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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

Ugh, you know what? Screw it. I'm going with the Corsair 800D. Sure, it'll be big, but it's not like I go to LANs more than 3-4 times a year.

It's just too perfect otherwise. Maybe I'll try my hand at water cooling someday.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Ugh I can't find a case I want. This is frustrating.

edit:


I may have it:

SilverStone FT01
sscase.jpg


The main issue here is that it can't fit a graphics card longer than 10.5" without removing the HDD bay...but otherwise it seems to satisfy all my criteria.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I avoid cases with no side fan, but that's me.
 
kitch9 said:
I avoid cases with no side fan, but that's me.
Click to expand...

I'm going for sleek. If I wanted a side fan, I definitely would go HAF X.

rhfb said:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026FCI2U/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Anything better sub $90? Exclude Newegg since I can't get free shipping from them.

edit: nevermind, ordered :lol though I guess if someone does find a better case for less I'll cancel the order before it ships.
Click to expand...

I consider the 922 pretty unbeatable for the money. It's only competition is the Antec Nine Hundred Two, but it's a bit pricier.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Both the 930 and 950 should overclock to 4.0GHz just fine. Get whichever is cheaper. 950 was on sale for a lot of people last week, which is why it was being used in builds.

12GB of RAM isn't really needed. Thus just an option if you want to avoid ever having to put more RAM in the build. If I were being price conscious, I'd go 6GB.

As for the case, you can check the Coolermaster CM690 II, and the Antec Nine Hundred...though I'm not sure how easily the GTX 580 fits in the Nine Hundred. The HAF 922 is great because the cooling it offers is unmatched in a kid tower, and it's very deep so it had no trouble fittin massive cards. If you don't like the look of it though, no sweat. There are definitely other great cases out there.

I posted a bunch of cases a few pages back. I'd repost them for ya but that's tough on an iPhone. :p
Click to expand...
Actually after looking at it again that case will probably be fine, it doesn't look that bad really (not a fan of the red lights near the fans though still), so maybe I'll just get that for ease. Think I'll prob stick with 6GB of ram for now, just as long as that case provides me with the option to upgrade later. As for the SSD what kind of size would I need, I really don't want to spend a fortune on a SSD* when all it will probably be used for is the windows 7 OS (and maybe putting Snow Lepard on as well sometime). Would a 40GB one be enough or do I need to bump it up to 80GB? When in Q1 will the revisions Darkatomz mentioned be released anyways?Is it generally just better for me to put this idea of building my own PC on hold till midway through Q1 (even though I'll have the GTX580 by then anyways as its a christmas present)?

As for the processor while I agree that I should get a powerful processor to match my graphics card, there is a pretty big difference in price between the 2 and if it won't really make any difference to anything I'm actually doing I'll probably just go with the cheaper option (someone can tell me if I'm wrong here and it will actually make a big difference, but basically as long as I can hit 4.0GHz or so I'm happy). Also for USB 3.0 can anyone shed some light on that issue?

Darkatomz said:
Now, in terms of the components you were asking for. I don't know what you're wallet limit is (although it sounds like it's going to be around $1.2k), nor do I know the purpose of this computer (computing, gaming, etc), but here's my general suggestions for now.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131641
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139012 (a better choice is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151088, but it was just on sale yesterday for $110)
Sound card: ...depends on what speakers you're using, how much you're willing to spend, what it's for, how much you love audio, etc.

*I've never had one but I just really can't see them being worth the extra value for anything other than storing the OS or whatever)
Click to expand...
These recommendations are for me yes? Thanks, I'll have a look at them when I get home tonight (newegg is blocked at work... :().

Thanks for all the help anyways guys, keep it coming please!!!
 
There's a button to turn off the red light. The light is quite muted though...pretty attractive.

As for the SSD, if you're not putting games on, 40GB is okay. Make sure it's either an Intel or a Sandforce drive though. OCZ Vortex 2 is a good one, and is quite cheap.

Enemy Of Fate said:
As for the processor while I agree that I should get a powerful processor to match my graphics card, there is a pretty big difference in price between the 2 and if it won't really make any difference to anything I'm actually doing I'll probably just go with the cheaper option (someone can tell me if I'm wrong here and it will actually make a big difference, but basically as long as I can hit 4.0GHz or so I'm happy). Also for USB 3.0 can anyone shed some light on that issue?
Click to expand...

Unless you're really unlucky, it won't make a difference. All the i7's I've seen so far have made it to 4.0GHz, though some require more voltage than others.
 
TheExodu5 said:
I'm going for sleek. If I wanted a side fan, I definitely would go HAF X.
Click to expand...


I appreciate your thoughts, but with having owned a case with no side fan, then upgrading to to a sli setup, and then having to change to a case with a side fan to try to control temps, its just something I'll always make sure I have in future.

T'was a pain in the ass......
 
Yeah I use a side fan to cool my video card currently. I'm planning on either water cooling, or getting a good after market VGA cooler though, so I don't expect it will be an issue.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Ugh I can't find a case I want. This is frustrating.

edit:


I may have it:

SilverStone FT01
sscase.jpg


The main issue here is that it can't fit a graphics card longer than 10.5" without removing the HDD bay...but otherwise it seems to satisfy all my criteria.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...


this dear mate, is the best case I ever had!
and you can remove the half of the hdd bay. anyway I don't like hdd bays at all. I ripped of the bay and bought a silent case for hdds.



who the hell needs side fans? to accomplish an optimal air flow you only need a front and back fan. thats enough!
 
The FT01 and FT02 are still being considered along with the 800D. But I'll probably get the 800D just because the cable management is so damned nice.
 
Anyone know where to get a cheap 24" LCD with composite video in along with HDMI?

(Want a computer monitor for later, but a TV for now.. lol)
 
Enemy Of Fate said:
As for the SSD what kind of size would I need, I really don't want to spend a fortune on a SSD* when all it will probably be used for is the windows 7 OS (and maybe putting Snow Lepard on as well sometime). Would a 40GB one be enough or do I need to bump it up to 80GB? When in Q1 will the revisions Darkatomz mentioned be released anyways?Is it generally just better for me to put this idea of building my own PC on hold till midway through Q1 (even though I'll have the GTX580 by then anyways as its a christmas present)?
Click to expand...
Q1 is the best we got right now for the 2nd-gen Sandforce drives. If you read around (check out anandtech), there are claims now that there will be around a ~17% improvement over current drives, so it's up to you to decide if you want to hold out.

Like I said, I'm just going to get everything minus the SSD and pick one up when the new ones launch, and reformat and optimize OS and mobo settings for a SSD when I get it. Up to you.
 
Ok, so after much deliberation I have decided to abandon getting a new Desktop in favor of a Laptop, mostly due to recent changes in my lifestyle because of work.

Ideally I need something I can take back and forth between work, but still has enough oomf for some moderate gaming. I don't need ultra-killer graphics, but being able to play SC2 and WoW and Source games and look halfway decent, nah' whum sayin?

My main purpose for this laptop will be writing, using Google chrome with about a bajillion tabs open and running photoshop, simultaneously. The current thinkpad they gave me at work does this somewhat admirably, but it chokes at a certain point and is really gimping my workflow.

So after some research I'm thinking the HP Envy 14 is a really solid fit for what I need, but a little high in terms of price, and after that it's difficult to suss through all the Asus and Acer types and multitude of other laptops.

So any thoughts on the Envy 14 or any laptop you guys would feel is a good fit for what I'm looking for? The MBP seems to be a decent alternative, although I'm a huge fan of Windows 7 and for the price, the Envy 14 seems to have way more bang for the buck as well as an on-par design except for the trackpad.

Also, my girlfriend is in the market for a new laptop as well and all she really needs is for it not to suck horribly like her current one, and play WoW decently well, preferably in the 500-600 price range.
 
Max said:
PCGAF which of these is better? AMD Phenom II X6 or i7-960

sexcore is less expensive? idgi
Click to expand...

i7 obviously. But it's a question of how much money you want to spend. If money is not an issue, go for the i7 definitely. If money *is* an issue you might as well just go for a Phenom II X4 965 BE, seeing how not many games use all 6 cores of the X6. Even then you might as well go with a i5 processor, which is a better gaming CPU.

To put it even more simple:

You got a lot of money: Intel > AMD
You don't got a lot of money: Intel < AMD
 
Questions. Went to my computer guy to get a upgrade quote heres what he told me.
Kingston 2gb pc3-10666 1333mhz 45$ x3 for 6gb
Core i7-920 (2.66GHz) 8/1356 $299
Asus p6tse x58 $219
Antex true power new 750W E-ATX $139
out the door built $837.54

He said I would need more than my current 450W that came with my antex sonata II case due to the increase from the i7 processor and ram power demand, I bought from him several years ago. True?
This is using my current parts: HD, Asus 5770, Win7 64 and antec case

I was debating trying my hand at a build so went to Amazon, due to no tax in Ca, and found this, which looks better but is me building it:




subtotal = $835.71
Make any changes below?
Shopping Cart Items--To Buy Now Price: Qty:
Item added on November 17, 2010




Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750-Watt TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply compatible with Intel Core i7 and Core i5 - CORSAIR VALUE SELECT
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ASUS P6X58D Premium - LGA 1366 - X58 - DDR3 - USB 3.0 SATA 6 Gb/s - ATX Motherboard - Asus
Condition: New
In Stock

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Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor - Intel
Condition: New
In Stock


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$294.99
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$335.00 (53%)


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Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D Dominator 6 GB 3 x 2 GB PC3-12800 1600MHz 240-Pin DDR3 Core i7 Memory Kit - CORSAIR VALUE SELECT
Condition: New
In Stock

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Plus I think I would need a aftermarket CPU cooler: Thinking this:

Cooler Master RR-B10-212P-G1 Hyper 212 Plus 775/1156/1366/AMD/AM2/AM3 Universal Direct Contact Heat-Pipe 120mm Fan CPU Cooler
by Cooler Master
4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (116 customer reviews)

List Price: $29.99
Price: $26.48 & eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime

So how does this look. Current Case okay? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129155
Need a new power supply as suggested?
Beyond RAM and video card installs thats my experience. Do able? Decent deals from amazon, I see new egg alot, but they charge tax here. Thanks all.
 
weeneo said:
this dear mate, is the best case I ever had!
and you can remove the half of the hdd bay. anyway I don't like hdd bays at all. I ripped of the bay and bought a silent case for hdds.



who the hell needs side fans? to accomplish an optimal air flow you only need a front and back fan. thats enough!
Click to expand...

Alright, I've been brought back down to Earth...for now. I don't think I'll get the Corsair 800D, or go water cooling. The expense and size are just not worth the benefits.

I think I'll suck it up and accept that I'm going to have to make a few compromises. I think I'll go with the older Silverstone FT01. The cable management isn't as nice, there isn't a CPU cutout, and long cards like the 5970 won't fit without taking out a HDD bay, but otherwise, it has great cooling, and looks sexy and well built.
 
Let me simplify my question from earlier in hopes that it will get a response:

Can anyone provide thoughts on the Envy 14? I'm a fan of the design, specs, and the price seems great - but I'm hesitant to buy anything that is this expensive site-unseen.

I'm sure it can handle the work tasks that I'll require from it but I'm concerned about gaming. I currently have a XPS 420 desktop with an 8800GT, so how will it compare to that in terms of gaming?
 
I'm hoping to do an upgrade on my system.

After look at some deals for used shit, I have the following things in mind. Would like some of your input.


XFX 5870 1GB
Q8400 i'm hoping to hit about 3.2 to 3.4 ghz with
4 gigs of ram (added to my 2 to get 6 gigs) DDR2 800

Should I instead go for a gtx 460 768mb?


Essentialy, I'm trying to glean from you lot if there is anything here that is severely bottle-necking the 5870? And if thats the case, should I go for a slightly lower end card that would probably give me essentially the same performance?

Opinion Get!
 
TheExodu5 said:
Alright, I've been brought back down to Earth...for now. I don't think I'll get the Corsair 800D, or go water cooling. The expense and size are just not worth the benefits.

I think I'll suck it up and accept that I'm going to have to make a few compromises. I think I'll go with the older Silverstone FT01. The cable management isn't as nice, there isn't a CPU cutout, and long cards like the 5970 won't fit without taking out a HDD bay, but otherwise, it has great cooling, and looks sexy and well built.
Click to expand...
It's a great case. I know someone who switch from the original CM690 I to an FT01 and he couldn't be happier with the improved quality and quietness.

If you do decide to buy it, Amazon US would be the best option assuming that they wouldn't charge you international fees, or you could order it by way of Amazon CA (they don't have it listed at all on their end). Newegg US & CA both have it listed at $200 + $30 shipping. NCIX has the highest price, even after you factor in the rebate. Amazon US sells it for $190 - $30 rebate to bring it to $160. Of course, if there are international fees, this option may be rendered pointless, but it's worth contacting Amazon CA's customer service to see if there are any provisions for this type of order.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NPEB92/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
zaidr said:
I'm hoping to do an upgrade on my system.

XFX 5870 1GB
Q8400 i'm hoping to hit about 3.2 to 3.4 ghz with
4 gigs of ram (added to my 2 to get 6 gigs) DDR2 800

Should I instead go for a gtx 460 768mb?


Essentialy, I'm trying to glean from you lot if there is anything here that is severely bottle-necking the 5870? And if thats the case, should I go for a slightly lower end card that would probably give me essentially the same performance?

Opinion Get!
Click to expand...
What games/res/etc. are you playing?

GTX460 768MB if you don't need all the oomph a 6850 will get you.
Used 5870 is a good deal if its the same price since its faster than both of those cards.
 
jda1977 said:
Questions. Went to my computer guy to get a upgrade quote heres what he told me.
Kingston 2gb pc3-10666 1333mhz 45$ x3 for 6gb
Core i7-920 (2.66GHz) 8/1356 $299
Asus p6tse x58 $219
Antex true power new 750W E-ATX $139
out the door built $837.54

He said I would need more than my current 450W that came with my antex sonata II case due to the increase from the i7 processor and ram power demand, I bought from him several years ago. True?
This is using my current parts: HD, Asus 5770, Win7 64 and antec case

I was debating trying my hand at a build so went to Amazon, due to no tax in Ca, and found this, which looks better but is me building it:




subtotal = $835.71
Make any changes below?
Shopping Cart Items--To Buy Now Price: Qty:
Item added on November 17, 2010




Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750-Watt TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply compatible with Intel Core i7 and Core i5 - CORSAIR VALUE SELECT
Condition: New
In Stock


This will be a Gift (Learn more)
$105.74
You Save:
$15.25 (13%)


Item added on November 17, 2010




ASUS P6X58D Premium - LGA 1366 - X58 - DDR3 - USB 3.0 SATA 6 Gb/s - ATX Motherboard - Asus
Condition: New
In Stock

See accessories for this item
This will be a Gift (Learn more)
$284.99
You Save:
$47.00 (14%)


Item added on November 17, 2010




Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor - Intel
Condition: New
In Stock


This will be a Gift (Learn more)
$294.99
You Save:
$335.00 (53%)


Item added on November 17, 2010




Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D Dominator 6 GB 3 x 2 GB PC3-12800 1600MHz 240-Pin DDR3 Core i7 Memory Kit - CORSAIR VALUE SELECT
Condition: New
In Stock

See accessories for this item
This will be a Gift (Learn more)
$149.99
You Save:
$35.00 (19%)

Plus I think I would need a aftermarket CPU cooler: Thinking this:

Cooler Master RR-B10-212P-G1 Hyper 212 Plus 775/1156/1366/AMD/AM2/AM3 Universal Direct Contact Heat-Pipe 120mm Fan CPU Cooler
by Cooler Master
4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (116 customer reviews)

List Price: $29.99
Price: $26.48 & eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime

So how does this look. Current Case okay? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129155
Need a new power supply as suggested?
Beyond RAM and video card installs thats my experience. Do able? Decent deals from amazon, I see new egg alot, but they charge tax here. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

You don't strictly need a new PSU, but 450W is cutting it a little close.

If you're going for a new PSU, I'd honestly get a new case as well. While the Sonata was great at the time, it really doesn't offer much airflow for today's components. Get a HAF 912 for some really nice cooling and a much cleaner install, if you don't mind spending $60. That will mean a quieter PC overall, as well.

Otherwise, is there a reason you're going for the 930/950? It's a great CPU, but it seems a little mismatched with your GPU. What are you using the system for? If you're budget conscious, you might want to check out the i5 760 or an AMD Phenom X4. That will save quite a bit of cash.
 
zaidr said:
I'm hoping to do an upgrade on my system.

After look at some deals for used shit, I have the following things in mind. Would like some of your input.


XFX 5870 1GB
Q8400 i'm hoping to hit about 3.2 to 3.4 ghz with
4 gigs of ram (added to my 2 to get 6 gigs) DDR2 800

Should I instead go for a gtx 460 768mb?


Essentialy, I'm trying to glean from you lot if there is anything here that is severely bottle-necking the 5870? And if thats the case, should I go for a slightly lower end card that would probably give me essentially the same performance?

Opinion Get!
Click to expand...
If you live near a Microcenter, you can buy a brand new Q300 for less than most C2Qs go for used.

t5nfxt.png


Once overclocked you wouldn't be bottle-necking anything outside of a few titles that are poorly optimized and/or just heavily demanding on the CPU. Unless you're on a strict budget or find an amazing deal, don't buy 768MB 460 over the other options out there.

If that ram isn't really that low, how about some 1066 sticks for $90?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...66&cm_re=g._skill_1066-_-20-231-166-_-Product

You can sell your current ram and keep to just two sticks in dual channel.



jda1977 said:
Questions. Went to my computer guy to get a upgrade quote heres what he told me.
Kingston 2gb pc3-10666 1333mhz 45$ x3 for 6gb
Core i7-920 (2.66GHz) 8/1356 $299
Asus p6tse x58 $219
Antex true power new 750W E-ATX $139
out the door built $837.54
Click to expand...
Your friend is either misinformed about prices and necessary components, or he's just misleading you on purpose. If you must buy a 1366 i7, try the $200 i7 950 pictured in my reply above (if you live near a Microcenter, of course). And yes, your prospective CPU and current GPU are mismatched, and a Sonata is not a good idea for a higher-end build.
 
·feist· said:
If you live near a Microcenter, you can buy a brand new Q300 for less than most C2Qs go for used.

t5nfxt.png


Once overclocked you wouldn't be bottle-necking anything outside of a few titles that are poorly optimized and/or just heavily demanding on the CPU. Unless you're on a strict budget or find an amazing deal, don't buy 768MB 460 over the other options out there.

If that ram isn't really that low, how about some 1066 sticks for $90?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...66&cm_re=g._skill_1066-_-20-231-166-_-Product

You can sell your current ram and keep to just two sticks in dual channel.
Click to expand...

So we come to the age old question. Whats better? To have 6gb ram at a slower speed, or 4gb at a faster speed?

And DAYUM, Microcenter has a great price on that CPU! I just I had one close to me...I'm in Toronto.

I hear you loud and clear on the 460 vs 5870 though. I'll probably end up getting the 5870. Would you say $260 is a good price? XFX Reference model. Voltage Unlocked.
 
TheExodu5 said:
Alright, I've been brought back down to Earth...for now. I don't think I'll get the Corsair 800D, or go water cooling. The expense and size are just not worth the benefits.

I think I'll suck it up and accept that I'm going to have to make a few compromises. I think I'll go with the older Silverstone FT01. The cable management isn't as nice, there isn't a CPU cutout, and long cards like the 5970 won't fit without taking out a HDD bay, but otherwise, it has great cooling, and looks sexy and well built.
Click to expand...


you have to think long term, a corsair 800D is less hassle free as far as space, cable management and possibly water cooling (though it's not the absolute best for air cooling, but it's still damn nice) the case can last you thru two or three major component upgrades.
 
zaidr said:
So we come to the age old question. Whats better? To have 6gb ram at a slower speed, or 4gb at a faster speed?

And DAYUM, Microcenter has a great price on that CPU! I just I had one close to me...I'm in Toronto.

I hear you loud and clear on the 460 vs 5870 though. I'll probably end up getting the 5870. Would you say $260 is a good price? XFX Reference model. Voltage Unlocked.
Click to expand...
I'd buy a 6850 and overclock it personally. It's slower but a much better value at $180. Cooler and less power as well.
Go i5 instead of i7 unless you KNOW you need i7.
 
ASUS SATA 24X DVD Burner
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204) ($20)

Samsung Spinpoint 1TB 7200rpm 3.0GB s
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185) ($70)

ASUS Radeon HD 6850
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399) ($200)

Corsair 550W 80+ Certified
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004) ($105 - 25 = $79 and $20 rebate)

GSKILL ripjaws 2x2GB 1600 DDR3
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277) ($70)

Intel Core i5-760 + ASUS P7P55D SATA 6GB s ATX Intel Motherboard COMBO
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.552987) ($309)

Crucial C300 + Windows 7 Pro 64bit
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.544791.20-148-357) ($240)

Total comes out to $989


Also getting HAF 922 case (in addition to the great things I kept reading from exodus, I like the look too)I'll order from amazon

The monitor, which I've already purchased, is this

So what say you? This will be my first desktop since Windows 98 era :lol

Am I insane?


EDIT: Fix'd up the post a bit i hope
 
Looks great to me. Nice cpu+mobo deal.

I'd also suggest a 128GB SSD if you plan to put anything but the OS and 1/2 big programs on it. Otherwise that's fine.
 
So what's the list of programs you guys use to make sure everything is working correctly?


3Dmark 06
3D Mark Vantage

Speedfan



What else? Is there any way you can test if the ram/mobo/harddrives are working correctly?
 
evil solrac v3.0 said:
you have to think long term, a corsair 800D is less hassle free as far as space, cable management and possibly water cooling (though it's not the absolute best for air cooling, but it's still damn nice) the case can last you thru two or three major component upgrades.
Click to expand...

I'm just thinking how much of a hassle it would be to take it to LANs.

Oh well...I might postpone my build and see what cases come out this year.
 
TheExodu5 said:
The intake have air filters, but you need to tweak the fan to get positive air pressure if you want to avoid dust buildup. If you're looking for something with better filtration, you need to spend a bit more.
Click to expand...

Ummm, what does positive air pressure mean? Isn't it simply "blow some air in, suck some out"?? >.<

Also, what would be alternatives. Looking for al Full with good cable management and good air flow.
 
Kodiak said:
Let me simplify my question from earlier in hopes that it will get a response:

Can anyone provide thoughts on the Envy 14? I'm a fan of the design, specs, and the price seems great - but I'm hesitant to buy anything that is this expensive site-unseen.

I'm sure it can handle the work tasks that I'll require from it but I'm concerned about gaming. I currently have a XPS 420 desktop with an 8800GT, so how will it compare to that in terms of gaming?
Click to expand...

The envy 14 is a very capable machine. I have one (Currently trying to sell it to get a mac :P)

It ran all the games I threw at it at good settings and FPS (Crysis, FFXIV, DMC4, Bad Company 2). The video card is a little underclocked, but you can easily clock it back to the standard, or even higher if you want (For example, mine is stable at 525/940 compared to the Envy standard of 450/800) I have an i5 450.

Has decent battery life. About 4 hours without the battery slice. I have the slice which lets it get about 7-8 hours, but it makes the laptop a little thick. By the way, the radiance screen is gorgeous, especially in playing games.
 
Hazaro said:
I'd buy a 6850 and overclock it personally. It's slower but a much better value at $180. Cooler and less power as well.
Go i5 instead of i7 unless you KNOW you need i7.
Click to expand...

I keep telling myself if I'm gonna go for a lower tier card than the 5870, I will go for something that will just get the job done, nothing more. In that regard, I found a 4890 for $80. I just want to play BF:BC2 and hopefully max out GTAIV:stories so it doesn't stutter so much (for now). I have modest resolution requirements too: only 1440x900. Thoughts? Anyone? Beuler?
 
mescalineeyes said:
Awesome card. Really good price.
Do it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I did, bought my gtx460. As for my cpu I went with a phenom x4 965 instead of 955 though, price difference was minimal. It was my mobo that broke down after all by the way, so I had to get new 2x2gb dd3 ram as well. I pretty much bought a whole new PC for around 450 euro. My power supply, monitor, case, etc are still good. I should be able to pick the thing up this saturday. The waiting is already killing me.
 
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Can someone please look at these components and tell me what I should change? Im not a PC gamer any longer. I just want a strong pc that will last me for next 3-4yrs for watching hd movies and browsing. Thanks
 
zaidr said:
Anyone have any thoughts on a Radeon 4890 for $80? Good buy?
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it sits in the middle ground between a 5770 and a 460 (rough parity with the 5830, minus dx11). so yes. totally.
 
Shadow Moses said:
Untitled.jpg


Can someone please look at these components and tell me what I should change? Im not a PC gamer any longer. I just want a strong pc that will last me for next 3-4yrs for watching hd movies and browsing. Thanks
Click to expand...

an i7 is overkill. get an i5.
 
Shadow Moses said:
Untitled.jpg


Can someone please look at these components and tell me what I should change? Im not a PC gamer any longer. I just want a strong pc that will last me for next 3-4yrs for watching hd movies and browsing. Thanks
Click to expand...

I think all those components are overkill if you're not going to be gaming. Have you ever considered a laptop? Personally, if the main purpose of my PC was browsing and watching movies, I'd definitely go with a laptop these days.
 
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