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[Laurentius]

If you're going to go high mid range (6850), get the GTX 560 (not Ti) or the 6850.

If you're willing to spend the money it costs for a 560 Ti, just get a 6950 2GB for the same price or a 6950 1GB for $30-$40 less instead. Both 6950 versions have better performance for same price or cheaper. It's not a lot more powerful but you're getting 3-5 frames of extra performance (stock speeds) for less money.

What 6950 1GB would you recommend? Most of the ones I've looked at are still in the $230 or so range, which isn't too much less than the MSI N560GTX-TI Twin Frozr II/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (the one at Newegg is $235 or so after a rebate).

When you say the 6950 1GB gives more performance at stock speeds, do you mean that the stock 6950 gives you better performance than the stock GTX 560 Ti, or that the stock 6950 gives you a bit better performance over the factory overclocked 560 Ti? Just curious, since that card I mentioned above is factory overclocked, right? I'm guessing it would perform better than the 6950, out of the box at least?

Sorry, there's so many choices for graphics cards, haha. So hard to make a choice.

 

[blanky]

Danke, will drop the PSU down to 600w.

Edit: is there any real difference between:
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/components/powersupplies/ocz/ocz600mxsp-uk.html
and
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/components/powersupplies/novatech/nov-psu650.html
>


Makes sense.


Novatech (but I'm going to price check). Those prices don't include VAT shamefully, but the total price I listed is VAT included.


Edit:
Monitor suggestions?

No SSD? Even an 80gb could go great for steam/windows or other applications.

 

[Chinner]

No SSD? Even an 80gb could go great for steam/windows or other applications.

no SSD at the moment, if i didn't have to buy a monitor i would defo get one, but i'll get one eventually.

don't tempt me gaf

also, any monitor suggestions?

edit:

by going 600w am i limiting myself if i ever want to overclock?

 

[legend166]

So, my PC isn't booting. It just sits at the motherboard screen. I can't even get into the UEFI setup screen or anything because the keyboard doesn't work.

 

[MustacheBandit_]

so since i am not savvy enough to build my own computer, please let me know if this prebuilt pc is a good bang for the buck and if it will run all the upcoming games pretty well.

Processor Processor: Intel Core i7-2600 processor (8MB Cache, 3.4GHz)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Alienware Aurora Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Memory 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (4 DIMMs)
Media Bay 24X CD RW/DVD Combo Drive
Video 1.5 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
System Color Matte Stealth Black 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Alienware TactX Mouse
Hardware Upgrade CPU Liquid Cooling
125V Power Cord
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
64BIT Operating System

total price: $1095 with free shipping

 

[Lasthope106]

so since i am not savvy enough to build my own computer, please let me know if this prebuilt pc is a good bang for the buck and if it will run all the upcoming games pretty well.

Processor Processor: Intel Core i7-2600 processor (8MB Cache, 3.4GHz)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Alienware Aurora Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Memory 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (4 DIMMs)
Media Bay 24X CD RW/DVD Combo Drive
Video 1.5 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
System Color Matte Stealth Black 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Alienware TactX Mouse
Hardware Upgrade CPU Liquid Cooling
125V Power Cord
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
64BIT Operating System

total price: $1095 with free shipping

Where is this desktop? That is one hell of deal. Please provide link to where you are seeing this model.

 

[Corky]

wtffffffffff

a gtx 580 alone costs 700$ here.

 

[Ace 8095]

so since i am not savvy enough to build my own computer, please let me know if this prebuilt pc is a good bang for the buck and if it will run all the upcoming games pretty well.

Processor Processor: Intel Core i7-2600 processor (8MB Cache, 3.4GHz)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Alienware Aurora Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Memory 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (4 DIMMs)
Media Bay 24X CD RW/DVD Combo Drive
Video 1.5 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
System Color Matte Stealth Black 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Alienware TactX Mouse
Hardware Upgrade CPU Liquid Cooling
125V Power Cord
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
64BIT Operating System

total price: $1095 with free shipping

No fucking way that's only 1100

 

[Curufinwe]

More like $2,095.

 

[Kadey]

Hmmmmm. I have a 30% off Dell via corporate account but even then it would not be that low.

 

[Nabs]

Maybe it's from the outlet?

 

[larvi]

Hmmmmm. I have a 30% off Dell via corporate account but even then it would not be that low.

Probably an outlet deal with a similar discount.

 

[MustacheBandit_]

its from the Dell outlet. They are having a 15% off sale on all desktops. So should I pull the trigger? Any negatives from buying from their outlet?

 

[MustacheBandit_]

No fucking way that's only 1100

well i just double checked it and it is....so i guess i will be getting a great deal eh?

 

[Corky]

Sigh... I wish we had those kind of umerican deals here...

~$3500

....?

In other words I could get 3 of them for the same price across the pond...

And that's without goodies like liquid cooling. OH LAWD!

 

[black_vegeta]

Kadey, build your own PC. Stop being lazy. >:[

 

[wandering goat]

Danke, will drop the PSU down to 600w.

Edit: is there any real difference between:
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/components/powersupplies/ocz/ocz600mxsp-uk.html
and
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/prods/components/powersupplies/novatech/nov-psu650.html
>

I'm no expert on PSUs, so I can't recommend good budget ones (I've only went with Seasonic / Corsair) but besides just wattage, you want to have a lot of amps on the 12V rail. If I'm reading it right, the cheap one does not have very much at all, and I've heard that often, cheaper ones don't even reliably deliver their rated wattage. I wouldn't use that one with a GTX 580 and high-end CPU, especially when overclocking (the 580 is really hungry). As everyone says, it's best not to skimp on the PSU. A good one can last you through multiple upgrades and won't let you down.

[edit] In fact, it looks like the cheap one doesn't even have any PCI power cables and only one molex cable. Stay away from that one.

 

[coopolon]

well i just double checked it and it is....so i guess i will be getting a great deal eh?

It's on the outlet website? Can you link to it?

 

[·feist·]

well i just double checked it and it is....so i guess i will be getting a great deal eh?

To put it mildly.
The CPU has very limited overclocking ability, and I wouldn't expect the motherboard and PSU to be of the highest quality, but that deal is hard to beat.

You could always sell the CPU, and upgrade to an unlocked Ivy Bridge, combined with a Z75, or Z77 motherboard at some point, for very little cost.

And that is without the Turbo to 3.9Ghz

Still, it's a $1,000 CPU alone so it better be better.

Well, like you were saying earlier, the i7 3930K will definitely be a more realistically priced alternative if it falls in line with estimates. I nearly bought an i7 970, so something like the 3930K is on the short list of 32nm parts I'm considering. Looks to be a reasonable facsimile of the i7 3960X, with a sizable amount of cache, and a bit less easy to overclock.

I'm also interested in seeing just how exactly Intel intends to restrict the i7 3820. I still wish Intel could realistically fast track an 8c16t part for consumer desktops because it'd be good for the market. Not like the 10c20t, or higher, ones will be making the transition anytime soon.


Sandy Bridge-E & Ivy Bridge
Desktop Platform: Roadmap Performance WW29

 

[MustacheBandit_]

It's on the outlet website? Can you link to it?

link
use coupon code: $KRJ5$?886FTMV

so is this a more then capable computer? i need to know whether to click purchase or not.

 

[DigiMish]

link
use coupon code: $KRJ5$?886FTMV

so is this a more then capable computer? i need to know whether to click purchase or not.

Link is broken.

 

[Corky]

Sandy Bridge-E & Ivy Bridge
Desktop Platform: Roadmap Performance WW29
http://i.imgur.com/3iPT5.jpg[/IMG[/QUOTE]

Oh wow, that's quite some time away. Guess I bought my pc at a good time.
Also, out of curiousity, is it "best" to buy a new rig during the "tick" or the "tock"?

 

[LordCanti]

so since i am not savvy enough to build my own computer, please let me know if this prebuilt pc is a good bang for the buck and if it will run all the upcoming games pretty well.

Processor Processor: Intel Core i7-2600 processor (8MB Cache, 3.4GHz)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Alienware Aurora Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1 TB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Memory 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (4 DIMMs)
Media Bay 24X CD RW/DVD Combo Drive
Video 1.5 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
System Color Matte Stealth Black 875W Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Alienware TactX Mouse
Hardware Upgrade CPU Liquid Cooling
125V Power Cord
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
64BIT Operating System

total price: $1095 with free shipping

Not to pile on, but that has to be a price mistake...or a refurb...even then, with GTX 580's being $500 alone....

If you can get that deal, it's the best pre-built deal I've seen.

 

[blanky]

no SSD at the moment, if i didn't have to buy a monitor i would defo get one, but i'll get one eventually.

don't tempt me gaf

also, any monitor suggestions?

edit:

by going 600w am i limiting myself if i ever want to overclock?

Oh ok.

About the PSU, as long as its proper 600w 650w is more than enough with a single GPU. Get something like a Seasonic X660 or Corsair HX/AX650 and you're more than good.

 

[AwesomeSauce]

link
use coupon code: $KRJ5$?886FTMV

so is this a more then capable computer? i need to know whether to click purchase or not.

It is a very, very capable computer. Only blemish is that it's a 2600 and not a 2600k, but that is really not a big deal unless you want to overclock the cpu.

The gtx 580 and the i7 2600 are really high end components so you should be set for a long time.

 

[MustacheBandit_]

Not to pile on, but that has to be a price mistake...or a refurb...even then, with GTX 580's being $500 alone....

If you can get that deal, it's the best pre-built deal I've seen.

its from the outlet. its a scratch and dent model. still backed by their warranty. does that change your opinion of the good deal?

 

[AwesomeSauce]

its from the outlet. its a scratch and dent model. still backed by their warranty. does that change your opinion of the good deal?

Still a great deal IMO as you are backed up by the warranty. The scratch and dent probably applies to the case of the system, but what really matters is what is inside the case.

 

[LordCanti]

its from the outlet. its a scratch and dent model. still backed by their warranty. does that change your opinion of the good deal?

Not really. I don't care about the aesthetics of my computer though.

2600 would be $300, GTX 580 around $500, that is $800 right there. Add the cost of an OS, a case, etc, and I'm not sure you could do better building your own system.

 

[Jo-El]

I ordered a scratch and dent from the Dell outlet a few years ago. It had no scratches or dents.

 

[MustacheBandit_]

thanks for the confirmation on the deal guys, looks like I am joining the master race!

 

[larvi]

thanks for the confirmation on the deal guys, looks like I am joining the master race!

Nice....congrats!

 

[Kadey]

Kadey, build your own PC. Stop being lazy. >:[

I already am?

 

[LordCanti]

thanks for the confirmation on the deal guys, looks like I am joining the master race!

Did they only have one in stock? I have a feeling people are going to read this later and want the same deal.

Welcome to the master race (we have cake).

 

[RS4-]

thanks for the confirmation on the deal guys, looks like I am joining the master race!

If you can sell the processor, go for it. Then upgrade to the k variant of either the 2600 or 2500 lol.

 

[larvi]

Did they only have one in stock? I have a feeling people are going to read this later and want the same deal.

Welcome to the master race (we have cake).

Looks like there are still similar systems there, go to this link:

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...earch.aspx?brandId=2202&c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

Then on the left where it says narrow your selection, under the graphics card section select > 1GB dedicated graphics and that will filter leaving only the systems with the best video cards.

 

[·feist·]

Link is broken.

Some hijinks on Dell's part. It's an Alienware Aurora R3, under "Desktop Inventory."

Looks like larvi covered it.

Oh wow, that's quite some time away. Guess I bought my pc at a good time.
Also, out of curiousity, is it "best" to buy a new rig during the "tick" or the "tock"?

Baring any NetBurst-like hiccups (very unlikely with modern Intel roadmaps), I'd have to say "tock" would be the best overall proposition. "Ticks" have the benefit of power consumption, leakage and other arch tweaks, but "tocks" come with the pluses of a mature process, presumably superior new arch, and other pros. As much as users are annoyed at always having to buy a new board for each Intel CPU debut, one of the things you get with the newer PCBs is interconnect advancements, which would require add-in cards or revisions on an older socket. That said, there's very little reason that s-1156 couldn't have had two "tocks," but Intel opted not to release SB on it. Within their broader picture, the change does make sense, though.

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

hey dudes i got all the stuff in for my get a lot more $1k build in the OP. any videos/walkthroughs on youtube or anything that i could use? i don't want to fuck anything up

 

[·feist·]

hey dudes i got all the stuff in for my get a lot more $1k build in the OP. any videos/walkthroughs on youtube or anything that i could use? i don't want to fuck anything up

Build vids in the OP:

Video How-to: 15 minute video how-to / 40 Minute how-to / Tested March 15th $1,500 build (100 minutes, but entertaining) / How to Build a Gaming Computer (Carey Holzman - 120 minutes)

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

Build vids in the OP:

argh i'm fucking blind. thanks!

 

[DigiMish]

Man, looking at those Dell deals - you get a ridiculously good deal. The only cons being is that it's a pre-owned system. Doesn't seem worth it to even build your own pc anymore.

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

Quick question PC Gaffers. Im a student looking to reap the benefits of the 29.99 windows 7 deal from Microsoft. Question is...How would I install it to a freshly built rig with no OS if its a digital download? Would I have to pay the extra 14.95 to have a backup disc sent?

 

[Cptkrush]

What should I look for when choosing fans? I'm looking for something beefier than the stock fan on the 212+; possibly grabbing a few to put as front intake, rear exhaust, and push+pull on the 212+. Seeing as I'm about to add either a 6950 or two 6870s, things are gonna get a little hotter in there, and the stock fans all suck(no pun intended, because they're crap) with barely anything goin on right now.
I've got 140mm front and top as well as 120mm rear and cpu fans. Noise really isn't an issue, however price is. I don't think i would pay more than 15 bucks for a single fan.

Any tips?'

Quick question PC Gaffers. Im a student looking to reap the benefits of the 29.99 windows 7 deal from Microsoft. Question is...How would I install it to a freshly built rig with no OS if its a digital download? Would I have to pay the extra 14.95 to have a backup disc sent?

Download the iso version and burn it to a disc using an image burning program. However 29.99 is for the upgrade version, and I'm not sure you can install it onto a fresh HDD without issues.

 

[larvi]

Quick question PC Gaffers. Im a student looking to reap the benefits of the 29.99 windows 7 deal from Microsoft. Question is...How would I install it to a freshly built rig with no OS if its a digital download? Would I have to pay the extra 14.95 to have a backup disc sent?

It should be in ISO format and you would just burn it to a DVD yourself. If you don't have burning software that can handle ISOs you can download imgburn for free that will work.

 

[MustacheBandit_]

Man, looking at those Dell deals - you get a ridiculously good deal. The only cons being is that it's a pre-owned system. Doesn't seem worth it to even build your own pc anymore.

the PCs on the outlet are not pre-owned. they are refurbs, scratch and dent, and canceled orders. lots of refurbs on product are merchandise that has been opened and returned.

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

Download the iso version and burn it to a disc using an image burning program. However 29.99 is for the upgrade version, and I'm not sure you can install it onto a fresh HDD without issues.

ok thanks I have an old HDD lying around here with XP on it think i could install it to that without issues?

 

[- J - D -]

Quick question PC Gaffers. Im a student looking to reap the benefits of the 29.99 windows 7 deal from Microsoft. Question is...How would I install it to a freshly built rig with no OS if its a digital download? Would I have to pay the extra 14.95 to have a backup disc sent?

You could try this:

http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media

What should I look for when choosing fans? I'm looking for something beefier than the stock fan on the 212+; possibly grabbing a few to put as front intake, rear exhaust, and push+pull on the 212+. Seeing as I'm about to add either a 6950 or two 6870s, things are gonna get a little hotter in there, and the stock fans all suck(no pun intended, because they're crap) with barely anything goin on right now.
I've got 140mm front and top as well as 120mm rear and cpu fans. Noise really isn't an issue, however price is. I don't think i would pay more than 15 bucks for a single fan.

Any tips?'

Adding the second fan for your 212+ would be nice. I did that for mine. Temps dropped about 5c on average.

 

[Dr.Acula]

Case: Thermaltake V3 Black Edition. Don't really want much special here, just a new, clean (no windows or LED's) and decent case to replace my current case. Any alternative suggestions are welcome, though this one does seem decent enough on the cheap.

I have this case, the only issues are that it doesn't use standoffs, the case itself features raised holes that must be screwed directly into. They're kind of tight, and I had a devil of a time lining them up. Cable management is not so hot either. Getting the front fan on was a little tricky, it has to go inside the case where the bays are. The 5 1/4 expansions are tear-off metal. The quick draw drive mounts are useless.

The case is raised on feet, features a bottom outlet for the PSU with a screen, and accommodates long PSUs, there's enough clearance to fit a fan on the top without hitting the ram, panel doors feature a nice "lift off" design. Comes with a bright blue LED fan that had to go.

Good enough for a case, but my next one I'd probably spend some more money.

 

[LordCanti]

the PCs on the outlet are not pre-owned. they are refurbs, scratch and dent, and canceled orders. lots of refurbs on product are merchandise that has been opened and returned.

Refurb can mean pre-owned, but I get your meaning. Scratch and dent items are likely new, as are canceled orders.

The deal you got was great. Some of the other deals on there are also pretty good (I saw one other GTX 580 equipped rig around the $1100 price point). Some aren't so great (SLI'd 540's? Why? Just why.)

This is definitely a fringe case though, for anyone wondering. Building your own PC is going to be cheaper most of the time.

 

[Cptkrush]

ok thanks I have an old HDD lying around here with XP on it think i could install it to that without issues?

I think you can upgrade from xp just fine.
If I am mistaken, I know there's a workaround for using the upgrade on a fresh HDD, but I'm not 100% sure on the legality or how to do it. I would assume it's perfectly legal, but I don't think Microsoft will take too kindly to it.

 

[LordCanti]

I think you can upgrade from xp just fine.
If I am mistaken, I know there's a workaround for using the upgrade on a fresh HDD, but I'm not 100% sure on the legality or how to do it. I would assume it's perfectly legal, but I don't think Microsoft will take too kindly to it.

The last time I needed to install W7, I upgraded from the upgrade disc. It was a pain to have to install W7 twice in one day, but it activated with no problems, so I guess that was kosher. The whole idea of an "upgrade" disc is stupid anyway, but I'd sooner "upgrade" than do a workaround that could cause issues later (if it does. I really don't know)