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"I need a New PC!" 2012 Thread. Ivy, SSDs, and reading the OP. [Part 2]
- Thread starter Hazaro
- Start date
- Status
Hi guys, looking to build a new machine (first time from scratch, have installed each component separately in the past though).
I've filled out the questions below, so any suggestions would be great.
My current PC is OK, it seems to play most games that I buy Ok, handles most of what I want to do, but really struggles with video editing.
I'm not a professional, but I do enjoy it quite a bit so I want this new PC to be able to handle video quite well.
Besides gaming and video editing, I am starting to dabble in 3D modelling, and do illustration/design work as well.
My budget might be higher than what I need, but I have set the money aside so I might as well build something to the best of what I can afford.
Thanks for any help! Questions answered below:
Your Current Specs: INTEL QUAD CORE Q8200 / DDR2 4GB (tho 32bit) / GIGABYTE EP43 Series /1GB GEFORCE 9600GT / 500W P4 ATX HUNTKEY
Budget: $1500 - $2000AUD Australia
Main Use: Gaming 5, Emulation (PS2/Wii) 5, Video Editing 5, HD Streaming 3, 3D work 4, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) 5.
Monitor Resolution: Will require 2 new monitors though may not get these until later, or just get one for now depending on budget.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Nothing too intense really - SSFIV:AE, Sleeping Dogs, SFxTekken, Walking Dead, Arkham City, Sims 3 - 60FPS would be nice. Would love to be able to play Dolphin as well.
Looking to reuse any parts?: WD 500GB SATA HDD, WD 2TB SATA HDD (General downloads and crap)
When will you build? No rush to get this done but would like it in the next month or so.
Will you be overclocking?: No...
I've filled out the questions below, so any suggestions would be great.
My current PC is OK, it seems to play most games that I buy Ok, handles most of what I want to do, but really struggles with video editing.
I'm not a professional, but I do enjoy it quite a bit so I want this new PC to be able to handle video quite well.
Besides gaming and video editing, I am starting to dabble in 3D modelling, and do illustration/design work as well.
My budget might be higher than what I need, but I have set the money aside so I might as well build something to the best of what I can afford.
Thanks for any help! Questions answered below:
Your Current Specs: INTEL QUAD CORE Q8200 / DDR2 4GB (tho 32bit) / GIGABYTE EP43 Series /1GB GEFORCE 9600GT / 500W P4 ATX HUNTKEY
Budget: $1500 - $2000AUD Australia
Main Use: Gaming 5, Emulation (PS2/Wii) 5, Video Editing 5, HD Streaming 3, 3D work 4, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) 5.
Monitor Resolution: Will require 2 new monitors though may not get these until later, or just get one for now depending on budget.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Nothing too intense really - SSFIV:AE, Sleeping Dogs, SFxTekken, Walking Dead, Arkham City, Sims 3 - 60FPS would be nice. Would love to be able to play Dolphin as well.
Looking to reuse any parts?: WD 500GB SATA HDD, WD 2TB SATA HDD (General downloads and crap)
When will you build? No rush to get this done but would like it in the next month or so.
Will you be overclocking?: No...
ShinobiFist
Banned
Just built my brother a new i5/660ti PC and picked up an Asus DirectCU gtx670 for myself
Brothers been buying a bunch of Steam games from the sales, can't wait to see his reaction (he's always been a console gamer)
Thats a great card right there and setup overall. He's going to really enjoy playing most of majority of games maxed out. Good time to be a PC gamer.
Any particular reason you don't want to overclock? You can get to 4.2-4.5ghz by changing two values in BIOS..
Since you have an interest in video, for your processor I'd start by looking at the 3770k. This will give you 4 cores and 8 threads which will help you out in editing. If you want a little more you could step up to the 3930k which will give you 6 cores and 12 threads. The 3930k is really built for what you're looking to do, however it is on a different socket than the 3770k and is more expensive. Would recommend 16GB of RAM either way though.
I was serious about wanting your old parts.
Also go for the 3930. You know you want it.
RumblingRosco
Member
Thanks for the info. I looked into what you said and see other sources agreeing with you. Also, I see some places suggesting that CPUs don't completely idle in the BIOS, don't always fully utilize their ability to lower power consumption, and in general don't measure temperature completely accuracy (erroring on the "hotter than actual" side), so I think I should be a-okay. I'll get Speedfan or Realtemp or Coretemp up and verify things soon.
Dreams-Visions
Member
do you have an external 2.5" HDD enclosure? If so, put them in that and test them on another computer just to make sure they can be seen.
It's unlikely that the PSU somehow killed them, but that's the best way to find out.
Thanks for the post that was a big help. If I were to overclock, besides the BIOS is there anything else I need to do? Just buy a decent CPU cooler?
Main reason I wasn't looking to overclock was pure ignorance in what is involved. When I first heard of overclocking years ago it sounded like a risky thing to do, which is probably not the case anymore.
Its really quite easy with a good guide. I just OCed my i5-750 from 2.6 to 3.8. Took me maybe 5 minutes total.
Well, shit, I just noticed that my Sapphire 7950 that I just ordered doesn't seem to have the free games deal attached to it now. Did that deal just end or something?
Half the reason I wanted that card was for the games...
So tonight I notice that the game coupons are BACK on the Radeon cards at Newegg. I just sent an e-mail to Customer Support in the vain hope they can get me one of them to go with my 7950.
Pfft. It's not that bad. It's not a 12 point screw backplate system, but it's retail cost and cools like a mofo.
Most studios TMK almost exclusively use nVidia, so I doubt it.
Take your data drive and set it aside while you are working on getting your OS drive ready. It most likely is all recoverable if you need the info.
What is your PSU/Mobo?
Are the SATA ports enabled in the BIOS? Is RAID enabled?
Does reinstalling the chipset adapter in Windows show the drives? Does Disk Management show the drives?
It's also possible the partitions got wiped and you need to restore them.
Just built my brother a new i5/660ti PC and picked up an Asus DirectCU gtx670 for myself
Brothers been buying a bunch of Steam games from the sales, can't wait to see his reaction (he's always been a console gamer)
Start with the Enthusiast build. See what you can't find in AUS and report back.
You want to overclock to get full speed on some emulators.
Labombadog
Member
I fixed my flickering issue.
I uninstalled CCC Manager.
Uninstalled MSI Afterburner.
Uninstalled .Net Framework 4.
Restarted the computer.
Re installed .Net Framework 4.
Installed the latest AMD drivers 12.10.
Restarted the computer and voila. Not sure if MSI Afterburner was the issue but I figured I would try.
Edit: I figured I would ask here. I plan on buying a 3D monitor to do some 3D gaming soon. Any monitor that is recommended? Also do AMD users still have to use third party drivers for 3D?
Was planning to pick up this monitor.
I uninstalled CCC Manager.
Uninstalled MSI Afterburner.
Uninstalled .Net Framework 4.
Restarted the computer.
Re installed .Net Framework 4.
Installed the latest AMD drivers 12.10.
Restarted the computer and voila. Not sure if MSI Afterburner was the issue but I figured I would try.
Edit: I figured I would ask here. I plan on buying a 3D monitor to do some 3D gaming soon. Any monitor that is recommended? Also do AMD users still have to use third party drivers for 3D?
Was planning to pick up this monitor.
DrForester
Kills Photobucket
Reviews sound solid. Bought.
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
The newer GPU's coming in 2014, will they use a new socket? I know memory will get faster but I hate to think of having to upgrade my MB/CPU so soon just to support a new GPU. I would assume that we will be getting PCIe 3.0 variants like the old AGP->PCIe migration?
I'm looking into getting a 690 or 7990 and that PSU would suffice as well. Will keep that in my PC bookmarks for future use.
I'm looking into getting a 690 or 7990 and that PSU would suffice as well. Will keep that in my PC bookmarks for future use.
Domcorleone
Member
Ok so take out my original ssd with windows 8 out of the comp?
My mobo is a MSI p67a-gd65 and my psu is a corsair 850w. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009
So you know, both ssds are detected by the computer if the sata cable from the psu is attached as well as the sata going to the mobo, that wasn't the case before. When tried to get the Samsung ssd to work when it wasn't being detected by the comp or windows I attached the psu sata cable as was shown in the instruction picture that came with the ssd and that is when it seems the other problems with the other drives started. What did I do?
The sata ports are enabled as IDE in the bios. But when I look ata the system status it shows every sata port connection as "not present" except the network adapter and the ODD.
How do I reinstall the chipset adapter? If by disk management you mean the screen in the bios section that show you your status of your ports it then it shows nothing except the ODD. How wold I restore the partitions?
I tried even clearing the CMOS and still no dice, drives only show up if psu sata is attached but still it does not allow me to boot to windows with my original ssd instead it brings me to " please select a drive to boot from press any key when ready". Even when I try to repair via windows cd it does pny show the drives unless the psu sata is connected and even then it says it cannot restore the drive with windows because it is locked.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm devastated right now
Set them to AHCI.
All variants of PCI-E are forwards and backwards compatible. The only thing that changes is the amount of bandwidth. Think 10/100/1000mpbs ethernet.
Are you comfortable with creating your own SLI/Crossfire profiles? Do you enjoy tinkering with lots of settings to get things to work as they should? If the answer to either of these is no, avoid the 690 and 7990.
Azure Dream
Member
Just a small update from my last posting, including the change in processor and motherboard. I also went to look at my case in person, and sadly I was not impressed. Too flimsy, too cheap-looking on the front. Maybe because it was a demo model it didn't look the best it could, but I've decided to figure out something else. Temporarily picked one for the parts list I found I was okay with, but going to look around more before deciding.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/uP7M
Total: $1417.74 (With $95 in additional rebates if I finish buying by 12/30
That's a lot closer to my budget, I'm pretty happy with the price. Now it's just a matter of making sure I'm happy with all the parts, and that they'll work together nicely.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/uP7M
- CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor $189.99 ($19.99 2 Year Replacement Plan, yeah, I know...) *Bought*
- CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler $29.98
- Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $94.99 (Not Including -$15.00 MIR) *Bought*
- Memory: Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $39.99
- SSD: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk $119.99
- Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card $417.99 (Not Including -$20.00 MIR)
- Case: Antec P280 ATX Mid Tower Case $99.99
- Power Supply: OCZ ZT 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply $109.99 (Not Including -$20.00 MIR)
- Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer $74.86 (Not Including -$20.00 MIR)
- Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor $139.99 (Not Including -$20.00 MIR) (This is purely a step up from the ASUS VH236H, correct?)
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) [Ideally around ~$80 if I can find it]
I just saw Windows 8 Pro on sale at Meijer of all places for $69.99 last night. Stared at that for a bit.
Total: $1417.74 (With $95 in additional rebates if I finish buying by 12/30
That's a lot closer to my budget, I'm pretty happy with the price. Now it's just a matter of making sure I'm happy with all the parts, and that they'll work together nicely.
What's the best way to store steam games so they'll load at good times?
I have a 3 TB external hard drive that uses USB 3, and i partitioned 1.1 TB of it for steam games on a NTFS partition. It's USB 3.0 and my motherboard has USB 3.0 ports, but it seems like that wouldn't be good? So what's a good way to do it?
I have a 3 TB external hard drive that uses USB 3, and i partitioned 1.1 TB of it for steam games on a NTFS partition. It's USB 3.0 and my motherboard has USB 3.0 ports, but it seems like that wouldn't be good? So what's a good way to do it?
Ok, asked this a couple pages back but didn't get a response, so apologies for clogging up the thread with it again.
I got this monitor for christmas -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A3KFB8/?tag=neogaf0e-20
(Viewsonic 27" 1080p LED)
It's got a dead pixel. I'm wondering if I should exchange it for the same monitor (I like it otherwise), or if there's a better one in the price range - I'll spend up to $350. Any ideas? Main purpose of the monitor is gaming of course.
I got this monitor for christmas -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A3KFB8/?tag=neogaf0e-20
(Viewsonic 27" 1080p LED)
It's got a dead pixel. I'm wondering if I should exchange it for the same monitor (I like it otherwise), or if there's a better one in the price range - I'll spend up to $350. Any ideas? Main purpose of the monitor is gaming of course.
I'd probably swap your PSU for this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088
Much more respected brand, 80+ Gold and if you're using a single GPU more than enough power.
If you weren't happy with the NZXT build quality, I'd say pass on the Antec. If you want well built and quiet, check out the Fractal Define R4 or BitFenix Ghost. If you want something that is just really nice with lots of options, check out the Lian Li PC-7HX, Fractal Arc Midi, and CoolerMaster 690II.
I've just about finished up with a BitFenix Ghost review, and I'm pretty pleased with it. The Define R4 has this intangible thing that just makes me like it more, maybe because it's just heavier or more solid. But really, it's a toss up between the two when it comes to $100 quiet cases.
As others have pointed out, I'd pass on that OCZ PSU. The Seasonic linked above is a stupid good PSU. I'm not kidding when I say that between myself and my friend (who swap parts back and forth with), we have 5 of those X650s. I use one on my test bench as well. Best PSU ever.
Get this 670 instead.
Not on an external drive
You could open up your external drive enclosure and just pull out the HDD, put it into your system.
120hz. Samsung S23A700/750/950D, BenQ XL2420T, ASUS 120hz.
---------------------------------------------------
*edit*
Some pretty good deals on a few Lian Li cases on the egg right now. The V700 is a pretty unique case that can fit full ATX builds in mATX form factor. My V700 is currently hosting a file server with 7 HDDs, previously held my full on gaming machine. I paid $230 for this guy day one, now it is $135 for the window/black interior version, and $112 for the standard black exterior/silver interior version.
Next to the 600T
So, I just overclocked my i5-750 to 3.7 from 2.6 and it's great. I'm using a 185 bus speed and a 20x multiplier. Though, I have a couple of questions!
- The CPU doesn't downclock itself anymore. It stays at 3.7 even if there is nothing running. It makes the fan on the Hyper212 somewhat spazzy as it's revving up and down at random moments. Anything I can do about that?
- I have half a second of screen flicker when I login. It seems to be related to the Windows login screen. Never had an issue anywhere else. Should I worry about that or just ignore it?
- Vcore voltage : I have the P55a-Ud4p and I let the MB handle the voltage. I've read and that it slightly overvolts the CPU. Any danger in that? Could it be related to the screen flicker?
- The CPU doesn't downclock itself anymore. It stays at 3.7 even if there is nothing running. It makes the fan on the Hyper212 somewhat spazzy as it's revving up and down at random moments. Anything I can do about that?
- I have half a second of screen flicker when I login. It seems to be related to the Windows login screen. Never had an issue anywhere else. Should I worry about that or just ignore it?
- Vcore voltage : I have the P55a-Ud4p and I let the MB handle the voltage. I've read and that it slightly overvolts the CPU. Any danger in that? Could it be related to the screen flicker?
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
The answer is no lol
Not that I'm unwilling but it's really up in the air. I can try and splurge on 2 7970's and am looking at 2 680's BUT my MB says on CF so until I try it out, I won't know. Others have said SLI works even if the MB doesn't specify so that's one of the main reasons I'm not looking at 2 680's more seriously.
Thanks!
120hz 27" monitors are over my price range but I'm thinking of splurging....now I'm looking at this one:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00906HM6K/?tag=neogaf0e-20
I rarely ever get over 60fps in any of my games, so does the increased refresh rate still matter?
Also, I have an HD7870, but all the 3D stuff for that monitor says Nvidia. Could I still eventually buy a 3D kit with the glasses that will work with my AMD card + this monitor? I'm not *that* interested in 3D though.
Finally, refresh rates aside, do you the general IQ be better on this than the one I have? (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A3KFB8/?tag=neogaf0e-20)
Thanks for your help
Not on an external drive
You could open up your external drive enclosure and just pull out the HDD, put it into your system.
I bought a 7200 RPM WD Blue 1 TB Drive, considering it will more than likely house my games, while keeping my music etc on my external, would load times be shit?
I hope not! I haven't tried ocing yet, but head and noise is good so far.
I have Realtek Optical Out selected. No option for SPDIF.
Anyone know where I can find the above product in Canada (or an equivalent)? I'm striking out.
Thanks.
So you understand, a 690 = two 680s on one piece of PCB, and 7990 = two 7970s on one piece of PCB. In either case, you are going to be dealing with SLI and Crossfire profiles.
Just get a single card, and then upgrade it two years down the road.
How about this one?.
I think 27" 1080p monitors degrade IQ. The pixels are so huge! In general, Samsung>ASUS>BenQ when it comes to colors of the best 120hz monitors.
If you aren't getting over 60fps, you probably either have vsync on, or you just need to turn down a few options to get there.
It'll be golden. Though "shit" is very subjective in this case.
No. The size and fan options make it a better cooled system than a lot of mid towers. The stock fans are meh on airflow, but nice and quiet, and will suit most systems just fine. If you are unhappy with the temps/airflow, grab an extra fan or two, or replace them entirely.
itx boards only have a single expansion slot. You can't add a card if you already have a video card.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teaser pic from the Ghost Review:
Yeah, hence the product n0n44m suggested. It is external. Problem is I can't find it!
Infinite Justice
Member
Wanted to build a PC in a black and orange combo with this mainboard, this case and with some water cooling with orange tubes and other parts in orange/black.
Problem is, that PC part picker says, that the mainboard isn't compatible with this case and now I have to choose an other.
My question is, if somebody knows an other PC case, which looks similar to the Cougar Solution?
And by the way, from were are you guys ordering your water cooling parts, like tubes, reservoir, pump etc?
Problem is, that PC part picker says, that the mainboard isn't compatible with this case and now I have to choose an other.
My question is, if somebody knows an other PC case, which looks similar to the Cougar Solution?
And by the way, from were are you guys ordering your water cooling parts, like tubes, reservoir, pump etc?
Hey guys quick question. I currently have a radeon 4890 on my GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 mobo with Intel i7-860 2.8 ghz. I wanted to upgrade to a Radeon 7850 to cover me for the next year or so until I decide to do a full rebuild. But the 7850 has pcie 3.0. My mobo only supports up to pcie 2.0. I've read that it's backwards compatible but wanted to confirm with the Gaf pro's and make sure I won't take too big a performance hit / waste my money.
Also, if anyone has any video card suggestions in $150-$200 price range that might be better than the 7850 I'm all ears.
Also, if anyone has any video card suggestions in $150-$200 price range that might be better than the 7850 I'm all ears.
You'll be fine. Nothing really uses extra bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 yet except maybe the 690.
Question about Windows 8 Upgrade:
I've built my PC in September with an OEM copy of Windows 7, and I'm looking to buy the $15 upgrade for Win8.
Is this possible with my copy of windows?
Also it is asking me for the brand of the PC, but my PC is assembled, so should I just put the motherboard's brand?
I'm not planning to actually upgrade, but just buy it for that price.
I've built my PC in September with an OEM copy of Windows 7, and I'm looking to buy the $15 upgrade for Win8.
Is this possible with my copy of windows?
Also it is asking me for the brand of the PC, but my PC is assembled, so should I just put the motherboard's brand?
I'm not planning to actually upgrade, but just buy it for that price.
1) Don't short yourself on a case purchase because it has a few orange adornments. Those Cougar cases are all pretty bad. Get creative, some nice spray paint, and create your own. There was no white and green case for my main build, so I spent a bit of time with the Shinobi XL and came up with this.Wanted to build a PC in a black and orange combo with this mainboard, this case and with some water cooling with orange tubes and other parts in orange/black.
Problem is, that PC part picker says, that the mainboard isn't compatible with this case and now I have to choose an other.
My question is, if somebody knows an other PC case, which looks similar to the Cougar Solution?
And by the way, from were are you guys ordering your water cooling parts, like tubes, reservoir, pump etc?
You can order orange specific badges and mesh strips for the Shinobi XL as well. If you are in Europe, CaseKing.de should have the Shinobi XL accessories.
2) I've been playing around with the UP7 for the past week, and this is a seriously amazing board. I loooooooooooooove it.
3) If, again, you are in euro, then Aquatuning is pretty much the go-to shop. In the US, it's FrozenCPU, Performance PC's, and Sidewinder are the big ones.
Also, if you are going full on watercooling, do give a look to Mayhem's Pastel Gigabyte Orange. Made to exactly match the hue of Gigabyte's UP7/UD7 color scheme.
If you need help picking out the parts and whatnot, let me know. Here's a little inspiration for you.
It's technically E-ATX, so it's a few extra inches wider. Check out the pic above for how much it covers the cable management holes. Normal ATX would clear those with about an inch of space.
Actually, I saw the mobo, before I decided to go with this build. Do you think it is overpriced?
Ah, just saw ATX in the description
I don't know anything about that board or how much money you have to play with to put it in to perspective, but it's a lot more expensive than other options.
Is Cougar really that bad? I absolutely love the way it looks (inside and outside of it). Saw some unboxings of it, so I don't really know...
I will use that PC mainly for gaming and for some video editing and it won't be left alone, I promise.
Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Will PM you or post here, if I have problems with something.
Edit: Holy shit at that thread, which you posted for inspiration. Looks awesome!
If you are interested in watercooling, the number one consideration is the case, as it determines what kind of hardware and radiators you can put in your system. The short list for good watercooling cases under $200: Fractal Arc Midi, BitFenix Shinobi XL, NZXT Switch 810, CoolerMaster Trooper/Stryker, CM HAF XM.Is Cougar really that bad? I absolutely love the way it looks (inside and outside of it). Saw some unboxings of it, so I don't really know...
I will use that PC mainly for gaming and for some video editing and it won't be left alone, I promise.
Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Will PM you or post here, if I have problems with something.
Edit: Holy shit at that thread, which you posted for inspiration. Looks awesome!
Little Devil, which is my favorite case maker, is located in Ljubljana (as is EK Waterblocks), so prices shouldn't be nearly as bad for you if you are in HR as your name suggests. The build I posted for inspiration is in a LD PC-V8. The V7 is pretty famazing as well, probably my #1 favorite case.
Ah, okay. So it is a matter of space. I'm a little bit scared, because it will be the first time, that I'll build the PC on my own. I know, from many others, that this can be frustrating, but if you have it done, you will feel very good about it, so I'm really looking forward to it and now that I know, where to look at, things will be much easier.
Btw, I'm from Croatia, but I live in Germany.
I've gone 2500K -> 3820, other system went 2500K -> 3570K. What are you interested about in specific?
Sorry, I meant to post specifics.
Heats wise, overclocking, what kind of performance increases in general. I got some extra cash and the upgrade bug has hit me. I know I should wait for Haswell, but I can't really find any info on it.
I was easily able to OC my 2500k to 4.7 and get really good temps with my Corsair h100. Would that still be feasibly with the 3770k?
Heats wise, overclocking, what kind of performance increases in general. I got some extra cash and the upgrade bug has hit me. I know I should wait for Haswell, but I can't really find any info on it.
I was easily able to OC my 2500k to 4.7 and get really good temps with my Corsair h100. Would that still be feasibly with the 3770k?
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