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[Jin]

Is it worth it to buy a sound card if I'm using a $20 Logitech speakers?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IF4788/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I'm not planning to setup any 5.1 surround sound system. Just using those two speakers.

I'm currently using onboard Realtek on my Asus P6X58D-E.

 

[DigiMish]

How useful are internal solid state drives when it comes to speed? For example, if I was to put this thing in my PC along with a 2 TB one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441&CMP=OTC-TechReport&ATT=20-148-441&nm_mc=OTC-TechReport&cm_mmc=OTC-TechReport-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA

Worth/not worth it?

Would I just install windows on it and keep all my games, music, videos, etc. on the other one?

 

[RS4-]

Ok picking up my SSD (Intel 320 series) in the next few hours; since I already have Win7 installed on one of my partitions, what's the best way to go about installing it again on the SSD?

- restart
- win7 dvd
- install to SSD
- log in then format old OS drive?

edit - oh damn, the new 320 series have a USB 3.0 - SATA adapter.

 

[Corky]

What kind of soundcard should be on the look for if :

- I only play games
- No speakers only a pair of midrange sennheisers ( HD 595 )

?

 

[ithorien]

Ok picking up my SSD (Intel 320 series) in the next few hours; since I already have Win7 installed on one of my partitions, what's the best way to go about installing it again on the SSD?

- restart
- win7 dvd
- install to SSD
- log in then format old OS drive?

edit - oh damn, the new 320 series have a USB 3.0 - SATA adapter.

Yep, that's pretty much it.

What kind of soundcard should be on the look for if :

- I only play games
- No speakers only a pair of midrange sennheisers ( HD 595 )

?

I'd say the $30 Xonar from Asus.

 

[AwesomeSauce]

What kind of soundcard should be on the look for if :

- I only play games
- No speakers only a pair of midrange sennheisers ( HD 595 )

?

Asus Xonar DG is a good budget sound card.

 

[Corky]

cheers guys, what do ya'll think about the Asus Xonar DX? Slightly more expensive but has better reviews as far as I can tell.

edit : the only thing I'm afraid of really is that somehow ( don't ask me how >_< ) wierd drivers is going to fuck up my pc. Granted it's been aaaages since I had an internal soundcard but still. The fear is bigger than anything else.

 

[ithorien]

cheers guys, what do ya'll think about the Asus Xonar DX? Slightly more expensive but has better reviews as far as I can tell.

edit : the only thing I'm afraid of really is that somehow ( don't ask me how >_< ) wierd drivers is going to fuck up my pc. Granted it's been aaaages since I had an internal soundcard but still. The fear is bigger than anything else.

Eh, I don't think you'll run into that. I'm still waiting for some cash to get an HT card (need optical/coax out) to escape onboard hell.

 

[Movement]

Wish me luck.

I also found a 30gb Ipod on the street while I was picking up my delivery. A sign of good luck I do say!

 

[Corky]

Eh, I don't think you'll run into that. I'm still waiting for some cash to get an HT card (need optical/coax out) to escape onboard hell.

Alright, ordered an asus xonar DX .

Also, this might sound like a stupid question, I've only owned non-pc related hifi gear, but is that all there is to it? I mean my headphones goes straight into the soundcard? No need for somekind of amplifier or anything like that? Will the sound quality be good enough like that?

 

[scogoth]

Get ready for 50+ hours of research and work, along with around $300-500.

It's not that difficult to get a nearly inaudible air cooled system. You just need good fan control. Also, avoid stock GPU coolers. Twin Frozr or DirectCu II on the cheap. Otherwise, invest in a better aftermarket cooling solution.

Bring it on water. I know I can do quieter air builds but I want to do water cooling for fun. I'm going to make my life a little easier by just dumping the money on 2x FTW Hydro Coppers. Probably the 3GB 580s unless the 600 series are out when ivy bridge hits. Hopefully the long delayed Arc Mini case is out by then.

 

[AwesomeSauce]

Alright, ordered an asus xonar DX .

Also, this might sound like a stupid question, I've only owned non-pc related hifi gear, but is that all there is to it? I mean my headphones goes straight into the soundcard? No need for somekind of amplifier or anything like that? Will the sound quality be good enough like that?

oops didn't know the DX didn't have an amp ;p

Anyway it still should be enough to power your 595, but i think the DG is still a better deal personally for headphone use.

 

[Darkatomz]

Is it worth it to buy a sound card if I'm using a $20 Logitech speakers

No.

cheers guys, what do ya'll think about the Asus Xonar DX? Slightly more expensive but has better reviews as far as I can tell.

edit : the only thing I'm afraid of really is that somehow ( don't ask me how >_< ) wierd drivers is going to fuck up my pc. Granted it's been aaaages since I had an internal soundcard but still. The fear is bigger than anything else.

Don't bother with the DX. It is old news, and it doesn't have a headphone amp, which is what you'd want here anyways. And I think you cans should have came with an adapter screw that will fit into the sound card.

Asus sound card drivers are pretty good, I really wouldn't be worried about it at all. If you were actually planning on getting a Creative card, then sure, I'd fear for my life too.

 

[ithorien]

Alright, ordered an asus xonar DX .

Also, this might sound like a stupid question, I've only owned non-pc related hifi gear, but is that all there is to it? I mean my headphones goes straight into the soundcard? No need for somekind of amplifier or anything like that? Will the sound quality be good enough like that?

No need for an amp, because it should output adequate volume. If you have speakers than plug those in the back, and use the front panel for headphones (change header from mobo to soundcard).

Cancel the DX and get this IMO- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132020 lifetime limited warranty, headphone amp

Unless you want to spend $90, in which case be my guinea pig and buy this- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271001

 

[Corky]

Alright thanks guys, actually on the notion of it not having an amp, it shouldn't be a problem I guess since I'm getting somekind of speaker setup within the foreseable future.

I'm soo giddy right now, I miss my hifi set, but I believe the difference between onboard sound and a soundcard is going to be huge.

edit : the transaction has already gone through I paid with my card.

 

[Hazaro]

Alright thanks guys, actually on the notion of it not having an amp, it shouldn't be a problem I guess since I'm getting somekind of speaker setup within the foreseable future.

I'm soo giddy right now, I miss my hifi set, but I believe the difference between onboard sound and a soundcard is going to be huge.

edit : the transaction has already gone through I paid with my card.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/19997/11

Also the DG has an amp. But I know nothing about sound.

 

[n0n44m]

Bring it on water. I know I can do quieter air builds but I want to do water cooling for fun. I'm going to make my life a little easier by just dumping the money on 2x FTW Hydro Coppers. Probably the 3GB 580s unless the 600 series are out when ivy bridge hits. Hopefully the long delayed Arc Mini case is out by then.

awyeah

Spoiler

just rediscovered the manual exposure function on my camera

Installing the GPU block was actually really easy (apart from getting those effing Accelero sinks off ...) Going for an external rad as well with that mini case?

Alright, ordered an asus xonar DX .

Also, this might sound like a stupid question, I've only owned non-pc related hifi gear, but is that all there is to it? I mean my headphones goes straight into the soundcard? No need for somekind of amplifier or anything like that? Will the sound quality be good enough like that?

when I went to study abroad in the US for a couple of months I actually got a separate headphone amp that also works as a USB soundcard ... I don't use my 595s that much these days but everyone I lend the amp to (all 595 users as well) say they want to get one as well lol

you'd still need a soundcard for speakers though and I'd expect any Asus soundcard to at least offer decent enough output for the 595s (unlike say an average laptop)

maybe you should ask those audiophiles in the headphone thread in OT

 

[scogoth]

awyeah

Spoiler

just rediscovered the manual exposure function on my camera

Installing the GPU block was actually really easy (apart from getting those effing Accelero sinks off ...) Going for an external rad as well with that mini case?
\

Thats a nice looking setup.

The arc mini has support for a 240mm rad on the top of case. Its going to be tight but I think I can make it work.

 

[mkenyon]

Thats a nice looking setup.

The arc mini has support for a 240mm rad on the top of case. Its going to be tight but I think I can make it work.

240mm will be good for just your CPU. That won't be able to do both GPU and CPU.

 

[Doodlebug]

I'm just finishing building something around the damn capable build.

I'm looking for an LCD monitor around 24", and preferably under £200. Any recommendations for gaming?

 

[n0n44m]

Thats a nice looking setup.

The arc mini has support for a 240mm rad on the top of case. Its going to be tight but I think I can make it work.

240 rad for 580 sli + cpu ?

if you want low noise that is gonna result in quite high water temps (unless you live in an igloo )

fyi I'm getting ~5c delta water-ambient with 9 (NINE) 140mm @ ~1000 rpm and 8c @ 600 rpm

 

[ithorien]

I'm just finishing building something around the damn capable build.

I'm looking for an LCD monitor around 24", and preferably under £200. Any recommendations for gaming?

If you're cool with a TN panel, Asus VW246H.

 

[TheExodu5]

Bring it on water. I know I can do quieter air builds but I want to do water cooling for fun. I'm going to make my life a little easier by just dumping the money on 2x FTW Hydro Coppers. Probably the 3GB 580s unless the 600 series are out when ivy bridge hits. Hopefully the long delayed Arc Mini case is out by then.

You're not going to be doing watercooling in an Arc Mini. You'll be wanting a full tower, unless you want a big external rad apart from your mini case.

Thats a nice looking setup.

The arc mini has support for a 240mm rad on the top of case. Its going to be tight but I think I can make it work.

I'm pretty sure you'll be looking for at least 5-6x 120mm rad to quietly cool an OC'ed CPU and 2x GTX 580. I don't really know what cases are good for supporting that kind of cooling setup out of the box without modifications. You can also consider two separate loops (one for CPU, one for GPU), though that probably raises the complexity quite a bit.

 

[Citizen K]

I'm starting to get an upgrade itch. My pc is getting ancient now (athlon 64 3700+, 2gb, geforce 7600gt lol). I'm only sorta starting to research what I want etc but am decided on an 2500k build, I have a question however....

My samsung monitor is 1440x900 and I am definately keeping it for my new build. The only thing I'm not sure about is what graphics card to get. All other components will be top spec (2500k, 4 or 8 gb ram, ssd). Any advice on what gpu to go for that'll a) run every current game flawlessly with all high settings etc and b) be somewhat futureproof ie battlefield 3 at maxed settings

I was thinking gtx580 but I dunno if thats overkill for 1440x900? I'm a bit out of the loop pc tech wise, any ideas?

 

[TheExodu5]

I'm starting to get an upgrade itch. My pc is getting ancient now (athlon 64 3700+, 2gb, geforce 7600gt lol). I'm only sorta starting to research what I want etc but am decided on an 2500k build, I have a question however....

My samsung monitor is 1440x900 and I am definately keeping it for my new build. The only thing I'm not sure about is what graphics card to get. All other components will be top spec (2500k, 4 or 8 gb ram, ssd). Any advice on what gpu to go for that'll a) run every current game flawlessly with all high settings etc and b) be somewhat futureproof ie battlefield 3 at maxed settings

I was thinking gtx580 but I dunno if thats overkill for 1440x900? I'm a bit out of the loop pc tech wise, any ideas?

It's definitely overkill, but sometimes overkill can be nice. I'd probably look more towards a GTX 570 or 6950 if you want 85% of the performance for 60% of the cost. Those would still be overkill, but some games are going to use that power: The Witcher 2, Metro 2033, Crysis 2, and no doubt BF3.

You sure you want to stay with your current monitor, though? You can get a really nice Asus 24" 1080p monitor for less than $200.

 

[cackhyena]

I am super confused by all the different models for the same damn card. I was always thinking about the 6970, but maybe I can get away with a 6950 since it's a decent bit cheaper? There'
s just so many to choose from. Anyone know which i should be looking out for?

 

[Doodlebug]

Never mind. Glanced over the obvious at this late hour.

 

[Gvaz]

Is it worth it to buy a sound card if I'm using a $20 Logitech speakers?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IF4788/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I'm not planning to setup any 5.1 surround sound system. Just using those two speakers.

I'm currently using onboard Realtek on my Asus P6X58D-E.

Use onboard. You wont get any benefit from a sound card.

 

[Citizen K]

It's definitely overkill, but sometimes overkill can be nice. I'd probably look more towards a GTX 570 or 6950 if you want 85% of the performance for 60% of the cost. Those would still be overkill, but some games are going to use that power: The Witcher 2, Metro 2033, Crysis 2, and no doubt BF3.

You sure you want to stay with your current monitor, though? You can get a really nice Asus 24" 1080p monitor for less than $200.

Yeah I'm gonna stick with the monitor, its 19" but the size is perfect for me and I dont really want a bigger screen for the forseeable future.

So do you think I wouldn't benefit from a gtx580 rather than a gtx570/6950 given I'll be gaming at 1440x900?

 

[Corky]

So do you think I wouldn't benefit from a gtx580 rather than a gtx570/6950 given I'll be gaming at 1440x900?

I seriously doubt that there's a game where the gtx 570 doesn't do the same job as a 580 at that res. If anything use the money you save towards buying a better / bigger monitor in the future.

 

[Tom Penny]

I heard that this a known flaw on some Radeon cards - capacitor makes a noise briefly when being pushed under load...

I have a Nvidia GTX 460. I can't figure out if a buzzing noise is coming from the GPU, mobo or CPU. They are too close together to differentiate the sound. It also happens when I'm just surfing the web no GPU load.

 

[vertopci]

What would you guys say is the best 27 inch 120hz monitor available right now? I was hoping for an asus, but it seems they don't make any 120HZ monitors in that size

 

[toastyToast]

Use onboard. You wont get any benefit from a sound card.

Wasn't true in my case at all. Once I got some better headphones everything sounded like absolute shit. Interference, whizzing, all kinds of stuff that just wasn't there when I plugged in my old in-ears.

Edit: Oops, saw what that was in reply to. A sound card only justifies itself with expensive hardware. That is to say, not stuff Logitech makes.

 

[TheExodu5]

I seriously doubt that there's a game where the gtx 570 doesn't do the same job as a 580 at that res. If anything use the money you save towards buying a better / bigger monitor in the future.

There will be a few games where the GTX 580 would result in a better framerate, but they'd be very few. Metro 2033 for sure, maybe The Witcher 2, and who knows about BF3. Still, GTX 580 is definitely overkill for that resolution, unless you're a performance nut like me.

 

[Corky]

There will be a few games where the GTX 580 would result in a better framerate, but they'd be very few. Metro 2033 for sure, maybe The Witcher 2, and who knows about BF3. Still, GTX 580 is definitely overkill for that resolution, unless you're a performance nut like me.

True metro is always that special case, but in the case of metro I wouldn't be suprised if a 570 would manage to stay above 60fps.


On another note maybe a stupid question but w/e, when using a soundcard and the required drivers are installed : Do you just play the games "normally" ? I mean every single new game out there should work with a soundcard right? No settings that need to be changed or enabled as if I was playing with 3D vision or 3D surround or w/e?

edit : also can you plug a pci-1x in a pci-4x slot?

 

[mt1200]

Which PSU would you recommend for a sapphire hd 6950 gaf?, will my corsair vx550 work?

 

[mkenyon]

Which PSU would you recommend for a sapphire hd 6950 gaf?, will my corsair vx550 work?

Yep!

 

[Tashi]

As per the 1000~ build in the OP, I'm buying this mother board
ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

this CD/DVD Drive

ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM

and this RAM

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ

I'm gonna start with these and pick up the processor (i5 2500k Sandy Bridge) next week or maybe this weekend, we'll see. All good? Any last, "NO DON'T DO IT!!!!"??

 

[Movement]

I put it all together and it won't post I think it's the PSU, it doesn't make any noise at all when I turn it on. What are your guys best troubleshooting methods?

 

[Rufus]

I put it all together and it won't post I think it's the PSU, it doesn't make any noise at all when I turn it on. What are your guys best troubleshooting methods?

Does the PSU haven an on/off switch at the back?

 

[knitoe]

I put it all together and it won't post I think it's the PSU, it doesn't make any noise at all when I turn it on. What are your guys best troubleshooting methods?

Check the power switch from case to MB and make sure it's attached correctly. Then, check the cables from PSU to MB.

 

[Movement]

Both are attached, I've unplugged all of them and put them back in the correct slots, the fans aren't even turning on. I have the Power led + and - and the reset and pwr switches in, the big slot from the PSU to the MB.

 

[knitoe]

Both are attached, I've unplugged all of them and put them back in the correct slots, the fans aren't even turning on. I have the Power led + and - and the reset and pwr switches in, the big slot from the PSU to the MB.

What MB? Can you post pics of the MB and wiring?

 

[Movement]

Asus P8P67 Pro. I got it to turn on, just now the monitor isn't getting any signal. I might have the GPU put in wrong. All I have plugged into the GPU is 2 PCI-E cords from the PSU. The fans are all spinning on it and I have it DVI to HDMI to my monitor. No signal. Is there a chance it's the CPU?

 

[Saren is Bad]

Asus P8P67 Pro. I got it to turn on, just now the monitor isn't getting any signal. I might have the GPU put in wrong. All I have plugged into the GPU is 2 PCI-E cords from the PSU. The fans are all spinning on it and I have it DVI to HDMI to my monitor. No signal. Is there a chance it's the CPU?

Any way you can take a pic?

 

[Hazaro]

As per the 1000~ build in the OP, I'm buying this mother board
ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

this CD/DVD Drive

ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM

and this RAM

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ

I'm gonna start with these and pick up the processor (i5 2500k Sandy Bridge) next week or maybe this weekend, we'll see. All good? Any last, "NO DON'T DO IT!!!!"??

Do it.

Asus P8P67 Pro. I got it to turn on, just now the monitor isn't getting any signal. I might have the GPU put in wrong. All I have plugged into the GPU is 2 PCI-E cords from the PSU. The fans are all spinning on it and I have it DVI to HDMI to my monitor. No signal. Is there a chance it's the CPU?

CPU maybe one in a million.

Assemble the computer outside the case with the bare minimum (1 stick of RAM, no DVD, no HDD).
You have 24 power and 4+4 pin power plugged in mobo?

 

[momolicious]

Anyone having trouble removing the HDD tray in the CM 690 ii advance case?! The screws are on tight and im slightly stripping the screw!

 

[Movement]

I'm trying to find my camera. There's a red light on the motherboard that reads CPU light, in the manual it says it's on if there's a CPU error.

 

[Eric WK]

Well that was incredibly stressful. Just little things like "oh my God what the hell is that sound as I clamp the CPU in place" to "oh crap the G.SKILL Ripjaw is really tall how am I going to get this fan in here" to "how the hell do I mount this cooler properly" to "why I can't I secure the PSU properly, is it too big for the case?"

But anyway, I'm posting from it now while Windows downloads updates. Currently running from my 4870 while waiting for my GTX 570 to get here Monday. I also decided at the eleventh hour to get an SSD. Got a 120GB Intel this afternoon and I'm already happy with the decision. Unfortunately, my 1TB WD isn't being detected so I need to look into what could be causing that.

Just really happy to have most of the hard stuff done.

 

[Saren is Bad]

Well that was incredibly stressful. Just little things like "oh my God what the hell is that sound as I clamp the CPU in place" to "oh crap the G.SKILL Ripjaw is really tall how am I going to get this fan in here" to "how the hell do I mount this cooler properly" to "why I can't I secure the PSU properly, is it too big for the case?"

But anyway, I'm posting from it now while Windows downloads updates. Currently running from my 4870 while waiting for my GTX 570 to get here Monday. I also decided at the eleventh hour to get an SSD. Got a 120GB Intel this afternoon and I'm already happy with the decision. Unfortunately, my 1TB WD isn't being detected so I need to look into what could be causing that.

Just really happy to have most of the hard stuff done.

Got to go into Disk Manager and partition it. (1TB)