EPTComputer Build Resource Thread - Page 1235
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guitarizt
United States1492 Posts
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caradoc
Canada3022 Posts
Case - Thermaltake V3 seems an excellent price for what it is. *shrugs* -- 50$ Motherboard -- This is one I'm most unsure about, but Asus P8Z77-I DELUXE looks about right. Aside from ensuring that it's LGA1155, has ddr3@2400, and enough space so the fan doesn't hit your RAM or whatever, I really don't know how to choose a board. up to $200 (?) CPU - i5 3550 or 2500 (performance should be close), 200$ Fan - 40$ or so, not sure how to choose. Power - CORSAIR HX Series HX750 750W or similar, 125-150$ RAM - 8GB ddr3@ 2400, any suggestions? 100$ or so. HD - meh. 7200RPM, not sure if I like solid states, performance seems amazing, but price:space ratio is scary. Unless I get two... *shrugs* 60-120$ GPU - Radeon 7870 ($265 or so), or Radeon 7850 ($200 or so) (don't want a dual setup) | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
On September 15 2012 10:15 caradoc wrote:+ Show Spoiler + I'm looking to build a comp, and this is what I've come up with so far. If anyone could comment/suggest improvements for price, please let me know. The prices are what I'm expecting to pay for each component, but if there's something better for less, or much better for slightly more, or if I'm making any odd choices, please let me know! Case - Thermaltake V3 seems an excellent price for what it is. *shrugs* -- 50$ Motherboard -- This is one I'm most unsure about, but Asus P8Z77-I DELUXE looks about right. Aside from ensuring that it's LGA1155, has ddr3@2400, and enough space, I really don't know how to choose a board. up to $200 (?) CPU - i5 3550 or 2500 (performance should be close), 200$ Fan - 40$ or so, not sure how to choose. Power - CORSAIR HX Series HX750 750W or similar, 125-150$ RAM - 8GB @ 2400, any suggestions? 100$ or so. HD - meh. 7200RPM, not interested in solid states, performance seems amazing, but price:space ratio is scary. Unless I get two... *shrugs* 60-120$ GPU - Radeon 7870 (265 or so), or Radeon 7850 (200 or so) (don't want a dual setup) You don't need a "fan" if you aren't overclocking. The power supply you are looking at getting is extreme overkill. Something as simple as an Antec Neo Eco 450C or any other 400-500w unit has plenty of headroom for such a configuration. You are looking for a H77 or B75 motherboard. Z77 is for overclocking, paying for one when you aren't getting a 3570k is a waste of money. And don't pay a premium for ITX (hence the I in the model name) if you aren't getting an ITX case. Thermaltake V3 also isn't good for $50. Memory provides the least performance benefits in gaming... there is no point in paying $60 more for 2400MHz over your typical 1600MHz or 1333MHz memory (which is like $35 for a 2x4gb kit) when you don't even have a flagship CPU or GPU. Waste money on the CPU and GPU, along with every other component before stupid memory. | ||
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caradoc
Canada3022 Posts
On September 15 2012 10:24 skyR wrote: You don't need a "fan" if you aren't overclocking. ah okay, the stock fan should be fine then. The power supply you are looking at getting is extreme overkill. Something as simple as an Antec Neo Eco 450C or any other 400-500w unit has plenty of headroom for such a configuration. good to know, thanks! You are looking for a H77 or B75 motherboard. Z77 is for overclocking, paying for one when you aren't getting a 3570k is a waste of money. And don't pay a premium for ITX (hence the I in the model name) if you aren't getting an ITX case. Asus P8H77-V ? Thermaltake V3 also isn't good for $50. suggestions? Memory provides the least performance benefits in gaming... there is no point in paying $60 more for 2400MHz over your typical 1600MHz or 1333MHz memory (which is like $35 for a 2x4gb kit) when you don't even have a flagship CPU or GPU. Waste money on the CPU and GPU, along with every other component before stupid memory. Ahh, interesting, would moving down to 1600, and moving up to a 7950 ( (Gigabyte GV-R795WF3-3GD or Sapphire (11196-02-40G/11196-10-40G) ) be an effective tradeoff then? Thanks muchly | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
ASUS boards are usually a bit more expensive due to their brand name. You should be looking at a H77 or B75 board for under $100. You don't want to be buying an H77 for $130 unless you are for sure you want some specific feature of that board since you can purchase a decent Z77 for $130 that would allow you to overclock. Yes you could spend the money on a 7950 if you want. It depends on what games you're going to be playing.. if it's just going to be Starcraft II or other non graphic intensive games than it would essentially be a waste. | ||
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caradoc
Canada3022 Posts
On September 15 2012 10:44 skyR wrote: Bitfenix Shinobi and Coolermaster HAF912 are both ~$60 cases. ASUS boards are usually a bit more expensive due to their brand name. You should be looking at a H77 or B75 board for under $100. You don't want to be buying an H77 for $130 unless you are for sure you want some specific feature of that board since you can purchase a decent Z77 for $130 that would allow you to overclock. Yes you could spend the money on a 7950 if you want. It depends on what games you're going to be playing.. if it's just going to be Starcraft II or other non graphic intensive games than it would essentially be a waste. Thanks! This is pretty helpful. What about HD then? For general use, is a solid state really that much better performance wise? (i.e. OS on SSD, most else on a slower standard HD) | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
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caradoc
Canada3022 Posts
On September 15 2012 11:01 skyR wrote: SSDs have dropped significantly in price over the last few years. A Crucial M4 or Samsung 830 128gb is about $100-$120 these days, which is enough for the operating system, your typical everyday software (chrome, messengers, music player, etc), and a few games. An SSD doesn't improve FPS but it does decrease load times so whether it's worth it or not is up to you. For most people, an SSD would be a much more noticeable upgrade than a 7850 to 7950. Eh, that's actually not a bad price. Didn't realize they were that cheap. I'll definitely look into it then. Thanks so much again! It's really appreciated! | ||
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DomovoiP
Australia12 Posts
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-z77MX-D3H CPU: Intel i5 3570k RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X F3 16GB (2x8GB) @1333MHz GPU: Gigabyte Radeon HD7950 3GB OVerclocked (I chose this over the 660ti because the website I am buying from is selling it for $50 less than the 660ti) PSU: CoolerMaster Silent Pro M2 850W 80+Silver Case: CooleMaster Elite 430 fans: a pair of CoolerMaster 120mm SickleFlows SSD/HDD: OCZ Agility 3 120GB SSD + Seagate Barracuda 2TB 7200RPM HDD I plan on trying out a LITTLE CPU overclocking (not going to shoot for 6GHz or anything ridiculous), but mostly I want to play SC2 and other games at reasonable settings and framerates for 2-4 years with minimal upgrading. I will be using one 1920x1080 monitor and one 1280x1024 monitor (We already have them so I'm not willing to shell out extra cash for symmetry's sake). The current setup is about AU$100-250 below my budget limit, so I have a little room to maneuver, but I can't just go "lol a 690 is better than a 7950, I'll get that!". Any advice people have will be much appreciated! | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
You're missing an aftermarket heatsink for overclocking. 850w is extreme overkill... A 500w unit will suffice. | ||
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DomovoiP
Australia12 Posts
Will a CoolerMaster Hyper TX3 be adequate for basic overclocking? And the graphics card requires a minimum of 500W, with the 850W being on discount... dropping down to a 600W 60+ silver only saves me about $20, so I figured it couldn't hurt =\ | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
A 7950 with a 3570k does not require 500w. Listening to manufacturers market their products is getting yourself scammed. | ||
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MisterFred
United States2033 Posts
On September 15 2012 15:07 DomovoiP wrote: Ok, I'll get 8GB @1600MHz. Will a CoolerMaster Hyper TX3 be adequate for basic overclocking? And the graphics card requires a minimum of 500W, with the 850W being on discount... dropping down to a 600W 60+ silver only saves me about $20, so I figured it couldn't hurt =\ The graphics card does not require 500w, they just tell you this in case you buy a crappy power supply. I dunno where you're buying from, but this psu is cheaper/better than what you're considering right now. There's a modular version for another $10-15, if you're lazy or like that kind of thing: http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-34040663-Antec_HCG_520_High_Current_Gamer_520W_Power_Supply_ATX12V_v23_EPS12V_v291_80_Bro http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_226&products_id=15135 Note: Antec 450c out of stock on those websites, or I'd have recommended it. XFX 450w is also often a good choice. | ||
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DomovoiP
Australia12 Posts
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MisterFred
United States2033 Posts
Don't forget the motherboard standoffs (little tiny supports that go between the motherboard & the tray itself). Read the mobo manual for other questions on installation. The video guide we generally recommend is Hardware Canucks' guide on youtube. Just search "Hardware Canucks computer build" and it'll come right up. | ||
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DomovoiP
Australia12 Posts
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Az0r_au
Australia385 Posts
Greetings friends! I am currently using onboard sound from my Asrock z77 Extreme4 but I'm in the market for a new soundcard. Price range of 80-100$ but willing to spend more if the money is worth it. I mostly listen to Hard Trance and Metal and I play a mixture of games from RTS to FPS to MMO. Priorities on having great sounding music > features for gaming. Oh I'm currently using Audio Technica m50 headphones if that makes any difference. Thanks for the help. | ||
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Shagg
Finland825 Posts
On September 16 2012 20:48 Az0r_au wrote: *Cross posting from Headphone Enthusiast thread.* Greetings friends! I am currently using onboard sound from my Asrock z77 Extreme4 but I'm in the market for a new soundcard. Price range of 80-100$ but willing to spend more if the money is worth it. I mostly listen to Hard Trance and Metal and I play a mixture of games from RTS to FPS to MMO. Priorities on having great sounding music > features for gaming. Oh I'm currently using Audio Technica m50 headphones if that makes any difference. Thanks for the help. I had Asus Xonar DG and it was great for the price, but after switching to Asus Xonar Essence ST can't be but impressed by the quality (tho essence will be kinda expensive 175€ here). Imo Essence was worth the price, as its only xonar other than DG that has headphone amplifier if you need one and the sound quality is couple notches better than DG. Only problem I have with the Essence is, if I listen to a crappy quality audio source it really sounds crappy.  If you buy a Xonar card remember to use the Unified Xonar drivers with C-media panel option when installing it for a better experience compared to the regular drivers. Can't say anything about Creative cards as ive never owned one but only heard bad things about them. | ||
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Rollin
Australia1552 Posts
On September 16 2012 22:08 Shagg wrote: I had Asus Xonar DG and it was great for the price, but after switching to Asus Xonar Essence ST can't be but impressed by the quality (tho essence will be kinda expensive 175€ here). Imo Essence was worth the price, as its only xonar other than DG that has headphone amplifier if you need one and the sound quality is couple notches better than DG. Only problem I have with the Essence is, if I listen to a crappy quality audio source it really sounds crappy. If you buy a Xonar card remember to use the Unified Xonar drivers with C-media panel option when installing it for a better experience compared to the regular drivers. Can't say anything about Creative cards as ive never owned one but only heard bad things about them. The m-50's are pretty forgiving in terms of source quality, you'd be pretty hard pressed to notice the difference between the dg and the stx IMO. | ||
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Myrmidon
United States9452 Posts
These factors generally mean that there should not be much difference when run from different sources. Keep in mind that despite most peoples' good intentions, the majority of audio impressions are not to be trusted much on an individual basis. Audio memory is not very good long term, it's hard to switch quickly between sound cards to compare the sound so they're often going off old memories, almost nobody is comparing them with the levels matched carefully (note: a slightly different volume will sound different to people, and often in ways like better "bass" or better "treble extension"—things not even related to volume), and pretty much everybody is expecting the more expensive stuff and particularly a new purchase to sound different or better. In many cases, loosely speaking, the effect of expectation bias is probably an order of magnitude or greater than any actual difference in sound between the non-headphones / speakers / EQ components. As noted above, if you're getting a Xonar, you don't want anything between DG / DGX and Essence ST / STX. The others don't really have headphone outputs, just generic audio op amps and circuits just intended as line outputs. | ||
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