Support NeoGAF

[AEREC]

Ive got a video card driver question, sorry if this strays from the purpose of the thread, but this issue is getting a little frustrating.

Every two months or so my video card (GTX 460 SE) drivers seem to get corrupted and I have to go through the process of booting into safemode, using a driver cleanign program to uninstll nvidia drivers and then reinstall new drivers (sometimes the same ones).

Basically it starts with on screen corruption in the form of blinking destop icons or images out of palce on a website and then just gets wrose, Ill also usually get a notification in the system tray from Nvidia control panel about the "drivers have just recovered from a failure."

It's a really weird issue and has happened about 4 times this year so far, each tiem reinstalling the driver seems to make it go away for a while.

Im pretty sure it's not my video card overheating as the temps are usually pretty low (checking them in EVGA's tool).

Im running Windows 7 x64 enterprise edition if that helps.

 

[Shin Johnpv]

1) Get 1.5V RAM in a 2 or 4 stick configuration that is non-ECC. These are desktop boards, not server boards. 1866Mhz would be nice for you. Set this manually in the BIOS. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

Just because they're also getting the CM Hyper 212+ which if they put in a dual fan configuration will block the first dimm slot, I would recommend low profile ram. Something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233198 granted that's 1600 and not the 1866 you recommend, but I don't think they'll notice much of a difference.

 

[Domcorleone]

Hey does anyone have the Radeon 6990? I was thinking about getting that instead of the msi lightning gtx 580 3gb. I typically like NVIDIA better but has ATI gotten better interms of support? I keep hearing how the 6990 is the best card on the market now. I just want to make sure I can run 3D like I could with 3D vision by NVIDIA

 

[TheExodu5]

Hey does anyone have the Radeon 6990? I was thinking about getting that instead of the msi lightning gtx 580 3gb. I typically like NVIDIA better but has ATI gotten better interms of support? I keep hearing how the 6990 is the best card on the market now. I just want to make sure I can run 3D like I could with 3D vision by NVIDIA

6990 is a dual-GPU card. It runs extremely hot, is extremely loud, and is slower than 2x 6970. The only reason to buy a dual-GPU card is if you're low on case space and can't do proper SLI/Crossfire.

Also, if you want 3D, go NVidia.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

I could use some help on budget, low-power consuming cards. So, here's my situation: I'm trying to help a friend build a Frankensteinian monster of a computer consisting of reused and cheap parts so that he can have a rig that meets Diablo 3's requirements for as cheaply as possible. This is key. From the outside looking in, this would seem like a really silly exercise, but at this point we're at $100 spent only really needing a graphics card. The problem? We're working with a 300 Watt power supply. The recommended spec calls for an 8800 GT or equivalent. What is in that range, if anything, that consumes a low enough amount of power to run on this power supply? I think $100 is probably about the max that he would spend, and the lower the better.

I've tried to research this, but I'm out of my league, here.

 

[Rev3rb]

Curious if anyone has any opinions on this group of parts, together. About to pull the trigger to get ready for BF3.

-Note: Already have a previously used case, hard drive, 550w PSU, and got some 8gb G. Skill RipjawsX I got on sale for 40.00 a few weeks ago.

intel i5 2500k - 179.99
ASrock p67 Exreme4 B3 - 135.99 (Mostly interested if anyone has had any experience with this board)
EVGA GTX 560 Ti - 249.99

Thanks!

 

[aeiko]

ok updated build... any suggestions on anything?..got some ideas from the OP... im building a heavy audio production (priority) .. and video editing(after effects)/gaming pc that will last me for a while so ill need the ram and storage.

any suggestions on the case? im having trouble on what kind of case i should pick although i really like the one i chose for looks... mainly worried if there wont be enough space or proper cooling.. im looking for something mid sized that's white.

 

[Domcorleone]

6990 is a dual-GPU card. It runs extremely hot, is extremely loud, and is slower than 2x 6970. The only reason to buy a dual-GPU card is if you're low on case space and can't do proper SLI/Crossfire.

Also, if you want 3D, go NVidia.

in terms of performance will I see a difference between a lightning 3b vs the 1.5gb version if I am gaming on one monitor? (sometimes my panny 3d and sometimes on my imac 27 which has higher res) the 3gb version is sold out everywhere apparently :-(

 

[Psychotext]

Bump from a couple of pages ago:

Has anyone here got a buttkicker and would they recommend it? I don't really care about it so much for gaming, but I often work very late and whist I have an excellent pair of headphones, sometimes you just need to really feel the bass (especially with the music I've been listening to lately.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

I could use some help on budget, low-power consuming cards. So, here's my situation: I'm trying to help a friend build a Frankensteinian monster of a computer consisting of reused and cheap parts so that he can have a rig that meets Diablo 3's requirements for as cheaply as possible. This is key. From the outside looking in, this would seem like a really silly exercise, but at this point we're at $100 spent only really needing a graphics card. The problem? We're working with a 300 Watt power supply. The recommended spec calls for an 8800 GT or equivalent. What is in that range, if anything, that consumes a low enough amount of power to run on this power supply? I think $100 is probably about the max that he would spend, and the lower the better.

I've tried to research this, but I'm out of my league, here.

So, my initial leaning is a GT 240, which can be had for around $50 or less, and seems to not have a high power requirement. Benchmark data I've found suggest that it's not quite up to snuff with an 8800 GT, but still seems to be in the same ballpark. I'm looking for a sanity check. This would be ideal pricewise, but I don't know enough to know that this isn't a ridiculously stupid suggestion.

 

[Jtrizzy]

Can anyone recommend a soundcard that will do DTS/DD 5.1 via optical cables? (S/PDIF)

I was thinking of getting a new receiver that can do HDMI 1.4 to pass 3d and whatever the newest audio formats are, but I'm not wanting to spend a lot on something that could struggle passing/processing all that from the PC to the receiver to the 3dtv.

I'm pretty happy with DTS/DD anyway, and sound cards appear to be inexpensive compared to a minimum $300 for a new receiver. I just am not finding much good info or reviews on New Egg.

 

[Tallshortman]

Hey does anyone have the Radeon 6990? I was thinking about getting that instead of the msi lightning gtx 580 3gb. I typically like NVIDIA better but has ATI gotten better interms of support? I keep hearing how the 6990 is the best card on the market now. I just want to make sure I can run 3D like I could with 3D vision by NVIDIA

3D is Nvidia only. The 6990 is faster than the 590 on average maybe though I'd say they're just about even overall. I looked at benchmarks but I wouldn't recommend either since they're both CF/SLI (2x 6970 and 580) cards. The 590 for some reason has especially bad scaling for whats supposed to be 2 580s. If you're going to do dual cards in that price range you may as well do 2x 6970 or 2x 570s.

in terms of performance will I see a difference between a lightning 3b vs the 1.5gb version if I am gaming on one monitor? (sometimes my panny 3d and sometimes on my imac 27 which has higher res) the 3gb version is sold out everywhere apparently :-(

The performance boost from the lightning is usually from the overclock rather than the extra VRAM. The vast majority of current games show no difference at 1080p from 1GB and 2GB versions of a card.

 

[Tallshortman]

Curious if anyone has any opinions on this group of parts, together. About to pull the trigger to get ready for BF3.

-Note: Already have a previously used case, hard drive, 550w PSU, and got some 8gb G. Skill RipjawsX I got on sale for 40.00 a few weeks ago.

intel i5 2500k - 179.99
ASrock p67 Exreme4 B3 - 135.99 (Mostly interested if anyone has had any experience with this board)
EVGA GTX 560 Ti - 249.99

Thanks!

I have that mobo and have been pretty satisfied so far. The UEFI is pretty nice and pretty easy for overclocking. What 560 Ti are you getting? Seems expensive unless you're getting one of the heavily overclocked ones with extra cooling like the MSI hawk.

 

[Fixed1979]

Can anyone recommend a soundcard that will do DTS/DD 5.1 via optical cables? (S/PDIF)

I was thinking of getting a new receiver that can do HDMI 1.4 to pass 3d and whatever the newest audio formats are, but I'm not wanting to spend a lot on something that could struggle passing/processing all that from the PC to the receiver to the 3dtv.

I'm pretty happy with DTS/DD anyway, and sound cards appear to be inexpensive compared to a minimum $300 for a new receiver. I just am not finding much good info or reviews on New Egg.

There's probably a better option available now but I'm using a Asus Xonar D2 and have no real complaints except for it's inability to connect to a front headphone jack.
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/2808-asus-xonar-7-1-d2-review.html

EDIT: After doing some more digging it looks like these have been replaced.

 

[Rev3rb]

I have that mobo and have been pretty satisfied so far. The UEFI is pretty nice and pretty easy for overclocking. What 560 Ti are you getting? Seems expensive unless you're getting one of the heavily overclocked ones with extra cooling like the MSI hawk.

Just the standard EVGA one. I guess after rebate its around 220ish, but it looks like every site (amazon, newegg, superbiiz) are selling out :/ Know of any better places?

 

[n0n44m]

Can anyone recommend a soundcard that will do DTS/DD 5.1 via optical cables? (S/PDIF)

I was thinking of getting a new receiver that can do HDMI 1.4 to pass 3d and whatever the newest audio formats are, but I'm not wanting to spend a lot on something that could struggle passing/processing all that from the PC to the receiver to the 3dtv.

I'm pretty happy with DTS/DD anyway, and sound cards appear to be inexpensive compared to a minimum $300 for a new receiver. I just am not finding much good info or reviews on New Egg.

for gaming, anything that does Dolby Digital Live / DTS Connect. Asus Xonar DS or DX seem the most common affordable ones (don't buy expensive cards with good analog circuitry if you're only gonna use the optical output)

Also you can experiment running HDMI cable to the receiver for sound and a DVI->HDMI cable to TV for the 3D picture. should work on paper

3D is Nvidia only. The 6990 is faster than the 590 on average maybe though I'd say they're just about even overall. I looked at benchmarks but I wouldn't recommend either since they're both CF/SLI (2x 6970 and 580) cards. The 590 for some reason has especially bad scaling for whats supposed to be 2 580s. If you're going to do dual cards in that price range you may as well do 2x 6970 or 2x 570s.

AMD does have some 3D but Nvidia seems widely preferred (especially now it's integrated in their drivers). and the 590 scales worse than a dual 580 because it's not running at 580 clockspeeds

If you do go all out (SLI 580 at least) more memory will help with the 27" iMac screen if you're running lots of AA at its 2500something resolution, but you have to be really xtreme if you're willing to pay that much for the Nvidia 3gb cards. Lower end cards or a single card will probably sooner be GPU power limited anyway at that kind of resolution. The 3gb cards are more aimed at those running multiple screens imho.

for the 3D tv you'll need "Nvidia 3DTV Play" , and the HDMI is limited to 1080p 24hz 3D and 720p 60hz 3D. The first is fine for movies but too slow for gaming really, and 720p 3D should be something like 1080p 2D so a single card will do fine for that.

 

[RukusProvider]

ok updated build... any suggestions on anything?..got some ideas from the OP... im building a heavy audio production (priority) .. and video editing(after effects)/gaming pc that will last me for a while so ill need the ram and storage.

any suggestions on the case? im having trouble on what kind of case i should pick although i really like the one i chose for looks... mainly worried if there wont be enough space or proper cooling.. im looking for something mid sized that's white.

Keep an eye out on deals. You can probably shave a lot off of money if you take your time. Is there a Microcenter around you?

As for the build, yeah it looks good.

 

[Tallshortman]

Just the standard EVGA one. I guess after rebate its around 220ish, but it looks like every site (amazon, newegg, superbiiz) are selling out :/ Know of any better places?

TigerDirect? I don't use them much anymore since they now charge tax in my state. That price just seemed too high for a vanilla 560 Ti.

 

[aeiko]

Keep an eye out on deals. You can probably shave a lot off of money if you take your time. Is there a Microcenter around you?

yes there is.. actually just 10 minutes away. lol

 

[Tallshortman]

for gaming, anything that does Dolby Digital Live / DTS Connect. Asus Xonar DS or DX seem the most common affordable ones (don't buy expensive cards with good analog circuitry if you're only gonna use the optical output)

Also you can experiment running HDMI cable to the receiver for sound and a DVI->HDMI cable to TV for the 3D picture. should work on paper




AMD does have some 3D but Nvidia seems widely preferred (especially now it's integrated in their drivers). and the 590 scales worse than a dual 580 because it's not running at 580 clockspeeds

If you do go all out (SLI 580 at least) more memory will help with the 27" iMac screen if you're running lots of AA at its 2500something resolution, but you have to be really xtreme if you're willing to pay that much for the Nvidia 3gb cards. Lower end cards or a single card will probably sooner be GPU power limited anyway at that kind of resolution. The 3gb cards are more aimed at those running multiple screens imho.

for the 3D tv you'll need "Nvidia 3DTV Play" , and the HDMI is limited to 1080p 24hz 3D and 720p 60hz 3D. The first is fine for movies but too slow for gaming really, and 720p 3D should be something like 1080p 2D so a single card will do fine for that.

Huh, didn't know AMD added 3D. BTW I know that it's running at lower clockspeeds , just commenting on how it should beat out the 6990 since its running 2 more powerful cards, meaning it has worst scaling than even normal "x2" cards.

 

[RukusProvider]

yes there is.. actually just 10 minutes away. lol

Then keep an eye on their deals. Take a look at my post a few pages back on the deals I scored there for a similar build.

At the very least you should be able to find a cpu/mobo combo's. I'd distribute my purchases where you get the best deals. Even with a lot of stuff installed a 512GB SSD might be a big over kill but you know your needs more than I do!

 

[Parl]

I was wondering if other processors will drop in price when the Bulldozer ones come out? What are the chances and by how much. I was looking at CPUs around the £100 range, but willing to wait a couple of weeks before ordering this build.

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

PC-gaf is there a way to save a config for my TV when it's connected via HDMI with Catalyst? I just want two configs, one when I just want to browse on my monitor and not have anything going to my TV and another when I want to use both screens. I hate having to do it manually every time :\

 

[coopolon]

PC-gaf is there a way to save a config for my TV when it's connected via HDMI with Catalyst? I just want two configs, one when I just want to browse on my monitor and not have anything going to my TV and another when I want to use both screens. I hate having to do it manually every time :\

CCC has profiles (called presets) that you can create and then swap between with hotkeys that you can configure in CCC. This can even include more advanced settings like scaling, etc. But if you're just swapping, in windows 7 Windows Key+P can quickly swap between monitor, TV (projector), extending the desktop, or duplicating the desktop.

If you go with CCC, in my experience it's a frustrating experience setting them up. Like I would set one up and it wouldn't work, do it again exactly the same and it would work. But I was eventually always able to get them to work, but now that my monitor situation has simplified I just windows+P.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

Can anyone recommend a soundcard that will do DTS/DD 5.1 via optical cables? (S/PDIF)

I was thinking of getting a new receiver that can do HDMI 1.4 to pass 3d and whatever the newest audio formats are, but I'm not wanting to spend a lot on something that could struggle passing/processing all that from the PC to the receiver to the 3dtv.

I'm pretty happy with DTS/DD anyway, and sound cards appear to be inexpensive compared to a minimum $300 for a new receiver. I just am not finding much good info or reviews on New Egg.

an ASUS Xonar D2 or DX or creative fatality is a good option.

 

[Ooccoo]

I'm thinking replacing the toxic from this build to a HIS IceQ X Turbo H695QNT2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372) which seems equally good. I'm just tired of waiting for the toxic which has been on backorder for weeks now. Is it a good move?

Newegg.ca - Computers, Computer Parts and Electronics
My Wish List Details

PC Build 2011

Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price
1 Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Model #:CC600TWM-WHT
Item #:N82E16811139005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate

$179.99 $179.99
1 ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.1) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.1) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #8P67 PRO (REV 3.1)
Item #:N82E16813131771
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$179.99 $179.99
1 SAPPHIRE Toxic 100312TXSR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

SAPPHIRE Toxic 100312TXSR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Model #:100312TXSR
Item #:N82E16814102951
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
Out Of Stock
Mail in Rebate Card
Auto Notify Auto-Notify

$289.99 $289.99
1 CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650M 650W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular High Performance Power Supply

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650M 650W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular High Performance Power ...
Model #:TX650M
Item #:N82E16817139031
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$119.99 -$10.00 Instant $109.99
1 Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Model #:BX80623I52500K
Item #:N82E16819115072
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

$219.99 $219.99
1 Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Model #:CT064M4SSD2
Item #:N82E16820148441
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

$149.99 -$35.00 Instant $114.99
1 CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9
Model #:CML8GX3M2A1600C9
Item #:N82E16820233186
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$62.49 -$9.00 Instant $53.49
1 SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 HD204UI 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 HD204UI 2TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:HD204UI
Item #:N82E16822152245
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$89.99 $89.99
1 ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor

ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
Model #:VW246H
Item #:N82E16824236049
Return Policy:Monitor Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock

$229.99 -$30.00 Instant $199.99
1 Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - OEM
Model #:FQC-04649
Item #:N82E16832116992
Return Policy:Software Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$144.99 -$5.00 Instant $139.99
1 COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Model #:RR-B10-212P-G1
Item #:N82E16835103065
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$39.99 $39.99
Subtotal: $1,618.39

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

CCC has profiles (called presets) that you can create and then swap between with hotkeys that you can configure in CCC. This can even include more advanced settings like scaling, etc. But if you're just swapping, in windows 7 Windows Key+P can quickly swap between monitor, TV (projector), extending the desktop, or duplicating the desktop.

If you go with CCC, in my experience it's a frustrating experience setting them up. Like I would set one up and it wouldn't work, do it again exactly the same and it would work. But I was eventually always able to get them to work, but now that my monitor situation has simplified I just windows+P.

Ah sweet, I had completely forgotten about Windows+P. Thanks

 

[FrancisH]

I'm thinking replacing the toxic from this build to a HIS IceQ X Turbo H695QNT2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372) which seems equally good. I'm just tired of waiting for the toxic which has been on backorder for weeks now. Is it a good move?

I got fed up of waiting for a 6950 toxic I had on order too, but I chose the 6950 MSI Frozr III Power Edition as my alternative (Link) . Should be arriving tomorrow but I'm still waiting for other parts, so I can't say what I think of it for a while.

I chose it on recommendation that it can unlock and OC really well.

 

[Herpes Reasons]

heads up, microcenter has a new 20% off printabable coupon on all pci-e videocards.
ends 9/29.

quote me to see coupon.

 

[aeiko]

heads up, microcenter has a new 20% off printabable coupon on all pci-e videocards.
ends 9/29.

quote me to see coupon.

 

[kafiend]

So, PZ68 mobo plus a 2500k CPU, 2x sticks of 4gb ram and all the other usual bits.

I put it together, cross my fingers, switch it on and no POST. After checking all the cables etc I pulled out 1x 4gb ram - switch it on and it boots. I install Win 7 64bit, install Steam etc., play some games and figure I'll look at the ram issue later. Probably just a bad stick right?

When I do look at the ram I find that both sticks work, just not together. I put it down to a bios issue and play around in there with no joy getting both working together.

Looking around the Internets for people with a similar issue I find a forum post saying that maybe some pins on the CPU were bent which I instantly disregard thinking the thing wouldn't boot at all if I'd done that.

I ordered another 8gb of ram and of course, only one stick at a time in any of the 4 slots and it worked fine.

Remembering the comment I read about bent pins on the board I took out the CPU and was horrified to see a couple were bent the wrong way. Them things are tiny...

Cutting an already long post short, I used a couple of magnifying glasses taped together, an empty Insulin pen with needle and a camping light attached to my head to sort them out.

I never EVER want to do that again.

It all boots fine and all the ram works so I consider it a massive save.

I also had another issue in Win 7 where copying files would slow the computer down so much that it was almost unusable while file copying. Putting the CPU pins back in place sorted that one out too.

 

[NH Apache]

So I'm dumping my older laptop for a desktop.

I have a build that I based on a mix of the standard and enhanced builds from the OP but I cut a few corners, (case/power supply combo, etc). My build is at 699 right now and I was wondering if there was a way to cut it further.

Ideas? Can I cut cost on the mobo?

Newegg wishlist link:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=21555147
or if that doesn't work:

http://i.imgur.com/RJGWF.jpg

Thanks

Edit: Ughhh can't make my list public.

 

[chaosblade]

So I'm dumping my older laptop for a desktop.

I have a build that I based on a mix of the standard and enhanced builds from the OP but I cut a few corners, (case/power supply combo, etc). My build is at 699 right now and I was wondering if there was a way to cut it further.

Ideas? Can I cut cost on the mobo?

Newegg wishlist link:

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=21555147
or if that doesn't work:

http://i.imgur.com/RJGWF.jpg

Thanks

Edit: Ughhh can't make my list public.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=21555147

Fixed link.

Looks fine other than the abysmal case+PSU. I'd seriously consider cutting elsewhere and bumping those up. The $600 build in the OP would do you pretty well, trying to cram a 2500k in there is really hurting you.

Getting a nicer CPU doesn't do you much good when the PSU will struggle to power it (and hopefully not die taking other components with it). Doesn't even have a PCIe connector so it's safe to assume it's not even made with a GPU in mind that will require external power behind the 75W slot.

 

[TommyT]

Popping in for random PC question: I have an MSDN iso of Windows 7. I have 3 computers (2 desktops and 1 laptop) that have it installed... will my key not work for all of them or do I have to get keys for the others somehow?

edit: all 3 have online access.

 

[chaosblade]

You probably need a different key for each one. Would be too easy for other people to get a key off your subscription if you could just get more keys or use the same one as many times as you wanted.

 

[Quote]

These are my specs right now:
Phenom II x4 940 3.00
8GB RAM
ATI 4870
1920x1080

Will I see a huge upgrade with a 560 ti? I'd like to stay around $200. Right now it'd be mostly for F1 2011 until Skyrim comes out. One of the current things I hate about my current configuration is the fan on the GPU is terribly loud, so silent sound is something to take into consideration.

 

[TommyT]

You probably need a different key for each one. Would be too easy for other people to get a key off your subscription if you could just get more keys or use the same one as many times as you wanted.

Apparently I can order from the site and get it on disc (for ~$23). However, it seems if I continue with the order process by adding a new item to cart every time (for download/free) it will give me a new key. I will have to check when I'm home to see if it's different.

 

[Giriath_89]

How do you even manage to bend CPU pins? It's not like you have to twist and grind it in the socket.

 

[NH Apache]

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=21555147

Fixed link.

Looks fine other than the abysmal case+PSU. I'd seriously consider cutting elsewhere and bumping those up. The $600 build in the OP would do you pretty well, trying to cram a 2500k in there is really hurting you.

Getting a nicer CPU doesn't do you much good when the PSU will struggle to power it (and hopefully not die taking other components with it). Doesn't even have a PCIe connector so it's safe to assume it's not even made with a GPU in mind that will require external power behind the 75W slot.

Here is the updated wishlist then

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=21555367

Should I go for the 2500k? With the different mobo, I'm looking at 145 buck change in price? I guess the question is...will the i3 with the 6850 run Diablo 3?

 

[Prodigal]

Any idea how much I could sell this laptop for?

Dell Studio 1749 (1 year old)
17"
Windows 7
i3 @ 2.27
Integrated graphics
6 gigs ram

 

[Izayoi]

Apparently I can order from the site and get it on disc (for ~$23). However, it seems if I continue with the order process by adding a new item to cart every time (for download/free) it will give me a new key. I will have to check when I'm home to see if it's different.

I would imagine that you will need a different key for each computer, MSDN or not. Maybe create a topic on the forums over there and ask.

 

[kafiend]

How do you even manage to bend CPU pins? It's not like you have to twist and grind it in the socket.

Beats me, its not even pins and socket. It goes on top and is just clamped down.

Someone a few pages back said they were frightened because of the force they used to get it in there properly and I thought at the time that very little effort was used....

 

[belvedere]

How do you even manage to bend CPU pins? It's not like you have to twist and grind it in the socket.

I had a shitty Biostar mobo and once when replacing my heatsink, despite having the ziff locked, the entire processor came out when pulling the heatsink. Bam, bent pins.

 

[·feist·]

Any idea how much I could sell this laptop for?

Dell Studio 1749 (1 year old)
17"
Windows 7
i3 @ 2.27
Integrated graphics
6 gigs ram

From the OP:

*Visit our friends at Laptop-GAF

These are my specs right now:
Phenom II x4 940 3.00
8GB RAM
ATI 4870
1920x1080

Will I see a huge upgrade with a 560 ti? I'd like to stay around $200. Right now it'd be mostly for F1 2011 until Skyrim comes out. One of the current things I hate about my current configuration is the fan on the GPU is terribly loud, so silent sound is something to take into consideration.

To go along with the sizable performance increase, the reference 560 Ti is cooler, quieter, and has better power management than the 4870. If you opt for a 560 Ti with a custom cooler, the temps and noise will be that much lower.

How do you even manage to bend CPU pins? It's not like you have to twist and grind it in the socket.

It's considerably easier to destroy a standard, modern AMD desktop CPU, than its Intel equivalent. Not everyone has the option to fix bent pins.

 

[TheBear]

So, 2 years lafter my first build and I think my system is in need of an upgrade. Ideally I would like to be able to run BF3 with max settings, 1080P at 60fps, but not entirely sure what my system can handle. I also would like to run a long HDMI and connect to my HDTV for picture and sound.
What would you guys recommend? here are the specs:

AMD 955 Phenom
4GB ram
ATI Radeon 4890
Gigabyte MA790Gp Motherboard
Seasonic M12 80plus 500Watt. PSU
WD Caviar Black 1TB (and another 1TB for movies etc)

Cheers!

 

[Mad Hatter]

So this is my first build and I need some hardware help...

First of all specs:
i5 2500k /w hyper 212+
MSI P67A-43 (B3)
Gigabyte GTX 460 1GB Windforce
Corsair 650TXv2
G.SKILL 8gb ram
WD 750GB HDD

So I built it tonight and it worked fine. I installed Windows 7 and some games. It was fine for like 5 hours. Then in the middle of playing Stalker COP, it shutdown spontaneously and wouldn't turn back on.
So, next I removed everything and reapplied the thermal paste thinking I did a bad job on applying the thermal paste. So then I just reconnected the PSU to the mobo with the CPU/RAM/HDD/fans connected and that worked fine. But when I plug in the GPU it just starts for 1 second and then shuts off and won't turn back on. If I disconnect the GPU and then plug it back in a few minutes later it'll do the same 1sec turn on/turn off. If I take the GPU out, the motherboard will post - fans work, lights up, DVD drive works.
So at this point I don't know if the PSU just isn't giving enough power or the GPU is bad now.

What do you guys think?

So, just following up, I have a quick question. I replaced my GTX460 with a test video card (Radeon X600) and it boots perfectly. But I'm still not sure if the video card itself is faulty, or the motherboard somehow can't run that videocard. Which is more likely? I'll be picking up a GTX560 TI to replace my 460, so we'll see for sure in a few days, but I'm still uneasy about the motherboard.

 

[RaoulDuke]

looking to replace an old linksys router. this one seems good
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162031

any thoughts or experiences with this? recommendations on something else in the 60$-80$ range?

thanks!! love this thread!

 

[chessnut]

Does it show up in Device Manager? I've had this before (not on Asus) and had to disable and re-enable Bluetooth in BIOS.

Yeah, it shows up in device manager and says it's working properly. I disabled/enabled bluetooth from bios, and nothing changed. I would note that when i disabled it, it still showed up under device manager as 'working properly'

I found a couple of others with the same problem as me, no solution though:
http://www.overclock.net/intel-motherboards/1039332-bluetooth-problem-asus-p8p67-pro.html

 

[Hazaro]

Just because they're also getting the CM Hyper 212+ which if they put in a dual fan configuration will block the first dimm slot, I would recommend low profile ram. Something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233198 granted that's 1600 and not the 1866 you recommend, but I don't think they'll notice much of a difference.

I believe since the Snipers are only 2mm taller than normal clearance (42mm vs 40mm) you can simply slide the fan up a little to accommodate.
As you said low profile RAM is fine and 1600 vs 1866 is not a big deal.

Curious if anyone has any opinions on this group of parts, together. About to pull the trigger to get ready for BF3.

-Note: Already have a previously used case, hard drive, 550w PSU, and got some 8gb G. Skill RipjawsX I got on sale for 40.00 a few weeks ago.

intel i5 2500k - 179.99
ASrock p67 Exreme4 B3 - 135.99 (Mostly interested if anyone has had any experience with this board)
EVGA GTX 560 Ti - 249.99

Thanks!

Parts are in the list so you are good to go.

ok updated build... any suggestions on anything?..got some ideas from the OP... im building a heavy audio production (priority) .. and video editing(after effects)/gaming pc that will last me for a while so ill need the ram and storage.

any suggestions on the case? im having trouble on what kind of case i should pick although i really like the one i chose for looks... mainly worried if there wont be enough space or proper cooling.. im looking for something mid sized that's white.

1) Case, maybe the NZXT Source Elite 210? Corsair 600T is rather large.
2) That 580 will run hotter and louder because it is stock. IF you don't mind and want to stay eVGA that is fine. imo the MSI and ASUS are better cards.
3) Since you are doing a lot of storage editing I'd say get dual Samsung F4 2TB and mirror them in Windows.
4) 512GB SSD is seems overkill. You want your used programs and OS on there, and maybe your active video project(?). Otherwise a 256GB will serve you just as well.

I'm thinking replacing the toxic from this build to a HIS IceQ X Turbo H695QNT2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372) which seems equally good. I'm just tired of waiting for the toxic which has been on backorder for weeks now. Is it a good move?

I've been pretty happy with my Powercolor. Bigger cooler and fans.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131393

Here is the updated wishlist then

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=21555367

Should I go for the 2500k? With the different mobo, I'm looking at 145 buck change in price? I guess the question is...will the i3 with the 6850 run Diablo 3?

Absolutely no problems at all.

So, 2 years lafter my first build and I think my system is in need of an upgrade. Ideally I would like to be able to run BF3 with max settings, 1080P at 60fps, but not entirely sure what my system can handle. I also would like to run a long HDMI and connect to my HDTV for picture and sound.
What would you guys recommend? here are the specs:

AMD 955 Phenom
4GB ram
ATI Radeon 4890
Gigabyte MA790Gp Motherboard
Seasonic M12 80plus 500Watt. PSU
WD Caviar Black 1TB (and another 1TB for movies etc)

Cheers!

No one can say, but hopefully if your CPU is fine (according to future BF3 benches)you can put in whatever GPU you want in there sans a superclocked 580.

So, just following up, I have a quick question. I replaced my GTX460 with a test video card (Radeon X600) and it boots perfectly. But I'm still not sure if the video card itself is faulty, or the motherboard somehow can't run that videocard. Which is more likely? I'll be picking up a GTX560 TI to replace my 460, so we'll see for sure in a few days, but I'm still uneasy about the motherboard.

I'd say GPU.

 

[RukusProvider]

Started the OC process. On the Asrock board, I'm just doing the auto oc to 4.6ghz. I had to enable Internal PLL Overvoltage in the BIOS to achieve stability at 4.6

I tested with Prime 95 for a couple of hours and then ran the Heaven benchmark. The max the core got upto was 1.35v but then stabilized around 1.3 most of the time the CPU was being hammered. The temps were in the 60's during bench with a max of low 70's on a couple of cores until the fan kicked in.

I'm think of doing a push/pull on the 212+ to take off a few more degrees. I'd like to run 4.6 24/7.

Now that I know my system is stable at 4.6ghz, I need to learn how to adjust the voltages. Should I just manually set the voltage? If I do that, will it always stay that high or still fluctuate? I'd like to be able to have the system "turn down" when needed and scale up as needed without going past a certain max. I keep reading Vcore offset. How does that work?

I don't see a point in going past 4.6ghz for me. If anyone can help me fine tune my voltages, that'd be greatly apprecaited.

A couple of comments regarding the SSD. I did the optimizations in the OP but turning off WriteCaching was a big no no on the Crucial M4. It destroyed 4k performance. Read up on the Crucial forums and they highly recommend leaving it on. Once I turned it back on (and rebooted) performance was back! I keep reading conflicting info about disabling the paging file. Not sure where I stand on that.