The Ultimate 'Build-A-PC' Thread. Complete With Pricings & Recommendations (06/06/10)

YBX87 said:
if you are pming newegg to bb, nvm. i guess they do sell non-evga brand gtx 970
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Think its good card after taxes and after rebate I got it for $307.78 + both games

edit: actually this isn't like other promotions going to poke around. but apparently its retailer specific.

edit edit: I contact bestbuy rep had no clue what i was talking about and said they weren't running that promotion even though they are giving it to people who buy the 960. So instead of letting her hang up I insisted she make a report to send to promotions/claims and their going to look into it. If I haven't heard anything in a few days I might just go with one of these cards their honestly near enough the same price I wouldn't of even worried with it if I saw them first. Since I live in MS there's no tax. Thoughts on these?

ASUS STRIX-GTX970-DC20C-4GD5 http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-STRIX-GTX970-DC20C-4GD5-Graphics-Cards/dp/B00NJ9BJ8G/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_4_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Super Clocked ACX 2.0 4GB GDDR5 http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

MSI GTX 970 4GD5T http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GTX-970-4GD5T-OC/dp/B00NN0GIA0/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_17_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

Or do you still like the R9 for the $270 you found. I don't really understand the benchmark tests people have posted online. I'm only slightly above a noob when it comes to computers lol.

EDIT EDIT EDIT: Scratch that I found one that kinda broke it down for me... they seem about dead even from what i can tell.. http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-970-vs-AMD-R9-290X/2577vs2166

 
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dravack said:
EDIT: on the subject of cases any thoughts on either of these? I'm leaning more towards the R5 for the "quiet" but the phantom sure looks flashy.

NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower USB 3.0 Gaming Case http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006I2H08E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2FYT30XLXDEQR&coliid=I36UQMU9UBBAHN&psc=1
Fractal Design Define R5 Gaming Case Cases FDCADEFR5BK http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q380LDY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2FYT30XLXDEQR&coliid=I2WHJJ3VX58R79

Really wanted this sexy beast but my bluray drive is black and throws the whole look off.. Guess I could paint it or something. Corsair Vengeance Series Military Green C70 Mid http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S02GLQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2FYT30XLXDEQR&coliid=IHQ6DTJKYG3HK&psc=1
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I picked up an R5 this past weekend, I had been contemplating doing a new build at the end of the summer but came to the realization that my 2600k+970 will last me at least another 2 years. My old case was dusty, loud, and had crappy airflow so I wanted a new one

I am loving it so far, the fans it comes with are completely silent. I have an evo212+ on the cpu and even when everything is running cranked at 100% i hear absolutely nothing out of the cpu+gpu. I personally like the minimalist look too which is why I went for it over an NZXT case. I also have a third fan coming in from newegg since you can order the same fans there, to stick in the bottom as a 2nd intake.

I think it just depends if you want flashy or muted. A friend recently did a new build and he used an nzxt case that was ~100$ so it may have been that one and he said its pretty quiet and has good airflow and has no regrets.

When i went to grab the R5 at microcenter they had one of those corsair cases and though I didnt give it a hard look it sort of came across as cheap looking, it looks more plasticky than metal in real life

 
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dravack said:
Think its good card after taxes and after rebate I got it for $307.78 + both games

edit: actually this isn't like other promotions going to poke around. but apparently its retailer specific.

edit edit: I contact bestbuy rep had no clue what i was talking about and said they weren't running that promotion even though they are giving it to people who buy the 960. So instead of letting her hang up I insisted she make a report to send to promotions/claims and their going to look into it. If I haven't heard anything in a few days I might just go with one of these cards their honestly near enough the same price I wouldn't of even worried with it if I saw them first. Since I live in MS there's no tax. Thoughts on these?

ASUS STRIX-GTX970-DC20C-4GD5 http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-STRIX-GTX970-DC20C-4GD5-Graphics-Cards/dp/B00NJ9BJ8G/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_4_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Super Clocked ACX 2.0 4GB GDDR5 http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

MSI GTX 970 4GD5T http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GTX-970-4GD5T-OC/dp/B00NN0GIA0/ref=br_lf_m_11450166011_1_17_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=2087853482&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=11450166011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=085S88DYEFP05JQTQ4W1

Or do you still like the R9 for the $270 you found. I don't really understand the benchmark tests people have posted online. I'm only slightly above a noob when it comes to computers lol.

EDIT EDIT EDIT: Scratch that I found one that kinda broke it down for me... they seem about dead even from what i can tell.. http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-970-vs-AMD-R9-290X/2577vs2166
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let me ask you this question are going to game in 4k monitor? or straight up 1080p. 4k= get r9 290x, 1080p= gtx 970.

plus if you get r9 290x, you might want to consider getting a new power supply. it is a power hog, and generate more heat

 
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YBX87 said:
let me ask you this question are going to game in 4k monitor? or straight up 1080p. 4k= get r9 290x, 1080p= gtx 970.

plus if you get r9 290x, you might want to consider getting a new power supply. it is a power hog, and generate more heat
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Honestly, I'm still torn on that front. (prob 1080p though) I like the look and functionality of the HDMI on the 1080p IPS. But, those cheap korean 4k monitors are very tempting.just wish more of the models had HDMI a few seem to but not all. Thinking about it more logically instead of when I'm half asleep. It would probably be a smarter buy to get the r9 290x. I really don't care about witcher 3 (since i haven't played any of the others and know nothing about the game or the series) and I can wait for a summer/winter sale on steam for batman (i still haven't played arkham city anyway) It's $40 cheaper and I guess a better card since your saying it does 4k while the 970 doesn't do it as well apparently least according to other online forums. How much more power would I need? Everyone seems to be hating on the PSU I have but honestly I haven't had a single problem out of it and it has positive reviews on newegg lol.

Also do you think I'd have any heat issues with the 290 inside the R5 case? I won't be opening the top.. Seems silly to me to do so since that defeats the point of noise reduction.

Cheap Korean 4k Monitors for those unaware of what I was speaking of. Apparently their decent.http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-QNIX-UHD2800-REAL-4K-UHD-Display-28-3840x1260-Mini-DP-HDMI-DP-PC-Monitor-/141588070279?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f74e7f87

 
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dravack said:
Fractal Design Define R5 Gaming Case Cases FDCADEFR5BK http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q380LDY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2FYT30XLXDEQR&coliid=I2WHJJ3VX58R79
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if it is this exact model of the case. then yes http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352048

but you would need to atleast fill it up with fan on the side with 120 or 140 mm fan , because that is where you graphics card will be seated around that area. make sure you get a pc fan with a large cfm basically having more intake fan than exhaust fans. because front 2 fans is blocked, unless you leave the case hinge open

Front: 2 – 120/140 mm fans (included is 1 Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Rear: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (included is 1 Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Top: 3 - 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Bottom: 2 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Side: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)

dravack said:
Honestly, I'm still torn on that front. (prob 1080p though) I like the look and functionality of the HDMI on the 1080p IPS. But, those cheap korean 4k monitors are very tempting.just wish more of the models had HDMI a few seem to but not all. Thinking about it more logically instead of when I'm half asleep. It would probably be a smarter buy to get the r9 290x. I really don't care about witcher 3 (since i haven't played any of the others and know nothing about the game or the series) and I can wait for a summer/winter sale on steam for batman (i still haven't played arkham city anyway) It's $40 cheaper and I guess a better card since your saying it does 4k while the 970 doesn't do it as well apparently least according to other online forums. How much more power would I need? Everyone seems to be hating on the PSU I have but honestly I haven't had a single problem out of it and it has positive reviews on newegg lol.

Also do you think I'd have any heat issues with the 290 inside the R5 case? I won't be opening the top.. Seems silly to me to do so since that defeats the point of noise reduction.

Cheap Korean 4k Monitors for those unaware of what I was speaking of. Apparently their decent.http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-QNIX-UHD2800-REAL-4K-UHD-Display-28-3840x1260-Mini-DP-HDMI-DP-PC-Monitor-/141588070279?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f74e7f87
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unless, you are planning to get a 4k monitor, now, or a little later( since there is no such fine as future proofing in technologies), and use multiple monitor like eyefinity 6 monitors setup. go with the gtx 970

but the other factor depends on where you live, if you live in texas, where the tempeature is always high/hot/ humid. you woul be better serve having another exhaust fan to help move the hot hair out of your case.

 
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Making my 1st PC build. It seems like a decent build in my mind but I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve butnkeeping it within the limit if around $1000


Case
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MHWVWHE/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A20O7ZIM03RW46

Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DQO9L1Q/ref=ox_sc_act_image_12?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

CPU
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009O7YUF6/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

HD/ssd
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005T3GRN2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OAJ412U/ref=ox_sc_act_image_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Windows
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H09BB16/ref=ox_sc_act_image_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Memory
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J8E8Y5C/ref=ox_sc_act_image_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Power
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0092ML0OC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Graphics card
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B1960KS/ref=ox_sc_act_image_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Monitor

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009POS0GS/ref=ox_sc_act_image_13?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cooling fan
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002R9RBO0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Keyboard mouse combo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LZVP71A/ref=ox_sc_act_image_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Wireless
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W8UIZW/ref=ox_sc_act_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1QVAV8LAWE2HY

DVD drive
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CE58ZYC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 
sniperhit said:
Making my 1st PC build. It seems like a decent build in my mind but I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve butnkeeping it within the limit if around $1000
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What I looked at looked good from my general understanding of computer parts/building. Only thing I would change is the chase personally. I went with a cheap case for my first build and I regretted it ever since lol. The sound on the front ports worked for awhile then kinda started dying going all grainy. Kinda like a cell phone with a bad connection. I also wouldn't do less than 4 usb ports on the front. But, that's more personal preference. I like plugging in USB drives and stuff frequently. Some of my portable HDDs require two slots so yeah.

That said I also would change motherboards just because that's a micro atx board and your getting a mid tower case. In theory you should be able to fit ATX mobos in there which would give you more pci, memory, etc. slots. Now if you don't want that or room on your MOBO looks decent enough to me and shouldn't really effect anything. Another area I would probably spend a bit more money is the video card. Here's a chat that I find useful kinda. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

Please note I am no expert and only understand the general idea behind computers wait for someone who is more knowledgeable to answer. I also only had like 15 mins because I'm running late sooo yeah take what I said with a grain of salt might of missed something.

EDIT: please note when looking at price of video cards the 960 comes with witcher 3 and the 970 or 980 comes with witcher 3 and batman. So you can factor that into your price point (assuming you buy it from an authorized retailer)

 
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sniperhit said:
Making my 1st PC build. It seems like a decent build in my mind but I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve butnkeeping it within the limit if around $1000


Case
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MHWVWHE/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A20O7ZIM03RW46

Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DQO9L1Q/ref=ox_sc_act_image_12?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

CPU
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009O7YUF6/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

HD/ssd
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005T3GRN2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OAJ412U/ref=ox_sc_act_image_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Windows
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H09BB16/ref=ox_sc_act_image_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Memory
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J8E8Y5C/ref=ox_sc_act_image_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Power
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0092ML0OC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Graphics card
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B1960KS/ref=ox_sc_act_image_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Monitor

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009POS0GS/ref=ox_sc_act_image_13?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cooling fan
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002R9RBO0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Keyboard mouse combo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LZVP71A/ref=ox_sc_act_image_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Wireless
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W8UIZW/ref=ox_sc_act_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1QVAV8LAWE2HY

DVD drive
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CE58ZYC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
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i would advise getting an intel i5 as your cpu, if you insist on getting an amd cpu, you would need an aftermarket cpu cooler , especially for the fx 8000 series. other wise it will run hot, and loud

if your budget is at $1000, the power supply is crap,

the memory is overkill with 1866

getting a 23" monitor at least, the price betwee 21" and 23" is not that much

unless you don't plan to play any video games that are gpu intensive, then stick with that graphic card

what are you getting your computer for?

if you are looking for good deals on computer case, i would suggest buying it from newegg, they have good deals with their mail in rebate.

 
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That's a very underpowered card, IMO.

I would avoid Seagate personally. And with the budget and rest of the PC, I'm not sure I'd suggest an SSD.

I would suggest 8 GB of RAM, a 2TB WD Black HDD, at least a 760 GTX (or maybe wait for the 950).

Your PSU also looks overspec'ed for the build. I don't think your parts require more than a 430W, and mostly because of the CPU.

I also don't like USB wifi dongles, but that's just me.

 
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YBX87 said:
if it is this exact model of the case. then yes http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352048

but you would need to atleast fill it up with fan on the side with 120 or 140 mm fan , because that is where you graphics card will be seated around that area. make sure you get a pc fan with a large cfm basically having more intake fan than exhaust fans. because front 2 fans is blocked, unless you leave the case hinge open

Front: 2 – 120/140 mm fans (included is 1 Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Rear: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (included is 1 Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Top: 3 - 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Bottom: 2 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)
Side: 1 – 120/140 mm fan (not included)

unless, you are planning to get a 4k monitor, now, or a little later( since there is no such fine as future proofing in technologies), and use multiple monitor like eyefinity 6 monitors setup. go with the gtx 970

but the other factor depends on where you live, if you live in texas, where the tempeature is always high/hot/ humid. you woul be better serve having another exhaust fan to help move the hot hair out of your case.
Click to expand...
Personally Id suggest using the bottom area as your extra intake and not the side. Removing the side panel reduces some of the benefits of this case with it being silent while the bottom is already open for intake use. Since its pointed straight up it will already be hitting your gpu. I bought another matching fractal fan to go with it since they are very silent compared to most Ive tried. Adding that extra fan on the bottom dropped my cpu and gpu both 5deg each.

 
BTW, 200mm fans are super silent cause they spin a lot slower to move the same amount of air. Supposedly, having an exhaust fan at the top back part of the case is the most beneficial.

 
I'm looking to build a new gaming rig in order to step up out of the comparative stoneage of my acer aspire v3 771g laptop. Anyone care to offer opinions on my proposed build?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qxvcrH

I'm a novice builder, and I had to do a good deal of my own research to figure out what various terms meant, but I think what I've got listed will keep games looking pretty for a while without caving for an i7 and 16gb of faster ram to make the jump to ludicrous speed. I'd like to keep the price around $1000 if possible.

I've got a copy of win 8.1 to stick in it, and the SSD and HDD are being gifted to me by friends, so let's call the current cost about $1050 rather than the quoted $1487. I haven't verified any other prices yet, but I know Microcenter has the i5 for $30 less, before tax, so my total should be even a bit less if things keep going my way. Not set on the monitor either, but I wanted to have something in that slot, if only as a placeholder.

 
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I don't see anything wrong with what you picked from a quick glance. You can probably get good discounts/promos on a lot of those parts or similar parts also, cause some of those prices look a little high.

 
Pirate331 said:
I'm looking to build a new gaming rig in order to step up out of the comparative stoneage of my acer aspire v3 771g laptop. Anyone care to offer opinions on my proposed build?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qxvcrH

I'm a novice builder, and I had to do a good deal of my own research to figure out what various terms meant, but I think what I've got listed will keep games looking pretty for a while without caving for an i7 and 16gb of faster ram to make the jump to ludicrous speed. I'd like to keep the price around $1000 if possible.

I've got a copy of win 8.1 to stick in it, and the SSD and HDD are being gifted to me by friends, so let's call the current cost about $1050 rather than the quoted $1487. I haven't verified any other prices yet, but I know Microcenter has the i5 for $30 less, before tax, so my total should be even a bit less if things keep going my way. Not set on the monitor either, but I wanted to have something in that slot, if only as a placeholder.
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stay away from the 840 evo series ssd, it has issues. if you are going to get samsung evo series ssd, get the 850

 
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sKWdWZ
I'm looking into building a PC soon that's capable of playing games pretty decently tried to keep it as close to $1000 as possible. Would I need a liquid cooler or something for the AMD Cpu as I've read it can run pretty hot? Or would Intel i5 be a better replacement??
Never build one before so I'm hoping this works pretty well.
 
sniperhit said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sKWdWZ
I'm looking into building a PC soon that's capable of playing games pretty decently tried to keep it as close to $1000 as possible. Would I need a liquid cooler or something for the AMD Cpu as I've read it can run pretty hot? Or would Intel i5 be a better replacement??
Never build one before so I'm hoping this works pretty well.
Click to expand...
you would need the aftermarket cpu cooler if you want low fan noise, and low temp

if you have the money, get i5 it is far superior

 
Help fellow out...I've not paid attention to the motherboards in a while.  Other than the SLI vs non-SLI different in the Z97 vs H97, is there anything else that I would miss out on?  Anything else in a H97 motherboard that I should look for?  I'd say quasi-entheusiast but I'm not overclocking any more and have no SLI plans.

Thanks!

 
Hey bros, 

I'm writing to solicit some GPU advice.  These are my specs currently:

Mobo: Gigabyte 97A-UD3P

CPU: AMD FX-6300

Memory: 8 GB Kingston Hyper Blu

GPU: HD 6570 2GB

PSU: 500W Corsair something or other.  Maybe 550W, I will double check.  Switching this out is a possibility if need be since I would just pop it into the HTPC I am building with spare parts.  

What I would ideally want is to have a GPU that would maximize the CPU/Memory/MOBO but not be bottlenecked by anything.  So I'm wondering if any of you guys have any recs or ways to find out like what the top GPU this combo of stuff would support?  I'm not really interested in future proofing, but I would like to potentially maximize the potential of this current set up.  

I have a Galaxy GeForce GTX 460 GC 768 MB GPU I could potentially swap out for the 6570 if that would be a significant improvement?  I initially couldn't fit the 460 in my old case which is why I switched to the 6570 and I mailed the 460 off to my brother for him to use, but he ended up getting another card so I could have him ship it back to me for like $10 or something.

Not sure if that would be worth the hassle or not.  I might do that in the meantime if it is an improvement, but if there is another card that is better and could still work in the system I'd be willing to start saving up for it.  I just don't want to overspend on a card I won't be maximizing.  

 
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AMD 280/Nvidia 960 are around the top-end recommendations for that processor, according to some quick googlery, and both might require some overclocking to prevent bottlenecks.  270, 760, and 750ti are all acceptable & affordable options that shouldn't require a psu upgrade.

I swapped out my 460 earlier this year, as it was really starting to struggle with modern games.

 
indef said:
AMD 280/Nvidia 960 are around the top-end recommendations for that processor, according to some quick googlery, and both might require some overclocking to prevent bottlenecks. 270, 760, and 750ti are all acceptable & affordable options that shouldn't require a psu upgrade.

I swapped out my 460 earlier this year, as it was really starting to struggle with modern games.
Click to expand...
I definitely want to OC the CPU once I install the CPU fan. Looks like I might shoot for the 280 or 960 if I can. Both can be had around $150 if you do some Slickdeals trickery. I might still put in the 460 in the meantime. I don't play too many new games, though I will say my current card has been able to handle Dead Rising 3 and Dying Light with lower settings.

 
Could I build a PC that could record PS3/PS4 and 3DS gameplay flawlessly for around $295? I have to get a new PC in September anyway so I figured I'd get the one that would best suit me. Any part suggestions would be appreciated if so.

 
Cojiro said:
Could I build a PC that could record PS3/PS4 and 3DS gameplay flawlessly for around $295? I have to get a new PC in September anyway so I figured I'd get the one that would best suit me. Any part suggestions would be appreciated if so.
Click to expand...
Considering capture cards are half your budget, I'm going to say no.

 
Cojiro said:
Could I build a PC that could record PS3/PS4 and 3DS gameplay flawlessly for around $295? I have to get a new PC in September anyway so I figured I'd get the one that would best suit me. Any part suggestions would be appreciated if so.
Click to expand...
No. Can you build one without the capture device that will record horribly - sure. Put it this way, the low end Alienware Alpha is $330 right now and that might cut it but I doubt it. Video capture is usually more CPU intensive than GPU intensive, so maybe you can put some ITX box together and go the Linux route but you're still going to spend 1/3 to 1/2 of that on an AMD processor that may work. I wouldn't recommend anything less than an i5 and that is around $180 off the top of my head. Still need MB (50ish), RAM (4GB if you are on the cheap for 30?), hard drive (40), case (30), power supply (40). Didn't lookup prices just going off my head because not for $295. What else have I missed?

 
Never really built a PC but tried the build site and this is what I came up with any suggestions did I forgot anything important that I need to have. 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j74R3C 

mostly just play old steam games and maybe Dirty Bomb (played it at a friends house and fell in love with it). Also want something that will get me through gaming for atleast the next 3-4yrs with a few upgrades memory/Video card but don't need a new motherboard or CPU.

 
McFryyyyyy said:
Never really built a PC but tried the build site and this is what I came up with any suggestions did I forgot anything important that I need to have.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j74R3C

mostly just play old steam games and maybe Dirty Bomb (played it at a friends house and fell in love with it). Also want something that will get me through gaming for atleast the next 3-4yrs with a few upgrades memory/Video card but don't need a new motherboard or CPU.
Click to expand...
Few observations:

1) you don't need a CPU cooler if you're not overlocking;

2) more than 8gb RAM is overkill for gaming;

3) you don't need a soundcard;

4) check on this, but I'm pretty sure a Win 7 licence will be cheaper which will allow you to upgrade to Win 10 free of charge;

5) spend the spare cash on an upgraded video card (you might be able to find a good deal on a GTX 970, or one of the older AMD cards (R9 290/290x). If not, get an R9 380;

6) do you need a monitor? If so, use cash from 5. A 1080p monitor will be sufficient, look for one with 5ms latency(? - i forget the word) or less;

7) almost forgot - you won't need those Corsair fans either;

8) a Z97 motherboard allows overclocking but your CPU doesn't. You might want to look for cheaper H81/B85/H97 boards which will suit your needs. Alternatively, look for deals on the new Skylake chips/mobos.

Building isn't too hard so long as you watch a couple of build guides first (PCPartPicker is great for that). It's a fun and incredibly rewarding experience.

:grouphug:

 
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Thanks for the recommendations :) 

Ahh thought I would need a soundcard what are sound cards used for ? 

Cool Will look into Win 7 licence

Cool will look into a better video card

I game on my PS4 with dual monitors. Plan to sell my PS4 though and go full PC though.

ok cool will take fans out then  might get a different CPU. 

will work it around a bit then repost.

 
McFryyyyyy said:
Ahh thought I would need a soundcard what are sound cards used for ?

Cool Will look into Win 7 licence

Cool will look into a better video card

I game on my PS4 with dual monitors. Plan to sell my PS4 though and go full PC though.

ok cool will take fans out then might get a different CPU.

will work it around a bit then repost.
Click to expand...
Sound cards are needed if you need better quality sound, like sound editing. Otherwise, most (if not all) motherboards come with one onboard.

Fans do help though, especially if you care about noise. The larger 200mm ones spin slower to move more air, so they're usually silent. You don't really -need- them, but you can plan out fans to make things generally quieter and cooler.

 
Flowette said:
Few observations:

1) you don't need a CPU cooler if you're not overlocking;

2) more than 8gb RAM is overkill for gaming;

3) you don't need a soundcard;

4) check on this, but I'm pretty sure a Win 7 licence will be cheaper which will allow you to upgrade to Win 10 free of charge;

5) spend the spare cash on an upgraded video card (you might be able to find a good deal on a GTX 970, or one of the older AMD cards (R9 290/290x). If not, get an R9 380;

6) do you need a monitor? If so, use cash from 5. A 1080p monitor will be sufficient, look for one with 5ms latency(? - i forget the word) or less;

7) almost forgot - you won't need those Corsair fans either;

8) a Z97 motherboard allows overclocking but your CPU doesn't. You might want to look for cheaper H81/B85/H97 boards which will suit your needs. Alternatively, look for deals on the new Skylake chips/mobos.

Building isn't too hard so long as you watch a couple of build guides first (PCPartPicker is great for that). It's a fun and incredibly rewarding experience.

:grouphug:
Click to expand...
but aftermarket cooler are much quieter than stock cooler

 
Actually, 16 GB of RAM is perfectly fine for gaming. this will allow you to run alot more stuff in the background without worrying about excessive disk swapping. 

 
hmm so my wife has limited to Amazon only (we have about 400 in giftcards) and 600$ total :/ 

These are the PC builds that they have premade could somone give me a advice as to what to take out? 

here

 
McFryyyyyy said:
hmm so my wife has limited to Amazon only (we have about 400 in giftcards) and 600$ total :/

These are the PC builds that they have premade could somone give me a advice as to what to take out?

here
Click to expand...
that computer case is way overpriced, so is that power supply. there are better supply with more watts at a lower price.

you can get the same model power supply with 750 watts, which gives more of a headroom for future proofing

at $79.99 cheaper price.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J2FD6JQ/ref=s9_acsd_bw_wf_a_Buildswt_cdl_0?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-1&pf_rd_r=0VFHB214Z5CEMVEKBT6K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2166381862&pf_rd_i=12550991011

regarding computer case i prefer mid tower to micro atx case. base of the space to work with and airflow.

this is the case i would be getting http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Graphite-Mid-Tower-Computer-CC-9011042-WW/dp/B00EWHOIN2/ref=sr_1_67?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1441122506&sr=1-67

if you were to get a mid tower case. i would advise getting a atx motherboard, by putting the money saved n putting it in a motherboard like this

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-Motherboards-G1-SNIPER-H6/dp/B00KBM2N70/ref=sr_1_24?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1441122917&sr=1-24&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2057458011%2Cp_n_feature_six_browse-bin%3A2057506011

 
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So I finally got my huge ass V8 cooler into the case. I am in awe that the mobo can hold the weight. Now to overclock the CPU.  Or learn how.  I've been reading some stuff online but it's all scary.  We'll see.  I need to find the right settings for this mobo, any sites that can help with that?

No new pictures as I can't seem to find my zip ties so my cable management is still non-existent.  It will happen though.  Some day.  

Edit:

Okay, found an overclock guide. Seems 4.00 is the max I can do and remain stable.  I tried 4.3, 4.2, 4.1 but those all led to pretty quick freezes/crashes so I assume that means not stable.  Maybe I would need to change something else (maybe the vcore voltages or something, who knows?) to get those to work?  I think I recall Neuro5i5 saying he topped out at 4.2 maybe?  Either way, happy at 4.0.  Can notice a pick up in speed and Prime95 stress test has been running for a while with no issues or unreasonable temps. 

 
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My PC has becoming more and more frankenstein every day, so help me build a PC to be used for casual gaming, multimedia, etc.  I have $600 to spend and don't need a monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard or drives.

I'm open to all suggestion!

For the record, this is my first option.  Is this a good deal/setup? Any conflicting hardware? It's been 10+ years since I've built a PC, so any help is appreciated!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353061

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133590

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152049

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2207117

EDIT:  Nevermind, that power supply doesn't have enough amps@12v for the video card.

 
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Yo all,
 
Been PC gaming for well over a decade but due to jobs and other endeavors in my life, I never got the budget to make my own dream PC. Right now I'm in the process of collecting parts for my rig and my goal is to have it built by early December around my birthday. To start, I really have no set budget. Obviously, I don't want anything too expensive but I'm willing to shell out more than usual for a good PSU, mobo, or GPU. Below I have the list of what I have and what I currently have in mind in purchasing with each paycheck until December. 
 
Opinions and recommendations are welcome. This is my first legit build so advice would be appreciated as I never fiddled with wiring (from the case to mobo), installing mobos, and installing processors. Everything else I've done such as HDD swaps/upgrades, video cards, RAM, PSUs, etc. 
 
TL;DR List:
 
I recently bought:
 
Monitor -
Dell U2713HM 27-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009H0XQQY

 
Case -
Phantom 820 (Black)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146097
 
RAM -
G.SKILL Ripjaws 4 Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200) 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231826&cm_re=DDR4-_-20-231-826-_-Product
 
CPU Cooler/Fan - 
Cooler Master Hyper 612 Ver.2 - Silent CPU Air Cooler
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJSFR7Y

 


My current choices for the next wave of parts:
 
CPU Cooler/Fan
EVGA SuperNOVA 220-P2-0850-X1 850W ATX12V 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-438-056
 
Mobo:
ASUS X99-PRO/USB 3.1 LGA 2011-v3 Intel X99 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132517&cm_re=X99_2011-v3_Intel_X99_SATA-_-13-132-517-_-Product

 
CPU:
Intel i7 4820K
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4820K-Processor-3-7GHz-Retail/dp/B00IYWDCAG

 


GPU:
Nvidia 6 GB 980 ti 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YU72IS6/

 
Long version below, mainly for my personal reference and it has my opinions on each part.
 
 
Parts I've bought already
Monitor - Dell U2713HM 27-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009H0XQQY
Bought on 9/1, got a refurb for $389. Using it now and it works great. Had the adventure of learning that HDMI/Single-link DVI max out at 1080p and my impatient self got a mini displayport cable overnighted.
 
Case - Phantom 820 (Black)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146097 - Was $240 at the time, $234 now. 
This is a great case. It resides within a large plastic bag it in my closet for now but I already cracked it open. Simply put, I haven't seen such a nice case in a long time. Slidable dust vents are all around it and the right side is made to hold all of the excess cables and clutter. Well worth the money. 
 
RAM
1. 
G.SKILL Ripjaws 4 Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200) Memory Kit Model - $97 9/19
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231826&cm_re=DDR4-_-20-231-826-_-Product
I'm honestly not too selective on RAM and the reviews more or less sold me. 
 
CPU Cooler/Fan - 
Cooler Master Hyper 612 Ver.2 - Silent CPU Air Cooler with 6 Direct Contact Heatpipes and Folding Fin Structure RR-H6V2-13PK-R1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJSFR7Y
I didn't really want to into water-cooling so I decided to go old school with an air cooler. I was going to go for a 212 but the 612 was only $17 more. 
 
Parts I plan on buying in the coming weeks
PSU - 
EVGA 220-G2-0850-XR 80 PLUS GOLD 850 W - $140 10/10, $120 after rebate
1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438018
 
EVGA SuperNOVA 220-P2-0850-X1 850W ATX12V - 160 10/10, $140 after rebate
2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-438-056
I was told by my friends about the neatness of Modular PSU's and the idea of yanking out the ones I don't use/need is like a dream come true. My current one has a bunch of IDE cables. I mean... who really wants to use IDE HDD's in 2015? Anyway, I'm sure this will be enough for my PC. 
 
Mobo - 
 
MSI Computer ATX DDR4 Motherboard Z170A GAMING M7 - $217 10/10
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Motherboard-Z170A-GAMING-M7/dp/B0131GA4PK
 
ASUS X99-PRO/USB 3.1 LGA 2011-v3 Intel X99 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $329 9/18 -- $339 10/10 - maybe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132517&cm_re=X99_2011-v3_Intel_X99_SATA-_-13-132-517-_-Product
http://www.nextwarehouse.com/item/?1889461_g10e - $324 10/10 (Never heard of this place, will probably do newegg instead)
Like I mentioned earlier, mobos are a bit of a gray area for me. I settled that I wanted DDR4 RAM in this rig so obviously I need a board that will take it. Both options look good but I'm getting too attached to that Asus board. 
 
CPU - 
1. i7 4790K - $329 8/16 - $334 10/10 
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-BX80646I74790K-i7-4790K-Processor-Cache/dp/B00KPRWAX8/
2. i7 4820K  - $348 8/16 - $354 10/10
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4820K-Processor-3-7GHz-Retail/dp/B00IYWDCAG
I'll be blunt and say I don't know jack about CPU's. The above two were chosen by friends and was suggested to get a i7. I could probably live with an i5 but this is a dream rig so why not. I'm all for it. 
 
GPU 
1. MSI GeForce GTX 970 GTX 970 GAMING 4G 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 - $338 after rebate 8/16 -- $330 after rebate 10/10 (I've noticed the price drops on GPU's)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127832 
 
2. Nvidia 6 GB 980 ti - $680 8/16 -- $647 10/10
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YU72IS6/
The video card will likely be the last thing I buy... because:
1. On Black Friday I hope that some variation of a 980 will go on sale.
2. It's the most expensive thing on my list. 
3. I really want a 980 because of my 1440p monitor and the more power, the better. 
 
I had once thought I needed an external network and sound card but clearly my mind was set in the previous decade. This is what I was going to choose:
 
Network card - TP-LINK TG-3468 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter - $12.69 8/16
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATNI/ 
 
Sound Card - Asus Xonar DSX 24-bit 192 KHz Sound Card - $54 8/16
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TMZ1MY/
 
 
Lastly, Hard drives and opitical drives are excluded as I'm likely pulling most of them out of my current rig. I already have an SSD so I'm set in that department.
Any deals on Windows 10 would be nice too. I'd prefer just to buy a key somewhere and be done with it since I can just download the OS. 
 
Finally, THANK YOU all for going through my list. I know it's long and I'm infamously known for TL;DR but I like to research every part I part I buy for my PC. :)
 
Damn, rich boy over here!

j/k

But seriously, doesn't seem like you're trying to stay within a certain budget, so there's not much to say about it.

 
My only comment would be that I'd look for a vanilla 980 and get a larger / second SSD.  Maybe someone will have a 1TB one < $200 on BF.  Not that there is anything wrong with the 980ti, but the 980 should do you well at 1440.

 
So what makes a good monitor?  I'm not buying one anytime soon, but I want to be informed so if I deal pops up in the next few months I know to jump on it.  Probably would need 1080p max and somewhere around $100 would be ideal.  The bigger the better.  That's what she said.  

 
Hey guys this will be a rookie question but does a computer monitor make that much of a difference in the quality of a build? I just received my brand new desktop with, well I know it has an i3 a PGW PSU and a MSI R9 380 graphics card which I thought all had decent reviews. Problem is even browsing here I feel like the display is a bit off. The monitor i'm assuming is an AOC Montior/TV that's around 5 or maybe longer years old although running an HDMI cable.

Just a bit dissapointed in the graphics and figure a monitor is key but just want to make sure.

Thank you, and as you can tell I don't know too much about these things

 
pbnate88 said:
Hey guys this will be a rookie question but does a computer monitor make that much of a difference in the quality of a build? I just received my brand new desktop with, well I know it has an i3 a PGW PSU and a MSI R9 380 graphics card which I thought all had decent reviews. Problem is even browsing here I feel like the display is a bit off. The monitor i'm assuming is an AOC Montior/TV that's around 5 or maybe longer years old although running an HDMI cable.

Just a bit dissapointed in the graphics and figure a monitor is key but just want to make sure.

Thank you, and as you can tell I don't know too much about these things
Click to expand...
It might be more due to your settings than anything else. Look up the monitor online to find what's the maximum resolution it can support. Then go to your display settings and make sure it is set to that resolution. Also make sure you have the latest version of your GFX card driver running.

 
Does anyone know of a way to connect an Xbox 1 controller wirelessly to Windows 7? 

MS released a new adapter, but it only works with Win 10... which I have no interest in. And I can't find any actual info as to whether or not the old 360 Wireless adapter works with the Xbox 1 controllers. 

Kinda sucks playing with USB cable, since it just seems to get in the way all the time. And the Xbox 1 controller just feels so much better than the 360 controller, and has a better D-pad. 

 
FoxyPie said:
What about IPS? I see a lot of people say stuff about IPS. Are those better?
Click to expand...
IPS is favored in nearly all cases. It helps most with color and viewing angles, so you don't have to be looking at the screen at a perfect angle to get the best picture.

 
Hi I was wondering if one of you fine people could help me with my question. I am very much a new about building so I wanted to try just upgrading first. 

I recently bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX7LUU8/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

and wanted to upgrade the Power supply and graphics card to these 2 respectively I was wondering if I was out of my mind or if I could get a recommendation if neither would work 

GPU:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B012NOWEY0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2IAJCMLMCOVQ6&coliid=I2N17TGCU55436&psc=1

Power supply:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKDETOW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2IAJCMLMCOVQ6&coliid=IZAF6C4KH0UI1&psc=1

Thanks in advance

 
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