On May 11 2010 22:11 Shizuru~ wrote: what sort of motherboard would u guys recommend if i'm going for i7-860 and ati 5870 video card?
actually would 2x5770 out perform a single 5870 video card? would be nice if u guys can link a few webbies that gives reliable benchmark comparison..
i plan on playing SC2 on ultra settings with fps at least over 50 average throughout the game, budget is within approximately 1200USD, if that is possible...
first attempt at building my own comp to keep the cost down, so if u guys can give me a few pointers it would be greatly appreciated, and which site would u guys suggest me to have a look into for advice on building a pc.
performance wise in some games it looks like 2x5770 will outperform a 5870, however because you'd be using an LGA1156 system your PCI-E slots will each only be running at x8, rather than x16 with a single card, or x16 for each slot if you were running AM3 / LGA 1336. I did a little reading, and it's possible that 2x5770 is about at the edge of where having the lower bandwidth (other higher cards i.e. 5850 5870 will definitely be hindered) but 2x5770's might not be. The performance is definitely nice, but make sure you have enough slots on your motherboard, because 5770's take up two slots each
Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
Do you have any sources to show that they use lower quality parts? Because their computers are definitely cheaper, and if it breaks, it'll probably be covered by the warranty, whereas whatever you build yourself you have to repair yourself.
On May 11 2010 03:44 ZeaL. wrote: To keep this thread up to date would be quite a large amount of work and would be kind of unnecessary given the fact that lots of websites dedicated to pc building make lists for builds all the time. Bit-tech does a monthly build which is pretty good imo. These lists usually give a range of As guidelines they can be pretty useful and the builder can customize things to suit their needs (replacing a 5850 for a 5870 and not getting a sound card or small SSD vs large HD for example).
I also wouldn't advise people to OC if they don't know that much about what they're doing. Excessive voltages or inadequate cooling can shorten the lifespan of a system drastically. Anyone who knows how to OC (well) probably already knows what they would want in a computer anyhow and keeps up to date with releases.
With respect to the effort of the op, this post could replace this thread.
I think even with lower grade computers, if designed with future upgrades in mind, the long term costs should work out to be less than having to replace your computer via purchase from major brand every x years. Honestly, at a certain price point it is very difficult to beat the manufacturers, at least for a single purchase. Assuming no OS pirating and a need for monitor, beating the prices that Dell or HP or whatever can set is quite a task, and at that point you are going to be making a fair amount of compromises on parts.
In general though, I feel that building your own computer gives you a greater flexibility and control on the matter. Warranty for the most part is an additional expense, and if one is a student getting an OS isn't too bad. The ability to OC at a low budget also gives the DIY build quite an edge.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
Do you have any sources to show that they use lower quality parts? Because their computers are definitely cheaper, and if it breaks, it'll probably be covered by the warranty, whereas whatever you build yourself you have to repair yourself.
Well I don't know about lower quality parts, but I know they don't "definitely cheaper". I just went on dell and picked a standard kind of computer they sell and made the same one myself on ncix and mine cost $200 dollars cheaper before tax. I checked some other computers they sell too and dell sells atleast $200ish or more for every single computer. and you mentioned warranty well ncix you can purchase a pc assembly and 1 year warranty for $41. (so you don't even have to build it yourself and you get a 1 year warranty which is the same dell offers).
Also i like how dell pretending its on sale for $999 instead of $1199 ROFL, also my ddr3 ram is faster
edit2: oh yeah i forgot to include a power supply assuming dell includes one too, so add a decent power supply for $100, and my computer is still cheaper by $100 and more for more enthusiast type computers.
On May 11 2010 22:11 Shizuru~ wrote: what sort of motherboard would u guys recommend if i'm going for i7-860 and ati 5870 video card?
actually would 2x5770 out perform a single 5870 video card? would be nice if u guys can link a few webbies that gives reliable benchmark comparison..
i plan on playing SC2 on ultra settings with fps at least over 50 average throughout the game, budget is within approximately 1200USD, if that is possible...
first attempt at building my own comp to keep the cost down, so if u guys can give me a few pointers it would be greatly appreciated, and which site would u guys suggest me to have a look into for advice on building a pc.
performance wise in some games it looks like 2x5770 will outperform a 5870, however because you'd be using an LGA1156 system your PCI-E slots will each only be running at x8, rather than x16 with a single card, or x16 for each slot if you were running AM3 / LGA 1336. I did a little reading, and it's possible that 2x5770 is about at the edge of where having the lower bandwidth (other higher cards i.e. 5850 5870 will definitely be hindered) but 2x5770's might not be. The performance is definitely nice, but make sure you have enough slots on your motherboard, because 5770's take up two slots each
2 5770's wont be hindered at x8 pcie 2.0 maybe on pcie 1.x but not on pcie 2.0 the 5770 is a frailly low bandwidth card it's the main reason it performs just under a 4870 on avg.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
Do you have any sources to show that they use lower quality parts? Because their computers are definitely cheaper, and if it breaks, it'll probably be covered by the warranty, whereas whatever you build yourself you have to repair yourself.
Well I don't know about lower quality parts, but I know they don't "definitely cheaper". I just went on dell and picked a standard kind of computer they sell and made the same one myself on ncix and mine cost $200 dollars cheaper before tax. I checked some other computers they sell too and dell sells atleast $200ish or more for every single computer. and you mentioned warranty well ncix you can purchase a pc assembly and 1 year warranty for $41. (so you don't even have to build it yourself and you get a 1 year warranty which is the same dell offers).
Also i like how dell pretending its on sale for $999 instead of $1199 ROFL, also my ddr3 ram is faster
In the US atleast most computers parts are covered by a 2 year warranty if not longer by the manufacturer, retail parts that is. If you buy oem you may be on your own but that's usually only done for os and rom and hdd's, so if you know how to trouble shoot you're pretty solid.
It's generally cheaper to buy a high performing pc for less then a dell or hp, unless you're buying for sub 600 dollars then it gets muddy.
Also a 920 why would one get a 920 when the 930 is the refined 920 a more consistent chip for 10 more dollars.
i just checked the 930 is on sale and its cheaper than the 920 by 5 bucks lol. i got the 920 cause i was matching the dell for everything. you don't have to worry about oem cause i purchased the pc assembly for $ 41 so i don't have to do any work!
Also I didn't do any price matching or combo deals, you can get the price even lower by quite a bit doing those.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
Do you have any sources to show that they use lower quality parts? Because their computers are definitely cheaper, and if it breaks, it'll probably be covered by the warranty, whereas whatever you build yourself you have to repair yourself.
I'm not really sure what to give you as links, but I will say that if you hang around technical forums such as Anandtech or Hardforum, there is a very agreed upon view that those pre-mades are not as good quality. I have also worked in computer repair for the past 5 years and have a great deal of experience with every maker out there.
The one thing that Dell and those guys do better than anyone is their mega ultra cheap bundles. You can get a low end computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers for like $200 or something sometimes. Downright impossible to do that with buying individual parts when you include the monitor.
On May 12 2010 00:26 Luddite wrote: Do you think there's really much benefit to building a computer yourself from parts these days? Maybe for super high end systems there is, but it seems like for an average computer you can get the same performance cheaper by buying a stock computer.
It is 100% worth it. You will not only always get much better performance for your money, but much better quality parts. Dell/HP and whatnot will not use high quality motherboards and they will not use high quality power supplies. Their motherboards often have limited functionality and overclocking capabilities, and if they ever fail, they are expensive to replace because they are not standardized. Worse cooling in pre-built computers as well.
Do you have any sources to show that they use lower quality parts? Because their computers are definitely cheaper, and if it breaks, it'll probably be covered by the warranty, whereas whatever you build yourself you have to repair yourself.
I'm not really sure what to give you as links, but I will say that if you hang around technical forums such as Anandtech or Hardforum, there is a very agreed upon view that those pre-mades are not as good quality. I have also worked in computer repair for the past 5 years and have a great deal of experience with every maker out there.
The one thing that Dell and those guys do better than anyone is their mega ultra cheap bundles. You can get a low end computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers for like $200 or something sometimes. Downright impossible to do that with buying individual parts when you include the monitor.
maybe, but most people posting on a gaming / tech forum wouldn't be interested in some cheapo e-machine-like computer that can barely run SC1, let alone SC2
On May 11 2010 22:11 Shizuru~ wrote: what sort of motherboard would u guys recommend if i'm going for i7-860 and ati 5870 video card?
actually would 2x5770 out perform a single 5870 video card? would be nice if u guys can link a few webbies that gives reliable benchmark comparison..
i plan on playing SC2 on ultra settings with fps at least over 50 average throughout the game, budget is within approximately 1200USD, if that is possible...
first attempt at building my own comp to keep the cost down, so if u guys can give me a few pointers it would be greatly appreciated, and which site would u guys suggest me to have a look into for advice on building a pc.
Dude, 1200 would be WAY overkill for a computer to run SC2 @ ultra, mine was about 700 and can do about that. :D
ONE 5770 would suffice, a 5870 is overkill and 2x5770 is way overkill.
Are we allowed to talk about laptops here? I suppose I will post and if there is an issue, a mod can contact me/delete my post. Or I will edit it.
So I'm looking for a lightweight laptop that can suffice as a "college laptop" that I can bring around to classes, etc, but also be powerful enough to run games like SC2. Anyone got suggestions? Please don't just say "Dell" or "HP"! Thanks all who read
On May 11 2010 22:11 Shizuru~ wrote: what sort of motherboard would u guys recommend if i'm going for i7-860 and ati 5870 video card?
actually would 2x5770 out perform a single 5870 video card? would be nice if u guys can link a few webbies that gives reliable benchmark comparison..
i plan on playing SC2 on ultra settings with fps at least over 50 average throughout the game, budget is within approximately 1200USD, if that is possible...
first attempt at building my own comp to keep the cost down, so if u guys can give me a few pointers it would be greatly appreciated, and which site would u guys suggest me to have a look into for advice on building a pc.
Dude, 1200 would be WAY overkill for a computer to run SC2 @ ultra, mine was about 700 and can do about that. :D
ONE 5770 would suffice, a 5870 is overkill and 2x5770 is way overkill.
mind if u post ur build and ur fps on SC2 on ultra settings? and what resolutions are u running on?
you can run starcraft 2 at ultra with 5770 @ 1920x1080 with pretty good frame rate (30+), and also you only need a 500w psu for 1 5770 (oops you mentioned a $1200 machine, thought you mentioned a 1200w psu, my bad ignore the 500w comment)
also if you want prove i just quickly youtubed this (looks like its 50s?, can't really tell from a youtube video.. i think its very playable)
Considering i've lost my old computer and don't have a lot of money now... i'm making enough money to have been putting some away extra and i plan on building myself something new in a few months. currently looking at about ~$600. Here's what i plan on buying atm:
Case: Xclio Godspeed 737. 2x80mm fans, 120mm fan. Processor: Athlon II x4 620 (best i can do at this point... going to be such a disspointment after the OC'd i7 920.) Heatsink/Fan: Corsair GeminII. (New, cheap, has supposedly good performance.) Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 RAM: G-skill Ripjaws 2x2gb ddr3-1600 Video Card: Powercolor 5770 (it's the cheapest, if there's something wrong with it i can always just send it back and get a slightly more expensive one) Power Supply: Diablotek PHD series 650w (once again, cheap, and i trust the manufacturer. it's not advisable to just buy random bargain basement power supplies, but i've used this series several times and never had a failure, don't really know if they've failed for anyone i put them together for but I doubt it... seem to be pretty high build quality for being so cheap.) Hard Drive: Caviar Black 640gb. Good performance for the price.
Total price is about $670 w/ shipping. I'm willing to pay that extra hundred because i just couldn't live with lower performance... would be no point in buying it anyway. I may even splurge even more and go for an 890gx board so i can have sata 6gb/s and usb 3, as well as more upgradeability in the future.
http://shop.revonate.com/default.asp I like this site thought it might be crappy gateway and acer comps that have been refurbished there are killer deals with little to know building needed. I got a i7 920, 9gb ram, NVIDIA GTX 260, 750gb hd, a legit operating system (vista yuck but hey its legit :D) For 717+ shipping(refurbished/scratch and dent). That was back in January. If you are on a budget there are plenty of comps in the 250-300 range that you just need to spend 100-150 on a PSU and a graphics card to run SC2 just fine =]
EPT![[image loading]](http://img706.imageshack.us/i/65000621.jpg/)
