"I need a New PC!" 2011 Thread of reading the OP. Seriously. [Part 2]
- Thread starter Hazaro
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DennisK4 said:
I'd suggest shrinking that SSD and then getting 2 1TB Spinpoints or Cav Blacks for a games drive. You'll get great speed but plenty of room for extra games.
Corsair H50 is a pretty terrible cooler. I'd look at the H80, or just a good air cooler. If you're feeling extra spicy, could always spring for an XSPC Rasa 240mm kit, the HAF X was basically designed for it. Not as scary as it sounds either.
Z68 is really unnecessary when you have a big enough SSD for your OS and programs, you could downgrade that.
Cav Greens have terrible reliability. Hell, you could just buy a few HDDs and turn your current rig into a Fileserver/NAS if you're looking for storage. I'd really suggest looking into doing that.
The only components I've yet to buy for my new rig (pretty excited!) are an SSD, one or two HDDs, and a case. I think I'm going to wait on the SSD until a sweet deal comes along, although I might bite on the Crucial M4 128GB drive now.
I am having difficulty deciding on a case though. My original reason for replacing my videocard was the sound on the HD5770 was obnoxious as hell. So I'd like a case that first and foremost has excellent cooling because I plan on taking the 2500k to 4.5GHz at minimum and probably 5.0GHz at maximum. Not being a super loud case would be a nice bonus though.
So, any recommendations on a case (ATX mid or full tower) with excellent cooling primarily, noise-reduction secondarily, and not looking ridiculous thirdly?
I am having difficulty deciding on a case though. My original reason for replacing my videocard was the sound on the HD5770 was obnoxious as hell. So I'd like a case that first and foremost has excellent cooling because I plan on taking the 2500k to 4.5GHz at minimum and probably 5.0GHz at maximum. Not being a super loud case would be a nice bonus though.
So, any recommendations on a case (ATX mid or full tower) with excellent cooling primarily, noise-reduction secondarily, and not looking ridiculous thirdly?
AwesomeSauce
MagsMoonshine
If you don't mind the looks, or unpainted interior, Cooler Master HAF 912, easily. The Elite 430 could've been good, if it were cheaper. Didn't notice anything else in your budget that I'd actually spend money on.SalsaShark said:
Officially, AM3+, but some AM3 models will work. Check here for more info.TheStevo said:
I wouldn't buy anything until BD arrives, and we see performance across different boards.TheStevo said:Ahem. "Would it be worth it to spend the $350ish for an AM3+ board..."
I was looking at a AM3+ board; this one actually in particular.
Don't you have an FT02?RS4- said:
Upgrade bug in a bad way.
Since you never specified a price range, I'll throw in a SilverStone TJ11, just because. It's reasonably priced, compared to some other options...LaneDS said:
·feist· said:
I'm just bored as hell and feel like doing something. Besides, I do have to build another PC for home, might end up just doing an HTPC.
But yeah, right now I just have nothing to upgrade to in terms of cases unless I do WC stuff. Speaking of which, I do have the option of grabbing a 360 rad, w/b for my 6950 and a few other things for the FT02.
·feist· said:
Thanks! Not too concerned about price so long as it isn't absurd (like, over $200 seems absurd to me, as some of the Lian-Li ones seem to be).
I'll likely pick one of the ones recently suggested by you two. Had a friend at work suggest that Cooler Master which seems very competent but visually some of the other ones are a little less busy, which I like.
Edit: Haha wow, didn't see the price until after checking out the features. Different idea of reasonably priced, but still thanks for the suggestion haha.
I'm relatively new when it comes to computer shopping. My current setup is a computer that was given to me like two years ago that's six years old. Seriously. Obviously I'm in need of a new setup so I'm looking into building a new computer within the next few months.
Money isn't really an issue, I could buy one right now if I wanted to, I'm just not going to. I've looked at the original post and found the setups of around ~$500 and the one around ~$1000. My sweet spot is probably around the $800 range. Ideally, I want something that can run most games pretty smoothly, but I don't need a computer that can max out something like...Crysis 2. I'm bound to fuck up if I do this by myself, so I just would like some suggestions.
Don't hurt me too much if I'm asking this in the wrong place, feel free to redirect me to such a possible location. Also, where would it be better to shop, Amazon or Newegg? I have Amazon Prime, and Newegg taxes the shit out of me because I'm in New Jersey, or at least they used to.
Basically, I just want suggestions and perhaps examples around the sweet spot I mentioned. $500 seems like too little to me, but $1000 might be a bit too much. I need some in between those two builds. Something that can get the job done (more so than the $500 build), but not in the category of like some kind of diesel gaming rig. I already have a monitor picked out, so that doesn't have to be factored in. Sorry for such a long post. Please and thank you to whoever takes the time to suggest any options.
Just one more thing, my current setup, as old and "weak" as it is, it's loud as fuck. I would prefer something that is considerably quieter, when your computer is almost as loud as your television, something is wrong.
Money isn't really an issue, I could buy one right now if I wanted to, I'm just not going to. I've looked at the original post and found the setups of around ~$500 and the one around ~$1000. My sweet spot is probably around the $800 range. Ideally, I want something that can run most games pretty smoothly, but I don't need a computer that can max out something like...Crysis 2. I'm bound to fuck up if I do this by myself, so I just would like some suggestions.
Don't hurt me too much if I'm asking this in the wrong place, feel free to redirect me to such a possible location. Also, where would it be better to shop, Amazon or Newegg? I have Amazon Prime, and Newegg taxes the shit out of me because I'm in New Jersey, or at least they used to.
Basically, I just want suggestions and perhaps examples around the sweet spot I mentioned. $500 seems like too little to me, but $1000 might be a bit too much. I need some in between those two builds. Something that can get the job done (more so than the $500 build), but not in the category of like some kind of diesel gaming rig. I already have a monitor picked out, so that doesn't have to be factored in. Sorry for such a long post. Please and thank you to whoever takes the time to suggest any options.
Just one more thing, my current setup, as old and "weak" as it is, it's loud as fuck. I would prefer something that is considerably quieter, when your computer is almost as loud as your television, something is wrong.
Heh. I wouldn't recommend a TJ11 to 90% of users. By the time you get to ~$200+, strict personal preference, and other things, far out-weigh price.LaneDS said:
The three Hazaro mentioned are great options. I think the $100 class in the OP are all really nice, and offer the best balance of price/performance, quality and features for the majority of people. The HAF 922 is included under the 912 $40-60 bracket. Corsair's 500R should have better stock cooling than all of their pricier cases, but the 400R is very compelling for ~$30 less. Under the Lian Li and Fractal listings, K63 > K62, and Arc > Define R3 cooling wise. Check out some pics and video reviews for those, as well as the other aforementioned cases. For your needs, I'd also add the $140 HAF 932 Advanced.
You know I'm a fan of triple and quad rad FT02s and RV02s. Maybe try going SFF for your HTPC build.RS4- said:
Always cross-check pricing on Amazon, Newegg, Fry's, etc. Even with prime, and NJ/CA tax, Newegg's deals are sometimes better.Karmum said:
That said, you live in NJ. If you're even remotely close to Micro Center, get yourself there ASAP.
http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/north_jersey.html
$180 i5 2500K + motherboard bundle deal. Their pricing for GPUs, PSUs, etc. is usually average at best. Cross shop the rest of your build. You can use the OP as a guideline and tweak it to your wants and needs. GPU wise, look into overclocked AMD 6870s, GTX 560 Tis, and AMD 6950s with rebates. You should be very close to your budget.
Also, there was a post for 2X2GB G.Skill ram for $25 a page or two ago.
·feist· said:
I had settled on the CM 690 II Advanced, but then I read this and looked a little closer at the other options mentioned. I think I'm leaning towards the Corsair 600T now. Looks great and the reviews seem very positive. More expensive, sure, but I'm liking all the features and the aesthetic (might even spring for the white one, seeing as how I haven't bought a PC case in a very, very long time and I think the white/black combo looks sharp).
Does PC-GAF like the Crucial M4 128GB SSD? I think the case and SSD will complete my purchasing (going to stick with my old optical drive that I barely use and two 1TB drives in my current machine of unknown speed or quality... been a while since I've shut it down to look at them). Definitely excited for all of this stuff to arrive so I can get to building.
This is kinda off topic, but I was just wondering...
From a general reliability perspective, how well would you say the new Mac Mini fares compared to an average Shuttle/Mini PCs? That is, does it gather a lost of dust (inside, I mean)? Is the ventilation good? How's heat dissipation? Power consumption?
Basically, I'm considering buying one instead of a Shuttle PC because it's powerful enough for my needs and it looks sturdy. I'm more concerned about the durability of it. A few years down the road, if it starts running slower, if it makes more noise, if I open it up and see it's full of dust, if its temperature rises faster, I'm not interested.
Is it better than most alternatives on that front?
From a general reliability perspective, how well would you say the new Mac Mini fares compared to an average Shuttle/Mini PCs? That is, does it gather a lost of dust (inside, I mean)? Is the ventilation good? How's heat dissipation? Power consumption?
Basically, I'm considering buying one instead of a Shuttle PC because it's powerful enough for my needs and it looks sturdy. I'm more concerned about the durability of it. A few years down the road, if it starts running slower, if it makes more noise, if I open it up and see it's full of dust, if its temperature rises faster, I'm not interested.
Is it better than most alternatives on that front?
Ludovician
Neo Member
Could someone help me shed some light on the current CPU status?
I have been offered a computer with a LGA-1155 socket, which currently is holding an i5-2400. I see OP speaks in high regard of the i5-2500K. What's the difference between 2400 and 2500K? Big difference?
And I've only been hearing broken bits of info about the current state of CPUs, and that Sandy Bridge is the way to go, because it is so overclockable? Are both the i5 2400 and 2500K Sandy Bridge? What does the K mean? and how much is it to gain to go with the i7 Sandy Bridge?
EDIT: If I've understood this right, the "K" means unlocked, as in being able to overclock it a lot more. Then it comes down to if it's worth to change an i5 2400 to a 2500K - seen how the 2400 comes with the comp, and I'd have to buy a 2500K. I guess I could sell the 2400.
EDITEDIT: Is there anything that warrants waiting for another half a year to get a new computer? Is there something new and big around the corner that is worth waiting for? Seems like the Sandy Bridge has been reigning for some time now.
I have been offered a computer with a LGA-1155 socket, which currently is holding an i5-2400. I see OP speaks in high regard of the i5-2500K. What's the difference between 2400 and 2500K? Big difference?
And I've only been hearing broken bits of info about the current state of CPUs, and that Sandy Bridge is the way to go, because it is so overclockable? Are both the i5 2400 and 2500K Sandy Bridge? What does the K mean? and how much is it to gain to go with the i7 Sandy Bridge?
EDIT: If I've understood this right, the "K" means unlocked, as in being able to overclock it a lot more. Then it comes down to if it's worth to change an i5 2400 to a 2500K - seen how the 2400 comes with the comp, and I'd have to buy a 2500K. I guess I could sell the 2400.
EDITEDIT: Is there anything that warrants waiting for another half a year to get a new computer? Is there something new and big around the corner that is worth waiting for? Seems like the Sandy Bridge has been reigning for some time now.
Ludovician said:
I think there is almost always something worth waiting for six months down the line. I know there are new offerings from nVidia and AMD on the horizon, and Intel is planning on releasing their LGA 2011 stuff before the year is over.
The question of course is whether or not waiting is worth it to you. Different answer for everyone.
Ludovician
Neo Member
LaneDS said:
Yeah - it's the eternal wait for something better. I've decided to grab this one, and stick with the Sandy Bridge for now!
Stock speed 3.1GHz vs 3.3GHz. You can't change the multiplier on the 2400 while the K version can. The 2500K has proven to easily overclock to 4.4-4.5GHz.Ludovician said:
To overclock on the sandy bridge, you need the K CPU chips and also the P67 or Z68 MBs. Make sure you are not getting a non overclockable H67 MB.
I'm wondering what size SSD I should pick up. I've been reading about what people put on their SSDs, and it seems games won't benefit much. I'm pretty much down to 60 or 120GB 550/490MB (Corsair SSD Force Series 3)
Does anyone have any input on this? What should go on the SSD? I've come across a lot of discussion about page-file and SSDs (I have 8GB of mem, though)
Does anyone have any input on this? What should go on the SSD? I've come across a lot of discussion about page-file and SSDs (I have 8GB of mem, though)
LaneDS said:
I'll just further confuse you by throwing my hat in for the Corsair Obsidian 650D. I absolutely love this case. Cable management is great, it has a ton of great features like included fan controller, tons of front ports, easy mounting hard drive bays, etc.
It's cool, quiet and very roomy. I had no issues in my build at all (except the lack of a USB 3.0 header for the front).
Here's a couple of reviews:
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/corsair_obsidian_d/
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Corsair/Obsidian_650D/
GamePnoy74
Member
Took the plunge yesterday and ordered a crucial 128GB M4 SSD, should arrive today...guess I know what my weekend plans are.
Question: my current rig which I built early last year has an XFX 5850 Black edition...will I take a big performance hit with the GPU if I set the PCIe slot from x16 to x8? My LGA1156-based Asus motherboard has USB 3.0 OR SATA III support (can't have both at the same time =P), but enabling either one will have the PCIe slot run at x8 max. I currently have it off, but would want to enable SATA III support with the new SSD.
Question: my current rig which I built early last year has an XFX 5850 Black edition...will I take a big performance hit with the GPU if I set the PCIe slot from x16 to x8? My LGA1156-based Asus motherboard has USB 3.0 OR SATA III support (can't have both at the same time =P), but enabling either one will have the PCIe slot run at x8 max. I currently have it off, but would want to enable SATA III support with the new SSD.
Guys I just bought a Samsung Spinpoint F3 (1TB), I plugged it all up and it all loaded up fine and windows claims to have successfully installed its drivers and its there in the devices and printers section. However I go on My computer and it doesn't seem to be there, therefore I have no way of accessing it. It also doesn't appear in the disk management section. Any ideas whats wrong guys?
Mr Nightman
Banned
start, right click my computer, click on manage. Disk management will be there in the left collumn, and u just assign it a letter and formatFJ0372 said:
Edit: just saw it wasn't showing up in disk management, should be there though :-/
$50 at Amazon for: Corsair Vengeance Blu 8 GB (2X4GB) PC3-12800 1600mHz DDR3 240-Pin SDRA
Danne-Danger
Member
God, shopping for monitors is such a chore. It comes down to PQ or input-lag, where the latter is about half the price (generally) so it makes you feel like you're getting a rotten deal quality-wise. And even if I go for PQ it won't be as good as my CRT, I wish I had enough room to just keep it.
Damn nuisance.
Damn nuisance.
Mr Nightman
Banned
no problemoFJ0372 said:
Are Antec PSU's good? Specifically this one:
Antec Tru Power 650W
(for a 2500k, gtx 580, 120gn ssd, no sli)
Antec Tru Power 650W
(for a 2500k, gtx 580, 120gn ssd, no sli)
Citizen K said:
I just got the TP 750W myself, arrives on Monday. I'll give you some impressions then, but basically ive been told it gets the job done. You might want to get the same model as me for future-proofing. All i know is there's a Seasonic inside of that thing and that makes me happy.
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