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On October 20 2010 00:57 PiousMartyr wrote:
H'okay, so I've basically gone back to my original build... lol. I slept on it and realized $1300 before tax/shipping is way out of my budget. I'm supposed to be saving for school... so I can't really justify blowing that much on a computer.
Good call on both waiting for the new Radeon cards and not getting a really expensive CPU/motherboard. I went back to AMD because it seems a lot more cost-efficient. What I chose may not be as powerful as an i5/i7 setup, but I'm sure it will handle SC2 on Ultra just fine.
I've ordered most of the parts already, because there's free shipping + a pretty good sale at MemoryExpress until thursday, and a bunch of the parts I wanted were down to 1-2 left in stock. Had to change a few things around because a couple things did run out of stock =(
So I've gone with:
CPU: AMD 955 Black Edition 3.2 - I got a Corsair Hydro Series H50 as well, so I'm gonna OC the cpu a bit and use the H50 to keep it really cool. Dunno how to OC it yet... guess I'll figure that out when it's time, but I read that the 955 is a fairlygood CPU for OCing. $149.99 + 59.99 for the cooler.
Motherboard: Asus M4A89GTD - it looked pretty good, skimmed a few reviews for the 890GX chipset and it seems to be quite good. $152.99
RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance Viper II Sector 5 Series DDR3 4GB PC3-10666 Low latency -$20 off and it got good reviews on TigerDirect so I thought I'd give it a shot. $89.99
Case: HAF922 - you were right, much better airflow and cable management than the Antec 900. Got it from a local store for about $80
GPU: Sticking with my 8800 GT 512 for a while. I'll upgrade after the new Radeon cards come out, unless my 8800 performs well enough. $0 for now
PSU: sticking with the overkill Corsair 750W one. Although it's way more than I need... it's $45 off, and the same price as the lower-wattage stuff. Maybe it will be usefull if I get Crossfire down the line, or decide to power a microwave with it or something. $89.99
SSD: gonna pass on an SSD for now. despite it's awesomeness, still out of my budget. $0
All together it costs about $750 including tax+shipping.
So, howd I do?
Seems fine. If you are keeping your DVD + HDD from an old computer just make sure they are SATA though.
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Hey guys,
I am looking to build a new computer, I have been playing laggy Starcraft 2 on my laptop for a bit, but I can't really handle playing on that anymore. Sorry I am completely new to buying computer parts, I am going to shop for parts while my friend builds it for me, but not sure where to start.
Budget: $600 or less
Resolution: I have a monitor that has a 1680 x 1050 resolution
Usage: Looking to mainly play games on this computer, mostly just Starcraft 2 and a couple games I have on my steam account (I don't think they are that demanding) and maybe Dragon Age. But if it was possible to have a rig that is able to play SC2 on High settings with my budget?
Upgrade Cycle: Would like to have this build for maybe at least a year or two, I am saving for a big trip after making this computer.
Overclocking: I don't think I will be overclocking as I don't know really know much about it.
OS: I will have a copy of Windows 7
GPU for SLI/Crossfire: Not really familiar with this, not sure if needed.
Looking to mainly buy my parts from newegg.com. Was looking at the previous posts, but not really sure if I could mix and match things. Thanks for reading and any help would be much appreciated.
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Yup, that'll all work together. You could try the HAF 912 also if you like.
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On October 20 2010 06:53 R04R wrote:
Yup, that'll all work together. You could try the HAF 912 also if you like.
Is it better than the three hundred? It's hard to find any case comparison pages, so I defaulted to the three hundred due to the insane number of ratings and good warranty. There's also a $10 upgrade to that case called the "three hundred illusion" but I'm not sure if it's worth it, it just seems to add a couple more fans.
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On October 20 2010 07:45 Sero wrote:Show nested quote +On October 19 2010 05:27 Myrmidon wrote:
@Sero: Yeah, it all works. The motherboard comes with the SATA cables you need for the hard drive and optical drive, and the GPU comes with a HDMI cable. However, you could get a computer to run SC2 on max settings while streaming decent quality for significantly less money (something like $400-500 less). Which parts should I downgrade on to save money while keeping it at about the same quality? Minor downgrades all around or are there specific parts that are unnecessarily expensive?
For reference, this was the newegg wish list you posted. You could make some minor-to-somewhat-significant downgrades to almost every component and still be able to play SC2 on ultra and stream. An i5-760 (and corresponding cheaper P55 mobo) and GTX 460 can do that. To be safer, you can throw in an aftermarket cooler, overclock the i5-760, and compromise on a GTX 470.
The case and PSU are likewise nice, but you could save about $100 on each and still have something more than serviceable, especially since you're running just a single-GPU system. With some newegg combos or other deals, maybe some $50 or so more could be saved too.
Are you looking for specific alternatives or just the general idea?
On October 20 2010 07:53 city42 wrote:Show nested quote +On October 20 2010 06:53 R04R wrote:
Yup, that'll all work together. You could try the HAF 912 also if you like. Is it better than the three hundred? It's hard to find any case comparison pages, so I defaulted to the three hundred due to the insane number of ratings and good warranty. There's also a $10 upgrade to that case called the "three hundred illusion" but I'm not sure if it's worth it, it just seems to add a couple more fans.
HAF 912 is newer, so it correspondingly has some better features like cable management, 2.5" HDD bays, removable HDD cage, maybe better airflow (?), etc. Antec 300 has a lot of good reviews partially because it's been out for much longer and used to not have as good competition, though a lot of people still like it just fine I think. 300 illusion just has the two extra intake fans--you're right.
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OCZ Vertex 2 just went on sale. $230 ($30 cheaper than what you're getting) for 120 GB (50% more). I'd recommend getting that, it's what I have currently, except the cheaper 60 GB $144 version.
On October 18 2010 18:39 Sero wrote:I'm looking for suggestions on a wish list that I've picked out on Newegg. Planning to build it fairly soon (within ~2 weeks). I'm going to be using it for gaming and streaming. Hoping to be able to run SC2 on max settings while able to stream with decent quality. Is everything compatible and will I need any extra cables? I need some assistance picking a monitor as well. Any help will be greatly appreciated. http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=14765052
Your memory listed is out of stock. You couldn't find any combo deals? Hard drives typically will have them. If you don't need a terabyte and only want a 500 GB there's a promo code to reduce the price to like ~$38 if you search for it. Concerning a monitor, if you want a really big one, there's a sick one on tigerdirect for $250 at 28'' widescreen with 1920x1200. Figure you're wanting a nice monitor since you're shelling out so much in the first place for things like gfx.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4938558&Sku=H94-2804
Newegg also has a 25'' for $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-TechBargains&cm_mmc=AFC-TechBargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16824254048
with coupon code EMCZYZX57
PS. To those getting an i7, Microcenter has the i7-950 3.06 GHz for $229.99. It's like $300 at newegg.
PSS. You're going overkill with parts I believe. I don't even think you need two gfx cards to play on Ultra and stream. I don't even think you need that high of a gfx card, just one. But I'd sooner go to someone else with more experience. I just like browsing this thread when bored, now that I've wasted so many people's time in it, ahha.
PSS. Why did you get two different gfx cards instead of 2 of the same? Well they're essentially identical but... just curious
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Hey guys, i've been thinking about doing my first build and been a bit nervous about messing up so i wanted to double check that all the parts will work together and make sure i have everything i need.
I do not plan to overclock.
I know the mobo can't sli/crossfire.
CPU AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ940XCJ4DGI - OEM link
Motherboard Foxconn M61PMV AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard link
RAM GeIL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model GX22GB6400LX link
GPU HIS H485FM1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card link
PSU RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-730SS 730W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036
Case
APEX PC-389-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case link
Harddrive Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive link
Heatsink COOLER MASTER DK9-7E52A-0L-GP CPU Cooler link
thermal compound MASSCOOL Fanner-420 Thermal Grease link
My main concern is the heatsink, on the specs it says it's compatible with the Phenom II X4 processor but only up to 65W. and the processor has a Thermal Design Power of 125W so would they be compatible? i haven't seen any other heatsinks with a watt limit so i was concerned.
I'd be very grateful if anyone could help, thanks 
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On October 22 2010 05:07 Razt wrote:Hey guys, i've been thinking about doing my first build and been a bit nervous about messing up so i wanted to double check that all the parts will work together and make sure i have everything i need. I do not plan to overclock. I know the mobo can't sli/crossfire. CPU AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ940XCJ4DGI - OEM linkMotherboard Foxconn M61PMV AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard linkRAM GeIL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model GX22GB6400LX linkGPU HIS H485FM1GH Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card linkPSU RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-730SS 730W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036Case APEX PC-389-C Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case linkHarddrive Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive linkHeatsink COOLER MASTER DK9-7E52A-0L-GP CPU Cooler linkthermal compound MASSCOOL Fanner-420 Thermal Grease linkMy main concern is the heatsink, on the specs it says it's compatible with the Phenom II X4 processor but only up to 65W. and the processor has a Thermal Design Power of 125W so would they be compatible? i haven't seen any other heatsinks with a watt limit so i was concerned. I'd be very grateful if anyone could help, thanks
Order the hard drive in the next 2-3 days (I think) using promo code EMCZYNZ73 to save $4.50  .
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On October 22 2010 05:16 FabledIntegral wrote:Order the hard drive in the next 2-3 days (I think) using promo code EMCZYNZ73 to save $4.50 .
Yea, i gotta get the gpu in the next few days to save $10 which is nice
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Wait, what is your budget? Your motherboard is AM2+ which isn't really something you should be buying new at this time. Get an AM3 motherboard.
There are a few kinks and uncertainties in regards to the quality of parts in your build, but knowing the budget first would be nice.
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On October 22 2010 05:20 Razt wrote:Show nested quote +On October 22 2010 05:16 FabledIntegral wrote:Order the hard drive in the next 2-3 days (I think) using promo code EMCZYNZ73 to save $4.50 . Yea, i gotta get the gpu in the next few days to save $10 which is nice
Ya. You got some outdated stuff so a lot of it isn't offered in combo deals anymore :-/.
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On October 22 2010 05:33 FabledIntegral wrote:Show nested quote +On October 22 2010 05:20 Razt wrote:On October 22 2010 05:16 FabledIntegral wrote:Order the hard drive in the next 2-3 days (I think) using promo code EMCZYNZ73 to save $4.50 . Yea, i gotta get the gpu in the next few days to save $10 which is nice Ya. You got some outdated stuff so a lot of it isn't offered in combo deals anymore :-/.
Yea, but this build still fits my budget nicely. any noticeable problems with anything you see? really trying to not screw up with compatibly
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Compatibility issues is probably one of the things more than anything I'm still clueless about, but the guys in here probably will steer you in teh right direction with advice. They did for me.
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On October 22 2010 06:03 FabledIntegral wrote:
Compatibility issues is probably one of the things more than anything I'm still clueless about, but the guys in here probably will steer you in teh right direction with advice. They did for me.
As long as it's the right socket usually things work out. you know ddr3 goes into a ddr3 slot, else you have to read up on documentation for devices, this is something i'd mostly look at for wireless cards.
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On October 22 2010 08:26 semantics wrote:Show nested quote +On October 22 2010 06:03 FabledIntegral wrote:
Compatibility issues is probably one of the things more than anything I'm still clueless about, but the guys in here probably will steer you in teh right direction with advice. They did for me. As long as it's the right socket usually things work out. you know ddr3 goes into a ddr3 slot, else you have to read up on documentation for devices, this is something i'd mostly look at for wireless cards.
There's a lot more than that. If you know nothing about motherboards, etc. For example, I had no idea what mobo to get for an i7 nor did I know you're supposed to use triple channel RAM for the board I bought as opposed to dual. I did not know that 32-bit does not utilize more than ~3.3 GB of RAM. What case supports what. How my product would be adequately cooled.
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Ah that stuff haha what i take for basic knowledge i forget is what some people never heard of.
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On October 22 2010 09:25 semantics wrote:
Ah that stuff haha what i take for basic knowledge i forget is what some people never heard of.
I still don't understand any of the specs on different mobos and what's good for what. I don't even know the quality of my own that I bought, haha.
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EPT
