PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Prothescar]

GTX 760 is pretty affordable and boasts great performance, though you can go higher if your budget allows; 760 is likely your limit in terms of no CPU bottleneck however. You shouldn't see a massive issue, but a CPU like that will tend to bottleneck modern GPUs at higher resolutions with detail settings turned up. I'm not extremely familiar with AMD CPUs, but you should be able to upgrade to a Piledriver CPU (FX6300, 8350, etc.) without having to change your motherboard or anything since I think they're both AM3+ sockets. If you're looking for under $300, just get the 760. If you're able to go $500 and up, go with a 770 or 780 (or R280/290 if you prefer AMD) and grab an FX8350 CPU to go with it. Would be looking at around $600~800 for that depending on which GPU you go for.


edit: o, 480w power supply. that'd be pretty maxed out with a 770/780, possibly 760, and you'd have to upgrade that too. That's another $80~100 if you want a long lasting PSU that can support SLI in the future, I have a 750w power supply laying around that's brand new in the box that we could talk about in PMs if you decided to go that route, too.

[Jojimbo]

480W is plenty for a single CPU+GPU, provided you don't run it with large OCs and that it is actually a decent 480W unit and not some overrated OEM pos. There should be a sticker on the PSU with the ampages on it, or a model number at least which will tell us about it.

Also do not put an FX-8350 into that MB, it is rated for 95W CPUs with amazing 3 Phase unheatsinked VRMs which at the best throttle the CPU and at the worst just die, hell I would be wary about using an FX-6300 with it. The 8 core CPU it is referring to is a 95W FX-8300, which may be an OEM only part as I can't see it on sale anyway except in pre-builts.

[Bilopdop]

Thanks for the advise guys!

Most of it makes no sense to me since I don't know much about computer parts, but the cards you mentioned are a lot better than what I expected I could put in this rig.

I don't have much cash to spend right now so I was just thinking of getting a GTX 660. Would that be a decent upgrade from the HD 6670? If there is a card with the same price range as the 660(~$200) with better performance that would be sweet. I was also hoping not to have to upgrade my PSU as well so if I don't have to even better. lol

[Jojimbo]

Are you able to see any stickers on the PSU if you take the side panel off? A model number or even a brand would be helpful in determining if you need to upgrade. 6670 to 660 is a large upgrade though, should be about 3 times faster. Another option would be a HD 7870, it's a bit faster than a 660 but can go for slightly less (however majority of them are out of stock now).

$150 PNY GTX 660, good price but reference cooler so it'll be louder than alternatives
$165 MSI GTX 660, cheapest non-reference cooler and will run quieter/cooler than the PNY
$160 Sapphire HD 7870, cheapest HD 7870 currently in stock (and non-ref), slightly faster than a 660.

[Bilopdop]

Looks like Solid Gear model: SGR-480

AC Input: 115V/230V 10/5A 50-60Hz

DC output: +3.3V +5V +12V -12V +5VSB

Max output current: 28A 36A 16A 1.0A 2.5A

Minimum current: 0.5A 0.5A 1.0A 0.0A 0.0A

I hope that helped. lol

[Jojimbo]

Do you mean SDGR-480? And are those ampage values in the correct order? 16A on the 12v rail = 192W, hardly solid and you would need to upgrade it if you get a new GPU. A Corsair CX500M should do the job, $40 after MIR so should (just) fit in the $~200 budget if you get one of the $160ish GPUs

[Bilopdop]

Sorry, yeah I meant SDGR-480.

I put the ampage values in the order they were on the PSU.

Thanks for the advice and recommendations, I think I will go with the 7870.

[Kalmado]

Speaking of PSU's, I'm heavily debating getting a new one for my gaming rig and sticking the current OCZ modXstream 600w 80plus in my HTPC I'm building. Currently running 3570k at 4.2 with a XFX Double D 7950 OC'd to 1030. I didn't pull the trigger on an awesome deal for a XFX psu over last week so I'm stuck with waiting. Best deal I've seen so far is a EVGA 600w 80+Bronze for $35 after rebates. I just don't know...

[Jojimbo]

EVGA units probably aren't much better, don't think the OEM for them is amazing.

[Kalmado]

I think I'm getting the EVGA 500w 80+bronze for $20 after rebates/coupons for the HTPC. On the product page it says the rebate goes until 12/31/13 so I'll wait and see if anything else pops up. Amazon has a $5 off $35 or more if you share something on facebook. I have a dummy fb account for stuff like that

Edit: I was considering the Corsair CX-430 80+bronze as it's also $25 AR, but there are a TON of reviews saying either short life or it arriving DOA. That's why I'm leaning more towards the EVGA as it has great reviews(although small sample size)and a 3 year warranty.

[Kalmado]

So I haven't paid any attention to bitcoins, but read about how AMD cards are the cards to use. For kicks I looked up my XFX Double D 7950 I bought last month and see it's selling used for over $300 on ebay. Very happy to sell this card and get a Nvidia! In today's market, what is a decent rate for a 760? Ending tomorrow, Newegg has an Asus 760 after promo code & rebate for $228. I figure I can sell the game package for $30 or so too. Is that a good deal?

Sidenote: I did end up getting an Antec 620 Neo Eco psu so I feel confident with just about anything I can throw at it!

[Melena]

Anyone have any recommendations for a mid or full size case? I won't be doing any modding, water cooling, and most likely not doing SLI. The main requirement is air flow. I have an apartment with no AC so summer months it can get hot in our place. Price wise I would like to keep it under a hundred bucks but would be willing to go a little over if it's an amazing case. This is pretty much the last component i'm trying to sort out so any help is appreciated.

[Prothescar]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119233

[Totien]

^ Cooler Master HAF 912 is a great case.

I found a Thermaltake Overseer refurb'd on the manufacturer website and I've been really happy with it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133213

Good airflow and better cable management options than the 912 imo.

[Jojimbo]

Corsair 200R is another option if you want a more plain looking case

[Melena]

Got some options now, thanks. I think I've pretty much got everything finalized, though I may have to change mobo's due to the one I'm looking at being out of stock everywhere. I'll make another post if it comes to that. Thanks again everyone. Now to wait for tax refund time.

[bluefan]

Too bad you didn't live in Canada. Boxing week sales has the Corsair Air 540 for $119CAD right now.

[Melena]

I'd be stuck till refund time anyways Bad timing of computer failing + wife going out on workmans comp costing us a couple hundred a month + all the time at work she missed before going on full disability till she has her surgery + vacation that was prepaid. Should be getting back at least a thousand though and I said i'll replace my TI550 if the rebate gets above 1500

[Judah R]

Question : I need to buy a wireless router, and I want to ask for your recommendations. I have a motorola cable modem http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825122015 and want to put wireless access in my house, mainly for the basement, modem is on main floor. I don't need anything to powerful or expensive, its a small house. Also, can I still keep my main PC hardwired into the router/cable modem too right?

[nasomi]

You don't need to go with a new modem, you can just pick up a wireless access point. Keep in mind if you get another router that has wireless ability, you would probably want to replace your existing router with it. YOu'd keep your main modem, just plug in the new router. YOu can still keep your pc hardwired, as well as anything else that is already hardwired.