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.
z87 (and especially ud3h, which is not the cheapest z87) is for overclocking, if you are overclocking you need a 4670k and an aftermarket CPU cooler (like the noctua u12s if you want a good powerful one)
If not, you can step down on motherboard for a cheaper one
It's a pretty on edge performance build (midrange GPU, one of the best cpu's you can get) so if you don't want a strong gaming build, you can probably step down in price and performance in some areas
ok, so if the i7 is not- and will not- for any time in the future be worth it for gaming, what is a good board to go with an i5 (most likely 4670k). someone mentioned the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H, Is this mid-range or higher end? I'm finally zeroing in on what to purchase. I just want a good, long lasting chip/board that can keep up with any new developments now allowed by upped console hardware. Thanks.
ok, so if the i7 is not- and will not- for any time in the future be worth it for gaming, what is a good board to go with an i5 (most likely 4670k). someone mentioned the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H, Is this mid-range or higher end? I'm finally zeroing in on what to purchase. I just want a good, long lasting chip/board that can keep up with any new developments now allowed by upped console hardware. Thanks.
You're getting a ~$180 board for $100, just so you know. It's a very good deal. Only thing better than this I think is the Microcenter bundle with the 4670k at $200 and Z87X-UD4H at $145, for a total of $345.
The ASUS Z87-Pro and Z87-G45 bundles are already sold out.
Im thinking of making a PC, and a friend pulled togeather a list of items for me! How well would this work, or is there anything that could be substitued for the same price but better performance, I didnt wanna go over $1300, and I wanna be able to run 3 monitors. I currently have no plan on overclocking, and this is for me to maximize gaming on PC.
Z87 boards are for overclocking but you mentioned you have no desire to overclock so you'll want a H87 or B85 board rather than a relatively high-end Z87X-UD3H. H87 and B85 boards should be under $100. If you have plans to overclock in the future than you need to switch to a core i5 4670k: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=81327&promoid=1316 , you can pricematch at memoryexpress for further savings. And I'd suggest getting a Gigabyte Z87X-D3H instead at $134 from http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX46023 , by pricematching http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=84040&promoid=1316
I just want a good, long lasting chip/board that can keep up with any new developments now allowed by upped console hardware. Thanks.
The PS4, which has significantly superior hardware to the Xbox One, has a GPU somewhere in strengh around or a bit below a radeon 7850, AFAIK, and the 8-core Jaguar CPU's don't come close to modern intel CPU's, especially overclocked. So what if they have 8 cores if an i5 can outperform it with only two, significantly more powerful cores? I'm not sure how strong the jaguar cores are on any certain quantifiable level, but they are vastly outclassed.
my concern was just that developers were going to try some new stuff now that they have more breathing room. You have soothed my concerns Thanks for the help!
Intel Q6600 Asus P5QC-Deluxe HD 4850 2x4GB Kingston 1066mhz ddr3 ram SATA Seagate Barracuda 500gb 7200rpm Corsair 450W PSU
It was running win xp64bit. I recently had some problems with it, I'm not sure if they are relevant, but in case anyone is curious you can see the problems I'm having in the spoilers below.
Recently my computer started taking a shit, it would sometimes fail to launch windows (computer would freeze at splash or login screen), when I cold properly launch windows it would display a MACHINE_CHECK_ERROR, which I ignored at first because it would let me play starcraft 2 just fine. In just a few days these errors became more frequent to the point where I couldnt play anymore, so i decided to reformat and install win7.
Before I decided to reformat I opened up my case for a nice cleaning (it was a bit dusty), I cleaned every component, replaced the thermal compound on my CPU cooler, cleaned my gpu, memory modules, etc. It was looking as good as new.
Problem is I can't install an OS anymore, computer started freezing during the installation at random points so I had to keep restarting over. Thinking I could of had a bad OS disk I tried installing win xp64 again but the same thing happened...and then the same happened with win xp x86 as well....so that rules out a software problem. Time to check the hardware.
-First thing I did was to check all the cords and cables to see if everything was plugged in properly, all good there. Next thing i did was plug my HDD on my mom's computer to check for bad blocks/sectors, I ran chkdsk on it and to my surprise (I was sure it was my HDD dying for some reason T_T), chkdsk found no errors or bad sectors on it.
-Now the memory modules, thinking one of them could be defective I did everything I could to test it. Swapped modules, tried with only 1 module, I even plugged in my old 2gb ddr2 module (my MOBO supports both ddr2 and ddr3) which always worked fine, but nope...still cant install the OS, it either freezes or gives me a BSOD.
-Next is the GPU, I swapped my GPU for the one on my mom's computer and still same shit.
Ok, so I already ruled out the HDD, memory modules and GPU as the problem. I also updated my BIOS several times during this whole process (it could be corrupt or something, god knows), I also messed with the settings, tried factory "fail-safe" default settings and all that stuff, none of it worked.
That leaves me with: CPU, MOBO and PSU. I find it very unlikely that my PSU is the problem, as its a badass piece of hardware and I never had any problems with it, its more than fine for a rig like mine. I actually managed to finish an installation of win xp x86 but it hangs randomly a few seconds after login screen.
I checked my MOBO's capacitors and they are all visually fine, tried replugging the cpu and everything else. I basically tried everything I could think of and then some but nothing seems to work. I also never had any temperature problems, none of my stuff is overclocked, the most hardware intensive thing I do on this PC is play SC2 on lowest settings. The only hardware change I ever made after building this rig years ago was a recent change in memory modules a good 3months ago, it always worked just fine, never had any problems.
So because of the problems I've experienced above I'm going to replace either my CPU and MOBO OR the whole thing (but only if i can find good deals). What I need is the following:
-CPU and MOBO which will give me performance AT LEAST as good as what I have now for the lowest price avaliable (I live in Brazil and hardware is expensive here and I'm kinda broke right now). I play mostly SC2 (lowest settings, 1280x1024 windowed mode) with high enough fps on it (120+ early game) and Skyrim on ~high settings with also satisfying performance. So basically I need something which runs SC2 adequately with good fps.
-By the end of the year I'll build a new rig from scratch with nearly unlimited budget and I'll pass this computer over to my mother, so I don't care if what I'm buying right now isn't great. As I said, I want at least equivalent performance to what I currently have (run skyrim/sc2 no prob).
-I plan on buying the hardware by the end of this week at most.
I havent built a computer in a few years, I'm completely lost on new architectures and stuff, a few suggestions for each píece of hardware will really help me through. I'll take suggestions for either CPU/Mobo only OR if anyone is feeling kind today you can also suggest me a whole new rig which attends the specs above, I might just buy it all if I can find good deals, I live in Brazil and hardware is very expensive here but sometimes you can find very good deals.
i3-3220, some random B75 or H77 motherboard (whichever is cheapest), a radeon 7750, and 4GB RAM.
You could probably even look into an i3-3225 or a high end AMD APU. If you play other games with sc2, an APU could be a better fit. But both of those options are only necessary if you don't want the 7750, the top suggestion is definitely the best.
I posted a build on the bottom of the last page, use that as a guideline, and make the CPU the i3-3220 if you want to save money.
On July 01 2013 22:19 Alryk wrote: i3-3220, some random B75 or H77 motherboard (whichever is cheapest), a radeon 7750, and 4GB RAM.
You could probably even look into an i3-3225 or a high end AMD APU. If you play other games with sc2, an APU could be a better fit. But both of those options are only necessary if you don't want the 7750, the top suggestion is definitely the best.
I posted a build on the bottom of the last page, use that as a guideline, and make the CPU the i3-3220 if you want to save money.
No reason to bother with the i3, an entry level ivy bridge pentium is still going to be significantly faster than a stock c2q for sc2, at half the price.
Hello! I was suggested this thread from a friend. I would like to build a new PC and have no idea where to start. I need a considerable amount of handholding because I do not really know anything about this stuff. I am very grateful for all of you reading this and thank you in advance for any advice you can provide me. Also, an FYI - I was hoping to buy the parts and then just hire someone to assemble it for me. and... I hope I am responding to this thread correctly.
What is your budget?
I would like to spend between $700-$800 dollars. I would go up to $900 if it really made a HUGE difference.
What is your resolution?
I don't know. The only game I play is Starcraft. Please advise.
What are you using it for?
I want to be able to play Starcraft on Ultra settings while streaming Spotify. Assuming my internet connection is stable and strong, I would also like to not lag.
What is your upgrade cycle?
3 years.
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as possible, but I can wait some time if it's better and would save me money for whatever reason.
Do you plan on overclocking?
I don't play for more than 5 hours max. I am assuming that doesn't count as "overclocking."
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
I have no idea what that means.
Where are you buying your parts from?
From wherever you suggest. I live in Boston, and have access to a Microcenter, and am also totally happy to order parts online.
Thank you!
EDIT: I am also a student so if you know of any places that offer parts or OS for student discount, that would be helpful too!
On July 01 2013 23:48 anaeo wrote: Hello! I was suggested this thread from a friend. I would like to build a new PC and have no idea where to start. I need a considerable amount of handholding because I do not really know anything about this stuff. I am very grateful for all of you reading this and thank you in advance for any advice you can provide me. Also, an FYI - I was hoping to buy the parts and then just hire someone to assemble it for me. and... I hope I am responding to this thread correctly.
What is your budget?
I would like to spend between $700-$800 dollars. I would go up to $900 if it really made a HUGE difference.
What is your resolution?
I don't know. The only game I play is Starcraft. Please advise.
What are you using it for?
I want to be able to play Starcraft on Ultra settings while streaming Spotify. Assuming my internet connection is stable and strong, I would also like to not lag.
What is your upgrade cycle?
3 years.
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as possible, but I can wait some time if it's better and would save me money for whatever reason.
Do you plan on overclocking?
I don't play for more than 5 hours max. I am assuming that doesn't count as "overclocking."
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
I have no idea what that means.
Where are you buying your parts from?
From wherever you suggest. I live in Boston, and have access to a Microcenter, and am also totally happy to order parts online.
Thank you!
Some of your responses are quite funny, I enjoyed the overclocking one.
To find your resolution if you are on windows 7 type 'display setting' into the search bar in the start menu then hit enter. Read what it says the resolution box. If its not 1920x1080 its probably worth upgrading your monitor.
You should be able to easily stay inside your budget, might even be able to fit a monitor in but Ill let Americans give you a build.
I can do one later but somebody will probably beat me to it since I'm working. But about having somebody assemble it - you can certainly do it yourself and save some money in the process! Its really not much harder than legos ultimately, (does anybody have the picture of that little kid? )everything slots in pretty much one way. The only thing I can really think you could confuse is plugging in RAM not in dual channel mode... I don't think its possible to mess anything else up, as long as you aren't wearing wool socks on carpet
Basically, you can do it if you want to try! I certainly find it fun to work with, and it feels infinitely better when you finally hit the power button
On July 01 2013 23:48 anaeo wrote: Hello! I was suggested this thread from a friend. I would like to build a new PC and have no idea where to start. I need a considerable amount of handholding because I do not really know anything about this stuff. I am very grateful for all of you reading this and thank you in advance for any advice you can provide me. Also, an FYI - I was hoping to buy the parts and then just hire someone to assemble it for me. and... I hope I am responding to this thread correctly.
What is your budget?
I would like to spend between $700-$800 dollars. I would go up to $900 if it really made a HUGE difference.
What is your resolution?
I don't know. The only game I play is Starcraft. Please advise.
What are you using it for?
I want to be able to play Starcraft on Ultra settings while streaming Spotify. Assuming my internet connection is stable and strong, I would also like to not lag.
What is your upgrade cycle?
3 years.
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as possible, but I can wait some time if it's better and would save me money for whatever reason.
Do you plan on overclocking?
I don't play for more than 5 hours max. I am assuming that doesn't count as "overclocking."
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
I have no idea what that means.
Where are you buying your parts from?
From wherever you suggest. I live in Boston, and have access to a Microcenter, and am also totally happy to order parts online.
Thank you!
Some of your responses are quite funny, I enjoyed the overclocking one.
To find your resolution if you are on windows 7 type 'display setting' into the search bar in the start menu then hit enter. Read what it says the resolution box. If its not 1920x1080 its probably worth upgrading your monitor.
You should be able to easily stay inside your budget, might even be able to fit a monitor in but Ill let Americans give you a build.
Thank you for your answer! I will update the resolution now... and yeah... I currently have a MACBOOK PRO. Even funnier. :'(
On July 02 2013 00:06 Alryk wrote: I can do one later but somebody will probably beat me to it since I'm working. But about having somebody assemble it - you can certainly do it yourself and save some money in the process! Its really not much harder than legos ultimately, (does anybody have the picture of that little kid? )everything slots in pretty much one way. The only thing I can really think you could confuse is plugging in RAM not in dual channel mode... I don't think its possible to mess anything else up, as long as you aren't wearing wool socks on carpet
Basically, you can do it if you want to try! I certainly find it fun to work with, and it feels infinitely better when you finally hit the power button
Yay! Thank you. I would like to try but I have never done anything like it! Maybe I will see once I am able to gather the parts. Do you know of any good online resources that can assist me on how to assemble it? Or is it truly like common sense...?
I eagerly await your or someone else's response! I would really love multiple opinions so if you have the chance to reply later on I'd appreciate it!!!
Newegg has a pretty good youtube series about how to build a computer. I used it to guide me (skipped the "build it outside your case" step) on my first build and had no problems. Part 2: and you can find links to parts 1 and 3 going through the video.
http://imgur.com/PKBkLsV Stuff is here =)! Time to build ) Thanks for all the help guys!! (Someone else paid the 750 for me even though its overkill:D)
What's your current system? Does it have DDR3 RAM? If not, you need to buy that as well.
Is there any particular reason you want to spend extra on SLI support playing the kinds of games you listed?
You can afford a Haswell i5, so that and some B85/H87 would be where you're going (unless you really want SLI), but the particulars are to be determined, I guess.