Computer Build Resource Thread

When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly.

STYDawn April 28 2012 10:47. Posts 132

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nope, the 6pin cnnectors to my 6950 is snug and tight.

skyR Canada. April 28 2012 10:52. Posts 11182

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If the EPS connector and both PCIe connectors are plugged in than you most likely have a dead motherboard or GPU.

STYDawn April 28 2012 10:56. Posts 132

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well, how do i know which one? the dr.debug seems to be working, does that mean the mobo is working?

STYDawn April 28 2012 10:57. Posts 132

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btw, im using an hdmi to vga converter as my monitor can only use dvi and vga.

skyR Canada. April 28 2012 10:59. Posts 11182

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That makes no sense since HDMI is digital and VGA is analog. If your monitor only has DVI and VGA, just use DVI since every GPU has DVI....

STYDawn April 28 2012 11:01. Posts 132

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wait hold on, lemme check it again

STYDawn April 28 2012 11:04. Posts 132

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oh sorry, its actually converting dvi to vga. Could it really be my video card???

skyR Canada. April 28 2012 11:07. Posts 11182

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If all the connectors are plugged in and you've tried both ports, it's most likely the GPU or motherboard...

Shauni April 28 2012 15:09. Posts 3832

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On April 28 2012 08:33 ensign_lee wrote:

Show nested quote +

Wait. What?!

That bolded part isn't true. The Random IOPS is like double that of the C4.

easily compressed data (random 4k IOPS):
+ Show Spoiler +

difficult compressed data (random 4k IOPS):

+ Show Spoiler +

don't have time to link other benchmarks atm but from what I've seen they echo this result.

I'm taking whatever coverage I can get, because frankly, I'm busy working on this million dollar deal at my job. Early retirement is a good thing brotha man. - MessengerASL

BlackKiller April 28 2012 19:12. Posts 56

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@Shauni Are you saying that Crucial m4 is better than Samsung 830?? Is the Samsung 830 worth it for 135 bucks? I dont know why but everyone else in other forums says Samsung 830 is better choice than Crucial m4. If you can rate these two drives who will be ahead? I really wanna know which one is better. They are both same prices so that doesnt matter. Please help me decide which one to order

Last edit: 2012-04-28 19:13:27

Shirokuma United States. April 28 2012 19:27. Posts 28

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Currently using an ASUS G51VX laptop for gaming, and it's starting to drag pretty hard on anything that eats up the CPU (stock CPU runs at 2.0 GHz, ouch.) Haven't had the chance to build a computer before, so I'm looking for advice on setting up a semi-"futureproofed" system for the next few years.

Case - NZXT Switch 810
MOBO - ASUS P8Z68
CPU - i5-2500K
GPU - EVGA GTX 560 Ti
RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X
HDD1 - Samsung 830 SSD
HDD2 - WD 1TB 7200 RPM
PSU - SeaSonic x750

Would like to keep the rig like that til next year, when I'd have the option to swap out the MOBO and CPU for the Haswell line, and possibly add another card in SLI (after replacing the board) if I feel like my FPS is struggling. Any pointers?

Edit: Added the case to list, updated CPU/PSU, rest left omitted (Optical drives, CPU heatsink, OS, etc.)

Last edit: 2012-04-29 00:19:08

Shauni April 28 2012 21:12. Posts 3832

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On April 28 2012 19:12 BlackKiller wrote:
@Shauni Are you saying that Crucial m4 is better than Samsung 830?? Is the Samsung 830 worth it for 135 bucks? I dont know why but everyone else in other forums says Samsung 830 is better choice than Crucial m4. If you can rate these two drives who will be ahead? I really wanna know which one is better. They are both same prices so that doesnt matter. Please help me decide which one to order

I thought I already told you that you won't notice any difference in the performance. They are both very similar with strenghts and weaknesses. If I had to choose then I'd get the samsung as it has better reads and writes for general workload.

I'm taking whatever coverage I can get, because frankly, I'm busy working on this million dollar deal at my job. Early retirement is a good thing brotha man. - MessengerASL

Shauni April 28 2012 21:18. Posts 3832

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On April 28 2012 19:27 Shirokuma wrote:
Currently using an ASUS G51VX laptop for gaming, and it's starting to drag pretty hard on anything that eats up the CPU (stock CPU runs at 2.0 GHz, ouch.) Haven't had the chance to build a computer before, so I'm looking for advice on setting up a semi-"futureproofed" system for the next few years.

MOBO - ASUS P8Z68
CPU - i5-2550k
GPU - EVGA GTX 560 Ti
RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X
HDD1 - Samsung 830 SSD
HDD2 - WD 1TB 7200 RPM
PSU - Corsair HX750

Would like to keep the rig like that til next year, when I'd have the option to swap out the MOBO and CPU for the Haswell line, and possibly add another card in SLI (after replacing the board) if I feel like my FPS is struggling. Any pointers?

looks pretty standard. If you could wait until 10th may the 670 could be more attractive than 560 ti so you wouldnt have to worry about sli, or at least push the prices down.
also the Seasonic X750 is a newer platform at the same price, no need to get the HX750 really. I mean, the 750 by CWT is not a bad unit, but not preferable to the Seasonic X platform. There's also the Rosewill Capstone 750W which is a really good Superflower unit, and is more advantageous in terms of price (it's not modular though).

Last edit: 2012-04-28 22:33:08

I'm taking whatever coverage I can get, because frankly, I'm busy working on this million dollar deal at my job. Early retirement is a good thing brotha man. - MessengerASL

Ficetool Germany. April 28 2012 22:07. Posts 157

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What do you guys think:

Intel Core i5-2500K (4x 3.3-3.7 GHz)
Msi P67A-C43 Mainboard
8 GB DDR3 RAM
128GB SSD +2TB HD
NVIDIA Geforce GTX570
DVD Burner 2 x USB 3.0
Windows 7 64 Bit
+ some case I don't see a name from anywhere

altogether its around 1500$ (=1150€)

Basically I am wondering about the Price/performance ratio....

edit: well yeah...and of course theres stuff like a power supply and so on which I have no way to figure out atm. Apart from the fact that they will be gut enough to carry the whole build

Last edit: 2012-04-28 22:12:48

ensign_lee United States. April 28 2012 22:37. Posts 1017

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On April 28 2012 15:09 Shauni wrote:

Show nested quote +

easily compressed data (random 4k IOPS):
+ Show Spoiler +

difficult compressed data (random 4k IOPS):

+ Show Spoiler +

don't have time to link other benchmarks atm but from what I've seen they echo this result.

woah wtf? You're right. Anandtech benches agree too:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/425?vs=533

wtf? How is that possible. I thought the entire point of 4k random IOPS benchmark was to see how fast a SSD would read things...randomly.

Last edit: 2012-04-28 22:40:49

Shirokuma United States. April 28 2012 22:44. Posts 28

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On April 28 2012 21:18 Shauni wrote:
looks pretty standard. If you could wait until 10th may the 670 could be more attractive than 560 ti so you wouldnt have to worry about sli, or at least push the prices down.
also the seasonic x750 is a newer platform at the same price, no need to get the hx750 really. I mean, the 750 by cwt is not a bad unit, but not preferable to the seasonic x platform.

With the OC possibilities of the 2550K, a 670 / 670 ti seems like it'd be a solid investment, though I'd need a different board since the one I had listed has 0 PCIe 3.0s. Which mobos should I be looking at for the best BIOS OC options? I assume anything with a Z77 chipset would do the trick, but do any in particular stand out?

MisterFred United States. April 28 2012 23:14. Posts 1822

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On April 28 2012 19:27 Shirokuma wrote:
Currently using an ASUS G51VX laptop for gaming, and it's starting to drag pretty hard on anything that eats up the CPU (stock CPU runs at 2.0 GHz, ouch.) Haven't had the chance to build a computer before, so I'm looking for advice on setting up a semi-"futureproofed" system for the next few years.

MOBO - ASUS P8Z68
CPU - i5-2550k
GPU - EVGA GTX 560 Ti
RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X
HDD1 - Samsung 830 SSD
HDD2 - WD 1TB 7200 RPM
PSU - Corsair HX750

Would like to keep the rig like that til next year, when I'd have the option to swap out the MOBO and CPU for the Haswell line, and possibly add another card in SLI (after replacing the board) if I feel like my FPS is struggling. Any pointers?

There are some inefficiencies in the build. Random things I noticed:

GPU-
You can get a better GPU for cheaper (if you're willing to deal with a rebate)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=65860&vpn=012%2DP3%2D2066%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA

CPU-
An i5-2550k is just an i5-2500k, but with broken integrated graphics. Here, save $40:
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57962&vpn=BX80623I52500K&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1058
or wait for the ivy bridge variant (day or two?)

RAM-
Lower timings will not improve performance in any noticeable way. Spend the extra $15-20 somewhere else.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=53427&vpn=CMX8GX3M2A1333C9&manufacture=Corsair
Another rebate.

Storange & mobo-
looks nice

PSU-
very expensive. Even if you're seriously considering SLI in the future, get something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073
A better quality power supply that's on sale for cheaper. It's not modular, but honestly, no one will see cables sitting on the bottom of your case. Speaking of which, you have a case & dvd drive already, right?

Regarding considering SLI in the future - your motherboard selection can't handle it. Also, if you have only a 1920x1080 monitor, it seems unlikely you'll want to go SLI. There's only so many pixels to push. Alternative motherboard if you want SLI capability/to get an i5-3570k when it comes out in a few days:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130645

Note also, don't overclock your CPU without an aftermarket heatsink. Something like a Coolermaster 212+ or the quieter (and bigger) HR-02 Macho from amazon.

Edit: in response to your last post, there's a motherboard suggestion just above. I'm not sure about the 670, as I'm expecting that to be in the $350-400 range, but who knows. Then again, if it's in your budget, might be great. You would not, however, require a PCI-e 3.0 board for the 670. PCI-e 3.0 devices are still compatible with a pci-e 2.0 slot. And they won't be held back by any limitations either.

Last edit: 2012-04-28 23:16:55

"The victor? Not the highest scoring, nor the best strategist, nor the best tactitian. The victor was he that was closest to the Tao of FFA." -.Praetor

skyR Canada. April 28 2012 23:42. Posts 11182

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On April 28 2012 19:27 Shirokuma wrote:+ Show Spoiler +

2550k is just a way for Intel to sell defective CPUs, don't waste your money lol.

P8Z68-V LX sucks. MSI Z77A-G43 is better and less expensive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130646

PCI-E 3.0 is useless for gaming on single GPU configurations and Sandbridge is not capable of it. Ivybridge is required for PCI-E 3.0

1600MHz cas8 is a waste of money when you can't afford flagship components. Corsair XMS3 suggested by MisterFred is also not ideal as the kit runs at 1.65v and it's overpriced. You can get an 2x4gb 1333MHz cas8 AMD kit for $40: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67360&promoid=1058

While Corsair HX750 is a good power supply, you do not need this much power for SLI. If you want something modular, you can get a Seasonic X660 for $125 which is fully modular as opposed to semi-modular of the HX750: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=65390&promoid=1058

You're missing a case...

You're also missing an aftermarket heatsink...

Get a Radeon HD7850 or 7870 instead.

I don't think there will be much point in upgrading from Sandybridge to Haswell.

Shirokuma United States. April 28 2012 23:57. Posts 28

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Non-modular cables actually is a bit of an issue, because I'd like to tackle water cooling sometime down the line and would rather not have to buy another PSU just so I don't have to deal with unused cables. Either way, already changed it out for the SeaSonic x750.

As for the CPU, I was under the impression that the disabled integrated graphics on the 2550K gave it a potentially higher OC cap. Is this incorrect?

With regards to the mobo, I'm looking for a "temporary" board; the plan is to be ready to upgrade to an LGA 1150 board with 2x PCIe 3.0 16x when the Haswell line comes out, and then from there decide whether or not I need more power from the GPU. So whatever board I get now doesn't necessarily need to be able to handle SLI, just looking for a solid LGA 1155 that has a PCIe 3.0 slot and good BIOS options.

skyR Canada. April 29 2012 00:06. Posts 11182

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A 750w is not required for SLI ... especially not for shitty GTX 560 Ti.

That is not correct.

If you want PCI-E 3.0 for some useless reason, you are required to get a 3570k and not a 2500k. ASUS probably has the best UEFI bios but the only boards worth getting from them are like $170+.

Last edit: 2012-04-29 00:06:53