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[Kilrathi]

Looking to go from a Mid size Tower to a full size tower and some other minor upgrades

CPU: i7 2600
CPU Cooler: Hyper 212+
Mobo: MSI p67A- GD43
RAM: G-Skill Ares 16GB DDR3 1600
GPU: R9 290 Tri X OC
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Z
TV Tunner: AVerTVHD Duet PCI-E
SSD: 128GB Samsung 840, 128GB PNY XLR8
HDD: 500GB WD Blue, 1TB WD Blue
PSU : Corsair TX750 V2
Case: ThermalTake Armor A60

I was looking at getting one of these full tower cases
CM Storm Stryker
NZXT Phantom
IN WIN GRone

 

[The Llama]

Looking to go from a Mid size Tower to a full size tower and some other minor upgrades

CPU: i7 2600
CPU Cooler: Hyper 212+
Mobo: MSI p67A- GD43
RAM: G-Skill Ares 16GB DDR3 1600
GPU: R9 290 Tri X OC
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Z
TV Tunner: AVerTVHD Duet PCI-E
SSD: 128GB Samsung 840, 128GB PNY XLR8
HDD: 500GB WD Blue, 1TB WD Blue
PSU : Corsair TX750 V2
Case: ThermalTake Armor A60

I was looking at getting one of these full tower cases
CM Storm Stryker
NZXT Phantom
IN WIN GRone

I have a Phantom 630 and love it. Super easy to build with and the fans are all very quiet.

 

[Hazaro]

I read on another forum that WD Blues are terrible. But they didn't offer an alternative brand to buy. What hard drive would you guys recommend for a new build?

That's cuz everything is iffy

 

[GiantEnemyGoomba]

EDIT: Nevermind I'm dumb

 

[MagicWithEarvin]

SanDisk Ultra Plus 128GB SSD for $54.99 shipped at Tiger Direct after promo code: EOS136123

Also, dumb question... I'm buying a Windows 8.1 Pro key from a seller on Reddit, so where do I get the ISO from here?

 

[eBay Huckster]

Also, dumb question... I'm buying a Windows 8.1 Pro key from a seller on Reddit, so where do I get the ISO from here?

It's gonna be either Core/Pro or Pro VL - ask that seller whether it's a volume license

 

[ACIDTITAN]

I read on another forum that WD Blues are terrible. But they didn't offer an alternative brand to buy. What hard drive would you guys recommend for a new build?

HIIII!

 

[bro1]

I'm working on my second build this summer. My old PC was running a GTX 680, i7 3770K, and 16 GB DDR3 on an 850W power supply. Here are the new specs:

CPU: i7 4790K
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i
Graphics: Dual Tri-X 290x CrossFire
MB: MSI Z97 MPOWER Max AC
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3-1600
Storage: MX100 512GB
Storage2: HGST Deskstar NAS 4TB
Case: Rosewill THOR V2
Power supply: Not sure?
Optical: Blu Ray Drive
Windows 8.1

Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1440p
Planning on gaming at Ultra 1440p above 60 fps. I'll be getting the ROG Swift later this year.
Looking to reuse any parts?: Probably? I'd like to use my current 850W power supply in my new build.
Will you be overclocking?: Yes

Would an 850W power supply suffice for overclocking with dual 290x's? Here's my current power supply.

PS:
This HGST Deskstar NAS 4TB is going cheap for $159.99 with the code; EMCPBPH22. I think it lasts a few more hours.

Don't bother with the ROG swift unless you have an Nvidia card

 

[kennah]

Don't bother with the ROG swift unless you have an Nvidia card

Good catch

 

[yatesl]

I've found a used GTX 780 Ti 3GB for £325. I could sell my GTX 770 2GB for, what, £170 on eBay?

Would you say the 780 Ti is worth ~£150?

Edit: Apparently he only does online transactions, and doesn't want to make an extra £20 via cutting out eBay/PayPal fees. Coupled with the low price and stock photo, I think it's in the too good to be true camp

 

[RadioactiveLobster]

Don't bother with the ROG swift unless you have an Nvidia card

It's still the only 144hz 1440p panel in existence (this could change), perhaps that's more important than the G-Sync part of it.

 

[Muck Da Duck]

Don't bother with the ROG swift unless you have an Nvidia card

I was planning on getting it for the 1 ms response time, 144 Hz refresh rate, and 1440p display which is impossible to find in any other monitor.

Edit: What lobster said.

 

[The Llama]

I was planning on getting it for the 1 ms response time, 144 Hz refresh rate, and 1440p display which is impossible to find in any other monitor.

Edit: What lobster said.

Fair, but since you're gonna go all out, honestly you should probably just go nVidia so you can take advantage of G-Sync.

 

[tarheel91]

It's still the only 144hz 1440p panel in existence (this could change), perhaps that's more important than the G-Sync part of it.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overlord-tempest-x270oc-monitor,3879.html

1440p, 120Hz, IPS.

At 1440P with 2 R9 290X's, G-Sync and FreeSync seem pretty irrelevant. You're going to be running well above 60FPS. These custom refresh rate applications are most useful in the 30-60 Hz range.

 

[LilJoka]

I've found a used GTX 780 Ti 3GB for £325. I could sell my GTX 770 2GB for, what, £170 on eBay?

Would you say the 780 Ti is worth ~£150?

Edit: Apparently he only does online transactions, and doesn't want to make an extra £20 via cutting out eBay/PayPal fees. Coupled with the low price and stock photo, I think it's in the too good to be true camp

Ask for real photo, and you can always go through paypal as a business invoice to provide you protection rather than bank transfer. That should keep the fees low as eBay fees are a lot more than paypal.

Remember if you sell on eBay thats 10% fees on £170, and then delivery so maybe net profit £150.

 

[The_Poet]

I just found out my friends dad bought a Titan Z

He only plays Guild Wars 2.

;_;

Spoiler

To be fair he wants a solid 60fps on his 4k monitor and his GTX690 wasn't solid

 

[Azzurri]

I just found out my friends dad bought a Titan Z

He only plays Guild Wars 2.

;_;

Spoiler

To be fair he wants a solid 60fps on his 4k monitor and his GTX690 wasn't solid

Could have went 295x2 for half the cost!

 

[QP3]

I recently purchased a lenovo Y40. It will be here sometime mid-week. I am sure it will be fine for me, at least for a while, but I was still wondering how I would know if it is upgrade able? Does anyone on GAF know?

 

[luffeN]

Serious question: What are the advantages of having 6 GB of graphics ram compared to 4 GB? Is it "only" for higher resolutions or is there more to it?

 

[kennah]

Serious question: What are the advantages of having 6 GB of graphics ram compared to 4 GB? Is it "only" for higher resolutions or is there more to it?

It makes your penis bigger.

I recently purchased a lenovo Y40. It will be here sometime mid-week. I am sure it will be fine for me, at least for a while, but I was still wondering how I would know if it is upgrade able? Does anyone on GAF know?

Laptop thread in te op. But wouldn't e able to tell you what is upgradeable without the exact specs of what you got

 

[TC McQueen]

Serious question: What are the advantages of having 6 GB of graphics ram compared to 4 GB? Is it "only" for higher resolutions or is there more to it?

It can mitigate performance issues caused by poor texture streaming (assuming the PC version of a game isn't so messed up that it uses all the VRAM all the time). It's also very useful for playing games with huge high res texture packs.

 

[tarheel91]

It can mitigate performance issues caused by poor texture streaming (assuming the PC version of a game isn't so messed up that it uses all the VRAM all the time). It's also very useful for playing games with huge high res texture packs.

I'd also add that it's very application and GPU dependent. A ton of VRAM is useless in gaming if you don't have the bandwidth or processing power to make use of it. For applications outside of gaming, you can frequently define how much RAM/VRAM you want to use, so the more the better.

 

[RadioactiveLobster]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overlord-tempest-x270oc-monitor,3879.html

1440p, 120Hz, IPS.

At 1440P with 2 R9 290X's, G-Sync and FreeSync seem pretty irrelevant. You're going to be running well above 60FPS. These custom refresh rate applications are most useful in the 30-60 Hz range.

It's also got a 6 ms response time, hits only 120hz (is it reliable? Other ones are hit and miss) and is from a company I've never heard of (not saying it's a bad thing, I've just not heard of them)

 

[hkedward]

Your Current Specs:

CPU: i7 4790
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i
MB: MSI Z97 Gaming 7 ATX
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3-1866
Storage: MX100 SSD 512GB
GPU: ? (Can't decide - prefer nvidia)
Power Supply: Right now, Corsair RM 850W.
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer

Budget: $2600 US (Budget includes some for a monitor).
Main Use: Rate 1-5. 5 being Highest: 5. Will be using to play games as well as do some 3D modeling.
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later? Are you buying a new monitor? I am buying a new monitor, ASUS PB278Q.
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Is 30FPS acceptable? 60? 120? I would prefer 60FPS on ultra settings on upcoming games such as Witcher 3.
Looking to reuse any parts?: First desktop.
When will you build?: Within three weeks.
Will you be overclocking?: I'm not sure.

I need some help finishing this build. Have been undecided for a while on what gpu to get. If there are any other suggestions on things to change, I'd appreciate it since this is my first build (Have been using gaming laptop). Thanks.

 

[mkenyon]

Could have went 295x2 for half the cost!

295x2 does horribly in Guild Wars.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overlord-tempest-x270oc-monitor,3879.html

1440p, 120Hz, IPS.

At 1440P with 2 R9 290X's, G-Sync and FreeSync seem pretty irrelevant. You're going to be running well above 60FPS. These custom refresh rate applications are most useful in the 30-60 Hz range.

Those offer no low persistence options to reduce blur.

Throw on the typical IPS poor motion resolution, and you have some pretty icky blur.

 

[abracadaver]

I want to upgrade my graphics card. I have a 7850 at the moment. I want to spend 300-400€. Whats the best card in that range ?

Also I only have a 450W power supply. Will I need a bigger one ?

 

[The Llama]

Your Current Specs:

CPU: i7 4790
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i
MB: MSI Z97 Gaming 7 ATX
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3-1866
Storage: MX100 SSD 512GB
GPU: ? (Can't decide - prefer nvidia)
Power Supply: Right now, Corsair RM 850W.
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer

Budget: $2600 US (Budget includes some for a monitor).
Main Use: Rate 1-5. 5 being Highest: 5. Will be using to play games as well as do some 3D modeling.
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later? Are you buying a new monitor? I am buying a new monitor, ASUS PB278Q.
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Is 30FPS acceptable? 60? 120? I would prefer 60FPS on ultra settings on upcoming games such as Witcher 3.
Looking to reuse any parts?: First desktop.
When will you build?: Within three weeks.
Will you be overclocking?: I'm not sure.

I need some help finishing this build. Have been undecided for a while on what gpu to get. If there are any other suggestions on things to change, I'd appreciate it since this is my first build (Have been using gaming laptop). Thanks.

Whats your budget for the GPU, specifically? Its not really the greatest time to buy nVidia right now since the 800 series are coming out in 2 months and the 700 series are still really expensive, but a 780 is the obvious choice.

 

[kharma45]

I want to upgrade my graphics card. I have a 7850 at the moment. I want to spend 300-400€. Whats the best card in that range ?

Also I only have a 450W power supply. Will I need a bigger one ?

Are you looking to OC? What's your CPU?

 

[hkedward]

Whats your budget for the GPU, specifically? Its not really the greatest time to buy nVidia right now since the 800 series are coming out in 2 months and the 700 series are still really expensive, but a 780 is the obvious choice.

Up to ~$900. I could wait until the 800 series releases but it places me in a time crunch as I really need the desktop built not much later than the first week of September.

 

[mkenyon]

Up to ~$900. I could wait until the 800 series releases but it places me in a time crunch as I really need the desktop built not much later than the first week of September.

Get a 290 or a 780, sell it and upgrade when the 800 series comes out if it ends up being worth it.

*edit* Just saw that you want the RoG Swift. Let me throw something together on PC Partpicker. Is the Swift part of that $2600 budget?

 

[abracadaver]

Are you looking to OC? What's your CPU?

No.

I5 3550

 

[hkedward]

Get a 290 or a 780, sell it and upgrade when the 800 series comes out if it ends up being worth it.

*edit* Just saw that you want the RoG Swift. Let me throw something together on PC Partpicker. Is the Swift part of that $2600 budget?

Potentially. I am willing to stretch my original $2600 budget to about $2900 if it is worth it. I am interested in eventually doing a sli build for what it's worth.
Edit: The monitor is a part of $2600, however, I am willing to stretch that budget to $2900.

 

[longdi]

Thanks Kharma and LilJoka. Do AIOs require more maintenance of any sort? Do they add to noise? I have never used one so not sure what to expect there.

The only AIO that performs better than high end air cooler and still as quiet is the new Swiftech H220X.

The much hyped corsairs and thermaltakes are just astek oems, they get loud under load, much louder than high end air cooler and performs worse. The bill of materials of the Swiftech pisses all over Corsairs Hydros.

Alternatively there is the coolermaster 240L http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJYNM4M/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Which Swiftech older H220 rebranded. At the same price as Corsair H105, its a no brainer!

 

[mkenyon]

Potentially. I am willing to stretch my original $2600 budget to about $2900 if it is worth it. I am interested in eventually doing a sli build for what it's worth.
Edit: The monitor is a part of $2600, however, I am willing to stretch that budget to $2900.

Alright, this is what you do. And seriously, these parts I've picked out are all the best of the bunch. The slight changes, such has motherboard and PSU are for the better. You get a better NIC than the MSI Gaming 7 board, and the SoundBlaster Z is an amazing piece of tech that blows any onboard sound out of the water. The UD3H-BK is stress tested by mining Litecoins for a week to ensure stability and function, so you're getting something that works great out of the box.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($93.78 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Sound Card: Creative Labs Z PCIe 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card ($69.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $1228.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-04 13:09 EDT-0400

Then buy two of these EVGA B-Stock 780s.

Then when the 800 series comes out, you should have no trouble selling them if you decide you want to.

If the monitor does come in at the rumored $650 price point, that will put you right at your budget.

The only AIO that performs better than high end air cooler and still as quiet is the new Swiftech H220X.

The much hyped corsairs and thermaltakes are just astek oems, they get loud under load, much louder than high end air cooler and performs worse. The bill of materials of the Swiftech pisses all over Corsairs Hydros.

Alternatively there is the coolermaster 240L http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJYNM4M/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Which Swiftech older H220 rebranded. At the same price as Corsair H105, its a no brainer!

The noise is all about the fans. This is FUD.

 

[longdi]

You put slower rpm fans and the performance drop loads.

 

[hkedward]

Alright, this is what you do. And seriously, these parts I've picked out are all the best of the bunch. The slight changes, such has motherboard and PSU are for the better. You get a better NIC than the MSI Gaming 7 board, and the SoundBlaster Z is an amazing piece of tech that blows any onboard sound out of the water. The UD3H-BK is stress tested by mining Litecoins for a week to ensure stability and function, so you're getting something that works great out of the box.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($139.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($93.78 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Sound Card: Creative Labs Z PCIe 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card ($69.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $1228.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-04 13:09 EDT-0400

Then buy two of these EVGA B-Stock 780s.

Then when the 800 series comes out, you should have no trouble selling them if you decide you want to.

If the monitor does come in at the rumored $650 price point, that will put you right at your budget.

Thanks! Do I need anything more than 3gb vram for 1440p?

 

[mkenyon]

Not yet.

When you decide you want to play in the high end of 120/144Hz at 1440p though, you need to start looking at GPUs as a transient part of your PC. Always be looking to sell them to upgrade if an upgrade is worth it.

For instance, you'll probably be able to offload those for $350ish when the 8 series hits. Sell both for $700, then buy two 4GB 870s or 880s for either little to a couple hundred out of pocket.

However, I'd consider holding off for a few days on the GPU in case some good deal comes up. Or just buy used.

You put slower rpm fans and the performance drop loads.

You don't need extreme cooling for a consumer socket processor. Anything realistic for 24/7 gaming (4.2-4.6) is totally manageable with a CLC and a good fan running at 1200 RPM.

Don't confuse benchmarks with real world performance. A lot of those benchmarks are ran on enthusiast processors as getting something with a soldered heat spreader is the only way to ensure anything resembling an objective test.

 

[kharma45]

No.

I5 3550

Sorry one last q, what is the PSU?

 

[abracadaver]

Sorry one last q, what is the PSU?

Still 450W

 

[kharma45]

Still 450W

Sorry I must not have communicated that properly. The brand and model of it.

 

[mkenyon]

For argument's sake, here we have a 3690X OC'd to 4.4Ghz at 1.35V. This is probably consuming at least twice as much power (if not more) as a 4790K pushed to the limit.

An H100 on low is keeping the proc in the 70s, with a 56 degree Delta. That's plenty. The H100i on balanced is outperforming the Noctuas with the low noise adapters.

Really, in the end, the point that one should take out of a chart like this is that literally every single one of those coolers does not have a problem cooling a modern consumer CPU with low speed (quality) fans.

The choice comes down to spending a bit more money for ease of everything, in terms of managing your computer.

Cleaning out a rad is a lot easier than a giant heatsink. Accessing memory, power plugs, debug LEDs, CMOS batteries, motherboard controls, headers of any sort, or really ANYTHING in the PC is easier with a CLC.

Maybe it's not as big of a deal to someone who isn't building often, but after 10s to 100s of builds, I've had one too many bloodied knuckles, one too many forced heatsink remounts, one too many bent CPU pins, and one too many pains in the ass to accept giant hunks of aluminum hanging off my motherboard as an acceptable state for my PCs.

 

[abracadaver]

Sorry I must not have communicated that properly. The brand and model of it.

I'm not 100% sure and I'm not at home to check but I think its this: be quiet! Straight Power E9 Non-Modular 80+ Gold

 

[bbd23]

not sure if this is the right place to post this question but screw it...are there any DESKS that you guys might recommend? im looking for something nice and not too expensive haha

 

[mkenyon]

Lots of people enjoy the Ikea Galant.

I'm a big fan of giant wood desks, which you can often find at garage sales. Refinish it to your liking.

 

[puffyshirt]

HELP! I have a problem! So I built the PC with a friend, and it all went great, boots up fine and everyhting. However, I am testing the HDMI connection at work (where we built it) before taking it home, as I don't have a monitor at home. There is no display when booting through HDMI, just nothing shows up. We were able to connect both at once and use a mirror display/two screen setup, but when the computer starts up with no monitor attached, it doesn't work. Do you guys have any ideas?

Card is a Sapphire Radeon R9 290, if that helps

 

[mkenyon]

HELP! I have a problem! So I built the PC with a friend, and it all went great, boots up fine and everyhting. However, I am testing the HDMI connection at work (where we built it) before taking it home, as I don't have a monitor at home. There is no display when booting through HDMI, just nothing shows up. We were able to connect both at once and use a mirror display/two screen setup, but when the computer starts up with no monitor attached, it doesn't work. Do you guys have any ideas?

Card is a Sapphire Radeon R9 290, if that helps

Are you sure you're using the HDMI plug that is on the video card, instead of the HDMI plug from the motherboard I/O? Double check this, even if you think you did it right.

 

[That Wont Fit In There]

Hey guys. My PC is having trouble outputting audio through the graphics card's hdmi to my tv. I haven't had any issues with that for weeks and was working fine the first half of yesterday. This started yesterday afternoon when I booted everything back up. I get no audio but the it states that the drivers are fine. I uninstalled the audio drivers and re-installed them and still get nothing. Anyone know of any possible fixes? I use a GeForce GTX780 AMP. The motherboard HDMI port works fine.

 

[Marceles]

HELP! I have a problem! So I built the PC with a friend, and it all went great, boots up fine and everyhting. However, I am testing the HDMI connection at work (where we built it) before taking it home, as I don't have a monitor at home. There is no display when booting through HDMI, just nothing shows up. We were able to connect both at once and use a mirror display/two screen setup, but when the computer starts up with no monitor attached, it doesn't work. Do you guys have any ideas?

Card is a Sapphire Radeon R9 290, if that helps

My first time building my PC, that was the only problem I had. I had to reseat the video card, which was weird because the computer detected it, but it wouldn't use it during start up. I had to use VGA for the beginning. I think the other thing was the integrated graphics on the i7 and the video card were playing a tug of war as to what to use as the default. I'd reseat it and check the settings to make sure the computer knows to go through the video card. Sorry I couldn't offer more help than this, it's been since April that I built it.

 

[puffyshirt]

Are you sure you're using the HDMI plug that is on the video card, instead of the HDMI plug from the motherboard I/O? Double check this, even if you think you did it right.

yes, i am

 

[That Wont Fit In There]

My first time building my PC, that was the only problem I had. I had to reseat the video card, which was weird because the computer detected it, but it wouldn't use it during start up. I had to use VGA for the beginning. I think the other thing was the integrated graphics on the i7 and the video card were playing a tug of war as to what to use as the default. I'd reseat it and check the settings to make sure the computer knows to go through the video card. Sorry I couldn't offer more help than this, it's been since April that I built it.

Thank, how do I reset the video card? I'm still new to this and this is my first built PC. Did you mean reseat as in take and put back in? lol