Support NeoGAF

[LordCanti]

Apparently these are the specs for Battlefield 3, if anyone was waiting for them (source: http://www.shacknews.com/article/69210/battlefield-3-pc-specs-revealed)

Not too bad. They certainly could be worse.

Minimum

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows Vista or Windows 7
Processor: Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz
RAM: 2GB
Video Card: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card

Recommended

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
RAM: 4GB
Video Card: DirectX 11 Nvidia or AMD ATI card, GeForce GTX 460, Radeon Radeon HD 6850

 

[darthbob]

It doesn't appear that the 570 comes in a configuration with 2GB VRAM and from my understanding VRAM is a significant bottleneck when it comes to applying shaders and making games look really pretty. Neither card appears to come with a 3GB VRAM configuration, though that would probably be overkill (and out of my price range.)

Derp.

 

[toastyToast]

Holy shit! Silverstone FT02 is such a sexy fucking case.

I'll post some pics once I'm done building.

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

Those BF3 specs aren't too high. Theoretically it would run on my 2-year old laptop, but it would probably be minimum settings served with a side of fps-chug.

EDIT:

Derp.

Apparently I am not good with product search.

But the question still stands: Lower tier card with more VRAM better/equivalent/worse than higher tier card with less VRAM?

 

[RS4-]

Those BF3 specs aren't too high. Theoretically it would run on my 2-year old laptop, but it would probably be minimum settings served with a side of fps-chug.

From what I gather, the extra ram helps with high resolutions, say something like the 2560x1600 res you'd find on monitors bigger than 27"

If you were getting an AMD card, I think it helps with the eyefinity stuff as well.

 

[Wallach]

But the question still stands: Lower tier card with more VRAM better/equivalent/worse than higher tier card with less VRAM?

I would usually take the superior GPU so long as it has at least 1GB of VRAM, unless you are running above 1080p or multi-monitor setup or something.

 

[LordCanti]

So...I'll probably be building a PC sometime between August to September (though I could wait a month or two more if significantly better deals or upgraded parts released then) from the cash I earn from my Summer job. Looking at about a $1000-$1200 build that will be able to run at least Skyrim and Diablo 3 on max settings, but before I get into some of the gritty details, I have one quick question:

Would a slightly lower tier graphics card with more memory (e.g. a GTX 560 Ti with 2GB VRAM) be superior to a higher tier card with more memory (GTX 570 with 1.5GB VRAM)?

It doesn't appear that the 570 comes in a configuration with 2GB VRAM and from my understanding VRAM is a significant bottleneck when it comes to applying shaders and making games look really pretty. Neither card appears to come with a 3GB VRAM configuration, though that would probably be overkill (and out of my price range.)

I don't think Skyrim is going to be that horribly graphically intensive. It's DX9, if memory serves, and it's probably being optimized for the consoles. Diablo III is almost guaranteed not to be that graphically intensive.

Unless we're talking 2560x*whatever* resolution here.

 

[Quote]

Hello PC GAF,

I built a computer back in 2009 for my GF based on specs in the 2009 cheap build thread. It's been sitting under her desk collecting dust as we are both Mac users. I got bored yesterday and decided to hook up the PC to my 50" Plasma TV. I've been downloading my whole library that has been building up over the two years as I bought things as they went on sale. The main games I've been playing is F1 2010 and I can set everything to high and still be good and TF2 I can ran maxed out with no issue. Just Cause 2 seems to run around 30fps with mostly high settings.

If I were to upgrade anything, what should it be? What is my current bottle neck?

Here are the specs,
AMD Phenom II X4 940
ATI 4870
8GB RAM
1TB HDD, 5400 (I think)
Some Gigabyte board

Also, is there any way to slim down/optimize Windows 7 or anything I should know to set it up better for gaming'?

 

[phillax]

Apparently these are the specs for Battlefield 3, if anyone was waiting for them (source: http://www.shacknews.com/article/69210/battlefield-3-pc-specs-revealed)

Not too bad. They certainly could be worse.

Minimum

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows Vista or Windows 7
Processor: Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz
RAM: 2GB
Video Card: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card

Recommended

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
RAM: 4GB
Video Card: DirectX 11 Nvidia or AMD ATI card, GeForce GTX 460, Radeon Radeon HD 6850

Sorry if this may be a noobish thing to ask (I'm new to PC gaming) but, based on these specs can anyone tell me where my laptop would fall under when playing this game, and Skyrim. This is what my laptop has inside:

Intel quuad core i7-2630QM (2.0 Ghz, 6MB L3 Catche) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
2GB GDDR5 Radeon HD 6770M Graphics card
6GB DDR3 system memory

​

 

[Hazaro]

So after all the suggestions, here's my current loadout:

HAF X case - $189.99
Either the ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe ($259)
MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr II OC GeForce GTX 570 - $354.99
CORSAIR Professional Series HX1050 1050W Modular Power Supply - $229.99
Intel Core i7-2600K - $314.99
Noctua NH-C14 140mm x 2 SSO CPU Cooler - $89.99
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000) - $99.99
Either the Corsair Force Series GT 60GB SATA III SSD ($154.99) or the Corsair Force Series GT 120GB SATA III SSD ($254.99)
Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" - $149.99
ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor - $179.99
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-222AB - $19.99

Subtotal: $2,044.89 (with all the lower priced options) / $2,244.89 (with all the higher priced options).

Note that the Force GT SSDs are currently at sale prices.

I know budget is not a big deal but I'd suggest you do these subsitutions:
F4 2TB vs the Black. The F4 is plenty fast and super quiet. Save $70
1600 RAM to save $30 or $40
CM Silent Pro Gold 1000W to save $30.

Tried my best to find the parts or their equivalents using Komplett.se

[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=619274"]Intel Core i5 2500K[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=623449"]Corsair TX V2 750W PSU[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=638785"]MSI GeForce GTX 570 1280MB PhysX[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=597381"]Corsair Dominator DHX DDR3 1600MHz 8GB[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=620189"]Western Digital Caviar® Blue 500GB[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/kl.aspx?bn=10034&mfr=&filter=A03240.K105965."]DVD - unsure[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/kl.aspx?bn=10464"]Cooling Fan - unsure[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=626379"]ASUS P8P67 EVO B3, Socket-1155[/URL]
[URL="http://www.komplett.se/k/kc.aspx?bn=10149"]And then I'll need a chassi, too[/URL]

Anyways, this sorta broke my budget weighing in at approximately 10000 SEK.
If I switch the graphics card for an ASUS GeForce GTX 560Ti 1GB PhysX CUDA (random recommended PCI-express card) it brings it down to just under 9000 SEK. Would this card still be a good choice?

I think I need some more help, especially choosing DVD, fan and chassi. I have no idea.
Have to sleep now, will check back tomorrow.

Did some searching for you on that site while I was waiting for my downloads to finish and came up with this:

Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor
Mobo: MSI P67A-GD65 B3
Heatsink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
DVD: Sony Optiarc DVD±RW Burner, AD-7260S
RAM: Corsair Vengeance™ DDR3 1600MHz 8GB CL9
PSU: Corsair TX V2 750W
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB
GPU: XFX Radeon HD 6950 2GB

Total coming out at 8.628. Followed the OP as much as I could. The motherboard is cheap compared to the others while it normally would cost more in the US from what I've seen. It has 8 GB of RAM as you requested. The 750W PSU just costs a little more than the 650W so might aswell go for 750W. Just search for whatever case you like instead of this one, if you insist (The Fractal R3 and HAF 922 are close in price to the current choice). As for the GPU, if you prefer Nvidia then you can go with the GTX560Ti that you linked and save about 350 SEK. Sadly getting a GTX 570 will go over your budget and you can't go much cheaper on the other parts anymore.

Anyway it looks like a solid build and hope this helps you. Also, swedish prices look pretty bad!

Yeah I was going to suggest Vengence over Dominator RAM for a start. A 560 Ti or 6950 is a fine choice.

i played crysis 2 today on a high end pc. omfg

anything i can build for around $500 to play it on high?

i need
case
mobo
cpu
gpu
power supply

i have everything else

$600 OP build + 6950 or 560Ti.

Here is what it looks like:

Looks like a slightly older supply. I bet the combined 12V is something like 26A currently. Should be fine.

So...I'll probably be building a PC sometime between August to September (though I could wait a month or two more if significantly better deals or upgraded parts released then) from the cash I earn from my Summer job. Looking at about a $1000-$1200 build that will be able to run at least Skyrim and Diablo 3 on max settings, but before I get into some of the gritty details, I have one quick question:

Would a slightly lower tier graphics card with more memory (e.g. a GTX 560 Ti with 2GB VRAM) be superior to a higher tier card with more memory (GTX 570 with 1.5GB VRAM)?

It doesn't appear that the 570 comes in a configuration with 2GB VRAM and from my understanding VRAM is a significant bottleneck when it comes to applying shaders and making games look really pretty. Neither card appears to come with a 3GB VRAM configuration, though that would probably be overkill (and out of my price range.)

More vRAM is only useful for texture mods or crazy amount of AA/SS. Very rarely will a card utilize the RAM and give you a playable framerate.
So no.

 

[RiverBed]

Hey guys, my PC just arrived and I am assembling it as I type. I have a question:
I bought this aftermarket CPU cooling fan since I thought my i5 won't ship with one. But it did ship with those very common Intel fans. My question is should I use the default Intel one or the one I already bought (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Thanks.

 

[LordCanti]

Hello PC GAF,

I built a computer back in 2009 for my GF based on specs in the 2009 cheap build thread. It's been sitting under her desk collecting dust as we are both Mac users. I got bored yesterday and decided to hook up the PC to my 50" Plasma TV. I've been downloading my whole library that has been building up over the two years as I bought things as they went on sale. The main games I've been playing is F1 2010 and I can set everything to high and still be good and TF2 I can ran maxed out with no issue. Just Cause 2 seems to run around 30fps with mostly high settings.

If I were to upgrade anything, what should it be? What is my current bottle neck?

Here are the specs,
AMD Phenom II X4 940
ATI 4870
8GB RAM
1TB HDD, 5400 (I think)
Some Gigabyte board

Also, is there any way to slim down/optimize Windows 7 or anything I should know to set it up better for gaming'?

What PSU do you have? The quickest route to higher performance is spending 200-250ish (after rebate) on a GTX 560ti or an HD6950. Make sure your PSU can handle it though. Your CPU should be fine in most games, depending on how CPU intensive they are (people have told me that my C2D E8500 is a bottleneck to my GTX 580, but I've yet to really experience that first hand).

Other than that, your computer looks fine. The HDD is a bit slow, but then again, that is really only going to impact your load times, and not actual gameplay (except on games that stream in data, like Assassin's Creed Brotherhood). Windows in general would be snappier with an SSD, but that is obviously quite an expense (you didn't mention what your budget is).

Hey guys, my PC just arrived and I am assembling it as I type. I have a question:
I bought this aftermarket CPU cooling fan since I thought my i5 won't ship with one. But it did ship with those very common Intel fans. My question is should I use the default Intel one or the one I already bought (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Thanks.

If you are overclocking, or if you care about noise (bigger fan = can spin slower = generally less noise) use the one you bought. If not, use the one it came with. A big aftermarket cooler is only necessary if you are OC'ing.

 

[AwesomeSauce]

Hello PC GAF,

I built a computer back in 2009 for my GF based on specs in the 2009 cheap build thread. It's been sitting under her desk collecting dust as we are both Mac users. I got bored yesterday and decided to hook up the PC to my 50" Plasma TV. I've been downloading my whole library that has been building up over the two years as I bought things as they went on sale. The main games I've been playing is F1 2010 and I can set everything to high and still be good and TF2 I can ran maxed out with no issue. Just Cause 2 seems to run around 30fps with mostly high settings.

If I were to upgrade anything, what should it be? What is my current bottle neck?

Here are the specs,
AMD Phenom II X4 940
ATI 4870
8GB RAM
1TB HDD, 5400 (I think)
Some Gigabyte board

Also, is there any way to slim down/optimize Windows 7 or anything I should know to set it up better for gaming'?

If you were to upgrade anything maybe the GPU to something newer say AMD or Nvidia ~200$ cards or scrap the cpu/mobo and go i5 2500k/new motherboard. I personally think AMD's Phenom II line is still great for gaming.

If you want to optimize Windows 7 it is recommended to pick up a SSD to make it quick and snappy.

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

I don't think Skyrim is going to be that horribly graphically intensive. It's DX9, if memory serves, and it's probably being optimized for the consoles. Diablo III is almost guaranteed not to be that graphically intensive.

Unless we're talking 2560x*whatever* resolution here.

My 24" monitor is on the higher end of pixel-dense at 2048x1152, but I only run it at 1920x1080 right now as it would strain my laptop to play games at the higher resolution. I'd like to run things at the native resolution if I could though.

The monitor isn't super huge like you mentioned and I'm not likely to upgrade anytime soon as I just got this one last year and dual-monitors is out of the question as I don't have desk space here at home or at school. It's also one less thing to budget into the build

 

[Qatar]

ok I ordered the parts and they should arrive shortly,
I already have this monitor
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00139S3U6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

should I get a bigger one with better resolution, or just stick with the one I have?

 

[ConstructMe]

Hey guys, my PC just arrived and I am assembling it as I type. I have a question:
I bought this aftermarket CPU cooling fan since I thought my i5 won't ship with one. But it did ship with those very common Intel fans. My question is should I use the default Intel one or the one I already bought (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Thanks.

I got 35 degree cooler temps during prime95 with my afteramarket cooler so...

 

[Trojita]

I came up with this. The case is expensive, but it was among the few models I saw with IR built in. The memory also has a code, that needs to be entered for $10 off. If you don't need blu-ray, that can obviously change as well. I left off the GPU because you said you have one, but I'd look into whether or not the built in intel graphics could handle BR decoding (I'm not sure). In any case, I'm sure they can handle DVD if you aren't going for blu-ray, or you aren't watching 1080p movies from other uhh...sources.

Edit: I forgot to add the PSU to cart. Since you don't want blu-ray, just subtract that cost, and add in maybe 40-50 for a PSU.

Double Edit: If you are buying a wireless mouse and keyboard, why did you need IR functionality? O_O

Here is an updated build, based on the idea that IR isn't wholly necessary (exchange this case for the previous Antec one, if you are sure you need it. Apparently IR on the PC is buggy as hell though), because you'll have a wireless keyboard/mouse. I also added a wireless HTPC mouse/keyboard hybrid device, that seems like it would work well for your purposes. There is a little money left over for a new video card, if you decide that the integrated graphics (or that 4870) aren't cutting it.

You didn't mention needing an HDD, but if you do, there are plenty of options at all different capacities and prices. I wouldn't know how much space you'd need, so I didn't add one.

You'll also need to budget for an OS, unless you are re-using an old one. (This is how the $500 price becomes a stretch). Usually you can call Microsoft and get them to allow your new computer (it's an automated process, if you have previous Windows install discs) but if you don't have those discs, you'll have to buy them (or use other.. means. Wink, nudge, etc). I got a license for like $30 through my uni, but I don't remember the URL.

http://i.imgur.com/gMETy.jpg[IMG][/URL]

(original build I had before the edits is here)
[URL=http://imgur.com/T6dpj][IMG]http://i.imgur.com/T6dpjl.jpg[IMG][/URL][/QUOTE]
I wanted the IR for my Harmony Remote. Sucks that IR is buggy in windows. I figured it was. Is it buggy in Linux as well? I was thinking about just using XBMC in Ubuntu. I'll probably get a small SSD to boot the system faster. All of the files are going to be on a local server.

 

[Smokey]

Those BF3 specs aren't too high. Theoretically it would run on my 2-year old laptop, but it would probably be minimum settings served with a side of fps-chug.

EDIT:



Apparently I am not good with product search.

But the question still stands: Lower tier card with more VRAM better/equivalent/worse than higher tier card with less VRAM?

If you're buying now I'd go with a card with 2GB RAM minimum. The RAM comes in handy with higher resolution gaming and/or multi-monitor setups. My GTX 580 has 1.5GB RAM and Crysis 2 uses 1.4GB of that and I'm at 1080p. It still plays fine, but I am nearly maxed out on my RAM. If I was playing at 1080p+ I'd probably run into some issues.

Apparently these are the specs for Battlefield 3, if anyone was waiting for them (source: http://www.shacknews.com/article/69210/battlefield-3-pc-specs-revealed)

Not too bad. They certainly could be worse.

Minimum

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows Vista or Windows 7
Processor: Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz
RAM: 2GB
Video Card: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card

Recommended

Hard Drive Space: 15 GB for disc version or 10 GB for digital version
Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
RAM: 4GB
Video Card: DirectX 11 Nvidia or AMD ATI card, GeForce GTX 460, Radeon Radeon HD 6850

Sounds about right to me.

 

[TheExodu5]

If you're buying now I'd go with a card with 2GB RAM minimum. The RAM comes in handy with higher resolution gaming and/or multi-monitor setups. My GTX 580 has 1.5GB RAM and Crysis 2 uses 1.4GB of that and I'm at 1080p. It still plays fine, but I am nearly maxed out on my RAM. If I was playing at 1080p+ I'd probably run into some issues.

It must use more RAM than it needs or something. Maxed out DX11 + texture pack @ 1080p, I use like 1.1GB out of my 1.28GB.

 

[LordCanti]

I wanted the IR for my Harmony Remote. Sucks that IR is buggy in windows. I figured it was. Is it buggy in Linux as well? I was thinking about just using XBMC in Ubuntu. I'll probably get a small SSD to boot the system faster. All of the files are going to be on a local server.

I didn't mean to imply that IR was buggy in general on Windows, rather that the integrated solution from Antec was buggy (according to reviews on Newegg).

(Edited out some bits that no longer pertained)

I don't have any experience with XBMC on Ubuntu (just on the original Xbox, but that was years ago). I couldn't say how the IR code support is on that platform.

Read this (http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Using_a_remote_control_with_XBMC) know that you'll need to find an IR dongle that is compatible (I'm having trouble finding articles that specifically take the cheap and readily available IR dongle that comes with the Microsoft MCE remote, and uses it with a Logitech remote on Ubuntu XBMC)

Read this too (http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=44526) it talks about using a Logitech Harmony remote in XBMC on Windows.

Without knowing the specific model of harmony remote, it's hard to say for sure how easily it will work out with the Microsoft IR dongle.

ok I ordered the parts and they should arrive shortly,
I already have this monitor
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00139S3U6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

should I get a bigger one with better resolution, or just stick with the one I have?

Are you unhappy with your current monitor? I used to have the same one, and I remember it being pretty good (I loved the stand). You could get a 24" 1080p monitor for pretty cheap if you want. It's really up to you (if the question is "will games look better at 1080p than 1680x1050, then the answer is yes, but not that much better. Not the same difference going from 720p on the consoles to 1080p on a PC)

 

[darthbob]

It must use more RAM than it needs or something. Maxed out DX11 + texture pack @ 1080p, I use like 1.1GB out of my 1.28GB.

Seriously?

I tried that, except I run at 2048x1152 (dont ask), and it eats up 1254MB of the 1280MB that my GTX570 provides.

I lower the resolution down to 1280x720 and it goes to ~1100MB used.

 

[Rezbit]

Hey guys, having a play around with a couple of builds/prices. Difference in price is $250au (which is a decent amount, I suppose, but the specs seem a lot better for that much cash). Some of the gear is the same between the two, ie Asus 21.5" monitor, Samsung DVD drive, MS kb/m, Seagate 1TB HDD. Looking to play Skyrim, BF3, Diablo 3, Guild Wars 2, most new games really, at 1080p. Okay so here goes:

Cheaper build:
BitFenix Shinobi Case
Antec High Current Gamer 520w
ASRock P67-Pro
Core i5 2400
Ripjaws 2x2gb
Radeon 6870 1gb
Total (with all the other parts too): $1049

As opposed to this more expensive build:
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced/Lian Li K60
Seasonic M12II 620w modular
ASRock Z68 Pro3
Core i5 2500k
Ripjaws 2x2gb
MSI Geforce 560 Ti Twin Frozr 1gb
Total: $1299

I really don't mind paying the extra for the second build if it's going to give me 1. much better performance right now, and 2. more longevity and reusable parts (Case, PSU). Thanks guys!

 

[Smokey]

It must use more RAM than it needs or something. Maxed out DX11 + texture pack @ 1080p, I use like 1.1GB out of my 1.28GB.

I think it's variable. I've read some guys who are using 3GB 580s show Crysis 2 using 2GB+ of RAM.

Seriously?

I tried that, except I run at 2048x1152 (dont ask), and it eats up 1254MB of the 1280MB that my GTX570 provides.

I lower the resolution down to 1280x720 and it goes to ~1100MB used.

Exodu5 uses 1080p. Your situation shows how more video RAM on a card is important as you get into the higher resolutions. Somebody may have a 1080p monitor now, but never know what could happen in the future. For a few extra bucks I'd just go with a 2GB+ card if I was buying now.

Hey guys, having a play around with a couple of builds/prices. Difference in price is $250au (which is a decent amount, I suppose, but the specs seem a lot better for that much cash). Some of the gear is the same between the two, ie Asus 21.5" monitor, Samsung DVD drive, MS kb/m, Seagate 1TB HDD. Looking to play Skyrim, BF3, Diablo 3, Guild Wars 2, most new games really, at 1080p. Okay so here goes:

Cheaper build:
BitFenix Shinobi Case
Antec High Current Gamer 520w
ASRock P67-Pro
Core i5 2400
Ripjaws 2x2gb
Radeon 6870 1gb
Total (with all the other parts too): $1049

As opposed to this more expensive build:
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced/Lian Li K60
Seasonic M12II 620w modular
ASRock Z68 Pro3
Core i5 2500k
Ripjaws 2x2gb
MSI Geforce 560 Ti Twin Frozr 1gb
Total: $1299

I really don't mind paying the extra for the second build if it's going to give me 1. much better performance right now, and 2. more longevity and reusable parts (Case, PSU). Thanks guys!

2nd build is superior in every way. Processor can be easily overclocked to 4ghz+, better graphics card (although see above, I'd go with a 2GB variant if possible), better case and just a better machine for the price difference.

 

[Lkr]

what should I upgrade first?
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 BE unlocked to quad~3.0GHz
GPU: GTS 250
Mobo chipset is a 785G and an AM3 socket(supports x6 with bios update)

having an AMD board makes me a sad panda(especially when my mobile i7 sandy bridge kills it in performance)

 

[Moussi]

K I need some help. I'm going to build a PC and I've pretty much got everything pickedout except the video card. My budget is 150 $ is the GTX 460 good enough to play all the latest games on all high?

 

[LordCanti]

K I need some help. I'm going to build a PC and I've pretty much got everything pickedout except the video card. My budget is 150 $ is the GTX 460 good enough to play all the latest games on all high?

On all high? Absolutely not. Some of us have spent $500+ dollars on a video card to get that kind of performance. It really depends on the resolution though.

 

[Moussi]

On all high? Absolutely not. Some of us have spent $500+ dollars on a video card to get that kind of performance. It really depends on the resolution though.

crap, what would I need to get?

 

[LordCanti]

crap, what would I need to get?

What resolution are you planning to play at? 1080p? There are games the $500 GTX 580 can't max at 1080p.

 

[Laurentius]

What resolution are you planning to play at? 1080p? There are games the $500 GTX 580 can't max at 1080p.

Yeah, but it's not like you need a $500 card to get good performance, even at 1080p. You could easily get max, or close to max on most settings with a much cheaper card if you're willing to sacrifice some FPS.

 

[Lasthope106]

crap, what would I need to get?

On high at 1080p you'll probably need a GTX 570 or AMD equivalent, which I think is the 6970. Some games will even crumble even with these mighty cards: Crysis with full AA, Metro 2033, The Witcher 2 with ubersampling, etc.

A GTX 560 Ti will provide plenty of power for most games at a good price. I just got one myself a few days ago for $200.

 

[Hazaro]

If you're buying now I'd go with a card with 2GB RAM minimum.

Come on man, you know you can't just say that.

A 1GB card pushes frames at a resolution that only demands 1GB of RAM to be used.
More $ spent on the card means you get more vRAM.

what should I upgrade first?
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 BE unlocked to quad~3.0GHz
GPU: GTS 250
Mobo chipset is a 785G and an AM3 socket(supports x6 with bios update)

having an AMD board makes me a sad panda(especially when my mobile i7 sandy bridge kills it in performance)

Video card no question.

K I need some help. I'm going to build a PC and I've pretty much got everything pickedout except the video card. My budget is 150 $ is the GTX 460 good enough to play all the latest games on all high?

GTX 460 1GB. High sure. Max? No.
Very solid frames on most games? Absolutely. Very solid card.

It's just what you expect when you say 'high' and what others think that means.

i might get a T.V with 1080p someday, but for now all I'm doing is 1366 x 768.

Will obliterate that resolution.

 

[Moussi]

i might get a T.V with 1080p someday, but for now all I'm doing is 1366 x 768.
And yea I should have specified what I meant. I've got it now between a 6850 vs a GTX 460... Dunno if the radeon is worth the extra money.

 

[LordCanti]

i might get a T.V with 1080p someday, but for now all I'm doing is 1366 x 768.
And yea I should have specified what I meant. I've got it now between a 6850 vs a GTX 460... Dunno if the radeon is worth the extra money.

Neither card will have any trouble at 1366x768. As others have said, both will game reasonably well at 1920x1080, though neither will "max" most games (which is perfectly fine for all but the most nitpicky)

How much extra is the 6850 you are looking at?

 

[Hazaro]

i might get a T.V with 1080p someday, but for now all I'm doing is 1366 x 768.
And yea I should have specified what I meant. I've got it now between a 6850 vs a GTX 460... Dunno if the radeon is worth the extra money.

GTX460 is a nice small card. Clocks good. Runs good.

 

[Moussi]

Hmm it seems like I've found the radeon to be cheaper basically..
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127566

I wanna get the MSI cards with the cyclone cooler. My 8800 GT was a bitch to monitor and I want something as cool as possible. I think Imma go with the 6850 it's a better card looking at the benchmarks. Never had an ATI card.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

My 3TB HDD arrived today! I don't even know if the BIOS on my media PC supports it or not yet!

 

[darthbob]

My 3TB HDD arrived today! I don't even know if the BIOS on my media PC supports it or not yet!

Only really matters if you want to boot off it.

 

[Lkr]

Video card no question.

are any refreshes coming soon? should I go with a GTX 460 or is the jump to the 560 Ti worth that much extra change? btw, are the cards smaller than a 5850? I had to wedge that into my case when I had it

 

[darthbob]

are any refreshes coming soon? should I go with a GTX 460 or is the jump to the 560 Ti worth that much extra change? btw, are the cards smaller than a 5850? I had to wedge that into my case when I had it

HD7000 series should be coming...eventually. No real word on nvidia's 'Kepler' yet.

 

[longdi]

creative titanium hd soundcard is going for $115 at amazon and newegg, trust me when i say this, it is a huge leap over onboard if you using analog speakers and headphones, digital output not so much but it gives you 5.1 from a single cable....get it before they are gone!

 

[Lkr]

creative titanium hd soundcard is going for $115 at amazon and newegg, trust me when i say this, it is a huge leap over onboard if you using analog speakers and headphones, digital output not so much but it gives you 5.1 from a single cable....get it before they are gone!

what onboard audio doesn't come with optical these days?

 

[XiaNaphryz]

HD7000 series should be coming...eventually. No real word on nvidia's 'Kepler' yet.

Kepler's supposed to be out Q1 2012.

 

[Arsenic]

**I know this isn't a buy/sell thread, but I figured this will be most relevant to people in here:


I have two unopened Crucial C300 64gb SSD drives. They currently go for $125~ on Newegg and I'm looking to get rid of them for no less than $100. If any of you builders want them let me know via PM or on here.

Link for reference

 

[longdi]

what onboard audio doesn't come with optical these days?

if the onboard supports dd live and or dts connect, ofc you are right. but not many do.

 

[Saren is Bad]

So I left my computer on to download Steam, come back like 6 hours later, and it went into a power save mode I guess. 600T here and the power light was flashing but no video output, and my Blackwidow wasn't lit. Mamba was on stand being charged though.

Moved the mouse and the computer lit up and started churning, but could never get a signal to output. Blackwidow stayed unlit unless I held down a key where it flashed. Finally just had to turn off the comp and turn it back on. Not a big deal by any means but would be nice to leave my computer on overnight or something without it going into this mode.

Specs are 580 SLI, 2600k, 128 SSD, 1200W PSU. Heard of hibernating issues with SSDs but I deleted hibernate so not sure on that.

Anyone know how to disable it? May be Windows or BIOS, not sure.

 

[Smokey]

So I left my computer on to download Steam, come back like 6 hours later, and it went into a power save mode I guess. 600T here and the power light was flashing but no video output, and my Blackwidow wasn't lit. Mamba was on stand being charged though.

Moved the mouse and the computer lit up and started churning, but could never get a signal to output. Blackwidow stayed unlit unless I held down a key where it flashed. Finally just had to turn off the comp and turn it back on. Not a big deal by any means but would be nice to leave my computer on overnight or something without it going into this mode.

Specs are 580 SLI, 2600k, 128 SSD, 1200W PSU. Heard of hibernating issues with SSDs but I deleted hibernate so not sure on that.

Anyone know how to disable it? May be Windows or BIOS, not sure.

I have the Asus p8p67 Pro mobo and mine does this too when hibernating or in sleep mode. I press power button and machine comes on with no video. So then I have to turn off machine and then back on for it to wake up.

 

[LordCanti]

So I left my computer on to download Steam, come back like 6 hours later, and it went into a power save mode I guess. 600T here and the power light was flashing but no video output, and my Blackwidow wasn't lit. Mamba was on stand being charged though.

Moved the mouse and the computer lit up and started churning, but could never get a signal to output. Blackwidow stayed unlit unless I held down a key where it flashed. Finally just had to turn off the comp and turn it back on. Not a big deal by any means but would be nice to leave my computer on overnight or something without it going into this mode.

Specs are 580 SLI, 2600k, 128 SSD, 1200W PSU. Heard of hibernating issues with SSDs but I deleted hibernate so not sure on that.

Anyone know how to disable it? May be Windows or BIOS, not sure.

Go to windows control panel, and then power options, and make sure everything is set so that it won't put the computer to sleep, and so that it won't turn off HDD's, monitor, etc.

If the problem persists, it may be something else.

I have the Asus p8p67 Pro mobo and mine does this too when hibernating or in sleep mode. I press power button and machine comes on with no video. So then I have to turn off machine and then back on for it to wake up.

That happened with my old computer. It would wake up without any video. I never could figure out what the problem was, but I assume that it was a video driver issue. It was a royal pain, for sure.

 

[Saren is Bad]

Thanks guys I'll check the power options and if that doesn't work then I'll research the mobo issue.

 

[Smokey]

That happened with my old computer. It would wake up without any video. I never could figure out what the problem was, but I assume that it was a video driver issue. It was a royal pain, for sure.

I usually just shut it down now. With the SSD boot times don't take long at all, and is much quicker than doing what I mentioned in my previous post

 

[xXJonoXx]

I think I have decided to get a SSD. Can someone recommend the best and fastest one with the largest size to run Windows 7 and maybe a game or two for less than $125?

Also, I recently bought a MSi 560ti to replace my 460 GTX. I have never SLi'ed two cards before, can I SLi these two? Any beginner guides to do it correctly out there? My PSU is 750w, is that good enough?