-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition
- Thread starter Spy
- Start date
I hate to bring it back up, but I managed to land a free (dad works at an industrial site, they hand out the old and unusued to employees) NEC monitor. It's a MultiSync LCD2080UX+ with a native contrast ratio of 1600x1200.
Admittedly, I'm not a genius when it comes to all this resolution shit so my brain automatically tells me "bu...bu... it's not widescreen!"
So my question is, as far as gaming is concerned, is 1600x1200 a proper gaming resolution or would I be missing out on anything (like view of the playing field) for games like StarCraft 2?
Just matching the numbers up, a 1680x1050 would have a decent amount of less pixels, right?
Thanks for any help.
Admittedly, I'm not a genius when it comes to all this resolution shit so my brain automatically tells me "bu...bu... it's not widescreen!"
So my question is, as far as gaming is concerned, is 1600x1200 a proper gaming resolution or would I be missing out on anything (like view of the playing field) for games like StarCraft 2?
Just matching the numbers up, a 1680x1050 would have a decent amount of less pixels, right?
Thanks for any help.
Haint
Member
1stStrike said:
Something I wasn't aware of, you get to choose every single component building at cyberpowerpc.com. Popular, well reviewed, name brand components. I thought they just sold that non-descript pre-built crap on newegg where none of the components are listed. This is the best alternative for people that don't want to build themselves, or want to avoid OC-locks and 400 watt off-brand PSU in Dell's or HP's
I'm going to repost this here, I'll probably get more answers...
I'm looking for a new monitor; so far I've had my PC connected to my plasma TV, but StarCraft 2 has created some bad, bad image retention, so it's time to switch the PC to a monitor.
My PC is basically the "$1000 Canadian Build" from the OP, with a few tweaks. Mu budget would be 200-300$. The ability to rotate the monitor to a vertical position would be a huge plus (for my shmup love). Right now I'm kind of lost since there's such a huge choice, with varying quality.
Edit: In Canada!
I'm looking for a new monitor; so far I've had my PC connected to my plasma TV, but StarCraft 2 has created some bad, bad image retention, so it's time to switch the PC to a monitor.
My PC is basically the "$1000 Canadian Build" from the OP, with a few tweaks. Mu budget would be 200-300$. The ability to rotate the monitor to a vertical position would be a huge plus (for my shmup love). Right now I'm kind of lost since there's such a huge choice, with varying quality.
Edit: In Canada!
Reallink said:
Good tip. I just put together this rig on that site:
Configuration
CPU: Intel® Core i7-940 2.93 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366
HDD: 1TB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Hard Drive)
MEMORY: 6GB (2GBx3) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
MOTHERBOARD: * Asus P6T SE Intel X58 Chipset CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 SATA RAID w/ eSATA,GbLAN,USB2.0,IEEE1394a,&7.1Audio
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB 16X PCIe Video Card [+171] (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
Does this seem like a decent deal for under $1200?
PC-gaf, could you guys please evaluate this build? Am I getting a decent bang for the buck here? Or can someone else suggest a better build for $1200-ish?
I wanted the P183 case because I read that it is pretty quiet, and Newegg suggested a mobo-combo deal, but the mobo seems priced a bit high to me. Do mobos make a huge difference in performance?
Note, I have a couple more HDDs and a dvdrw I'm planning on re-using in this rig.
Update:
Changed the pic to reflect a less expensive mobo since I won't be overclocking.
I wanted the P183 case because I read that it is pretty quiet, and Newegg suggested a mobo-combo deal, but the mobo seems priced a bit high to me. Do mobos make a huge difference in performance?
Note, I have a couple more HDDs and a dvdrw I'm planning on re-using in this rig.
Update:
Changed the pic to reflect a less expensive mobo since I won't be overclocking.
brain_stew
Member
Motherboards are differentiated by featureset and OCing options not performance. If you don't need all the high end features of that motherboard, then don't pay for them.
So I get a terrible virus recently and it's really done a number on my computer. It's been 7 years since I got my sony vaio, and I think it's time to trade it in. My dvd drives have failed to work, the ball bearings on all the fans are loose, and my hard drive is on its last leg.
The problem is I'm way out of the loop on the current technology, the top processors and graphics cards. It seems to me that prices have dropped pretty sharply so I'm definitely in the market to buy a new one. The thing is I want to buy another one that will be top of the line and last me a long time. I'm not sure I want to build my own, so I was looking at package deals at best buy. Is this a bad idea? I know it's cheaper to build, but it's so convenient having everything right in front of me ready to go, and it's all covered under warranty. I'm looking at the package deals, because my monitor is absolutely terrible, and has been for a while now.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Es...?id=pcmprd133000050037&skuId=9999133000050037
This is the one I'm really leaning towards right now. 8 gigs of ram, 1tb Hard drive, 24 inch monitor, and sleek looking. What's the catch here?
Also why is this one so much cheaper?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Es...?id=pcmprd133000050036&skuId=9999133000050036
Like I said I'm way out of the loop on parts, processors, and graphics cards, so I really don't even know what to look for.
The problem is I'm way out of the loop on the current technology, the top processors and graphics cards. It seems to me that prices have dropped pretty sharply so I'm definitely in the market to buy a new one. The thing is I want to buy another one that will be top of the line and last me a long time. I'm not sure I want to build my own, so I was looking at package deals at best buy. Is this a bad idea? I know it's cheaper to build, but it's so convenient having everything right in front of me ready to go, and it's all covered under warranty. I'm looking at the package deals, because my monitor is absolutely terrible, and has been for a while now.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Es...?id=pcmprd133000050037&skuId=9999133000050037
This is the one I'm really leaning towards right now. 8 gigs of ram, 1tb Hard drive, 24 inch monitor, and sleek looking. What's the catch here?
Also why is this one so much cheaper?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Es...?id=pcmprd133000050036&skuId=9999133000050036
Like I said I'm way out of the loop on parts, processors, and graphics cards, so I really don't even know what to look for.
Hey what does gaf recommend for a good CPU fan for an i5 750 (over clocking purposes)
This one seems highly recommended and is very decently priced, thoughts and comments appreciated muchly
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176157
This one seems highly recommended and is very decently priced, thoughts and comments appreciated muchly
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176157
This is what around $1200 gets me at cyberpowerpc.com:
and this is what a little over $1300 gets me at Maingear.com:
Chassis: VYBE ATX Compact Chassis - Black Brushed Aluminum
Motherboard: Asus® P7P55D-E LX Supporting SATA 6G and USB 3.0
Processor: Intel® Core i5-760 2.8GHz Quad-core Processor
Processor Cooling: MAINGEAR Certified Intel® Retail Cooler
MAINGEAR Redline Overclocking Service: Intel® Turbo Boost Advanced Automatic Overclocking
Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) Crucial DDR3-1333
Graphics and GPGPU Accelerator: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 460 1GB GDDR5 w/ PhysX [PERFORMANCE]
Power Supply: MAINGEAR Certified 650 Watt Ultra Quiet Power Supply
Hard Drive Bay One: 640GB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA 6G 7200rpm 64MB Cache
Optical Drive One: 24X Dual Layer DVD RW Drive w/ LightScribe Technology
Audio: 7.1 Channel High Definition Surround Sound Supporting S/DIF Optical Out
Network Adapter: On-board Gigabit Ethernet
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
...so I'm thinking the Maingear build maybe looks a bit better for the $? Any input would rock! Thanks.
hie said:
and this is what a little over $1300 gets me at Maingear.com:
Chassis: VYBE ATX Compact Chassis - Black Brushed Aluminum
Motherboard: Asus® P7P55D-E LX Supporting SATA 6G and USB 3.0
Processor: Intel® Core i5-760 2.8GHz Quad-core Processor
Processor Cooling: MAINGEAR Certified Intel® Retail Cooler
MAINGEAR Redline Overclocking Service: Intel® Turbo Boost Advanced Automatic Overclocking
Memory: 4GB (2x2GB) Crucial DDR3-1333
Graphics and GPGPU Accelerator: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 460 1GB GDDR5 w/ PhysX [PERFORMANCE]
Power Supply: MAINGEAR Certified 650 Watt Ultra Quiet Power Supply
Hard Drive Bay One: 640GB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA 6G 7200rpm 64MB Cache
Optical Drive One: 24X Dual Layer DVD RW Drive w/ LightScribe Technology
Audio: 7.1 Channel High Definition Surround Sound Supporting S/DIF Optical Out
Network Adapter: On-board Gigabit Ethernet
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
...so I'm thinking the Maingear build maybe looks a bit better for the $? Any input would rock! Thanks.
hie said:
Howabout Avadirect or NCIXUS.com? Both sites are good and I've personally used avadirect to pick out a pc for my brother. If you go NCIX, you'll pick out parts like normal but have to select an "assembly" option that you also add to cart if you want them to assemble and test things for you
kagete said:
Thanks for the tip. I just built an Avadirect.com rig somewhat like the Maingear.com one...but it came out to over $2000....? the only difference with the Avadirect one was an i7 930, less memory(3GB), a smaller HDD (500GB) & a GTX 470 instead of the 460.
would that better proc & GPU be worth the $700+ increase over the i5 760 & GTX 460?
Thanks again!
hie said:
Don't select the links on avadirect's front page. try to customize a desktop system that has the processor you want. They should come out around the same price range as other site.
fake edit: oops, or not. I dont think avadirect has the gtx460 selectable as an option yet.
rise888 said:
You need to get Triple Channel memory. Also, I noticed you didn't have a DVD drive in there. If you're set on getting that case, maybe you should go for this combo deal? $1 more for a DVD drive (with shipping calculated). Even if you don't need one I don't see why not for that price!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.465861
Edit: Played around with some combo deals. I kept everything pretty much the same from what you listed, but I changed the RAM and got you some extra perks. Not a big fan of OCZ ram, but it's on the motherboard's QVL list so it should be fine and I wasn't too sure of your budget and kept it as low as possible. Also swapped your X25-M SSD for another one by A-Data. Still an Intel, but it has their sticker on it instead and it costs a bit less.
-A-DATA 80GB X25-M SSD
-Antec P183 (w/ free wrist strap) + LITE-ON 24X DVD Burner Combo
-Gigabyte 1GB GTX460 + OCZ Gold 6GB (w/ free 4GB flash drive) Combo
-GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R + OCZ GameXStream 850W PSU
-Intel Core i7-930 w/ Free Dirt 2 Combo
bigboss370
Member
I'm buying my first gaming PC, can someone tell me if I am getting my money's worth here?:
-Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
-Intel® Core i7 960 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
-12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory
-1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
-Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX Enabled
-Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Price: $3998 + taxes and fees
I'm ready to buy it right now from Dell Alienware. Should I go ahead and do it?
I want to maximize Crysis with mods and max out other high end visuals games with mods as well.
Thanks
-Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
-Intel® Core i7 960 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
-12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory
-1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
-Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX Enabled
-Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Price: $3998 + taxes and fees
I'm ready to buy it right now from Dell Alienware. Should I go ahead and do it?
I want to maximize Crysis with mods and max out other high end visuals games with mods as well.
Thanks
Felix Lighter
Member
bigboss370 said:I'm buying my first gaming PC, can someone tell me if I am getting my money's worth here?:
-Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
-Intel® Core i7 960 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
-12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory
-1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
-Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX Enabled
-Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Price: $3998 + taxes and fees
I'm ready to buy it right now from Dell Alienware. Should I go ahead and do it?
I want to maximize Crysis with mods and max out other high end visuals games with mods as well.
Thanks
I really think you're way over paying. You can get similar performance for much less money. I'd hold off until you get some more advice.
JSnake said:
CyberPower jammed the IDE ribbon cable so tightly against the underside of my 8800 GTS that the edge of the card wore thru the cable and made my DVD drive keep disappearing. That was in the first month after I bought it, and for weeks I thought it was a software/registry problem.
There was plenty of room in the case, too. They just did a really sloppy job. This photo was taken after I replaced the worn-thru IDE ribbon cable with a nice rounded IDE cable.
bigboss370
Member
Felix Lighter said:
but isn't it worth it to get a moderately future-proof system?
Felix Lighter
Member
bigboss370 said:
It's the law off diminishing returns. You could buy a $1500 PC now and another $1500 PC that out performs that Dell in a few years. Spending 3 times more isn't getting you anywhere near 3 times the longevity.
bigboss370 said:
You realize you can open a computer and add parts onto it right? You can also overclock a computer. "Future proof" is relative. How do you define "future proof"?
You don't need to spend that much money to play games at their highest resolution right now. Right now you could build a PC that will eat everything you throw at it for $1,200. In two or three years you can build another PC that will eat everything you throw at it for $1,200 (hell, it might be cheaper then) and you'll still have saved quite a bit of cash.
That build you have will be out dated by then and you'll need to upgrade it regardless.
It just doesn't make any sense unless you just want to blow money.
Curufinwe said:
Damn that's ugly. When I looked inside my brother's avadirect-built PC 2 months ago in order to add another harddisk, the cabling job they did was magnificent, even though the case had barely any cable routing holes. I actually felt bad about adding that second harddisk and messing it up.
Oh and don't ever pay $4000 for a PC! With that much money you can buy a $1500 PC, a $500 3D setup or even a projector, and $2000 worth of hookers and blow for PC-GAF.
evil solrac v3.0
Member
RadicalRad said:
if you don't like that motherboard go for the p7p55d-pro version. it's got everything you need and it's great fro overclocking. (it's what I have)
Felix Lighter
Member
@bigboss370
If you want a pre-built system there's a dell that brain_stew has been suggesting that should give you all the performance you need. I'd have to do some searching to find it.
Edit: Here's a review that shows the exact configuration. http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100
If you want to build one yourself, Hazaro has a build you can start with.
http://i.imgur.com/A55hA.jpg
Since your budget is so high it should be a good starting point and you could upgrade a few things from there.
If you want a pre-built system there's a dell that brain_stew has been suggesting that should give you all the performance you need. I'd have to do some searching to find it.
Edit: Here's a review that shows the exact configuration. http://www.anandtech.com/show/3798/dell-studio-xps-7100
If you want to build one yourself, Hazaro has a build you can start with.
http://i.imgur.com/A55hA.jpg
Since your budget is so high it should be a good starting point and you could upgrade a few things from there.
OK Gaf, building my first PC, here's what I have:
I have three questions:
1.) Are all these parts compatible? This is my first time
2.) Where can I lower costs? I'm over my budget by a little
3.) Can someone recommend a case / PSU?
mucho thanks
I have three questions:
1.) Are all these parts compatible? This is my first time
2.) Where can I lower costs? I'm over my budget by a little
3.) Can someone recommend a case / PSU?
mucho thanks
brain_stew
Member
bigboss370 said:I'm buying my first gaming PC, can someone tell me if I am getting my money's worth here?:
-Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
-Intel® Core i7 960 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
-12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory
-1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
-Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX Enabled
-Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Price: $3998 + taxes and fees
I'm ready to buy it right now from Dell Alienware. Should I go ahead and do it?
I want to maximize Crysis with mods and max out other high end visuals games with mods as well.
Thanks
No.
What country are you based in? Please tell me that's not US dollars?
brain_stew
Member
K.Jack said:
I'm assuming that can't be US$ though, I mean that can't be right?
You're not even getting a SSD or Hexa core and the 5970 has always been a broken mess.
brain_stew said:
Well here is a base Alienware for $3999 US. So LULZ all around.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DPCWHX1&s=dhs
Dual Channel runs fine.Mikhal said:
Nononononononono.bigboss370 said:
For $3,995 I will make your $2,500 computer, be your tech advisor, and fly to your house to fix it if you pay me :lol
Yes, get a 750, get an Antec Sonata / CM 310 case + Antec Earthwatts 500W
22" Monitor will be $50 cheaper.
*Reposting*
1)Basic Desktop Questions
Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Gaming, Video editing, or just general usage
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory
2)General Guide on what to buy (Summer)
Hazaro's buying guide (July, 2010)
De facto internet standard. Accept no substitutes
Tech Report Builders Guide!
A very good basic guide that has been updated for Summer. Has alternative options and many price points.
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/
4) Prospective laptop buyers please fill this out and ask their forum as well.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/wha...ould-i-buy-form-must-read-before-posting.html
Looks US to me. I only added the dual 5970, and the base price jumped over $3k.brain_stew said:
EDIT: Oh, CAD I see. Still beyond reason.
bigboss370
Member
brain_stew said:
its Canadian Dollars, and what do you mean by the 5970 being a broken mess? isn't it supposed to be the fastest graphics card? i always see it as #1 on top graphics cards lists.
dr3upmushroom
Banned
Holy shit. Quad core processor with six gigs of RAM. That's one fucking expensive case you're paying for. Doesn't even come with a monitor, just holy shit.R2D4 said:
Awesome how they charge $250 to overclock the processor.
chixdiggit
Member
Buying a Netbook. Do I get one with XP or Windows 7 starter?
brain_stew
Member
bigboss370 said:
Crossfire is beyond shit, very rarely are drivers updated to support new releases in time.
The cards are underclocked and aren't supplied with enough power so they have no OCing headroom.
You're insanely limited by its 1GB framebuffer.
Its stupidly large.
Its just not a very good card, its ill thought out.
I'll put you together a config that I consider the absolute furthest anyone should realistically go before they hit major diminishing returns on NCIX.COM, for a $50 fee they'll build it for you and cover it with a warranty. This way you know you're spending in all the right areas and getting great components that can easily be upgraded used throughout. It'll probably come in @ ~$2000 and be much better than that Dell rig.
brain_stew
Member
chixdiggit said:
You don't get a netbook. Get a CULV or Athlon Neo machine instead, they can actually run Word and a web browser without stalling.
chixdiggit
Member
brain_stew said:
Well I'm looking for something small that will be used primarily for surfing the web. Also no more than $300.
Thinking about this: Amazon link
bigboss370 said:I'm buying my first gaming PC, can someone tell me if I am getting my money's worth here?:
-Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
-Intel® Core i7 960 Quad Core Processor (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
-12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory
-1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
-Dual 2GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5970 CrossfireX Enabled
-Single Drive: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Price: $3998 + taxes and fees
I'm ready to buy it right now from Dell Alienware. Should I go ahead and do it?
I want to maximize Crysis with mods and max out other high end visuals games with mods as well.
Thanks
no way
chixdiggit
Member
Ermac said:
Not a student. I do have a retail copy of 7 HP though. I know this is a stupid question, but can I install the 32 bit disc if I already have the 64 bit disc installed on my PC? I'm guessing no since it's the same serial number.
Technosteve
Banned
Najaf said:Look what ups just dropped off.
I'm excited. Now its time to not break anything putting it together.
did you get a heatsink? or you using the OEM one?