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[Mr Nightman]

I know it's a dumb question but I need an answer. I assume I can buy this stupid cable at RadioShack or something, I'd rather have it in my hands tomorrow instead of ordering it on Monoprice or something.

your video card didn't come with it? They typically do. Does your monitor support vga or dvi?

 

[black_vegeta]

Does the first gen i5 (750) socket 1155 mobo work with sandybridge i5's?

No sir. 1st gen i5 work with a 1156 mobo.

The i5 2500k (2nd gen/sandybridge) CPU is compatible with it.

 

[black_vegeta]

Well I figured I'd share a couple pics of my first build completed. It was actually a pretty fun project. I tried my best to route and tie up the cables as best as I could. Still could use a little clean up I guess.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj166/karlsonberg/IMG_0091.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj166/karlsonberg/IMG_0094.jpg
Finally got my drives set up, drivers and updates installed, ready to go. I was looking through the OP at all the test programs, I'm not really sure where to start though. What would you suggest and what should I look for when I run them?

If you're talking about the CPU stress test, you want to download Prime95 for the stress test. Also download coretemp and realtemp to monitor the tempuratutres of your CPU under full load.

Run Prime95 for a number of hours (unless you see some sky high ass temps) and see how it does.

 

[Smokey]

MSI Lightning 580

ohhh yeaa!!! figures the UPS man was stupid late today. You guys think my HX850 could power 2 of these in SLI without any issues? I'm running a slightly overclocked i7 930 to 3.8 ghz

Yes. I run 2 in SLI with a Corsair AX850 PSU. My i7 2600k runs @ 4.4ghz. Even though you have the HX version, you should still be ok.

Technically yes, but you are pushing it, especially if you are clocking high.
Don't run any GPU stress tests.

I have not had any problems. I've done multiple tests of Heaven with clocks as high as 940mhz.

 

[Angelus Errare]

Does the first gen i5 (750) socket 1155 mobo work with sandybridge i5's?

Nope, they don't interchange in either direction. 1156 processors can't fit in 1155 mobos and 1155 processors can't fit in 1156 mobos.

Intel isn't AMD.

 

[Smokey]

I have an unopened Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler. I'm willing to let it go for $15. PM me if interested.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

No sir. 1st gen i5 work with a 1156 mobo.

The i5 2500k (2nd gen/sandybridge) CPU is compatible with it.

So the i5 750 is socket 1156, and the sandy bridge i5 2500k works with it?

 

[Wolf Akela]

So the i5 750 is socket 1156, and the sandy bridge i5 2500k works with it?

i5-750 = 1156

i5-2500 = 1155

Won't work.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

i5-750 = 1156

i5-2500 = 1155

Won't work.

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Wolf Akela]

Question: which is better for default DDR3 voltage? Less, exactly equal or more than 1.5v? I heard some specific issue with default voltage, but I forgot which one was actually bad.

 

[Hazaro]

Yes. I run 2 in SLI with a Corsair AX850 PSU. My i7 2600k runs @ 4.4ghz. Even though you have the HX version, you should still be ok.

I have not had any problems. I've done multiple tests of Heaven with clocks as high as 940mhz.

AX is far above HX.

You should buy a Kill-a-Watt for $20 and see how much you draw.
You ideally want to be <80% max rating on 12V.

Question: which is better for default DDR3 voltage? Less, exactly equal or more than 1.5v? I heard some specific issue with default voltage, but I forgot which one was actually bad.

1.5V good. 1.65V sorta ok. Less (1.35V) is flaky imo since low voltage DDR3 isn't really a standard yet. I could be wrong here, but I'd rather put in RAM that the board was made to work with. I know Ivy is good for 1.35V DDR3.

 

[Wallach]

Question: which is better for default DDR3 voltage? Less, exactly equal or more than 1.5v? I heard some specific issue with default voltage, but I forgot which one was actually bad.

Unless it's older RAM it is probably 1.5v. You don't want to go over 1.65v on the first-gen Core quads, I'm not sure if that holds true for SB but I imagine it does.

 

[Tallshortman]

anyone?

Yes, best 6950 out there. I believe they very easy to flash to 6970 BIOS. Also has high shader unlock rate compared to other non-reference cards.

 

[zulfate]

what case you use? any pics inside and out?

im not sure yet i was going to use the one from the $600 build NZXT Source 210 Elite Black Steel with painted interior ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Black Front Trim

 

[MikeE21286]

Anyone ever come across deals on the Fractal Design R3 Define case?

I'd like to get it, it's an awesomely clean case, but don't wanna pay $130 w/ shipping for it

 

[Necromanti]

So, I've been meaning to build myself a computer for a while now, but I've been putting it off for at least a year now. I have a feeling that I'll never get around to it. I guess the thought of actually building my own for the first time seems kind of daunting.

So...
I see this thing.

Intel i5 660 (dual core) CPU
-Intel Extreme DP55KG Motherboard
-Windows 7 64-bit (real, no pirate BS)
-Nvidia 550ti video card (supports dual-monitors)
-thermaltake 775w PSU
-8 GB RAM (2 4GB sticks)
-550GB Hard Drive (clean)
-optical drive for CD/DVD
-ethernet card

A used computer, true, but it seems like a pretty good deal for $350. With a 775W PSU, I can easily replace some of the more outdated parts.

Any advice? Should I bite? I wanted a top-of-the-line gaming desktop, but I'd settle for a good one for now...

Is this (used) build worth $350? I wanted to spend something modest (compared to my initial budget).

 

[Hazaro]

Yes, best 6950 out there. I believe they very easy to flash to 6970 BIOS. Also has high shader unlock rate compared to other non-reference cards.

If they got a new shipment I don't believe they should unlock.

Is this (used) build worth $350? I wanted to spend something modest (compared to my initial budget).

You take a big risk buying used off some guy, but yes it is a good deal.

 

[Tallshortman]

If they got a new shipment I don't believe they should unlock.

Do the new toxics have laser cut shaders?

 

[Ichabod]

I'm looking to join the master race very soon and I don't have the time/patience to build my own gaming PC right now. With that said, I'd like to get PC GAF's opinion on the current specs I'm looking at and anything I can improve without pushing me over my 2k budget.

Case: * Azza Hurrican 2000 Full Tower Gaming Case with 4 Hot Swappable HDD Cage & (4) 230MM Fans
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-960 3.20 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366
Cooling Fan: Asetek 510LC Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
Coolant for Cyberpower Xtreme Hydro Water Cooling Kits: Standard Coolant
Motherboard: (2-Way SLI Support) Asus Sabertooth X58 Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3 FCLGA1366 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, USB3.0, SATA-III, SATA-II RAID, 2 Gen2 PCIe, 1 PCIe X1 & 1 PCI
Memory: 12GB (2GBx6) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB 16X PCIe Video Card (EVGA Superclocked)
Power Supply Upgrade: 800 Watts - XtremeGear Gaming Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Hard Drive)
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None (Should I get one?)
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

 

[black_vegeta]

i5-750 = 1156

i5-2500 = 1155

Won't work.

Yeah, what he said.

 

[HooYaH]

I'm looking to join the master race very soon and I don't have the time/patience to build my own gaming PC right now. With that said, I'd like to get PC GAF's opinion on the current specs I'm looking at and anything I can improve without pushing me over my 2k budget.

Case: * Azza Hurrican 2000 Full Tower Gaming Case with 4 Hot Swappable HDD Cage & (4) 230MM Fans
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-960 3.20 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366
Cooling Fan: Asetek 510LC Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
Coolant for Cyberpower Xtreme Hydro Water Cooling Kits: Standard Coolant
Motherboard: (2-Way SLI Support) Asus Sabertooth X58 Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3 FCLGA1366 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, USB3.0, SATA-III, SATA-II RAID, 2 Gen2 PCIe, 1 PCIe X1 & 1 PCI
Memory: 12GB (2GBx6) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB 16X PCIe Video Card (EVGA Superclocked)
Power Supply Upgrade: 800 Watts - XtremeGear Gaming Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Hard Drive)
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None (Should I get one?)
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

Thats a horrible build for something in the 2k range. If you don't know how to build a PC, just look it up on youtube. It usually takes about 20 mins to put it together and another 15-30 mins to install windows.

If you need reference, look at the first topic post on what to expect within your price range.

 

[Angelus Errare]

I'm looking to join the master race very soon and I don't have the time/patience to build my own gaming PC right now. With that said, I'd like to get PC GAF's opinion on the current specs I'm looking at and anything I can improve without pushing me over my 2k budget.

Case: * Azza Hurrican 2000 Full Tower Gaming Case with 4 Hot Swappable HDD Cage & (4) 230MM Fans
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-960 3.20 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366
Cooling Fan: Asetek 510LC Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
Coolant for Cyberpower Xtreme Hydro Water Cooling Kits: Standard Coolant
Motherboard: (2-Way SLI Support) Asus Sabertooth X58 Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3 FCLGA1366 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, USB3.0, SATA-III, SATA-II RAID, 2 Gen2 PCIe, 1 PCIe X1 & 1 PCI
Memory: 12GB (2GBx6) DDR3/1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB 16X PCIe Video Card (EVGA Superclocked)
Power Supply Upgrade: 800 Watts - XtremeGear Gaming Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Hard Drive)
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None (Should I get one?)
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

Why are you opting for the 1366 socket?

 

[Ichabod]

Why are you opting for the 1366 socket?

I wasn't looking at the socket so much as the board rating/reviews as a whole. Bad choice?

 

[MrOogieBoogie]

Thats a horrible build for something in the 2k range. If you don't know how to build a PC, just look it up on youtube. It usually takes about 20 mins to put it together and another 15-30 mins to install windows.

If you need reference, look at the first topic post on what to expect within your price range.

Wow, this is an outright lie. No one builds his or her first PC in 20 minutes. :|

 

[TheExodu5]

Agreed. A first PC build will be around 3 hours. Add an extra hour if you're installing an aftermarket heatsink.

 

[Kyzer]

hey guys, what kind of socket should I be building around if I'm looking at about a $900 budget?

and video card options? I wanna play FFXIV and other misc games

 

[Necromanti]

You take a big risk buying used off some guy, but yes it is a good deal.

Thanks. I know this may sound dumb, but are there any specific things I should be looking out for when buying a used computer? I should probably ask to see it running.

 

[Angelus Errare]

I wasn't looking at the socket so much as the board rating/reviews as a whole. Bad choice?

Shouldn't build based on raiting/review alone, but 1366 is their "old" (in Intel age) socket. Don't get me wrong, still good socket/processor line, but they have moved on.

 

[Smokey]

Agreed. A first PC build will be around 3 hours. Add an extra hour if you're installing an aftermarket heatsink.

I was so damn paranoid. My shit took the majority of the day.

 

[TheExodu5]

I was so damn paranoid. My shit took the majority of the day.

Yup. I know that feeling.

 

[Ichabod]

Shouldn't build based on raiting/review alone, but 1366 is their "old" (in Intel age) socket. Don't get me wrong, still good socket/processor line, but they have moved on.

I see, I'll have to keep that in mind.

 

[Mr Nightman]

I see, I'll have to keep that in mind.

but honestly build your own man, not that hard at all. My first build was me walking my dad through the steps (I have muscular dystrophy, so not too good muscle strength) went over very smoothly and only took an hour or so to assemble, not bad for my first ever build. Just watch youtube videos and ask questions, and you will be fine

 

[Ichabod]

but honestly build your own man, not that hard at all. My first build was me walking my dad through the steps (I have muscular dystrophy, so not too good muscle strength) went over very smoothly and only took an hour or so to assemble, not bad for my first ever build

I hear ya. I guess, I'll give it a second look. I have a general idea of what I want inside my machine, I'm just afraid I'm going to choose the wrong case and not have room to put in everything I want or fry something from not having proper cooling.

 

[Hazaro]

Thanks. I know this may sound dumb, but are there any specific things I should be looking out for when buying a used computer? I should probably ask to see it running.

Bring Speccy to make sure parts are correct.
Bring a CPU load program Prime95, ORTHOS
Bring a GPU load program FURMark
Bring a memory test program (Burn memtest86+)
Bring something that can read SMART on the HDD, HDD bench a bonus

Open it up check for dust and such. See if you see any bulging capacitors on the motherboard.

I hear ya. I guess, I'll give it a second look. I have a general idea of what I want inside my machine, I'm just afraid I'm going to choose the wrong case and not have room to put in everything I want or fry something from not having proper cooling.

Look at the Enthusiast build. You'll have double the GPU performance for cheaper (add another GTX 580 if you want. Imo a single one is plenty and you can add a second later.
Get the CM Gold 1000W PSU listed in that PSU section.

If that case is your only major worry its not a big deal. Take a look at the 600T and an assembly video.

 

[Mr Nightman]

I hear ya. I guess, I'll give it a second look. I have a general idea of what I want inside my machine, I'm just afraid I'm going to choose the wrong case and not have room to put in everything I want or fry something from not having proper cooling.

well to give you some insight on some great cases that are large and keep things pretty damn cool.
My case, the cooler master haf 912 is only 60 bucks and has great cable management as well as airflow

The haf 922, 932, and the x are also great cases
the x is a behemoth lol

Another suggestion of mine is the corsair 600T

 

[()_listerfeend_()]

All right guys. Tomorrow's the day. Putting in the order for my first build. Looking to spend about $1,100.00 Is the spreadsheet update from 9/28 still the overall suggested guideline?

Also, if I'm able to pick up the same items from Amazon (over New Egg) and get free 2 day shipping (Prime) would it be OK? I'm familiar with Amazon's return process, but is New Egg the way to go?

 

[Misanthropy]

Does anyone know what month Kepler might come out?

 

[Angelus Errare]

The cable management on those last two is pure art!

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

Thats a horrible build for something in the 2k range. If you don't know how to build a PC, just look it up on youtube. It usually takes about 20 mins to put it together and another 15-30 mins to install windows.

If you need reference, look at the first topic post on what to expect within your price range.

First build in 20 minutes?
More like an hour or so.. Should probably be careful and take your time.

 

[Elixist]

Agreed that 600t build is pure sex.

 

[Wolf Akela]

NZXT Lexa S is also a nice cheap case. Comes with tool-less drive bays too... the one you place your drive then just slide it in.

The front's pretty fancy. It opens up to hide your optical drives if you're not using them.

 

[demolitio]

I read the first post about RAM so I'm not sure if it would make a big deal to change it, but can anyone tell me if a RAM upgrade would be worth it to me based on this scan?

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=7284F66831D926C3

RAM is one area where I'm definitely clueless at and I've had some minor problems booting the PC up with some error about memory, but I also noticed it was running at like 400MHz or something so I wasn't sure if it's slow enough to make any difference performance wise. All my receipt from when I got the PC said was "1GB DDR2 PC6400".

I'm a little lost so any help is appreciated. And if I do need a temporary upgrade, I need to find cheap RAM to replace it. Judging by some of the booting problems in the past, it might be worth it.

Hate to ask again, but can anyone answer this?

 

[Ichabod]

Thanks for the advice guys! Those are some snazzy cases Mr. N. I really like the looks of that Corsair.

 

[Mr Nightman]

Thanks for the advice guys! Those are some snazzy cases Mr. N. I really like the looks of that Corsair.

its my favorite one honestly, but could only afford the 912, which is still a badass case

 

[black_vegeta]

Agreed. A first PC build will be around 3 hours. Add an extra hour if you're installing an aftermarket heatsink.

Yeah, took me about 6 hours to install all the components. It POST'ed on my 1st attempt thankfully. I was just taking my time making sure I had everything connected properly.

I was a great and fun experience. I'm looking forward to future builds.

 

[Karmum]

your video card didn't come with it? They typically do. Does your monitor support vga or dvi?

Yeah my GTX 460 did, but I need another one for another monitor.

 

[Omikaru]

Does anyone know how to completely erase the "Games for Windows Live Redistributable"?

The install completely screwed up, and when I try to run a GFWL game they all crash. I tried to remove via the usual method, but it gets an error, and when I try to re-install, the installer simply says that it's installed, and refuses to even offer me a repair option.

Fucking GFWL. Worst software ever.

Edit: Trying a system restore. Hopefully that untaints my system from the bust GFWL garbage. How Microsoft can get away with such shoddy software on their own OS is beyond me.

Edit 2: System restore worked. It's working as planned now.

Spoiler

So taking forever and a day to download my profile and title updates.

 

[chaosblade]

Hate to ask again, but can anyone answer this?

You'll need DDR2 memory, which is basically obsolete at this point. If you bought it you couldn't transfer it to a new PC or anything if you decide to upgrade anytime soon.

How many sticks are you using right now? Another GB probably wouldn't hurt if it's 2x512MB, assuming you have no intention of replacing the PC anytime soon.

 

[Syphon Filter]

What was the program that checks your hdd for any errors or damages?

 

[n0n44m]

What was the program that checks your hdd for any errors or damages?

HD Tune (Pro) ?

---

I still take a good 3 hours for a new PC build, even after 10 years of building lol

why rush? take your time and make sure everything is neat and tidy (never had a rig not boot at first try )

current watercooled rig probably took 20 hours just to assemble, and 2 months of modding plus a day of leak testing