PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Ghost_Wheel22]

You could shave down the GPU to a cheaper 7000 or 6000 series. Already a pretty lean build and running out of corners to cut. Only sure way would be site sniping for deals and the waiting game.

[Senji]

Just buy from NCIX. Microcenter if you have one close. I wouldn't drop the GPU down with Tera, loose the SSD until you can get a 120 gb if anything.

[Kenshiin]

This is what I have currently selected on Newegg. It's going to be around $880 after the mail in rebate. How does it look?

If I can swing the extra money this is the SSD I was going to choose.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148442

If I pick up the GPU and Samsung HD off of amazon I can save myself another $24.

[Jojimbo]

I would get g.skill value RAM instead of corsair if you aren't making use of the rebate but it looks good.

[Xanthe]

Just a piece of advice for anyone spec'ing out new Intel systems, the new Ivy Bridge processors are supposed to be released next Monday (4/23) so you may want to hold off a bit. Even if you don't get an Ivy Bridge chip, Sandy Bridge should go down in price.

[Kenshiin]

@Jojimbo Thanks, I changed the RAM out to the cheaper G.Skill ones.

@Xanthe I probably will wait till next week to order with the hopes that I can put that savings toward a SSD. Probably a silly question but can you guesstimate what kind of price drop there might be?

[Jojimbo]

afaik Intel chips don't usually go down in price after new chips are out, they just eventually sell out. IB is also potentially worse (in terms of fully OCed performance) as every IB that's been seen has been having trouble OCing anywhere near SB, negating its 10-15% clock for clock perf boost. We won't know for certain until it's officially released in more countries though (some retailers have began selling it apparently, not in UK/US)

[Kenshiin]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Is this the same video card I selected above? I just want to make sure I have the right one.

http://www.dealigg.com/story-NewEgg-...om-coupon-code

Also, do you happen to see any better deals on this site than what I have selected?

I added some Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound to my list. Is that what I wanted? Are there any cables I would need?

[Senji]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Is this the same video card I selected above? I just want to make sure I have the right one.

http://www.dealigg.com/story-NewEgg-...om-coupon-code

Also, do you happen to see any better deals on this site than what I have selected?

I added some Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound to my list. Is that what I wanted? Are there any cables I would need?

Same card. Get MX-4 instead of silver 5. Check to see if you need extra fans with that case.

Some valid promo codes here: http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail...mepage-_-promo

NEWCUSTOMER10 is 10 off 50.

[Kenshiin]

Switched to the mx-4 and used the 15% off the PSU code since that NEWCUSTOMER10 code was invalid.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146078

It looks like it comes with 2 fans. How many do I need?

[Jojimbo]

I would get 1 or two fans, one for front and maybe one for side

[Koyangi]

Is XFX - Radeon HD 6750 1GB DDR3 PCI Express Graphics Card an upgrade to a 9800 GT 1024MB GDDR3?

[Jojimbo]

Won't be a massive difference but it'll offer better performance and use less power.

[Kenshiin]

Do any of these fans jump out at you as a good buy?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...qid=1334690949

[Jojimbo]

Noctua, Noiseblocker and Scythe make good fans iirc (+ some others I can't remember). Using Xigmatek fans atm which were a nice price/perf/loudness. Just don't trust what the manufacturer tells you it can do if it's really cheap

[Kenshiin]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

This is the one I picked, and with that I think I have everything I need.



The video card will come from amazon.

[Daruma]

Just curious if anyone here would be willing to scope out a DIY graphics rig...moreso for graphic applications like photoshop, sketchbook pro, sketchup, and some other light 3D work. My laptop works decent atm for these things but the video card is a pos that loves to do shitty things to me in the middle of designing/creating stuff. I am look at the range of between 500-700$ (dont need mouse or keyboard...but DO WANT nice monitor that is biggie sized). If can get something cheaper that still blazes trails im all for it. Again, I can put it together just havent had the time to properly research a new rig.

Thanks in advance.

[Arkanna]

A "nice monitor that is biggie sized" will consume your entire budget of $500-$700. You're also going to pay a price premium for any video card that is designed for professional graphics work. How serious are you about that?

[Jojimbo]

$500-700 budget in which you need a monitor and OS will be tight (especially if you want a good quality/IPS display), you could make one but it'll probably be using APUs instead of discrete GPU

[Daruma]

Well like i said im not looking to do any heavy 3d work. I wouldnt need anything on the end of a quadro or whatever they call em nowadays (im old) to get things done. Just a decent card that wont shit the bed for photoshop, sketchup, and sketchbook pro. If i could get away with it i would go $1500 but....meh would rather get the best bang for the buck rather than get top of the line materials. As far as monitors are concerned I was thinking in the range of 21-23", but since you mentioned IPS displays that would be nice too. But again its what I can get away with without sacrificing too much. My deal is that when I am actually making more money I can go apeshit on the parts. But until I get a job where I am doing this stuff professionally I dont think its worth blowing my wad just yet.

Now that I said that give me an estimated price you guys think would be more appropriate (ignore the 500-700 price tag for the moment).