PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Jojimbo]

Like a G15 or G110 keyboard? MB shouldn't have anything to do with compatibility, what's happening exactly? And are you using latest driver + 64 bit OS because there was an issue with it when I tried that caused the program to crash (have to use legacy drivers, although I prefer them anyway), or are you not even getting that far.

[Overburn]

I would go with the 6850, they seem about the same from a review I'm reading (and that's 6850 vs 460 OC), but 6850 is newer and probably runs cooler.

And you shouldn't have to upgrade a 920 for quite a while (should last year+ easily if OCed), especially if you aren't using top end GPUs.

If you can find the right 6950, it can be upgraded to a 6970 with a simple BIOS flash. I think the Sapphire works for it, but it might be only certain ones of those (1 vs 2 GB)/

[richardd]

I would go with the 6850, they seem about the same from a review I'm reading (and that's 6850 vs 460 OC), but 6850 is newer and probably runs cooler.

And you shouldn't have to upgrade a 920 for quite a while (should last year+ easily if OCed), especially if you aren't using top end GPUs.

hey, thanks! i guess i'll just go with the i7 for now. to be honest, i've never OC'd it, but i've been meaning to and bought this cooler for it awhile back.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

but i think the one Ramor posted a page before would've sufficed, lol.

If you can find the right 6950, it can be upgraded to a 6970 with a simple BIOS flash. I think the Sapphire works for it, but it might be only certain ones of those (1 vs 2 GB)/

yeah, i've heard about this, too. i was under the impression they've addressed the issue, yet still support it. i wonder if it can work with the 6850. if not, i'll shop around and compare prices with the 6950's

[Caylene]

Like a G15 or G110 keyboard? MB shouldn't have anything to do with compatibility, what's happening exactly? And are you using latest driver + 64 bit OS because there was an issue with it when I tried that caused the program to crash (have to use legacy drivers, although I prefer them anyway), or are you not even getting that far.

It's the G110- I have read that other people have had to disable things in the BIOS (that I couldn't even find options for in mine, something to do with USB disabling?), or turn off UAC, etc. etc. etc.

I'm frustrated because it *should* work but doesn't...

[Airenn]

Bout to build a new computer and while I can't go too overboard, I was thinking of the eight core AMD's.


Anyone have experience with them? Specifically the AMD FX-8120? First module, the second is 8150, I think and more expensive.

Then I know 16 gigs of ram is overkill but there's a fairly cheap deal for a corsair pack that I was going to pick up.

THoughts?

[Arkanna]

I'd stay away from Bulldozer (AMD FX). It's a reasonably decent CPU but it really needs a big multi-threaded load to shine, and isn't that great for gaming. The i5-2500k will take you further for about the same amount of money, or you can wait for Ivy Bridge. Sandy Bridge E is turning out to be not worth the money, also.

[Mikelee0351]

I just dropped a AMD Phenom 2 x6 1090t in my new build, and I have to say that it's the shit. Great processor for the money 3.2Ghz 6 core.

Also, stupid Thailand and their stupid flood. The harddrive I wanted to buy went up 250% in price and then out of stock. Now I'm stuck using the one out of my old build /vent

[Airenn]

I'd stay away from Bulldozer (AMD FX). It's a reasonably decent CPU but it really needs a big multi-threaded load to shine, and isn't that great for gaming. The i5-2500k will take you further for about the same amount of money, or you can wait for Ivy Bridge. Sandy Bridge E is turning out to be not worth the money, also.

I'm computer literate, but not that literate so I don't understand what multi-threaded load means. I just saw more and figured it's better?

Also, I'm looking to spend about $500 for these parts:

CPU
Ram
Mobo
Case

I have a video card I will be using for the time being. I also have a 650W power supply. Which I think is enough.

[Arkanna]

I'm computer literate, but not that literate so I don't understand what multi-threaded load means. I just saw more and figured it's better?

Also, I'm looking to spend about $500 for these parts:

CPU
Ram
Mobo
Case

I have a video card I will be using for the time being. I also have a 650W power supply. Which I think is enough.

A "thread" is a process that runs on a single core. In the past, apps have traditionally been single-threaded, which means they do not make efficient use of multi-core CPU's. More recently, a lot of apps have shifted toward multi-threaded operation (this happens during development), and can make better use of multiple cores. However, two things: while a good many apps can now take advantage of two to four cores, not many can take advantage of six/eight; and games generally are not very capable of taking advantage of multiple cores. Apps like video encoders and professional development tools are most prone to performing well on multiple cores. So, in summary, if you're not presenting a heavy multi-threaded load on an AMD FX CPU, it won't perform as well as it would on a CPU like the Sandy Bridge Core i7 (which has a lesser number of cores, but much higher IPC [instructions per clock]).

CPU: Core i5 2500k. $214.99. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072
RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 (4 x 4GB). $79.99. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233197
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z68 LGA1155. $104.99. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128520
Case: Antec Nine Hundred. $99.99. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Exactly $500. The case has a $20 discount code atm. If the case doesn't fit your tastes, there's plenty of others you can grab for $100. The RAM doesn't have crazy-low timings or anything, but it will work fine. Also, your 650W PSU will be enough now, but later down the road, you may need something more depending on what you do in the video card department. Lastly, the 2500k CPU comes with an Intel retail heatsink/fan which is enough to run it at stock clocks or slightly overclocked, but if you plan to go for a high overclock, you'll need to pick out a nice heatsink/fan unit to replace the stock one (both the CPU and motherboard can handle overclocking).

[Airenn]

I grabbed that case yesterday actually.

And, as sad as it is, the PC I am running now is in the same case. It's dirty tho and I'm extremely picky. Also, at one point it got coke spilled into it and eh. It was on sale for 20 less and a 10 mir so I grabbed another one.
The ram was ones I was looking at, actually.

And I was looking at a cheaper mobo but that was designed for AMD so yea.

So basically I'd like a multi-core processor that deals with higher IPC instead of a processor that just has ALL OF THE cores but has a lower IPC?

[Arkanna]

So basically I'd like a multi-core processor that deals with higher IPC instead of a processor that just has ALL OF THE cores but has a lower IPC?

If you're a gamer primarily, yes. You'll get more for your money with an i5-2500k. If you're into content development or video editing, then it's up in the air really; higher IPC cores will work harder individually, but more cores will also work harder than less cores. The Sandy Bridge architecture is very, very good and it takes very favorable circumstances for AMD FX to keep up, especially once you factor in overclocking.

[Airenn]

How about the AMD Phenom II X6
Specifically this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103913

I am working with an Intel now, and while I like it and think it's better for handling multiple processes, I'd like to go back to an AMD -- I think.

[Arkanna]

Oh, one more thing: here's an enlightening AMD FX performance review for you to check out. http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/...rmance_review/

[Fairy-Killer]

AMD has always been the bang for your buck core until the 2500k came out. They tried to compete with the 2500k with the Bulldozer but lost in the bang for your buck department. And the core just doesn't... Perform as well as you would expect for an 8 core. So, it's not always about looking at the cores and thinking more is better, you have to think about the underlying code and everything associated with the CPU. As a consumer, both will fit your needs more than likely; however, what's the best for the price? 2500k by a mile.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/artic...PU-Review/1402

Can't find the link to the other one... One moment...

[Arkanna]

There's nothing wrong with Phenom II, though it'd probably be silly to take that over an AMD FX, unless you're saving money on the Phenom II setup. I have a quad-core Phenom II mini-box that I use as a dedicated Minecraft server, and it takes almost three times as long to render my Tectonicus map than my overclocked i7-2600k box.

[Mikelee0351]

So, I just put my build together today, and while I'm messing around I see;

Spoiler: show

This is what I put in there;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231428

Does that mean that my RAM is running at 1/2 speed? If so, how can i fix that shit?

[Fairy-Killer]

Oh no, absolutely nothing wrong with Phenom II, Intel just pulled ahead with Sandy Bridge. I'd drop the $60~ from the X6 1100T to the 2500k easily, though.

[Arkanna]

No, DDR memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edge of a clock cycle. Half-frequency displayed in those types of apps is normal, just double it and you're getting your 1600+ rated speeds.

[Fairy-Killer]

I believe that is right because it is dual channel. (Correct me if I'm wrong here.)

[Airenn]

ALl right, well while I round up the funds I'll mull it over and do more research.

Thanks a bunch for learning me some info.