some like flashy gamerzzz cases with a million LED fans and others like more subdued cases made from quality materials and that ooze a certain sense of class. I'm firmly in the second camp and if that's what you're going for pick up a Fractal Design R2 and put some 120mm fans in there to improve airflow.

P.S: Antec are one of the biggest selling case manufacturers and all of their cases are top notch. Their PSUs on the other hand are not as good.

 

[Operations]

I'm torn between buying a maxed Macbook Pro 17 or a hp Envy 17. The graphics card of the Envy is clearly superior and the price of both is about the same. Admittedly, I don't do much PC gaming these days, but I do at least expect excellent performance for Starcraft 2 and, eventually, Diablo 3.

Any thoughts?

 

[phinious]

Is it easy to OC them? I have no idea how though. Also, whAt do you mean by lemons?

 

[Midas]

Airflow on that thing looks terrible, I can't imagine the price of the thing makes it very good value either. Ideally you want a spacious case with space for at least 1 front, back and top fan and all of them should be at least 120mm, it should also have good build quality and cable management options. The thing with cases is that opinions on looks vary, some like flashy gamerzzz cases with a million LED fans and others like more subdued cases made from quality materials and that ooze a certain sense of class. I'm firmly in the second camp and if that's what you're going for pick up a Fractal Design R2 and put some 120mm fans in there to improve airflow.

P.S: Antec are one of the biggest selling case manufacturers and all of their cases are top notch. Their PSUs on the other hand are not as good.

That Fractal Design R2 looks really nice. Price is good too. Will the included fans be enough, quality wise? And I agree with the case thing. I don't understand the LED and things like that.

 

[Geoff9920]

Relatively new to this... but does this look like a bad vid card to you guys?

 

[brain_stew]

I'm torn between buying a maxed Macbook Pro 17 or a hp Envy 17. The graphics card of the Envy is clearly superior and the price of both is about the same. Admittedly, I don't do much PC gaming these days, but I do at least expect excellent performance for Starcraft 2 and, eventually, Diablo 3.

Any thoughts?

Only buy the Mac if you need OS X, the Envy 17 is the better machine.

 

[brain_stew]

Relatively new to this... but does this look like a bad vid card to you guys?

Nope, that's just the way JC2 deals with shadow LODs. Some command line options were adding in the recent patch if you want to change the shadow distance.

 

[Geoff9920]

Nope, that's just the way JC2 deals with shadow LODs. Some command line options were adding in the recent patch if you want to change the shadow distance.

:lol Are you serious? Wow, and here I've been worried that the new card is bad. Thanks!

 

[Osaka]

Is that a reputable PSU make? Personally I'd go with something like a Corsair if you can afford it or an OCZ if you want to go cheaper. Also, get some cheaper RAM, there is no point spending so much on that eco nonsense, get the cheapest good brand RAM you can get e.g. Corsair value 1333MHz RAM. Take the money you spend on RAM and try to get a GTX 480, stronger than a 5870 and gives you all the usual nvidia benefits.

Your advice is a bit too late, ordered the whole thing already :lol

LC is an European brand, and is pretty good from what I've heard. Friend has the same PSU and he recommended it, so I went with that. Detachable cables is a plus. Pricing is very similar to other brands, as well.

The RAM is pretty close to the cheapest 4GB kit on the site I use, I'm not really paying extra for the ECO "nonsense". Corsair kit is like ~5 euros less.

About the GFX card, my previous choice was a GTX 460, but I got some cheaper parts (memory and mobo and cpu for instance), and put the money towards a HD4870. GTX 480 is a bit out of my price range. Also, I've been an ATI user for years now (silly reason, I know).

Thanks anyway!

 

[h0pper]

I'd like to get some more input on the GTX460. Mr_Brit recommended I go with ATi 5870. Anyone else have an opinion here?

 

[BigBlackGamer]

The GTX 480 is not that powerful anyway. Maybe 10% frame increase over the 5870. It sucks more power and runs hotter then the 5870 too and cost 100$ more. Not worth it IMO.

 

[The_Inquisitor]

Anyone know what the max temperature my GTX 460 should run at @ load? Also for my i5-750?

Edit: Also what UI's/gadgets do you guys use to monitor your computer stats from the desktop.

 

[Stormtrooper30]

Thanks for the Newegg link, but I'm not so sure that I trust myself to build my own rig.

Been snooping around and have put together this. Tell me what yall think.

-Tower: Cooler Master Elite 310
-Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 810 2.6 GHz (2mb cache)
-Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 (AMD 790X chipset)
-System Memory: 4 GB DDR3 1600MHz
-Power Supply: 500W
-HDD: 1TB Hitachi 7200 rpm
-Video: GTX 460
-One optical drive (may upgrade for Blue Ray, not sure yet)

Basically with limited cooling and without an operating system it comes out to $1,050 assembled. Seems a bit steep to me, but I'm no expert.

 

[Milabrega]

Going to get this CPU/Mobo Combo, this hard drive and this PSU.

I want to get a 5770, just don't know which brand to go with any in put? I'm going 5770 over 460 to save money both in upfront costs and power consumption. 5770's running cooler and quieter is a plus too.

Also indecisive as to what case to buy and what kind of 4gb memory I should buy. Any input there would be appreciated.

 

[Hazaro]

OK, I'm getting really close to finally pulling the trigger. My target was under $600 and I just about made it if I get those rebates.

I wanted to build something that would have a clear upgrade path for the next several years, but still be able to play current games at decent settings at lowish resolution (my pc is hooked up to my 720p tv). I mainly want to play valve and blizzard games, rts, mmos, and a couple other fps like the new red orchestra. I also want to be able to run PCSX2, and will be doing absolutely no video editing or anything like that.

Get an Antec Sonata w/ 500W PSU. That'll save you $40. (Alternatively get a Corsair 650W and combo that with the Samsung F3)
Upgrade the CPU to a 635 for $1 more.
Get a 4850 or a GTS 250 instead.

Is $800 too low to shoot for in a quad core PC with a GTX 460?

Not at all.

http://i.imgur.com/A55hA.jpg

P.S: Antec are one of the biggest selling case manufacturers and all of their cases are top notch. Their PSUs on the other hand are not as good.

The Antec EarthWatts is what ships in most of the cases now and is a solid PSU.

I'd like to get some more input on the GTX460. Mr_Brit recommended I go with ATi 5870. Anyone else have an opinion here?

460. Price difference just isn't justifiable imo.

Anyone know what the max temperature my GTX 460 should run at @ load? Also for my i5-750?

Edit: Also what UI's/gadgets do you guys use to monitor your computer stats from the desktop.

In the OP.
65C load for i5, 70C usual load for 460 (but can go higher).

Thanks for the Newegg link, but I'm not so sure that I trust myself to build my own rig.

Been snooping around and have put together this. Tell me what yall think.

-Tower: Cooler Master Elite 310
-Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 810 2.6 GHz (2mb cache)
-Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 (AMD 790X chipset)
-System Memory: 4 GB DDR3 1600MHz
-Power Supply: 500W
-HDD: 1TB Hitachi 7200 rpm
-Video: GTX 460
-One optical drive (may upgrade for Blue Ray, not sure yet)

Basically with limited cooling and without an operating system it comes out to $1,050 assembled. Seems a bit steep to me, but I'm no expert.

Steep. Trust yourself. Build it. It's really easy.
http://vimeo.com/5685229

Going to get this CPU/Mobo Combo, this hard drive and this PSU.

I want to get a 5770, just don't know which brand to go with any in put? I'm going 5770 over 460 to save money both in upfront costs and power consumption. 5770's running cooler and quieter is a plus too.

Also indecisive as to what case to buy and what kind of 4gb memory I should buy. Any input there would be appreciated.

G.Skill 1600

Also unless you can get a 5770 at $120-$130 I'd say the GTX460's that have been popping up on sale already are a much, much better value in the long run.

 

[h0pper]

Hazaro, how do you feel about dual 460's? I'm hearing it's not worth it, but I wanted a good opinion and you seem to be a guru around here.

 

[Loxley]

Hey guys, I'm in need of a processor upgrade; currently I'm using an Intel Core2 Duo E700 2.6 GHz. Part of the reason I want to specifically replace my processor is because about a year ago I upgraded my video card from a 9500GT to a 9800GTX, and lately my CPU just hasn't been able to keep up with my GPU.

The thing is, I've never replaced a CPU myself before. Literally the only thing I've ever actually installed and upgraded myself on my rig was an HD sound card a few months back, which obviously doesn't require a lot of technical prowess or know-how to do.

I understand there's a more lot to bare in mind when upgrading your CPU than a sound card D) namely is it compatible with my motherboard, which is an Asus P5GC-MX/1333.

Basically, what I'd prefer to do is get an updated CPU without having to replace my motherboard (simply because doing so seems like it'll be far too complicated for a first-timer), so if anyone has any suggestions I'd definitely appreciate it If you need any more information about my motherboard let me know and I'll try and dig it up.

*Oh, price wise, my budget is essentially $100. I'm willing to go maybe $10-$20 over, but I'd prefer to keep the price around $100 max

 

[Minsc]

Hazaro, how do you feel about dual 460's? I'm hearing it's not worth it, but I wanted a good opinion and you seem to be a guru around here.

In SC2 dual 460s give the same performance as a single 460, the single GPU is maxing out the engine, so I wouldn't worry about it for that game.

The great thing about SLI, is you can just get 1 card now, and upgrade to 2 when you're not happy with the single card's performance.

There's 2GB 460s coming out, if you're thinking of running 2560x1600, you may want to consider going that route (at that resolution SLI may make more sense too).

A single 460 is FAST though, no real reason to go dual unless you're really seeking the highest cutting edge performance out (or must have high AA all times / wanting to do 3DVision).