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"I need a New PC!" 2012 Thread. 22nm+28nm, Tri-Gate, and reading the OP. [Part 1]

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C

Coldsnap

Member
I wana kiss whoever recommended me a coolmaster storm. First mechanical keyboard and it is soooooo nice. No more of my shitty logitech loosing connection mid battle.

a2445c1d.jpg
 
A

Adent

Can't manage for sh!t
I didn't buy any Thermal Paste. Should I worry about it? I didn't use it on the last computer I built either cuz it looked like the heat sink had a thermal pad already on it. I installed a i5 3570 with the stock cooler.
 
C

clav

Member
Adent said:
I didn't buy any Thermal Paste. Should I worry about it? I didn't use it on the last computer I built either cuz it looked like the heat sink had a thermal pad already on it. I installed a i5 3570 with the stock cooler.
Click to expand...

If your idle temperatures are at 50-60 degrees, then you'll need new paste.

Personally, I like using aftermarket thermal paste as that is in my building computer parts list.
 
R

riceandbeans

Member
ArecxP said:
I'll do some testing when I get home with the side panel off. Otherwise, I think I'm going to buy a new cooler.
Click to expand...

If it's a new computer, you may need to let the thermal paste burn in which could take a good while. But it could be a combination of things: bad mount, poor airflow, mediocre thermal paste, poorly spread paste, etc. For OC'ing, a 120mm heatsink instead of the 92mm you already have may be a better choice if you can fit it in your case.
 
R

RedSwirl

Junior Member
mkenyon said:
Yeah. Don't upgrade unless performance isn't meeting your expectations. A lot of this is really subjective too, like I need every game to run at 120fps, where others would be happy with 30fps (I call them crazies). If you're fine, just wait until Haswell and 7xx nvidia or 8xxx amd.
Click to expand...

How about upgrading most of the system this year and then upgrading the GPU next year? CPU and RAM requirements for games aren't really gonna change all that much in the next 12 months are they?
 
M

mkenyon

Banned
RedSwirl said:
How about upgrading most of the system this year and then upgrading the GPU next year? CPU and RAM requirements for games aren't really gonna change all that much in the next 12 months are they?
Click to expand...
Well, I think they might actually. Right now, the main deal is that games which are CPU bound are because the games in specific like 1 or 2 really speedy threads/cores. As a result of this, the 2500K has stayed the preeminent powerhouse in price:performance. With UE4 and a host of 'next gen' games right around the corner, I think we might end up seeing more engines encoded to be 'n-threaded', which means that they will be able to use as many cores as possible. It depends on what the dev kits for the new consoles are. This one factor might make an i7 a much better long term pick than the i5, but this is entirely speculation.
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow
 
purvispisgah

purvispisgah

Member
purvispisgah said:
So GAF, I bought the following components about 3 years ago (on GAF recommendation of course):

  • 1 x Rosewill R901-P BK Triple 120mm Cooling Fan, Mesh Design Front Panel, ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
  • 1 x ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
  • 1 x HIS H489F1GP Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
  • 1 x Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
  • 1 x AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor HDZ720WFGIBOX
  • 1 x G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
  • 1 x ASUS VH222H Black 21.5" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
  • 1 x Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
  • 1 x LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP20 - OEM


I'm now looking to make a few upgrades. First, I would like to switch to an HTPC case. Looking at Newegg, there seems to be a big price difference between the Lian Li cases and others. Is there a big difference? Is Lian Li that much better? I don't have any particular preferences regarding size, but it needs to hold at least as big a videocard as what I currently have (4890) and I would like for it to be black.

Next, I'd like to get an SSD. I'm thinking that 128GB is probably the sweet spot. If I get a 64GB I might have to end up doing a little more file management than I would like. 256 seems much too large, especially given the price. Are there specific brands and/or features I should be considering when looking at SSDs?

The final two upgrades are optional: processor and GPU. I have been extremely happy with this system over the last three years and I don't play a ton of really graphically intense games, but the extra horsepower would probably be nice for Metro 2033, Crysis titles, and newer games like Witcher 2 when I get around to playing them. As for the processor, I would really like to stick with something AMD as I don't want to have to change my motherboard as well. I know that the GPU is far more important for games than the processor, but will my current processor hold me back, especially if I upgrade the GPU?

Finally, what do people recommend as far as wireless M/KB is concerned? I am going to be using this setup on a couch exclusively.

I am looking to spend no more the $500 for everything, though I could be convinced to spend a little more if people are persuasive. I look forward to responses and appreciate everyone's' time. This thread is really great.
Click to expand...

I never did get any responses on this. Any help would be great.

Additionally, any pointers on what kind of T.V. I should be looking for to complete this comfy couch gaming PC? My budget there is probably ~$1000

I'm still kicking myself for not jumping on that Samsung 128GB SSD at Newegg today. Got caught up at work and it was gone. Curses.
 
I

_Isaac

Member
The_Technomancer said:
Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow
Click to expand...

So you were able to start up and install windows without that other power cord plugged in? Mine needed two as well, but it told me to connect it as soon as the BIOS tried to start up. Also the manual for the gtx670 sucks. The instructions are basically "Put in the card. Connect the wires." I was expecting so much more detail. :p
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
_Isaac said:
So you were able to start up and install windows without that other power cord plugged in? Mine needed two as well, but it told me to connect it as soon as the BIOS tried to start up. Also the manual for the gtx670 sucks. The instructions are basically "Put in the card. Connect the wires." I was expecting so much more detail. :p
Click to expand...

Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.
 
I

_Isaac

Member
The_Technomancer said:
Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.
Click to expand...

I saw guide suggesting you put together the necessary stuff outside of the case first, and then turn it on to check if everything is all right. That way it'll be easier to straighten out the problem since you haven't put it in the cramped case yet.
 
S

Shambles

Member
The_Technomancer said:
Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.
Click to expand...

Does your GPU come with a 2xmolex to 6-pin PCIE adapter? I don't think that's a PCIE power plug you're looking at. If it's 4+4 it's probably the CPU power connection. Your power supply might only have one six pin PCIE connection.
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
Shambles said:
Does your GPU come with a 2xmolex to 6-pin PCIE adapter? I don't think that's a PCIE power plug you're looking at. If it's 4+4 it's probably the CPU power connection. Your power supply might only have one six pin PCIE connection.
Click to expand...

Some guy on a google search also said that my GPU should have come with that adapter (6870) but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere in the box.
 
M

mkenyon

Banned
purvispisgah said:
I never did get any responses on this. Any help would be great.

1) Additionally, any pointers on what kind of T.V. I should be looking for to complete this comfy couch gaming PC? My budget there is probably ~$1000
Click to expand...
2) I'm now looking to make a few upgrades. First, I would like to switch to an HTPC case. Looking at Newegg, there seems to be a big price difference between the Lian Li cases and others. Is there a big difference? Is Lian Li that much better? I don't have any particular preferences regarding size, but it needs to hold at least as big a videocard as what I currently have (4890) and I would like for it to be black.

3) Next, I'd like to get an SSD. I'm thinking that 128GB is probably the sweet spot. If I get a 64GB I might have to end up doing a little more file management than I would like. 256 seems much too large, especially given the price. Are there specific brands and/or features I should be considering when looking at SSDs?

4) The final two upgrades are optional: processor and GPU. As for the processor, I would really like to stick with something AMD as I don't want to have to change my motherboard as well. I know that the GPU is far more important for games than the processor, but will my current processor hold me back, especially if I upgrade the GPU?

5) Finally, what do people recommend as far as wireless M/KB is concerned? I am going to be using this setup on a couch exclusively.
Click to expand...
1) Low input lag, a search on AVS Forum should give you some results. The TV thread on GAF as well might have some good answers. Just don't say specifically LCD or Plasma, or you may cause a new world war.

2) They're made entirely from aluminum, insane QC standards, and peerless fit and finish. The latter two don't really help in any way other than aesthetics if that's important to you. The Fractal Design Node 605 should be hitting shelves within a few months, should be right around $100, and is really nice.

Node605_front-angle-view_lores.jpg


Node605_nocover-rear-perspective_lores.jpg


3) I agree. Crucial M4, Corsair Force GT, Samsung 830. Reliability and customer service are more important than anything really, and these are the three you want for that.

4) No place for you to go really without doing a motherboard/ram/proc. The videocard is an option. Yes, your processor will hold you back in games where the CPU matters, but it won't in games where it doesn't. Unreal Engine, Civ V, SC2, and a host of games will not net you as high of a gain as others would by a videocard update. Reasons are in the first post on this page. You can get by, but you'll want to do the upgrade within a year I'd venture. In the meantime, you can overclock for some extra power for free.

5) No idea. I'll let others chime in.
RedSwirl said:
Okay see, I'd like to know what the actual difference is between a 6850 and 7850? They're like the same level but separated by a year right?
Click to expand...
Check the link to find out.
couldn't help myself on this one
 
I

IcyRhythms

Member
Really would like to upgrade to a new MOBO and drop my 570 for a 670 and another one for SLI down the road. Just wish I knew how long the setup would last given my 8GB RAM and 2600K
 
M

MrBig

Member
Ceebs said:
That is sexy as hell.
Click to expand...

Except for that huge logo on the front. I tried to find a Fractal logo on my R3 and couldn't find one at all. I love it when companies are proud enough of their products to not put logos on them, especially when it's something other people will see.
 
B

buhdeh

Member
The_Technomancer said:
Some guy on a google search also said that my GPU should have come with that adapter (6870) but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere in the box.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure they come with almost every card now. My 7770 OC only requires one 6pin connector and it still came with a converter. It's probably only a few bucks to buy one anyways.
 
M

mkenyon

Banned
MrBig said:
Except for that huge logo on the front. I tried to find a Fractal logo on my R3 and couldn't find one at all. I love it when companies are proud enough of their products to not put logos on them, especially when it's something other people will see.
Click to expand...
Agreed, it's surprising to me that they put it that huge on the front in such contrasting color. The sugar cube trick would probably fix it, but come on. I think that's pictures of the prototype, might want the big bold logo to keep people remembering during something as insane as computex. We'll see.
 
L

Le-mo

Member
Ok, Gaf. I need your help. I'm trying to help a friend install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit on his Vaio laptop (VGN-FZ340E) and I can't get it to boot from the CD. I went into the Bios and set the boot priority to the CD drive to no avail. I even tried to run it from my computer and it still won't load. I checked to see if the CD drive was disabled somehow, but it is not. Is there anything else I can do? He is currently running Windows 7 Starter.
 
J

JayDub

Member
So after drooling over the m-ITX build, and realizing that im unwilling to wait for the GTX 690..I tried to itemize a standard ATX build. Tell me what you guys think, suggestions, pick it apart..etc. Not going for an SSD as I don't want to fiddle with configuring which programs go to which drive and all that good stuff. i have always hated dealing with multiple drives in my systems. I love the speed, but I'll wait until I can get 512GB for about $200. Maybe in a couple of years. Anyways, here we go:

Case: NZXT Phantom 410
Mobo: Asrock Extreme 4, Z77
CPU: Intel 3570K
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb (4x4)
GPU: EVGA GTX 670 SLI
HDD: Samsung F3 Spinpoint 1TB
PSU: Corsair AX 850
DVD Drive: Samsung DVD-RW
OS: Windows 7 Professional
PCI wifi card
4 140mm Corsair fans
3 120mm Corsair fans

Will come out to over $2600 after tax and shipping..

I want to order 4 140mm fans to do a push/pull setup for the H100, any idea if I have the clearance for that on the Phantom 410 case? 2 fan on the exterior, rad+2fans on the interior. Also, exhaust or intake for the H100? Heat rises up, but all the Corsair material recommends it to exhaust.

Also, is Home Premium sufficient for a primarily gaming PC?
 
I

irishcow

Member
Does anyone have any ideas on how to organize computer cables? The cables around my desk are pretty crazy. Whats the best way to go about doing it? Anything I can buy that will help? Thanks.
 
L

LordAlu

Member
Le-mo said:
Ok, Gaf. I need your help. I'm trying to help a friend install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit on his Vaio laptop (VGN-FZ340E) and I can't get it to boot from the CD. I went into the Bios and set the boot priority to the CD drive to no avail. I even tried to run it from my computer and it still won't load. I checked to see if the CD drive was disabled somehow, but it is not. Is there anything else I can do? He is currently running Windows 7 Starter.
Click to expand...
What happens if you go to the BIOS and set it to only load from CD (i.e. remove all other boot options like the hard drive and so on)? Does it even try to spin up the CD?
 
K

kitch9

Banned
The_Technomancer said:
Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow
Click to expand...

The 8pin will be for the cpu surely?
 
K

kitch9

Banned
JayDub said:
So after drooling over the m-ITX build, and realizing that im unwilling to wait for the GTX 690..I tried to itemize a standard ATX build. Tell me what you guys think, suggestions, pick it apart..etc. Not going for an SSD as I don't want to fiddle with configuring which programs go to which drive and all that good stuff. i have always hated dealing with multiple drives in my systems. I love the speed, but I'll wait until I can get 512GB for about $200. Maybe in a couple of years. Anyways, here we go:

Case: NZXT Phantom 410
Mobo: Asrock Extreme 4, Z77
CPU: Intel 3570K
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb (4x4)
GPU: EVGA GTX 670 SLI
HDD: Samsung F3 Spinpoint 1TB
PSU: Corsair AX 850
DVD Drive: Samsung DVD-RW
OS: Windows 7 Professional
PCI wifi card
4 140mm Corsair fans
3 120mm Corsair fans

Will come out to over $2600 after tax and shipping..

I want to order 4 140mm fans to do a push/pull setup for the H100, any idea if I have the clearance for that on the Phantom 410 case? 2 fan on the exterior, rad+2fans on the interior. Also, exhaust or intake for the H100? Heat rises up, but all the Corsair material recommends it to exhaust.

Also, is Home Premium sufficient for a primarily gaming PC?
Click to expand...

My advice get a small 60gb fast ssd and run it as a cache for your hdd via Intel RST. No messing about with where to install your programs and the speed is amazing for all your data.
 
J

JayDub

Member
kitch9 said:
My advice get a small 60gb fast ssd and run it as a cache for your hdd via Intel RST. No messing about with where to install your programs and the speed is amazing for all your data.
Click to expand...

Only 60gb? That will be sufficient? I need to research this.
 
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