Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 1163

What is your budget?

So I am looking to spend roughly 1000 but can most likely go up to 1500. What I would kinda like to see is what build would be recommended for 1000 and then if you had an extra 500 to put in it where would it go. I do need to buy a monitor too. I haven’t built a computer in years now (last one I actually put a lot of time into building was just before dual core came out so yea been a while and I have fallen out of the loop) I am currently running an alienware m17x R1 it has an intel T9800 2.93 6mb, 8gb ram, nvidia gtx 260m, & . a Samsung SSD PM810 256GB (ssdlife screen shot here ). I had purchased it because I needed portability because of traveling a lot. My thinking is that I can save some money by using the SSD from that in my desktop and I could use a trayless hotswap bay so that in the event that I am going away and want to take my computer with me it will takes <5 min to install the hd into the m17x which should be able to run everything my desktop will be able to just not as well. Is that a good idea or am I crazy for wanting to do that. Finally do you think its worth my investing in a desktop now or should I hold out for now. My m17x’s warranty expires in 10 days every piece of hardware in it with the exception of the cpu has been replaced within the last year.

What is your resolution?

1920x1200 is what I have been running as it is the native for this computer.

What are you using it for?

Everyday shanagans that doesn’t really matter, gaming, streaming maybe…but not likely, photoshop, possibly as a media center as well (that was always my thinking in the past for when I build a desktop again however external hd with a blueray player seems to work pretty well lol) As for what games sc2, Diablo 3, potentially some others thought not sure as of now

What is your upgrade cycle?

Well I don’t really know to be honest. I have been stuck for the most part for the last 3 years because this isn’t a desktop. I would probably say 2-4 years. I guess for the sake of this build I don’t want to plan to upgrade in the near future. Knowing the answer to this question makes it easier for people to recommend CPU sockets and GPUs so you get the most for your money. A person with a longer upgrade (2+ years) cycle will probably end up spending more initially but end up saving more at the expense of some performance. On the other hand a person with a shorter upgrade cycle (1 - 2 years) wants to spend less initially so they can put more money toward their next build.

When do you plan on building it?

Now-mid aug. Basically once I have a part list I will start collecting parts as I find good deals on them the computer will actually be built in its entirety mid aug.

Do you plan on overclocking?

Most likely. Which on that note is liquid cooling worth investing in?

Do you need an Operating System?

No, regardless of if I use my current SSD or not I will not need to pay for a new os I can get it through school or work.

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?

Potentially if it would actually make a significant difference but not initially as I don’t think it will be needed. Thoughts?

Where are you buying your parts from?

Newegg, Tigerdirect, and Amazon are typically the first places I go but im less worried about where specifically I need to buy a part from if there is one thing I have always been good at its finding what im looking for at the best possible price I just need some direction as to what to look for.

Hey guys, first time post --
So I'm looking at a new desktop PC, because my MBP was sort of a waste of money and I run it too hard/it overheats a lot/yada yada.

I have never done this before, and I would LOOOVE some help. As for the basics...
Budget: 750? Making it out of loose change that I gather up over the summer, 750 is an approximation.
Resolution: Running an old 19" asus monitor right now I bought from a friend, which is 1280x1024 (I think). Hoping to upgrade to something like 1920x1200 within the year (spoiled by MBP).
Use: Gaming, primarily Dota 2 and Starcraft 2 at the moment. Interests may change, Dota 2 is taking the front seat as we speak.
Upgrade Cycle: At the moment it's looking like a solid 2 years? Atleast, that's how it's been in the past.
Plan on Building it: Within the next 2 months, assuming I can create a solid build with you're help.
Plan on Overclocking?: You decide!
Operating System: School provided.
Adding a second GPU: As much as I'd like to, I'm going to go with a staunch no.
Buying Parts From....: Newegg at the moment, but once again, You Decide!

Something to add, as I mentioned earlier, I have never done this type of thing before, however, the amount of construction/not letting me kill my machine resources are vast (like 10-20 friends with their own DIY machine). With that said, none of them chose to help me design this, as it was sort of in the heat of the moment.

That being said, what I have at the moment (aka things people on newegg liked)
Case: Rosewill Challenger Black Gaming ATX (mid tower build) (2 additional fans for the side slots, my computers always find a way to overheat on me)
CPU: AMD of some sort (Feel free to debate, or tell me I'm objectively wrong, I've always gotten the impression that AMDs were a better deal than intel)
Memory: 8-16 gbs?
MoBo: Asus Evo AM3 AMD
GPU: HD 6850 (?)
PSU: Absolutely clueless in this department
HDD: Exactly that, not an SSD (at this budget)

Thanks for listening, and feel free to shout at me/flame me/talk to me like I'm 5.

I already own a monitor, keyboard, mic, mouse, and am running at 16:10 resolution.
I am really unaware of what I motherboard and power supply I should get. Please recommend me one.
Obviously, cheaper is better. I do not plan on crossfire/SLI but I will want to stream 480-720p resolution at high quality on SC2. $700-800 is within my budget



Thanks guys, also if there is anything regarding what I have already chosen (like if there is a cheaper or better version) then feel free to tell me!