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Author Topic: The 'Build Me A PC' Thread  (Read 853671 times)
Rendakor
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Reply #35 on: February 03, 2010, 10:44:20 PM

Arise! Now that it's tax time and I'm looking at a nice refund, I'm looking to build a new system in the $1000-1500 range. I mostly play WoW but I'd like to be able to run other things and have them look pretty. Doesn't need to be top of the line, as I'm not a huge FPS person, but I want something new. Here's what I'm looking at so far:

Processor:
Intel Core i7-920 2.66GHz LGA 1366 Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

Mobo:
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375

RAM:
Kingston HyperX 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104167

Graphics Card:
SAPPHIRE 100284L Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859

Are these all pretty decent choices? I've used some of the suggestions in this thread and some stuff I've read online. Anywhere I can get better performance for the same price, substantial upgrade for a small amount more, or big savings with only a small downgrade?

I'd also like to pick up an SSD to install WoW and Win7 on; is this one any good? It doesn't need to be too big, just big enough for WoW and the OS.

Thanks in advance.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Trippy
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Reply #36 on: February 03, 2010, 11:19:03 PM

Have you looked at a LGA 1156 setup instead? Might save you a few bucks.

If future storage options is important I'd also suggest looking for a MB that supports USB 3.0/SATA 6.0 Gbps. You have to read the fine print on those boards, though, to make sure those ports are supported by at least PCI-e x4 (some only use PCI-e x1 which isn't enough bandwidth).
Kageh
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Reply #37 on: February 04, 2010, 04:04:15 AM

Not sure I would buy into Sata 3/USB 3 mainboard at this point, as most of it is very first gen, but other than that Trippy makes a valid point.

If you stick with LGA1366/Bloomfield i7, buy a triple-channel kit (3x2GB) instead, as the Bloomfield supports that unlike LGA1156.

Your SSD is good! Like in "very high-end good", the link you posted is to the enterprise-class, premium-priced SLC X25-E. You might want to get the X25-M 80GB gen2 model, which is usually more than enough for mainstream computer use (even though it uses MLC, shouldn't bother you) and costs a fraction of the comparable X25-E.

I do think the graphics card is not a good choice though. 5750 is basically very mid-range. Unless you really need DX11, you could spend a bit more and either get a 4870/4890 or a 5850 (for even more) as those are a way better investment for gaming PCs than an SSD.
SnakeCharmer
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Reply #38 on: February 04, 2010, 07:27:46 AM

Might be worth it to hold off until the new nVidia GPU's hit the market this March (I think?).  That's what I decided to do.  Been doing most of my gaming on my PS3 or 360 lately anyway.
Rendakor
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Reply #39 on: February 04, 2010, 10:18:52 AM

Have you looked at a LGA 1156 setup instead? Might save you a few bucks.

If future storage options is important I'd also suggest looking for a MB that supports USB 3.0/SATA 6.0 Gbps. You have to read the fine print on those boards, though, to make sure those ports are supported by at least PCI-e x4 (some only use PCI-e x1 which isn't enough bandwidth).
Good call, looking at switching to this processor Trippy:
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

Thanks for the heads up about the SSD Kageh; don't really know much about the tech so I just browsed the lower capacity ones assuming they'd be cheaper. I'll pick up the X25-M; going to look into the graphics cards you suggested when I get home.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Trippy
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Reply #40 on: February 04, 2010, 10:55:15 AM

The i5s don't support HyperThreading. If that bothers you you can move up to the i7-860 (assuming you want to switch to LGA 1156) which is basically the same price point as the i7-920 but it has a higher base clock speed and has a better "Turbo Boost" mode. The i7-920 is still better at multi-processing/multi-threading, though, even though the 860 and 920 both have HyperThreading.
Rendakor
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Reply #41 on: February 04, 2010, 01:10:07 PM

I can live without the HT, so I'll stick with the i5. Switching to this graphics card per Kageh's suggestion:

SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102849

Also adding this SSD:

Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2R5 2.5" 80GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167023

That puts me at about $1100 just from newegg, without shopping around for prices (Are they still generally the cheapest around? Haven't bought components in a year or so) and I still need to add a PSU, heatsink, case, and DVD drive.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Kageh
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Reply #42 on: February 04, 2010, 02:14:13 PM

For help with the graphics card decision, here's a decent benchmark round-up:

http://www.tweakpc.de/hardware/tests/grafikkarten/xfx_ati_radeon_hd_5750/s08.php?benchmark=l4d&lang=eng

Select the game engine/resolution that interests you the most you'll see how the cards do against each other.
Salamok
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Reply #43 on: February 04, 2010, 03:45:14 PM

Are you using an existing psu and case?
Rendakor
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Reply #44 on: February 04, 2010, 04:15:55 PM

Nope, I'm gonna need a new case and PSU.

Thanks for the benchmark roundup, although I really wish they had WoW on there as that's mostly what I'm going to be playing with it.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Trippy
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Reply #45 on: February 04, 2010, 04:52:39 PM

http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,689378/WoW-Wrath-of-the-Lich-King-Benchmarks-with-Ati-and-Nvidia-graphics-cards/Practice/?page=2

Note that those tests are run with maxed/nearly maxed AA/AF settings.

WoW will run on a GeForce 2 class GPU with the resolution/settings set low enough (on my GeForce 4 Go laptop) and I've run it at 1920 x 1080 on an 9400M integrated GPU so really anything other than an Intel integrated GPU *pos* GMA950 *pos* would be fine if you are willing to turn down some settings.
rrazcueta
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Reply #46 on: February 04, 2010, 07:30:47 PM

So I'm planning a rig, too. $1000ish is my budget.



Any comments? Suggestions? I want to play 1080p on my HDTV, do some Maya work, and home entertainment etc.
Trippy
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Reply #47 on: February 04, 2010, 09:01:21 PM

I'd go with a more "normal" motherboard.
Rendakor
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Reply #48 on: February 04, 2010, 10:59:19 PM

Speaking of motherboards, I had forgot to find a new one since changing to the i5 processor; probably going to go with this one:

Intel BOXDP55WB LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121388

How big of a PSU will I need for this system? Will a 650W suffice, if I don't ever intend to SLI or overclock? Something like this:

DYNAPOWER USA EJ-650A80 650W ATX12V v2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817255049

I'm still debating which case to go with. I want something that looks cool, and has a removable side panel/motherboard tray. Maybe one of these two:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156189
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Kageh
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Posts: 359


Reply #49 on: February 04, 2010, 11:34:35 PM

For motherboard, unless you really need mATX (for a HTPC case for example), I wouldn't buy mATX form factor. They are quite cramped to work with and have very few expansion possibilities, which might be a pain in the long run even if it doesn't bother you now. My recommendation would be to buy something mainstream from the Asus/Gigabyte/Foxconn P55 line-up. Do you plan to overclock? Cause mainboard might make a huge difference there.

Cases: I'm a big Lancool/Lian Li fan, I think you can't beat those for quality, even though they are a bit pricey. Looks might seem a bit plain though, but IMO still very stylish. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=lancool&x=0&y=0

If you want something more fancy looking, I would recommend Antec 900 (one or two, doesn't matter), Coolermaster HAF 932/922/690 or - for a premium price but well worth every penny - Silverstone Raven 1 (or 2 if you can't get rev. 1).

schild
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Reply #50 on: February 04, 2010, 11:54:18 PM

Quote
I think you can't beat those for quality

As I say in every thread where someone mentions a case of any quality, Zalman says hello.

They're the only cases that don't make me wretch in terms of looks and the build quality is best in class. Odds are they make Lian Li look cheap though (cost-wise).

Edit: And yea, they do.

Edit 2: I've had two Silvestones and previously an Antec. Zalman is better than both of them also.

http://zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=367
Kageh
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Reply #51 on: February 05, 2010, 12:58:41 AM

I'll take your word on that. I wish I'd seen a Zalman so far, sadly Zalman is very under-represented in the Euro zone, I think there's about one or two stores where I live listing the cases. You see plenty of CPU coolers from them, but hardly any cases.

I'm currently using one of the more expensive Lian Li full towers which I managed to snag on ebay for a fraction of the price and I absolutely love it.

The reason I'm currently recommending the Raven from Silverstone is that I've seen amazing things about what the airflow with the inverted mounting can do to your temperatures.
Salamok
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Reply #52 on: February 05, 2010, 07:30:56 AM

I'll recommend the Sileo 500 once again. 

It probably isn't the coolest case in the world (need a Zalman CPU cooler or equivalent) and probably wouldn't want to overclock w/o water but it is pretty damn quiet.  The tool-less design is damn near perfect as well, you only need tools for motherboard or PSU replacement and rolled edges on any part of the chassis you are likely to come near.  My only real complaint is that the plastic tabs holding the pci cards in are a tad on the chintzy side.

rrazcueta
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Reply #53 on: February 05, 2010, 09:01:04 AM

Those Zalman cases are really nice. It reminds me of an expensive car or a VFSHG.

I redid my list of stuff (w/ a Zalman). Here's the new guy:



I don't know what a more normal mother board would be, but I pretty much just found the recommended CPU/mobo from another forum, found a deal, and then filled in the rest.
Rendakor
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Reply #54 on: February 05, 2010, 09:32:58 AM

The one you had before was a server mobo.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
Sky
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I love my TV an' hug my TV an' call it 'George'.


Reply #55 on: February 05, 2010, 09:48:29 AM

Nope, I'm gonna need a new case and PSU.
I like my antec p180. You've just got to be sure the power lines reach, because the psu is in a bottom chamber. I also put in a long psu and had to move the fan from the stock position. Other than that it looks nice, it's quiet and has a front door for stealth. I do have mine visible in the living room, though.
Evil Elvis
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Reply #56 on: February 05, 2010, 02:47:45 PM

Re: CPU cooler

I purchased the same CPU cooler, since it was about the only 1156 compatible cooler that newegg carries: it's a piece of shit.  Crappy plastic mount (which i cracked trying to adjust it) that's a complete pita to attach.

The stock cooler is more than fine if you don't plan on OC'ing, and it's not too noisy.  Scythe makes some nice 1156 compat coolers, and I think you can order directly from the manufacturer.
Trippy
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Reply #57 on: February 05, 2010, 02:59:03 PM

I use this one on my LGA 1156 board:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608014&cm_re=noctua-_-35-608-014-_-Product

It's a "screw-in" so there's no attachment issues (no "pins" or pressure clips) and the backplate use its own set of screws to attach so removing the cooler means the backplate won't get out of alignment which is nice if you can't easily get at bottom of the motherboard.

Note that attaching the fan on the side closer to the front of the case may restrict the height of the memory that will fit in the slots closest to the CPU, depending on the layout of the MB.
Trippy
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Reply #58 on: February 05, 2010, 03:00:17 PM

The one you had before was a server mobo.
It was part of a bundle deal which is why I suggested he find a normal desktop motherboard.
Lucas
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Further proof that Italians have suspect taste in games.


Reply #59 on: February 06, 2010, 05:10:44 AM

Hey folks,

Time for me to to buy a new rig, yes yes. Budget around (hopefully) 1800-2000 Euros

So, I was thinking about (only talking about the main components):

Case:
Coolermaster ATCS 840 Silver Full Tower
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/12670-cooler-master-atcs-840-full-tower-case-review.html

Motherboard:

Asus P6T Deluxe? Or anyways something that supports the I7 family. I'm not really interested in overclocking.
http://www.techspot.com/review/129-asus-p6t-deluxe/

Processor:

Intel i7-960
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37151&processor=i7-960&spec-codes=SLBEU

OS:

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

RAM:

I'm a hardcore gamer, but even though FPS are not really my cup of tea, I want to invest in a good quantity of RAM. Aren't 8GB a bit excessive, anyways? I was thinking about 4 or 6 max (DDR 3).

GFX:

Move the Nvidia 8800GTS 640MB I have on my present rig to the new one, and wait for the new Nvidia generation. Yeah, I'll live with the "bottleneck" for a bit but who cares

Soundcard:

Move my Asus D2/PM to the new rig
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/asus-xonar.html


" He's so impatient, it's like watching a teenager fuck a glorious older woman." - Ironwood on J.J. Abrams
Kageh
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Reply #60 on: February 06, 2010, 11:20:05 AM

i7-960 is really bad price/performance ration imo. It is a good processor, but i7-920s can go that high with a very mild and nearly 100% safe overclock (no voltage increase, I'd even say you can probably undervolt a 920 and get 3.2-3.4 Ghz easily).

Do you really need Hyperthreading? Otherwise, like many people said in this thread, you could always get a LGA1156/i5-750 combo which has lower power consumption, generates less heat and has a better turbo implementation for those times where it would activate. If you're gaming, for many current games HT can still be a problem. If you're rather doing lots of audio/video/image processing, the HT advantage shows.

For LGA1366, Asus P6T is a solid choice, and there are variants that are cheaper than the Deluxe too. Gigabyte and Foxconn make decent i7 mainboards, even the one from Intel isn't really bad.
sinij
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Reply #61 on: February 07, 2010, 09:02:31 PM

Quick question - for Win7 I7 gaming system with a single video card... finding single-slot mobo without built-in video card is next to impossible. Should I just by SLI/Crossfire mobo to use with single card?



Soundcard:

Move my Asus D2/PM to the new rig


Any issues disabling built-in sound? I have decent sound system dedicated to PC and always felt built-in sound cards were weak point. What would be good sound card to pair with Onkyo TX-DS595 receiver I have?
« Last Edit: February 07, 2010, 09:28:35 PM by sinij »

Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end.
Trippy
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Reply #62 on: February 07, 2010, 09:31:39 PM

Quick question - for Win7 I7 gaming system with a single video card... finding single-slot mobo without built-in video card is next to impossible. Should I just by SLI/Crossfire mobo to use with single card?
Yes and if you get a chipset/MB that supports dual x16 bandwidth (not just dual x16 slots) you'll have the option of putting the video card in the "lower" slot which may keep things a bit cooler (the video card won't be jammed up against the CPU).
rrazcueta
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Reply #63 on: February 08, 2010, 10:52:23 AM



This setup work better?

Also, do any of you guys know anything about the Windows 7 Pro deal here on MS's website?
Lt.Dan
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Reply #64 on: February 08, 2010, 03:55:26 PM

You may be able to save a few bucks by using 1033 memory over 1600.  The performance gains from faster memory are small, like 1-2%. 
Hoax
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l33t kiddie


Reply #65 on: February 08, 2010, 05:43:02 PM

I really recommend going with one of the name brand cards that offer lifetime or even better double lifetime warranty (means you can void the warranty once and still return it if it dies).  I always have gone with XFX recently but there were several to choose from last time I researched it.

I also think Corsair memory is worth the relatively small price jump because I've never known anyone irl to have a bad experience with it and I hear bout bad sticks all the time on the webs.

Everything else has looked pretty good.

I have an Asus P6T board and I would recommend it.

A nation consists of its laws. A nation does not consist of its situation at a given time. If an individual's morals are situational, then that individual is without morals. If a nation's laws are situational, that nation has no laws, and soon isn't a nation.
-William Gibson
Trippy
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Reply #66 on: February 08, 2010, 05:50:08 PM

This setup work better?
That Gigabyte MB is some sort of weird "legacy support" board (a parallel port? really?). It's okay for a no-frills board if you don't care that the legacy stuff is taking up space that could've been used for other ports/connectors.
rrazcueta
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Reply #67 on: February 09, 2010, 06:43:00 AM

Do you guys have any monitor recommendations and/or where to buy them? I hear Newegg's not the best, so I left out my monitor from that order. I'm going to use my HDTV for a bit, but I'd like to move my PC to my room afterwards. Something that can roTATE would be rad. Also <$300ish but preferably ~$200.
01101010
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You call it an accident. I call it justice.


Reply #68 on: February 09, 2010, 07:22:23 AM

This setup work better?
That Gigabyte MB is some sort of weird "legacy support" board (a parallel port? really?). It's okay for a no-frills board if you don't care that the legacy stuff is taking up space that could've been used for other ports/connectors.


How else can you continue to use your cassette reader?  why so serious?

I use to get excited about building a bad ass machine... now its more about cheapest middle-of-the-road builds now. Which means I'll be building this same style pc in 3 years. I need to sit down soon and start thinking about what and how I want my next case to be since I'll probably fabricate it myself...I am thinking milk cartons, maybe old-style erector sets. Time to crach the flea markets for ideas.

Does any one know where the love of God goes...When the waves turn the minutes to hours? -G. Lightfoot
Sheepherder
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Reply #69 on: February 09, 2010, 11:48:13 AM

Hardwood.  Plumb it with a liquid cooling system done in copper.
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