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[Wichu]

For emulating those things get a i5-2500k and any old graphics card. I'm afraid you wont find anything that will last you for three years unless you buy the most bleeding edge parts, especially with new hardware close on the horizon.

get 4gb or 8gb of ddr3 ram around 1333, get either a gtx560ti or a gtx570 at most. (these can more than handle the games you listed and others)

I don't know the prices for things in pounds though so that should be a good starting point.

By 'lasting 3 years', I didn't mean 'play all games released within the next 3 years at full settings', just 'still usable and quite decent'. I probably shouldn't have said that

Anyway, I've drawn up a list of some of the components from Novatech's site:
Processors:
2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5 2500K 3.30GHz Socket LGA1155 (£167.99) - I'm fairly sure I'll be going with an i5 and overclocking it. Alternatively, the i7 is about £70 more (£239.99); I'm still deciding whether or not it would be worth it for me.
Gainward GeForce GTX 460 "Golden Sample" 1024MB GDDR5 (£119.99) - is it worth splashing out an extra £57 for a GTX 560 Ti (£176.99)? I don't think I'll spend nearly £300 on a GTX 570 (or for that matter, more on higher).

Various types of memory:
Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (£46.98)
Samsung Spin Point F3 SATAII 1TB 32MB Cache Hard Drive <8.9ms 7200rpm (£46.98) - I really don't think I'll need anything bigger, seeing as the 250GB disk in my MacBook is still only half full after 2 years of use.
Crucial RealSSD M4 64GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Hard Drive (£83.99) - A bit of a pricy add-on, but apparently it makes quite a difference. 64GB should be enough if I'm going to use it for the OS and programming IDEs, right?

Miscellaneous:
Novatech Corona Micro ATX Tower Case With a 450w PSU - Black (£25.98) - I don't want a huge and flashy case. Only thing is that it might be too small - would I be right in thinking that smaller cases are more prone to overheating?
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler (£22.00) - Since I'll be overclocking, I figure I'll probably need some kind of cooling.
I have no idea about what kind of motherboard I'd need. Considering I want to overclock the i5, does anyone have any suggestions?

Input/output:
Not sure at the moment... Probably going to buy a cheap keyboard/mouse such as this Logitech one (£11.99)
Monitor-wise, I'm looking at 1080p ones right now. Novatech's own-brand monitors (£79.98) are far cheaper than the competition. How big is the difference between a 10000:1 contrast ratio and this one with a 1000000:1 contrast ratio (£114.98)?

So far, using the lower-end options above, it comes to £605.88; a GTX 560, better monitor, and i7 bring it up to £769.88. The motherboard will add a chunk to it, but I still have money to spare.

So, can anyone help me with the rest? Choosing a motherboard, maybe a different case/power supply, advantages of a GTX 560/SSD/1000000:1 contrast ratio screen?

 

[Tonner Cyn]

Is there a way to hook up two to a single fan power connector on the motherboard because I think I've only got one spare. Also does anyone have any recommendations for these sizes?

I used this when I added some fans to my case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD7V34/?tag=neogaf0e-20 . They work fine and are long enough that I can thread them through the back of my mobo like all the other cables and keep the upper area nice and clean.

I have a question about these myself - is it okay to connect a splitter to a splitter? I have two more 120mm fans I could add but I would need another splitter to power them.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Not sure on whether I should get a SSD... They're quite pricey at the moment. What advantages do they bring?

Much faster load times. Windows should boot up in under 10 seconds, for example. The OS in general will feel much snappier as well, along with whatever programs you have running off of it.

While it may or may not improve overall compile times by a great deal (a system that can provide you with more cores or CPUs, or even an i7 over an i5 will likely show a better improvement there due to more threads), if you plan on using something like Visual Studio as an IDE it will definitely run a lot better on a SSD.

 

[Wichu]

Thanks, sounds great! I almost forgot about the option of getting an i7 instead - I was considering it originally. How big is the improvement from an i5 to an i7?

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Thanks, sounds great! I almost forgot about the option of getting an i7 instead - I was considering it originally. How big is the improvement from an i5 to an i7?

For general use, not much. The main difference is that the i7 has HT support, so unless you regularly use programs that can take advantage of the extra threads you'll see no benefit. That said, the extra 4 threads the i7 can provide can make a big difference if you do have a lot of heavy MT-capable operations.

You should probably go for the i5 to start - 4 threads is enough for you to start messing with basic multithreaded programming stuff if you need to get into it. Plus compile times shouldn't be too bad for you until you start doing more complicated coding much later in your degree program.

 

[chaosblade]

I used this when I added some fans to my case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD7V34/?tag=neogaf0e-20 . They work fine and are long enough that I can thread them through the back of my mobo like all the other cables and keep the upper area nice and clean.

I have a question about these myself - is it okay to connect a splitter to a splitter? I have two more 120mm fans I could add but I would need another splitter to power them.

Depends on the quality of the splitter and motherboard. You're probably fine as long as you don't have a bottom-end cost-cut board.

I wouldn't run more than 2 fans off one though. You'll want to use molex->fan adapters (or a fan controller, obviously).

 

[Gvaz]

By 'lasting 3 years', I didn't mean 'play all games released within the next 3 years at full settings', just 'still usable and quite decent'. I probably shouldn't have said that

Then yes. I have a system that is like 2007/2008 atm and it's starting to get long in the tooth for some games at max settings but It can play most at max or close just fine.

Various types of memory:
Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (£46.98)

Miscellaneous:
Novatech Corona Micro ATX Tower Case With a 450w PSU - Black (£25.98) - I don't want a huge and flashy case. Only thing is that it might be too small - would I be right in thinking that smaller cases are more prone to overheating?

Mmm you should consider 1333 instead of 1600, you won't find a huge real world difference between the two and 1333 should be cheaper.

Also don't buy a case with a power supply built in, those tend to blow chunks. You're better off getting like this instead:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

Antec, Seasonic, Corsair are all good models.

 

[Tonner Cyn]

Something else just came to mind. Right now, I have one male end of the splitter open. If I am not going to connect a fan to it, should I wrap it in electrical tape?

 

[Joel Was Right]

I have a Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3 mobo. I need a new CPU for high definition video editing/rendering. Can I get a recommendation for various budgets?

 

[foogles]

I have a Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3 mobo. I need a new CPU for high definition video editing/rendering. Can I get a recommendation for various budgets?

You definitely want a six-core chip since your board supports it, and you will make full use of all cores. I say spend the $160 (after promo code) for the 1090T. If you'd rather save $20, the 1055T is a good choice.

 

[Wichu]

I'm going to mull over i5 vs i7 a little longer, and have added a SSD to my basket. I still have a few questions left:

Choosing a motherboard, maybe a different case/power supply, advantages of a GTX 560/1000000:1 contrast ratio screen?

 

[Gvaz]

i7 is not going to give you a large boost in gaming and not in emulation (both things really only use two cores generally sans like less than a handful of other games.)

i7 i'd only reccomend if you're going to do a lot of video/image/streaming work

 

[XiaNaphryz]

i7 is not going to give you a large boost in gaming and not in emulation (both things really only use two cores generally sans like less than a handful of other games.)

i7 i'd only reccomend if you're going to do a lot of video/image/streaming work

Would also depend on his programming needs.

 

[Gvaz]

Right, anything that takes advantage of four-eight threads really.

(sidestory: my programming major roommate told me "you don't need a dual core, single cores are still good". He was completely serious :|)

 

[Wichu]

Thanks guys, I'll go for an i5 then. Anyway, should I bother getting a smaller case for increased portability (I'm going to be moving it from uni to home and back 3 times a year), or does that put a lot of restrictions on the components I can use?

 

[Gunmonkey36]

Right, anything that takes advantage of four-eight threads really.

(sidestory: my programming major roommate told me "you don't need a dual core, single cores are still good". He was completely serious :|)

Your roommate is correct. In general all a computer needs to do for a computer science major is run language compilers. You can't actually buy a new computer that can't do that.

 

[Wichu]

Your roommate is correct. In general all a computer needs to do for a computer science major is run language compilers. You can't actually buy a new computer that can't do that.

I know, I know
I just want a good computer for a change!

 

[Gunmonkey36]

I know, I know
I just want a good computer for a change!

Understandable, an i5 is a great choice. Also as far as a small case goes I would advise against it unless you really can't handle carrying a decent size case. Graphic cards these days are pretty big, and a smaller case could restrict which cards you can use.

 

[Hazaro]

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but wouldn't I then be running all my devices including both of the PCI-e plugs off only one rail rated for only 14 amps?

Much like Wolf Akela I have had a PSU blow up (it's actually why I bought my current one) and I really can't afford to/really don't want to lose access to my comp.

Also I'm turning in for the night and I just want to say thanks to you and wolf for the help so far.
I'll see you in the morning.

Ah. No problem then. If you don't feel comfortable then wait it out. The CX430W goes on sale after rebate for $25 occasionally so maybe look out for that.

Bumping, and slightly tweaking unanswered question...
So the 560Ti can be purchased (with free Batman Arkham City) for around $200-220. The question is, would the extra 1GB vram on the 6950 2GB warrant the extra $20-30? Given I'm using a 1680x1050 monitor, I'm just trying to figure out if there's any reason at all that the 6950 2GB should be chosen.

2GB maybe. Depends how long you keep it. IF you can spend $250 you get the extra power anyway.

I've been running Prime95 for 5 hours now with no errors. How long should I run it? My brother says that I should run it for 24 hours.

To me 5 Hours is fine. Used to do overnight, but, eh.

By 'lasting 3 years', I didn't mean 'play all games released within the next 3 years at full settings', just 'still usable and quite decent'. I probably shouldn't have said that

Anyway, I've drawn up a list of some of the components from Novatech's site:
Processors:
2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5 2500K 3.30GHz Socket LGA1155 (£167.99) - I'm fairly sure I'll be going with an i5 and overclocking it. Alternatively, the i7 is about £70 more (£239.99); I'm still deciding whether or not it would be worth it for me.
Gainward GeForce GTX 460 "Golden Sample" 1024MB GDDR5 (£119.99) - is it worth splashing out an extra £57 for a GTX 560 Ti (£176.99)? I don't think I'll spend nearly £300 on a GTX 570 (or for that matter, more on higher).

Various types of memory:
Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (£46.98)
Samsung Spin Point F3 SATAII 1TB 32MB Cache Hard Drive <8.9ms 7200rpm (£46.98) - I really don't think I'll need anything bigger, seeing as the 250GB disk in my MacBook is still only half full after 2 years of use.
Crucial RealSSD M4 64GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Hard Drive (£83.99) - A bit of a pricy add-on, but apparently it makes quite a difference. 64GB should be enough if I'm going to use it for the OS and programming IDEs, right?

Miscellaneous:
Novatech Corona Micro ATX Tower Case With a 450w PSU - Black (£25.98) - I don't want a huge and flashy case. Only thing is that it might be too small - would I be right in thinking that smaller cases are more prone to overheating?
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler (£22.00) - Since I'll be overclocking, I figure I'll probably need some kind of cooling.
I have no idea about what kind of motherboard I'd need. Considering I want to overclock the i5, does anyone have any suggestions?

Input/output:
Not sure at the moment... Probably going to buy a cheap keyboard/mouse such as this Logitech one (£11.99)
Monitor-wise, I'm looking at 1080p ones right now. Novatech's own-brand monitors (£79.98) are far cheaper than the competition. How big is the difference between a 10000:1 contrast ratio and this one with a 1000000:1 contrast ratio (£114.98)?

So far, using the lower-end options above, it comes to £605.88; a GTX 560, better monitor, and i7 bring it up to £769.88. The motherboard will add a chunk to it, but I still have money to spare.

So, can anyone help me with the rest? Choosing a motherboard, maybe a different case/power supply, advantages of a GTX 560/SSD/1000000:1 contrast ratio screen?

1) Make sure your case can fit an ATX or mATX motherboard, whatever you go with
2) Make sure the 212+ can fit
3) Get a better PSU.

 

[Spectacular Dr Dawg]

To me 5 Hours is fine. Used to do overnight, but, eh.

Thanks. I've had it running for over 9 hours now and no errors so far.

 

[JayDub]

So Im selling my rig, how much does GAF think it should go for? I listed it at $2,000 but no one replied so I lowered it to 1600..is that a decent price?



Case: Coolmaster Storm Sniper
CPU: 3.4Ghz Intel i7 2600k
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V PRO
GPU: 2x GTX-580 (SLI)
RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengence 1600 MHz (4x 4GB)
DVD: Liteon 24x DVD-RW
PSU: Corsair AX-1200w
HDD: Seagate 2TB 7200RPM
OS: Windows 7 Profession (64 bit)

 

[Hazaro]

$1600 is a fair price. Usually you have to price the whole system lower and account for general used prices, so it seems about there.

 

[Gvaz]

Your roommate is correct. In general all a computer needs to do for a computer science major is run language compilers. You can't actually buy a new computer that can't do that.

No he meant in general, he was saying Dual Core+ processors are overkill. He's not even .00001% correct.

 

[T-Matt]

Here's my possible computer. No graphics card yet as I'm gonna wait a few weeks for that. Mostly going to be using it for recording music and general other stuff. Any suggestions?

CPU: AMD phenom II x4 840 59.99$ microcenter
Motherboard: GA-78LMT-S2P Socket AM3+ 760G 59.99$
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport Series 8GB DDR3-1333 44.99$
HD: Samsung f3 500gb 44.99$ or is the wd5000aakx in the op the better buy?
DVD: Samsung 22x 17.99$
Power supply: Corsair cx430 44.99$
Case: NZXT source 210 which I have already

 

[chewydogg]

Buy.com has a good deal on Intel 320 SSD 120gb:

$169.99 after rebate

 

[Wichu]

1) Make sure your case can fit an ATX or mATX motherboard, whatever you go with
2) Make sure the 212+ can fit
3) Get a better PSU.

I've decided to use a Coolermaster Elite 330 instead, which is quite a bit bigger. PSU-wise, I'm looking at the Antec Neo Eco.

I'm looking at motherboards at the moment, specifically the Asus P8Z68 and P8P67. Which one would you guys recommend? Also, what's the difference between the cheaper LE/LX versions and the normal versions? As far as I can see, it's just the lack of eSATA and fewer USB ports... Am I going to need those, or can I go for the cheaper versions?

Graphics-card wise, am I right in thinking 560Ti > 460 > 550Ti? I'm currently going for the 460.

 

[Hazaro]

Here's my possible computer. No graphics card yet as I'm gonna wait a few weeks for that. Mostly going to be using it for recording music and general other stuff. Any suggestions?

CPU: AMD phenom II x4 840 59.99$ microcenter
Motherboard: GA-78LMT-S2P Socket AM3+ 760G 59.99$
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport Series 8GB DDR3-1333 44.99$
HD: Samsung f3 500gb 44.99$ or is the wd5000aakx in the op the better buy?
DVD: Samsung 22x 17.99$
Power supply: Corsair cx430 44.99$
Case: NZXT source 210 which I have already

I'd take the F3, should be more reliable. That is one heck of a system for cheap.

I've decided to use a Coolermaster Elite 330 instead, which is quite a bit bigger. PSU-wise, I'm looking at the Antec Neo Eco.

I'm looking at motherboards at the moment, specifically the Asus P8Z68 and P8P67. Which one would you guys recommend? Also, what's the difference between the cheaper LE/LX versions and the normal versions? As far as I can see, it's just the lack of eSATA and fewer USB ports... Am I going to need those, or can I go for the cheaper versions?

Graphics-card wise, am I right in thinking 560Ti > 460 > 550Ti? I'm currently going for the 460.

Good choices. 460 is fine, just don't buy the SE version.

Z68 has more features and will probably work nicer with Ivy Bridge. The LE version of the P67 board doesn't allow for BIOS overclocking and that is pretty shameful. I think the Z68 board is fine.

The LE is fine for most normal users, I think this is what you lose, but you can go to asus.com and compare all the products there:

SLI Support(?), 1x PCIe 16x slot, 1x PCI Slot, eSata, Realtek Lan vs Intel Lan, Bluetooth, lower power design, 4+2 phase Vs 16 phase on V, some other features removed from there DIGI+ power management

The main thing is the power phases.

 

[Cyrix]

Ah. No problem then. If you don't feel comfortable then wait it out. The CX430W goes on sale after rebate for $25 occasionally so maybe look out for that.

Let me ask this How confident are you that my PSU could handle your gtx260?
Gimme a percentage.

 

[Mulligan]

So heres's my spec for my new gaming build, what ya'll think?

2nd Generation Intel® Core? i5 2500K 3.30GHz Socket LGA1155 - £162
Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - £135
Asus GeForce GTX 560Ti 830MHz 1GB PCI-Express HDMI - £165
Novatech PowerStation Black Edition 750W Silent ATX2 Modular Power Supply - £63
G.Skill Ripjaws-X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit - £12 (amazon vouchers)
Antec Kuhler H20 620 Water Cooler - £43
Samsung 1TB Spinpoint F3 7200rpm SATA 3Gb/s 32MB - £43
Total: £623

I'm looking to run the newest games maxed on a mid range budget, this look okay?

 

[Wichu]

Good choices. 460 is fine, just don't buy the SE version.

Z68 has more features and will probably work nicer with Ivy Bridge. The LE version of the P67 board doesn't allow for BIOS overclocking and that is pretty shameful. I think the Z68 board is fine.

The LE is fine for most normal users, I think this is what you lose, but you can go to asus.com and compare all the products there:

The main thing is the power phases.

According to the ASUS site, the only differences between LE and LX are that the LE has more USB ports, DVI-D, and a couple of extra free cables.

Spoiler

And also only supports memory with speeds in the kHz range, apparently

The LX is about 3/4 the price; I doubt I'm going to use the extra stuff, so I may as well go with that.

As for the monitor, I'm eyeing this one. It's a bit more expensive than the other monitors I'm considering, but it looks awesome. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions for a monitor?

 

[Hazaro]

Let me ask this How confident are you that my PSU could handle your gtx260?
Gimme a percentage.

80%? The only real question is how much wear on it, which shouldn't be that much.
I don't want to make you feel I'm forcing you into anything. If you don't feel comfortable don't do it, you'll just feel paranoid about it constantly. (Like when I ran a GTX 295 on my 520W + an overclock quad)

Also the 620W Neo ECO PSU is $35 AR (today only?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

So heres's my spec for my new gaming build, what ya'll think?

2nd Generation Intel® Core? i5 2500K 3.30GHz Socket LGA1155 - £162
Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - £135
Asus GeForce GTX 560Ti 830MHz 1GB PCI-Express HDMI - £165
Novatech PowerStation Black Edition 750W Silent ATX2 Modular Power Supply - £63
G.Skill Ripjaws-X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit - £12 (amazon vouchers)
Antec Kuhler H20 620 Water Cooler - £43
Samsung 1TB Spinpoint F3 7200rpm SATA 3Gb/s 32MB - £43
Total: £623

I'm looking to run the newest games maxed on a mid range budget, this look okay?

Looks fine to me. Novatech is still ok as it is similar to OCZ units iirc unless someone has more recent info.

As for the monitor, I'm eyeing this one. It's a bit more expensive than the other monitors I'm considering, but it looks awesome. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions for a monitor?

I have a Samsung monitor with a similar base and it transfers motion easily. Not a big deal, but just letting you know.

 

[Wichu]

Actually, I might just get a 6850 instead of a GTX 460. Roughly the same price, but better performance. The only problem is that I've heard ATI drivers are sometimes more buggy than nVidia ones...

 

[Hazaro]

Actually, I might just get a 6850 instead of a GTX 460. Roughly the same price, but better performance. The only problem is that I've heard ATI drivers are sometimes more buggy than nVidia ones...

Similar.
6870 prices are close so I'd get that instead if you are thinking AMD.

 

[InfectedZero]

Hey guys just ran into a blue screen earlier today. Something about the cache being mis-read/DMP. How do I go about getting the dmp to show so I can post its log? Thought I would try my GAF buds before I went to some PC Tech forum.

Windows error gave me this.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 1e
BCP1: 0000000000000000
BCP2: 0000000000000000
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: 0000000000000000
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\101011-23743-01.dmp
C:\Users\Adrian\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-44897-0.sysdata.xml

Read our privacy statement online:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=104288&clcid=0x0409

If the online privacy statement is not available, please read our privacy statement offline:
C:\Windows\system32\en-US\erofflps.txt

 

[Cyrix]

80%? The only real question is how much wear on it, which shouldn't be that much.
I don't want to make you feel I'm forcing you into anything. If you don't feel comfortable don't do it, you'll just feel paranoid about it constantly. (Like when I ran a GTX 295 on my 520W + an overclock quad)

Also the 620W Neo ECO PSU is $35 AR (today only?)

I don't feel like you're forcing me I'm just trying to use the full breadth of your expertise.
That's a good deal on that PSU, and it's really tempting, I'm just short on extra cash this month and I think I could scrap together enough cash for the PSU or the GPU but I dont know if I could do both as much as I'd like to.

 

[Mulligan]

Yeah i heard it was based on OCZ. It has 3 year warranty, good reviews and Novatech are great with the quality of their own brand products so it's a steal really.

 

[Wichu]

So I've put together a final-ish configuration.

Processor: i5 2500k
Graphics: HIS Radeon HD 6870
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB
Storage: 1TB Samsung HD103SJ hard disk, 64GB Crucial RealSSD M4
Case: Coolermaster Elite 330
Cooling: Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus
Power supply: 520W Antec Neo Eco
Monitor: Samsung B2230H 22"
Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech MK120 (not really fussed about this; as long as it works)

Total, including shipping: £815.39

More expensive than I had planned, but also more capable. Opinions before I commit to it?

 

[Hazaro]

So I've put together a final-ish configuration.

Processor: i5 2500k
Graphics: HIS Radeon HD 6870
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB
Storage: 1TB Samsung HD103SJ hard disk, 64GB Crucial RealSSD M4
Case: Coolermaster Elite 330
Cooling: Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus
Power supply: 520W Antec Neo Eco
Monitor: Samsung B2230H 22"
Keyboard/Mouse: Logitech MK120 (not really fussed about this; as long as it works)

Total, including shipping: £815.39

More expensive than I had planned, but also more capable. Opinions before I commit to it?

Wait 2-9 days for AMD's Bulldozer benchmarks
Otherwise it looks great.

 

[Wichu]

From what I've read in the Bulldozer thread, it doesn't sound like it will be all that great. But sure, I can wait

 

[ombz]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but why does steam play games in 1:1 when I set the resolution lower?

 

[Wolf Akela]

What do you mean 1:1? Which games?

 

[ss_lemonade]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but why does steam play games in 1:1 when I set the resolution lower?

Isn't that a task for your gpu/monitor?

 

[ombz]

Isn't that a task for your gpu/monitor?

Oh thank you, I didn't realize my monitor was set to 1:1.

 

[Spasm]

I've been out of the loop for a while, can anyone recomend the best video card in the ~$250 range? I'm thinking maybe HD6950? My HD4870 just died though, and I think maybe I want to try nVidia again.

 

[Hazaro]

I've been out of the loop for a while, can anyone recomend the best video card in the ~$250 range? I'm thinking maybe HD6950? My HD4870 just died though, and I think maybe I want to try nVidia again.

6950 or 570

 

[dejay]

Thanks to this thread I've ordered some bits. I picked up a case and the SSD today, the rest should hopefully arrive at work tomorrow. It will be a shame to retire my old case, because it's lasted through at least three or four major upgrades and I put in a lot of work customising it back in the day. But I tire of the gaudiness of it and have opted for the Fractal Design R3, a company I never heard of before reading the OP (seriously). I'm going for smart yet unobtrusive - a monolithic slab of minimalism. I'm also going for as quiet as possible, since I've been working next to a hoover for the last two years and it's driving me nuts. Funny how expensive PSUs seem to last 12 months + 1 day and cheap but noisy replacement PSUs last forever.

Anyway, it's basically a new system - the only things I'll be taking over are my GTX460, my DVD burner and a couple of HDDs. I can't believe how cheap RAM is - I'm getting 16GB just for novelty value. This will be my first 64bit machine also - I never felt the need for one before but I think it's time. I'll see how it goes with games and I'll upgrade my GPU some time down the track if I feel the need.

 

[CoolS]

Hey guys. Finally want to go back into PC gaming after haven't really done anything the last 3 years since I got my notebook which is starting to show its age now sadly. Since I'm going to have some extra money by next month I decided I'm going to build my own desktop.

Looked around this thread and some other sites and started to put together a preliminary system. But first for the questions.

Your Current Specs: Not worth mentioning because I only have a laptop
Budget: 700-800€ for the machine alone, will look for the monitor seperately, Germany
Main Use: basically all my work for my studies, as well as gaming and Wii emulation. If possible, I want to be able to play all modern games right now with high setting and a good framerate
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: I definitely want to play games like Battlefield 3
When will you build?: Sometime in November
Will you be overclocking?: Never thought about it, but yes if it's not dangerous.


So, what I came up with so far is this:

Intel Core i5-2500K, 4x 3.30GHz, boxed
PNY GeForce GTX 570, 1.25GB GDDR5
ASRock P67 Pro3, P67 (B3) (dual PC3-10667U DDR3)
Sharkoon Rebel9 Economy
2xScythe Slip Stream 120x120x25mm, 800rpm
Antec High Current Gamer HCG-520, 520W ATX 2.3
Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto DIMM Kit 8GB PC3-10667U CL9-9-9-24 (DDR3-1333)
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1000GB, SATA II (HD103SJ)
LG Electronics GH22NS50 schwarz, SATA, bulk

With that I am at 741€ at the moment. I really want a SSD as well though and probably a different CPU fan down the road.

What do you guys think about that? Any suggestions to make it cheaper/better etc.?

 

[Prodigal]

So right now I'm rockin' a 500w PSU with an i-2500k, gtx 260 and 8 gigs of ram. Are there any GPU's I could upgrade to (that would be a pretty significant upgrade) that wouldn't be too much for my PSU?

 

[garath]

So right now I'm rockin' a 500w PSU with an i-2500k, gtx 260 and 8 gigs of ram. Are there any GPU's I could upgrade to (that would be a pretty significant upgrade) that wouldn't be too much for my PSU?

Depending on the quality of the 500w PSU, you should be ok to upgrade to a 560ti with no issues.

 

[Prodigal]

Depending on the quality of the 500w PSU, you should be ok to upgrade to a 560ti with no issues.

Mine is the FSP Blue Storm, this thing I think.