EPTMy chess teacher was right, knowledge IS money!
Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 1231
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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly. | ||
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MaDSci
Canada8 Posts
My chess teacher was right, knowledge IS money! | ||
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Zona
40426 Posts
When you suggest forgoing the 7850 for something less expensive, do you mean the Gigabyte HD 7770 - $117 you suggested to another person? Or something else? As for what to do instead with the money, which SSD would you recommend? If I was concerned about getting a decent monitor (since I probably will stare at it a lot), would putting a little extra money towards the monitor get something nicer? Oh, the last time I assembled a computer was like...10 years ago? (Back when I was a kid and super enthusiastic about games...hah!) Anything in particular I should keep in mind this time around? | ||
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Myrmidon
United States9452 Posts
For an SSD, I would say Samsung 830 128GB, $110: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=74132&promoid=1219 Asus VS229H-P uses an eIPS panel from LG like the lower-end Dell Ultrasharps, some HP and others too, and LG. It has pretty good contrast, decent responsiveness, low input lag, IPS viewing angles... but a stand that only tilts, no other adjustments (but holes for VESA mounting). At normal prices, it's the cheapest decent option. You can spend some $50-80, depending on current sales, on a Dell Ultrasharp instead, which have an advantage of a fully-adjustable stand, maybe a little better out-of-box colors, and Dell business-class type warranty support (replacements, dead pixel guarantees, etc.). These options all have heavy antiglare coating, which bothers some people. If you really want better contrast and without that heavy antiglare coating at the expense of viewing angles and extra cost, there's the BenQ GW2450HM: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=69380&promoid=1219 The really nice stuff is probably out of your price range. Nothing special for assembling a computer. Just plug everything in such that it fits. Don't forget CPU and GPU power connectors. Yes, the CPU retention mechanism is supposed to make a grinding noise. Consult the motherboard manual to figure out where to plug in the chassis front panel headers (power button and LED, reset, USB, etc.). Drives don't use those annoying wide, flat ribbon cables anymore. | ||
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guitarizt
United States1492 Posts
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Womwomwom
5930 Posts
Edit: Reading through impressions, the negative response appears to be a combination of Benq having some of the worst colour accuracy in the monitor business (OK solution: read TFT Central's review and borrow their settings) and people not totally expecting the limitations of VA, mostly being purplish off-axis glow. Most monitors have off-axis glow: IPS monitors have white off-axis glow, for instance. The only monitors that have minimal off-axis glow are monitors with the ATW polarisers. Those are found in old high end NEC monitors, HP Dreamcolor monitors, and, possibly, the Retina Macbook Pro. So I'm not sure why they're going nuts over the purplish glow, seems like a normal limitation to me that can't be solved without money. So take a look but I think the impressions are probably negative because they were expecting way too much out of this monitor. I actually learnt something about NV drivers too. Apparently the GeForce drivers are buggy as shit and can't display all shades of black through HDMI. This would probably only be immediately obvious with a VA monitor considering their black depth. | ||
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Rollin
Australia1552 Posts
On September 11 2012 15:21 guitarizt wrote: Would anything but at least an i5 3570k or 2500k and oc'ing it work for streaming on low? Would it even be worth trying to save $100-$200 or is it better just to get the i5? Phenom 955 x4/x6 can do 480p/720p (respectively) somewhat acceptably, you'll just be nowhere near 60fps. A 3570k/2500k overclocked won't even have 60fps when streaming, unless you use a capture card + dual computer setup...  | ||
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guitarizt
United States1492 Posts
That being said it sounds like I should get an i5 anyways. I prob wouldn't be happy with something like a g620 even though it's way cheaper. | ||
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Razkar
Sweden3 Posts
I've been planning to build a new computer for some time now, but there are so many options! So in order to get the most out of my money, I ask you guys for some assistance  Id like the computer to be as good as possible when it comes to gaming. No special requirements on the case, performance > looks. I already have monitor, speakers, mouse and keyboard. Here's some info: What is your budget? 1300-1500€ What is your resolution? 1680*1050 (1920*1080 when using TV as monitor) What are you using it for? Mostly gaming. No streaming or video/photo editing anyway. What is your upgrade cycle? 2-3 years. When do you plan on building it? By the end of september. Do you plan on overclocking? I'd prefer not to overclock. My goal is to have a good, steady system that just keeps going. Do you need an Operating System? Yes, windows 7, so 1200-1400€ to spend on parts. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No. Where are you buying your parts from? http://www.komplett.se/ or http://www.webhallen.com/se-sv/ perferably komplett.se If there is any more info needed, say so and I'll add it! /Razkar | ||
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MisterFred
United States2033 Posts
On September 11 2012 22:08 Razkar wrote: + Show Spoiler + Hi! I've been planning to build a new computer for some time now, but there are so many options! So in order to get the most out of my money, I ask you guys for some assistance Id like the computer to be as good as possible when it comes to gaming. No special requirements on the case, performance > looks. I already have monitor, speakers, mouse and keyboard. Here's some info: What is your budget? 1300-1500€ What is your resolution? 1680*1050 (1920*1080 when using TV as monitor) What are you using it for? Mostly gaming. No streaming or video/photo editing anyway. What is your upgrade cycle? 2-3 years. When do you plan on building it? By the end of september. Do you plan on overclocking? I'd prefer not to overclock. My goal is to have a good, steady system that just keeps going. Do you need an Operating System? Yes, windows 7, so 1200-1400€ to spend on parts. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No. Where are you buying your parts from? http://www.komplett.se/ or http://www.webhallen.com/se-sv/ perferably komplett.se If there is any more info needed, say so and I'll add it! /Razkar Supporting Components: 2802 kroner A relatively quiet (though not flashy) case, a quality power supply with more than enough wattage, a moderate-sized SSD that should fit most of your programs and games, a hard drive for more space, and a DVD-burner. + Show Spoiler + Fractal Design R3 XFX Core 450w Samsung 830 128gb WD Blue 1TB Samsung DVD-burner http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=648535 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=657684 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=752104 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=753350 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=660432 Windows: 885 kroner http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=629550 Core Components: 2847 kroner High-end locked processor, normal-sized motherboard in case you want to add sound card or something (but not paying for overclocking ability), RAM + Show Spoiler + i5-3550 MSI B75A-G43 Crucial Ballistix 2x4gb 1600mhz http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=660228 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=759209 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=744179 Graphics card: 2595-3590 kroner Sapphire 7950 or 7970 - The 7950 is plenty for your purposes. The 7970 might occasionally be nicer if you decide to also purchase a bigger monitor. See below. http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=751682 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=745759 Tower total (7950): 9129 kroner, which my currency converter says is roughly 1075 euro. I'm assuming price includes tax, though I could be wrong about that, and not shipping. I only looked at komplett.se, so maybe the other website has cheaper prices for the same components. *shrug* you can check that on your own. This is lower than your budget, but there's not much reason to spend more on the tower. The graphics card is already very strong, even for the TV's resolution. You could spend more to overclock your processor, but there's not really a performance reason since you don't want to stream, unless perhaps you play 4v4s all day long. You could get a bigger HDD or SSD, and honestly, a 256gb SSD might be tempting if you have a lot of games and want to put them ALL on it. Kind of overkill, but whatever. The one thing you might consider is getting a bigger monitor. The 27" 2560x1440 monitors on the two websites you listed are about 6000 kroner (700 euro), but cheaper monitors the same size & resolution are starting to become available. Hazro used to have one, if you have access to that brand. Amazon.co.uk has DGM IPS-2701WPH, Achevia Shimians, and Crossover 27Qs for 250-370 British pounds (2600-4000 kroner, 315-470 euro). Might be worth the shipping for a big glossy monitor that fits in your budget (dunno if amazon.co.uk does that, but it seems like they should, right?). That would be a real upgrade to your gaming experience, and you could use the smaller monitor you have as a secondary desktop screen while gaming on the big one. Of course, you could also just get a 23" 1920x1080 monitor too, but I'd look into a big 27" rectangle-of-fun if you game a lot. Or just pocket the unspent money. (Edit2: Womwomwom provides good reason for doing so below.) P.S. I didn't mention sound card, because for most people on-board is quite good. Some first-person-shooter gamers swear by sound cards & good headphones for positioning. In that case I'd probably recommend the Asus Xonar D1 (595 kroner): http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=366684 But since it sounds like you have ordinary PC speakers, there'd be no point without also getting quality (probably expensive) headphones. | ||
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lamchopp
Canada5 Posts
On September 10 2012 02:08 Myrmidon wrote: Power supply is a poor model, overpriced. You don't need anything close to 550W, which would be a good thing if you were to actually use something that bad, but something else is just more appropriate. The GPU is one of the lowest-end models currently sold, more of a media / laptop-level card than anything intended for gaming. It's just barely better than the integrated graphics in the CPU. The memory is way overpriced. The motherboard is not compatible with the CPU, which is a last-generation model anyway. Hold on a second, and we can see about starting off with a real build. These are a lot better. edit: Core i5-3450 - $180 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=70543&promoid=1219 Gigabyte B75M-D3H - $65 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=70273&promoid=1219 G.Skill 2 x 4GB DDR3 1600MHz - $38 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57953&promoid=1219 Gigabyte HD 7770 - $117 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=74900&promoid=1219 Hitachi Deskstar 500GB - $50 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57878&promoid=1219 BitFenix Merc Beta - $35 http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=63257&promoid=1219 Antec Neo Eco 400C - $43 (free shipping) http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029 Make sure that your old optical drive uses a SATA connection. If it doesn't, you'll need a new one for around $15. I posted earlier requesting a computer build and I'm going with all of the stuff listed above except for GPU. The 7770 line seems to be having problems and I'm looking for an alternative. I'm considering the 7750 or the slightly more expensive EVGA GeForce GTX 560. I don't mind spending a little extra but I just wanna know is if the GTX 560 can play with the build I have (i.e. the power and CPU demands are sufficient). | ||
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Womwomwom
5930 Posts
The models that have OSDs and multiple inputs are pretty rubbish. Not only do you get to have fun with a monitor with dysfunctional contrast but you also get to have fun with A- IPS panels. At that point, the only good thing about the monitor would be the high resolution...which you can get with the single DVI models. | ||
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MisterFred
United States2033 Posts
P.S. I kind of doubt Razkar is looking to get a new monitor anyway, but the DGM model (also the most expensive of the ones I mentioned) has a higher-rated screen that reviewed well enough on TFT Central, although not the best in terms of input lag, it was on par with the Dell 27" (itself not a great gaming monitor for that reason). | ||
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Womwomwom
5930 Posts
This is the contrast stability graph for a multi-input model of the Shimian QH270. Dell's engineers must be happy because they've still got a reason to exist: ![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/rYeIL.jpg) | ||
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MisterFred
United States2033 Posts
Edit: Thanks again for the below. I didn't even know there were e-bay 30-inchers, heh. | ||
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Womwomwom
5930 Posts
Edit: It was cheaper too. But if you're looking at a ZR30w, you might as well get a single input 30" eBay monitor. All you lose is the DisplayPort and USB hub. | ||
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Yammiez
Canada186 Posts
OP Post Answers here: + Show Spoiler + What is your budget? ~1000 CAD What is your resolution? 1920x1080 What are you using it for? Lots of Gaming. SC2, D3, GW2, Borderlands2, CS2, Dota2 Looking to Max out graphics as best I can at 1920x1080 What is your upgrade cycle? 1-2 Years When do you plan on building it? SOON Hoping to flesh out the order and build before the month is over Do you plan on overclocking? Maybe On the fence. Already read about it, am willing to do it, am willing to get a 212 Evo, an unlocked k CPU Do you need an Operating System? Nope. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No.. -.- lesson learned. upgrade cycle Where are you buying your parts from? Would like to get as much as possible through Newegg.ca (paypal) This is what I've come up with so far: link Intel Core i5-3570K $234.99 link COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO $34.99 link PNY GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB $199.99* [no Borderlands2 but I already have it] link MSI Z77A-G41 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 $113.99** link G.SKILL Trident 4GB Free link Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W $43.99 link OCZ Vertex 4 128GB $99.99 link Rosewill Blackbone Case $34.99 link LG DVD Burner $16.99 link ASUS PCE-N15 Wireless Adapter $29.99 $950.19 - Grand Total *$30 in MiR **$10 in MiR ***Should get ~45 cashback from PayPal back to school promotion The RAM I have since I needed to upgrade RAM on another computer (for VMWorkstation). Is the choice of Motherboard, PSU, GPU fair? I'm out of touch with general brand quality Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I'm open to your opinion. Many Thanks! | ||
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nosliw
United States2716 Posts
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Razkar
Sweden3 Posts
On September 12 2012 00:28 MisterFred wrote: + Show Spoiler + On September 11 2012 22:08 Razkar wrote: + Show Spoiler + Hi! I've been planning to build a new computer for some time now, but there are so many options! So in order to get the most out of my money, I ask you guys for some assistance Id like the computer to be as good as possible when it comes to gaming. No special requirements on the case, performance > looks. I already have monitor, speakers, mouse and keyboard. Here's some info: What is your budget? 1300-1500€ What is your resolution? 1680*1050 (1920*1080 when using TV as monitor) What are you using it for? Mostly gaming. No streaming or video/photo editing anyway. What is your upgrade cycle? 2-3 years. When do you plan on building it? By the end of september. Do you plan on overclocking? I'd prefer not to overclock. My goal is to have a good, steady system that just keeps going. Do you need an Operating System? Yes, windows 7, so 1200-1400€ to spend on parts. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No. Where are you buying your parts from? http://www.komplett.se/ or http://www.webhallen.com/se-sv/ perferably komplett.se If there is any more info needed, say so and I'll add it! /Razkar Supporting Components: 2802 kroner A relatively quiet (though not flashy) case, a quality power supply with more than enough wattage, a moderate-sized SSD that should fit most of your programs and games, a hard drive for more space, and a DVD-burner. + Show Spoiler + Fractal Design R3 XFX Core 450w Samsung 830 128gb WD Blue 1TB Samsung DVD-burner http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=648535 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=657684 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=752104 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=753350 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=660432 Windows: 885 kroner http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=629550 Core Components: 2847 kroner High-end locked processor, normal-sized motherboard in case you want to add sound card or something (but not paying for overclocking ability), RAM + Show Spoiler + i5-3550 MSI B75A-G43 Crucial Ballistix 2x4gb 1600mhz http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=660228 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=759209 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=744179 Graphics card: 2595-3590 kroner Sapphire 7950 or 7970 - The 7950 is plenty for your purposes. The 7970 might occasionally be nicer if you decide to also purchase a bigger monitor. See below. http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=751682 http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=745759 Tower total (7950): 9129 kroner, which my currency converter says is roughly 1075 euro. I'm assuming price includes tax, though I could be wrong about that, and not shipping. I only looked at komplett.se, so maybe the other website has cheaper prices for the same components. *shrug* you can check that on your own. This is lower than your budget, but there's not much reason to spend more on the tower. The graphics card is already very strong, even for the TV's resolution. You could spend more to overclock your processor, but there's not really a performance reason since you don't want to stream, unless perhaps you play 4v4s all day long. You could get a bigger HDD or SSD, and honestly, a 256gb SSD might be tempting if you have a lot of games and want to put them ALL on it. Kind of overkill, but whatever. The one thing you might consider is getting a bigger monitor. The 27" 2560x1440 monitors on the two websites you listed are about 6000 kroner (700 euro), but cheaper monitors the same size & resolution are starting to become available. Hazro used to have one, if you have access to that brand. Amazon.co.uk has DGM IPS-2701WPH, Achevia Shimians, and Crossover 27Qs for 250-370 British pounds (2600-4000 kroner, 315-470 euro). Might be worth the shipping for a big glossy monitor that fits in your budget (dunno if amazon.co.uk does that, but it seems like they should, right?). That would be a real upgrade to your gaming experience, and you could use the smaller monitor you have as a secondary desktop screen while gaming on the big one. Of course, you could also just get a 23" 1920x1080 monitor too, but I'd look into a big 27" rectangle-of-fun if you game a lot. Or just pocket the unspent money. (Edit2: Womwomwom provides good reason for doing so below.) P.S. I didn't mention sound card, because for most people on-board is quite good. Some first-person-shooter gamers swear by sound cards & good headphones for positioning. In that case I'd probably recommend the Asus Xonar D1 (595 kroner): http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=366684 But since it sounds like you have ordinary PC speakers, there'd be no point without also getting quality (probably expensive) headphones. Thanks alot for taking the time to cook that up MisterFred! Looks like I don´t have to spend as much on a good computer as I thought I'm using a 22'' screen atm, so an upgrade do sound tempting. And when I mentioned speakers I meant headphones, sorry Thanks again for the help, I'll post back with updates! /Raz | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
On September 12 2012 05:03 nosliw wrote: Is there a laptop thread similar like this on TL? You generally can't build your own laptop. | ||
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colblitz
United States41 Posts
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