PC Build Advice/Review Thread

**Patb** · 2012-01-20 04:44

So I've been using a macbook to game on since the first aluminium ones came out. Played ffxi on it decently and WoW on low now. Its been running hotter and hotter and slowing down a lot lately, so I figure its time to get something new. I really want a desktop, and I'd like to build my own. I know pretty much nothing about the actual hardware side of computers. What I do know, is that I only need a tower, I have 2, 27" monitors, mice, kb, speakers, all that normal stuff. And I have about 800-1000 to spend. I would like the posibility of being able to stream my gameplay, but its not the biggest deal to me. This computer will only be used for gaming. Oh, and I already have windows 7. I'm not too sure what else to say, other than if theres any good resources for first time builders.

Thanks BG.

**Jojimbo** · 2012-01-20 19:53

Something like

Spoiler: show

should work, could upgrade case/GPU if you wanted to spend more, especially if you already have a HDD to use.

**Qeomash** · 2012-01-20 21:22

As my old tube TV is starting to fail, I'm considering replacing it with an internal TV tuner card in my PC. Anyone have any experience with such thing? The primary use for it would be the composite in (yellow RCA) for older gaming systems (already use my monitors for HDMI capable systems) and the (very) occasional standard cable TV. Not really looking to record much, but would like it to be possible.

I was looking at either this, this, or maaaybe this.

Or are external tuners a better option?

**Arkanna** · 2012-01-20 23:10

Originally Posted by Qeomash

As my old tube TV is starting to fail, I'm considering replacing it with an internal TV tuner card in my PC. Anyone have any experience with such thing? The primary use for it would be the composite in (yellow RCA) for older gaming systems (already use my monitors for HDMI capable systems) and the (very) occasional standard cable TV. Not really looking to record much, but would like it to be possible.

I was looking at either this, this, or maaaybe this.

Or are external tuners a better option?

If you have a cable box on your old TV, be prepared: nothing short of the CableCARD tuners from Ceton will replace a cable box. If you're fine receiving absolutely basic cable on your computer, any of those tuners you linked should be fine.

**Noobta** · 2012-01-24 22:47

Trying to build a PC that can handle SWTOR/TERA/upcoming games..etc on high with little to no problems.

What I'm currently thinking of buying:

Spoiler: show

Total price is $650ish, $580~ after rebates. Was aiming to spend around $500 after rebates so it seems okay. Any suggestions?

morpheus305 · 2012-01-30 21:09

noobta go with the i5-2500k, its got unlocked multiplier and overclocks very well.

**Arkanna** · 2012-01-30 22:12

Originally Posted by morpheus305

noobta go with the i5-2500k, its got unlocked multiplier and overclocks very well.

He'd need a different motherboard if he intends to overclock a 2500k.

**Caiyuo** · 2012-01-30 22:50

So, god only knows if I've already talked about or mentioned this multiple times in the past, but I'm looking for a fairly bare-bones computer for my aunt since her's shit the bed a few months ago. Essentially I'm looking for the cheapest option that will reliably run windows 7 and let her browse the internet and like, play bejeweled as that is the extent. What platforms should I be looking at that ar affordable that also won't be so old or prohibitive that in the future if something needs to be replaced or upgraded she isn't shelling out $100+ because it's incredibly niche or scarce. I'd love to fill an entire case with about $200-250 without going so cheap it's a crapshoot as to whether or not it's dependable. i3 seems a bit over that mark, but what do y'all think?

**Senji** · 2012-01-31 00:23

Originally Posted by Caiyuo

So, god only knows if I've already talked about or mentioned this multiple times in the past, but I'm looking for a fairly bare-bones computer for my aunt since her's shit the bed a few months ago. Essentially I'm looking for the cheapest option that will reliably run windows 7 and let her browse the internet and like, play bejeweled as that is the extent. What platforms should I be looking at that ar affordable that also won't be so old or prohibitive that in the future if something needs to be replaced or upgraded she isn't shelling out $100+ because it's incredibly niche or scarce. I'd love to fill an entire case with about $200-250 without going so cheap it's a crapshoot as to whether or not it's dependable. i3 seems a bit over that mark, but what do y'all think?

Intel has a dual core 1155 chip w/ integrated graphics for about $50.

**Caiyuo** · 2012-02-03 21:57

Originally Posted by Senji

Intel has a dual core 1155 chip w/ integrated graphics for about $50.

Were you talking about the Celeron G530? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116409

Was worried something like that might be too low-end but from Passmark's bench it seemed to outperform the AMD A4-3300, at least in processing.

**lathia** · 2012-02-06 15:05

So a motherfucking tornado ruined some of my PC hardware.

Was using this monitor. Unfortunately it's completely wrecked. I bought it Nov 13, 2010 and right after work, I'm about to find out what can ASUS's warranty do for me (yeah not holding my breath).

In the mean time, any recommendations on what to get as replacement.

**Caiyuo** · 2012-02-06 15:13

Okay, so, I have 2 $200~ systems here, one based on Celeron G530 and the other on Pentium G620. Looking to find which would ultimately be better, with the Celeron dual-core leaving a little room for better parts elsewhere. So far they share everything and are listed for everything the person needs that I can't pull from elsewhere. Case listed comes with power supply but would need one if another was suggested. This is purely a facebook + club penguin kind of a deal for a family member lol. Any suggestions are welcome, and let's say a hard cap of $215, not counting shipping since I can probably get around that:

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($50.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Biostar H61MGC Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($17.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Rosewill R103A ATX Mid Tower Case w/350W Power Supply ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH22NS90B DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $184.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-06 15:12 EST-0500)

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G620 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar H61MGC Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($17.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Rosewill R103A ATX Mid Tower Case w/350W Power Supply ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH22NS90B DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $203.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-06 15:15 EST-0500)

**Senji** · 2012-02-06 15:14

Originally Posted by Caiyuo

Were you talking about the Celeron G530? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116409

Was worried something like that might be too low-end but from Passmark's bench it seemed to outperform the AMD A4-3300, at least in processing.

Thats it.

Originally Posted by lathia

So a motherfucking tornado ruined some of my PC hardware.

Was using this monitor. Unfortunately it's completely wrecked. I bought it Nov 13, 2010 and right after work, I'm about to find out what can ASUS's warranty do for me (yeah not holding my breath).

In the mean time, any recommendations on what to get as replacement.

Newegg has newer versions of basically the same thing on sale for 130~150 all the time.

**Senji** · 2012-02-06 16:04

Originally Posted by Caiyuo

Okay, so, I have 2 $200~ systems here, one based on Celeron G530 and the other on Pentium G620. Looking to find which would ultimately be better, with the Celeron dual-core leaving a little room for better parts elsewhere. So far they share everything and are listed for everything the person needs that I can't pull from elsewhere. Case listed comes with power supply but would need one if another was suggested. This is purely a facebook + club penguin kind of a deal for a family member lol. Any suggestions are welcome, and let's say a hard cap of $215, not counting shipping since I can probably get around that:

The 530 and save the $20, or upgrade the MB. Would they want hdmi? Biostar = Ewwww

**Caiyuo** · 2012-02-06 16:20

Originally Posted by Senji

The 530 and save the $20, or upgrade the MB. Would they want hdmi? Biostar = Ewwww

I don't think HDMI is a concern, but I chose something with DVI as well just in case. Any suggestions on brand?

**Senji** · 2012-02-06 16:34

Just getting a DVI port and not requiring bios flashes is pretty tight at that price point, just stick with that one.

**Caiyuo** · 2012-02-06 16:35

I am noticing that as I poke around, lol. thanks for the help.

**lathia** · 2012-02-06 16:49

Originally Posted by Senji

Thats it.

Newegg has newer versions of basically the same thing on sale for 130~150 all the time.

24" and by ASUS?

Damn they went down quite a bit. Stupid work won't let me search Newegg.

**lathia** · 2012-02-07 12:23

Hmm... this, or this. May as well cough up $10 extra for another inch.

Anyone having issues with LEDs? Will be used mostly for gaming.

**Senji** · 2012-02-07 12:47

2nd one

just missed this one.

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