Support NeoGAF

[Nelo Ice]

hows this build? and i didnt include a gpu since i already have a gtx 460 1gb
besides these parts i still need to get windows 7 and a keyboard

Amazon
Antec BP550:64.99



Microcenter Combo(313.90) and theres $15 rebate on the mobo
Intel Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor
GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?sku_list=200121+525667

Newegg total:225.72(with tax+shipping)

also off amazon i may add a $20 logitech desktop mic, $30 360 wired controller and $97 HD555s

could anyone give me feedback on this build? like any adjustments i need to make? otherwise i may pull the trigger now on the online stuff then go to microcenter tomorrow for the mobo/cpu

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

Sequential has always been the less strong part of SSDs compared to mechanical drives. They excel more at random reads/writes. Also, yes, notice the speeds listed on newegg say "up to". They're also posted by the manufacturer, and who knows what kind of benchmarks they used.

So what's sequential? Like game loading?

Also yeah most likely going with Cosair or Crucial this time.

I mainly want the second drive for games and games only.

 

[ZZMitch]

Look in your sound options in the control panel, or in any software that may have come with your headphones.

I have looked in the sound options, but there place where I would choose 7.1 surround sound (the configure button) is grayed out for the digital audio option, which my headphone uses. I don't think my headphone came with any software. I have had them for a while. I guess I will look around for the box though.. could there be something else I am missing? Like audio drivers or something?

 

[bee]

post it in here aswell, cos i'm very pleased with my bargain shopping

£382.50 delivered sold old monitor for £170 so just over £210 upgrade

it's not perfect as the shape of the bezels leaves like an extra 4 or 5mm gap between but considering it was gonna cost me £540 for 2 more of my old 120hz monitors to make the 3, then i can certainly live with that, £210 or £540 hmmmm

 

[Chinner]

holy shit im on my new computer on a 23inch screen at 1080p holy shit the ps3 true potential has been unlocked in my pc

 

[mkenyon]

So what's sequential? Like game loading?

Also yeah most likely going with Cosair or Crucial this time.

I mainly want the second drive for games and games only.

Yep. I run two Samsung Spinpoint F3s in RAID 0 for my game drive. This allows me to have quick load times and install every single game on my Steam list. Delicious.

I have looked in the sound options, but there place where I would choose 7.1 surround sound (the configure button) is grayed out for the digital audio option, which my headphone uses. I don't think my headphone came with any software. I have had them for a while. I guess I will look around for the box though.. could there be something else I am missing? Like audio drivers or something?

Check their website for drivers. Could also contact TB support to see if they have ideas. I've always ran nice stereo headphones, never dabbled in the faux-surround world, so I'm not sure where else to point you.

@bee
Super jelly. One of these days I'll take the plunge. My 5870s have been begging for some eyefinity.

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

Yep. I run two Samsung Spinpoint F3s in RAID 0 for my game drive. This allows me to have quick load times and install every single game on my Steam list. Delicious.

So I should just buy a HDD and set it to RAID to get similar speeds?

 

[mkenyon]

So I should just buy a HDD and set it to RAID to get similar speeds?

Need more than 1 drive for RAID. I'd research it before you make that decision.

 

[ZZMitch]

Check their website for drivers. Could also contact TB support to see if they have ideas. I've always ran nice stereo headphones, never dabbled in the faux-surround world, so I'm not sure where else to point you.

I will do that, but the headphones are made for the xbox, which I used them on until I built a gaming PC, so I doubt there will be any drivers for them! Maybe I should just invest in some headphones that are made for the PC or something :/ I can't even use the microphone on these things unless I buy a $10 adapter.

 

[bee]

haha literally just set it all up

left4dead 2 6046 x 1080 (bezel corrected) @ 120hz max settings, 2xaa, 16xaf and still get 100-120fps

gtx 560 2gb sli is quite beastly really, now to try 12092 x 1080 3D

 

[Dina]

holy shit im on my new computer on a 23inch screen at 1080p holy shit the ps3 true potential has been unlocked in my pc

ps3? the fuck?

 

[RS4-]

post it in here aswell, cos i'm very pleased with my bargain shopping

http://www.abload.de/img/monu8ec.jpg

£382.50 delivered sold old monitor for £170 so just over £210 upgrade

it's not perfect as the shape of the bezels leaves like an extra 4 or 5mm gap between but considering it was gonna cost me £540 for 2 more of my old 120hz monitors to make the 3, then i can certainly live with that, £210 or £540 hmmmm

Congrats on the pickup!

 

[mkenyon]

ps3? the fuck?

I think he is saying, everything that was promised to him by the PS3 is finally being delivered in 1080p performance on the PC.

 

[Advance_Alarm]

I built a PC back in May using this thread for about 600. I'm moving my stuff to a new case (won from this thread, thanks to MisterNoisy) and while everything is going to open I decided to add a new CPU cooler and an SSD. I've settled on an Intel 320 40GB but for the fan I am not sure. The most recommended ones I see in this thread is the CM Hyper212+, from reviews it looks like its good and runs quiet. I am leaning towards getting a fan that is actually in the silent/near-silent category and that has lead me to the Noctua NH-C12P SE14 140mm SSO CPU Cooler. If anyone else has it, is it quiet and does it work well? The stock fan with my AMD 955 sounds like a jet.

 

[Saren is Bad]

I think he is saying, everything that was promised to him by the PS3 is finally being delivered in 1080p performance on the PC.

Umm...it's Chinner

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

holy shit im on my new computer on a 23inch screen at 1080p holy shit the ps3 true potential has been unlocked in my pc

:lol

 

[Tallshortman]

could anyone give me feedback on this build? like any adjustments i need to make? otherwise i may pull the trigger now on the online stuff then go to microcenter tomorrow for the mobo/cpu

You're good to go, all fine choices.

 

[mike23]

holy shit im on my new computer on a 23inch screen at 1080p holy shit the ps3 true potential has been unlocked in my pc

Pshh. It's all about 2560x1600 gaming.

But seriously. I hate 1080p monitors. They're way too wide for proper computing. 16x10 or bust.

That has me thinking. Is there any particular reason monitors are wider than they are tall? I mean, a square seems like the most efficient space-wise. Must be some aesthetic reason. Sometimes I think a nice 2560x2560 monitor would be really nice though.

 

[Clydefrog]

I hovered around Newegg today for quite a bit.... it may be time to build a new computer soon!

 

[Goldrusher]

That has me thinking. Is there any particular reason monitors are wider than they are tall?

your vision + industry standards

 

[TheExodu5]

haha literally just set it all up

left4dead 2 6046 x 1080 (bezel corrected) @ 120hz max settings, 2xaa, 16xaf and still get 100-120fps

gtx 560 2gb sli is quite beastly really, now to try 12092 x 1080 3D

Damn man. Have fun!

 

[LordCanti]

your vision + industry standards

This, mostly. Humans have better vision side to side than they do up and down. It has more to do with 16:9 being closer to the aspect ratio of feature films though.

My dream setup is three 30" monitors side by side, in portrait mode.

 

[peppermints]

What are the best custom nVidia drivers around these days? I have a GTX 560 Ti.

 

[Felix Lighter]

Hey guys. Its been awhile since posted in this thread. I was considering upgrading to an ips monitor and I was looking at the Asus PA246Q. Is it worth the money ($500 on amazon)? Any other recommendations? I'm looking for 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 resolution displays.

 

[Nelo Ice]

You're good to go, all fine choices.

thanks will get to ordering then!

 

[Kadey]

I just ordered more stuff. Basically two DVD drives, Enclosure for my hard drive I already have, arctic silver 5 or whatever, hyper 212 fan and Samsung F4 drive.

All I need now is PSU, CPU, OS and Motherboard. I'm drifting back and forth between the 2500k and 2600k. PSU, I think I want a modular at least 700watts good name brand one. OS, that's already been taken care of and motherboard, I want something that isnt overkill but will let me overclock either CPU, depending on which I get to at least 4ghz. I think I will settle with 4.2 when its all said and done. I'm mainly using this computer for multimedia stuff and streaming videos on JTV.

Do you think I need more case fans? I noticed the Fractal R3 doesnt have a side fan. Also, would 8Gb be enough for streaming and what I do? Should I order another set?

 

[gokieks]

Hey guys. Its been awhile since posted in this thread. I was considering upgrading to an ips monitor and I was looking at the Asus PA246Q. Is it worth the money ($500 on amazon)? Any other recommendations? I'm looking for 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 resolution displays.

Unless you really need the "10-bit" color (actually 8-bit + AFRC), you can find cheaper IPS displays, especially if you can live with 1080p and don't insist on WUXGA - the 16:10 screens are generally high-end. That extra vertical resolution is really nice though, so if you do want that, the HP ZR24w can be found for less than $400, and Dell just introduced the U2412M with a MSRP of $400 (which means you'll be able to get it for quite a bit less during one of the frequent Dell coupon code sales). The U2412M unfortunately is a 6-bit+AFRC panel instead of the 8-bit+AFRC panel in the old U2410, but for most people that's unlikely to matter too much.

If you're willing to settle for a 23" 1080p screen, e-IPS monitors of that size can be found from quite a few manufacturers (Dell U2311H, LG IPS236V, Asus ML239H, etc) for $300 or less.

 

[RumblingRosco]

holy shit im on my new computer on a 23inch screen at 1080p holy shit the ps3 true potential has been unlocked in my pc

You sound like me when I first sat down with my new PC + 23" 1080p monitor, but I used more expletives.

Welcome to the Master Race, brother.

 

[LordCanti]

Hey guys. Theoretically, if I was in the BF3 alpha, I would see a solid 45ish FPS on the "high" settings @1080p. Theoretically of course. With my E8500 @ 4ghz, and a stock GTX 580.

I still may upgrade to a 2500k soon. I don't see any hint of AA in the alpha (theoretically), nor of any of the more intensive DX11 features.

 

[Felix Lighter]

Unless you really need the "10-bit" color (actually 8-bit + AFRC), you can find cheaper IPS displays, especially if you can live with 1080p and don't insist on WUXGA - the 16:10 screens are generally high-end. That extra vertical resolution is really nice though, so if you do want that, the HP ZR24w can be found for less than $400, and Dell just introduced the U2412M with a MSRP of $400 (which means you'll be able to get it for quite a bit less during one of the frequent Dell coupon code sales). The U2412M unfortunately is a 6-bit+AFRC panel instead of the 8-bit+AFRC panel in the old U2410, but for most people that's unlikely to matter too much.

If you're willing to settle for a 23" 1080p screen, e-IPS monitors of that size can be found from quite a few manufacturers (Dell U2311H, LG IPS236V, Asus ML239H, etc) for $300 or less.

Thanks for the recommendations. Any input lag concerns with any of these monitors?

 

[Laurentius]

Cooler Master Storm Scout or HAF 922 -- which do you guys think is the better case? Can't decide between those two.

 

[mkenyon]

Cooler Master Storm Scout or HAF 922 -- which do you guys think is the better case? Can't decide between those two.

I have both in my house right now. If you don't need the extra space for 11"+ video cards, the Scout. If you want some extra room, the 922.

 

[Laurentius]

I have both in my house right now. If you don't need the extra space for 11"+ video cards, the Scout. If you want some extra room, the 922.

What are the benefits of the Scout over the 922? I'll have to double check on the dimensions of the video card I'm getting, but pretty sure it's only around 9.5"-10", so I should be good there.

EDIT: Shoot, I'm a bit worried about the card I want to get now. I've been looking at this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102913

I can't seem to find any exact dimensions of it, though. Amazon seems to be saying it's 14" long? Anyone know if that's true? I'm having a bit of trouble finding a definitive answer on the size. If it is 14", that's a beast...

 

[gokieks]

Thanks for the recommendations. Any input lag concerns with any of these monitors?

None that I'm aware of, but you should probably do a search for "[MODEL] input lag" for each to see if there are any. I'd expect most IPS monitors to be about equal in that regard though.

What are the benefits of the Scout over the 922? I'll have to double check on the dimensions of the video card I'm getting, but pretty sure it's only around 9.5"-10", so I should be good there.

EDIT: Shoot, I'm a bit worried about the card I want to get now. I've been looking at this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102913

I can't seem to find any exact dimensions of it, though. Amazon seems to be saying it's 14" long? Anyone know if that's true? I'm having a bit of trouble finding a definitive answer on the size. If it is 14", that's a beast...

6870s are 11".

 

[mkenyon]

I have that exact card sitting on my test bench. It's about 10". 6870s fit no problem. I think reference 6870s are just under 10", like 9.8" or something.

The benefits are really good airflow, ease of portability, and aesthetics. It's a solidly built case that's really easy to lug around to friend's houses or for LANs.

*edit* Sapphire's website lists it at 250mm long, about 9.8"

 

[Laurentius]

I have that exact card sitting on my test bench. It's about 10". 6870s fit no problem. I think reference 6870s are just under 10", like 9.8" or something.

The benefits are really good airflow, ease of portability, and aesthetics. It's a solidly built case that's really easy to lug around to friend's houses or for LANs.

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that card fits. I've been going through some reviews and specs of the Storm Scout, and I think I really like it. I like the design of it better, and it seems to have better cable management as well. The handle at the top seems good, and the interior looks well thought out.

Will probably go with that one.

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

OCZ said that they won't give me a refund, but they will pay for my shipping.

When they give me my new SSD, I'll just sell it on Amazon.

 

[black_vegeta]

I just ordered more stuff. Basically two DVD drives, Enclosure for my hard drive I already have, arctic silver 5 or whatever, hyper 212 fan and Samsung F4 drive.

All I need now is PSU, CPU, OS and Motherboard. I'm drifting back and forth between the 2500k and 2600k. PSU, I think I want a modular at least 700watts good name brand one. OS, that's already been taken care of and motherboard, I want something that isnt overkill but will let me overclock either CPU, depending on which I get to at least 4ghz. I think I will settle with 4.2 when its all said and done. I'm mainly using this computer for multimedia stuff and streaming videos on JTV.

Do you think I need more case fans? I noticed the Fractal R3 doesnt have a side fan. Also, would 8Gb be enough for streaming and what I do? Should I order another set?

The number of fans on the R3 will be fine to provide more than enough cooling for your setup.

8GB is good for your streaming and multimedia stuff.

You may want to go 2600k since it provides hyperthreading which is great for multimedia use.

 

[teh_pwn]

The number of fans on the R3 will be fine to provide more than enough cooling for your setup.

8GB is good for your streaming and multimedia stuff.

You may want to go 2600k since it provides hyperthreading which is great for multimedia use.

I think the 2600K is also faster with applications due to the larger cache.

 

[black_vegeta]

I think the 2600K is also faster with applications due to the larger cache.

Indeed.

 

[bluestuff]

alright gaf got myself a pseudo buying decision I have to make.

My current system(in simplest terms) is as follows:


Q6600 over clocked to 3.5gz with a CPU air cooler
6 gigs of DDR2
P5E MOBO
AMD 4870 512mb model
SATA hard drive 7200rpm
850W power supply


So as it was build in mid 2008, it is no longer the jesus of gaming it once was and with the Witcher 2 not looking like I wanted it to and BF3 around the corner the question comes. Is it worth upgrading? Should I go full hog and replace everything with the latest and greatest (ie ram, video card, mobo, processor, solid state), should I just upgrade my video card to a 570 , or should I wait 6 months as now is a bad time to upgrade??


Thanks in advance, all knowledgeable PC GAF

 

[LaneDS]

So I'd like to replace my HiS Radeon HD 5770 because it is obnoxiously loud. Does anyone have a link handy with the decibel levels of current videocards operating at load, or something similar? Any recommendations of cards known for offering great performance and keeping quiet would also be appreciated.

 

[LordCanti]

So I'd like to replace my HiS Radeon HD 5770 because it is obnoxiously loud. Does anyone have a link handy with the decibel levels of current videocards operating at load, or something similar? Any recommendations of cards known for offering great performance and keeping quiet would also be appreciated.

I don't know of any such chart, but basically you're going to want a custom cooled card. Either from ASUS, Gigabyte, or MSI (EVGA may have a few custom cooled models as well, if you want Nvidia).

Give us a budget, and we can find you a suitable card.

(Also, tell us which country you reside in)

 

[LaneDS]

I don't know of any such chart, but basically you're going to want a custom cooled card. Either from ASUS, Gigabyte, or MSI (EVGA may have a few custom cooled models as well, if you want Nvidia).

Give us a budget, and we can find you a suitable card.

Let's say $300. I'm flexible on the amount though, as I've been contemplating a full system overhaul for sometime. Currently using a E6750 C2D w/ 6GB of DDR2 and a cheap 300W Rosewill PSU that has amazingly not died. I realize that PSU probably needs to be replaced if I upgrade the videocard.

Oh, and I'm in the U.S.. Thanks!

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

alright gaf got myself a pseudo buying decision I have to make.

My current system(in simplest terms) is as follows:


Q6600 over clocked to 3.5gz with a CPU air cooler
6 gigs of DDR2
P5E MOBO
AMD 4870 512mb model
SATA hard drive 7200rpm
850W power supply


So as it was build in mid 2008, it is no longer the jesus of gaming it once was and with the Witcher 2 not looking like I wanted it to and BF3 around the corner the question comes. Is it worth upgrading? Should I go full hog and replace everything with the latest and greatest (ie ram, video card, mobo, processor, solid state), should I just upgrade my video card to a 570 , or should I wait 6 months as now is a bad time to upgrade??


Thanks in advance, all knowledgeable PC GAF

I'm still kind of new to the whole PC building thing (I haven't built my own rig yet), but since I'm in the market for this stuff, I think I'm knowledgeable enough.

Power supply will be more than sufficient as long as it isn't giving you any problems. Hard drive is probably fine, but you could grab a new one if you're running out of space (and 1TB drives are super cheap now too.) An SSD would be another worthy upgrade even if it's only 64GB or 120GB as an OS/few essential programs and current games platform. Not sure about your motherboard or processor, but your graphics card is pretty aged now compared to current cards, even mid-level ones. Most of the decent newer ones come with at least 1GB of VRAM and that will be a bottleneck for you on newer games. The only other thing is that the amount of RAM you have is fine, but it's the slower DDR2 stuff. You can grab 8GB of DDR3 RAM now for $60-$70 or so - RAM is pretty cheap and you can always double that easily at some point in the future with the right motherboard. Most of the current boards I've seen support up to 32GB of RAM which is way more than anyone will typically be using/need even a few years from now.

 

[LordCanti]

Let's say $300. I'm flexible on the amount though, as I've been contemplating a full system overhaul for sometime. Currently using a E6750 C2D w/ 6GB of DDR2 and a cheap 300W Rosewill PSU that has amazingly not died. I realize that PSU probably needs to be replaced if I upgrade the videocard.

Oh, and I'm in the U.S.. Thanks!

Around $300, I would wait for a sale on a GTX 570 like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121432) if it will fit in your case. It's $20 off that mark after rebate, but the price will come down eventually. It's enormous, but the reputation on it is that it is whisper quiet. Here is the ATI equivalent at the same price (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121431)

As for the PSU, yeah, you'll need something more along the lines of a good 550-600w PSU.

What resolution are you wanting to play in? Any specific games? You may not need the power of a $300 card if your resolution is low, or if you don't play the newest games.

 

[LaneDS]

Around $300, I would wait for a sale on a GTX 570 like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121432) if it will fit in your case. It's $20 off that mark after rebate, but the price will come down eventually.

As for the PSU, yeah, you'll need something more along the lines of a good 550-600w PSU.

What resolution are you wanting to play in? Any specific games?

Thanks for the recommendation. That looked to be the sweet spot for price to performance although I'd consider waiting for 6 series in Q4 since currently there isn't anything I'm playing that the HD5770 can't handle pretty well (but damn the fans on that thing get ridiculous and loud).

As for resolution, I've never been too picky. I've got Windows 7 set to 1920x1200, but so long as the framerate is solid I'm happy.

 

[LordCanti]

Thanks for the recommendation. That looked to be the sweet spot for price to performance although I'd consider waiting for 6 series in Q4 since currently there isn't anything I'm playing that the HD5770 can't handle pretty well (but damn the fans on that thing get ridiculous and loud).

As for resolution, I've never been too picky. I've got Windows 7 set to 1920x1200, but so long as the framerate is solid I'm happy.

The price/performance sweet spot is more in the $150-$200 range. Everything above that is diminishing returns, right up to the GTX 580/HD6970.

 

[RumblingRosco]

Thanks for the recommendation. That looked to be the sweet spot for price to performance although I'd consider waiting for 6 series in Q4 since currently there isn't anything I'm playing that the HD5770 can't handle pretty well (but damn the fans on that thing get ridiculous and loud).

As for resolution, I've never been too picky. I've got Windows 7 set to 1920x1200, but so long as the framerate is solid I'm happy.

I think the "sweet spot" is generally the 560 Ti or the 6950, but I could be wrong. Usually in the $200-$250 range.

Edit: Well, as you can see from what LordCanti said, opinions differ... but, yeah the 570 is probably generally regarded as "above the sweet spot."

 

[LaneDS]

The price/performance sweet spot is more in the $150-$200 range. Everything above that is diminishing returns, right up to the GTX 580/HD6970.

Hm, think I could get away with a GTX 560 in my current rig? If I could spend under $200 (i.e. not having to replace the PSU) and get a more capable card that isn't so effing loud, then that would be my ideal. Although I imagine purchasing a PSU is semi-future proof, if I plan on replacing the rest of the PC within the next year.