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[mkenyon]

Edit: Also, I want a mobo (w/ a good processor) that will last. I looked up some reviews of the 950 and 2500k i7's. The negligible difference between them is what's making me want to go with the 950.

The socket that the 950 is on is dead. There's not going to be any more processors released for it aside from maybe an additional extreme edition. Granted, intel switches sockets like Charlie Sheen goes through paid women, but you'll get more life out of the 1155. If you *really* want something to last, wait for socket 2011 or AM3+. They're both going to be out of control.

 

[Data West]

currently running a dual core 3.16 processor. Thinking about upgrading to an i7 pretty soon, in addition to buying a GTX 560. Though I've got 4GB Ram.

Anything I should upgrade instead?

 

[mkenyon]

What kind of motherboard/processor do you currently have?

 

[Realyst]

The socket that the 950 is on is dead. There's not going to be any more processors released for it aside from maybe an additional extreme edition. Granted, intel switches sockets like Charlie Sheen goes through paid women, but you'll get more life out of the 1155. If you *really* want something to last, wait for socket 2011 or AM3+. They're both going to be out of control.

Thanks a lot! I'll do a little bit more research on it. Is there a price point that I definitely don't have to exceed?

 

[Data West]

What kind of motherboard/processor do you currently have?

ACPI x64-based PC or intel core 2 duo cpu e8500 @ 3.16ghz(2cpus) ,~3.3GHz. Would that be it?

 

[mkenyon]

That entirely depends on your budget. My best bud won a 980x and a Sabertooth board (as well as about $2.5k in other parts) at PDXLAN in the raffle. I would have previously always argued against the extreme edition processors. But now that I know what the experience is like. Yesterday, he was running two linux virtual machines, installing windows on a third virtual machine, all while playing Heroes of Newerth. Was a glorious moment.

But really, I don't suggest spending over $300 on a proc. You can also certainly get away with less than that. The motherboard though, I always advocate for the best one you can possibly buy. Its the backbone and system controller for the entire computer. I'm a tinkerer though, and do a quite a bit more than game.

ACPI x64-based PC or intel core 2 duo cpu e8500 @ 3.16ghz(2cpus) ,~3.3GHz. Would that be it?

That means you have a socket 775 motherboard, which also means you can't upgrade to an i7 without upgrading the motherboard. i7s require an 1156, 1366, or 1155 socket.

 

[Data West]

That entirely depends on your budget. My best bud won a 980x and a Sabertooth board (as well as about $2.5k in other parts) at PDXLAN in the raffle. I would have previously always argued against the extreme edition processors. But now that I know what the experience is like. Yesterday, he was running two linux virtual machines, installing windows on a third virtual machine, all while playing Heroes of Newerth. Was a glorious moment.

But really, I don't suggest spending over $300 on a proc. You can also certainly get away with less than that. The motherboard though, I always advocate for the best one you can possibly buy. Its the backbone and system controller for the entire computer. I'm a tinkerer though, and do a quite a bit more than game.

I pretty much exclusively just game, one monitor. I just want to be prepared for stuff like Guild Wars 2, Shogun, etc. My friend was saying an i7 wouldn't work on that socket type(LGA775)?

That means you have a socket 775 motherboard, which also means you can't upgrade to an i7 without upgrading the motherboard. i7s require an 1156, 1366, or 1155 socket.

Any processors you'd suggest that would be a nice improvement over the duo 3.16s without changing motherboards? I'm trying to upgrade my video card, ram, and processor so I may pester you one by one for all of these things to make sure I'm getting the right stuff.

 

[winnarps]

Blah, was about to pull the trigger on this list this week, but I guess I'll have to wait for the fixed mobos to come in.

Any glaring issues (or suggestions) with the above? I plan on overclocking to 'reasonable' numbers, nothing fancy.

I've already got a few 500GB-1TB drives sitting around to store other stuff, as well as a spare DVDRW drive.

 

[MisterNoisy]

I currently don't have a rig at all.

(Image snipped)

I'll plan to add either an Asus or an ASRock motherboard to this. Depending on the price. I'd buy now but the 1555 motherboards aren't avaliable yet.

I don't want a SSD yet as I plan to do that for my next upgrade when the technology matures and prices go down. And yes I know it doesn't have a DVD Drive. I want to go all digital.

I want the core build of this to last me around 4 years while the video card and hard-drive will be replaced in 2.

I'd nitpick some of the other stuff, but your case selection really jumped out at me. I'd really look into a different case - that Logisys would definitely not be my first choice, and you've already specced a separate PSU.

Here's some case alternatives - they're not amazing and generally are made of pretty thin steel, but they'll do the job quite well while not being too much pricier than what you've chosen:

NZXT Gamma - a bit on the funky looking side, but it's got decent cable management. $40 + $10 shipping

HEC Blitz - this is a decent, basic case with lots of fan mounts. $40 + $10 shipping

Rosewill Destroyer - functionally and aesthetically identical to the HEC Blitz. $50 + $5 shipping

Thermaltake V3 - again, pretty much identical. $40 + $10 shipping

Antec 300 Illusion - pretty much the de facto budget case. $55 + Free shipping

Rosewill Challenger - another decent choice with cable management holes. $55 + Free shipping

Cooler Master HAF 912 - moving up just a bit pricewise, but this would probably be my pick at this price. $60 + Free shipping

Of the lot, I really like the NZXT, Challenger and the Cooler Master, just because they have some routing holes to help with cable management. You'll want to add fans to the NZXT and the HAF 912 since they only ship with one 120mm fan, so factor that into the price as well.

To be honest, I'd consider moving up just a little to something a bit heavier/nicer, but I wanted to keep things at least close to what you'd budgeted for a case.

 

[mkenyon]

Antec cases are trash, IMO. 2600k is wasteful over a 2500k. 2500k will hit 5ghz no problem. With that savings, get a better case.

Any processors you'd suggest that would be a nice improvement over the duo 3.16s without changing motherboards? I'm trying to upgrade my video card, ram, and processor so I may pester you one by one for all of these things to make sure I'm getting the right stuff.

Go to newegg, click processors, then narrow it to socket 775. Pick anything that says 9xxx with 4 cores.

 

[Erebus]

Any processors you'd suggest that would be a nice improvement over the duo 3.16s without changing motherboards? I'm trying to upgrade my video card, ram, and processor so I may pester you one by one for all of these things to make sure I'm getting the right stuff.

Get a quad processor. I guess Q6600 or Q9550 would do.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Blah, was about to pull the trigger on this list this week, but I guess I'll have to wait for the fixed mobos to come in.

Any glaring issues (or suggestions) with the above? I plan on overclocking to 'reasonable' numbers, nothing fancy.

I've already got a few 500GB-1TB drives sitting around to store other stuff, as well as a spare DVDRW drive.

I would spend 10 more bucks and get the Seasonic X650 power supply. It is GOLD rated for efficiency and is modular to boot. Probably the best PSU on the market at that price hands down. It is a beast.

 

[Data West]

Antec cases are trash, IMO. 2600k is wasteful over a 2500k. 2500k will hit 5ghz no problem. With that savings, get a better case.



Go to newegg, click processors, then narrow it to socket 775. Pick anything that says 9xxx with 4 cores.

How's this look with said motherboard? I've got 4 RAM slots with 4 1gbs in them. I was just going to take those out and replace with these.

At this point I'm starting to think about building a whole new computer

 

[Outdoor Miner]

How's this look with said motherboard? I've got 4 RAM slots with 4 1gbs in them. I was just going to take those out and replace with these.

At this point I'm starting to think about building a whole new computer

*Processor looks good
*RAM amount is overkill and not compatible with your mobo, get two 4GB sticks of DDR2 RAM

 

[Data West]

*Processor looks good
*RAM amount is overkill and not compatible with your mobo, get two 4GB sticks of DDR2 RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148274

that look better?

 

[Shambles]

How's this look with said motherboard? I've got 4 RAM slots with 4 1gbs in them. I was just going to take those out and replace with these.

At this point I'm starting to think about building a whole new computer

I don't know if i'd even bother spending that much money on a Q9500 at this point. 4GB of memory is still plenty and not worth upgrading, especially since you'd have to buy out of date DDR2 memory. If you're looking at spending that range of money i'd either look to do a full upgrade, or just overclock your C2D and run with the new GPU.

 

[mkenyon]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148274

that look better?

Don't need 8GB unless you're running virtual machines.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148214 is what you want.

The 9500 is worth it if you're not going to upgrade your mobo.

 

[Data West]

I don't know if i'd even bother spending that much money on a Q9500 at this point. 4GB of memory is still plenty and not worth upgrading, especially since you'd have to buy out of date DDR2 memory. If you're looking at spending that range of money i'd either look to do a full upgrade, or just overclock your C2D and run with the new GPU.

I might just buy the new GPU and stick with that through Shogun 2. See how Battlefield 3 performs whenever that comes out and possibly build a brand new computer. I need an excuse to get a new monitor as well.

Don't need 8GB unless you're running virtual machines.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148214 is what you want.

The 9500 is worth it if you're not going to upgrade your mobo.

well I've got 4GBs right now. It's just 4x1 instead of 2x2

 

[mkenyon]

It's super low latency and fast. RAM isn't just about volume, it's also about speed.

 

[Data West]

It's super low latency and fast. RAM isn't just about volume, it's also about speed.

I'll keep that in mind. Though I may just take the guts out of my current case and starting new. Also will I just be able to use my current heatsink if i replace the processor?

 

[mkenyon]

Depends. If it's an aftermarket cooler, which one is it? You'll need to clean it off with isopropyl alcohol and reapply thermal paste.

 

[·feist·]

What's going on in here?

I might just buy the new GPU and stick with that through Shogun 2. See how Battlefield 3 performs whenever that comes out and possibly build a brand new computer. I need an excuse to get a new monitor as well.


well I've got 4GBs right now. It's just 4x1 instead of 2x2

Please do. There is absolutely no reason to spend $240 on any 775 CPU in 2011. Nice chip and all, but it's now two generations old, over-priced, out-classed by the cheaper i5 2500K, and a poor purchase decision just about anyway you look at it.

Things would be different if you found a cheap Q9xxx on the used market. As is, it's time to save your big purchase money for a new build. Don't let an old motherboard lead you into making a bad pick up.

Just looking for something that is a smaller form factor and preferably under 200$ So far the lian li q11 is appealing to me.
I had not heard of some of those manufactures so that is a big help alone.

So you're looking at possibly doing a mini-ITX build? Would it be for gaming, browsing, file-server, general purpose, or something else? That should help you determine just how compact you can go and which case features to look for.

 

[mkenyon]

The guy doesn't want to upgrade his mobo. Just because you have the perception that the Yorkfield procs are old doesn't mean that they are slouches. Things still rock the house in games.

 

[Wazzim]

I would leave that alone and just start with a base of like 42 or 44. I wouldn't jump into the upper 4ghz area. Even at 4ghz, you will be lightning fast.

And I have the 212 as well. Idle temps are the same if not a little lower than yours. My load temps peak in the 65C range @ 4.480ghz.

Multi on 44 times 103= 4532mhz. On ~1.3v and I get max 67C inside my desk. Outside my desk temps are a couple of degrees lower. (I used the AI Suite in OS btw, very user friendly)

 

[·feist·]

I said it was a nice chip. I also have a 4GHz Q9550 in one of my builds so I know it isn't a slouch, stock or OC.

None of that changes the fact that paying more for slower, hotter, less-flexible tech is rarely ever a good idea.

 

[Relax.MX]

I have a 9800GT...¿I can make a significant progress with 150 dlls? ¿wait? ¿how long($$$)?

 

[1-D_FTW]

Yea. The new Nvidia beta drivers finally allow me to create custom resolutions on my GTX 460 for the overscan on my HDTV again. First time this has worked since the initial 258 drivers. Gave up on running current drivers and rolled back exclusively for that reason.

 

[·feist·]

I have a 9800GT...¿I can make a significant progress with 150 dlls? ¿wait? ¿how long($$$)?

At that price, a GTX 460 or AMD 6850 would give you a nice performance increase. You'd have to wait until later this year, or early Q1 2012, to find similar or better options since the upcoming "GTX 550 Ti" looks like it might be a questionable purchase.

 

[T-Matt]

So you're looking at possibly doing a mini-ITX build? Would it be for gaming, browsing, file-server, general purpose, or something else? That should help you determine just how compact you can go and which case features to look for.

Yeah a mini-ITX build. Mostly just general purpose stuff and some gaming. Most likely a sandy bridge proc/mini-itx motherboard when rolled out. I think light gaming but the value of a gtx 460 is too good to pass on. Maybe I need to go micro atx?

 

[Wazzim]

Overclocked my 460 to 900 core, everything higher seems unstable.

 

[mkenyon]

I said it was a nice chip. I also have a 4GHz Q9550 in one of my builds so I know it isn't a slouch, stock or OC.

None of that changes the fact that paying more for slower, hotter, less-flexible tech is rarely ever a good idea.

I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood you. I'll agree with this 100%.

 

[·feist·]

NP, things just get dicey when older tech isn't necessarily supported by the manufacturer/seller any more, and prices are no longer being dropped officially.

Yeah a mini-ITX build. Mostly just general purpose stuff and some gaming. Most likely a sandy bridge proc/mini-itx motherboard when rolled out. I think light gaming but the value of a gtx 460 is too good to pass on. Maybe I need to go micro atx?

So far S1155 mini-ITXs have only come in H67 and H61 varieties, so you won't have the option of overclocking (if that matters to you). There will be AMD AM3+ boards on sale (OC option), but there won't be much, if any, S2011 models released.

There have been a few P67 and Z68-based mATXs, so you'd have the best trade-off. Access to QuickSync (on Z68), and the ability to overclock if you want to.

If you're fine with on-board audio, you can make a nice mini-ITX gaming PC, but you'll have some limitations that you may or may not care about. The Lian Li Q07/08/11 are solid options on that end.

For aluminum mATX cases with nice design, good cooling, quality and features, the SilverStone FT03 and Lian Li V354 are two great options.

SilverStone FT03 $165-170

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=SilverStone+FT03+&x=0&y=0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...STMATCH&Description=SilverStone+FT03+&x=0&y=0
reviews & pics
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2011/02/15/silverstone-fortress-ft03-review/
http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Review/...fortress-ft03-a-htpc-builders-dream-case.aspx


Lian Li PC-V354 $150

(also comes in red and white/silver)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112300&Tpk=LIAN LI PC-V354B
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00476U47M/?tag=neogaf0e-20
reviews & pics
http://www.techspot.com/review/323-lian-li-mini-q-pc-v354/
http://www.chiphell.com/portal-view-aid-247-page-1.html

A lot of users also like Lan Gear's Da Box 100 case.

http://www.lan-gear.com/langear-microATX
http://www.lan-gear.com/langear-microATX-Gallery#img/users/Situation/user1.jpg


If you aren't set on aluminum, there are obviously plenty of nice steel enclosures you might like. For instance, in a few weeks, you'll be able to buy Fractal Design products in the US. Their Define Mini and Arc Mini are solid.

http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=58
http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=59

 

[Erebus]

Overclocked my 460 to 900 core, everything higher seems unstable.

What voltage did you use to reach 900MHz? On mine, everything above 850MHz core clock is unstable.

 

[mkenyon]

Seconded on the V354. It's without a doubt my most favorite case in the whole wide world. Well, maybe the X900, but they're equally as awesome.

mATX tiny beautiful case with 7 fricken internal 3.5" bays? So delicious. I use one for my HTPC and one for my fileserver.

 

[T-Matt]

Thank you feist for the tremendous help. I think I can manage with mini ITX since I'm not too concerned with overclocking but damn that FT03 is sleek. Looks futuristic even.

 

[mkenyon]

If that's the case (pun intended), check out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112265

Basically the same thing as the V354, but in itx form. I have one of those too

 

[T-Matt]

Q08 is what I'm probably going to go with. Ha, Do you have just have every Lian li case mkenyon?

 

[Wazzim]

What voltage did you use to reach 900MHz? On mine, everything above 850MHz core clock is unstable.

Max voltage for now, I think I'll could get it lower later on. I tested with the Kombuster benchmark demo and TDU2.

 

[mkenyon]

No. My gaming/LAN rig is in a Coolermaster Scout, and I'm also building a scratch itx build in a Sapphire Vietnam 6970 case. As in, the case that the videocard comes in.

If I had an unlimited budget, I'd upgrade my gaming rig to a X900 with a fatty liquid cooling setup.

 

[LegoDad]

What voltage did you use to reach 900MHz? On mine, everything above 850MHz core clock is unstable.

I can do it on .937, but raised it to .95 just to keep it really stable. 900, 1800, 2000.

 

[teh_pwn]

So newegg screwed up somehow. I just got spammed 4-5 emails from newegg, basically saying:
charged
shipped
RMA request refund
RMA received
RMA accepted

Oh well. Guess I'll keep an eye out for another couple of weeks.

 

[Laekon]

From OP

Basic Desktop Questions
Your Current Specs: C2D E6600 2.4GHz / 2GB DDR2 / MSI P965 Platinum LGA 775 / 8800GTS 640MB
Budget: As low as possible / USA
Main Use: Gaming, general usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback), Lightroom 3
Monitor Resolution: Currently 1680x1050 looking at 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games Fall NV, Dragon Age :O :AW and 2, The Witcher 2, and Deus Ex: HR (this is the important one)
Are reusing any parts?: Cooler Master Centurion 5 case, Antec TP3-550w power supply if still good enough, and SATA DVD
When will you build?: Looking at new monitor and GPU now if it work
Will you be overclocking?: Not likely

I'm currently playing through Fallout NV which isn't running as smooth as I think it should. I also have Dragon Age and Witcher on back log. I'm really excited by Deus Ex: HR and want to get a new system for that. I'm wodering if it would be worth it to buy a new 23" monitor and GPU now and then upgrade the CPU, MB, and RAM once Deus Ex comes out.

If I can get a performance increase from just a new GPU is it worth it to spend the extra $ on a 560/6950 over the 460/6850?

 

[Glix]

Hey guys. I posted this a few days ago and no one responded. Either cuz I'm being stupid about something, or GAF hates me, or something Anyway, any advice at all would be appreciated.

Hi PC Gaf. I'm not great with the PC (although I'm very good) and I have some questions. First off, here are my specs:

OPERATING SYSTEM:
Windows 2.5.1.2600 (Service Pack 3)
CPU TYPE:
Intel® Core™2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz
CPU SPEED (GHZ):
2.15
SYSTEM MEMORY (GB):
3.25
VIDEO CARD MODEL:
Radeon X1800 GTO
VIDEO CARD DRIVER:
ati2dvag.dll
DESKTOP RESOLUTION:
1280x720
HARD DISK SIZE (GB):
835.66
HARD DISK FREE SPACE (GB):
285.38

The hard disk is 4 drives in a RAID 5. I hate it. I just got a 1TB drive. I'm gong to try and de-raid, and use one of the raid drives as my OS drive, and the 1TB and 3 others as data drives. Can I have that may drives hooked up? Can I have drives hooked up to a RAID controller but not raided? I'm kinda scared of this part.

With my specs, should I upgrade to Windows 7, or stay on XP? I'd love to go to 7, but not if its gonna resource hog my machine and make it run slow.

How much greater would my experience be, if I upgraded the GPU? I could probably only spend $150 or so, but my gpu is such ass, that I thought maybe I could see a big performance increase only by spending that much.

OR

Is the Processor so weak that I really need to upgrade that, and upgrading the GPU wouldn't make much of a difference?

Lastly, I assume I have a really good amount of RAM? Is this true?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Ecto311]

So newegg screwed up somehow. I just got spammed 4-5 emails from newegg, basically saying:
charged
shipped
RMA request refund
RMA received
RMA accepted

Oh well. Guess I'll keep an eye out for another couple of weeks.

I got the same set of mails, might email or call them later when I get a chance. Also got an email from microcenter saying they will be getting boards starting on march 3rd - might keep an eye for them to order and pick up.

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

Word on the street is that Newegg will be carrying the Fractal R3s at the end of the week. Product pages are already up on their website so it's a good sign!

 

[BrettWeir]

Blah, was about to pull the trigger on this list this week, but I guess I'll have to wait for the fixed mobos to come in.

Any glaring issues (or suggestions) with the above? I plan on overclocking to 'reasonable' numbers, nothing fancy.

I've already got a few 500GB-1TB drives sitting around to store other stuff, as well as a spare DVDRW drive.

I'll make one comment. Check out the new PowerColor PCS++ 6950 that just became in stock at Newegg. $289 for a non reference 6950 with a dual bios at the flip of a switch. Ordered mine the minute it became available.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131392&cm_re=6950-_-14-131-392-_-Product

 

[ZZMitch]

Well my GTX 460 has started to fail me again, even when running at PCI-E x4

I am 99% sure that the graphics card is the issue and for me an other with this problem the only sure fire fix is to get a non-fermi card, according to what I have been reading about my issue.

Oh well... gunna go talk to NCIX to see if they will let me exchange my 460 for a Radeon card of similar value, or maybe do an upgrade and pay the difference or something!

 

[nib95]

New Crucial C300 256GB SSD - Check
New GTX 570 SSC GPU - Check

Now just need to get a copy of Windows 7 followed by the hope that the rest of 2011's big PC hitters won't be shat on and completely consolefied. I want to flex my hardware dammit!

 

[Lace]

Is it worth upgrading my GTX 460SE for about $100 to a GTX 560 ti (EVGA buyback 90 day program)? Or, should I hold onto my cash and just SLI two GTX 460SE's for another $150?

 

[ShdwDrake]

So I keep having this problem with my 4870 512MB and it'll say "Display Driver has stopped working and has recovered" (or something along those lines. I googled it and found some work arounds but not a real fix.

I'm thinking about just getting a new card (even though my rig plays everything i want and I would rather not tbh). But if I where what would be the best card for around $150-$200?

Also, I'm thinking about getting an Nvidia card. Do they play nice with AMD processors?