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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

Danthrax said:
So GAF, should I get a dual-core i5-650 or pay $15 more for a quad-core i5-750? Is the performance dramatically better?
Click to expand...

Get the dual core if you want to make the worst purchase decision of your life. Otherwise stick with the quad.

If you want to go cheap, then go cheap and get something like an Athlon ii X4 635, at least that way you're saving a decent stack of change and still getting a quad core for your money as well.
 
Do combo deals and the like not last long on Newegg? I was just getting all of the parts together that Hazaro suggested for me a few days back and it seems some of the deals are no longer active, unless I missed them, which could very well be the case!

Also, I was planning on ordering the parts in batches over the next few weeks. Is that an unwise idea for any reason?
 
spwolf said:
I got 460 at the end, figured out not bad for the future plus CUDA is big plus... but I am severly limited by E5200 and 3.3Ghz... I didnt think it would be THAT limiting.

So now what to get? I dont want to spend too much money... maybe X4? This is afterall intended as HTPC, so I want mobo with some fan regulation, and that gets expensive in Intel world.
Click to expand...

A cheap used Q6600 would be a good choice since you could clock it to 3ghz+ and it saves the hassle and cost of buying a new mobo and RAM. Might not be ideal for a HTPC though, as its a pretty power hungry chip.
 
Pandoracell said:
Do combo deals and the like not last long on Newegg? I was just getting all of the parts together that Hazaro suggested for me a few days back and it seems some of the deals are no longer active, unless I missed them, which could very well be the case!

Also, I was planning on ordering the parts in batches over the next few weeks. Is that an unwise idea for any reason?
Click to expand...
Usually unwise. Combo deals vary on newegg stock (I think) so anywhere from 2 days - 2 months.

I can only recommend what is on sale and the best purchase at the moment. The parts are still valid, but you might spend more.
 
Hazaro said:
Usually unwise. Combo deals vary on newegg stock (I think) so anywhere from 2 days - 2 months.

I can only recommend what is on sale and the best purchase at the moment. The parts are still valid, but you might spend more.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The pricing came out a bit differently so I just wanted to make sure :).
 
WEGGLES said:
I think you'd need to post what you currently have to make that judgement. Depending on your CPU you may not get much out of a 465.
Click to expand...

Currently I have a
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66ghz
3 gb of ram ddr2
XFX Nforce 680i LT board
750 wat psu

I ended up ordering a EVGA 01G-P3-1467-AR GeForce GTX 465
and two 2gig memory sticks. I am hoping the sticks will work with two of my current ones for 6gigs of ram. not sure how that works though.

Think that will do?
 
I'm trying to get an LG GDR-8162B into a new PC. Problem is the PC won't boot when a 4-pin connector is attached to the drive. It won't even start up. I thought it was an issue with the psu at first, but even when I disconnect other hardware the machine still won't start up when the drive is attached. Getting frustrated now. Anyone have any ideas what the problem could be? It's attached by IDE and the computer runs normally when the drive isn't attached. The psu is 850 watts.

Nevermind. Looks like there must have been something wrong with the power cable I was using. Swapped it out and everything is working (almost) properly. Only issue now is the GPU fan is running at full speed (which wasn't happening before the disc drive was attached). Weird problems, but I'm sure I'll figure them out.
 
does anyone here have a multi-hdtv setup? hows that working for you?

i was just fantasizing about what itd be like to have a bedroom covered in hdtvs, one for your itunes, maybe 3 for games, 1 for movies, 1 for surfing.

perhaps it's a bit of an excessive fantasy however.
 
First, here's my spec:
Case: COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000
MB: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
VGA: ASUS EAH4870X2/HTDI/2G Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB
PSU: COOLER MASTER Real Power Pro1000 RS-A00-EMBA 1000W ATX12V
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz LGA 775
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
Big XIGMATEK heatsink and cooler.
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA x2
built this 2 years ago myself while I was in USA, saved a lot of money. Sucks DDR3, new mb line, new vga lines came like half of year later

I have 1 problem and 1 question.
Problem is my PC case is electrified! Well, I always noticed when I touch it a bit it feels uncomfortable, like rubbing against something strange, especially if you touch it inside.
I took a screwdriver that lights when theres electricity and oh boy, on all metal stuff inside it lit up.
I have no idea why this would be happening... Maybe because cable is american and I'm using little thing like this http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a367/ovshania/Novoden/accessories/EuPlug.jpg so maybe it's not grounding electricity well?
Other thing that might be is something's not connected well, so I'm thinking about taking it ALL apart and reassembling again. Apply new thermal paste as well and do it all carefully this time.
Thoughts on this?

Now question part, should I upgrade something? I know I'd have to upgrade mb, vga and ddr to get up to date, but I'm on a budget hmm. I'm usually sticking with PC until I can no longer run stuff on max/near max, and so far it worked well, only thing I wish it could do was DX11, and more FPS in WoW(but that's about shitty optimization, I get more fps in crysis on amx).
So, any thoughts about upgrades? While reassembling if there's something I can add it wouldn't hurt I guess.
 
I hate to be "that person" who repeats a likely common question, but I'm totally lost in the land of PC hardware today... last time I looked at this stuff, Pentium 4s were totally rad. :(

My question is: is it possible to put together a decent, future-proof machine for about $500? I guess that is to say, if necessary, a machine with a pretty good processor and motherboard, with lower-end everything else, skimping on, say, storage, memory, graphics card for now until I can afford to upgrade them. I looked at the Econobox thing on Tech Report, but people have been saying that the processor is pretty weak in that. Maybe this is an unreasonable question, I don't know. I'm just looking to get a good base started so I can finally get off of this Pentium 4/6800GS thing, which has just about been upgraded to its limit.

EDIT: after doing some more research, it does seem like the Econobox may be my best bet, but any input on what I could change to tip it more toward the processor or something would be useful. Even if it kicks it up a little closer to $600.
 
Aeana said:
I hate to be "that person" who repeats a likely common question, but I'm totally lost in the land of PC hardware today... last time I looked at this stuff, Pentium 4s were totally rad. :(

My question is: is it possible to put together a decent, future-proof machine for about $500? I guess that is to say, if necessary, a machine with a pretty good processor and motherboard, with lower-end everything else, skimping on, say, storage, memory, graphics card for now until I can afford to upgrade them. I looked at the Econobox thing on Tech Report, but people have been saying that the processor is pretty weak in that. Maybe this is an unreasonable question, I don't know. I'm just looking to get a good base started so I can finally get off of this Pentium 4/6800GS thing, which has just about been upgraded to its limit.

EDIT: after doing some more research, it does seem like the Econobox may be my best bet, but any input on what I could change to tip it more toward the processor or something would be useful. Even if it kicks it up a little closer to $600.
Click to expand...

Bump the CPU up to the Phenom II X4 955. It add the L3 cache and has an unlocked multiplier which makes it a lot easier to overclock. And if you don't overclock it's stock is still 200Mhz faster than that athlon. Your next major CPU price point is at 200$ And for 80$ on the GPU you would do a lot better to find older generation GPUs that will give you far more performance/dollar than the 5000 series. For 80$ on a good day you could find a 4870, normally you can get a 4850 for around that. Under 80$ the GTS 250 is also a far better choice than the 5670.

Oh one more thing. If you're going to stick with 2GB of memory for now I'd recommend going with a single 2gig stick rather than two 1gig sticks. Leave's more dimms open for upgrading down the road.
 
ChoklitReign said:
Newegg has the 5830 for $155 after a rebate. Is it a good choice at that price compared to the 768GB 460?
Click to expand...

The GTX 460 at 140$ after MIR is both cheaper and faster. Also depends if you want Eyefinity with AMD, or Physx/Cuda with nvidia.
 
Hey guys, I need some help/opinions on how to do something. Right now I have my main PC in my living room hooked up to my 47" tv. Mostly for games and movies. So what I want to do is set up a desk in the corner of the living room with dual monitors (maybe 21 to 23"). Now how would I go about doing this if I want to use my PC for those monitors as well?

PC specs: Core i5 750 Quad, 5770 1gb, 4gb ddr3 ram, P55-GD55 ATX LGA1156 motherboard.
 
So, finally was able to pick up my avadirect PC.

Opened it up to verify connections and install. I see foam put in the CPU and removed it, thinking it was done to help components stay in place during transportation. Was that the right thing to do?
 
I know this is a shot in the dark, but was wondering if anyone could help!!

Recently purchased components for a new build HTPC for my living room, dual core 2.93ghz, 4gb ram and 4TB HD's - I built the thing up, connected it via HDMI and the system booted to the bios check screen fine.

However, it then gave me an error that there was no keyboard attached ( was using a USB keyboard ) - so I purchased a PS/2 keyboard and the system gave me and error stating "usb device over current status detected" - I read into this and heard it was perhaps a jumper missing. Fiddled about with the cables, got the system to boot and went into the BIOS screen.

The only thing I edited in the BIOS was the boot sequence to : DVD Drive / HDD1 / HDD2. Switched the system off, rebooted with Win 7 disc in and now....NO OUTPUT - the system stays powered on, but there's no output via HDMI or VGA!??

Any ideas?

Motherboard is Asus P5G41-M
 
Shambles said:
The GTX 460 at 140$ after MIR is both cheaper and faster. Also depends if you want Eyefinity with AMD, or Physx/Cuda with nvidia.
Click to expand...
Where is it at $140? How would its feature be affected by an AM3 motherboard? Right now I'm looking at a combo for the 5830 and a Phenom II X4 555.
Zaraki_Kenpachi said:
Is there a special reason you're not getting the 1GB version instead of the 768MB?
Click to expand...
The graphics card can't be more than $170. $200 is too much.
 
half a moon said:
do they sell socket 939 CPU coolers anymore? -_-
Click to expand...
Sure, the Scythe Mugen 2, for instance.


41ST7LMmJKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
Shambles said:
Bump the CPU up to the Phenom II X4 955. It add the L3 cache and has an unlocked multiplier which makes it a lot easier to overclock. And if you don't overclock it's stock is still 200Mhz faster than that athlon. Your next major CPU price point is at 200$ And for 80$ on the GPU you would do a lot better to find older generation GPUs that will give you far more performance/dollar than the 5000 series. For 80$ on a good day you could find a 4870, normally you can get a 4850 for around that. Under 80$ the GTS 250 is also a far better choice than the 5670.

Oh one more thing. If you're going to stick with 2GB of memory for now I'd recommend going with a single 2gig stick rather than two 1gig sticks. Leave's more dimms open for upgrading down the road.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Those alternative graphics cards you mentioned seem to be $100+ everywhere I look, but I may consider taking the plunge if you say the upgrade over the 5670 is significant.
 
teiresias said:
Actually, they are slowly phasing in the AP181 fans into the FT-02. Unfortunately, I didn't get them with the one I ordered (and trying to sweet talk them into sending me some via email was worthless - they won't even admit they're shipping them with them yet). However, if you're buying the case at a B&M location, the box will say it comes with Air Penetrators if it's one of the newer ones out of the factory with the case. Honestly, these fans are so amazingly quiet already I can only think I'd go to the AP181s if I felt like getting a few more degrees shed off of my temps when I go SLI.
Click to expand...
I'd heard this as well, but for the past few months it seems to have mostly been popping up in special/limited editions. It's unfortunate that they weren't willing to cooperate with you. I know a number of owners had been getting discounted "upgrades" from Silverstone dealers at a few tech conventions.
 
Atomski said:
Currently I have a
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66ghz
3 gb of ram ddr2
XFX Nforce 680i LT board
750 wat psu

I ended up ordering a EVGA 01G-P3-1467-AR GeForce GTX 465
and two 2gig memory sticks. I am hoping the sticks will work with two of my current ones for 6gigs of ram. not sure how that works though.

Think that will do?
Click to expand...
If you run 2GB,2GB,2GB you'll lose dual channel. Just stick with 2x2GB.
Aeana said:
My question is: is it possible to put together a decent, future-proof machine for about $500?
EDIT: after doing some more research, it does seem like the Econobox may be my best bet, but any input on what I could change to tip it more toward the processor or something would be useful. Even if it kicks it up a little closer to $600.
Click to expand...
Upgrades: GTX 460 768MB ($140/$150) and later on you can drop in an x6 or phenom II if you want.
An overclocked x4 635 is a great value at $100. The x4 955 is a good buy if you want a little more beef. Will come to around $600 which is just a beastly deal.
33ubz2q.jpg

Happy Phantom said:
well despite the bundle I had previously posted, this is what I've decided to get
http://www.canadacomputers.com/bundle_info.php?bundle_id=034040

+

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24294&vpn=SONATA III 500&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1033

+

some hdd probably a 1tb one for 65 bucks or so.


After all that, I'll pop in a 5770 when I have money again in a month or two.

Does this seem like a decent PC for someone who's budget was about 500 CDN (pre gfx card)?
Click to expand...
Those prices kind of suck and no one in the thread is allowed to get a dual core unless they can justify it. You should be able to do better than that just piecing together from NCIX.
 
my main problem is that I'm limited to strictly buying in person, so that cuts out some deals. I'm not a huge PC gamer anyways, so I won't need anything too fancy and it leaves room to upgrade to an i5 or i7 once they drop in price or if I get money that can go to upgrading it eventually.
 
Hazaro said:
Upgrades: GTX 460 768MB ($140/$150) and later on you can drop in an x6 or phenom II if you want.
An overclocked x4 635 is a great value at $100. The x4 955 is a good buy if you want a little more beef. Will come to around $600 which is just a beastly deal.
http://i36.tinypic.com/33ubz2q.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]
Wow, that's awesome; thanks. So I take it the processor you put in there isn't as good, but can be made better by overclocking? Can that be done without an aftermarket cooler or not? I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to overclocking, as I've always been too afraid to do it (keep in mind my mindset on these matters are almost a decade old).

EDIT: Err, actually, I can't seem to find the combo deals that you have in that image. :\ Processor appears to be out of stock.
Click to expand...
 
Happy Phantom said:
my main problem is that I'm limited to strictly buying in person, so that cuts out some deals. I'm not a huge PC gamer anyways, so I won't need anything too fancy and it leaves room to upgrade to an i5 or i7 once they drop in price or if I get money that can go to upgrading it eventually.
Click to expand...
NCIX has stores and you can check their inventory online. You really really should get a quad. Go AMD if i5 is not in your budget.
Aeana said:
Wow, that's awesome; thanks. So I take it the processor you put in there isn't as good, but can be made better by overclocking? Can that be done without an aftermarket cooler or not? I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to overclocking, as I've always been too afraid to do it (keep in mind my mindset on these matters are almost a decade old).
Click to expand...
Going to $600 helps since you can fit in a 955/460.
Heck if you had a bit more you could go i5 with a cheap H55 board.
*There are 2 models of the 635 (revisions)

Since there's been so much interest in the $5-600 range I'll get a new config up this weekend for it.
 
Hazaro said:
Since there's been so much interest in the $5-600 range I'll get a new config up this weekend for it.
Click to expand...
Cool, I'll look forward to it, since some of the stuff in the one you recommended to me doesn't seem to be available anymore.

Thanks a lot for the help, though.
 
Anyone know about the Hyper Transport flood sync error? My computer doesn't boot on the first try. I have to hard reset, and then press the power button again. I'm assuming its this error (the hyper transport) I get before Windows boots some times.
 
Hazaro, what do you think of a Radeon 5830/Phenom II X4 555 combo for a $600-ish build? Everyone is saying you can get the 460 for $140 after rebates but the cheapest I see is $170, the base price for the 5830. Why the hell is the 460 so much better if I'm looking for value?

Edit: I found the $140 460, it's by Zotac. I have no idea how long the rebate will last though.
 
ChoklitReign said:
Huh, no contest. Well would a 4870 for $100 best a 460 for $140 in value? I heard the 460 is about 15% faster than the 4870 but is it worth $40 more?
Click to expand...
In terms of FPS/$ no, but with an eye towards minimum frames and more horsepower for games... I'd say so.
Plus there's a 6% code which makes it like $133.
 
Aeana said:
Thanks! Those alternative graphics cards you mentioned seem to be $100+ everywhere I look, but I may consider taking the plunge if you say the upgrade over the 5670 is significant.
Click to expand...

Asus 1GB 4870 for 99$ after MIR
XFX 1GB 4870 for 99$ after MIR

Powercolor 512MB 4850 for 80$ after MIR

XFX GTS 250 512MB for 70$ after MIR, free shipping currently on sale

That's just quickly looking at newegg alone. I usually notice the prices when I see a sale on RFD etc. where I might see a 70$ 4870 or a 1GB model for 80$ or whatnot and go "holy crap" to myself and wonders why anyone is buying any current generation GPUs unless they are going for top of the line performance. That 250 is looking more attractive than the 4850's. It will outperform the 4850, but is slower than the 4870. The 4870's also have larger memory which is notable if you're gaming at 1920x1200+. Normally 512MB is enough for these cards. I'm running 512MB on a 4870 and only ran into problems trying to run the elite texture packs on Sacred 2 at 19x12. I don't really have time to comb reviews at the momeny but if I remember right you're looking at 20-50% performance boost over the 5670.
 
I'll keep an eye on that GPU. After a bunch of rebates I can get a 460/Athlon 640 build close to $500. Helluva deal there. Last question: why do you love the Athlon 635 when the 640 is the same price and you get an extra 100MHz before OCing?
 
ChoklitReign said:
I'll keep an eye on that GPU. After a bunch of rebates I can get a 460/Athlon 640 build close to $500. Helluva deal there. Last question: why do you love the Athlon 635 when the 640 is the same price and you get an extra 100MHz before OCing?
Click to expand...
The 640 was $10 more the last few months iirc, plus I think it had more combo options than the 640.

*This is the only Heatsink anyone will ever need.
TRUE 120 is king and always will be. Half the size, all the cooling.

WpSEy.jpg
 
Got my new ava direct PC setup, windows didn't install the first time but second try it did.

Will upload some pics later.

And this thing is a beast!!

Now, what programs should I run to see whether the things are running fine or not?
 
Hazaro said:
The 640 was $10 more the last few months iirc, plus I think it had more combo options than the 640.

*This is the only Heatsink anyone will ever need.
TRUE 120 is king and always will be. Half the size, all the cooling.

WpSEy.jpg
Click to expand...


I have this one.
 
I want to upgrade my PC soon. Are there any new GPU's coming out in the next three months? I don't want to upgrade yet if something else is on the horizon.
 
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