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[Costanza]

I'd go with a Phenom ii 720 based rig personally.

worth the extra $24 to go for the quad-core 810?

 

[brain_stew]

worth the extra $24 to go for the quad-core 810?

Not really, less cache and a lower clock speed means that in anything that doesn't use more than 3 cores (which isn't all that much really) the 720 is a good bit faster. It also has an unlocked multiplier, which means its an excellent overclocker if you ever want some extra performance at a a later date. For a gamer, the 720 is the way to go imo.

Heck, some 720s will even let you unlock the 4th core if you're lucky.

 

[MWS Natural]

Checking out Cyberpower now, seems good. Which model would be the best to configure considering my budget? (around $600-700 w/o monitor, there's a bunch near that price)

Can't beat PII 720 x3 for price/performance. I just built a tight ass rig for $600 w/o a graphic card which I will get later once the 4770 drops.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/19485

Great processor for those looking.

 

[brain_stew]

Can't beat PII 720 x3 for price/performance. I just built a tight ass rig for $600 w/o a graphic card which I will get later once the 4770 drops.

Tried OCing or unlocking the fourth core yet?

 

[Firebrand]

Looking at getting a new machine for the first time in many years, so I'm a bit out of the loop. Some gaming, some CAD etc.

1. ATI 4870 1GB or GTX 260 Core 216 896MB? Seems to me they cost and perform about the same. Heat, noise levels?
2. E8500 3.16 GHz or 2.5 GHz quad? i7 motherboards are a bit expensive. Phenom?
3. Is it safe to get Vista 64-bit at this point? Stability is a high priority. The main idea is to be able to upgrade memory beyond 4 GB later on if necessary.
4. How many watts PSU? 450W, 550W, more?
4. Any particular case that's not too expensive that you recommend? Been eyeing the Coolermaster Centurion 5 and the Antec 300.

Any input appreciated.

 

[Ulairi]

Looking at getting a new machine for the first time in many years, so I'm a bit out of the loop. Some gaming, some CAD etc.

1. ATI 4870 1GB or GTX 260 Core 216 896MB? Seems to me they cost and perform about the same. Heat, noise levels?
2. E8500 3.16 GHz or 2.5 GHz quad? i7 motherboards are a bit expensive. Phenom?
3. Is it safe to get Vista 64-bit at this point? Stability is a high priority. The main idea is to be able to upgrade memory beyond 4 GB later on if necessary.
4. How many watts PSU? 450W, 550W, more?
4. Any particular case that's not too expensive that you recommend? Been eyeing the Coolermaster Centurion 5 and the Antec 300.

Any input appreciated.

Vista 64 is very stable and a great OS since Service Pack 1. If you're going to get a powersupply don't skimp on it. I have a 750W in my box and I'll be able to put anything in there. RAM is so cheap, why not upgrade to 8GB?

 

[godhandiscen]

Ok, huge favor GAF. Can anybody look up for me a TRUE 120 ready for 1336/i7 socket, and link me to the purchase link. I am away on spring break, and I don't want to waste much time on this horrible wireless connection looking for the part. I want to just order it. If I don't order it now, I will have to do it on monday when I arrive, and then it may not even make it until friday. Please please help. I know the TRUE 120 should be less than $70, however I keep seeing it at that price or above. Also, I am ordering a Lian Li case today too. My computer will run amazingly cool after this week

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112187

PS: Victim, I know you got a TRUE 120 for i7, where did you get it? Can you link me to it if still available?

 

[Hazaro]

http://www.tankguys.com/cooling-products/cpu-cooling/thermalright-ultra-120-extreme.html

+

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=24667

Tankguys is a great site.

(Shipping might be high though. so here's the TRUE on P-PC http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=185&products_id=21840

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Ok, huge favor GAF. Can anybody look up for me a TRUE 120 ready for 1336/i7 socket, and link me to the purchase link. I am away on spring break, and I don't want to waste much time on this horrible wireless connection looking for the part. I want to just order it. If I don't order it now, I will have to do it on monday when I arrive, and then it may not even make it until friday. Please please help. I know the TRUE 120 should be less than $70, however I keep seeing it at that price or above. Also, I am ordering a Lian Li case today too. My computer will run amazingly cool after this week

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112187

PS: Victim, I know you got a TRUE 120 for i7, where did you get it? Can you link me to it if still available?

Bought mine from these guys--- FrozenCPU: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8444/cpu-tri-57/Thermalright_Ultra-120_eXtreme-1366_RT_CPU_Heatsink_Socket_LGA_1366.html?tl=g40c14s757

They're out of stock at the moment. Also ships from NYC area so take that into account.

I'd go with Hazaro's Performance-PC link (here) and just eat the shipping cost on an order from a single vendor.

Either way, it's going to be less than $100 shipped to you which IMO is still a steal for how great of a heatsink the TRUE 120 is.

Also worth considering however.... The new kid on the block (which in [H] tests, beats the TRUE 120) is the Megahelams. Again, FrozenCPU link here. If you can wait, that's the next step up from the TRUE (if you have time that is.... )

PS. I again think you're freaking nuts for getting that Lian-Li case.... but do enjoy it.

 

[Metalic Sand]

So i finished building my comp and looking for a graphics card. What would be best for 1400x900. Im not looking to run crysis maxed or anything. Just need something to run everything else well and not cost near $200.

Seems to be a somewhat common resolution too. Could update the OP with 1400x900 recommendations

 

[madmook]

I think 4870's and GTX260's are dropping under the $200 line. Either one would be awesome for games.

 

[K.Jack]

I say go for a EVGA GTS 250 1GB. Easily had from newegg for $150. The 512MB versions are even cheaper.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

So i finished building my comp and looking for a graphics card. What would be best for 1400x900. Im not looking to run crysis maxed or anything. Just need something to run everything else well and not cost near $200.

Seems to be a somewhat common resolution too. Could update the OP with 1400x900 recommendations

I currently game @ 1440x900 on a 19" screen. Best bet would be for a Core 216 GTX 260 or a GTX 285 to last you longer. Depending on the rest of your specs, I would say the GTX or even 4850/4870 series is the way to go.

 

[Darklord]

That MSI one they have in stock seems as good as any. Three year warranty is as much as you're going to get and their website confirms that it's the 216 version http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=130&cat2_no=136&prod_no=1489

Do you mean this one? http://www.scorptec.com.au/computer/31039-n260gtx-t2d896

 

[Metalic Sand]

I currently game @ 1440x900 on a 19" screen. Best bet would be for a Core 216 GTX 260 or a GTX 285 to last you longer. Depending on the rest of your specs, I would say the GTX or even 4850/4870 series is the way to go.

Running a X3 720BE. About to be at 4GBs Ram (DDR3). More of a temporary thing really. I dont plan for the card to last 2 years+. Plan to upgrade to the Dx11 cards early 2010 or so.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Running a X3 720BE. About to be at 4GBs Ram (DDR3). More of a temporary thing really. I dont plan for the card to last 2 years+. Plan to upgrade to the Dx11 cards early 2010 or so.

If that's the case... go with the GT250 512 version and you'll be set until the DX11 cards hit.

 

[godhandiscen]

http://www.tankguys.com/cooling-products/cpu-cooling/thermalright-ultra-120-extreme.html

+

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=24667

Tankguys is a great site.

(Shipping might be high though. so here's the TRUE on P-PC http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=185&products_id=21840

Bought mine from these guys--- FrozenCPU: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8444/cpu-tri-57/Thermalright_Ultra-120_eXtreme-1366_RT_CPU_Heatsink_Socket_LGA_1366.html?tl=g40c14s757

They're out of stock at the moment. Also ships from NYC area so take that into account.

I'd go with Hazaro's Performance-PC link (here) and just eat the shipping cost on an order from a single vendor.

Either way, it's going to be less than $100 shipped to you which IMO is still a steal for how great of a heatsink the TRUE 120 is.

Also worth considering however.... The new kid on the block (which in [H] tests, beats the TRUE 120) is the Megahelams. Again, FrozenCPU link here. If you can wait, that's the next step up from the TRUE (if you have time that is.... )

PS. I again think you're freaking nuts for getting that Lian-Li case.... but do enjoy it.

Thanks guys. Is the Megahalem really better than the TRUE? I read a review a while ago, and it tied the TRUE... I know there are some out already in Germany, but I am not willing to wait.

 

[brain_stew]

Jesus! That's some serious aluminum porn right there! :lol

 

[Hazaro]

Thanks guys. Is the Megahalem really better than the TRUE? I read a review a while ago, and it tied the TRUE... I know there are some out already in Germany, but I am not willing to wait.

It's the same and bigger, don't worry about it.

Like always it's just 1C or so.

 

[godhandiscen]

It's the same and bigger, don't worry about it.

Like always it's just 1C or so.

Yeah, that is what I assumed. Thanks Hazaro. I ended up using the awesome store you and Victim suggested. I purchased the TRUE 120 and one extra fan and mounting. Also, I purchased a fan that goes at the bottom of my videocard. I think I am ready for the hot temperatures of my room. I'll do water cooling if I ever get married.

Now, how do I lap the TRUE? Any trick to it, or just regular sanding? btw, I've never sanded metal before, just wood when I was a kid.

 

[MWS Natural]

Tried OCing or unlocking the fourth core yet?

No not yet, I am still waiting for my fan controller, HDD bay and sandpaper to arrive. I am going to lap the heatsink and fan then get everything setup. Hopefully will be all done by WED. I did buy the biostar motherboard that shoulld be able to unlock the 4th core so we will see, I will settle for nothing less than 3.7ghz

 

[Diablohead]

My quite old pc is now starting to snuff it and i'm best buying a brand new pc since there is no point upgrading every component in this old tub, so this thread will help me pick the best I can get for my low budget, hopefully.

Anyone in the UK know if DinoPC are good value for money for their gaming pc's? I can make what sounds like a nice machine for sub £500 but I never heard of them before.

 

[TheFatOne]

Ok I finally saved up enough for a new PC. I asked for advice about a month ago on my build (thanks Hazaro) and now I need help again. I haven't bought the parts yet but I am going to buy them soon. This is what my build looks like.

CPU:Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Motherboard:ASUS P5Q Pro
Power Supply:CORSAIR 550VX 550W
RAM:G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
Case:COOLER MASTER RC-690
HDD: Western Digital 1TB 7200 RPM
GPU: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB


I have a few questions. Down the line I would like to overclock the CPU. What would be a good heatsink/cooler to buy? I also need help finding a good monitor. I'm looking for a monitor that I can use to play my PS3 on. My budget for the monitor is 200$. Does anyone know of a monitor under 200$ that I can use to play PS3 games on?

 

[jimmypop]

Tankguys is a great site.

I can't overstate how exellent Tankguys customer service is. Their attention to detail during the Q6600 (G0!!! stepping) launch proved that they're one of the best e-tailers out there.

 

[Hazaro]

Now, how do I lap the TRUE? Any trick to it, or just regular sanding? btw, I've never sanded metal before, just wood when I was a kid.

Don't lap it.

It's not worth it unless you can visible see contact problems (In which case it would probably be the IHS on the CPU anyway), or temp issues.
The finish on the TRUE is great.

 

[brain_stew]

My quite old pc is now starting to snuff it and i'm best buying a brand new pc since there is no point upgrading every component in this old tub, so this thread will help me pick the best I can get for my low budget, hopefully.

Anyone in the UK know if DinoPC are good value for money for their gaming pc's? I can make what sounds like a nice machine for sub £500 but I never heard of them before.

Never heard of them myself either, what is £500 buying you?

 

[Diablohead]

Never heard of them myself either, what is £500 buying you?

Not totaly certan what I want but this page will give you an idea, the first build but with a smaller hdd, not so expensive dvd rom and with 8gig of ram since I do a lot of 3D modelling work.

I don't need an amazing machine but to be able to play TF2 not on low and mmo's above the slideshow I get right now.

 

[brain_stew]

Not totaly certan what I want but this page will give you an idea, the first build but with a smaller hdd, not so expensive dvd rom and with 8gig of ram since I do a lot of 3D modelling work.

I don't need an amazing machine but to be able to play TF2 not on low and mmo's above the slideshow I get right now.

Well make sure you upgrade the GPU to the 9800GT for £40, its a huge upgrade.

 

[Toby]

Could use some input, thinking of buying the following:

AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

and

GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

Combo price:$262.99

+

OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Price:$43.99

Total:$306.98

Seem good? I am not so sure if I need to spend so much on ram (1066). I do plan to overclock, but don't know if 1066 offers any advantage over 800?

I have heard that motherboard is good for overclocking, but wouldn't mind hearing some other suggestions.

These parts will be coupled with the following parts I already have:
EVGA GTX 260
1.5tb Seagate
PC Power & Cooling 750W PSU
Samsung DVD Drive

Any suggestions? TIA

 

[Metalic Sand]

You would probly get alot more out of the 940. Combo wise its $40 extra. $30 savings compaired to the 920's $20 savings.

If you plan to overclock the 940 would be what you want.

 

[kuYuri]

So I finally got a new gaming PC, lots of thanks to my friend for recommending the parts and building it for me.

I'm going to be lttp on a bunch of the more recent PC games. I'll take a pic of the desktop later on.

Finally took that picture:

 

[Hazaro]

Finally took that picture:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z32/Strider2K99/Monthly%20pick-ups/DSC06911.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]
Bottom half of the pic looks like my case :lol

Just move the left RAM stick over so you get dual channel (Black and Black slot).
Black slot is better.

 

[Metalic Sand]

Kinda looks like my case. I wish i had the money to go modular cables :lol

 

[Lv99 Slacker]

Do you guys know of any good (good = lots of different user uploads) Mini-ITX system photo galleries?

 

[kuYuri]

Bottom half of the pic looks like my case :lol

Just move the left RAM stick over so you get dual channel (Black and Black slot).
Black slot is better.

Like I said, my friend built it for me, as I don't know anything about building PCs.

 

[Hazaro]

Like I said, my friend built it for me, as I don't know anything about building PCs.

Just turn it off, flick the PSU switch to off, and move the RAM sticks into the black slots

Also Newegg has the GTX 260 (216) XFX + Seagate 640GB HDD + 4GB Flash drive for $230 (And a $30 MIR) Which makes that only $200!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...ickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&ItemList=Combo.177803

Kinda looks like my case. I wish i had the money to go modular cables :lol

I used all the attachments for my modular PSU :lol

 

[Metalic Sand]

Just turn it off, flick the PSU switch to off, and move the RAM sticks into the black slots

I could see it being hard for some. When i was first installing the Ram into my first build few days ago i didnt have the ram locked in correctly and it shot out onto the floor. Big ohhh shit moment but it luckily didnt break or anything.

 

[Diablohead]

I have only moved ram about 4 times overall but they always feel like they are going to snap as you insert them, one motherboard was worse then another in that case but it all went ok, i'm still typing on the same machine after 5 years :lol

 

[Median]

Finally took that picture:

[I]Case pic[/I][/QUOTE]

That looks nearly exactly like mine, except I have a bigger power supply. Is that an Antec Three Hundred?

By the by, does anyone have any suggestions for keyboards? I'm looking for something in the $25-$60 range, must be good for gaming and decent for typing.

 

[Fredescu]

Just move the left RAM stick over so you get dual channel (Black and Black slot).
Black slot is better.

I have the same board. Why black? The manual says yellow (in it's way):

"• It recommended that to install the memory module from yellow slots for
better overclocking capability."

 

[Quadrophenic]

Check what amps it can deliver on its 12V rail. If its 30a or above, you'll be fine, anything below that and whilst you'll probably be alright, there's no guarantees. The actual wattage figure tells you very little about the quality of the PSU, its not unheard of (infact its quite common) for a quality 380w rated PSU to comfortably outperform a crappy no name PSU witha rating as high as 600W or more.

I checked it out, and my amps on the 12V rail were much lower than 30a...I'd rather err on the side of caution, and I also managed to do some side jobs this past weekend and brought in a couple unexpected hundred dollars, so I am in the market for a new PSU

I've never shopped for a PSU, so I am not really sure what to look for, or what brands to focus on, anyone have any tips or resourcesI can read? I found an article last week at Tom's Hardware but it was for like top of the line PSUs that probable go far and beyond what I will ever need =) Thanks again!

 

[PistolGrip]

What sort of low budget gaming laptop can I get for $400?

 

[Ryu1999]

I checked it out, and my amps on the 12V rail were much lower than 30a...I'd rather err on the side of caution, and I also managed to do some side jobs this past weekend and brought in a couple unexpected hundred dollars, so I am in the market for a new PSU

I've never shopped for a PSU, so I am not really sure what to look for, or what brands to focus on, anyone have any tips or resourcesI can read? I found an article last week at Tom's Hardware but it was for like top of the line PSUs that probable go far and beyond what I will ever need =) Thanks again!

Grab a Corsair 400w. Pretty inexpensive, but very quality. Got mine for ~43 before rebate w/ free shipping

 

[Cheeto]

What sort of low budget gaming laptop can I get for $400?

Sorry, but... Low Budget, gaming, and laptop don't really get used in the same sentence...especially at $400.

 

[Hazaro]

I have the same board. Why black? The manual says yellow (in it's way):

"• It recommended that to install the memory module from yellow slots for
better overclocking capability."

For most it is the 2nd slot or black

Wonder why Asus decided to go yellow on that route, maybe they found out that having the better slots as the 2nd ones isn't such a good idea :lol

 

[kuYuri]

That looks nearly exactly like mine, except I have a bigger power supply. Is that an Antec Three Hundred?

By the by, does anyone have any suggestions for keyboards? I'm looking for something in the $25-$60 range, must be good for gaming and decent for typing.

Yes it is.

 

[Slacker]

Great thread everyone. Reading this and Techreport.com will destroy any productivity I had planned for today.

Dumb question time: I'm trying to get a little more up to date without spending a fortune. I'm currently running:

• ABIT AB9 Pro
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz
• EVGA GeForce 7900GS 256MB
• CORSAIR XMS2 2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Obviously the video card needs to go bigtime. My question is, if I snag something like the eVGA GTX 260 for $200, will it be worth the money on my current setup? My motherboard only has a PCI-E x16 slot, and the current cards all use PCI-E 2.0 x16. Apparently it'll work, just not to full capacity, right? Would it still be a significant upgrade over the 7900GS?

Basically, I'm wondering if I can sneak by with just the video card and bumping my RAM up from 2GB to 4GB for now, and upgrade the CPU and motherboard when Starcraft 2 come out. Thanks for any advice.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Finally took that picture:

If you're in need of cable management pictures, check out this thread over @ the [H]ardForums. Here

 

[brain_stew]

What sort of low budget gaming laptop can I get for $400?

You simply can't. You have to spend a lot of money on a laptop to even get competent gaming performance.