PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Jojimbo]

Go with an i7, unless you're not running things like Lightwave or 3DS Max. I would be wary of the PSU as well. Your PSU is not where you want to be cutting corners.

PSU isn't bad, it's gotten good reviews by sites.

As for GPU I would go HD 7850 unless you need CUDA, then GTX 560 Ti or even GTX 670/wait for 660

[-Zer0-]

Thanks guys. I don't really do 3D for the moment. I used to dabble in ZBrush, Maya, and Max, but it'd be something like once a year if at all. I mainly just use Photoshop with tons of layers at 300 dpi for various projects. The GTX 560 Ti looks like a good step up from my choice.

[Cayos]

I'm considering upgrading some parts in my current build, and I've been out of the PC building game for 2 years, so I'm not really sure what to replace stuff with. Here's what I'm looking to replace:

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128089

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122

Heatsink:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103055


I'll probably just try and sell all of that, and then try and use it to buffer the cost of the new parts. Also, I have an EVGA GTX470 now, and I'd like to buy a second one to SLI with, so I can fully utilize my two monitors. What are the rules on SLI? Do I need the EXACT same graphics card to pair up with (as in brand, clock speed, etc.) or just the same model (GTX470)?


Suggestions?

[Senji]

Could keep the cooler unless you're looking for an extreme overclock.

Only have to be 2 model 470's. They will downclock to the settings of the lower one.

[Jojimbo]

I'll probably just try and sell all of that, and then try and use it to buffer the cost of the new parts. Also, I have an EVGA GTX470 now, and I'd like to buy a second one to SLI with, so I can fully utilize my two monitors. What are the rules on SLI? Do I need the EXACT same graphics card to pair up with (as in brand, clock speed, etc.) or just the same model (GTX470)?


Suggestions?

What do you mean by fully utilize two monitors? A single 400 nVidia card should be able to output to two monitors and you can't really do surround across only two either.

[Cayos]

What do you mean by fully utilize two monitors? A single 400 nVidia card should be able to output to two monitors and you can't really do surround across only two either.

You're right. When I get enough money I think I'm going to just buy another monitor, and also another graphics card.

[Elizara]

Ok, I don't know where this belongs. But because it has to do with a PC part I thought I'd ask it here.

I have a AMD 64 3400+ and I suspect the CPU fan is going out. (When I turn it on, it acts like a engine that doesn't want to catch; I can see that though the clear case but right now it will spin up after a while.) I know that's a old pc but any suggestions on a good CPU fan that is available? It is used as a low end gamer (FFXI, Oblivion,Knights of the Old Republic, etc.) and I'd like one that would last longer than 2 years. ^^

[Isiolia]

Ok, I don't know where this belongs. But because it has to do with a PC part I thought I'd ask it here.

I have a AMD 64 3400+ and I suspect the CPU fan is going out. (When I turn it on, it acts like a engine that doesn't want to catch; I can see that though the clear case but right now it will spin up after a while.) I know that's a old pc but any suggestions on a good CPU fan that is available? It is used as a low end gamer (FFXI, Oblivion,Knights of the Old Republic, etc.) and I'd like one that would last longer than 2 years. ^^

Should be a Socket 754 CPU, correct? You've still got options out there for that. Freezer Pro 7 from Arctic Cooling or this from Cooler Master, for examples. Also want to buy thermal compound, like Arctic Silver.

[Elizara]

Yes it's a socket 754 (I just checked with a program since we've long lost the manuals to the motherboard; it still runs but I think overheat is the root of my problems lately) Thanks. I'll make sure my brother (who does the pc maint in the house) gets some Arctic Silver from Radio Shack. ^^ We proly will order a fan tonight, I figure we got time.

[Kenshiin]

Looking to build another PC with your help, this time it's for my business partner. He's looking for just a standard PC with very little gaming in mind. He was interested in possibly doing a dedicated video card if it meant he could play his flight simulator with it. His biggest goal is to be able to have a sturdy machine that he can tap into from something like GoToMyPC on his Ipad.

Budget: around $500-600

-SSD is not needed and a 750gb HD would be plenty for him
-no overclocking planned
-blueray player/ CD DVD burner
-doesn't need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse

Can you help me select what would be best for him?

[Caiyuo]

Would adding a graphics card later be something they're comfortable with? He could try getting by on Intel's integrated graphics that got a boost recently then adding something later if it doesn't cut it. And does anyone think this is a good idea?

[Kenshiin]

It's something that I could always go back and install for him if we did skip out on the video card. If you think the integrated graphics could handle what a $100-150 video card would be able to then we should probably just skip the video card for now. The budget can probably get closer to $600 if necessary.

[hey]

If he's not gamimg, ivy bridge's integrated graphics will be plenty. And i'm going to go ahead and recommend an ssd anyway. It's well within his budget, and really does make a huge difference.

[Kenshiin]

I want to avoid the SSD because I don't want to have to explain to the guy how to save shit not on the SSD.

[Buffy]

How is this starter kit?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...11918&csid=_22

I think I like it, it has lots of room to upgrade. I actually wouldn't use the PSU, I have a 1k one sitting in a box on my shelf, I'd use that one as a backup.

Video card recommendations? If I could keep the card under $250, while allowing for a 2nd to be added soon, that would be swell.

Computer will be used for FFXI (multiple instances), FFXIV, CIV V, and general web browsing.

edit: for example, this video card? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...186&CatId=7387

Most important is it is something I can add a second card to down the road.

[Jojimbo]

Just for gaming? If you already have a PSU then this would work, uses 3rd gen core CPU, has heatsink so you can OC, non-ref GPU (quieter/cooler), better HDD (faster, 5 yr warranty vs 1 yr) and the RAM OCs very well but you could just get cheaper 1333Mhz RAM. An i5 is all you need if this is a gaming rig but if you run CPU intensive programs then you could get an i7. The build costs less than the bundle if you leave out the GPU. You need to add $100 for the OS as well (in both builds/bundles) unless you already have it or can get it cheaper elsewhere.

[Kenshiin]

Which i3 or i5 do I want to get if I don't want to overclock?

[Intrinsic]

Which i3 or i5 do I want to get if I don't want to overclock?

How much do you want to spend?

$115 i3-2120
$185 i5-2400
$200 i5-2500k

[Intrinsic]

Which i3 or i5 do I want to get if I don't want to overclock?

How much do you want to spend?

$115 i3-2120
$185 i5-2400
$200 i5-2500k

[Intrinsic]

There are also other options available if you want to get into Ivy bridge.