PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Francisco]

After using my mom's shitty malware/adware/virus infected computer over the holiday, I decided to build her a new PC. Seeing her system specs (forget them all, but the processor sucked, HP store bought PC, 1 GB RAM, 150 GB HD)... thing took like 5 minutes to boot... I got it down to 2-3, but it's still really slow.

Not too worried on the parts as she doesn't do anything other than Facebook, YouTube, some web design and type up documents. Still, the system struggles with one window of YouTube open. No need for excessive video/sound cards though.

Thinking of going with a standard MB/Processor, 8 GB RAM, a SSD for Windows, and a 1 TB hard drive for everything else. Nothing to crazy, but something a gazillion times better than what she is running.

Questions:

1: Where/how would I set it up so that while Windows is installed on the SSD, downloads, documents, program files, etc, will be saved to the HD by default? (i.e. she could only save to the SSD if she actually went out of the way to do it).

2: How much of a SSD would be needed for Windows 7 (Windows 8 is probably too different for her), without ever having to worry about it filling up?

3: She's terrible about running virus scans, and probably too trustworthy/naive when it comes to clicking on stupid bullshit on Facebook. What's the best software setup where I can pre-schedule virus/spyware scans to run routinely, automatic updates, and that will tell her to GTFO of (or simply block her from) malicious websites? Doesn't need to be free software, but reasonable in price. I don't want like a $250 antivirus program or anything.

4: Basically I want to have it all set and ready to go when she gets it, Windows fully updated, super secure, any kinks, driver issues, etc, all ironed out - so additional advice is welcome too.

[Senji]

For non tech parents; I get them a 250gb ssd and call it a day. Unless they are storing home video, they won't ever use it up.

[Obiron]

Same advice as Senji. Unless you see your mom's current 150GB running out, a 256GB SSD should be more than enough.

As for AV, I've found Microsoft Security Essentials to be sufficient. Just schedule regular scans and set Windows to auto update so it will always have the latest definitions (as well as other security updates). It may also be worth a shot, I've gotten my mom to do the unexpected. She learned to run a Malwarebytes scan about once a month. Between the two, she's kept her PC surprisingly problem-free.

[Hellfury]

After using my mom's shitty malware/adware/virus infected computer over the holiday, I decided to build her a new PC. Seeing her system specs (forget them all, but the processor sucked, HP store bought PC, 1 GB RAM, 150 GB HD)... thing took like 5 minutes to boot... I got it down to 2-3, but it's still really slow.

Not too worried on the parts as she doesn't do anything other than Facebook, YouTube, some web design and type up documents. Still, the system struggles with one window of YouTube open. No need for excessive video/sound cards though.

Thinking of going with a standard MB/Processor, 8 GB RAM, a SSD for Windows, and a 1 TB hard drive for everything else. Nothing to crazy, but something a gazillion times better than what she is running.

Questions:

1: Where/how would I set it up so that while Windows is installed on the SSD, downloads, documents, program files, etc, will be saved to the HD by default? (i.e. she could only save to the SSD if she actually went out of the way to do it).

If you want to tinker with it, you can just right click the "Documents" "music" etc. and choose properties. One of the tabs (not sure how to translate, the computer I'm sitting on right now is in Norwegian) will be called something like "Location" (or the rough equivalent) and should let you decide where the folder should be located.

2: How much of a SSD would be needed for Windows 7 (Windows 8 is probably too different for her), without ever having to worry about it filling up?

Going to agree with the rest on the 256 GB SSD, by far the easiest path. Unless she's a packrat downloading everything and storing tonnes of photos/videos/music etc. this should let you skip the secondary hdd anyway. But 128GB is enough for Windows, Office and the basics.

3: She's terrible about running virus scans, and probably too trustworthy/naive when it comes to clicking on stupid bullshit on Facebook. What's the best software setup where I can pre-schedule virus/spyware scans to run routinely, automatic updates, and that will tell her to GTFO of (or simply block her from) malicious websites? Doesn't need to be free software, but reasonable in price. I don't want like a $250 antivirus program or anything.

Most AV software comes with routine scans and automatic updates. Avast is free and easy.

4: Basically I want to have it all set and ready to go when she gets it, Windows fully updated, super secure, any kinks, driver issues, etc, all ironed out - so additional advice is welcome too.

Also: install teamviewer (or similar) right away with the option to initiate remote support remotely (or at least put a shortcut on the desktop), save yourself a lot of grief later.

Give her Firefox with adblock. (And if you have a certain idea what kind of sites she's likely to visit, install NoScript and preconfigure some filters, not sure where good premade filters can be gotten though).

[Karbuncle]

I guess its kinda PC Build advice... But does anyone know a good, cheapish (30$ or less?) brand of External Laptop Fans.

I.E the ones you sit in your lap under your laptop. I have a decent sized Asus Laptop(18in~?) that just gets too warm when I play XIV to keep in on my lap ._.

[Enedin]

Before you do that, check the fans and vents for dust. Dust blocks airflow and removing that keeps your PC cooler. I used a can of compressed to clean the fans with a straw.

After that, I always kept my laptop back elevated, usually under a VCR since we have loads of those lying around. My last one was Aladdin. Now I have a desktop that blows great.

For heavy performance stuff I used an external table wind fan - plenty of noise but it was a great go-to solution. I could have looked into those pads but you get used to the noise.

Anyway, I would first draw a schematic of the air flow and fan positions on your laptop as you'll want an active laptop cooler that works with your laptop. Also removing your battery helps keep the temperature down.

[Senji]

Gotta figure out if you just want a thing to lift the laptop up so the vents aren't choked off, a cheapy pad for $30, or a "gaming" pad that will double or triple the airflow for double the money.

[Oreth]

New Egg seem to have a special on at the moment for this GTX 970 4GB - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product..._-14125684-L0A

Iv currently got that Gigabyte GTX 770 4GB OC edition. Not sure if i would be better served putting in another GTX 770 (Likely the 2GB version if im able) or if i should go with the GTX 970?

Never SLI before but looking to go with what would be best! As a side note im currently running 1 x QNIX Q2710 at 2560 x 1440p at 120hz. Cheers

[Jojimbo]

SLI'ing a 2GB 770 would mean you only have access to 2GB vRAM, wasting half your 4GB 770 so I would recommend against that if gaming at 1440p, and whatever deal they had seems to have ended but this 970 or this one are still on offer.

What CPU/MB/PSU are you using atm? Not every game scales well/at all regardless of the config so SLI might be a waste. However if you are in desperate need of an upgrade then I would say a 970 is the way to go unless you can get a cheap 4GB 770, SLI would be faster but a single GPU is more reliable and you may be able to get a good price for your 770 if you sell it. Otherwise wait for new AMD GPUs, even if you don't want to go with them they might end up effecting nVidia's lineup.

[Zeb]

Going to build a new computer come Taxmas. Think there will be a decent price drop on GPUs or can I start picking one out now?

[Buffy]

Going to build a new computer come Taxmas. Think there will be a decent price drop on GPUs or can I start picking one out now?

You should be safe buying now. They used to coincide new releases with shortly before the holidays, but I'm not sure when the last chipset was released. For the longest time though, new gpus were released in October/November.

[Mabubeezareel]

Additionally, the GTX 970 series have been selling like hotcakes ever since their release, which means it's not likely to see a price-drop from Nvidia on any of their current gen GPUs until AMD releases their next gen cards.

[Kalmado]

I'm having a hard time deciding if I should sell my 770 2gb to upgrade since purchasing the 1440p monitor that's on it's way. 970s float around $300 depending on what promo deal is going on. Factor in selling the game that comes with it for say $30. The cheapest I've seen a 970 was $287, but that did not come with a game. On the other hand, a R9 290x can be found for cheaper at times. I was mainly considering it and purchasing at Amazon because I have about $80 in credit to use. Decisions decisions.

[Oreth]

SLI'ing a 2GB 770 would mean you only have access to 2GB vRAM, wasting half your 4GB 770 so I would recommend against that if gaming at 1440p, and whatever deal they had seems to have ended but this 970 or this one are still on offer.

What CPU/MB/PSU are you using atm? Not every game scales well/at all regardless of the config so SLI might be a waste. However if you are in desperate need of an upgrade then I would say a 970 is the way to go unless you can get a cheap 4GB 770, SLI would be faster but a single GPU is more reliable and you may be able to get a good price for your 770 if you sell it. Otherwise wait for new AMD GPUs, even if you don't want to go with them they might end up effecting nVidia's lineup.

Didnt realise that sorry. Good to know so as you say i will have to lean towards the GTX 770 4GB to get the best of both. Below is a breakdown of my system as it currently is.



When are we expecting the new AMD lineup? Was AMD for years and changed this time around to Nvidia and think they are ahead at present!

[Krandor]

Fwiw you definitely don't need a PSU that big. I'd down scale to a smaller number and use the cash to beef up your GPU.

Aside, for no reason other then fuck it decided to change up my computer a bit. Got a CM Nepton 240 and a Corsair 380t case otw.

[Oreth]

I already own this system. Its built and running on it atm. I got a large PSU as i had planned at some stage to move to 2 GPUs. Just not sure if i should do that now with dual GTX 770s or moved away to the 9 series and then put two of them in after a year or so

[Krandor]

Oh, well nvm then.

[Krandor]

Corsair 380t case otw.

Nope nope nope.

I'm sure it's actually something I ended up doing, but the built in fan controller (which uses a Sata power input) appears to have fried my storage HDD along with killing itself after the first power up. Thank God for refunds and cheap Seagate controller boards, though my desktop is kind of useless atm without the drive.

[Eldelphia]

Can someone give me some advice on a decent (but not crazy) motherboard for a new build? I'm building something on a medium/small budget with an i5 4460. I've been looking around for budget MBs with good reviews and found this

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asro...rd-z97extreme4

Anyone recommend anything else or does that look like a good choice?

[Kalmado]

Can someone give me some advice on a decent (but not crazy) motherboard for a new build? I'm building something on a medium/small budget with an i5 4460. I've been looking around for budget MBs with good reviews and found this

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asro...rd-z97extreme4

Anyone recommend anything else or does that look like a good choice?

If the main goal is to keep cost down (since you're on a med/sm budget) and you have a locked cpu, I think there are many choices out there for a lot less. Unless that is, you plan to upgrade in the future and would like the motherboard to be able to sli/xfire, hi speed ram, etc. Since your cpu is locked I would go with whatever is going to give you the best bang for your buck. For instance, check out this board: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/giga...oard-gaz87xsli. £64.17 but has almost the exact same features as that Asrock board you linked and for darn near half the price!