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Official 2008 "I Need A New PC" Thread
- Thread starter Kosma
- Start date
Althane said:
Kosma's $399 build would probably suffice, but you'd have to add on a few costs such as a HDD and case/PSU.
Slavik81 said:
Case, PSU, and HDD/optical drives are actually parts that you don't need specifics for, especially if you aren't an enthusiast. If you're running a higher-end system, you either spec out a larger wattage PSU, or select a more efficient/higher quality one.
I'll check that build out. Thanks.
Now, does anyone have any suggestions on reading or experience on how to actually physically build it? The basic that I've picked up is "avoid static like the frickin' plague", and that other than that, comptuer components are relatively hardy.
Hmm, for this new computer, would you suggest XP or Vista. I know XP, and I've heard a lot of hate on Vista...
Now, does anyone have any suggestions on reading or experience on how to actually physically build it? The basic that I've picked up is "avoid static like the frickin' plague", and that other than that, comptuer components are relatively hardy.
Hmm, for this new computer, would you suggest XP or Vista. I know XP, and I've heard a lot of hate on Vista...
I'm more interested in motherboard. It's the thing that's least clear what I should get and it's the most fundamental from what I understand (as well as the most likely to be incompatible with something).SRG01 said:
I'm also pretty interested in the monitor. The rest I can pretty much just read newegg or check performance reviews for the quality-price ratio.
Slavik81 said:
There are a few things you want to look for in a motherboard:
a) Fastest RAM it can handle
b) Chipset/on-board functionality
c) Socket
d) Are you overclocking?
Personally, I recommend ASUS because their quality is out of this world.
In short, choose a motherboard that can support 800 or 1066MHz DDR2 memory. Pay attention to the max memory too. The socket is self explanatory (ie. it should fit the CPU!). As for the chipset, I admit that I haven't been paying close attention to the chipset news, so some other poster can answer that for me.
NovemberMike
Member
Slavik81 said:
The mobo is pretty much just making sure it handles everything you want it to. The primary concern is whether it has the same socket as your CPU (LGA775 for intel and AM2 for amd most likely), has a PCIE-16x slot and is compatible with your ram (most likely ddr2). If those two work, then you will most likely have a functional computer with your parts. After that, you should make sure it supports the more advanced features of your parts (ie. 1066 ram or a 1333mhz FSB). After that, make sure it supports the features you want like RAID, 7.1 onboard audio, integrated graphics or 6 Sata ports (ie. any of these that you want).
If you find a part you like I would recommend posting it on here before you buy it. These are details such as what chipset it is using and how well it overclocks that might not be readily apparent and having more experienced help might be useful for. If you follow what I have up there, though, you should have something that will do 90% of what you want.
shpankey
not an idiot
Scottlarock
Banned
because of this thread, I made a quick stop to Compusa and picked up a 'e-geforce 8600GT 512mp' for $85 and an extra meg of ram $20'
my emachines:lol Pentium D can now run tomb raider anniversary maxed out, and crysis on 800x600 with all low settings:lol
before I was just using the onboard chip with 1 meg and couldn't play shit. so far I'm happy with my $105 investment. any game that came out 6+ months ago are mine.
my emachines:lol Pentium D can now run tomb raider anniversary maxed out, and crysis on 800x600 with all low settings:lol
before I was just using the onboard chip with 1 meg and couldn't play shit. so far I'm happy with my $105 investment. any game that came out 6+ months ago are mine.
EVGA GeForce 8800GT 512MB - $229.99
SAMSUNG 906BW Black-Silver 19" - $229.99
Antec earthwatts 430W Power Supply - $69.99
Logitech X-230 Speaker System - $38.99
SAMSUNG DVD/CD Burner - $31.99
Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive - $104.99
CORSAIR 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 - $114.00
ASUS NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI Intel Motherboard - $114.99
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit - 109.99
Sony NEC 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM - $17.99
LIAN LI PC-61 Black Aluminum ATX Computer Case - 109.99
Intel E8400 Wolfdale
How does this look? I'm a bit over my budget. Any recommendations on what I could possibly change? ($1200-$1300 budget).
SAMSUNG 906BW Black-Silver 19" - $229.99
Antec earthwatts 430W Power Supply - $69.99
Logitech X-230 Speaker System - $38.99
SAMSUNG DVD/CD Burner - $31.99
Western Digital 500GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive - $104.99
CORSAIR 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 - $114.00
ASUS NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI Intel Motherboard - $114.99
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit - 109.99
Sony NEC 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM - $17.99
LIAN LI PC-61 Black Aluminum ATX Computer Case - 109.99
Intel E8400 Wolfdale
How does this look? I'm a bit over my budget. Any recommendations on what I could possibly change? ($1200-$1300 budget).
Scottlarock
Banned
:lol I started turning over games to see when thiers were made.Borys said:
I bumped up the overclock of the card just a bit.
Ok here's hopefully my final order setup, to be placed later today:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 x2 5000+ - $100
MOBO: BIOSTAR TF560 - $80 ($70 after rebate)
Video: MSI GeForce 9600GT - $180
RAM: Corsair 2GB DDR2 800 - $53 ($28 after rebate)
Case: HEC ATX Tower - $60
Samsung DVD drive - $30
APEVA 20 pin PSU to 24 pin adapter - $4
The case I bought has a 585W PSU in it. Reading reviews, there are people with far more in their systems than I will have in mine that are using it with no problems. If anything happens I'll just pay up for a better PSU. Grand total with this setup is $519 after shipping, around $485 after rebates.
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 x2 5000+ - $100
MOBO: BIOSTAR TF560 - $80 ($70 after rebate)
Video: MSI GeForce 9600GT - $180
RAM: Corsair 2GB DDR2 800 - $53 ($28 after rebate)
Case: HEC ATX Tower - $60
Samsung DVD drive - $30
APEVA 20 pin PSU to 24 pin adapter - $4
The case I bought has a 585W PSU in it. Reading reviews, there are people with far more in their systems than I will have in mine that are using it with no problems. If anything happens I'll just pay up for a better PSU. Grand total with this setup is $519 after shipping, around $485 after rebates.
oo Kosma oo said:
Idk what either of those mean, I have never shopped for an LCD monitor before. How about this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236027
That's a pretty kick ass setup for the money. Good JobAndokuky said:
Andokuky said:
For just a bit more you can get one of the highest rated 22" monitors on Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094
Hey mates, I need some help...
I have a weird bug in all my 3d games, so I guess it must be my videocard.
Check out these images:
It's adding some weird geometry to my games, which causes severe framerate drops. I can play for 5 minutes with no problem, and then these start to pop up.
I tried updated drivers from nvidea and unofficial Omega drivers, both with no luck. I'm thinking it may be a hardware problem... (luckily, I think it is still under warranty)
Any help from Gaffers?
EDIT:
forgot to add my specs:
MSI P965NEO 775 Motherboard
Intel 4 D915+ 2.8 DualCore
DIMM DDR2 1024Mb 533
POV GF7600GS 256DD2
Additional request: can I play modern games with a 7600GS? I'm thinking of Bioshock, UE3 games... XB360 games, mostly (not trying to run Crysis).
I have a weird bug in all my 3d games, so I guess it must be my videocard.
Check out these images:
It's adding some weird geometry to my games, which causes severe framerate drops. I can play for 5 minutes with no problem, and then these start to pop up.
I tried updated drivers from nvidea and unofficial Omega drivers, both with no luck. I'm thinking it may be a hardware problem... (luckily, I think it is still under warranty)
Any help from Gaffers?
EDIT:
forgot to add my specs:
MSI P965NEO 775 Motherboard
Intel 4 D915+ 2.8 DualCore
DIMM DDR2 1024Mb 533
POV GF7600GS 256DD2
Additional request: can I play modern games with a 7600GS? I'm thinking of Bioshock, UE3 games... XB360 games, mostly (not trying to run Crysis).
I'm building a computer mostly for video editing. I'll be using 32 bit for now, so I'm wondering:
Should I buy 3 gb or 4 gb ram?
I've heard I only get out max 0.3 gb of the fourth stick, but I'm mostly thinking about Dual Channel. I'm not completely sure how it works, but shouldn't 1.3 gb in Dual Channel work better than 1 gb without DC?
Can I have the first two sticks in DC, and have the third without DC? Or does all sticks have to be in DC?
I guess I could buy 2x1gb and 2x512mb, but as DC doesn't give THAT big boost it just seems like a waste of money.
Have you checked the temperature? Overheated graphics cards can show that, I think.
Should I buy 3 gb or 4 gb ram?
I've heard I only get out max 0.3 gb of the fourth stick, but I'm mostly thinking about Dual Channel. I'm not completely sure how it works, but shouldn't 1.3 gb in Dual Channel work better than 1 gb without DC?
Can I have the first two sticks in DC, and have the third without DC? Or does all sticks have to be in DC?
I guess I could buy 2x1gb and 2x512mb, but as DC doesn't give THAT big boost it just seems like a waste of money.
RJT said:
Have you checked the temperature? Overheated graphics cards can show that, I think.
Thanks guys. I don't think I'm overclokcing it (my brother built the PC, so I'm not sure), so I'll check with the store.
The stupid thing is, I bought the PC more than one year ago and it always had this problem, but since I haven't played too much I didn't even try to solve it. Since 2 year warranties are mandatory for computer equipment, maybe I can still get a new card. It would be great if I could update to an 8800 or 9600 with a big discount. One can hope...
The stupid thing is, I bought the PC more than one year ago and it always had this problem, but since I haven't played too much I didn't even try to solve it. Since 2 year warranties are mandatory for computer equipment, maybe I can still get a new card. It would be great if I could update to an 8800 or 9600 with a big discount. One can hope...
llaannccee
Member
You could use rivatuner to set the fan at a higher % or underclock the card a few mhz
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163
DangerStepp
Member
This thread is amazing and just what I've been looking for. Mad props to the OP.
I'm planning on buying a new pc as soon as the Q9450 hit the stores. I wanted a good price/performance pc and one not as loud as the one I got now (it's like a vacuum cleaner >_> ). I'm mainly use it for gaming and a bit of 3d design (SolidWorks):
- HP W2207 TFT screen
- Intel Q9450
- Artic Cooling Freezer 7 (CPU cooler)
- GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB-ram
- Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 + 120 mm Nexus Real Silent (VGA cooler)
- Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3/4
- 2 x 2 Gig RAM (OCZ or Kingston ValuaRam)
- Antec Solo Case (with one 120 mm and one 92 mm both from Nexus)
- Corsair CMPSU-520HXEU (Power Supply)
- Logitech X-540 (sound system)
- Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic (Sound Card)
- 300 GB Samsung HDD
- Logitech G15 Keyboard
- Logitech MX518
- Windows Vista 64 bit
So anything I forgot? Anything anyone would do differently? Any tips etc?
- HP W2207 TFT screen
- Intel Q9450
- Artic Cooling Freezer 7 (CPU cooler)
- GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB-ram
- Arctic Cooling Accelero S1 + 120 mm Nexus Real Silent (VGA cooler)
- Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3/4
- 2 x 2 Gig RAM (OCZ or Kingston ValuaRam)
- Antec Solo Case (with one 120 mm and one 92 mm both from Nexus)
- Corsair CMPSU-520HXEU (Power Supply)
- Logitech X-540 (sound system)
- Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic (Sound Card)
- 300 GB Samsung HDD
- Logitech G15 Keyboard
- Logitech MX518
- Windows Vista 64 bit
So anything I forgot? Anything anyone would do differently? Any tips etc?
They are always going to tight, that is just the way it is. As long as you don't get one that is MicroATX only, you should be able to fit everything. You just need to be crafty with your wiring.dallow_bg said:
Here's one that I used with no issues:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163055
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113044
I bought this and a nice 19" monitor for $870. Really nice deal. FEAR auto detected my settings and everything was pretty much maxed out and it was smooooooth. Pretty amazing considering when I played through it on my laptop it was a low-res choppy slideshow.
My prob is I want to take the ATI Radeon HD 2400XT out and put a 8800gt in. I don't know if the PCI slots in this system meet the requirements for the 8800gt. 8800gt needs PCI-E x16 2.0 My system has PCI-E x16, not sure if it has the 2.0 part.
Basically I know jack shit about PCI slots, just know how to dump the card in. Can someone take a look at the link and tell me if my mobo meets the requirements for the 8800gt?
I bought this and a nice 19" monitor for $870. Really nice deal. FEAR auto detected my settings and everything was pretty much maxed out and it was smooooooth. Pretty amazing considering when I played through it on my laptop it was a low-res choppy slideshow.
My prob is I want to take the ATI Radeon HD 2400XT out and put a 8800gt in. I don't know if the PCI slots in this system meet the requirements for the 8800gt. 8800gt needs PCI-E x16 2.0 My system has PCI-E x16, not sure if it has the 2.0 part.
Basically I know jack shit about PCI slots, just know how to dump the card in. Can someone take a look at the link and tell me if my mobo meets the requirements for the 8800gt?
Insertia said:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113044
I bought this and a nice 19" monitor for $870. Really nice deal. FEAR auto detected my settings and everything was pretty much maxed out and it was smooooooth. Pretty amazing considering when I played through it on my laptop it was a low-res choppy slideshow.
My prob is I want to take the ATI Radeon HD 2400XT out and put a 8800gt in. I don't know if the PCI slots in this system meet the requirements for the 8800gt. 8800gt needs PCI-E x16 2.0 My system has PCI-E x16, not sure if it has the 2.0 part.
Basically I know jack shit about PCI slots, just know how to dump the card in. Can someone take a look at the link and tell me if my mobo meets the requirements for the 8800gt?
According to that page, you should be fine. It only has one PCI-E x16 slot so you'd just pop one card out and put in the 8800GT. I don't see the power supply ratings on the specs for that machine but you should be fine, given that it's powering a Phenom and a 2400XT currently. For the record, PCI-E 2.0 video cards are backwards compatible.
NovemberMike
Member
Insertia said:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113044
I bought this and a nice 19" monitor for $870. Really nice deal. FEAR auto detected my settings and everything was pretty much maxed out and it was smooooooth. Pretty amazing considering when I played through it on my laptop it was a low-res choppy slideshow.
My prob is I want to take the ATI Radeon HD 2400XT out and put a 8800gt in. I don't know if the PCI slots in this system meet the requirements for the 8800gt. 8800gt needs PCI-E x16 2.0 My system has PCI-E x16, not sure if it has the 2.0 part.
Basically I know jack shit about PCI slots, just know how to dump the card in. Can someone take a look at the link and tell me if my mobo meets the requirements for the 8800gt?
pcie-2.0 is backwards compatible with pcie1.1, so there shouldn't be a problem. The only problem would be if the MoBo doesn't support it, which most should.
As of right now, pcie-2.0 means all of jack shit for performance.
mr stroke
Member
SRG01 said:
the screen is AMAZING........it has a really high gloss to the screen which makes the contrast pop out at you.I looked for weeks at BB and Frys and couldn't find anything else that looked as clean and vibrant. For a cheaper TN pannel its about as good as you can find in that price range(as long as you like the high gloss screen)
SRG01 said:
As above:
It is one of the best/the best 22' TN panels. The colors are way better then of the popular Samsung C/BW227 series. Also they don't use three different panels, like Samsung, so you don't end up with a bad screen
. For me it is also a plus that you can adjust the hight, because I'm almost 2 meters
.As far as I know it DOES have 1:1 pixal mapping btw.
I btw choose a soundcard, because I think sound is important for games and I like music (AudioSurf ftw
), and it provides better quality then the one on the motherboard.Hitmeneer said:As above:
It is one of the best/the best 22' TN panels. The colors are way better then of the popular Samsung C/BW227 series. Also they don't use three different panels, like Samsung, so you don't end up with a bad screen
For me it is also a plus that you can adjust the hight, because I'm almost 2 meters
As far as I know it DOES have 1:1 pixal mapping btw.
I btw choose a soundcard, because I think sound is important for games and I like music (AudioSurf ftw
Are there any HP panels with both DVI and HDMI? Would it be preferrable to the Gateway HD2200? (which has both DVI and HDMI, and 1:1 pixel mapping, but supposedly poor color)