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On October 01 2011 07:58 needsoma wrote:
Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a 2500k or a 2400. I've reserved a 2500k at my local microstore and a Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard for a total of $293 after taxes. Should I just get this instead of the 2400 to leave the possibility of overclocking open (even if i don't overclock)? I'm planning to play the latest games on 1600x900 resolution; would oc-ing my cpu help a lot?
Also, I bought a MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Hawk OC 780MHZ 1GB GDDR5 at ncix last week while it was on sale. I know it overclocks well, but would it be necessary to overclock it to play BF3 and other new games on high settings with decent fps? or can i just leave it unclocked
Thanks in advance. You guys (skyr, myrmidon, jinglehell, shikyo, etc.) are doing a frickin awesome job with this thread, kudos.
for sure get the 2500k at 150$, now if u want a cheap mobo (no oc) or not, thats up to you.
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On October 01 2011 07:58 needsoma wrote:
Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a 2500k or a 2400. I've reserved a 2500k at my local microstore and a Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard for a total of $293 after taxes. Should I just get this instead of the 2400 to leave the possibility of overclocking open (even if i don't overclock)? I'm planning to play the latest games on 1600x900 resolution; would oc-ing my cpu help a lot?
Also, I bought a MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Hawk OC 780MHZ 1GB GDDR5 at ncix last week while it was on sale. I know it overclocks well, but would it be necessary to overclock it to play BF3 and other new games on high settings with decent fps? or can i just leave it unclocked
Thanks in advance. You guys (skyr, myrmidon, jinglehell, shikyo, etc.) are doing a frickin awesome job with this thread, kudos.
definitely get the 2500k but the motherboard is a bit costly. I'd suggest you to instead get something like this instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130576
Unless you really think you need the USB3.0 or want the option to SLi.
GTX 460 should work just fine in 1600x900, just don't go overboard with antialiasing etc.
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On October 01 2011 07:58 needsoma wrote:
Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a 2500k or a 2400. I've reserved a 2500k at my local microstore and a Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard for a total of $293 after taxes. Should I just get this instead of the 2400 to leave the possibility of overclocking open (even if i don't overclock)? I'm planning to play the latest games on 1600x900 resolution; would oc-ing my cpu help a lot?
Also, I bought a MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Hawk OC 780MHZ 1GB GDDR5 at ncix last week while it was on sale. I know it overclocks well, but would it be necessary to overclock it to play BF3 and other new games on high settings with decent fps? or can i just leave it unclocked
Thanks in advance. You guys (skyr, myrmidon, jinglehell, shikyo, etc.) are doing a frickin awesome job with this thread, kudos.
Considering the 2500k you reserved is cheaper than a 2400 I don't see why you wouldn't.....
Also, you could get a p67 mobo for a bit cheaper, unless you need the connectivity+stupid OC'ing features (which if you're not sold on OC'ing, i HIGHLY doubt you'll use).
But yeah, considering how cheap, get the 2500k, a p67/z68, a 30$ cooler and OC you're shit
A 2500k @4.2-4.4ghz compared to a 2400 at 3.1ghz is quite a bit more powerful
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On October 01 2011 08:15 Shikyo wrote:Show nested quote +On October 01 2011 07:58 needsoma wrote:
Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a 2500k or a 2400. I've reserved a 2500k at my local microstore and a Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard for a total of $293 after taxes. Should I just get this instead of the 2400 to leave the possibility of overclocking open (even if i don't overclock)? I'm planning to play the latest games on 1600x900 resolution; would oc-ing my cpu help a lot?
Also, I bought a MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Hawk OC 780MHZ 1GB GDDR5 at ncix last week while it was on sale. I know it overclocks well, but would it be necessary to overclock it to play BF3 and other new games on high settings with decent fps? or can i just leave it unclocked
Thanks in advance. You guys (skyr, myrmidon, jinglehell, shikyo, etc.) are doing a frickin awesome job with this thread, kudos. definitely get the 2500k but the motherboard is a bit costly. I'd suggest you to instead get something like this instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130576Unless you really think you need the USB3.0 or want the option to SLi. GTX 460 should work just fine in 1600x900, just don't go overboard with antialiasing etc.
Thanks for the quick replies! Does anyone know if it's possible to cancel part of an in-store pickup order from microcenter? Going to get the P67 from newegg.
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On October 01 2011 07:58 needsoma wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a 2500k or a 2400. I've reserved a 2500k at my local microstore and a Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard for a total of $293 after taxes. Should I just get this instead of the 2400 to leave the possibility of overclocking open (even if i don't overclock)? I'm planning to play the latest games on 1600x900 resolution; would oc-ing my cpu help a lot?
Also, I bought a MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Hawk OC 780MHZ 1GB GDDR5 at ncix last week while it was on sale. I know it overclocks well, but would it be necessary to overclock it to play BF3 and other new games on high settings with decent fps? or can i just leave it unclocked
Thanks in advance. You guys (skyr, myrmidon, jinglehell, shikyo, etc.) are doing a frickin awesome job with this thread, kudos.
Since the 2500k and 2400 are both $150 right now at Microcenter (correct me if I'm wrong), you should be going with the 2500k regardless if you are overclocking or not since it's 300MHz faster even though it's negligible, it'll have a higher resale value, and hopefully you're read up on / learn to overclock eventually.
I assume the Z68 UD3H cost about ~$125 doing simple math with a 6-8% sales tax which is an okay price I guess.
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Hey guys, after many months of deliberation I've finally decided to build my own computer for the first time!! I would love any help you can give me on making build decisions, advice for the process itself, and just general tips (I watched arstechnica's March guide on computer building, so I'm familiar with the basics). Here's my info:
Budget: I would like to spend between $500 and $700 on the whole project, including the OS. I have a spare copy of MS office and I'm set on antivirus/spyware, so I shouldn't need any software other than that.
Resolution: Currently my laptop operates in 1366x768, which is the resolution I'm most accustomed to. However, I'm not particularly attached to it, so if there's a compelling reason to change anything there I'd love to hear about it.
Purpose: This will be primarily a gaming computer. I'm a student, so it obviously need to be able to complete basic functions like running statistical software, but I don't have a ton of interest in streaming or heavy-duty media editing at the moment. I would like to be able to run SC2 at close to max settings, and be able to run other current titles (Deus Ex, Portal 2, possibly even Skyrim) decently as well.
Upgrade Cycle: I would like to be able to keep the computer, in its current state, for at least 2 years, mostly because I don't have the money to invest in constant replacements.
Timeframe: As soon a possible! I'm waiting for some money to come in right now so I can begin shopping in earnest, but I hope to be placing orders within the next week or two and will build the computer immediately once my parts arrive. That said, I do currently have a bit in the bank, so if any sweet deals are available I would love to hear it.
Overclocking: I've never really thought about it (seems a little risky), but again if there's a good reason I'd be glad to look into it. I've also never heard of SLI or Crossfire, so I can't comment on whether it'd be worthwhile in my case.
OS? I need one, and it should be factored into the build cost (currently a win7 user, no problems with it).
Lastly, I live smack dab in the middle of Utah (YEAH 'MURCA), so I have access to all of our online commerce. Salt Lake City is close as well, so I can buy in person too if needed.
Thanks for all your help, and I look forward to hearing all of your input!
Edit: clarity, and rethinking my position on overclocking.
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Wow, thanks a ton for that. I had no idea about doing a clean install from an upgrade Windows, but some googling tells me it's definitely an option. However (my bad for not specifying), my budget does include a monitor and keyboard, so depending on how the math turns out I might need to cut some corners. Any recommendations for a cheap monitor that's compatible with the build so far? As far as keyboards go, I was planning on going for a factory-standard Dell or some such, but I have heard rumors of cheap, non-mechanical keyboards that work much better for Starcraft...
Also, your knowledge of current retail promotions is staggering. Keep up the awesome work man, people like you make the community great.
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Nah, it's just a quick search of a few items every time.
First place would be to cut is the CPU and GPU, so
Intel Core i3-2100 and PNY 2 x 4GB DDR3 RAM - $158
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.723793
HIS HD 6850 - $145, $135 AMIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384
HD 6850 and i3-2100 should handle SC2 very well and would be definitely acceptable for games in the future.
Most cheap monitors are pretty similar and anything would be compatible. If you don't need fancy stand adjustments, great viewing angles, great color accuracy (like for photo work), etc., a cheap monitor would do fine. Out of principle I don't think going below 1920x1080 is that great of an idea in modern times, so...
Hannspree (or whatever) HF225DPB 21.5" 1920x1080 - $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824262011
The keyboard you should probably figure out on your own, as there's a wide range of preferences and it's hard to say which is better than other objectively.
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By the way, what's wrong with Xigmatek Asgard II as it's not recommended often it seems? It's only 30$ and its only flaws are like... stock cooling and limited GPU space, but if you don't run top end stuff / don't overclock and have a GPU that fits, shouldn't that be the go-to case? A second fan would cost like 5$ if it's absolutely necessary.
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I've not handled or seen it, but the Asgard II apparently just has really flimsy and cheap construction. It's not about the cooling, though that can't be amazing (and it's not going to fit 120mm fan tower coolers). For $30 you can't expect much though, so it's probably a good option for a really cost-cut build that can't be run caseless.
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On October 01 2011 12:05 Myrmidon wrote:
I've not handled or seen it, but the Asgard II apparently just has really flimsy and cheap construction. It's not about the cooling, though that can't be amazing (and it's not going to fit 120mm fan tower coolers). For $30 you can't expect much though, so it's probably a good option for a really cost-cut build that can't be run caseless.
Mmm I've read like 3 seperate reviews of it that give it like gold awards or 4 different awards etc, here's an example:
http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/xigmatek_asgard_ii_2/
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5930 Posts
Case reviewers don't know a single thing about build quality or noise...yes its subjective, but sometimes things are just *bad*. They only care about price point, features, and cooling performance, I mean just watch any Hardware Canucks video review. Dustin at Anandtech is one of the better case reviewers because he actually has a real opinion.
I agree that for $30, you can't expect anything out of the case. But if I didn't have enough cash for a $60-100 chassis, I'd rather salvage old beige workstations from dumpsters since those things are at least built to not crumble from an accidental knock.
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On October 01 2011 13:03 Womwomwom wrote:
But if I didn't have enough cash for a $60-100 chassis, I'd rather salvage old beige workstations from dumpsters since those things are at least built to not crumble from an accidental knock.
Yep. I've done this before. Well, I picked one up for 5 bucks from techforless, which amounts to pretty much the same thing. People forget that it was only recently that people started putting enough airflow in their cases to test Space Shuttle aerodynamics. Unless you're doing something crazy (at which point you can afford cooling related products), you really don't need to suspend it in liquid nitrogen.
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So I recently helped my brother build a computer and it's.... sort of working fine. There's a beep code error that I can't figure out. I'm using AMI bios. It sounds to me like 6 short beeps, but some of them are in rapid succession while some aren't. If I could so crudely try to do type it out...
"boop boop bo-bo-bo-boop" None of them are very long, but the third/fourth/fifth beeps are in pretty damn rapid succession. Only issue is, looking at beep code, it means there's a keyboard issue.... well thing is I'm using a USB keyboard which should completely circumvent the issue, and simultaneously the keyboard itself seems to work fine. I've been monitoring temperatures just in case I'm interpreting it incorrectly and something else is wrong, but anyone else have any ideas on what to do?
The computer itself seems to be functioning fine otherwise...
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On October 01 2011 14:20 TempusDESU wrote:Hey guys, I have a bit of a dilemma. I'm looking to build a budget gaming PC, but I only have 400 dollars (AU). However, I have some parts ready that I can use to build it. I have a decent 1080p Monitor (w/DVI) and an old desktop that I'm thinking to scavenge from - http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01742860&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3945060#N338Any advice or ideas for a computer building noob? I'm willing to save more money if that's a better idea, but I would like to upgrade from my current bootcamped macbook (Not even a pro) as soon as possible. Thanks
Well you need a real graphics card, that's for sure. And I wouldn't trust a low-end consumer desktop's 300W PSU with that, so the power supply needs an upgrade as well.
The issue is that not much is reusable, so you'd be scrapping a bit to get a full upgrade around $400. This includes upgrading from your slow outdated quad core to a modern dual core that's much faster in games and about equivalent in a few specialized tasks with are very well threaded (video encoding, rendering, and so on). And a modern CPU requires a new motherboard and new RAM, so...
see here:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/289?vs=22
Core i3-2100 - $129
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=187_346_1184&products_id=16725
AsRock H61M-VS - $59
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_711_1183&products_id=18337
A-RAM 2 x 2GB DDR3 RAM - $29 (warning: motherboard has only 2 RAM slots so stick with 4GB or just get a 2 x 4GB kit if you think you may need the extra memory one day)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_913&products_id=16728
HIS HD 6770 - $119 (if you save more, you could get something better here like a HD 6870 or so, but a HD 6770 can already play SC2 on high smoothly at 1920x1080 and do okay in more demanding games)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_877&products_id=17749
FSP Hexa 400W - $45
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_535&products_id=18462
Reuse the old case (maybe ew...and maybe it won't be too healthy for a high-end hotter video card), and definitely reuse the old hard drive and DVD drive.
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I've been f5ing deal websites for about a week trying to find a good/cheap laptop.
which brings me to this:![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Nky4d.jpg)
User was warned for this post
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Hi guys, I'm a bit curious about bottleneck ... currently on i5-2500K@4Ghz/8GB and GTX460 1GB my monitoring shows GPU bottleneck in 4v4 everything maxed on 1080p. CPU shows at about 70% load on the most loaded cores.
Do you think I can scrape some more FPS with GTX 570?
And ... will it manage a 30" with 2560 x 1600 resolution? Not sure if I go that way but I'm tempted ^^
Cheerio and thanks for a great thread!
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Both a higher clocked CPU and a better GPU would show improvements.
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EPT
