Support NeoGAF

[Marco1]

Don't worry about stress tests either.
If there's a problem, you will find out.
Install some games and get playing them.
Stress tests and bencmarks are for overclockers who push their cpu and gpu to the limits of voltage.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Only one fan of either type, unless it's a big OC. Running stock or a mild OC, the extra noise of a second fan may not be worth the 1-2c lower temps.

Yeah, I probably won't go too crazy with OC, so one fan it is.

 

[black_vegeta]

Installed my Hyper 212 Plus, it was a bitch to get in but was well worth it. 35 degree lower temps in Prime95 is exceptional. Just remember to check it fits in yur case because its enormous.

Hahaha, people crack me up when they think the Hyper 212+ is enormous.

 

[ss_lemonade]

Hahaha, people crack me up when they think the Hyper 212+ is enormous.

Are most HSFs that big/bigger? My v6gt is pretty damn big, almost as big as a friggin power supply lol. It was my first time too installing a cpu hsf other than stock so you can just imagine the difficulty, especially with sandybridge motherboards' tight ram placement.

 

[Marco1]

The beauty of sandybridge is that you don't need and expensive HSF but be careful with RAM heatsinks like the corsair vengeance. The cpu HS will not fit as it will hit the top of the RAM HS.

 

[chaosblade]

Are most HSFs that big/bigger? My v6gt is pretty damn big, almost as big as a friggin power supply lol. It was my first time too installing a cpu hsf other than stock so you can just imagine the difficulty, especially with sandybridge motherboards' tight ram placement.

Check out the Scythe Orochi or CM V10. There are some other extremely massive heatsinks as well.

I'd say the 212+ is medium sized. Smallish if you're just taking 120mm fan heatsinks into account.

 

[Raide]

Blarg.

New PC works fine.

Went to install old HDD and DVD drive. Not enough connectors, so I had to rip the PSU out of my old case so it could support more than 2 devices. Also noticed that it did not have the connector for my 8800gt

Went to install 8800gt, booted up. Big red lines down the middle of the screen. Tried it on a few screens, still the same issue. Think its dead.

Now I need to find a new graphics card but I really did not want to burn any more money.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

The beauty of sandybridge is that you don't need and expensive HSF

It just means people can OC further with better temps if they choose to pay a bit more though, right?

 

[YianGaruga]

Any recommendations for a good modular ~600W PSU?

 

[mkenyon]

Corsair HX series is good stuff.

 

[Kyaw]

Any recommendations for a good modular ~600W PSU?

OCZ modular ones are pretty good if you are looking for low price.

 

[jarosh]

lol got one doa hdd and one doa dimm.

love building computers. so predictable. i usually go through 2 - 3 doa parts before stuff starts working.

 

[mkenyon]

lol got one doa hdd and one doa dimm.

love building computers. so predictable. i usually go through 2 - 3 doa parts before stuff starts working.

True story: I've built about 20 computers for myself. Maybe a bit more. I've never once had to initially RMA a part. I've only had to RMA two parts in total.

 

[TheNamelessOne]

Okay guys, I need some last feedback before ordering. I've made some changes to my previous cart and wound up with something like this:

Any opinions? I know I have no CPU in that cart, but I'm getting an i5 2500k from another store. Also, the Hyper 212-cooler is sold out everywhere so I will get one later. Stock cooler will have to suffice for a while.

Another thing - Is the price difference between 6950 2GB and 560 Ti worth it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DigiMish]

So essentially these 2 cards are the same right? I can get the same OC performance as the EVGA one by just downloading a utility and cranking some sliders up?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130610

I was gonna go with the EVGA one, but the MSI cooler is so popular here, and plus I save a few bucks.

 

[Cow Mengde]

Yup, it's pretty much the same thing.

 

[BLaZiN PRopHeT]

I think this is a good deal but i wanted a second opinion. My job has this desktop for sale.

AMD Phenom II 1045T 6 cores
8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 Memory
1 TB HD 7200rpm
Blu-ray/DVD R/RW
ATI Radeon HD 5450 512MB
Memory card reader
Built in N Wireless.

Right now its 699 but i think i can talk them down to 599 so good deal?
Also how does the graphics card compare to whats out?

 

[Corky]

Okay guys, I need some last feedback before ordering. I've made some changes to my previous cart and wound up with something like this:

http://i.imgur.com/YBOcD.jpg[/IMG

Any opinions? I know I have no CPU in that cart, but I'm getting an [B]i5 2500k[/B] from another store. Also, the Hyper 212-cooler is sold out [I]everywhere[/I] so I will get one later. Stock cooler will have to suffice for a while.

Another thing - Is the price difference between 6950 2GB and 560 Ti worth it?

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]

Inet ftw ;)

The build looks good, you can get a Corsair TX 650W V2 80+ Bronze for just 200kr more but you'll know you got one of the better PSUs out there. Also add another measly 100kr to your budget and get a 1TB samsung spinpoint, instead of your current 500gb wd caviar blue.

And my own personal preference is that you can save 200kr by going to the just as good 560 ti msi twin frozr II, unless you play games at very high resolution ( 1600p etc ) you'll be hard pressed to find scenarios where 2gb will be much better than 1gb.

 

[RS4-]

I think this is a good deal but i wanted a second opinion. My job has this desktop for sale.

AMD Phenom II 1045T 6 cores
8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 Memory
1 TB HD 7200rpm
Blu-ray/DVD R/RW
ATI Radeon HD 5450 512MB
Memory card reader
Built in N Wireless.

Right now its 699 but i think i can talk them down to 599 so good deal?
Also how does the graphics card compare to whats out?

Depending on where you're located, the $600 build in the OP might be better for you; depends on your needs as well.

 

[mike23]

I think this is a good deal but i wanted a second opinion. My job has this desktop for sale.

AMD Phenom II 1045T 6 cores
8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 Memory
1 TB HD 7200rpm
Blu-ray/DVD R/RW
ATI Radeon HD 5450 512MB
Memory card reader
Built in N Wireless.

Right now its 699 but i think i can talk them down to 599 so good deal?
Also how does the graphics card compare to whats out?

Video card is awful, it's a $30 card, barely function to be honest. I definitely wouldn't buy that pc for 600. The cpu is ok, but an i5 sandy bridge will beat it handily.

Does it come with a monitor?

 

[mkenyon]

I think this is a good deal but i wanted a second opinion. My job has this desktop for sale.

AMD Phenom II 1045T 6 cores
8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 Memory
1 TB HD 7200rpm
Blu-ray/DVD R/RW
ATI Radeon HD 5450 512MB
Memory card reader
Built in N Wireless.

Right now its 699 but i think i can talk them down to 599 so good deal?
Also how does the graphics card compare to whats out?

No way. $400 max.

 

[TheNamelessOne]

Inet ftw

The build looks good, you can get a Corsair TX 650W V2 80+ Bronze for just 200kr more but you'll know you got one of the better PSUs out there. Also add another measly 100kr to your budget and get a 1TB samsung spinpoint, instead of your current 500gb wd caviar blue.

And my own personal preference is that you can save 200kr by going to the just as good 560 ti msi twin frozr II, unless you play games at very high resolution ( 1600p etc ) you'll be hard pressed to find scenarios where 2gb will be much better than 1gb.

Thanks for your input! The Caviar Blue was because the F3 was out of stock. I might get one from another store instead.

 

[Mudkips]

If anyone has any experience with onboard sound, I could use some help.

Like I mentioned earlier in this thread, I've got a Crosshair V board, it's got the Supreme FX X-Fi 2 onboard audio, and for the life of me, I can't get any audio from my computer. Granted, I am using the front panel connectors, HD Audio and all that, but should I use the back panel instead?

X-Fi cards and front panel connectors don't mix. At all. It's a hardware problem and Creative will never fix it. Been around for ages. You MIGHT have some luck by removing the microphone connection. If you've only got solid connection blocks for Intel HD Audio or AC '97 audio, you may have to remove the individual wires to try this. If you've got individual connectors for each pin, you should be fine.

I would guess that the jack insertion shit is just fucked. I've been through this about 50 times with my X-Fi cards, carefully mapping out unlabeled, undocumented pins on the card to the various blocks / individual pins from my front panel.

I could consistently get the thing to work on the first boot, only to fail thereafter.
The only way to make it work consistently is to leave one connection out. Obviously you want both left and right audio channels, so you'll be leaving the microphone out if you want to try this.

 

[ConstructMe]

Hahaha, people crack me up when they think the Hyper 212+ is enormous.

Ok then link me to an "enourmous" hsf?

 

[SRG01]

Which FM1 motherboard should I buy? There aren't a lot of reviews out yet...

Posted this a page back. Anyone?

 

[Corky]

Ok then link me to an "enourmous" hsf?

 

[mkenyon]

Ok then link me to an "enourmous" hsf?

 

[RiverBed]

Grand Total: 1,105.63
I still need a GTX 570 and a DVD burner/BD reader disk drive.

A good 550-650w PSU should be fine (Corsair/Seasonic, etc).

Okay, I updated my PSU and a cheaper RAM combo from the same manufacturer.

I still need a GTX 570: can someone pick a good cheap one from this list, please? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...5&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20). I am hearing bad things about MSI cards, and I don't recognize most brnds in that list. >_<'

Why are you investing in Blu-Ray burning (media and a drive) at this point? The media is so expensive. You could save $40 right there, just by going from a burner to a drive that only reads.

You're right; I don't want or need a BD burner, I thought the added price wouldn't be that much so I might as well. Turns out it is pricy. But I can't find a fast CD/DVD burner that can also read BD now... >_<' Can anyone suggest one for me, please?

I'd personally spend more on a keyboard

I'm open for suggestions. I am happy with any k/b with media shortcut buttons that is slim/low profile. bakclight is a plus but not a necessity; I fear it will distract when spending time in a dark room viewing movies or playing games.

Others will suggest a different mobo, but everyone seems to have their own opinion on that anyway

If it gets the job done and is reliable, I am fine with it. Seriously, the mobo to me is something to connect everything to. I have NO idea what real 'features' they have over each other except for number of slots...

PS. are there any cheap mobos that will support Ivy Bridge when it releases? I want to swap my Sandy with an Ivy as soon as the latter releases without the need to re-buy another mobo- if possible. Or hasn't it been known yet?

 

[imoTEP12]

Hey guys, finally got my account validated. Been part of the master race for a while but I just recently completed a new build. I5 2500k, 8gb ram, xfx 6950, a noctua c12p all in a fractal r3.

BTW this was by far my favorite thread on gaf as a lurker.

 

[DigiMish]

So for this build?

I don't need a 750W PSU, I can get away with a 650W one? I'm going with a single 560Ti and don't plan on adding another one or anything fancy like that.

 

[Vigilant Walrus]

I'm thinking about getting the 700D Corsair... But something that is holding me back is that my current case have 8 expansion slots. The way the PCI-Express slots are seperated on my mobo, has made me use the top and bottom slots.... Which means that my bottom graphic cards use slot 7 and 8. But 8 is just a vent.

Would I be able to install my bottom graphics card in 700D, since it has a vent opening below the 7th expansion slot?

 

[toastyToast]

Ok then link me to an "enourmous" hsf?

I posted mine a few pages back.

edit: Here

 

[Prophet Steve]

I posted mine a few pages back.

edit: Here

http://i.imgur.com/bzfd7.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

Yeah, I have the same one installed a moment ago, that thing really is huge.

Anyway, I have a question for you guys. Can someone point me into the direction on how I use my other hard drive as the SSD as a standard drive.

I have installed Windows on my SSD, but that also means that my documents and program files will standard be stored there. Can I save that kind of stuff standard to my other hard drive or do I have to do this all manually?

 

[RS4-]

Yeah you can, it works the same way as the steam thing. Something about junction/linking. I'll try to grab a link.

 

[tehbible]

Any recommendations for a good modular ~600W PSU?

I'd go for the Seasonic 650W Modular PSU (80 Plus Gold Certified too)

I never skimp out on a cheap PSU. Seasonic is the way to go, as they are the ones that make Corsair PSU's too.

I am a current owner of this PSU, and damn, the quality and durability on this will last me for ages.

 

[Prophet Steve]

Yeah you can, it works the same way as the steam thing. Something about junction/linking. I'll try to grab a link.

Ah, thank you, hope you can find the link but I'll try so myself. Was hoping for a solution in Windows but I'm fine with extra software.

 

[RS4-]

Ah, thank you, hope you can find the link but I'll try so myself. Was hoping for a solution in Windows but I'm fine with extra software.

No software, just a few command stuff iirc. Shouldn't be too hard to find, lots of SSD users were interested in the same thing.

I plan on doing the same, especially since iTunes backs up my iPhone files on the c: drive

 

[mkenyon]

Ah, thank you, hope you can find the link but I'll try so myself. Was hoping for a solution in Windows but I'm fine with extra software.

You can mess with the locations in explorer for My Documents. Essentially, you create a folder on your storage drive and change the shortcut. Just right click a lot and you'll figure it out.

 

[Rumble19]

Hey guys, finally got my account validated. Been part of the master race for a while but I just recently completed a new build. I5 2500k, 8gb ram, xfx 6950, a noctua c12p all in a fractal r3.

BTW this was by far my favorite thread on gaf as a lurker.

Wow, we have almost the same story. Not only did I just get my account verified, but I just built nearly the same computer. I went with a GTX 570 though instead. There is nothing quite like the feeling of booting up your brand new PC for the first time.

 

[Prophet Steve]

I have found these two links on sevenforums:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html?filter

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/39689-program-files-directory-change-default-installs.html

Anymore stuff I have to think of that automatically wants to install on my SSD?

Hey guys, finally got my account validated. Been part of the master race for a while but I just recently completed a new build. I5 2500k, 8gb ram, xfx 6950, a noctua c12p all in a fractal r3.

BTW this was by far my favorite thread on gaf as a lurker.

Yeah, I almost have the same thing. Same processor, 8gb RAM, Sapphire 6950 and the same case!

EDIT: Found another link for both, the thread also includes a way to save the program files and users map during the install.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/124198-user-profiles-create-move-during-windows-7-installation-3.html#post1159551

 

[Painraze]

is this a good HDD to get? (gaming PC)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

 

[Mr Nightman]

is this a good HDD to get? (gaming PC)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

should do just fine, I rock a 500GB Western Digital running at 5400rpm, and its just peachy

 

[darthbob]

is this a good HDD to get? (gaming PC)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

You don't need a 6Gb/s Mechanical HDD, waste of cash.

Rather, this is better http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

 

[LordCanti]

Grand Total: 1,105.63
I still need a GTX 570 and a DVD burner/BD reader disk drive.


Okay, I updated my PSU and a cheaper RAM combo from the same manufacturer.

I still need a GTX 570: can someone pick a good cheap one from this list, please? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...5&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20). I am hearing bad things about MSI cards, and I don't recognize most brnds in that list. >_<'


You're right; I don't want or need a BD burner, I thought the added price wouldn't be that much so I might as well. Turns out it is pricy. But I can't find a fast CD/DVD burner that can also read BD now... >_<' Can anyone suggest one for me, please?


I'm open for suggestions. I am happy with any k/b with media shortcut buttons that is slim/low profile. bakclight is a plus but not a necessity; I fear it will distract when spending time in a dark room viewing movies or playing games.


If it gets the job done and is reliable, I am fine with it. Seriously, the mobo to me is something to connect everything to. I have NO idea what real 'features' they have over each other except for number of slots...

PS. are there any cheap mobos that will support Ivy Bridge when it releases? I want to swap my Sandy with an Ivy as soon as the latter releases without the need to re-buy another mobo- if possible. Or hasn't it been known yet?

I wouldn't go with the Antec 900. I have the twelve hundred, and cable management is a nightmare. I'd go with a Fractal Design R3 (for noise cancellation) or something more along the lines of a Coolermaster HAF 912 or 922 for outright cooling.

Here are a couple of the cheaper 570's (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130593&cm_re=GTX_570-_-14-130-593-_-Product http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130621&cm_re=GTX_570-_-14-130-621-_-Product)

I've never had any problems with EVGA or their support, so they are who I generally recommend for Nvidia cards. If you want to pay the extra for the Asus version with the after market cooler, it wouldn't be a bad investment. It's really up to you (the EVGA card is only significantly cheaper after rebate after all).

I'm not sure if any of the cheaper Blu-Ray drives also burn DVD's. I guess you'd have to spring for one of the nicer models (like the one you had listed) to get that capability.

As far as keyboards go, there are so many choices. In that price range, I like the looks of this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=Logitech_Keyboard-_-23-126-191-_-Product) more than the one you've got on your list right now, if only because it's a brand I know. I personally have the Saitek Eclipse II, and I've been happy with it. The backlight can be distracting though. I usually recommend for people to go into a Best Buy/Frys/Microcenter/etc and try out keyboards, because it is hard to tell what they'll be like online.

I wouldn't plan on upgrading to Ivy Bridge when it comes out. A 2500k OC'd to 4+ghz should be more than enough for a few years to come. Ivy Bridge will be compatible with the same mobo's as Sandy Bridge though, so the upgrade path will remain for awhile, should you need more CPU power in the future.

Does anyone think his RAM might be a problem while installing the 212 heatsink? I don't have any experience with that board, so it is hard to say. In terms of board features, it doesn't have UEFI (which isn't essential), but it does have SATA 6GBs, and USB 3, so most of the newer standards are covered. If you want UEFI (which is the fancy, mouse controllable BIOS), you can step up to a board like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128500&Tpk=GA-Z68X-UD3-B3) but it's non-essential. That board also has Dolby Home Theater, which will be useful if you're hooking your computer up to a receiver. It's up to you really.

The only other issue I have is that wireless adapter. I've never had a decent USB wireless adapter. You are much better off with an internal PCI adapter, although it will cost a bit more. You can try that model, but it's kind of a buyer beware type of situation.

 

[Mudkips]

The only other issue I have is that wireless adapter. I've never had a decent USB wireless adapter. You are much better off with an internal PCI adapter, although it will cost a bit more. You can try that model, but it's kind of a buyer beware type of situation.

I've had the exact opposite experience. Since I put my desk and PC right up against the wall, the wifi signal gets blocked to all hell. With a USB adapter, you can position it wherever you want. My old USB adapters came with a USB extension cord + weighted base.

Of course, you could always get separate antennas and do the same thing with a card, I guess. I still prefer to keep everything internal as much as possible though.

 

[LordCanti]

I've had the exact opposite experience. Since I put my desk and PC right up against the wall, the wifi signal gets blocked to all hell. With a USB adapter, you can position it wherever you want. My old USB adapters came with a USB extension cord + weighted base.

Of course, you could always get separate antennas and do the same thing with a card, I guess. I still prefer to keep everything internal as much as possible though.

The wifi adapter he has listed is one of the models that go directly into the USB port. I don't see any sort of extension.

There is no love lost between me and wifi in general, but if I had to choose a cheap USB adapter, I'd go for this one with 500+ reviews and a five star rating (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=USB_wifi_adapter-_-33-704-045-_-Product) over the one with 4 reviews.

Nothing compares with wired, but then again, not everyone can have a wired connection to every computer, so I certainly see the merit of wifi. I just have no desire to use it ever again.

 

[Sky Chief]

Pardon me if I'm mistaken but does this mean that the $600 damn capable build in the op can run Crysis 2 DX 11 with everything on Ultra at an average fps over thirty?

Edit: weird Since I checked the specs in the $600 build about an hour ago the specs have been changed but the date says May. Lol, not sure what happened

 

[LordCanti]

Pardon me if I'm mistaken but does this mean that the $600 damn capable build in the op can run Crysis 2 DX 11 with everything on Ultra at an average fps over thirty?

You are mistaken. The damn capable build has a GTX 460. On the chart, the GTX 460 is pulling a minimum of 15FPS and a maximum of 22FPS. This would be extremely unplayable.

Crysis 2 gives my GTX 580 a run for its money on Ultra with the DX11 and HR texture pack, at 1080p.

 

[Futurevoid]

.

 

[Sky Chief]

You are mistaken. The damn capable build has a GTX 460. On the chart, the GTX 460 is pulling a minimum of 15FPS and a maximum of 22FPS. This would be extremely unplayable.

Crysis 2 gives my GTX 580 a run for its money on Ultra with the DX11 and HR texture pack, at 1080p.

I swear I just looked at the $600 build this afternoon and it included a 560Ti and a quad core AMD. I guess it must have been changed.

If I upgraded to a 560Ti would it? I don't need a DVD drive or a case so that would still be $600.