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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

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Anyone know of any decently priced mATX cases (~$60) that look nice/simple, and include the PSU?

This fucking case I got is trash.
 
I'm not crazy, and here's why:

2010-12-05-22-38-37-114.jpg


The slot I'm talking about is the one on the right. I have the cord for the left one, which connects to the SATA on the mobo.

edit:
p.s.
link to the img of my build for anyone curious; or perhaps to anyone who can help answer my problem...
buildaug17.png
 
I've decided to buy a new motherboard instead of dealing with Gigabyte's RMA process. Should I stick with the GA-870A-UD3 or try something else?
 
Unicorn said:
I'm not crazy, and here's why:

2010-12-05-22-38-37-114.jpg


The slot I'm talking about is the one on the right. I have the cord for the left one, which connects to the SATA on the mobo.

edit:
p.s.
link to the img of my build for anyone curious; or perhaps to anyone who can help answer my problem...
buildaug17.png
You need a Micro SATA to SATA adapter like this:

31AKw3dnQpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


61zcCpIC3lL.jpg



Some options:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...rder=BESTMATCH&Description=micro+sata&x=0&y=0

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...electronics&field-keywords=Micro+SATA&x=0&y=0
 
Unicorn said:
I'm not crazy, and here's why:

2010-12-05-22-38-37-114.jpg


The slot I'm talking about is the one on the right. I have the cord for the left one, which connects to the SATA on the mobo.

edit:
p.s.
link to the img of my build for anyone curious; or perhaps to anyone who can help answer my problem...
buildaug17.png


Annnnnnnd there we go. Ok, what happened is it looks like you bought a 1.8" crucial ssd. Pretty much all of the ssd's have options for that size, however as far as I know (I could be wrong about this) 1.8" are models normally used in laptops not desktop pc's. The 2.5" ssd's are the ones normally used in desktop PC's. I dont think any of us knew you had that size drive, so we were giving bad advice. But Feist has you covered.
 
I ran the Windows 7 Upgrade advisor to see if my computer could run it and my computer passed all the past, except it couldn't confirm my video cards compatibility. I downloaded the latest driver and it still didnt' fix the issue. Any ideas guys?
 
Quick question guys:

I'm looking for a PCI card that can take both 6-pin firewire and 9-pin firewire inputs. Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Here's a tip to you guys, don't use USB wifi adapters. I keep using them because I'm too lazy to install a card, but the reception is always worse than a PCI card.
 
Shubit said:
This entry is interesting:

RAM 4.0GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 533MHz (5-7-7-20)

How many sticks of RAM are you running, two? Seems like you have both modules populating the same channel. Try running them in the yellow DIMM slots only. Also I don't know the type, but unless you've got some generic cheapo modules, the frequency and timings seem mighty loose. 800mhz and timings of 5-5-5-15 at 1.8V were common for ddr2 before ddr3 took over. Try to establish the exact model and look up specs online.

If you only have the one stick, it's what's holding you back. A nice kit of 2x2GB (or even 2x4GB if you were willing to splurge) from Kingston, Corsair or G.Skill will do wonders in this case.

So, uh, lets say I have two sticks and it still says Single Channel. What did I do wrong? Just wrong slots? And are the 'timings' and speed and whatnot correct? I don't know much about the advanced intricacies of RAM.

Capture-3.png
 
Cipherr said:
Annnnnnnd there we go. Ok, what happened is it looks like you bought a 1.8" crucial ssd. Pretty much all of the ssd's have options for that size, however as far as I know (I could be wrong about this) 1.8" are models normally used in laptops not desktop pc's. The 2.5" ssd's are the ones normally used in desktop PC's. I dont think any of us knew you had that size drive, so we were giving bad advice. But Feist has you covered.
Yeah. I figured there had to be 2 kinds of SSDs, especially considering everything in the manual that came with it was talking about installing it into a laptop :lol

·feist· said:
You need a Micro SATA to SATA adapter like this:

[IM]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31AKw3dnQpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/IG]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61zcCpIC3lL.jpg[/MG]


Some options:
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=micro+sata&x=0&y=0[/url]

[url]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=Micro+SATA&x=0&y=0[/url][/QUOTE]

Thanks a ton! exactly what I was trying to find out what I needed for this drive :lol

Now, I suppose I need a cradle so it's not just dangling around inside my case. I've seen the SSD cradles for "regular" sized SSDs, but what options do I have for this tinier one?
 
TheEastonator said:
So, uh, lets say I have two sticks and it still says Single Channel. What did I do wrong? Just wrong slots? And are the 'timings' and speed and whatnot correct? I don't know much about the advanced intricacies of RAM.

[IM]http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t223/immrdurp/Capture-3.png[/IMG]
Probably the wrong slots. Check your manual or post a pic. Heck, it could very well even be color-coded... go double check.
 
So im having a minor issue with my newly-built desktop whereas windows wont list my 2nd harddrive although both the BIOS and device manager recognizes it just fine:

IMG00190-20101206-1129.jpg



How do i fix this? Window on the left is the My computer screen where only my SSD drive shows up, window on the right, device manger, shows it recognizes my 1TB drive as well as my SSD? What's the conflict?

I wanna install my games already :(
 
Arsenic said:
So im having a minor issue with my newly-built desktop whereas windows wont list my 2nd harddrive although both the BIOS and device manager recognizes it just fine:

IMG00190-20101206-1129.jpg



How do i fix this? Window on the left is the My computer screen where only my SSD drive shows up, window on the right, device manger, shows it recognizes my 1TB drive as well as my SSD? What's the conflict?

I wanna install my games already :(

that's because the drive doesn't have a partition. you need to create a partition from disc management (Start -> Run -> diskmgmt.msc ) -you'll see the drive with no partitions in the lower half of the window- and then format it

:)
 
Unicorn said:
Thanks a ton! exactly what I was trying to find out what I needed for this drive :lol

Now, I suppose I need a cradle so it's not just dangling around inside my case. I've seen the SSD cradles for "regular" sized SSDs, but what options do I have for this tinier one?

Some people just find an open spot in the case and use double sided tape to secure it.
 
Manp said:
that's because the drive doesn't have a partition. you need to create a partition from disc management (Start -> Run -> diskmgmt.msc ) -you'll see the drive with no partitions in the lower half of the window- and then format it

:)
I love you man :D
Thank a bunch!

IMG00192-20101206-1207.jpg
 
TheEastonator said:
So, uh, lets say I have two sticks and it still says Single Channel. What did I do wrong? Just wrong slots? And are the 'timings' and speed and whatnot correct? I don't know much about the advanced intricacies of RAM.

Capture-3.png

Others have covered the slots, although if dual channel didn't engage after populating the correct ones a BIOS reset is in order. As for timings and whatnot, they seem pretty ordinary for value segment DDR3 sticks. Knowing the exact model and looking up specs online is your best bet if you want to squeeze the most out of them.
 
Dear sirs,

I have been reading the GAF PC threads with awe and slight envy, due to abandoning PC six years ago to become a Mac user & console gamer. Not anymore, I say: I will join the ranks of "one gen ahead but still on the comfy couch".

First decision is a hard one: what kind of PC would be the best. My missus won't probably love a LED-lit tuner case with loud fans so...

1) Use a HTPC case and try to squeeze enough performance for 720p or 1080p (need a new telly which I'll buy after a move) full detail games

2) Use long cables & wireless controller/mouse to hide the unit somewhere far away from our living room

3) Build a silent but deadly ATX case & try and make it blend into our living room

I'm stoked about the idea of nice AA, triple buffering etc... Please help me join your elite ranks!

edit: Oh and to add: I will build my own. No prebuilt nonsense for me.
 
If she doesnt mind, then go with number 3. Or combine number 3 and 2 and hide the monster PC in your living room. Although the popular opinion right now is to wait on upgrading since new Intel CPUs and ATI graphics cards are coming soon.
 
Le-mo said:
I ran the Windows 7 Upgrade advisor to see if my computer could run it and my computer passed all the past, except it couldn't confirm my video cards compatibility. I downloaded the latest driver and it still didnt' fix the issue. Any ideas guys?
Hmm, well what kind of graphics chipset is it?
 
Mr Nightman said:
Hmm, well what kind of graphics chipset is it?
What do you mean by chipset? This is the graphics card that I have.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150501

Edit: I tried to install Windows 7 last night despite the advisor not being able to confirm my graphics compatibility. It went through the entire process (copy files, harddrive partition, etc..), but once it restarted and got to the "Starting Windows" screen the windows logo started to assemble and then it just froze.
 
Le-mo said:
What do you mean by chipset? This is the graphics card that I have.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150501

Edit: I tried to install Windows 7 last night despite the advisor not being able to confirm my graphics compatibility. It went through the entire process (copy files, harddrive partition, etc..), but once it restarted and got to the "Starting Windows" screen the windows logo started to assemble and then it just froze.
Thats really odd, that card is plenty new, may be some settings in the bios screwing up, I got a gtx 460 recently and windows would lock up and blue screen on that little loading icon, changed some acpi settings in my bios to on, and it worked fine afterwards. What make/model motherboard do you have?
 
Can anyone point me in the direction of the UK best budget gaming pc build list? Or should I just use the us o.e as a template?
 
Mr Nightman said:
Thats really odd, that card is plenty new, may be some settings in the bios screwing up, I got a gtx 460 recently and windows would lock up and blue screen on that little loading icon, changed some acpi settings in my bios to on, and it worked fine afterwards. What make/model motherboard do you have?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

I will try messing with the BIOS tonight if that's the case.
 
Mr Nightman said:
Yea man give her a try, and I will still research a bit, will update if I find anything

Thank you, I did a little research myself, but couldn't really find any real solution to the problem. I'll mess with the BIOS after work and school.
 
Fix The Scientist said:
Pathetic question incoming but please help me. I have a standard laptop and tomorrow i'm buying a graphics card for it, do i have to check what type of motherboard i have? Or will most laptop graphics cards just fit in regardless of model?
Very FEW laptops have some sort of update-able video card, and those that do, need a card that has to fit physically (there are multiple variants of the MXM port) and with the thermal/electrical design (ie, not set your laptop on fire); also has to be supported by the BIOS.

There are some external solutions though, like the ViDock or its DIY variant. Mind you that these require an external PSU and monitor (dependant on your laptop and video card), and have some bandwidth issues (can't run at x16).
 
Anyone use a standalone podcast player on their PC? I use Winamp for my media but it's pretty terrible for podcasts. It downloads your podcasts into your music library, spontaneously stops and loses your spot when you pause or put your computer to sleep, and seems to do a pretty bad jobs of checking for updates. I'd rather have a 2nd piece of software to run independently that just does podcasts well, or does podcasts and music well but still keeps them seperate.
 
What do you guys think of this build?

Case: Cooler Master HAF X
CPU: Core i7-950
Graphics: AMD 4870 (recycled from current pc) + 1 more in crossfire
Power Supply: Undecided yet? Recommendations??
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth X58
Memory: G Skill Ripjaw 2x4GB (for future upgrading)

I'm not sure about the mobo though I just kind of picked one that had the requirements for the i7-950.

Also is it difficult to do 2x 4870s? I have never done the dual GPU thing before. Is it worth it for most games?

Edit: Nvm on the 2x 4870s. I'm just going to stick with 1 until I save enough for a DX11 solution.
 
Hari Seldon said:
What do you guys think of this build?

Case: Cooler Master HAF X
CPU: Core i7-950
Graphics: AMD 4870 (recycled from current pc) + 1 more in crossfire
Power Supply: Undecided yet? Recommendations??
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth X58
Memory: G Skill Ripjaw 2x4GB (for future upgrading)

I'm not sure about the mobo though I just kind of picked one that had the requirements for the i7-950.

Also is it difficult to do 2x 4870s? I have never done the dual GPU thing before. Is it worth it for most games?

Edit: Nvm on the 2x 4870s. I'm just going to stick with 1 until I save enough for a DX11 solution.
Why'd you choose that processor?
 
Hari Seldon said:
What do you guys think of this build?

Case: Cooler Master HAF X
CPU: Core i7-950
Graphics: AMD 4870 (recycled from current pc) + 1 more in crossfire
Power Supply: Undecided yet? Recommendations??
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth X58
Memory: G Skill Ripjaw 2x4GB (for future upgrading)

I'm not sure about the mobo though I just kind of picked one that had the requirements for the i7-950.

Also is it difficult to do 2x 4870s? I have never done the dual GPU thing before. Is it worth it for most games?

Edit: Nvm on the 2x 4870s. I'm just going to stick with 1 until I save enough for a DX11 solution.

X58 is a triple channel DDR board. Which you need for the 1366 socket of that i7, so add triple channel ram not dual channel.
 
Hmm I am reading that the i5-760 is a pretty good CPU if you don't plan on more than 2 graphics cards. Maybe I'll go with that instead of the i7-950 and save some cash. Ugg too many options lol. My wife needs my build before we leave on vacation so it will be in by Christmas. :lol
 
Hari Seldon said:
No reason really, looks like it is pretty powerful for $300. Why is there a better one for that price?
The i5 760 is probably the same to you unless you'll make use of hyper-threading, and it's $100 cheaper. Either way, if you can wait until after the holidays, new Intel CPUs and ATI GPUs are being released.
 
Keio said:
Dear sirs,

I have been reading the GAF PC threads with awe and slight envy, due to abandoning PC six years ago to become a Mac user & console gamer. Not anymore, I say: I will join the ranks of "one gen ahead but still on the comfy couch".

First decision is a hard one: what kind of PC would be the best. My missus won't probably love a LED-lit tuner case with loud fans so...

1) Use a HTPC case and try to squeeze enough performance for 720p or 1080p (need a new telly which I'll buy after a move) full detail games

2) Use long cables & wireless controller/mouse to hide the unit somewhere far away from our living room

3) Build a silent but deadly ATX case & try and make it blend into our living room

I'm stoked about the idea of nice AA, triple buffering etc... Please help me join your elite ranks!

edit: Oh and to add: I will build my own. No prebuilt nonsense for me.

1) Look into the following and see if there is something both you and the missus like:

Antec fusion Remote Max - almost unnecessarily big, blends well with audio components, can fit pretty much any hardware you throw at it, good noise damping properties

Silverstone grandia GD04 - mATX, small footprint yet able to fit decent hardware, height limitation on aftermarket CPU coolers, max graphics card length 11 inches

Lian Li PC-C50 - similar to above and can generally fit more but restricted in graphics card length (10 inches), all aluminum though -> prone to vibration?

Origen AE S16V/S16T - only if you've got serious cash to blow and are really into aesthetics, T version comes with a TFT touchscreen

2) wireless everything is almost a must from a couch anyway so...

3) What you are describing already sort of exists: Lian Li PC-X2000F

5164oh.jpg

(LEDs in this shot are just PR, it's as classy a case as you are able to get your hands on)


Hari Seldon said:
Crap I think I am making a mistake on the RAM also. It looks like it should be triple channel instead of 2x. Am I right in this?

Yes. Dual works though, you just aren't realizing the platforms full potential.
 
Schmattakopf said:
The i5 760 is probably the same to you unless you'll make use of hyper-threading, and it's $100 cheaper. Either way, if you can wait until after the holidays, new Intel CPUs and ATI GPUs are being released.

Yeah I read that. I think I'm going to go with that i5. Pretty cheap and the mobo is cheaper. I don't plan on running more than 2 GPUs ever. I am going to wait on getting a new GPU until after the holidays.
 
Erm, I'm stupid. Do I need to equip my computer with better RAM if I want to upgrade to an i5? (Internet says you have to use DDR3 RAM)

Edit: NVM. I guess looking at the motherboard specs helps. Good thing RAM is cheap :)
 
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