EPTComputer Build Resource Thread - Page 1241
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Ata
Canada356 Posts
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bigbry1995
7 Posts
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KDF
United States6 Posts
To be faithful to the purpose of the thread, here are more details: What is your budget? Ideally <$400, certainly <$500. More than that, and I may as well buy a new gaming PC and use my old one in the living room. What is your resolution? My TV is 720p. But also curious for a solution that could take me to 1080p. I won't hardly ever use a pc monitor. What are you using it for? Solely for watching video, mostly HD from the Internet, not to mention easier stuff like DVDs. Would like the ability to add a Blueray player later. What is your upgrade cycle? Usually long, 5-6 years. I hope that for this I won't have to upgrade soon, but I don't intend to do much more with it; i.e. play new games. But if I can get something cheap now and an unforeseen new technology comes out that I want, I won't cry if I have to replace this one. When do you plan on building it? ASAP Do you plan on overclocking? No. Do you need an Operating System? Legally? Yes. And I prefer windows for compatibility purposes. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? No Where are you buying your parts from? Newegg/other US online stores are easiest. Microcenter is an hour away, so that requires a significant deal to be worthwhile. Noise level is also somewhat a concern, as too much noise is a distraction when watching movies. Bonus points for a build that includes a compact chassis to save space in my living room. Any or all advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! | ||
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Introvert
United States5065 Posts
What cases have good airflow? Looks are a secondary concern for me. Do I even need a new case? Or would good coolers really be sufficient? Processor: Phenom II X4 965 Mobo: ASRock 990 fx professional 600 watt PSU. Nothing is overclocked. If you need anymore details, let me know. Thank you for the help. | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
Outside of that, yeah things are going to be hot to the touch. Thats very normal since at around 140F you will start to feel pain, depending on who you are of course. | ||
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Introvert
United States5065 Posts
On September 24 2012 15:02 Medrea wrote: I dont think you need to be super concerned especially if your CPU temps are only maxing out around 70C. What you should do is clean out your CPU heatsink and reapply thermal paste if necessary. AMD CPU's definitely dont like to go that high, but it doesnt sound like anything simple maintenance wouldnt fix. Outside of that, yeah things are going to be hot to the touch. Thats very normal since at around 140F you will start to feel pain, depending on who you are of course. hmm, thank you. I think the CPU has too much paste :p I applied more than a rice grain size when I first put the CPU in, I just haven't taken it off because I lost the TINY tube and don't have anymore in case I do something wrong. So maybe it would be best just to go with a cooler for the CPU? The 70 C was only running TF2 at max settings, I don't know about games that max out the load (I don't think it was at max load. Should've used starcraft, but I didn't have the time to build an army and get the game to the late stages). I don't have bf3, which seems to be the game to use as a comparison test these days, so I don't know how much further I can take it. Concerning the RAM, I just read somewhere you only need to be concerned when it gets really hot to the touch. Is there a program I can use to get the RAM temp? (I have CPUID hardware monitor, speedfan, CPU-Z and core temp, but can't find it. Maybe It is just labeled in a technical way.) I just don't like the idea of touching a component and having to pull back soon after in pain. Thank you very much! | ||
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Rannasha
Netherlands2398 Posts
On September 24 2012 17:07 Introvert wrote: hmm, thank you. I think the CPU has too much paste :p I applied more than a rice grain size when I first put the CPU in, I just haven't taken it off because I lost the TINY tube and don't have anymore in case I do something wrong. So maybe it would be best just to go with a cooler for the CPU? The 70 C was only running TF2 at max settings, I don't know about games that max out the load (I don't think it was at max load. Should've used starcraft, but I didn't have the time to build an army and get the game to the late stages). I don't have bf3, which seems to be the game to use as a comparison test these days, so I don't know how much further I can take it. Concerning the RAM, I just read somewhere you only need to be concerned when it gets really hot to the touch. Is there a program I can use to get the RAM temp? (I have CPUID hardware monitor, speedfan, CPU-Z and core temp, but can't find it. Maybe It is just labeled in a technical way.) I just don't like the idea of touching a component and having to pull back soon after in pain. Thank you very much! RAM doesn't have temperature sensors on it. The closest you can get is to check the system temperature, which is a sensor on the motherboard. However, depending on where it is located, results may be quite different. You wrote earlier that your case has 3 spots for case-fans. That should be more than enough for sufficient airflow. Make sure that the fans are installed properly: The front-bottom fan needs to blow air into the case, and the top-back needs to blow it out, so air flows from front to back and bottom to top (since hot air rises anyway). Make sure that there aren't any obstructions to the airflow. If you have many cables running through the open space, try to bind them together and possibly push them to the edge of the case. Dust out the case as well while you're at it and with all these measures, you should see improved temperatures. If you think you have to reinstall the CPU cooler, but lack the thermal paste, then it's pretty cheap (a few $) to buy a new tube from any computer parts store / website. | ||
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Introvert
United States5065 Posts
On September 24 2012 17:16 Rannasha wrote: You wrote earlier that your case has 3 spots for case-fans. That should be more than enough for sufficient airflow. Make sure that the fans are installed properly: The front-bottom fan needs to blow air into the case, and the top-back needs to blow it out, so air flows from front to back and bottom to top (since hot air rises anyway). Make sure that there aren't any obstructions to the airflow. If you have many cables running through the open space, try to bind them together and possibly push them to the edge of the case. Dust out the case as well while you're at it and with all these measures, you should see improved temperatures. if everyone here says the RAM is ok, then I believe it's ok I should have clarified: Three openings, not specially designated fan locations The case doesn't have a front opening, however. It has one back mid/top (below the PSU), one near the bottom of the side panel (basically level with the GPU) and one right above that, level with the CPU (it even comes with a small cowling type thing to lead the air from the CPU straight out of the case). I suppose I could attach a fan to the bottom section... but I wonder if it would interfere with the air flow for the GPU. Not to mention having to unscrew it anytime I wanted in. This is why I was considering new case, or at least a cooler. The case setup is odd. Thank you for your advice. | ||
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Rannasha
Netherlands2398 Posts
On September 24 2012 18:05 Introvert wrote: if everyone here says the RAM is ok, then I believe it's ok I should have clarified: Three openings, not specially designated fan locations The case doesn't have a front opening, however. It has one back mid/top (below the PSU), one near the bottom of the side panel (basically level with the GPU) and one right above that, level with the CPU (it even comes with a small cowling type thing to lead the air from the CPU straight out of the case). I suppose I could attach a fan to the bottom section... but I wonder if it would interfere with the air flow for the GPU. Not to mention having to unscrew it anytime I wanted in. This is why I was considering new case, or at least a cooler. The case setup is odd. Thank you for your advice. Ah yes, that doesn't sound like an ideal setup. In a modern (non-budget) case the layout is typically quite different. First, the PSU is located in the bottom, that way it's not in the way of any other components. The bottom-fan of the PSU draws in cool air from below the case (as opposed to warmer air from the CPU area in older cases with top-mounted PSUs) which is pushed out on the rear. Then there's a fan in the front-bottom, drawing in cool air, blowing it past the harddisk(s). An additional case-fan is located top-rear, rather close to the CPU, blowing out hot air. The CPU-cooler ideally has a fan that also pushes air from front to back. The stock cooler that comes with many CPUs just blows air from the side (of the case) directly onto the top of the CPU, but this doesn't combine nicely with the airflow in the rest of the case, potentially causing turbulence, which is a source of noise (and poorer cooling). So in your situation, a new case might improve your temperature considerably, using the layout I described above. A good case will last you for a long time, since the standards for cases haven't changed in a long time and there's no indication that they will anytime soon. I would still check whether your CPU cooler is installed properly (with the right amount of thermal paste). If you have a simple CPU cooler that blows air onto the top of the CPU, you can try monitoring temperatures with the case open. Without the sidepanel being in the way, it should be easier to draw in cool air with this setup. | ||
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Introvert
United States5065 Posts
Ah yes, that doesn't sound like an ideal setup. In a modern (non-budget) case the layout is typically quite different. First, the PSU is located in the bottom, that way it's not in the way of any other components. The bottom-fan of the PSU draws in cool air from below the case (as opposed to warmer air from the CPU area in older cases with top-mounted PSUs) which is pushed out on the rear. Then there's a fan in the front-bottom, drawing in cool air, blowing it past the harddisk(s). An additional case-fan is located top-rear, rather close to the CPU, blowing out hot air. The CPU-cooler ideally has a fan that also pushes air from front to back. The stock cooler that comes with many CPUs just blows air from the side (of the case) directly onto the top of the CPU, but this doesn't combine nicely with the airflow in the rest of the case, potentially causing turbulence, which is a source of noise (and poorer cooling). So in your situation, a new case might improve your temperature considerably, using the layout I described above. A good case will last you for a long time, since the standards for cases haven't changed in a long time and there's no indication that they will anytime soon. I would still check whether your CPU cooler is installed properly (with the right amount of thermal paste). If you have a simple CPU cooler that blows air onto the top of the CPU, you can try monitoring temperatures with the case open. Without the sidepanel being in the way, it should be easier to draw in cool air with this setup. I have been using it with the side panel off and a weak fan blowing over it. The temperature is slightly below 70 (maxes 67 C ish). .. now that you mention it, I know the CPU cooler was very awkward and didn't fit the mobo very well- the metal clamps used to hold it in place were barely too short to lock well. I got in on once, but it was VERY tight. I can't recall if it is still on that way, but the temp hasn't changed much if it isn't. I thought I might need better coolers because my room is quite hot in general, so the air being circulated is already warm, but after hearing what you have to say, maybe I just need a new case only. I could take some of the paste off as well. I guess I WILL look into a case. I need sleep, thanks for your help! | ||
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Rannasha
Netherlands2398 Posts
On September 24 2012 18:39 Introvert wrote: I have been using it with the side panel off and a weak fan blowing over it. The temperature is slightly below 70 (maxes 67 C ish). .. now that you mention it, I know the CPU cooler was very awkward and didn't fit the mobo very well- the metal clamps used to hold it in place were barely too short to lock well. I got in on once, but it was VERY tight. I can't recall if it is still on that way, but the temp hasn't changed much if it isn't. I thought I might need better coolers because my room is quite hot in general, so the air being circulated is already warm, but after hearing what you have to say, maybe I just need a new case only. I could take some of the paste off as well. I guess I WILL look into a case. I need sleep, thanks for your help! It's supposed to be very tight. Some of these AMD coolers (with clamps on 2 sides that attach to the socket) are a PITA to install and feel like they won't fit until you just barely manage to snap on the clamps. | ||
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HansK
249 Posts
Play Starcraft II in max settings in maxed out 1v1 battles with out ever going under 60 fps. 1920x1080 res. Stream in 720p with what ever res is decent enough to be watchable with no lag on low-medium sc2 settings. Record videos with 60 fps at least always on med-high. (i have two HDD's one dedicated for recording) set up i came up with. GPU: GeForce GTX 480 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130759 processor: i5 3570k - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504 motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS LGA 1155 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157315 PSU: RAIDMAX 730w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036 HDD: I have a SSD + 1 TB 7200 RPM hd for the hard drives. RAM: 8gb corsair ram. (already have) Does this set up look fine/is there anything major I should change? | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
3570k is used for overclocking but a H61 cannot overclock.. If you want to overclock than you need a Z77 board. You don't need a 700w unit to power a single GPU. A Rosewill Capstone 450 is significantly better for the same price. If you're not overclocking than get a non-K suffix processor. And you need a H77 or B75 board to support Ivybridge, unless you already have a Sandybridge to flash the H61 BIOS. GTX 480 is old but is slightly faster than a 7850. If you want to sacrifice everything else for a measly amount of performance that won't help Starcraft II.. okay. | ||
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HansK
249 Posts
On September 26 2012 12:10 skyR wrote: Maybe you should answer the questions so we can help you with a non shitty build? 3570k is used for overclocking but a H61 cannot overclock.. If you want to overclock than you need a Z77 board. You don't need a 700w unit to power a single GPU. A Rosewill Capstone 450 is significantly better for the same price. If you're not overclocking than get a non-K suffix processor. And you need a H77 or B75 board to support Ivybridge, unless you already have a Sandybridge to flash the H61 BIOS. GTX 480 is old but is slightly faster than a 7850. If you want to sacrifice everything else for a measly amount of performance that won't help Starcraft II.. okay. I thought I answered most questions asked but I will lay them out in the format provided. What is your budget? : $700 with my monitor, which is something like $140 for the one I want. What is your resolution?: 1920x1080 res. for viewing, lower res for streaming of course. What are you using it for? I'm wanting to be able to run SC2 on ultra in the above resolution with out going below 60 FPS in maxed out 1v1 battles. I will want it to stream on medium in 720P at lower res assuming I have good internet. What is your upgrade cycle?: 2-3 years When do you plan on building it?: This month Do you plan on overclocking?: No Do you need an Operating System?: No Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?: no Where are you buying your parts from?: Newegg set up i came up with. I would gladly be willing to hear any suggestions in terms of the video card/processor that will be better, and still allow me to keep my goals listed above. I also was under the impression 450W will not be enough but I currently have a 450W rosewill in my current comp. GPU: GeForce GTX 480 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130759 processor: i5 3570k - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504 motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS LGA 1155 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157315 PSU: RAIDMAX 730w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036 HDD: I have a SSD + 1 TB 7200 RPM hd for the hard drives. RAM: 8gb corsair ram. (already have) | ||
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Artline
177 Posts
On September 26 2012 14:10 HansK wrote: I thought I answered most questions asked but I will lay them out in the format provided. What is your budget? : $700 with my monitor, which is something like $140 for the one I want. What is your resolution?: 1920x1080 res. for viewing, lower res for streaming of course. What are you using it for? I'm wanting to be able to run SC2 on ultra in the above resolution with out going below 60 FPS in maxed out 1v1 battles. I will want it to stream on medium in 720P at lower res assuming I have good internet. What is your upgrade cycle?: 2-3 years When do you plan on building it?: This month Do you plan on overclocking?: No Do you need an Operating System?: No Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?: no Where are you buying your parts from?: Newegg set up i came up with. I would gladly be willing to hear any suggestions in terms of the video card/processor that will be better, and still allow me to keep my goals listed above. I also was under the impression 450W will not be enough but I currently have a 450W rosewill in my current comp. GPU: GeForce GTX 480 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130759 processor: i5 3570k - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504 motherboard: ASRock H61M-DGS LGA 1155 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157315 PSU: RAIDMAX 730w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036 HDD: I have a SSD + 1 TB 7200 RPM hd for the hard drives. RAM: 8gb corsair ram. (already have) If you're not overclocking you don't need a K processor. You should get a H77 (ivy) motherboard rather than a H61 (sandy). Besides, I don't think H61 is a good choice if you have a SSD. Keep your powersupply (it's sufficient even for 480) and don't get the new one. If you're only playing sc2 you don't need GTX480 because sc2's graphics requirements aren't that high anyway. Also that card is two generations old. If you want 60+ fps in maxed battles I think it's good to overlock your processor and get a Z77 motherboard instead(your selected motherboard can't overclock CPUs). If you are overclocking you will need a CPU cooler. But this route will obviously cost more. | ||
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Sovano
United States1503 Posts
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908 | ||
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HansK
249 Posts
Lesser power supply. Check, will do. Different GPU: I'm totally willing to change. What is the best choice I can for the budget to be able to run SC2 well[60fps?] on ultra assuming I have a proper CPU, even if I have to step up to an i7? On the processor/processor: Can some one link me to a MB in a cheaper price range and the processor they're referring to which is a better choice? | ||
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Artline
177 Posts
On September 26 2012 15:03 HansK wrote: I'm actually not too informed so that is why I'm asking! So from your feed back: Lesser power supply. Check, will do. Different GPU: I'm totally willing to change. What is the best choice I can for the budget to be able to run SC2 well[60fps?] on ultra assuming I have a proper CPU, even if I have to step up to an i7? On the processor/processor: Can some one link me to a MB in a cheaper price range and the processor they're referring to which is a better choice? ASUS 7850 $187.99 ($177.99 after rebate) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121651 i5 3570K $229.99* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504 Asrock Z77 Pro3 $94.99* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157297 COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus $29.99* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 Total $542.96 Just a quick search maybe you can find cheaper options. Edit: *If you're not overclocking don't buy the cooler and: i5 3470 $199.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234 ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP $79.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157302 New Total $467.97 ($74.99 difference) | ||
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Cookie
Canada94 Posts
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_3770K_Z77VPRO | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
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