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

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Ravenn17 said:
I'm going to buy new computer parts soon and a power supply will be one of them. I currently only have one graphics card (460 GTX), and I plan to stick with it until next year. I want to make sure my parts last for at least 3 years, and that means leaving the option open for SLI. Would this be sufficient enough for two 1GB 460's, and a quad core processor?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
Click to expand...

SLI with 460s aren't worth it. By the time you'd want to SLI it would be far more efficient to get a single card solution, especially since 460s don't scale all that well in SLI and you'd have to mess with SLI. I'd only recommend SLi or CF to high end cards and even then it goes from a card to card basis.

That PSU is fine and a good brand. It will also support SLi 460s. Just letting you know 2 years from now SLi 460s won't even be considered a mid tier solution. Just keep your current card and upgrade to a single card solution when you decide to update your system.
 
A question that wasn't replied to in the OP was the possible bottlenecking of SSDs by the motherboard. Here is a list I made for my sister's computer and I would like to know if I won't run into compatbility problems. Most stuff comes from the pretty damn capable build in the OP :

2hgwadv.png


What do you think GAF. Is it smart to go SSD on a P8H67-M (B3) ?
 
Kenka said:
A question that wasn't replied to in the OP was the possible bottlenecking of SSDs by the motherboard. Here is a list I made for my sister's computer and I would like to know if I won't run into compatbility problems. Most stuff comes from the pretty damn capable build in the OP :

2hgwadv.png


What do you think GAF. Is it smart to go SSD on a P8H67-M (B3) ?
Click to expand...

You're spending more on the SSD than you are on the processor and the motherboard combined almost. I wouldn't advise it. Despite what people say, a fast CPU and a beefy video card are more important to gaming than an SSD. I'd almost go so far as to say that an SSD is superfluous for gaming (except in fringe cases, like some MMO's apparently, and games that stream in a lot of data).

Edit: As for a bottleneck, no, there would be no bottleneck, as long as the board supports SATA 6.0 gb/s.

A $200 SSD would be more at home in a $1000 build.
 
LordCanti said:
You're spending more on the SSD than you are on the processor and the motherboard combined almost. I wouldn't advise it. Despite what people say, a fast CPU and a beefy video card are more important to gaming than an SSD. I'd almost go so far as to say that an SSD is superfluous for gaming (except in fringe cases, like some MMO's apparently, and games that stream in a lot of data).

Edit: As for a bottleneck, no, there would be no bottleneck, as long as the board supports SATA 6.0 gb/s.

A $200 SSD would be more at home in a $1000 build.
Click to expand...

Thanks. My sis actually plays MMOs and she wanted to be ready for upcoming games such as Tera Online. The SSD should have enough capacity to have Windows and one or two MMOs on it. And that's it. Regarding the rest of the components, they are pretty much the same as mine, which means the computer can perfectly play games like The Witcher 2 at high specs effortlessly.

I wish I had more money in what case I would have gotten an i5-2500K and a HD 6950 2GB. But I think the system is good for what itis needed for. I just hoped the mobo doesn't limit the SSD performance. Thanks for your edit.
 
Kenka said:
Thanks. My sis actually plays MMOs and she wanted to be ready for upcoming games such as Tera Online. The SSD should have enough capacity to have Windows and one or two MMOs on it. And that's it. Regarding the rest of the components, they are pretty much the same as mine, which means the computer can perfectly play games like The Witcher 2 at high specs effortlessly.

I wish I had more money in what case I would have gotten an i5-2500K and a HD 6950 2GB. But I think the system is good for what itis needed for. I just hoped the mobo doesn't limit the SSD performance. Thanks for your edit.
Click to expand...

I would think a 64gb model would be enough for a couple of MMO's and the OS. That would be a $100 savings or so.

That machine should serve her well for MMO's.
 
LordCanti said:
I would think a 64gb model would be enough for a couple of MMO's and the OS. That would be a $100 savings or so.

That machine should serve her well for MMO's.
Click to expand...

Yep, I hope that the SATA-3 will do wonders regarding loading times. Since her internet connection is robust, I don't think she'd have much to complain. Plus, it will give her a real sensation of upgrade. I think it is more worth it to throw money in an SSD rather than in a more potent CPU+GPU combo.

edit : wouldn't SSD caching be a viable option too ? I could reduce SSD size and store everything on my HDD. I'd just have to upgrade the mobo a bit but overall, I'd have to pay less than in my current config.
 
Need help, GAF! I'm in a bit of a rush and need to make a PC for my mom. She uses Office, browses the web, looks at pictures, and will be doing Skype video calling with me. I'm in Vancouver, BC (Canada) and can only buy local. I'm mainly looking at NCIX and Memory Express.

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: She uses some old crappy Athlon system.
Budget: Cheaper the better, I'd like to get it under $350 or so.
Main Use: General usage and video calling.
Monitor Resolution: She's using some 1280x1024 monitor. I think she's gonna keep it for now but I'm not sure.
Are reusing any parts?: Just peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor).
When will you build?: Next few days.
Will you be overclocking?: No.


These are the parts I've come up with so far:

kingston value ram 4gb
http://www.ncix.com/products/index....33D3N9K2/4G&manufacture=Kingston&promoid=1300
$21.99

corsair 430w builders
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=60345&vpn=CMPSU-430CXV2&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1300
$34.99

Intel Core™ i3-2100 Processor, 3.10GHz w/ 3MB Cache
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX32497(ME).aspx
$114.99

Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue 7200rpm SATA III w/ 16MB Cache
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX32264(ME).aspx
$39.99

Antec 300
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=29812&vpn=THREE HUNDRED&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1300
$49.99

I need help with a motherboard in particular. I would like to get a mobo with HDMI but keep it relatively cheap (H61?). If anyone could point me to one on either the NCIX site (http://www.ncix.com) or the memory express site (http://www.memoryexpress.com/) that would be awesome. Or any other comments/suggestions. Thanks!
 
Tallshortman said:
SLI with 460s aren't worth it. By the time you'd want to SLI it would be far more efficient to get a single card solution, especially since 460s don't scale all that well in SLI and you'd have to mess with SLI. I'd only recommend SLi or CF to high end cards and even then it goes from a card to card basis.

That PSU is fine and a good brand. It will also support SLi 460s. Just letting you know 2 years from now SLi 460s won't even be considered a mid tier solution. Just keep your current card and upgrade to a single card solution when you decide to update your system.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the only reason I considered two 460's is because I bought my 460 somewhat recently, and I feel like I would be wasting money if I dumped it so soon. I presume it should hold up for at least another year, though.
 
Tallshortman said:
SLI with 460s aren't worth it. By the time you'd want to SLI it would be far more efficient to get a single card solution, especially since 460s don't scale all that well in SLI and you'd have to mess with SLI. I'd only recommend SLi or CF to high end cards and even then it goes from a card to card basis.
Click to expand...

Excuse me, what? Since when is SLI scaling anything other than moslty driver/software dependent?

If you want to give advice/facts to someone atleast back it up with something.
SLI scales amazing when it comes to games that support it well out of the gate, unless you're obviously bound by other factors e.g cpu.


So no, 460s don't scale well in SLI is bs. SLI IS a hassle sometimes when it comes to brand new games, but like many other pc game related issues they get ironed out in patches and drivers relatively swiftly. And that's the price you pay for paying 50% less.

Also, the direction pc gaming is going, I wouldn't for a second worry about having a 460 SLI setup in two years from now, something tells me that setup is still going to 60 fps the majority of all multiplat games.
fEiMt.png



A stones throw away from 100% scaling, awful awful scaling...

edit : I thought I'd find another article/review so all I stand on isn't just one lousy graph from techpowerup.

low resolution 85% scaling
cGOUC.png


high resolution, whaaat??? 100% scaling? Well I never...

omBBZ.png


My advice to you raven is that if you can't get rid of that 460 without losing too much money on it, is that you can go for another 460 and get a terrific boost in performance with regards to the majority of games. If you got money and are willing to wait then I'd say wait for the next wave of gpus. If not, again, buy that 460.
 
opticalmace said:
Need help, GAF! I'm in a bit of a rush and need to make a PC for my mom. She uses Office, browses the web, looks at pictures, and will be doing Skype video calling with me. I'm in Vancouver, BC (Canada) and can only buy local. I'm mainly looking at NCIX and Memory Express.
Click to expand...

Ill probarly get a lot of hate for this post, but i wont take the parts you listed. If you mother only is gonna use it for Skyping, Office/Internet etc. Youre components are way overkill. you can make it a lot cheaper with an AMD setup, wich will serve her needs just as well.

I can look into a setup if you'd like but only if you are interessted.
 
MedIC86 said:
Ill probarly get a lot of hate for this post, but i wont take the parts you listed. If you mother only is gonna use it for Skyping, Office/Internet etc. Youre components are way overkill. you can make it a lot cheaper with an AMD setup, wich will serve her needs just as well.

I can look into a setup if you'd like but only if you are interessted.
Click to expand...
I see where you're coming from, it's just that she's used her last computer for 6 years so I'd like to CPU frontload the new one so it can last her a long time. I appreciate the input but I think I'm stuck on the i3-2100.
 
opticalmace said:
I see where you're coming from, it's just that she's used her last computer for 6 years so I'd like to CPU frontload the new one so it can last her a long time. I appreciate the input but I think I'm stuck on the i3-2100.
Click to expand...

is HDMI an absolute 100% neccesity ? because this bundle is pretty good: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-BDL_2100_H61_4GB(ME).aspx

Also, i would look into this case: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX17509(ME).aspx

I've used it for the pc i build for my father few months back. Its really quiet (i think your mom will like that?), and its has a good eco-efficient green PSU.
 
This is what I plan on putting together to rejoin the Master Race. But before I go through with it I need GAFs approval (and love and affection).


Mobo: Gigabyte X58 UD5 for $319

CPU: Core i7 960

RAM: 24GB (3 x 8GB kits) GSkill Ripjaws XL

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 580

PSU: Antec Truepower 750W

Case: Antec 902

HDD: OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 120GB + 2TB Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm

Please point out something that needs or should be changed, and that I'm totally clueless.
 
Para bailar La Bomba said:
This is what I plan on putting together to rejoin the Master Race. But before I go through with it I need GAFs approval (and love and affection).


Mobo: Gigabyte X58 UD5 for $319

CPU: Core i7 960

RAM: 24GB (3 x 8GB kits) GSkill Ripjaws XL

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 580

PSU: Antec Truepower 750W

Case: Antec 902

HDD: OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 120GB + 2TB Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm

Please point out something that needs or should be changed, and that I'm totally clueless.
Click to expand...

Not an expert, but it may be better to go with a newer Sandybridge processor and motherboard, especially as you're aiming for a high-end system.

Edit: Wait, 24GB of RAM? Wow.
 
SenseiJinx said:
Wow, you've got nearly the exact same build as the one I'm putting together this week. My mobo is alsk an MSI, but a slightly different model, but exact same gpu, cpu, and cpu cooler. Also have 8gb of RAM, but a different brand.

Makes me excited, looks like your build is running very well. How stable is your 460 overclock? Would you consider going higher with the overclock? I'm considering tryi g to get mine to 850mhz, but I'll need to make sure it's well cooled, because it sounds like it runs pretty hot.
Click to expand...

The 460 overclock is rock solid. I played Witcher 2 for another couple hours last night, then played some Batman with everything on highest (except PhysX, that gave me a min 18 fps in the benchmark).

I could definitely go higher with the CPU overclock and probably the GPU overclock. I likely won't with the CPU as the average chip seems to finish around a 4.4-4.5ghz 24/7 overclock and the extra 200mhz doesn't translate to a huge gain in games from my tests.

The GPU overclock is much more significant. Seeing as it's practically a reference card I don't think I'll push it much more. Maybe aim for 825mhz. I haven't overclocked the card memory yet as I don't know the benefits. Will be researching that soon.

It's a fantastic system though! You're going to love it.
 
Para bailar La Bomba said:
This is what I plan on putting together to rejoin the Master Race. But before I go through with it I need GAFs approval (and love and affection).


Mobo: Gigabyte X58 UD5 for $319

CPU: Core i7 960

RAM: 24GB (3 x 8GB kits) GSkill Ripjaws XL

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 580

PSU: Antec Truepower 750W

Case: Antec 902

HDD: OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 120GB + 2TB Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm

Please point out something that needs or should be changed, and that I'm totally clueless.
Click to expand...

Don't get a SATA 3.0 SSD. You don't save that much money relative to what you lose in perfromance. If you really want to stay with a SATA 3.0 SSD, get an Intel 320.
 
Para bailar La Bomba said:
This is what I plan on putting together to rejoin the Master Race. But before I go through with it I need GAFs approval (and love and affection).


Mobo: Gigabyte X58 UD5 for $319

CPU: Core i7 960

RAM: 24GB (3 x 8GB kits) GSkill Ripjaws XL

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 580

PSU: Antec Truepower 750W

Case: Antec 902

HDD: OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 120GB + 2TB Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm

Please point out something that needs or should be changed, and that I'm totally clueless.
Click to expand...

Not to sound harsh but this is not really a good cost effective setup. It looks like you get enough budget to make some serious rig. But i cant advice buying an older socket. If you want my advice get the following:

- Intel i7 2600K
- Mobo (depends on what you need, but a good rule is not to spend more then 200$ on it)
- 8 GB (unless you are planning doing a lot of vid editting its different, but if you are using your righ mainly for games its not adviceable to go much higher. Some of my friends ran into the weirdest issues with more 16gb or above)
- 580GTX
- PSU of your choice.
- CASE of your choice
- SSD (like other people say its not really worth blowing a lot of money on the SSD, get a proper performing one (see reviews), the real life differences are quiet small)
 
Guerrillas in the Mist said:
Not an expert, but it may be better to go with a newer Sandybridge processor and motherboard, especially as you're aiming for a high-end system.

Edit: Wait, 24GB of RAM? Wow.
Click to expand...

Which Sandy Bridge processor would you recommend?

Yeah, GSkill's distributor is a client of mine (mine as in the firm I work for) so I can get the RAM ridiculous cheap.

Thank you for advice MedIC86 and squicken. I'll take it all on board.
 
Para bailar La Bomba said:
Which Sandy Bridge processor would you recommend?

Yeah, GSkill's distributor is a client of mine (mine as in the firm I work for) so I can get the RAM ridiculous cheap.

Thank you for advice MedIC86 and squicken. I'll take it all on board.
Click to expand...

For gaming there is no difference between a 2500k, 2600k, or 990X other then price. If all you are doing is gaming then get 2500K, min 4GB RAM, Z68 mobo, SSD, and a GTX580.

If you want to go crazy and money is no object then we can have some fun with X58 motherboards =)
 
Do you need to put a dust cover on a fan vent that has no fan? The bottom of my R3 has an open vent where a fan use to be, wondering if I should filter it.
 
Coldsnap said:
Do you need to put a dust cover on a fan vent that has no fan? The bottom of my R3 has an open vent where a fan use to be, wondering if I should filter it.
Click to expand...

If you case has positive air pressure (more intake then outake fans) then no. Usually you can put a piece of paper over the vent to see which way air is flowing but that might be hard if its on the bottom.
 
scogoth said:
If you want to go crazy and money is no object then we can have some fun with X58 motherboards =)
Click to expand...

If money is no object and it's not a need-a-new-PC-it's-life-or-death situation, you'd have to be a fool to get a X58 system now instead of waiting for X79 and Sandy Bridge-E.

And for US people, Newegg has the 128GB Crucial M4 SSD for $200 as a Shell Shocker deal from 10AM to 1PM PDT today. Probably the best all-around consume SSD in that price range right now.
 
scogoth said:
If you case has positive air pressure (more intake then outake fans) then no. Usually you can put a piece of paper over the vent to see which way air is flowing but that might be hard if its on the bottom.
Click to expand...

Ah ok, I do. I have two front intakes, a side intake, and 1 exhaust.
 
Ok PC gaf... anyone had any issues with their new rig getting small 2-4 second freezes? After getting the machine set up I've noticed my windows 7 64bit will get these freezes every-so-often. I want to say there's only been a time or two (literally) where this wasn't the case when booting up the system since I've put everything together.

I've updated all drivers, installed and reinstalled them all, tried changing my SATA connection ports on the mobo. Any other thoughts/tests/options? Is this GPUrelated possibly - I want to say one of the times I didn't notice this I was having my overheating GPU issue and trying different drivers?

P67 Extreme4 (B3)
Crucial C300 (128gig)
 
TommyT said:
Ok PC gaf... anyone had any issues with their new rig getting small 2-4 second freezes? After getting the machine set up I've noticed my windows 7 64bit will get these freezes every-so-often. I want to say there's only been a time or two (literally) where this wasn't the case when booting up the system since I've put everything together.

I've updated all drivers, installed and reinstalled them all, tried changing my SATA connection ports on the mobo. Any other thoughts/tests/options? Is this GPUrelated possibly - I want to say one of the times I didn't notice this I was having my overheating GPU issue and trying different drivers?

P67 Extreme4 (B3)
Crucial C300 (128gig)
Click to expand...

The issue will be related to the SSD. This is a known issue with the C300. Hopefully there's firmware out there to fix it by now.
 
TheExodu5 said:
The issue will be related to the SSD. This is a known issue with the C300. Hopefully there's firmware out there to fix it by now.
Click to expand...

Really? It wasn't happening with it on my old rig, maybe because it was bottled-necked at the motherboard SATA connection. Either way, I'll check up on the firmware for it as I'm pretty sure I'm using stock.

Thanks b-day buddy ;D

edit: woops wrong drive
 
I've noticed my CPU temp tends to reach 49-52C when I leave my PC idle, which seems pretty high. I'm assuming it gets higher after heavy use. I haven't had it shut down yet due to overheating, even after spending a good number of hours last night on Crysis and Resident Evil 5. I've got a feeling it might be thermal paste-related, as when I removed the heatsink and reapplied it when building, the amount on the CPU looked kinda weedy.
 
Guerrillas in the Mist said:
I've noticed my CPU temp tends to reach 49-52C when I leave my PC idle, which seems pretty high. I'm assuming it gets higher after heavy use. I haven't had it shut down yet due to overheating, even after spending a good number of hours last night on Crysis and Resident Evil 5. I've got a feeling it might be thermal paste-related, as when I removed the heatsink and reapplied it when building, the amount on the CPU looked kinda weedy.
Click to expand...

What CPU/heatsink/thermal paste. That is high unless you disabled all power saving features in bios.
 
LordCanti said:
The 520w would prevent SLI, as well as using the second card for PhysX most likely (I've never actually looked at power draw for a second card used for PhysX, but I doubt it would work).

Your best option for $200? Sell the 460, and buy a GTX 560 ti. Otherwise, you're going to have to put money into a better PSU for SLI.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the 560 (non TI) is basically a higher clocked 460. Not worth the money, according to the general consensus I've seen here.
Click to expand...
Thanks all. It's much appreciated.

Right now I'm leaning towards selling the 460 and getting a 570. However, I'll probably wait until mid-Oct. as the games I'm looking forward to most (Arkham City, BF3) don't come out until then and I figure prices could drop.

I haven't been following things too closely since I assembled by rig in January. Will there be any hot new GPUs hitting the market between now and then that might be worth checking out (or that at least could help push prices down on prexisting cards?)
 
scogoth said:
What CPU/heatsink/thermal paste. That is high unless you disabled all power saving features in bios.
Click to expand...

Just the stock heatsink with thermal paste attached. According to my BIOS, the fan on the heatsink averages around 1425 RPM, but I have no idea if that's too high or low.
 
Guerrillas in the Mist said:
Just the stock heatsink with thermal paste attached. According to my BIOS, the fan on the heatsink averages around 1425 RPM, but I have no idea if that's too high or low.
Click to expand...

Thats fan speed is right, your not overclocking are you?
 
Guerrillas in the Mist said:
I've noticed my CPU temp tends to reach 49-52C when I leave my PC idle, which seems pretty high. I'm assuming it gets higher after heavy use. I haven't had it shut down yet due to overheating, even after spending a good number of hours last night on Crysis and Resident Evil 5. I've got a feeling it might be thermal paste-related, as when I removed the heatsink and reapplied it when building, the amount on the CPU looked kinda weedy.
Click to expand...

I swear by IC Diamond compound That will get you 4 - 6 degrees right there.
 
opticalmace said:
Need help, GAF! I'm in a bit of a rush and need to make a PC for my mom. She uses Office, browses the web, looks at pictures, and will be doing Skype video calling with me. I'm in Vancouver, BC (Canada) and can only buy local. I'm mainly looking at NCIX and Memory Express.

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: She uses some old crappy Athlon system.
Budget: Cheaper the better, I'd like to get it under $350 or so.
Main Use: General usage and video calling.
Monitor Resolution: She's using some 1280x1024 monitor. I think she's gonna keep it for now but I'm not sure.
Are reusing any parts?: Just peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor).
When will you build?: Next few days.
Will you be overclocking?: No.


These are the parts I've come up with so far:

kingston value ram 4gb
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...promoid=130 0
$21.99

corsair 430w builders
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...r&promoid=1300
$34.99

Intel Core™ i3-2100 Processor, 3.10GHz w/ 3MB Cache
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...32497(ME).aspx
$114.99

Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue 7200rpm SATA III w/ 16MB Cache
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...32264(ME).aspx
$39.99

Antec 300
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=29...c&promoid=1300
$49.99

I need help with a motherboard in particular. I would like to get a mobo with HDMI but keep it relatively cheap (H61?). If anyone could point me to one on either the NCIX site (http://www.ncix.com) or the memory express site (http://www.memoryexpress.com/) that would be awesome. Or any other comments/suggestions. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Those prices you have are pretty damn good. Just remember the Mobo is indeed the backbone of your system so an extra $20 in an econo build is worth it in my mind.
 
Guerrillas in the Mist said:
Nope. I should be getting a wireless card tomorrow, so I'll take a look at how I have the heatsink installed when I pop her open.
Click to expand...
Believe, those temps are normal for the stock heatsink / fan. I wouldn't be surprise if load temps were ~75C.
 
knitoe said:
Believe, those temps are normal for the stock heatsink / fan. I wouldn't be surprise if load temps were ~75C.
Click to expand...

Really? I see why people spend extra on heatsinks/fans/thermal paste. I won't let it bother me at the moment, but I'm defo thinking about at least replacing the paste some point soon. I've knocked up the fan setting in the BIOS to "turbo" in the meantime, which seems to help keep it down a little. Cheers for the advice and the thermal compound suggestion.
 
MedIC86 said:
i second this post, gave me a good 5 degree drop on my CPU and GPU
Click to expand...
IC Diamond is one of the best thermal paste. The problem is the paste can rub / scratch of the laser label etching. That might void your warranty.
 
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