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[CarbonatedFalcon]

I would try for $900 or so, and drop from there. Fleabay/Craigslist is probably your best bet. Craigslist would be ideal, since you wouldn't have to ship it (which would cost quite a bit), but then again, you'd obviously have to be careful about not getting mugged/shot/etc.

Someone could put >$300 into that build and turn it into a great gaming computer, but you'd have to find the guy willing to do it. You certainly couldn't bill it as a gaming rig right now.

Weak PSU and no graphics card worth speaking of definitely are the two main problems. Anyone interested in buying it would have to upgrade those. It's kind of curious that those are the lacking components when the rest of the setup is pretty solid.

 

[knitoe]

Are you sure? The highlighted sorta reads to me like only two SATA 6GB/s

2X Intel + 2X Marvel = 4X 6GB Sata3.

Even then, only the SSD Sata3 takes advantage of the extra speeds. HDDs Sata3 can run on the Sata2 just fine.

 

[gokieks]

Are you sure? The highlighted sorta reads to me like only two SATA 6GB/s

2 SATA 6Gbps ports from the Z68 chipset, and then 2 more from the Marvell SATA controller.

The odds that you'll actually find a performance difference between SATA 3Gbps and 6Gbps on the mechanical HDDs is very low though.

 

[Dennis]

2X Intel + 2X Marvel = 4X 6GB Sata3.

Even then, only the SSD Sata3 takes advantage of the extra speeds. HDDs Sata3 can run on the Sata2 just fine.

OK thanks.

 

[Dennis]

Anyone have any opinions on these cases:

Cooler Master HAF 932

Cooler Master HAF X

Corsair Obsidian 800D

 

[Danne-Danger]

GAF, I'm looking for a great LCD monitor in the $400 range, any suggestions? 22-24 inch-ish.

 

[Iadien]

GAF, I'm looking for a great LCD monitor in the $400 range, any suggestions? 22-24 inch-ish.

Dell ultrasharps have great picture quality.

 

[Salsa]

for new page:

all Corsair PSUs seem to be out of stock in this country

i was looking for the tx 650w V2, but no dice. I can go with the Antec HCG-750W, wich i think is Seasonic as well?

would i be loosing much in comparission? all i want is for it be silent and not produce the high piched noise this current thelmartake toughpower is making, lol


edit: oh and id be using it to power an i5 2500k and a single gtx 560ti, on a p8p67 mobo

update: i could also get the Antec true power 750w

better?

is there that much of a difference between getting one of these one now or wait a couple months till they restock the Corsairs?

 

[Dennis]

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.


CPU: i7-2600K

GPU 1: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

GPU 2: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

RAM: 16GB Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz

SSD: Intel 510 Series 250GB

HDD 1: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB

HDD 2: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB

Case: Cooler Master HAF X

PSU: Corsair HX 1050W

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit

 

[cartman414]

Going all out, huh?

 

[Danne-Danger]

Dell ultrasharps have great picture quality.

Found a good deal on a Dell 24 U2410... though I'd prefer 16:9, eh, I'll get used to it I guess! When I said $400 I kinda meant $625.30 though, didn't realize that the dollar was that low.

Does that change anything or is the U2410 the way to go? Dell... hmpf.

 

[chewydogg]

First Gaf post on my new PC!

Downloading some Steam games right now...

 

[Salsa]

First Gaf post on my new PC!

Downloading some Steam games right now...

congrats mang, nothing better than new rig smell

 

[Mudkips]

Any reason you're getting a Green and a Black, and not two Blacks?

 

[Dennis]

Going all out, huh?

Almost

Any reason you're getting a Green and a Black, and not two Blacks?

I am getting them in a deal

 

[Saren is Bad]

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.


CPU: i7-2600K

GPU 1: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

GPU 2: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

RAM: 16GB Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz

SSD: Intel 510 Series 250GB

HDD 1: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB

HDD 2: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB

Case: Cooler Master HAF X

PSU: Corsair HX 1050W

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Have nearly the same set up minus the case. Any reason for ZOTAC?

 

[Dennis]

Have nearly the same set up minus the case. Any reason for ZOTAC?

Not really.

You happy with your setup?

 

[Tallshortman]

$563 later and my build is quickly becoming a reality!

i5-2500k
Asrock Z68 Extreme4 1155 ATX mobo
Corsair Enthusiast TX750W PSU
Corsair Carbide 400r case

Now I just need RAM, a hard drive, some kind of awesome monitor, and the dreaded GPU decision.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...080411-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231427-L011D

No need to get more than 4GB unless you plan on doing heavy video editing. These are on sale until midnight EST tonight for $25. Promo code is EMCKBKF55

 

[Dennis]

No need to get more than 4GB unless you plan on doing heavy video editing. These are on sale until midnight EST tonight for $25. Promo code is EMCKBKF55

No, I think he should get at least 8GB and a 64bit OS.

 

[Cptkrush]

No, I think he should get at least 8GB and a 64bit OS.

I have to agree, I'm running 4 right now and my usage is almost always around 60-70% with just my music, chrome, and steam running + misc. and windows shit. I'm gonna be upping to 8 here pretty soon.

 

[Psychotext]

Yeah, I don't build with less than 8gb these days. For what it costs extra you might as well unless you're really strapped for cash.

 

[Tallshortman]

No, I think he should get at least 8GB and a 64bit OS.

No, with good quality RAM there's no game that will use more than 4GB unless you've got several other memory hogging programs running in the background or if you're video editing or encoding. If he doesn't plan on running a bunch of programs in the background while gaming or video editing or encoding I just don't see any reason for him to spend double the money for no performance increase.

 

[f0rk]

No, with good quality RAM there's no game that will use more than 4GB unless you've got several other memory hogging programs running in the background or if you're video editing or encoding. If he doesn't plan on running a bunch of programs in the background while gaming or video editing or encoding I just don't see any reason for him to spend double the money for no performance increase.

Double the cost of 4GB of RAM isn't really a lot for the performance boost now and in the future.

 

[Kyaw]

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.


CPU: i7-2600K

GPU 1: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

GPU 2: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

RAM: 16GB Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz

SSD: Intel 510 Series 250GB

HDD 1: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB

HDD 2: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB

Case: Cooler Master HAF X

PSU: Corsair HX 1050W

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Fuck. You can run a mini sun with that setup. :O

Are you going Nvidia Surround/Triple monitor by any chance?

 

[·feist·]

This is awesome. Thank you. I was sad that the Corsair 650D didn't have USB 3.0 headers, just the normal connectors. So basically 2 3.0 ports are just wasted. The BitFenix solution is perfect. Unfortunately they are out of stock but I've got my email in there so hopefully I'll get an email when they're back in. Only $10 is great too.

I genuinely don't understand why the modern enthusiast cases don't have USB 3.0 header connections with the case.

You're welcome. Glad someone found that post helpful.

Keep in mind that the standardization, and adoption of USB 3 was very slow early on, so must case makers just opted for the safe route of using external cable connectors. The slow transition to internal connectors is only now getting under way.

Building two PCs, but the one I think could be a problem is...

Thermaltake Frio (165mm / 139mm / 98mm), ASUS P8Z68-V PRO, Corsair Graphite 600T (obviously this wont be an issue), Corsair Vengence.

I can live with losing the last ram slot, and hopefully that's all it will take.

Even with dual fans, the Frio isn't that big. IIRC, the primary ram on that board goes in slots #2 and #4, so you have more room right there. Worst case, you can turn the Frio to exhaust out the top of the case. Considering the airflow of the 600T, that could be a better choice, as long as your GPU isn't dumping most of its heat inside of the case.

all Corsair PSUs seem to be out of stock in this country

i was looking for the tx 650w V2, but no dice. I can go with the Antec HCG-750W, wich i think is Seasonic as well?

http://www.guru-store.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HCG750_Q-1.jpg

would i be loosing much in comparission? all i want is for it be silent and not produce the high piched noise this current thelmartake toughpower is making, lol


edit: oh and id be using it to power an i5 2500k and a single gtx 560ti, on a p8p67 mobo

That's a Delta. The standard HCG-750, and "HCG-750 OC" both are. That series is about equally split between Delta and SeaSonic. HCGs are a step down from HCPs, were the class-leading HCP-1200 is the only truly impressive model, with the SS/Corsairs bettering the lower wattage models. I don't have experience with the HCG-750, really, so I'd say to have a look at some reviews of it:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Antec-High-Current-Gamer-750-W-Power-Supply-Review/1141
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4258/antec-hcg-750-gaming-psu
http://translate.googleusercontent....gle.es&usg=ALkJrhhDZHcWLTRn4XDGXnu8jACzoe_9tg
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/3657/antec_high_current_gamer_hcg_750_power_supply/index.html
http://translate.google.es/translate?hl=es&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.playwares.com/xe/
http://translate.google.es/translat...?site=artikel/view.php&rubrik=Hardware&id=566
http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/power-supplies/9712-antec-hcg-750-power-supply-review
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/antec-high-current-gamer-750w-power-supply-review/
http://translate.googleusercontent....1.html&usg=ALkJrhiUE2LZCPaWwsdxC9Ewvf_UfM391Q
http://translate.googleusercontent.....phtml&usg=ALkJrhiXjVkOvocPaEb8SPinSmXlpr0uiw

update: i could also get the Antec true power 750w

http://www.omarberrio.com/tienda/15...es-750w-80-plus-bronce-modelo-tp-750-blue.jpg

better?

That's a SeaSonic. Solid model, too. Just make sure it's a True Power New, and not a True Power, or True Power 2.0, if you go with one.

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.


CPU: i7-2600K

GPU 1: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

GPU 2: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

RAM: 16GB Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz

SSD: Intel 510 Series 250GB

HDD 1: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB

HDD 2: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB

Case: Cooler Master HAF X

PSU: Corsair HX 1050W

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Looks good, though at this point I wouldn't touch an H50, unless I was getting it for a song. The Corsair H60 is better, and the Antec 620 outperforms both.

Just keep in mind that AIO water cooling like the H50, is generally best suited to:
- SFF builds (where you normally can't fit a large air cooler)
- Users who often carry their rigs to lans, ship it around, and so on
- Users with the absolute tallest ram modules (many HSFs can still accommodate these), and/or large ram coolers
- Users who simply want "clean" looks, despite the price/performance shortcomings

Otherwise, cheaper and similarly priced air cooling will match, and in most cases beat, AIO water, and do so while generating considerably less noise. Yes, you can add GTs, NBs, high speed Yates, etc., but that just drives up the cost of the AIO water cooler that much more. As long as you, or any other user, is aware of that, and fine with it, so be it. Rock out.

 

[Tallshortman]

Double the cost of 4GB of RAM isn't really a lot for the performance boost now and in the future.

There is no performance boost now is the thing. RAM prices have yet to bottom out so there's little point in trying to future proof for 2 years from now when we may start seeing 4GB RAM bottlenecking games since by then RAM will be faster, be using at least DDR4, and still be cheaper than spending money now on what will be old RAM by that time. All in all, it would be more efficient and eventually cheaper to upgrade to 8 GB when it's actually needed for gaming.

 

[LordCanti]

There is no performance boost now is the thing. RAM prices have yet to bottom out so there's little point in trying to future proof for 2 years from now when we may start seeing 4GB RAM bottlenecking games since by then RAM will be faster, be using at least DDR4, and still be cheaper than spending money now on what will be old RAM by that time. All in all, it would be more efficient and eventually cheaper to upgrade to 8 GB when it's actually needed for gaming.

Gaming isn't everything. I've got over 6gb of RAM in use right now just from Chrome, my OS, and my media player.

8gb is so cheap...there is no reason not to go for it. We're talking $15-$20 extra dollars, for a huge usability increase.

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.


CPU: i7-2600K

GPU 1: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

GPU 2: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 580 3072MB

RAM: 16GB Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz

SSD: Intel 510 Series 250GB

HDD 1: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB

HDD 2: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB

Case: Cooler Master HAF X

PSU: Corsair HX 1050W

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit

As others have mentioned, you are selling yourself a bit short with that cooler. Other than that....wow. Are you planning a 3D multi-monitor setup?

 

[Dennis]

Looks good, though at this point I wouldn't touch an H50, unless I was getting it for a song. The Corsair H60 is better, and the Antec 620 outperforms both.

On your advice, I am going with the Antec Kuhler H2O 620 instead.

As others have mentioned, you are selling yourself a bit short with that cooler. Other than that....wow. Are you planning a 3D multi-monitor setup?

No, I am planning on using SGSSAA on a 2560 x 1600 monitor

 

[Salsa]

That's a SeaSonic. Solid model, too. Just make sure it's a True Power New, and not a True Power, or True Power 2.0, if you go with one.

Nice, thank you! that pretty much seals the deal *orders*

might be able to get the thermaltake V4 case tomorrow as well and i can start posting some pictures here finally.

VGA finish got scratched while taking out a hard drive though nOoOOOOOoOO

lol

 

[LordCanti]

No, I am planning on using SGSSAA on a 2560 x 1600 monitor

I....I hope two GTX 580 3gb's are enough O_O

Where does one find benchmarks for the expected performance on a setup that specific?

Either way, I love the ambition.

 

[Tallshortman]

Gaming isn't everything. I've got over 6gb of RAM in use right now just from Chrome, my OS, and my media player.

8gb is so cheap...there is no reason not to go for it. We're talking $15-$20 extra dollars, for a huge usability increase.

He said his purpose was mainly for gaming iirc thus why I also made a note that there is no point unless he runs several programs in the background while doing heavy gaming.

 

[Smokey]

Dennis -

I'd go with MSI Lightning XE 580s over the ZOTAC's.

They are the best performing 580s out and are priced accordingly. They were just in for a couple of days and appear to be sold out now, but if you can find them I'd go with those.

 

[LordCanti]

He said his purpose was mainly for gaming iirc thus why I also made a note that there is no point unless he runs several programs in the background while doing heavy gaming.

Aah, understood.

If money isn't tight, I definitely say go for 8gb though. There's no telling when a guy might be opening a hundred porn news tabs, and finding his computer slowing down to a deathly slow pace.

 

[taoofjord]

Looking to build a highish-end PC that doesn't go over $1000 with a case. How's this looking?

 

[Hazaro]

is there that much of a difference between getting one of these one now or wait a couple months till they restock the Corsairs?

Both are good.

OK GAF, I thought I could wait for the next round of GPUs and CPUs but I guess I can't.

This is what I am probably going for unless someone can point out any glaring mistakes.

Not much else to say about the build except that the 3GB GDDR5 GPUs are a big must have for me.

Liquid Cooling: Corsair H50 Hydro Series

As was said sub that cooler for sure.

Don't tell me you are going to run stock coolers on your 580's...

Looking to build a highish-end PC that doesn't go over $1000 with a case. How's this looking?

Can't recommend the Hitachi or the Biostar. Biostar seems to be solid.
Look at the ASrock board in the OP (o/r MSI GD45/55) and a samsung F3 1TB/ F4 2TB.

 

[Gvaz]

Going all out, huh?

He has a 2560x1600 screen

No, with good quality RAM there's no game that will use more than 4GB unless you've got several other memory hogging programs running in the background or if you're video editing or encoding. If he doesn't plan on running a bunch of programs in the background while gaming or video editing or encoding I just don't see any reason for him to spend double the money for no performance increase.

Double the money when you can get great 8gb of dual channel ram for $50? That code is only a limited time.

 

[Gvaz]

oops double post

 

[Smokey]

Buncha haters in here for Corsair's H series coolers

 

[Hazaro]

Buncha haters in here for Corsair's H series coolers

Because it serves no purpose other than to say 'I have liquid cooling'. Or looks. Or because they want something with Corsair on it.

 

[·feist·]

Stating facts is hating?

I think I was very fair with my breakdown.

I hate water cooling so much that I'm considering possibly going with an Asetek WaterChill 2011C in one of the next builds I do. Although it's most likely never going to be released in that form, instead winding up as an exclusive model to Antec, or OEM for some other brand.

On your advice, I am going with the Antec Kuhler H2O 620 instead.

One thing, though, the H60 may have the benefit of out of the box LGA 2011 compatibility. I believe the newer H80 and H100 do, and as far as I know, the H60 base and mount mechanisms are very similar. You can contact Corsair to verify.

Not that you're pressed for money, but if you do eventually go SB-E, it's a basic swap. For Antecs/Aseteks/older Corsairs, you'd need their new universal mount. Just an FYI.

Nice, thank you! that pretty much seals the deal *orders*

might be able to get the thermaltake V4 case tomorrow as well and i can start posting some pictures here finally.

VGA finish got scratched while taking out a hard drive though nOoOOOOOoOO

lol

I'd still say to look at those HCG-750 reviews I posted, so you have a better idea of which has the better price/performance, and reliability.

As for the V4, I'd strongly recommend you consider some other models. Either in addition, or instead of. Thermaltake has some questionable pricing and quality throughout their low-high end enclosure lines. The budget line has decent features, but they're some of the tinniest models I've ever come across at that price point.

I'm not sure what local pricing and taxes are like in your country, but check out some of the $46-60 cases in the OP. Even if you go with a V3/V4/V5 type case, be sure to not overpay for it.

 

[MadraptorMan]

Both are good.

As was said sub that cooler for sure.

Don't tell me you are going to run stock coolers on your 580's...

Can't recommend the Hitachi or the Biostar.
Look at the ASrock board in the OP (or MSI GD45/55) and a samsung F3 1TB/ F4 2TB.

What's wrong with that mobo? I have one and it's fine

 

[pseudocaesar]

What would be some reasons why my new build wouldnt be able to detect the hdd? It is plugged in via sata and a power cable. I have tried different cables and different sata ports on the mobo. Also I have another issue where when I turn the PC on, it starts up and then turns off after about 10 seconds, then starts back up by itself after a few seconds. Is that normal?

 

[Hazaro]

What's wrong with that mobo? I have one and it's fine

Hmm. Apparently it's fine.

I just associate Biostar with Fry's combo deals and sub $70 motherboards.
Any P67 board under $120 is usually skimping on features so I put two and two together...

It looks like an amazingly featured board for $125 on sale, most importantly to me are the 10 power regs on it.

So I approve barring something I'm missing!

What would be some reasons why my new build wouldnt be able to detect the hdd? It is plugged in via sata and a power cable. I have tried different cables and different sata ports on the mobo. Also I have another issue where when I turn the PC on, it starts up and then turns off after about 10 seconds, then starts back up by itself after a few seconds. Is that normal?

SATA drive should pick up fine. It is not found in the BIOS? Might be DOA. Have another drive to test? DVD drive picked up on the same port?

ASUS boards like to double boot sometimes.

 

[MadraptorMan]

Hmm. Apparently it's fine.

I just associate Biostar with Fry's combo deals and sub $70 motherboards.
Any P67 board under $120 is usually skimping on features so I put two and two together...

It looks like an amazingly featured board for $125 on sale, most importantly to me are the 10 power regs on it.

So I approve barring something I'm missing!

I think the only thing they skimped on is the SATA3 connections--there are only two. But there is an eSATA port thrown in as well. No biggie for me.

 

[Tallshortman]

He has a 2560x1600 screen

Double the money when you can get great 8gb of dual channel ram for $50? That code is only a limited time.

First, I've already mentioned earlier that the code is only good for today. Also, you won't find that speed and quality of RAM for 8gb/$50 outside of sales. The best deal right now is $55 on newegg for today only and that's 1333, not 1600.

 

[TheStevo]

I'm currently using a Q6600, DDR2 800 memory, and a 780i board. Would it be worth it to spend the $350ish for an AM3+ board, X6 1090T, and 8GB of DDR3 1333? I know AMDs new CPUs are coming soon, but it's only $165 for the 1090T at newegg right now and that's a mighty fine looking pricetag.

 

[Hazaro]

I'm currently using a Q6600, DDR2 800 memory, and a 780i board. Would it be worth it to spend the $350ish for an AM3+ board, X6 1090T, and 8GB of DDR3 1333? I know AMDs new CPUs are coming soon, but it's only $165 for the 1090T at newegg right now and that's a mighty fine looking pricetag.

Nope nope nope. Don't do it.

 

[Salsa]

Still debating the V4. Feel free to browse this list: http://www.banifox.com/Gabinetes/ver-todos-productos.html and convince me of something else (below $80 would be nice)

and yeah, ignore shitty local prices, lol

 

[TheStevo]

Nope nope nope. Don't do it.

Why's that? D:

 

[Tallshortman]

I'm currently using a Q6600, DDR2 800 memory, and a 780i board. Would it be worth it to spend the $350ish for an AM3+ board, X6 1090T, and 8GB of DDR3 1333? I know AMDs new CPUs are coming soon, but it's only $165 for the 1090T at newegg right now and that's a mighty fine looking pricetag.

Wait for BD. Prices for both intel and phenom II's will be lowered at that point even if you don't buy a BD CPU.