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.

rv238 United States. September 21 2011 08:29. Posts 24

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ok so since my 6950 idea was dumb witch after substancle amout of more reading i totally agree with what gfx card is good with it im also willing to get a i52500k but thx to budget changes almost constantly it needs to be around 700 but maximum gaming incoding and recording power

User was warned for this post

LOLZ

JingleHell United States. September 21 2011 08:58. Posts 11262

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On September 21 2011 08:29 rv238 wrote:
ok so since my 6950 idea was dumb witch after substancle amout of more reading i totally agree with what gfx card is good with it im also willing to get a i52500k but thx to budget changes almost constantly it needs to be around 700 but maximum gaming incoding and recording power

What exactly is this supposed to mean? Say again in English please?

http://jinglehelltech.blogspot.com -- Pics of my rig in Profile

rv238 United States. September 21 2011 09:24. Posts 24

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i fail never mind i can figure it out it doen't honestly make much sense im saying what is a good match for the i3 2100 in gfx card terms or should I get a i5 2500k that is more all around good but whatever I get it cant be more than $700 for the build

LOLZ

Myrmidon United States. September 21 2011 09:31. Posts 8484

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You never mentioned encoding before. You definitely want a quad core for that, like the i5-2400, if not a i5-2500k. Personally I think you should just go with the i5-2400 as suggested earlier, and spend whatever is left of the budget on whatever graphics card tickles your fancy.

rv238 United States. September 21 2011 10:01. Posts 24

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thx ya I was not allways paying attension and missed what i wrote somtimes.

LOLZ

FabledIntegral United States. September 21 2011 11:39. Posts 8359

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On September 21 2011 08:24 b_unnies wrote:

Show nested quote +

yah, pretty much reussing the same HD. too lazy to reformat considering i just did a reformat 3-4 days ago

Why would you reformat and reuse on your old build right before you're going to put it in a new build...? If you really did it so recently, reformatting would probably take *less* effort unless you know exactly what you're doing.

Last edit: 2011-09-21 11:40:37

pandazzz United States. September 21 2011 13:32. Posts 2

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Longtime lurker here, wanted to get some suggestions for my first desktop build. I've been using a laptop for around 10 years, but now want something a bit more beefy. I'm also looking for 1-2 monitors; any suggestions with high vertical resolution (at least 1200 pixels) would be appreciated.

What is your budget?
$400-$500, spending a bit more to get better reliability is okay.

What is your resolution?
Haven't purchased a monitor yet, will get 1920x1080 or 1920x1200. (Possibly two).

What are you using it for?
Word processing, programming, running some mathematics computations, watching movies, possibly running a personal server.
I would like to be able to play SC2 on average settings on it, though.

What is your upgrade cycle?
3+ years.

When do you plan on building it?
Preferably soon. Ok to wait for a couple months if there is a big advantage.

Do you plan on overclocking?
No.

Do you need an Operating System?
No, plan to dual boot Ubuntu and free Windows through my school.

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
No.

Where are you buying your parts from?
US Boston area, probably online.

Any help would be appreciated.

strikerz200 September 21 2011 13:38. Posts 58

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whenever im playing a game, I get a big fps dip rather frequently.
Normally I run 80~120 fps, but would go down to 10 ~ 15fps for about a minute and a half.

Here is my computer spec

GPU - 9800GT (3 years old+)
CPU - I3-2100 (2 months old )
RAM - 4gb ram (2 months old)
MOBO - Some ASRock mobo (2 months old)
Harddrive - 1TB Seagtae 7200rpm 2 weeks old, installed Windows 7 64 Bit.
PSU - 550NEO HE [ 5 Years old ]

This problem didnt happen as frequently as they do now.
I think I've also found a pattern, it happens when you put stress on video card.
but Im not sure if thats whats causing this problem.

I have download a temperature checker, everything is under 45degrees, but my gpu in game goes up to 110~115 whie cpu stays around 45 degrees at 25% usage.

can you confirm its my video card for sure?
what other tests do you recommend I do? also if it is my gpu, what do you suggest under $150 budget?

P.S - My memory usage is at 65% constantly

Last edit: 2011-09-21 13:58:10

XenOmega Canada. September 21 2011 13:47. Posts 1005

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Using NCIX and its pricematch system, what would be a good Headset (around 50$) that I can give as a gift. Comfort is very important!

I was thinking the Corsair HS1A at 39.99 (not the USB), but read that the bass is not really good

skyR Canada. September 21 2011 14:04. Posts 11168

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On September 21 2011 13:32 pandazzz wrote:+ Show Spoiler +

Here's a configuration that totals to $456 to get you started, capable of playing Starcraft II on medium at 1080p:

I'm not a hosting expert so I'm not sure if you need a quad or if a dual is suitable for hosting whatever you plan on hosting.

Intel Core i5 2400 & PNY 2x4GB 1333MHz @ $221
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.723828

Radeon HD5670 @ $70 ($55 after mail in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102930

Asrock H61M-VS @ $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157241

Xigmatek Asgard II @ $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815005

Hitachi 500GB @ $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

Antec Neo Eco 400C @ $30 ($20) <-- This is a shellshocker deal that won't last much longer.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029
+ Show Spoiler +
DVD Burner @ $17
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136238

On September 21 2011 13:38 strikerz200 wrote:+ Show Spoiler +

You can stress test the processor with prime95 and monitor temperature with Real Temp and monitor clock speed with CPU-Z.

You can test your memory with memtest86 (www.memtest.org), let it run for at least four passes. If a single error shows up, you have a problem with the memory.

iirc 9800gt Tjmax is 120c so you're getting pretty close to the threshold and it's definitely not a comfortable temperature to be running at. Have you cleaned out all the dust from the inside of your computer, fans, and heatsinks recently?

Last edit: 2011-09-21 14:07:32

Myrmidon United States. September 21 2011 14:16. Posts 8484

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Depends on the type of server, but unless it's used by lots and lots of people or otherwise in an enterprise-like environment, demands shouldn't be that high for most home setups.

If gaming graphics settings (going above "average") is deemed more important than a couple of CPU cores, going with the i3-2100 and HD 6770 or possibly bumping up to a HD 6850 is maybe a better choice. An HD 6770 is about twice as fast as a HD 5670, and the HD 6850 is about another third as fast as an HD 6770, for a rough reference.

i3-2100 combo with same 2 x 4GB DDR3 RAM - $159
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.723793

Sapphire HD 6770 - $110, $90 AMIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102941

HIS HD 6850 - $150, $140 AMIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384

b_unnies September 21 2011 15:10. Posts 3507

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On September 21 2011 11:39 FabledIntegral wrote:

Show nested quote +

I did something strange a couple days ago that caused me to mess up my entire OS and that was before i decided to buy my build

anyways. i just finished making my build and for some reason my computer loads the motherboard screensaver screen and then immedialely the computer restarts. it says to press DEL to enter bios but when i do, nothing happens and computer restarts.

Quartal September 21 2011 15:32. Posts 114

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I saw some rumors going around that current UEFI motherboards won't support Ivybridge. I assume that Gigabyte's previous guarantee that their boards will work with Ivybridge could be true since they still use award BIOS, but I'm wondering what the situation will be with ASRock's PCI 3.0 boards if there is no Ivybridge support.

How true do you believe this rumor is, does it have any merit, and what will be of PCI 3.0 boards such as those by MSI and ASRock if this is true?

September 7 2011 VR-ZONE:
even if the hardware is compatible, there might be a UEFI related issue that will prevent many motherboards from ever accepting an Ivy Bridge CPU.

Then 10 days Later

September 17 2011 Anandtech:
Ivy Bridge is backwards compatible with existing LGA-1155 motherboards

name changed from iREight

nam nam Sweden. September 21 2011 15:50. Posts 4534

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It even says this in the first article:

"What we don't know is if this applies to all motherboards, or if this is an issue unique to Intel."

Speculation at this point. Up to you if you want to believe or not. No one here is going to know better.

Last edit: 2011-09-21 15:51:46

Womwomwom September 21 2011 16:25. Posts 5514

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Why wouldn't be compatible with EFI? Apple has been using EFI since practically the dawn of time and that isn't going to change soon. Sounds like at most, the motherboard manufacturers will just have to release a new EFI for people to flash (new processors need a new BIOS what this is new?)

No, if Intel wants to fuck the end-user in the face and get more $$$ from selling chipsets and motherboards, they'll release a new socket and properly segment the important features.

Pwnographics New Zealand. September 21 2011 17:31. Posts 1048

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On September 21 2011 00:16 Myrmidon wrote:
Yeah most of the self-contained watercooling systems are both (1) super overkill for OC a i5-2500k to 4.5 GHz and (2) louder than necessary.* I'd just go for a decent air cooler. I mean, for the same price you could get like a Noctua NH-D14, not that I'd recommend doing so.

*edit: and I mean the pump is loud, so there's nothing you can do about it, unlike an air cooler, where you can use a different fan or different fan speed control. Maybe Gelid Tranquillo? I'm not sure.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835426023

You should look at the Antec P183 (price has come down a bit) or maybe Fractal Design R3. The latter is cheaper in both senses, but it gives you the option of a few more fan vents if cooling at the stock config is not enough. For example, it might be better to move the front intake to the side panel, or get an extra fan for the side, to directly feed air to the HD 6970.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129174

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352004

Do you have any info on the Fractal Design XL?

Womwomwom September 21 2011 19:46. Posts 5514

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Too large to properly cool. Don't bother with it unless you're going to cram 10x hard disks in there. Larger cases are harder to cool because little case fans aren't powerful enough to push a stream of well directed air.

Also doesn't help it is so large and you are basically forced to cable route through the back. With lower wattage power supplies, you might need some extension cables to reach the ATX 8 pin and 24 pin slots.

The Antec P183 and Fractal Design R3 can easily handle single GPU builds. Fractal Design R3 is a more flexible case since it has more fan mounts but the Antec P183 will ultimately be more quiet due to better hard disk mounting mechanism, thick dampening around the PSU area, and the use of thick steel/plastic/polycarbonate sheets. Don't worry about CPU cooling because large CPU coolers + two slow moving fans in push/pull configuration can tame any moderate overclocks.

Pwnographics New Zealand. September 21 2011 21:17. Posts 1048

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On September 21 2011 19:46 Womwomwom wrote:
Too large to properly cool. Don't bother with it unless you're going to cram 10x hard disks in there. Larger cases are harder to cool because little case fans aren't powerful enough to push a stream of well directed air.

Also doesn't help it is so large and you are basically forced to cable route through the back. With lower wattage power supplies, you might need some extension cables to reach the ATX 8 pin and 24 pin slots.

The Antec P183 and Fractal Design R3 can easily handle single GPU builds. Fractal Design R3 is a more flexible case since it has more fan mounts but the Antec P183 will ultimately be more quiet due to better hard disk mounting mechanism, thick dampening around the PSU area, and the use of thick steel/plastic/polycarbonate sheets. Don't worry about CPU cooling because large CPU coolers + two slow moving fans in push/pull configuration can tame any moderate overclocks.

I've heard that the Antec P183 has:

1) Louder stock fans than Fractal.

2) Top fan rattles hard.

3) You need to buy some additional acoustic dampening to outpreform the R3.

Womwomwom September 21 2011 22:49. Posts 5514

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I've previously owned a P183 and currently own a R3 as a file server. Unless both cases have gone through major revisions in the last 6 months, I doubt anything will be different.

1) Louder stock fans than Fractal.

When the three speed controller on the TriCools are turned to high speed, they're louder yes. On low, definitely not, especially with the Fractal case revisions (that's the R3) coming with higher RPM stock fans to improve cooling performance in reviews. Neither chassis includes particularly fantastic fans, with the TriCools being extremely loud when on high speed settings and the Fractal fans being sleeve bearing fans that can click when mounted horizontally.

2) Top fan rattles hard.

Use rubber screws to suspend the fan, cut the metal grill out, or put a coin between the fan grill and top fan. These are the simple solutions to stopping the problem but yes, the top fan does rattle when you pay close attention.

3) You need to buy some additional acoustic dampening to outpreform the R3.

Definitely not. The P183 has a more robust frame, better hard drive mounts, gooey silicon feet, thick polycarbonate-integrated side panels instead of tack on bitumen sheets, and the combination of steel and thick plastic all around means it will be quieter than the R3.

I know some people at computer enthusiast websites, like Overclocks, seem to believe that the P183 is lower quality or structurally worse than the R3 but I simply cannot see where they get that idea from. The only problem with the P183 is that its outdated in design and thus can feel claustrophobic inside compared to new mid towers. Its seriously a non-issue if you don't swap major parts often, however.

If you want a flexible chassis that pretty much does everything decently, the Fractal Design R3 is by far the best out there. If you are simply gunning for quiet computing w/500W PSU builds and nothing else, the Antec P183 is still pretty much the ATX king. Well the Antec Solo II is probably better but its a really expensive pill to swallow ($130 holy shit) unless you really, really hate noise.

Last edit: 2011-09-21 23:22:26

geethy Australia. September 21 2011 22:53. Posts 67

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Hey, I'm building a computer for my friend and his budget is around $700 and I've come up with this so far, all off of PCCG:
+ Show Spoiler +
All up it comes to $847, can anyone help me shave off about $150? He pretty much only wants it for gaming. Shanks for any help