Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 27

Firstly I was wandering if the performance of the computer in terms of speed and longevity of components is effected by the memory usage on the hard drive? On my current computer (store bought and family, if I was to buy a new one it would be only mine and built myself) I had no idea about such things and just saved everything on the “:/C drive” to such an extent that it has been filled and I keep getting messages asking me to delete files to improve performance. I don’t know weither this makes a difference to its performance or but my friends and family seem convinced it’s the singular largest problem with computers (Im pretty sure none of them have any idea why this is and when I ask them why their response is “oh yeah man, that’s just common knowledge”)

This brings me somewhat to my second question. If the answer to the above is “yes”, would it make any difference to the performance if I was to save files on the “:/D drive” , with the result of an empty “:/C Drive” and would it effect the speed of programs opening ect?

Thirdly, are operating systems reusable? If I buy Windows 7 and install it on my new computer will I be able to “upgrade” my laptop with it as well or is it a one use kind of thing? And what the general consensus is on the best operating system for longevity, performance and price
I was also wandering if I would need to buy a new copy of SC2 to install on my new computer or if I will be able to use the same disc (and battle.net account ect?) that I used to install it on my current computer? If not which part of my current computer would I have to keep as a part of my next build so that I could play it?

Do different components have different life spans? For instance would I buy piece “x” would I “NEED” to replace it after Y years? Also for this matter can the performance of components drop with age? And does leaving the computer on for extended periods of time damage things/ harm components? I would generally have my computer on at least 5 hours a day (not playing all the time, my current computer can take ages to shut down or turn off so it is generally left on standby) and can reach like 12 hours a day on the weekends easily.

If I was to build my own computer, what is the general consensus on how to protect parts from ESC? Il almost defiantly get one of those wristbands, but I’ve heard lots of things like build on wood or an antistatic mat, wet your hair, build it barefoot, don’t touch anything metal (use the sides of the boards when handling) and keep packaged until you need that specific piece. All of these sound reasonable (perhaps apart from the wet hair thing). Is there anything else you can recommend? As this would be my first time building a computer I absolutely do not want to take any risks whatsoever regarding ESC.

Im also curious as to weither or not i would need a sound card? I never see them mentioned in these threads so i assume they are in the motherboard or something but i would like to have sound =P

Finally I am somewhat concerned about the ability of various pieces to be able to “work” or fit” together and I would appreciate it if someone could explain how if I look to purchase a HD5850 for explain the prices can vary so wildly and apparently have apparently been build by different companies? I thought it was an “Athlon HD5850” but I can buy a “PowerColor EXDISPLAY PowerColor HD 5830 PCS Edition 1GB GDDR5 825Mhz DVI HDMI Display Port Out PCI-E Graphics Card” for £179.99 or a different HD5850 marketed as “Gigabyte TechnologyGigabyte HD 5870 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI HDMI DisplayPort PCI-E Graphics Card” for £350 ????? Its this sort of “ambiguity” that scares me in realtion to the performance, compatability and how people rate them. I guess Athlon design it then sell the plans to various companies who then build and sell it marketed under their brand, but nonetheless as someone viewing the “computer part selling buisness” I struggle to see how I can compare one to the other in terms of the quality of the product

What is your budget?

Id like to keep it within £450 but I am willing to spend more if it was to increase the performance, longevity or safety of the build by a reasonable amount that isn’t excessive for my requirements.

What is your resolution?

My resolution according to http://www.whatismyscreenresolution.com/ and http://www.screenresolution.org/ is 1024 x 768

What are you using it for?

Mostly gaming, with Starcraft2 being the most exerting game that I play on it by a significant margin, Id like to play on at least medium settings with a good FPS (I know this is largely subjective, but I currently play with around 11FPS with the lowest possible settings on everything so I think even playing around 30 FPS would be fantastic. The main goal would be to have no noticeable drops in performance (I’ve had to change from Zerg to Protoss because the creep was too demanding). I am however aware that my resolution is significantly lower than I see other people on this site playing with so perhaps a car that would play medium with no problems on a big resolution could even handle ultra on mine? I don’t really know how these things work but If I could play on ultra given my resolution and come within a reasonable amount above my budget I would probably go for that. I do however like to watch streams a lot but I’m not sure weither or not it is my computer or my internet connection which is most important for this but my current computer sometimes just turns itself off when I’m watching streams. Not really sure why but it will just turn of like the power has been cut for no reason. So stability is the main goal in that regard, especially if it prevents me from accidentally damaging my computer by watching a stream it cant handel while I have no way of knowing or preventing it.

Two perhaps unusual things i may also require is it to run quietly and id like 2 usb ports at the front (charging iPod and camera) and back (conecting mouse and keyboard). Not willing to pay alot extra for the usb ports and id imagine they are standard but im not sure if this is the kind of thing that is usually "extra" or standard within a case or whatever had the ports on them.

What is your upgrade cycle?

Probably more towards the longer end of the cycle so id like to use standard components that could possibly be reused in later builds or upgraded with as little trouble as possible. For example I could defiantly see the use in buying a good case as I imagine they are standardised so have a longer lifespan for upgrading?

When do you plan on building it?

Ideally as soon as possible =)

Do you plan on overclocking?

At the moment I have absolutely no intention of overclocking, the idea of the build is rather overwhelming by itself at this moment =P I also consider the warranties of various things rather valuable, so id rather not attempt anything that may increase the risk of damage or voiding warranties.

Do you need an Operating System?

I’m not sure, I think I have an XP disc, but if windows 7 is reusable and offers a markedly increased performance I think its probably worth it?

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?

Unfortunately I have no idea what any of the above is, so I’m really open to suggestions. Would doing any of those things dramatically increase the difficultly of the build?

Where are you buying your parts from?

I’m in the UK at the moment, so id really appreciate some recommendations of good reliable places to purchase my parts.