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"I need a New PC!" 2013 Part 1. Haswell, Crysis 3, and secret fairy sauce. Read da OP

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K

kennah

Member
heyf00L said:
OK so it seems that Hybrid drives are just now starting to come out, might be buggy, and don't offer enough SSD storage to make them worth it.

So I'm better off getting a SSD for main storage and a regular HDD for data then I think.


Probably this guy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
Click to expand...

I was going to get one of the SSHD drives for my laptop, but in the end decided to save the $40 and get a regular one. Curious to know what others think though.
 
D

daveo42

Banned
I have a question specifically if this kind of upgrade would be smart or if it would just be a waste of money.

I currently have an i7-930 in my desktop PC with a 6950 and 12GB DDR3. I also have an i3 Sandy Bridge with 4GB DDR3 and a low profile 460GTX in an HTPC. I was thinking of selling off the i3, bumping it to an i5 and moving RAM around and replacing the 460GTX. Meaning:
  • An i5 Sandy with 8GB DDR3, new video card as primary PC
  • i7 with 6GB DDR3 with the 6950 HTPC

Good idea or bad idea guys?

EDIT: I do not have the actual specs of my systems at the moment since I am not at home. The loss of one 2GB stick of DDR3 is due to an issue I've been having with one particular stick. It only works about 50% of the time.
 
H

heyf00L

Member
kennah said:
I was going to get one of the SSHD drives for my laptop, but in the end decided to save the $40 and get a regular one. Curious to know what others think though.
Click to expand...

Well they make a lot more sense for laptops. I was only talking about 3.5" drives, but the laptop ones are on the 3rd gen now. Still, they don't seem to offer much SSD storage, like max 8 GB. That'll hold the OS I guess.
 
Azzurri

Azzurri

Member
Man, I really want a new VC, but I can't help to think now is probably the worst time to buy a new VC with news ones not so far out.
 
K

killertofu

Member
Can someone tell me why my external USB 3 drive won't show up on My Computer? My PC recognizes it, shows that installed the driver but I can't click on it.
 
ChocolatePuddin

ChocolatePuddin

Member
Just popping in quick because I purchased a new graphics card.

Picked up the MSI GTX 670 power edition.... was on a budget and just want to know if I made the right choice or not.

Yay or nay?
 
B

buhdeh

Member
Hey guys, I have something similar to the standard build right now but with the i3 2120, 8GB RAM and a 7770 OC.

Been thinking of upgrading to a 7850 because my Bioshock Infinite and Natural Selection 2 FPS isn't able to get to a solid 60 most times. Would this be a good idea or is my i3 going to be way too crippling?
 
Y

Yusaku

Member
turbosnail said:
I hate to pester, but this is something I need advice for, badly. The "CRC" error I keep getting was what I believed to be physical hard drive failure, so after getting a new hard drive the error is still persisting. Multiple people on google searches are saying that RAM might be the issue, if i add 4 more gigs and that doesn't solve the issue, what can it possibly be?
Click to expand...

If you have bad RAM adding more RAM wont help, you'll have to replace the bad RAM. Run a memory tester to confirm if you have bad RAM.
 
V

vgJames

Banned
Dear PC-GAF, at the moment this is just testing the waters, I'm very much interested in joining your PC revolution. I'm competent on an average person level when it comes to technology but when it comes to customization and hardware I'm no where near comfortable building and choosing the parts. I'd like to consider building a PC soon but I'd just like to see what kind of build would be available for me....

Your Current Specs: A competent laptop, don't want this to reflect on the PC build so N/A.
Budget: I'll say between £500-£700 and UK
Main Use: Gaming - 4, Emulation (PS2/Wii) - 1, Video Editing - 1.5, HD Streaming - 4, 3D/Model work - 1, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) - 4
Monitor Resolution: I'd like 1920 × 1080, and I'll need a new monitor.
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: I hate to be vague on this but I'd like the build to play most modern games competently (I sure do love that word apparently), I'm not looking for bleeding edge but I'd like bang for my buck. Software wise I'm currently not into using any specialist memory heavy applications.
Looking to reuse any parts?: No.
When will you build?: I'll say... July? But on the same token if I'd benefit greatly to leaving it to Q1 2014 then let me know.
Will you be overclocking?: You told me to say yes. So yes.
 
B

brentech

Member
I just rebuilt my old computer in the 'new' case that I just replaced due to the deal on the Fractal R4.

Anyways, my old PC consisted of a Intel Q9400 2.66Ghz. I had a stock cooler on it, and was amazed to find that it was the same one Intel ships with their new processors like the 3570K. So being that I built the old computer back in June 2009, the cooler was pretty nasty, so I actually replaced it with the one that came with my 3570K (after swabbing the thermal paste off, of course).
Works like a charm.

A lot more cooling in the case that I converted the system into. Has a Nvidia 9800GTX+ on an Asus P5QL/EPU board. Hoping to sell this thing on eBay to make up for price of my new system. Should do well for plenty of non-heavy games and basic users out there.

More amazing might be that I still have boxes from all the separate components. Stuck with me through 2 moves, lol.

I just need to triple check it for any files I need before formatting and making a fresh install on it.
 
M

MedIC86

Member
vgJames said:
Your Current Specs: A competent laptop, don't want this to reflect on the PC build so N/A.
Budget: I'll say between £500-£700 and UK
Main Use: Gaming - 4, Emulation (PS2/Wii) - 1, Video Editing - 1.5, HD Streaming - 4, 3D/Model work - 1, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) - 4
Monitor Resolution: I'd like 1920 × 1080, and I'll need a new monitor.
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: I hate to be vague on this but I'd like the build to play most modern games competently (I sure do love that word apparently), I'm not looking for bleeding edge but I'd like bang for my buck. Software wise I'm currently not into using any specialist memory heavy applications.
Looking to reuse any parts?: No.
When will you build?: I'll say... July? But on the same token if I'd benefit greatly to leaving it to Q1 2014 then let me know.
Will you be overclocking?: You told me to say yes. So yes.
Click to expand...

To get a few things out of the way, if you are gonna need everything for that budget (including screen, keyboard etc) dont expect a real fancy pc. Its really no benefit to wait in general when buying hardware (unless something comes out next week) because that way you will always be waiting.

But for that kind of budget best be looking at something like
- amd x4 cpu (like the 740) (or intel i3 3350p)
- cheap asrock mobo
- 4gb ram
- 7850 gpu (or nvidia equal)

When i have more time later ill make a better list. Maybe you are best of by saving a bit more?
 
K

kharma45

Member
vgJames said:
Dear PC-GAF, at the moment this is just testing the waters, I'm very much interested in joining your PC revolution. I'm competent on an average person level when it comes to technology but when it comes to customization and hardware I'm no where near comfortable building and choosing the parts. I'd like to consider building a PC soon but I'd just like to see what kind of build would be available for me....

Your Current Specs: A competent laptop, don't want this to reflect on the PC build so N/A.
Budget: I'll say between £500-£700 and UK
Main Use: Gaming - 4, Emulation (PS2/Wii) - 1, Video Editing - 1.5, HD Streaming - 4, 3D/Model work - 1, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) - 4
Monitor Resolution: I'd like 1920 × 1080, and I'll need a new monitor.
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: I hate to be vague on this but I'd like the build to play most modern games competently (I sure do love that word apparently), I'm not looking for bleeding edge but I'd like bang for my buck. Software wise I'm currently not into using any specialist memory heavy applications.
Looking to reuse any parts?: No.
When will you build?: I'll say... July? But on the same token if I'd benefit greatly to leaving it to Q1 2014 then let me know.
Will you be overclocking?: You told me to say yes. So yes.
Click to expand...

by July Haswell will be out, so this is subject to change

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£167.99 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£24.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard (£84.49 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£32.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£54.66 @ Ebuyer)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card (£157.80 @ Aria PC)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case (£31.18 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (£53.99 @ Aria PC)
Other: LG 22EA53VQ 22" IPS LED LCD HDMI Monitor (£104.99)
Click to expand...

Slightly over budget though at £713 http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/Q1YU

GPU you could change to a 650 Ti Boost to help get you down closer to £700 http://www.dabs.com/products/msi-ge...rce=td&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=TB00 or this basic MSI 660 http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials...aphics+Card+?productId=54939&source=skinflint.

Motherboard is also another area where £10-20 could be saved potentially.
 
V

vgJames

Banned
MedIC86 said:
To get a few things out of the way, if you are gonna need everything for that budget (including screen, keyboard etc) dont expect a real fancy pc. Its really no benefit to wait in general when buying hardware (unless something comes out next week) because that way you will always be waiting.

But for that kind of budget best be looking at something like
- amd x4 cpu (like the 740) (or intel i3 3350p)
- cheap asrock mobo
- 4gb ram
- 7850 gpu (or nvidia equal)

When i have more time later ill make a better list. Maybe you are best of by saving a bit more?
Click to expand...

I'm thinking the monitor/keybord situation could be sorted by £120~ still leaving nearly £600 for the PC Building. It makes me wonder is it a case of being in UK we're over paying? A quick currency check makes me see that my £700 is roughly $1077 and I've always been under the impression recently that 'decent' gaming rigs can be had for around $600-700.

It'll be my first foray into building/'actual' PC Gaming on my terms, I've always been limited by either playing PC games on friends rigs or what my limited PCs/Laptops could do. I'm not looking at anything like a beast (which is why I set a very modest budget), but rather something that'll be a good introductory for me.

Edit: Cheers Kharma! I'll have a look into that build and post some feedback when I can :) appreciate it, both of you.
 
K

kharma45

Member
Yeah prices are higher over here relative to the US but there's nothing can be done about it sadly, just gotta do the best you can with your budget.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
So, my friend decided to go with the Gunmetal Phantom 410

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/[primary-term]/nzxt_phantom_410_gunmetal_edition_review

image9kz7r.jpg


Frankly, I am kind of jealous. Looks like it will be fun to help him put together. Anyone have any experience with it? Any snags or issues I need to be aware of in assembly?
 
Anton668

Anton668

Member
vgJames said:
I'm thinking the monitor/keybord situation could be sorted by £120~ still leaving nearly £600 for the PC Building. It makes me wonder is it a case of being in UK we're over paying? A quick currency check makes me see that my £700 is roughly $1077 and I've always been under the impression recently that 'decent' gaming rigs can be had for around $600-700.
Click to expand...

Yeah, prices are higher over there for one, and for 2, that $600 - $700 price doesnt include KB/mouse and such for the most part.

And speaking of KB/mouse, I dont know what prices are over there, when you say £120, what does that get you? I'd rather cheap out on the KB/mouse and spend more on the hardware to start. you can always get a better kb/mouse down the line easier I think.

Edit: for some reason misread. forgot the monitor part. that will be a bit tough. but point still stands that most of the time when ppl quote the cost of their build, they are only referencing the tower.
 
L

LCGeek

formerly sane
vgJames said:
I'm thinking the monitor/keybord situation could be sorted by £120~ still leaving nearly £600 for the PC Building. It makes me wonder is it a case of being in UK we're over paying? A quick currency check makes me see that my £700 is roughly $1077 and I've always been under the impression recently that 'decent' gaming rigs can be had for around $600-700.

It'll be my first foray into building/'actual' PC Gaming on my terms, I've always been limited by either playing PC games on friends rigs or what my limited PCs/Laptops could do. I'm not looking at anything like a beast (which is why I set a very modest budget), but rather something that'll be a good introductory for me.

Edit: Cheers Kharma! I'll have a look into that build and post some feedback when I can :) appreciate it, both of you.
Click to expand...

Even a mid range will do you good. Gaf hooked me up with 3570 build that only costed about 600$ for the parts.
 
V

vgJames

Banned
Anton668 said:
Yeah, prices are higher over there for one, and for 2, that $600 - $700 price doesnt include KB/mouse and such for the most part.

And speaking of KB/mouse, I dont know what prices are over there, when you say £120, what does that get you? I'd rather cheap out on the KB/mouse and spend more on the hardware to start. you can always get a better kb/mouse down the line easier I think.

Edit: for some reason misread. forgot the monitor part. that will be a bit tough. but point still stands that most of the time when ppl quote the cost of their build, they are only referencing the tower.
Click to expand...

At the same time my budget of $1077~ would easily eliminate the monitor/kb/mouse leaving that $700 for the tower. I could even potentially get the Keyboard/Mouse free or cheap from friends who've upgraded and stockpiled. I've liked the suggestions so far, I don't want to come across as entitled I'm just getting my head around the subject is all :)

LCGeek said:
Even a mid range will do you good. Gaf hooked me up with 3570 build that only costed about 600$ for the parts.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I only expected mid-range for my budget. Gaf knows their shit.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
One more question.

He has a 3570k but will only be using it on a 1080p Tv. Is there any point in a Coolermaster 212 if he isnt't overclocking (as least mot for a good while)?
 
L

lmpaler

Member
ChocolatePuddin said:
Just popping in quick because I purchased a new graphics card.

Picked up the MSI GTX 670 power edition.... was on a budget and just want to know if I made the right choice or not.

Yay or nay?
Click to expand...

I have the FTW edition and I cannot complain so you did good my friend

One more question.

He has a 3570k but will only be using it on a 1080p Tv. Is there any point in a Coolermaster 212 if he isnt't overclocking (as least mot for a good while)?
Click to expand...

Why buy it if he isn't going to overclock it shortly after he buys it? The 212 is dirt cheap and the OC is well worth it.
 
K

kharma45

Member
It's runs quieter than the stock cooler, and you should look into OCing from the off if you've the kit to do it, it'll benefit in a fair few games.
 
Arkage

Arkage

Banned
Hazaro said:
What you can try and do is update your BIOS then power cycle your PC (Shut down PC, turn PSU off, hold power for 20 seconds, turn PSU on, wait a minute, turn on).
Click to expand...

The BIOS is the newest one they have and I power cycled it and also reset Cmos, no change. I'm asking around in other forums too but no solution yet, if there is one. Should I flash the bios to older versions? Or just RMA it? What's also weird is that when I tried the automatic OC settings in the BIOS, it brought up the multipliers in the BIOS to whatever I selecte, but windows and p95 still showed factory clocks.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
lmpaler said:
I have the FTW edition and I cannot complain so you did good my friend



Why buy it if he isn't going to overclock it shortly after he buys it? The 212 is dirt cheap and the OC is well worth it.
Click to expand...

1) less stress on the cpu until it is needed

2) less power draw (electricity cost, heat, and noise)

3) not necessary at 1080p with most games

4) Adds an $30 extra to the build cost

5) more system stability
 
K

kennah

Member
nbthedude said:
1) less stress on the cpu until it is needed

2) less power draw (electricity cost, heat, and noise)

3) not necessary at 1080p with most games

4) Adds an $30 extra to the build cost

5) more system stability
Click to expand...

1) Irrelevant

2) Pennies per year

3) Boosts minimum FPS

4) Valid

5) Irrelevant if you're not being stupid/reckless about it.

And if you were really worried about point 1), you'd have a more efficient aftermarket fan on the CPU than the crappy tiny one that comes with it.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
Ok, I'm convinced. I'll hqve him pick up the Coolermaster and overclock it for him.

Any difference between the 212 plus and the 212 Evo aside from $5 in price?
 
L

LCGeek

formerly sane
nbthedude said:
One more question.

He has a 3570k but will only be using it on a 1080p Tv. Is there any point in a Coolermaster 212 if he isnt't overclocking (as least mot for a good while)?
Click to expand...

Stock coolers suck on intel. If you have high ambient temps I say get something like that and it's pretty cheap compared to other things that are much more. Certain games I noticed even if they aren't tech heavy in looks can still knock up temps more so than witcher or c2. GTA4 alone with mods makes my systems about 5-10cs higher than the other games I mentioned.
 
L

LCGeek

formerly sane
mkenyon said:
I ran them, so theoretically www.labzfz.com once I find time.

HPET on, but speed stepping disabled, consistent vcore instead of offset.
Click to expand...

Have you verified HPET run speed with time tester. I've seen tweaks on the subject and after checking out for myself I realized having HPET on in bios/os or it entierly disabled gives a better result than mixture of the two. Thanks for answering the question and I like mentioned good work you're saving me time or having to run test to figure out these questions.

Speedstepping and C states on fuck with kernel latency so I wanted to ask.
 
E

ElectricKaibutsu

Member
Hi guys,

I have my PC hooked up to my TV. I want to play games with a controller but all I have is a Wii. I tried getting the classic controller set up with glovepie and ppjoy but it was a pain in the ass. It seems like the best solution is getting a 360 controller + wireless adapter but they're strangely expensive and I have no intention of buying a 360. If I were to buy a controller I would prefer the PS3's since I might buy a PS3 eventually when they're cheap (at least there's a higher possibility than a 360).

Anyway, for those here that game on the couch, what controller do you use?
 
T

The Broken Ska Record

Member
ElectricKaibutsu said:
Hi guys,

I have my PC hooked up to my TV. I want to play games with a controller but all I have is a Wii. I tried getting the classic controller set up with glovepie and ppjoy but it was a pain in the ass. It seems like the best solution is getting a 360 controller + wireless adapter but they're strangely expensive and I have no intention of buying a 360. If I were to buy a controller I would prefer the PS3's since I might buy a PS3 eventually when they're cheap (at least there's a higher possibility than a 360).

Anyway, for those here that game on the couch, what controller do you use?
Click to expand...

Honestly, I'd go with a 360 controller even if you don't plan on getting a 360. A lot of games use the 360's controller as a standard for button mapping (for example, the game will show you the "A" button to activate a switch). You can easily get a wired controller, and should be a hair cheaper than a wireless option. Getting the PS3 controller to work is a bit of extra effort, but it's not all that troublesome.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
ElectricKaibutsu said:
Hi guys,

I have my PC hooked up to my TV. I want to play games with a controller but all I have is a Wii. I tried getting the classic controller set up with glovepie and ppjoy but it was a pain in the ass. It seems like the best solution is getting a 360 controller + wireless adapter but they're strangely expensive and I have no intention of buying a 360. If I were to buy a controller I would prefer the PS3's since I might buy a PS3 eventually when they're cheap (at least there's a higher possibility than a 360).

Anyway, for those here that game on the couch, what controller do you use?
Click to expand...

Buy a wired 360 controller. Hassle free plug and play. Far Cheaper. Lighter, No charging. Cord is plenty long.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007LQG9A6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
L

LCGeek

formerly sane
ElectricKaibutsu said:
Hi guys,

I have my PC hooked up to my TV. I want to play games with a controller but all I have is a Wii. I tried getting the classic controller set up with glovepie and ppjoy but it was a pain in the ass. It seems like the best solution is getting a 360 controller + wireless adapter but they're strangely expensive and I have no intention of buying a 360. If I were to buy a controller I would prefer the PS3's since I might buy a PS3 eventually when they're cheap (at least there's a higher possibility than a 360).

Anyway, for those here that game on the couch, what controller do you use?
Click to expand...

360 pad (analog based games. do find xbcd drivers they are better than default and let you map things properly in games that tend to be troublesome.)
Saturn Pad
Snes Pad

You can find converters for usb and they are fairly easy to setup.
 
E

ElectricKaibutsu

Member
The Broken Ska Record said:
Honestly, I'd go with a 360 controller even if you don't plan on getting a 360. A lot of games use the 360's controller as a standard for button mapping (for example, the game will show you the "A" button to activate a switch). You can easily get a wired controller, and should be a hair cheaper than a wireless option. Getting the PS3 controller to work is a bit of extra effort, but it's not all that troublesome.
Click to expand...

nbthedude said:
Buy a wired 360 controller. Hassle free. Cheaper. No charging. Cord is plenty long.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007LQG9A6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Click to expand...

LCGeek said:
360 pad (analog based games. do find xbcd drivers they are better than default and let you map things properly in games that tend to be troublesome.)
Saturn Pad
Snes Pad

You can find converters for usb and they are fairly easy to setup.
Click to expand...

Hm, I had a feeling 360 would be the way to go. That wired one is quite a bit cheaper. Now I just need to decide whether the wireless version is worth the extra money to me.
 
N

nbthedude

Member
ElectricKaibutsu said:
Hm, I had a feeling 360 would be the way to go. That wired one is quite a bit cheaper. Now I just need to decide whether the wireless version is worth the extra money to me.
Click to expand...

I have a wireless with a dongle. My brother has the wireless. I like his way better. It is about half the weight, never needs charging and never has driver issues.
 
E

ElectricKaibutsu

Member
Mr Nightman said:
just be aware, that isn't an official 360 controller that was linked, but instead a cheap knockoff. Has pretty awful reviews as well. I highly suggest paying more for an official one
Click to expand...

Wow, good catch.
http://amzn.com/B003ZSN600
This looks like the right one. Unfortunately I live in Japan where these things tend to be quite a bit more rare and expensive.

Edit: nvm, on amazon.co.jp it's about $40. That plus the adapter brings it up to $60. I'll have to think hard about this since I'm upgrading my video card too and might want the extra money going to that.
 
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