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[Cad-Monkey]

Ok PC GAF, I’m looking to get back into pc gaming again (or if my wife asks, doing work at home ). My last build was 7 years ago, so I’m out of the loop. I’m ready to get some wisdom laid on me.


Uses:
Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD
Gaming (PC rpgs, would like to start moving some multi-plats from PS4/XBone to PC) General (MS Office, etc.)

Monitor:
Need new monitor, 1080p, 24”-27”, would also like to connect to plasma for dat comfy couch

Games:
AAA, indie, high end, low end (nothing competitive)

Re-used parts:
Case (full tower), dvd drive

Overclocking: Yes

Build Date:
Looking to build in May, could start buying parts now if the deal is good enough.

Budget:
Would like to keep it under $1600 including the monitor

Location:
U.S. (nowhere near a Microcenter however )

I don’t know what’s what with pc components anymore, but here is an attempt at a parts list anyway:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JMZVyc

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JMZVyc/by_merchant/


CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.75 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.99 @ NCIX US)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked Video Card ($549.99 @ Amazon)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)

Total: $1331.68

The new pc will be within 15-20 feet of my Panasonic plasma along the same wall, so I would also like to know what my options are for keyboards and mice to use the pc in the next room. As I said above, I won’t be completing the build until early May, but if there are any deals going on components I would like to start buying them now while they are cheap.

As for monitors, I’ve been looking at this 27 inch BenQ GW Series GW2760HS on Amazon for $205. However, if I know nothing of current pc parts, I know even less about monitor tech. It seems pretty good, but if anyone has a suggestion for a better monitor for the price or a cheaper monitor, I’m all ears.

 

[Azulsky]

Can you boot from the Intel 750 series?

 

[tahsutify]

I was actually reading a bit about this today. Everything I've seen says you absolutely should use a workstation card; that even a low end one will outperform a high end gaming card in 3D modeling. According to one source, you hit diminishing returns fast on the top end, super expensive cards, so they recommend buying low to mid end for a fraction of the cost and just upgrading more often (once a year at $400 a pop vs. once every three years at $2000 a pop). Ram is cheap, buy lots. For 3D CAD modeling, it sounds like both single threaded and multi threaded performance are critical for different parts, so it seems like the processor is the place to splurge. In the hypothetical build I was pricing today, I tossed in a i7-4790k with a better cooler to overclock from there. That hypothetical build landed at around $1600, but I also had 32 GB of ram and a 500 GB SSD, both of which you could probably cut in half and save ~$200. Depending on how intensive the work you're doing is, you could probably use a 2GB card instead of the 4GB Quadro K2200 I tossed in and save another ~$200.

I'm not well read enough to recommend specific parts, but hopefully that gives you some useful information.

Thanks, that was super useful. I was actually leaning towards the gtx 960 since those Quadro cards are a bit hard to find in my area.

I'm thinking of doing something like this,

I5 4690,
16 GB RAM,
120 GB SSD ( definitely don't need more than that, the work computer barely has 70 GB of files)
K2200 or equivalent.

Anything higher than i5 increases the cost too much so I am a bit conservative for the moment. If the company says the price is reasonable then I may replace it with an I7. Also please consider that we are using a workstation bought in 2008. Even a first gen i3 would be a huge performance increase . Sometimes we wait 30 seconds for something to load or to get processed.

 

[RGM79]

Ok PC GAF, I’m looking to get back into pc gaming again (or if my wife asks, doing work at home ). My last build was 7 years ago, so I’m out of the loop. I’m ready to get some wisdom laid on me.

Uses:
Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD
Gaming (PC rpgs, would like to start moving some multi-plats from PS4/XBone to PC) General (MS Office, etc.)
Monitor:
Need new monitor, 1080p, 24”-27”, would also like to connect to plasma for dat comfy couch
Games:
AAA, indie, high end, low end (nothing competitive)
Re-used parts:
Case (full tower), dvd drive
Overclocking: Yes
Build Date:
Looking to build in May, could start buying parts now if the deal is good enough.
Budget:
Would like to keep it under $1600 including the monitor
Location:
U.S. (nowhere near a Microcenter however )

I don’t know what’s what with pc components anymore, but here is an attempt at a parts list anyway:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JMZVyc
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JMZVyc/by_merchant/

The new pc will be within 15-20 feet of my Panasonic plasma along the same wall, so I would also like to know what my options are for keyboards and mice to use the pc in the next room. As I said above, I won’t be completing the build until early May, but if there are any deals going on components I would like to start buying them now while they are cheap.

As for monitors, I’ve been looking at this 27 inch BenQ GW Series GW2760HS on Amazon for $205. However, if I know nothing of current pc parts, I know even less about monitor tech. It seems pretty good, but if anyone has a suggestion for a better monitor for the price or a cheaper monitor, I’m all ears.

Parts list looks fine to me, although I'd change a few things. Can you tell us what case you have?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($226.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($103.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($522.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1173.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 17:30 EDT-0400
1. Changed the processor for the i5 4690K. It's more cost effective than the 4790K and there's only a handful of games and certain scenarios where the 4790K can do slightly (~10%) better. For most users, i5 46XX processors actually perform nearly the same as the i7 47XX models for most games as reported by Anandtech and Techspot.

2. I recently recommended the Asus Z97-E motherboard when it was closer to $110. Now that it has gone up in price, I recommend the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ($104 outright) which has also recently dropped back down in price. Alternatively there's the MSI Z97S SLI Krait ($101 after $10 rebate). Not a lot of difference in terms of specs and performance for either of those three motherboards, they are the low cost but not low end go-to models I usually recommend.

3. I personally wouldn't recommend that blower-type EVGA GTX 980. They tend to be louder and may not cool as well as open-type coolers. Some do prefer them for the admittedly nicer looking enclosed design and the fact that the blower-type cooler pushes all of the hot air out of the case rather than just keeping it in the case. Instead, I recommend the cheaper Gigabyte GTX 980 Windforce ($523), it has a very effective triple fan cooler. That card is very long though so you should make sure it fits your case, although you did say you had a full tower case. If noise is a concern, I'd recommend the MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G ($540) or the EVGA GTX 980 Superclocked ($545). They both have a zero speed fan mode when at low temperature.

Also, if you can wait it out, rumors say AMD will be releasing their new R9 3XX graphics card line in June. Nvidia may counter with a price cut for the existing GTX 980 and/or introduce a new GTX "980 Ti".

4. That EVGA Supernova G1 PSU isn't bad, but it's an older model. I recommend the newer EVGA Supernova B2 750 watt model ($60 after $20 rebate), it's cheaper, still high quality, and 750 watts gives you the option for SLI GTX 980 in the future.

As far as individual parts prices go, I'd consider buying the G.Skill memory and WD Blue hard drive now, they're at pretty low prices. The motherboard is also the lowest it's been in two months according to PCPartPicker's price tracker, but it rarely goes above $115. Sorry, I'm not much of a monitor guy so I can't make any recommendations there.

Can you boot from the Intel 750 series?

Yep, they should be supported well by current X99 and Z97 motherboards, although NVMe support is left up to the motherboard manufacturer by pushing out BIOS updates as reported by Anandtech.

 

[Cad-Monkey]

Parts list looks fine to me, although I'd change a few things. Can you tell us what case you have?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($226.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($103.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($96.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($522.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1173.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-07 17:30 EDT-0400
1. Changed the processor for the i5 4690K. It's more cost effective than the 4790K and there's only a handful of games and certain scenarios where the 4790K can do slightly (~10%) better. For most users, i5 46XX processors actually perform nearly the same as the i7 47XX models for most games as reported by Anandtech and Techspot.

2. I recently recommended the Asus Z97-E motherboard when it was closer to $110. Now that it has gone up in price, I recommend the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ($104 outright) which has also recently dropped back down in price. Alternatively there's the MSI Z97S SLI Krait ($101 after $10 rebate). Not a lot of difference in terms of specs and performance for either of those three motherboards, they are the low cost but not low end go-to models I usually recommend.

3. I personally wouldn't recommend that blower-type EVGA GTX 980. They tend to be louder and may not cool as well as open-type coolers. Some do prefer them for the admittedly nicer looking enclosed design and the fact that the blower-type cooler pushes all of the hot air out of the case rather than just keeping it in the case. Instead, I recommend the cheaper Gigabyte GTX 980 Windforce ($523), it has a very effective triple fan cooler. That card is very long though so you should make sure it fits your case, although you did say you had a full tower case. If noise is a concern, I'd recommend the MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G ($540) or the EVGA GTX 980 Superclocked ($545). They both have a zero speed fan mode when at low temperature.

Also, if you can wait it out, rumors say AMD will be releasing their new R9 3XX graphics card line in June. Nvidia may counter with a price cut for the existing GTX 980 and/or introduce a new GTX "980 Ti".

4. That EVGA Supernova G1 PSU isn't bad, but it's an older model. I recommend the newer EVGA Supernova B2 750 watt model ($60 after $20 rebate), it's cheaper, still high quality, and 750 watts gives you the option for SLI GTX 980 in the future.

As far as individual parts prices go, I'd consider buying the G.Skill memory and WD Blue hard drive now, they're at pretty low prices. The motherboard is also the lowest it's been in two months according to PCPartPicker's price tracker, but it rarely goes above $115. Sorry, I'm not much of a monitor guy so I can't make any recommendations there.

Here is the case:
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/...wer-Rocketfish-case-rebadged-Lian-Li-Best-Buy

I got it for under 60 at the time.

 

[RGM79]

Here is the case:
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/...wer-Rocketfish-case-rebadged-Lian-Li-Best-Buy

I got it for under 60 at the time.

From what I can find, it's based on the Lian Li PC-A71. No worries there, more than massive enough to fit everything.

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

Thanks, that was super useful. I was actually leaning towards the gtx 960 since those Quadro cards are a bit hard to find in my area.

I'm thinking of doing something like this,

I5 4690,
16 GB RAM,
120 GB SSD ( definitely don't need more than that, the work computer barely has 70 GB of files)
K2200 or equivalent.

Anything higher than i5 increases the cost too much so I am a bit conservative for the moment. If the company says the price is reasonable then I may replace it with an I7. Also please consider that we are using a workstation bought in 2008. Even a first gen i3 would be a huge performance increase . Sometimes we wait 30 seconds for something to load or to get processed.

Well, if newegg ships to where you are, I know they have a good selection of workstation cards ranging from $100 to over $3K. That's where I was playing around researching prices.

Even if you don't plan to overclock right away, the 4690K is only $15-25 more than the 4690, so that's probably worth it. Aside from that, I can't really give any further recommendations, since like I said, I'm no expert on this stuff, I've only done some basic reading. But from what I've read, I would think that would make a pretty solid CAD machine, especially compared to something from 2008. Glad I could help some!

 

[CzarTim]

Do you guys recommend any specific surge protector or will any do?

 

[bro1]

Can you boot from the Intel 750 series?

Yes

 

[oneida]

Today I installed my HD 7970, a severe upgrade - tried out Alien Isolation and Batman Arkham Origins in Ultra settings and everything looks amazing.

But... there's a problem.
My computer keeps shutting off. It's happened 3 times today.

I downloaded HWMonitor to check how things are looking inside.
the GPU seems to be running cool - 35 to 41 C while browsing the internet. Fine.
The CPU, however, looks like it might be roasting. Just with Google Chrome and Steam open, I've got a range of 35 min to 75 C max.

For reference, my CPU is an AMD FX 8120.

So... what's the next step? Time for a new CPU?

 

[opticalmace]

Today I installed my HD 7970, a severe upgrade - tried out Alien Isolation and Batman Arkham Origins in Ultra settings and everything looks amazing.

But... there's a problem.
My computer keeps shutting off. It's happened 3 times today.

I downloaded HWMonitor to check how things are looking inside.
the GPU seems to be running cool - 35 to 41 C while browsing the internet. Fine.
The CPU, however, looks like it might be roasting. Just with Google Chrome and Steam open, I've got a range of 35 min to 75 C max.

For reference, my CPU is an AMD FX 8120.

So... what's the next step? Time for a new CPU?

Redo the thermal paste. And/or unclog the dust in the heatsink.

 

[oneida]

Redo the thermal paste. And/or unclog the dust in the heatsink.

Okay, will do. Is there a good tutorial on how to do this? I'm green to all this.

 

[kennah]

Today I installed my HD 7970, a severe upgrade - tried out Alien Isolation and Batman Arkham Origins in Ultra settings and everything looks amazing.

But... there's a problem.
My computer keeps shutting off. It's happened 3 times today.

I downloaded HWMonitor to check how things are looking inside.
the GPU seems to be running cool - 35 to 41 C while browsing the internet. Fine.
The CPU, however, looks like it might be roasting. Just with Google Chrome and Steam open, I've got a range of 35 min to 75 C max.

For reference, my CPU is an AMD FX 8120.

So... what's the next step? Time for a new CPU?

What powersupply do you have

 

[MegalonJJ]

I made a thread but...yeah...

Anyway, I'm after a PC Headset and was hoping you guys might be able to help. In terms of price range I'm looking at spending around $120.

I'd like a set with a good mic and good bass. I've considered the Turtle Beach Z60 or the Plantronics RIG, but neither seem to have a good mic...or at least what I've read.

Recommendations please?

 

[kennah]

I made a thread but...yeah...

Anyway, I'm after a PC Headset and was hoping you guys might be able to help. In terms of price range I'm looking at spending around $120.

I'd like a set with a good mic and good bass. I've considered the Turtle Beach Z60 or the Plantronics RIG, but neither seem to have a good mic...or at least what I've read.

Recommendations please?

Headset threa in op

 

[MegalonJJ]

Thanks dude, going there now

 

[HammerOfThor]

So I'm thinking of upgrading my setup.

Heres what I have now:

Mobo: MSI Z87-GD65
CPU: i5-4670k
GPU: HD 7950
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
PSU: SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W
Storage: SAMSUNG 840 120 GB and Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Heres what I plan to upgrade:

GPU: ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 980
RAM: Same thing just adding 16GB more
Storage: Replacing 840 with Crucial MX100 CT512MX100SSD1 512GB
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2

Thoughts on these upgrades? Mainly the GPU portion? I need more RAM because I also do development and 8GB isn't really cutting it. And storage because I'm tired of deleting stuff off my SSD.

 

[oneida]

What powersupply do you have

I had the case open earlier today but forgot to look at the PSU. Pretty sure it was 750W but I'll have a look. Reapplying thermal paste does no harm, right? If not I'll do that for sure and while I'm doing it check on the PSU.

 

[Chitown B]

anyone use XBMC? I upgraded to the i5 4690k and now my video stutters every 58-59 seconds.

 

[The Teachinator]

Anyone looking for an MITX board?? I have one sealed that I wound up just not needing and I can't return. $100(retails normally at $130)

 

[LegionAgent]

Here in Chile there are, just cause technollogy like that comes a little bit later, and what's the newest comes at a really high price. Though that I aside I would still like some advice on some UPS. These are the options I have here at my city:

-Forza NT-1002C, UPS 1000VA 500W 4 Out 220V
-APC UPS 500VA Back RS (BR500CI-AS)
-APC UPS BX650CI-LM, 390 Watts /650 VA, 230V

Anyone? Help

 

[ricki42]

So I'm thinking of upgrading my setup.

Heres what I have now:

Mobo: MSI Z87-GD65
CPU: i5-4670k
GPU: HD 7950
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
PSU: SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W
Storage: SAMSUNG 840 120 GB and Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Heres what I plan to upgrade:

GPU: ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 980
RAM: Same thing just adding 16GB more
Storage: Replacing 840 with Crucial MX100 CT512MX100SSD1 512GB
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2

Thoughts on these upgrades? Mainly the GPU portion? I need more RAM because I also do development and 8GB isn't really cutting it. And storage because I'm tired of deleting stuff off my SSD.

I don't think you'd need a new PSU, the one you have is a very good model, should be able to handle a single 980.

 

[toadsworth]

Anyone? Help

APC is a good brand, would be your best bet.

 

[Cad-Monkey]

From what I can find, it's based on the Lian Li PC-A71. No worries there, more than massive enough to fit everything.

Excellent! Thanks for the adjustments above.

 

[MegalonJJ]

I'm cross posting this from the headphone thread as it might be more relevant here, so here goes:

I'm leaning towards getting a pair of headphones and a mic...so is it possible to get something like the DT770 and a boom mic?

(I apologise if that sounds really stupid btw.

 

[RGM79]

So I'm thinking of upgrading my setup.

Heres what I have now:

Mobo: MSI Z87-GD65
CPU: i5-4670k
GPU: HD 7950
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
PSU: SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W
Storage: SAMSUNG 840 120 GB and Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX 1TB
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Heres what I plan to upgrade:

GPU: ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 980
RAM: Same thing just adding 16GB more
Storage: Replacing 840 with Crucial MX100 CT512MX100SSD1 512GB
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G2

Thoughts on these upgrades? Mainly the GPU portion? I need more RAM because I also do development and 8GB isn't really cutting it. And storage because I'm tired of deleting stuff off my SSD.

What are you doing that needs 24GB of RAM? Also, if you're planning for SLI, you really only need 750 watts.

 

[biocat]

I have CPU heat question.

I noticed while running 3DMark on my computer that my CPU temps were hitting nearly 100c, so something isn't working right.

My system:
i5 3570k @ 3.4 turbo to 4.4 at 2.2v
Corsair H60 cooler
P8Z77-I deluxe motherboard

Could it be my thermal paste? I only built this computer a couple years ago.

 

[HammerOfThor]

I don't think you'd need a new PSU, the one you have is a very good model, should be able to handle a single 980.

What are you doing that needs 24GB of RAM? Also, if you're planning for SLI, you really only need 750 watts.

24GB is really just a better safe than sorry thing. I'm not really doing anything now that needs 24GB, but it won't hurt, especially once I start running more VMs.

So 550W should really be enough with a 980? I don't plan on doing SLI or anything. If so, awesome, I have no need to upgrade the PSU! Thanks for that tidbit!

 

[RGM79]

24GB is really just a better safe than sorry thing. I'm not really doing anything now that needs 24GB, but it won't hurt, especially once I start running more VMs.

So 550W should really be enough with a 980? I don't plan on doing SLI or anything. If so, awesome, I have no need to upgrade the PSU! Thanks for that tidbit!

Guru3D recommends 500 watts and HardOCP never went over 400 watts for total system wattage, even with overclocking.

I have CPU heat question.

I noticed while running 3DMark on my computer that my CPU temps were hitting nearly 100c, so something isn't working right.

My system:
i5 3570k @ 3.4 turbo to 4.4 at 2.2v
Corsair H60 cooler
P8Z77-I deluxe motherboard

Could it be my thermal paste? I only built this computer a couple years ago.

Is 2.2V a typo? What program are you using to check voltage and temperatures?

 

[biocat]

Guru3D recommends 500 watts and HardOCP never went over 400 watts for total system wattage, even with overclocking.
Sore


Is 2.2V a typo? What program are you using to check voltage and temperatures?

Sorry, it was a typo. 1.2v on cpu

I've been using Asus AI suite and afterburner to check temps.

 

[RGM79]

Sorry, it was a typo. 1.2v on cpu

I've been using Asus AI suite and afterburner to check temps.

How hot does it get when you play games?

 

[biocat]

How hot does it get when you play games?

It gets to about 80c.

I just changed the cpu fan curve and I'll see if that helps.

Edit: still climbs up to 100 briefly on 3D mark.

Edit2: is there a problem with leaving the pump at 100% all the time? I might try that.

 

[OverdriveOtaku]

Alright, I have everything I need now to make my tower, but there’s one thing I’d like some advice on; what 2nd monitor to choose.


I’m using a BenQ RL2460HT TN Monitor as my main monitor and will mostly use my PC tower for gaming and most likely streaming both console and PC games.

Since my machine will be fairly decent, I am thinking of also using the tower for productivity things like video editing and designing with apps like Photoshop and such. My notebook is temporarily filling that gap atm.

IPS Monitors like the Asus MX239H AFAIK offer greater field of view and better colors, but aren’t really designed for gaming. I’ve seen a handful of youtube vids for IPS monitors in my budget and they have blurring or performance issues with either FPS or fast-paced games since they are mainly designed for productivity.

***
The question I have is what TYPE to make my 2nd monitor…

> Do I get another BenQ TN Monitor to keep the look and function consistent, even though I won’t use the 2nd monitor for gaming?​

> Or do I get a good, IPS Productivity-style monitor that offers better range of view and better colors for when I Photoshop and video edit?​

***

Some facts on how I’ll be using these monitors:

- My main monitor, the BenQ, will be the only one used for gaming. I do value its multiple HDMI inputs and can help make console streaming easier.

- Even with having 2 monitors, I have no desire to split-screen any of my games, so the 2nd monitor will solely be for app and web usage during a game.

- The 2nd monitor I get needs to be around the $230 range, but I just need input on what kind to get, not a specific model since I have general recommendations for that already. I’m in US.


I currently have a notebook that I am debating on selling so I can get a 2nd desktop computer, since I’m told for HD game streaming that may be the best route to go, but until my tower is built sometime next week I won’t fully know how capable my machine will be able to handle all of it on its own. Whether or not I get a 2nd desktop computer, I will be getting a 2nd monitor for this PC tower.


I welcome being schooled if I am wrong about any of this. Sorry for being wordy.

 

[vulva]

I want to upgrade my CPU. My current motherboard's socket is LGA1156. I currently have an i3-540 that I'm a bit fed up with. I've been thinking of maybe upgrading to an i5 since i7 is way too expensive for me right now.

The question is if I go that route, which i5 is the best option? Or should I just fork up the extra cash and get a new motherboard too? I've been trying to find a decent bundle for a motherboard/cpu but not having much luck.

I'm in Canada, btw, if someone happens to have seen a good deal.

 

[kennah]

Good deals don't exist here.

 

[vulva]

Good deals don't exist here.

I mean, that's just not true but thanks?

 

[Jimrpg]

Holy shit!!! After waiting three weeks all my parts have arrived!!! except one... The anti static wrist strap!.... Grrr...

 

[RGM79]

I want to upgrade my CPU. My current motherboard's socket is LGA1156. I currently have an i3-540 that I'm a bit fed up with. I've been thinking of maybe upgrading to an i5 since i7 is way too expensive for me right now.

The question is if I go that route, which i5 is the best option? Or should I just fork up the extra cash and get a new motherboard too? I've been trying to find a decent bundle for a motherboard/cpu but not having much luck.

I'm in Canada, btw, if someone happens to have seen a good deal.

If you're looking to upgrade your your socket 1156 system on a smaller budget than buying a new processor and motherboard, would you be interested in my socket 1156 i7 875K? I'm in Vancouver.

 

[baphomet]

Can anyone help me out?

I've got 3, 1TB drives in my PC. I want one drive to be the main Windows install, and I want to stripe across the other 2 1TB drives. I'm trying to use the disk management in Windows 8.1 to set it up, but there's a fucking recovery partition on one of my, what should be clean, drives. I can't get rid of this partition (350mb) at all.

When i select one of my unallocated drives it gives me the option to make a new striped volume, but when i select it, I have no other drives to select to stripe to. The drive with the recovery partition only gives the option for a new simple drive.

What the fuck is the deal? Anyone have any ideas?

 

[vulva]

If you're looking to upgrade your your socket 1156 system on a smaller budget than buying a new processor and motherboard, would you be interested in my socket 1156 i7 875K? I'm in Vancouver.

How much would you be willing to sell it for?

 

[RGM79]

How much would you be willing to sell it for?

Honestly? I'm not sure. I can't find any reference prices from craigslist or ebay that don't seem overinflated or don't come as part of a bundle.

It looks like the i7 875K sells for about $180, and the similar i7 870 sells for $150 according to the cheapest ebay.ca listings I can see. Do you want to just call it $160 including shipping? CAD, of course.

I'll throw in up to three P55 motherboards if you want for a little extra. From checking your specs, you seem to have an H55 motherboard, I dunno if you want the slightly higher end P55 motherboards. I'm using one right now (working but with a slight RAM slot defect), and I have two more: one possibly working but haven't checked (physically looks great), and one probably defective that came from a salvaged PC (haven't tried it).

 

[vulva]

Honestly? I'm not sure. I can't find any reference prices from craigslist or ebay that don't seem overinflated or don't come as part of a bundle.

It looks like the i7 875K sells for about $180, and the similar i7 870 sells for $150 according to the cheapest ebay listings. Do you want to just call it $160 including shipping?

That actually sounds perfect. PM me either a paypal or e-mail address for an e-transfer and I can get you the money by tomorrow (just need to transfer some cash from savings over which takes a day).

edit: and stupid question I'm sure but just to be certain... it does work/not have any issues right? haha

 

[Garou]

Can anyone help me out?

I've got 3, 1TB drives in my PC. I want one drive to be the main Windows install, and I want to stripe across the other 2 1TB drives. I'm trying to use the disk management in Windows 8.1 to set it up, but there's a fucking recovery partition on one of my, what should be clean, drives. I can't get rid of this partition (350mb) at all.

When i select one of my unallocated drives it gives me the option to make a new striped volume, but when i select it, I have no other drives to select to stripe to. The drive with the recovery partition only gives the option for a new simple drive.

What the fuck is the deal? Anyone have any ideas?

You need to use the diskpart-command line tool with the "clean"-option.

 

[RGM79]

That actually sounds perfect. PM me either a paypal or e-mail address for an e-transfer and I can get you the money by tomorrow (just need to transfer some cash from savings over which takes a day).

edit: and stupid question I'm sure but just to be certain... it does work/not have any issues right? haha

Nope, no issues with the processor. PM sent, along with information about the motherboards.



Edit: Now that I'm rearranging my desktop, I think I'll going to sell my graphics card.

Anyone interested in a Gigabyte R9 270X Windforce? Hoping to sell for $100 USD including shipping, but I can be flexible. It's less than a year old, I still have the original packaging.

 

[Jimrpg]

Just build on a kitchen table or something, and occasionally ground yourself by touching the case, you'll be fine

Yep that's my intention.

And it's really hot and humid here... which apparently prevents build up of static electricity so I'll leave the air con off. Normally the air con is on at home.

 

[Bright-Light]

Does vsync help?

Thanks guys. That has fixed it.

 

[KarneeKarnay]

Hi Guys,

Building a very low level touchscreen pc using parts from recycled computers. I've got a 17.1" screen I've taken from a broken laptop. I've applied a touchscreen panel to the front of it and gotten a hold of the LCD controller for that model screen.

What I need next is a motherboard. I've been thinking about the Raspberry Pi 2, but it has been brought to my attention there might be more powerful alternatives.

1. Raspberry Pi 2.

2. Humming Bird

3. BeagleBone Black

4. MinnowBoard Max


This is my first foray into the smaller motherboards. Any suggestions on which I should chose?

 

[Lucinice]

So I'm very new to buying PC parts, when do new GPU's come out normally?

 

[HammerOfThor]

Is getting an RoG Swift worth it with one 980? Would I need two to take full advantage of its features?

 

[bbd23]

alright, GTA V comes out next week and the witcher 3 in a month...I cant wait any longer.

I currently have a 7870..thinking of testing out team green this time. looking at the 970.. which branded 970 do you guys recommend?