"I need a New PC!" 2011 Thread of reading the OP. Seriously. [Part 2]

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blanky said:
I have been tracking the temperature of my graphics card for a while now and it seems that it tops at 70 degrees in my most stressfull game apparently (Dirt3) with everything on. And in a 2+ playing session those 70 degrees are only for a short period.

Still lower is always better, I already took the foam off the gpu vent on my case (Fractal R3) but I'm just wondering whether there's anything else I can do that would help significantly (few degrees lower). I already have 2 fans in the front, would a fan on the side help if not what else?
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I know you know, but 70C as the hottest your GPU gets isn't only OK, it's great! Removing the side / top fan blockers on the R3 will work against two of the benefits this case has over open ones (low noise and low dust), so I wouldn't do it if I was getting good temps. However, if you really don't mind additional noise and dusting out your case more often, then adding a side fan blowing in may help, as would adding a top fan to help exhaust the hot air the DCuII puts into the case (as well as lowering CPU temps).
 
Your Current Specs: Intel Q6600 G0 (that I CANNOT OC past 2.8), NForce 680iSLI Mobo, Crucial Ballistix 4 x 2GB RAM (two of them currently have problems), ATI 5870 HD, 75 GB Intel SSD, 1TB Seagate Barracuda, 700W Corsair PSU
Budget: $6-700
Main Use: Gaming, General Use
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Battlefield 3, Skyrim, and upcoming PC games.
Are reusing any parts?: Yes. The GPU, the hard drives, the DVD-RW, and the Power Supply. I could keep the existing Alienware Area 51 case .... and save $140.
When will you build?: This Month me thinks ... the RAM is acting up and the Mobo is just pissing me off with OC'ing.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes

I've pretty much got things picked out from Newegg .... have I overlooked anything?

NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Steel / Plastic Enthusiast ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

ASUS P8Z68-V LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131729

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Is the RAM good enough? Could I go with a cheaper Motherboard? I took that one because of the good reviews ... though there were not many at all.

This came out to about $650 ... I could get a cheaper case but I like the looks of the Phantom ... I also could just keep my current Alienware case (http://regmedia.co.uk/2008/04/08/alienware_main.jpg) ... it is large enough after all ...
 
Alright, so my old 7950GT finally died on me, so I guess it's time to buy a new GPU. I wanted to know what the best cards in the $330 range are. I was thinking a 570, but don't know what the best value for a 570 is. I was planning on waiting until later in the year to get it, but since mine broke I have to get it now. I primarily want it to play Battlefield 3 on a high setting. The monitor I use for gaming resolution is 1680 x 1050.

I have been debating between the MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr II OC from the OP and the ASUS GeForce 570 GTX DirectCU II Fermi. Which of these would you guys say is the better buy? Or any other worthwhile suggestions. Thanks a lot.
 
blanky said:
Asus GTX580 DCII I know 70c is far from bad news ;p but if there is anything I can do to lower it some, then why not?
Click to expand...
Could always watercool if you're obsessed with temps. Though, 70c under load is really nice for a GPU on air.
 
SUBZERO-08 said:
Alright, so my old 7950GT finally died on me, so I guess it's time to buy a new GPU. I wanted to know what the best cards in the $330 range are. I was thinking a 570, but don't know what the best value for a 570 is. I was planning on waiting until later in the year to get it, but since mine broke I have to get it now. I primarily want it to play Battlefield 3 on a high setting. The monitor I use for gaming resolution is 1680 x 1050.

I have been debating between the MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr II OC from the OP and the ASUS GeForce 570 GTX DirectCU II Fermi. Which of these would you guys say is the better buy? Or any other worthwhile suggestions. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
what are the rest of your system specs?
 
Just a random tip guys, when buying from newegg be sure to check combos for everything in your cart. I found a $25 combo discount for the exact motherboard and cpu I was buying anyways. I would have never spotted it if it wasn't for a hardocp ad while I was reading reviews. Made me double check all my components for combo discounts.

Something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ubCategory=280&SortField=0&PageSize=10&page=1

To view combos for an item, scroll all the way down on an item's page and click "Browse more combos".

This may be common knowledge around these parts but I've been using newegg for years and years and I always forget about the combo.
 
SUBZERO-08 said:
Alright, so my old 7950GT finally died on me, so I guess it's time to buy a new GPU. I wanted to know what the best cards in the $330 range are. I was thinking a 570, but don't know what the best value for a 570 is. I was planning on waiting until later in the year to get it, but since mine broke I have to get it now. I primarily want it to play Battlefield 3 on a high setting. The monitor I use for gaming resolution is 1680 x 1050.

I have been debating between the MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr II OC from the OP and the ASUS GeForce 570 GTX DirectCU II Fermi. Which of these would you guys say is the better buy? Or any other worthwhile suggestions. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

If you're looking for a single GPU solution the 570 is your best bet in that range. The MSI version has extra cooling for generally safer overclocks and it's already factory overclocked.
 
SUBZERO-08 said:
Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D-E LGA1156 P55
Ram: Corsair 4GB DDR3 1600
Processor: Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield overclocked to 4.0GHz
Click to expand...
great specs, wasn't sure if a 570 would be extremely bottlenecked for you, figured you may have a dual core with that older card, lol. Not too sure what the best 570 value is, someone care to help him out?
 
SUBZERO-08 said:
Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D-E LGA1156 P55
Ram: Corsair 4GB DDR3 1600
Processor: Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield overclocked to 4.0GHz
Click to expand...
6970 or 570 will do you right. ASUS DCUII and MSI Twin Frozr have the best non-reference coolers, XFX has the best warranty. Sapphire has some pretty cool tech with their Vapor-X cooler as well if you go AMD, and great customer support.
 
I would like to know what a really exception GPU -- for running the toughest games at 1920 x 1080 -- would be.

I would love to run Crysis and GTA IV at 60 FPS. Of course later this year I would hope to run Rage and Battlefield 3 at 60 FPS too. (Edit: Of course at maximum settings.)
 
garath said:
In a small cheap case I've found this problem to be pretty common. I've built quite a few PCs for friends as well as a couple budget ones for myself as second machines and with the tiny steel cases I was getting that issue. The motherboard was very snug in there and if it was settled in a certain way, the machine wouldn't turn on. I had to push on the motherboard in a corner to get it to start up.

Just make sure nothing metal but the spacers is touching the motherboard.
Click to expand...

hmmm, maybe i'll power it up with the MoBo out of the case and see if that works. Thanks.
 
ashbash159 said:
I would like to know what a really exception GPU -- for running the toughest games at 1920 x 1080 -- would be.

I would love to run Crysis and GTA IV at 60 FPS. Of course later this year I would hope to run Rage and Battlefield 3 at 60 FPS too. (Edit: Of course at maximum settings.)
Click to expand...

I'd suggest you fill out the form in the OP... but, the most important part is asking yourself "How much do I want to spend" followed by "will the rest of my PC specs hold the GPU back?" Do you want two graphics card or just one? If you want two, are you willing to deal with potential hassles? Furthermore, no one knows exactly what GPU will be needed to run BF3 at 60 FPS at maximum settings.

Basically, it'd help us help you if you fill out the form in the OP.
 
Soka said:
I'd suggest you fill out the form in the OP... but, the most important part is asking yourself "How much do I want to spend" followed by "will the rest of my PC specs hold the GPU back?" Do you want two graphics card or just one? If you want two, are you willing to deal with potential hassles? Furthermore, no one knows exactly what GPU will be needed to run BF3 at 60 FPS at maximum settings.

Basically, it'd help us help you if you fill out the form in the OP.
Click to expand...
I don't see a form.

I don't think I'll be able to use 2 GPUs becuase I currently have a wireless network card taking up a slot, and my GPU taking up one slot but because it's a bit bigger than one slot it is covering up a slot.
 
ashbash159 said:
I don't see a form.
Click to expand...

This.


Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: CPU / RAM (DDR2/DDR3) / Motherboard / GPU
Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Light Gaming, Gaming, Emulation (PS2/Wii), Video Editing, 3D work, general usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback)
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory
Are reusing any parts?: List make and model (e.g. Corsair 520HX 520W)
When will you build?: When do you want your computer, do you need it in a week, can you wait a month or two?
Will you be overclocking?: Yes, No, Maybe (This means yes)
 
OP said:
If you want help with a build fill this out AND try making one of your own from the resources in the OP :)

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: CPU / RAM (DDR2/DDR3) / Motherboard / GPU
Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Light Gaming, Gaming, Emulation (PS2/Wii), Video Editing, 3D work, general usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback)
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory
Are reusing any parts?: List make and model (e.g. Corsair 520HX 520W)
When will you build?: When do you want your computer, do you need it in a week, can you wait a month or two?
Will you be overclocking?: Yes, No, Maybe (This means yes)
Click to expand...
This is right there in the OP. Also, no one knows what Rage and BF3 will require. If you're building/upgrading for them, wait till they're out.
 
mkenyon said:
This is right there in the OP. Also, no one knows what Rage and BF3 will require. If you're building/upgrading for them, wait till they're out.
Click to expand...
Yeah I should probably wait until they're nearly released until I should have asked. But I don't know. I was just asking just to know what a GPU with the description I gave could be. I'm not planning to buy it now, of course!
 
ashbash159 said:
Yeah I should probably wait until they're nearly released until I should have asked. But I don't know. I was just asking just to know what a GPU with the description I gave could be. I'm not planning to buy it now, of course!
Click to expand...

The most powerful GPU out there is the GTX 590 or the 6990 (which I think is unavailable, so in its place, the 6970).
 
6990s are indeed available however do not purchase either of these cards, absolutely cannot recommend these cards for the price-value. As powerful SLI or CF solutions are available for far less money.
 
Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs:AMD Athlon 64 3200+ /1GB DDR2 RAM (Not sure of brand) / idk / GeForce 7300 LE
Budget: $1500
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Battlefield 3 and other upcoming games
Are reusing any parts?: No
When will you build?: Will be getting in a month or two.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes

Pretty much slightly edited the $1000 build:

JYlGe.png


If there's anything I could get for a little extra or something that I may not need or can downgrade with little consequence please tell!

Few things I was wondering about:

RAM: I noticed that G.Skill seems to be suggested a lot in this thread but is it because of performance or price? I had Corsair Vengeance but I didn't know which was better.

GPU: I picked the 570 suggested in the $1000. I was thinking of getting the 580 but does it warrant an extra $150?

I'm thikning of going with the HAF 922 for my case. I thought it looked pretty cool, would make installation a little easier and I was told it was good for airflow.

I also haven't chosen my monitor yet and was thinking of going with this. Any suggestions?
 
Flame Lord said:
Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs:AMD Athlon 64 3200+ /1GB DDR2 RAM (Not sure of brand) / idk / GeForce 7300 LE
Budget: $1500
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Battlefield 3 and other upcoming games
Are reusing any parts?: No
When will you build?: Will be getting in a month or two.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes

Pretty much slightly edited the $1000 build:

If there's anything I could get for a little extra or something that I may not need or can downgrade with little consequence please tell!

Few things I was wondering about:

RAM: I noticed that G.Skill seems to be suggested a lot in this thread but is it because of performance or price? I had Corsair Vengeance but I didn't know which was better.

GPU: I picked the 570 suggested in the $1000. I was thinking of getting the 580 but does it warrant an extra $150?

I'm thikning of going with the HAF 922 for my case. I thought it looked pretty cool, would make installation a little easier and I was told it was good for airflow.

I also haven't chosen my monitor yet and was thinking of going with this. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Only thing i would change is the 2TB to a 7200rpm drive, i read online that the ecogreens run at 5400. A bit slow, but honestly due to the rebate you are getting, it is a pretty good deal. Really small change honestly. Other than that, solid build.
 
cackhyena said:
I'm still a ways away from getting what i need to build what I want, but I'm slowly getting components. I plan on getting this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QF0VD6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
to go with this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EBUXHQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20.

So my question is, should i jump on this to go with it? Seems like a good deal.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...427&cm_re=ram_ddr3_4gb-_-20-231-427-_-Product
Click to expand...
Since no one has answered yet, i guess I'll tack another question on. Should I be going with 8gb instead of the 4 when the time comes? Or just bite on this and upgrade down the line should I choose to?
 
Hazaro said:
Performance on RAM means jack.
Price and good sticks. Support eSports. I also like their heatsinks better.
Get these now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231417
Click to expand...

Knowing that, I'll stick with G.Skill.

zephervack said:
Only thing i would change is the 2TB to a 7200rpm drive, i read online that the ecogreens run at 5400. A bit slow, but honestly due to the rebate you are getting, it is a pretty good deal. Really small change honestly. Other than that, solid build.
Click to expand...

Yeah I was thinking about changing that. I don't think I'll be needing 2TB for a while and I'd prefer to just have a faster drive.


Thanks guys!
 
Flame Lord said:
Stuff
Click to expand...

No reason to upgrade to the Corsair pro series over the enthusiast TX series PSU for your use. Save yourself some money and stick with the TX series.

For the money you're willing to spend, you may want to swap out the 570 for 2x 6950s 1GB (or 2GB if you're worried about VRAM). This costs ~$470 compared to the ~$320 a 570 costs. This will be significantly more powerful than a single 580.
 
cackhyena said:
Since no one has answered yet, i guess I'll tack another question on. Should I be going with 8gb instead of the 4 when the time comes? Or just bite on this and upgrade down the line should I choose to?
Click to expand...

4 GB is all you'll need for gaming, but if you are planning on keeping your system for at least 2-3 years, it might be worth while to have 8 GB. I went with 8 GB because the extra cost to me still allowed me to be under my budget. I wouldn't buy any RAM before you're ready to use it though, as prices continue to drop steadily.

The motherboard and CPU you picked look good.
 
Oh good lawd. H100 review is out. This outperforms two of my friends' custom water loops on the same proc. Considering my case is built with this thing in mind, day 1. And to think, I just took 2 hours of time installing a Venomous X.
 
Soka said:
4 GB is all you'll need for gaming, but if you are planning on keeping your system for at least 2-3 years, it might be worth while to have 8 GB. I went with 8 GB because the extra cost to me still allowed me to be under my budget. I wouldn't buy any RAM before you're ready to use it though, as prices continue to drop steadily.

The motherboard and CPU you picked look good.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot, man. Good to know.

With those components, would these be a good choice?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311
 
cackhyena said:
Thanks a lot, man. Good to know.

With those components, would these be a good choice?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311
Click to expand...

Those would be fine. You could also consider 1600 Mhz (as opposed to the 1333 Mhz you've linked) RAM which is generally a bit "faster," though in real-world terms you'll probably see at best a 1-2% speed increase.

So, what you have is definitely a good choice, but if you want to read up more on the difference, this link may be valuable.
 
TommyT said:
Are there any fans that are better than the other? Looking for either 120mm or 140mm fans.
Click to expand...
Yes. Scythe Gentle Typhoons are regarded as the best. Yate Loon also makes some damn fine ones.
 
so i got my new rig.

i7 2600k OC @ 3.9ghz
12GB RAM @ 1600mhz
psu: 550w
cooler master case.

i plan on upgrading my gpu to a gtx 580 this fall when bf3 hits.
i also do a lot of 3d rendering and video editing.
would it be possible to clock my cpu to 5.0+ghz?
and what kind of fan would i need to achieve that?
 
viakado said:
so i got my new rig.

i7 2600k OC @ 3.9ghz
12GB RAM @ 1600mhz
psu: 550w
cooler master case.

i plan on upgrading my gpu to a gtx 580 this fall when bf3 hits.
i also do a lot of 3d rendering and video editing.
would it be possible to clock my cpu to 5.0+ghz?
and what kind of fan would i need to achieve that?
Click to expand...

Don't think you can accomplish that on air cooling.
 
viakado said:
so i got my new rig.

i7 2600k OC @ 3.9ghz
12GB RAM @ 1600mhz
psu: 550w
cooler master case.

i plan on upgrading my gpu to a gtx 580 this fall when bf3 hits.
i also do a lot of 3d rendering and video editing.
would it be possible to clock my cpu to 5.0+ghz?
and what kind of fan would i need to achieve that?
Click to expand...

You'll need a larger PSU if you want to put in a 580.
 
Oh my god!!!

It's been a long time since we've added a significant new feature to the PC Builder on NCIX.com, but this is one that our team is VERY excited about.

Every customer has different needs and priorities when choosing the parts to use for a new PC system, so we've always taken SELECTION very seriously. The problem with unlimited selection is that sometimes parts are incompatible, which can delay the order while our technicians receive the system parts and realize they don't work together.

Our new Compatibility Checker tool allows you to take the guesswork out of some of the basic compatibility problems that occur! Simply put whatever components your heart desires into your system configuration using the "Advanced Options" button, and use the compatibility checker to make sure that it's going to work before finalizing the order.

The "Checker" doesn't cover some more advanced configuration options like warning you about pairing a SATA3 SSD with a SATA2 motherboard because those items STILL WORK even though they are not running ideally. It is meant to prevent show-stopping configuration errors that will prevent our technicians from assembling your system. Don't forget that if you need higher level advice on a PC system, and you want that personal touch, you can always email the PC Adviser at PC@ncix.com. We'll get back to you usually within 24 hours!
Click to expand...

http://source.ncix.com/eblast/eblast-PC-compatibility/index.html

Godly, NCIX. Godly!
 
TommyT said:
Are there any fans that are better than the other? Looking for either 120mm or 140mm fans.
Click to expand...
If you don't want t spend $20+ on a fan, Cooler Master Sickle R4s are good for $8-9 each. I have 3 or 4 and they work nicely.
 
garath said:
Don't think you can accomplish that on air cooling.
Click to expand...

Some have been able to hit 4.9-5+ on air with a noctua D14 or the Silver Arrow but...yeah, those really depend on your processor.

And luck.
 
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