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Official "I need a new PC!!" 2009 Edition
- Thread starter VictimOfGrief
- Start date
evil solrac v3.0
Member
TheHeretic said:
yeah, 8 gigs of G-skill DDR2 800. and i have water cooling. um...... where do i change this
BravoSuperStar
Member
evil solrac v3.0 said:yeah, 8 gigs of G-skill DDR2 800. and i have water cooling. um...... where do i change this
If you mean where do you change your vcore/FSB then you need to go into your bios. When your computer starts it should say something about hitting delete or f2 or whatever the keystroke is to enter the bios. From there look for something about changing settings, or tweaking or something. Every company's bios looks different so can't say exactly what the menus will be labeled.
TheHeretic
Banned
evil solrac v3.0 said:yeah, 8 gigs of G-skill DDR2 800. and i have water cooling. um...... where do i change this
Use Realtemp or Coretemp to monitor your temperatures. Below 50C is optimal, below 60C is safe and above 60C is dangerous. The absolute threshold for you is 71 degrees.
Change these settings through the bios. Upping the CPU's voltage will increase stability allowing for better speeds, but also increases the temperature of the CPU. Voltage thats too high can damage your CPU regardless of the temperatures.
For a Q6600, the CPU voltage thresholds are:
Below 1.4v is completely safe
Between 1.4-1.45v is moderate but safe
1.5v is the boundary to which your CPU may experience a deceased lifespan
Don't push your North Bridge voltage above 1.4, you can leave it on automatic which will be fine if you like.
Remember, total CPU speed = Multiplier x FSB. As you have DDR2 800, your RAM has a speed of 400 (for reasons that are convoluted, just trust me). So try to set it so that your FSB is as close to 400 as possible. For example, for a 3.2ghz overlock: 8x400 is better than 9x355, though the speeds are identical. Setting your CPU's FSB higher than your RAM will mean you have to overclock your RAM, which you don't need to do. RAM can be faster than your CPU, your CPU cannot be faster than your RAM. Don't do 7x450 unless you are willing to overclock your RAM.
Expect anywhere from 3ghz to 3.6ghz depending on the quality of your chip (which is random). Tinker with speeds and voltages until your CPU is completely stable at the lowest possible voltage.
To test stability, download OCCT and run a 1 hour test. If you pass and your temperatures don't exceed 60 by too much, your CPU is stable and healthy. OCCT will push your CPU harder than anything else you would otherwise run will, if you can pass it without crashing you are fine. If your computer crashes (and if you are doing it right, it will, alot!) don't worry. Crashing because you set it too high won't hurt your CPU, only pumping insane voltages into it or letting it overheat will.
Ok, Im looking to build my first PC around october, so might as well get started since Im a total noob...
So Ill start by asking a question about the case.
Whats the best mid size case available on the market? Im looking for something that looks good/stylish, not too big, and that can handle latest tech if needed (i7/DDR3/GPU)
I was looking at the ANTEC SOLO since the P182 is too big... Any opinions?
So Ill start by asking a question about the case.
Whats the best mid size case available on the market? Im looking for something that looks good/stylish, not too big, and that can handle latest tech if needed (i7/DDR3/GPU)
I was looking at the ANTEC SOLO since the P182 is too big... Any opinions?
TheHeretic
Banned
Niks said:
Depends what you mean by "too big". The Antec 900 remains extremely popular. Cooler master also has some very well received cases. Poke around on newegg, the two technical concerns for cases are airflow and noise, so make sure you read reviews to evaluate problems.
This is one of the best cases on the market:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
At its price point, its definitive.
Gerald Preston
Neo Member
Speaking of cases, does anyone have any experience with thermaltake cases & their rebates? I've been looking at this, their Antec 900 rip:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133074
My friend bought a raidmax in Jan and still hasn't gotten a rebate back.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133074
My friend bought a raidmax in Jan and still hasn't gotten a rebate back.
TheHeretic
Banned
strange_booj said:
The chip runs pretty hot all on its own. There have been cases of people lowering the voltage and increasing the clock speed successfully, but its uncommon. You can try overclocking with lower voltages to keep temperatures down, but investing in a new HSF is a good idea. I'd say its worth it to do so, but only if you don't want to just experiment.
If you want settings to start on try:
Vcore: 1.35
Multiplier: 9
FSB: 311
Temperature thresholds are listed in my previous post.
Gerald Preston said:
I dislike their cases, in my experience they aren't very good. The CM690 is better, in all probability so is the original Antec.
Mr. Spinnington
Banned
i've been through 3 sets of them starting in spring '05, actually. but for speakers as nice as those i didn't mind having them constantly replaced [always under warranty, i was]Malvolio said:
my first, the power brick overheated
the second, smoke started pouring out the back
the third overheated again but then miraculously came back to life 6 months later!
looks like the only place to get 'em now is ebay and third party vendors. and only the silver models too, gross ;p
brain_stew
Member
evil solrac v3.0 said:
Yes, multi GPU setups demand as much CPU power as you can throw at them.
www.overclock.net is a great forum to get upto speed at. Clocking Core 2s is a piece of cake anyway, you should manage 3ghz+ quite easily but be sure to get your cooling in orfer first, the Q6600 is quite a power hungry beast once OCed.
Hey guys... I've been using the onboard sound since I got this but I do own a
Creative SOUND BLASTER X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card. Now should I be using this sound card, or is it all right to sell it and keep using the onboard sound?
This is my soundcard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102189
This is my MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136043
Creative SOUND BLASTER X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card. Now should I be using this sound card, or is it all right to sell it and keep using the onboard sound?
This is my soundcard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102189
This is my MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136043
TheHeretic
Banned
Jirotrom said:
Depends on your speakers. Your onboard sound is standard Realtek, which is decent enough, but your sound card is better despite being creative. If your speakers suck you won't notice the difference, but with a good set there should be a discernible difference. I can't imagine you getting much for the sound card, might as well use it.
This thread is probably the best advice thread on GAF. Thanks to Heretic, brain_stew, and all the regulars for always being on the ball with suggestions.
What meese do you guys use? I have a G5, but I'm wondering if I should move on. Are there any good wireless ones yet?
What meese do you guys use? I have a G5, but I'm wondering if I should move on. Are there any good wireless ones yet?
TheHeretic
Banned
AstroLad said:
No probs! PC gamers have to stick together, for the master race!
I use a Razer Deathadder, I love it. I don't care for wireless mice to be honest, theres the charging issue and its going to sound elitist but I don't trust my epic pin point precision to something that could get interference at a critical moment!
Not to mention wireless mouses introduce more lag.TheHeretic said:
I use the Microsoft Habu. I really like it. It's not the best mouse but I got it for a little over $20 so I'd say it was worth it. I seem to remember the Logitech MX518 being the standard for top quality gaming mice but there have probably been improvements since then. It's still only an optical mouse.
Although I hate the sound of my Creative Audigy 2 ZS, I noticed something interesting. It's significantly faster than my onboard Asus P5B-E sound. I plugged them both in, and the onboard sound had a significant delay.
I still can't use the Creative, since it will randomly distort my sound now and then (on Windows 7 and Vista). I've found no way to fix this. Creative has awful driver support.
I would have thought your MX518 cable was broken/dying, but if your G7 cuts out as well, the PC would have to be the issue, I would think. Try another USB port? Try updating drivers?
I still can't use the Creative, since it will randomly distort my sound now and then (on Windows 7 and Vista). I've found no way to fix this. Creative has awful driver support.
Jirotrom said:
I would have thought your MX518 cable was broken/dying, but if your G7 cuts out as well, the PC would have to be the issue, I would think. Try another USB port? Try updating drivers?
TheHeretic
Banned
zbarron said:
Yeah the Habu is basically the Deathadder, rebranded! Its awesome.
Minsc
Gold Member
AstroLad said:
You want a sexy wireless keyboard & mouse, check this out.
Has more functionality than the G5 too. Review is a good read, tons of pictures.
Just look at the second half of the second page about the mouse. Amazing.
Thanks Minsc, I will check those out.
What do you dudes think of this monitor (if you know anything about it)? I'm trying to stay at 22" roughly so that limits me a touch: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001311
What do you dudes think of this monitor (if you know anything about it)? I'm trying to stay at 22" roughly so that limits me a touch: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001311
BravoSuperStar
Member
AstroLad said:
It seems like a great monitor, cnet has an excellent review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/samsung-syncmaster-2233rz/4505-3174_7-33499496.html
Personally, if you are going to get it I would just drop the $600 and get the whole kit from nvidia to use for 3d games:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_GeForce_3D_VisionBundle_us.html
brain_stew
Member
Jirotrom said:
If your bothered about decent surround support in games and/or want to use a set of stereo headphones for full surround sound, yes, keep the card.
How much can I overclock a AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition (Stock 3.0Ghz), I have a Artic Cooling 64LP CPU Cooler, Corsair XMS 800Mhz RAM (2x2GB) and a Gigabyte 790X UD4 Mobo. I'd like to know how much can I push the CPU, without making it instable or making it too hot. I'd like a mid temperature, something that does not change drastically the fans speed/CPU Life.
Also I'd like to know how much I have to set the FSB/Multiplier to have the Ghz.
Thanks in advance
Also I'd like to know how much I have to set the FSB/Multiplier to have the Ghz.
Thanks in advance
They actually have native 120Hz monitors now? Awesome.
Going to have to upgrade to ultra high end vidja cards when I get that. I wonder if they'll allow for a 75 or 85Hz mode. Would get the smothness of 120Hz (minus the 3D glasses benefit), with less performance demand. I miss 85Hz gaming.
Going to have to upgrade to ultra high end vidja cards when I get that. I wonder if they'll allow for a 75 or 85Hz mode. Would get the smothness of 120Hz (minus the 3D glasses benefit), with less performance demand. I miss 85Hz gaming.
brain_stew
Member
SuperEnemyCrab said:
I think I'll echo that. The big reason to go with that monitor is for the 3D vision support and with a 295, you're perfectly placed to make use of it.
Otherwise I'd go with a 21.5" 1080p set, or, ideally, step up to a 23" 1080p set.
brain_stew
Member
asdad123 said:
No, not really suitable at all. The 4670 isn't a bad laptop card at all but make sure it uses DDR3 memory. However, Nvidia have just launched a bunch of new mobile parts and the 250M looks perfec for what you're looking for, as its got a really low power draw but performance should be quite close to a desktop 9800GT.
Yazus said:
You'll never know until you get your hands on the chip, but you should be able to manage 3.6-3.8ghz I would think. More if you're lucky, less if you're not.
My friend has one. The 3D gave him a headache after about half an hour so he tried to sell it but then he got used to it more or less. He can't see the difference between 60fps/60hz and 120fps/120hz. I would like it for bragging rights as well as for the smoothness of motion. Imagine playing a console port at 4x the framerate with no tearing.TheExodu5 said:
If you mostly care about gaming performance then I'd grab a MSI GT627.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152095
Know 2 people who have it, only issue is that the OS partition is small, but you can resize that, friend used BootIt NG.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152095
Know 2 people who have it, only issue is that the OS partition is small, but you can resize that, friend used BootIt NG.
brain_stew
Member
asdad123 said:
4670 by a very serious magin, a laptop with a 130m isn't worth considering. The laptop linked by Hazaro is worth considering, but personally I don't think any of these options currently warrant their asking price. Prices have risen in the last couple of months and much faster chips will start hitting machines very soon, so I'd hold out a little while longer.
A ~$1000 15.6" machine with a GTS 250m is what I'd be holding out for.
Xdrive05
Member
About the Phenom ii 940 X4. I overclocked mine to 3.4 @ stock volts just by bumping up the multiplier a few times. It's prime stable and all that. Pretty nice for a "free" overclock. Netted me nearly 1000 more points in 3dMark06 and my temps are good.
Makes me want to actually shoot for the limit... must resist...
Makes me want to actually shoot for the limit... must resist...
FromTheFuture
Member
Ok guys so i bought my PC components and put everything together smoothly... but i'm having a problem. When i turned on the computer for the first time, everything seemed to be working fine, but after a few seconds the computer turned off. I decided to open it and look inside while turning it on, and i realized that the CPU heatsink fan is not spinning. Well, when it is turned on it spins for a second or two, and then stops. The fan then once in awhile begins to wiggle as if it were starting, but then dies out. I've tried reconnecting it, but i don't know what's wrong. Help?
BravoSuperStar
Member
Kipe said:
You get faster response time/lower price in trade off for less color gamut with a TN panel, but they are not "terrible" by any means. In fact TN panels seem to be the only ones on the market at 120hz refresh rates.
MWS Natural
Member
Yazus said:
If you do plan to overclock make sure it is stable for atleast 30min-1hr in OCCT, many other programs seem stable but won't push your CPU the same way.
FromTheFuture
Member
Why is PC GAF always missing when i need them the most?
I solved the CPU fan problem by just reconnecting countless wires, but my PC still shuts off after a few seconds. What else have i done wrong?
I solved the CPU fan problem by just reconnecting countless wires, but my PC still shuts off after a few seconds. What else have i done wrong?
To me it seems as if the PC is entering a new-gen with Core i7, DDR3, and the GTX300/Radeon HD 5000 cards coming soon. Here's my final (as I call it) current-gen build. :lol I heard the E8700 will be coming out next month, if that's the case then I will be using that processor.
Lian Li Armorsuit PC-P50R Mid Tower Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112241
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Corsair 620W 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002
ASUS Maximus II Formula Intel P45 Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131319
Corsair Dominator 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145214
ASUS ATI Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121311
Lian Li Armorsuit PC-P50R Mid Tower Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112241
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
Corsair 620W 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002
ASUS Maximus II Formula Intel P45 Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131319
Corsair Dominator 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145214
ASUS ATI Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121311
Gully State
Member
FromTheFuture said:
FromTheFuture said:
Did you manage to get into the BIOS?
FromTheFuture
Member
Alright so when i unplug the 4-pin ATX-12v the computer stays on and doesn't shut off after a few seconds. Is it alright to leave the 4-pin unplugged?
Now the problem i'm having when it is on is that i can't get an image to show up on the screen. I used something very similar to brain stew's 500$ build, and the mobo itself does not have a port to plug into a monitor. How do i get the image to show up on the screen?
No, i have not seen the BIOS due to it shutting off, and because i don't know how to get the image to show up on the monitor...
edit. Is my power supply not strong enough? I asked around and someone said it would be fine, but is it possible that my Antec 902 is taking up too much power due to all of the fans?
Now the problem i'm having when it is on is that i can't get an image to show up on the screen. I used something very similar to brain stew's 500$ build, and the mobo itself does not have a port to plug into a monitor. How do i get the image to show up on the screen?
No, i have not seen the BIOS due to it shutting off, and because i don't know how to get the image to show up on the monitor...
edit. Is my power supply not strong enough? I asked around and someone said it would be fine, but is it possible that my Antec 902 is taking up too much power due to all of the fans?