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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. |
On January 04 2011 10:16 AdmiralSimon wrote:
By resolution are you reffering to the size of the monitor, or...?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels per square inch on a display.
You can find out what your resolution is by right clicking on the desktop and clicking screen resolution if you have Windows 7.
Generally, resolutions can be linked to the size of the monitor. 22" monitors will often carry 1680x1050 or 1920 x 1080 where as a 23" - 27" will carry a 1920x1080 or 1920x1200.
On January 04 2011 10:19 LazyMacro wrote:
Another random question: What determines how laggy your PC gets?
With my current PC, if I have SC2 open (I run it windowed and fullscreen) and I alt-tab to use other programs like AIM, Skype, etc., I notice a lot of actual lag. Clicks are delayed, typing is delayed, and so forth. Is this just my PC getting old or am I straining the hardware?
How can I avoid this in the future?
This is probably because you only have 2gb of ram.
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What is my budget?
My budget is ranging from 500-800 (1000 if absolutely NESS.)
[red]What is my Gaming Resolution?[red]
1280x1024 if perfectly fine for me, che/aper the better.
What are my plans for the OS?
I plan to play mainly video games, ALTHOUGH, if "Possible" at a cheap rate I'd like to stream videos, but that is basically it. (If its expensive to stream, drop it haha)
Upgrade Cycle?
First computer, recommended cycle please? I have this shit dell, but I wouldn't call it a computer I just left it doing what it does for the past 6-7 years.
When do I plan on building it?
I plan to start immediately to 4 - 5 months, time may vary but that is what I am shooting for.
Do I plan to overclock?
I do not know what overclocking is, so maybe not? I only really plan to play SC2 and stream (IF POSSIBLE)
Do I own a OS?
Windows XP, but I would enjoy Windows 7, but again I am trying to stay low on price, so if XP works fine, then XP i shall use.
Where am I buying from?
I do not know, Futureshop is near me and they give great deals on a lot of buying. I bought my 2,000 dollar sound system, they gave me no tax and 400$ off so futureshop pref.
PLEASE HELP hahaha, thank you. I also appreciate this entire thread, PM with details maybe?
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United States25 Posts
Alright, so I checked and I have a 1440x900 resolution. Also the set-up mentioned in semantics post only comes out to about 600 dollars. Is it worth it to try and upgrade the videocard for another 50 or so bucks, or would the money be better spent on something else? Or would I have to add a good 150 to make any upgrades worthwhile?
Thanks a ton for your help.
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On January 04 2011 11:36 AdmiralSimon wrote:
Alright, so I checked and I have a 1440x900 resolution. Also the set-up mentioned in semantics post only comes out to about 600 dollars. Is it worth it to try and upgrade the videocard for another 50 or so bucks, or would the money be better spent on something else? Or would I have to add a good 150 to make any upgrades worthwhile?
Thanks a ton for your help.
GTX 460 is a good card. You don't need anything better to play on ultra at your resolution. You'll only looking at spending $300+ on video cards if you play above 1920x1200.
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United States25 Posts
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@MERLIN: are you buying now or later? As skyR suggested, when buying, using NCIX.com and shopbot to help price match usually gets the best prices/selection in Canada.
This computer should be fine for playing most games at very high settings, with approximate prices listed:
Athlon II X3 ($80)
AM3 socket motherboard ($80)
2x2 GB DDR3 RAM ($55)
GTX 460 768MB ($170)
Hard drive ($50)
Optical drive ($20)
400-500W Power supply ($60)
Case ($60)
Windows 7 64-bit ($100 if you're buying with the rest of the parts and can't get it elsewhere)
That's pretty much the same as what was listed for AdmiralSimon. If you want to stream comfortably and/or get a CPU that will be relevant for longer, you can get a Core i5-2x00 ($170-210; very new and may take a week to be listed in many stores) and LGA 1155 motherboard ($90-120; likewise; note that this is different from LGA 1156) instead of the Athlon II X3 and AM3 motherboard. When you're buying, you can run specific models/brands by to see if they are decent and all compatible.
@AdmiralSimon: At 1440x900, I think a GTX 460 768MB model is already very good. This one is nice and is only $160 (before $30 MIR). There are other places you could spend more or less money, but overall that looks solid.
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United States25 Posts
On January 04 2011 12:02 Myrmidon wrote:@AdmiralSimon: At 1440x900, I think a GTX 460 768MB model is already very good. This one is nice and is only $160 (before $30 MIR). There are other places you could spend more or less money, but overall that looks solid.
So whats the point of getting the G.SKILL Ripjaws and the 460?
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was going to make a new thread, but i guess i can get away with asking in here. looking to make another computer upgrade as i'm interested in streaming. currently using procaster on ok quality, but would like to maybe stream a little bit better quality with experiencing no in game lag. (i play 1050 res on low settings - just a preference)
current rig_
intel e8500 stock clock'd artic rev7 pro HSF
asus p5k mobo
2gb crucial ballstics tracer 1066
radeon hd5700 stock
650w ocz psu
upgrade_
cpu - core i5 760
mobo - Asus P7P55D-E LX
memory - GSKILL ECO 4G 1600
looking to also upgrade to windows 7 64 bit as currently running XP 32 bit.
anybody have any opinions on this? anyway i can obtain the same amount of performance for less money? looked at the athlon 965 cpu which is 40 dollars cheaper and 3.4ghz quad, but reading online suggest that the i5 760 actually is a lot better.
also, newegg sells oem system builder 1 packs for windows 7 for around 100 dollars, compared to almost doubled the price for the actual retail of the OS. i think that the oem version is bound to your hardware? if anybody has suggestions on that front i would appreciate it also.
looking for stability while streaming, not for in game eye candy as i play on low and am not looking to play on ultra while playing online.
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Yes, OEM is technically one time use that's bound to your hardware. But you can always just call Microsoft to reactivate it on your next upgrade / build >.>
Don't buy right now. If you're looking to spend ~$200 on a CPU. Wait for Sandybridge (core i5 2400/2500, core i7 2600). It's 5 days away at the MOST from official launch but you can find them on shelves at Frys already.
I'd suggest picking up a core i5 2500 and an asus p67.
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Simply putting it, you shouldn't worry about bottlenecking if you are selecting modern components and aren't an enthusiast.
Bottlenecking really only comes into play at the higher end levels or when you're upgrading from an old system (ex. when you're trying to run triple SLI on anything other than an X58 platform, trying to get a 5ghz+ overclock on a shitty motherboard, running a GTX 460 with a P4)
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On January 04 2011 13:19 skyR wrote:
Yes, OEM is technically one time use that's bound to your hardware. But you can always just call Microsoft to reactivate it on your next upgrade / build >.>
Don't buy right now. If you're looking to spend ~$200 on a CPU. Wait for Sandybridge (core i5 2400/2500, core i7 2600). It's 5 days away at the MOST from official launch but you can find them on shelves at Frys already.
I'd suggest picking up a core i5 2500 and an asus p67.
read some on the sandybridge but didn't know it was coming out that soon. thanks for that, would getting a 760 still be viable? i would assume the prices would drop but you never know how much with intel. i CAN spend 200 on a cpu, but i would rather get what i need for less if i could. i might even wait till i get my tax return to do this also, but that's far away =(
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On January 04 2011 14:18 zyglrox wrote:Show nested quote +On January 04 2011 13:19 skyR wrote:
Yes, OEM is technically one time use that's bound to your hardware. But you can always just call Microsoft to reactivate it on your next upgrade / build >.>
Don't buy right now. If you're looking to spend ~$200 on a CPU. Wait for Sandybridge (core i5 2400/2500, core i7 2600). It's 5 days away at the MOST from official launch but you can find them on shelves at Frys already.
I'd suggest picking up a core i5 2500 and an asus p67. read some on the sandybridge but didn't know it was coming out that soon. thanks for that, would getting a 760 still be viable? i would assume the prices would drop but you never know how much with intel. i CAN spend 200 on a cpu, but i would rather get what i need for less if i could. i might even wait till i get my tax return to do this also, but that's far away =(
core i5 760 is a bad option right now unless you can find an amazing deal on it.
Initial Sandybridge processors are replacing the current $100 - $300 segment. Intel has never dropped the MSRP on EOL (end of life) processors in the past ten years. Look at past processors such as the core i7 920, pentium 4s, etc and you'll see they are still selling very high.
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On January 04 2011 14:22 skyR wrote:Show nested quote +On January 04 2011 14:18 zyglrox wrote:On January 04 2011 13:19 skyR wrote:
Yes, OEM is technically one time use that's bound to your hardware. But you can always just call Microsoft to reactivate it on your next upgrade / build >.>
Don't buy right now. If you're looking to spend ~$200 on a CPU. Wait for Sandybridge (core i5 2400/2500, core i7 2600). It's 5 days away at the MOST from official launch but you can find them on shelves at Frys already.
I'd suggest picking up a core i5 2500 and an asus p67. read some on the sandybridge but didn't know it was coming out that soon. thanks for that, would getting a 760 still be viable? i would assume the prices would drop but you never know how much with intel. i CAN spend 200 on a cpu, but i would rather get what i need for less if i could. i might even wait till i get my tax return to do this also, but that's far away =( core i5 760 is a bad option right now unless you can find an amazing deal on it. Initial Sandybridge processors are replacing the current $100 - $300 segment. Intel has never dropped the MSRP on EOL (end of life) processors in the past ten years. Look at past processors such as the core i7 920, pentium 4s, etc and you'll see they are still selling very high.
yea i see that now, even the cpu i'm running is still a lot =X appreciate the info and fast response.
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Current rig: Athlon 3000+ 2GHz, 1GB RAM, Radeon 9600XT
It's pretty old and pissing me off, so anything's a huge upgrade.
What is your budget?
200 LS ~ 375$ +/-
What is your resolution?
Currently:
1024x768 @ 120hz (thus 120+fps) gaming
1280x1024 desktop
Looking to upgrade to a 1080p 120hz LCD monitor later, so 1920x1080
What are you using it for?
Mostly Quake 3, QuakeWorld, anime, quake videos and movies (up to x264 1080p+ 60fps)
Looking to play various newer games that I've missed.
Possibly play sc2 at whatever gfx settings at 120fps. Could I even manage that?
Various music/audio stuff.
What is your upgrade cycle?
Can upgrade in the next months for minor stuff. More HDD, monitor, possibly a GPU.
The next major upgrade... I dunno, possibly 2-4 years?
When do you plan on building it?
ASAP. Can wait on upgradeable parts.
Do you plan on overclocking?
Not really. Not planning at least.
Do you need an Operating System?
No.
Where are you buying your parts from?
dateks.lv look under "Komponentes" on the left, the filters on the right are useful
salidzini.lv to compare prices across shops
I followed a few guides like
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4025/holiday-2010-system-builders-guide/2
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/The_FalconO6/CurrentLogicalPCBuyingGuide/Guide.png
And this thread to come up with something like this
Shop basket link
CPU: AMD ATHLON II X4 640 ; maybe a AMD PHENOM II X2 555 BE ?
Mobo: MSI 880GM-E41
RAM: Kingston 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz, CL9, Kit Of 2
PSU: Corsair CX430, 430W, 12cm, 80+
Case: Chieftec Giga Series, DF-01B-OP, Black
213,26 LS ~ 400$
I already have a 7200 1TB HDD and a DVD/RW (IDE, but w/e).
Any suggestions? Not sure about the PSU at all. I grabbed the lowest priced 400+W PSU with a "name". Can I cut the price anywhere?
Did I forget anything?
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Eh, figured out my problem, I am an idiot. I was working in a poorly lit room and I didn't see the place on my PSU where I could connect the power cable that went to my HDD - it was hiding behind some other cable. Thanks anyways skyr
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@Lisk: That looks about right. I like your research and formatting. 
You could save money by getting an Athlon II X2 or X3 rather than the X4. You probably don't need all 4 cores for what you're doing, so the Athlon II X3 450 looks like the best value.
Corsair CX430 is a pretty good budget unit, though it's only rated for 336W at +12V (which is what counts, so it's more in line with most good 380W units). Fortunately, 336W at +12V still leaves enough room for up to a powerful GPU--not top end, but $200 level. I checked the other PSUs offered and found a Chieftec 400W GPS-400AA-101A (Delta OEM) that is a little stronger, but the performance is worse. I don't know about any of the other brands offered that have models any cheaper than the CX430. Chieftec sells some other decent units, but I don't think their cheapest units would be reputable. You probably can't find reviews on them, so it would be a risk.
I think your chosen case has no exhaust fan? That seems weird. Your motherboard seems to be the cheapest compatible one with integrated graphics.
The bigger problem is that you don't currently have a GPU other than the integrated HD 4250 on the motherboard. With that, you're going to be limited to some 30-60 fps on low settings in SC2, and you are already being helped by the low screen resolution. Maybe it's okay for now, but you're going to need a real GPU to play some various newer games acceptably.
Also, you might want to use CoreAVC rather than ffdshow's h.264 decoding, depending on the fps of the 1080p videos. 23.976 fps is not that difficult--consistent 60 fps may possibly be out of reach? I'm not sure.
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@Myrmidon Thanks.
SC2 Isn't my main concern, but I was thinking of stable enjoyable FPS WITH a GPU. Seems to be fine then. For now I'm just gonna enjoy Quake more comfortably.
I'm not gonna get a crazy GPU, so then that PSU should do me well. Yeah, I don't like risk with no-name manufacturers on my parts.
For CPUs I'm currently between Athlon II X3 450 and AMD PHENOM II X2 555 BE (possible to unlock 2 cores). Phenoms are supposed to be better, right. Big cache increase? Wonder if it's worth the (rather small) increase in cost?
I'm well aware of CoreAVC : ) I can manage 1080p on my current rig if nothing else is running with a few hiccups.
I'll look in to the case... weird. Thanks for catching that.
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Current Setup:
Vista
4GB RAM
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.50GHz
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT (it's a laptop)
What is your budget?
Around $1500 - I will be purchasing a desktop.
What is your resolution?
Aiming for 1680x1050 (22'' Monitor)
What are you using it for?
Starcraft II, World of Warcraft
What is your upgrade cycle?
About 2 years.
When do you plan on building it?
I plan on buying it very soon and having it build for me at www.cyberpowerpc.com
Do you plan on overclocking?
10%
Do you need an Operating System?
I will buy Windows 7 64-bit with the package.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
No.
Where are you buying your parts from?
I will be buying the computer pre-build from www.cyberpowerpc.com, I have friends at the company and I have always purchased from them.
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Based on the above specs, what would anyone recommend as far as playing SCII. I read through the first post and put something together, but I was just looking for a bit of additional feedback before jumping on the purchase.
Also, is there a benefit to going into higher resolutions? The monitors that are larger than 22 inches just seem a bit too large for me.
Any input/feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
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I am planning on building a computer as my "christmas present." I have never done this before.. and while I'll have
some help from a friend that is experienced, I decided it's time to figure out and get an idea of what I need/what I want(especially since my friend is only gonna be here for martin luther king weekend), so was hoping you guys could help me out.
What is your budget?
1500$.
I can't really go over this at all, and justify it, so 1500$
What is your resolution?
I have a viewsonic 22' I am using as monitor has a native resolution of 1680x1050, I am thinking of getting an additional monitor to play at a higher resolution, if it fits in my budget. Depends on if you guys think that my money is better spent on an additional monitor to improve the quality of my gaming/pc usage, or better spent on a bunch of cool stuff for the actual computer
What are you using it for?
Mostly gaming. I want to be able to play games and have them look really good, keeping a good fps. I will also be watching lots of movies on it, hopefully in great quality, I don't plan on streaming, and I don't think I need the option, but I would consider it a plus if my computer could. I would like to be able to play any game on the market with good-high graphics while keeping a great FPS.
What is your upgrade cycle?
Whatever is recommended, I won't have tons of money lying around, so I would like this computer to last a while.
When do you plan on building it?
January 14th-17th, so I need to start ordering/going and buying parts/etc
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 will I get parts?
I have close nearby access to a Fry's that I can go get parts. I also live in U.S. so I can use Newegg etc.
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EPT
