PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Jojimbo]

Big air are cheaper, quieter (than H100) and perform roughly the same, although there is a reason for the 'big' part. H100 use liquid, but it's not water and as their perform is the same as air coolers rather than true water cooling they are typically refereed to as enclosed loops (or liquid cooling at best).

Additional fans in cases depends on the case and setup in question, mid range cases often include enough fans for single GPU (recommend having a side fan for dual cards), high end typically have everything you need and low end often need additional fans. There are actually very few Full ATX cases that get highly recommended (and aren't really expensive), most are ATX mid because that's all 90% of people need (ATX full towers are only really needed for water cooling, tons and tons or HDDs or EATX MBs)

Fractal Design Define XL Black Pearl, Full ATX with 10 3.5" bays, acoustic dampening and good build quality, not the best at cooling (due to the dampening), could do with some more intake fans imo
NZXT Switch 810 Black / Gunmetal, often recommended case (can handle full water loop), isn't too flashy but does have quite a bit of plastic
Bitfenix Shinobi XL, seen it mentioned a few times, sleek looks but don't know how good it is

All cases have filters on the intake fans, there are other options that have filtered intakes and good airflow for atx mid but not sure how much of an upgrade they'll be.

Dual cards will run hotter and use more power with some games show microstuttering and compatibility issues (new games don't scale well until profiles are released, some games never scale well and some don't at all and never will)

Logitech make very good stuff as well, always hear about high good their CS is. They have their own recently released mechanical gaming keyboard (nearly forgot about it actually, haven't read much about it) and MMO mouse, although their normal mice are often highly recommended. Their normal keyboards like the G110 have pretty good features as well.

[Oreth]

Cheers for the detailed post. Some decent looking cases there. Maybe i have the wrong idea on the Full ATX front then, probably because the case i had before this one was an Antec P180 which was large, clunky and heavy but it was very easy to use, clean and keep dust free. This Antec DF-10 i have i find terrible and it really doesn't look like there is lots of room. Do you use Midi Tower yourself?

A problem i seem to have is in my room i collect alot of dust (coverted garage) and with the current case it just gets inside far too easy. Maybe its a lack of filters and that was a good think about the P180.

If going with a Miditower i think id opt for the H100 just to save space. Ill start looking at that GFX you suggested as i think id prefer to just have the one GFX so thanks for the info about profiles etc. Sounds too messy for my liking.

I think ill go with the G700 and the G110 after doing some research online. Iv always been with Logitech no reason to change now to be honest and ill make use of that 40% off voucher i have.

[Oreth]

So thinking im going to go with the following.

Case - Coolermaster HAF X Tower

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653

CPU Cooler - Corsair H100

http://www.corsair.com/hydro-series-...pu-cooler.html

GFX - ?? Gonna stay away from SLI / Crossfire and stick with one decent card.

Mouse - Logitech G700

http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/product/7244?crid=349

Keyboard - G510

http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/product/7246?crid=825

Thoughts on the above for upgrades to my existing pieces would be good to hear. Id like to hear about a good stand alone GFX card. Should I stay with ATI or move to Nvidea?

[Fairy-Killer]

I can attest to the Phanteks big air cooler. I can't even hear it with my ear against it and the top of the metal never gets hot. It doesn't run quite as cold as the H100, but it's pretty damn close.

Also, used the G110 and it's a decent keyboard, no complaints. I just recently upgraded to a mechanical and would never go back to a rubber dome.

[Oreth]

What is the big difference between the two? Is it just responsivness

[Isiolia]

What is the big difference between the two? Is it just responsivness

Here's a guide. (keyboard list may not be up to date and/or complete)

To a point, it might depend on what you mean by responsiveness. If you're thinking people are just raving about them because ZOMG keys register a thousandth of a second faster and that matters for my gaming, then no, it's not that. If referring to the generally better feel, then sure. They're a more precise mechanism that take less effort to actuate. It's not the only reason to like them, but it's enough for most people (doubly so since you can look for a mechanical with the switch type you prefer, if not choose between options). Once you're acclimated to one, going back to a membrane keyboard actually feels like it takes effort.

Most of the other reasons to prefer one, I would say, are either fairly niche, or are the result of most mechanicals simply being higher end products as a result of being more expensive to build in the first place. It's easier to work in better made key caps when it's for a $120 product and not a $20 one, for example.

[Caiyuo]

Oreth, if you're still considering cases these guys did a review of the Fractal Design Define R4 that they seemed to really like. Seems more or less like a wider mid-tower version of the FD Define XL case Jojimbo linked above so the points might apply to both cases: http://teksyndicate.com/reviews/2012...fine-r4-review

[Siya]

Thinking of maybe upgrading my CPU, just got a 7950 and a little bummed I see my i7 930 killing possible fps in GW2 (among other games). Just kinda curious if upgrading it would be really worthwhile. I see my GF pushing better frames with a 2500k and 570 GTX both @ stock, than me (specifically in gw2). I know I'll need a new mobo as well (also kinda lost at picking one out). Possible 300-400 range.

Full specs are

i7 930 @ 4ghz (Hyper 212 Evo cooler)
6gb DDR3 1600
Asrock x58 Extreme
7950 @ stock (can't seem to OC it at all, will crash even with 100mhz increase and artifacting in some games lol gonna RMA it soon)
7200rpm 1TB HDD

[bori]

In the same boat here. My video card is getting old (5850 at stock), and in need of an upgrade. I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading to 7950 now, or should I wait for the 2013 batch of 8000's? With Farcry 3 now out, and Crysis 3 coming soon, I want to make sure I can get solid FPS on high settings at least. My budget is about 350-450. Current specs:

i7-2600k @ 3.4 Ghz
16 GB DDR3 1600
5850 @ stock
dual vertex 2 in raid 0, secondary 640gb 7200 rpm

I'm checking out anandtech now to see how much of a difference it is performance-wise, between those 2 cards.

Thanks a bunch!

[Prothescar]

Thinking about grabbing this for OS/general officy programs that have nothing to do with leisure, this for a few games, and this for storage (currently I'm using a shitty green brand-i-dont-remember 1.5TB and I don't even use 75% of it, I won't need more than 1TB with the 180GB SSD holding most of my installed games). Anything I should know about defects in any of these before making the leap? Anything better I could do for around the same price/slightly more? (not looking to spend a fortune on hard drives)

[TacoTaru]

Think I know the answer to this already, but mom is in need of a new computer. When it was new in 2004 it was pretty crappy and by today's standards it's just plain awful. She basically needs it to do the very basic of things like email, Facebook, browser games, and watch DVDs. Is there any reason to buy parts for something like this or am I better off buying a pre-built? If it's the latter (which I think it is) does anyone have any suggestions on cheap pre-built PCs?

[hey]

You can usually save a bit of money of money by building it yourself. It's probably not worth the effort though if you're buying bottom tier.

[Caiyuo]

I think the difference in savings is much smaller with low-budget builds, but depending on the vendor and if you'd be fixing any problems with it, the warranty from something like Dell might be worth it to you. Otherwise there are some very good budget options between the really cheap intel dual-cores that go for like $40~ and the AMD APUs. I was able to do a mATX system for an Aunt last year for all of about $230.

[Isiolia]

I think the difference in savings is much smaller with low-budget builds, but depending on the vendor and if you'd be fixing any problems with it, the warranty from something like Dell might be worth it to you.

This. I look at it more from the standpoint of what (if anything) you can do better for the same money. A $300-400 system, for example, will usually mean picking cheap components that probably aren't much different than what Dell or HP work into a similarly priced system. Especially if you're buying a legit Windows license, input devices, and so on.
It could be worth it if you have an angle - for example, including a better PSU than Dell would for someone who may want to drop a discrete card in for gaming. Otherwise, not really, especially if it gets you off the hook for some of the support.


As for suggestions... I've had good results with Dell at work with regard to service. Their hardware itself doesn't tend to impress me, but they've been easier to get things fixed than others. HP desktops aren't terrible, my dad hasn't had problems buying those (without consulting me) for several machines now.

'course, if your mom is the type inclined to click on things she shouldn't, the price premium to get a Mac Mini might be worth it.

[Fhloston]

So glad I read this thread and found PC part picker. That site is God's gift to man. Anywho, trying to build a nice PC for the wife on a budget. She doesn't really game hardcore and only plays Aion. 3 year old game so I don't feel like I need to break the bank on super high end stuff here. Here's what I have so far, based on what had the most and best reviews and on price.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rUjK

[Oreth]

What is the big difference between the two? Is it just responsivness

Here's a guide. (keyboard list may not be up to date and/or complete)

To a point, it might depend on what you mean by responsiveness. If you're thinking people are just raving about them because ZOMG keys register a thousandth of a second faster and that matters for my gaming, then no, it's not that. If referring to the generally better feel, then sure. They're a more precise mechanism that take less effort to actuate. It's not the only reason to like them, but it's enough for most people (doubly so since you can look for a mechanical with the switch type you prefer, if not choose between options). Once you're acclimated to one, going back to a membrane keyboard actually feels like it takes effort.

Most of the other reasons to prefer one, I would say, are either fairly niche, or are the result of most mechanicals simply being higher end products as a result of being more expensive to build in the first place. It's easier to work in better made key caps when it's for a $120 product and not a $20 one, for example.

Thanks for the info. Interesting reading.. Think iv decided on the G510 for just overall usefulness and additional functions and lower cost but definately watch this type of keyboards in the future.

Oreth, if you're still considering cases these guys did a review of the Fractal Design Define R4 that they seemed to really like. Seems more or less like a wider mid-tower version of the FD Define XL case Jojimbo linked above so the points might apply to both cases: http://teksyndicate.com/reviews/2012...fine-r4-review

Cheers for that. I was considering getting this case but for whatever reason the price is rather high when compared to the HAF X over this side so im gonna opt for that. Larger overall but looks nice and gives plenty of options for the future.

Iv got my hands on a Corsair H60 for free brand new so Im thinking that will do fine for what i want, low general overclock nothing fancy.. Anyone got any complaints on that one? Dont think im gonna get all that much better performance out of a 7950 compared to what I have now so im gonna read up one some Nvidia cards and then take it from there. Maybe look at the 7970 if prices arent too high.

Cheers again!

[Oreth]

So just getting ready to make some final purchases and iv decided im going to get another storage HD just to have while im rebuilding.

I presume from what im reading that SATA600 drives will be backwards compatible with a SATAIII connection on the MOBO?

Do cables typically come with a new HD in the box or do you need to buy them seperately? Its been that long lol! And the it doesnt state if they do or not on this website

[hey]

Yes, sata is backwards/forwards compatible. And the cables are all exactly the same.

I don't believe most will include a sata cable, but some do. Motherboards do come with a few though for some reason, so if you've bought one, you should have some.

[Oreth]

Yes, sata is backwards/forwards compatible. And the cables are all exactly the same.

I don't believe most will include a sata cable, but some do. Motherboards do come with a few though for some reason, so if you've bought one, you should have some.

Cheers thanks for the reply going to order now so. Ill pick up some just incase as I dont have any extra parts from my MOBO

[Oreth]

Ok so on the GFX im about to press the fire button on this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814202001

Iv been reading online and it appears the 7970 is now out performing the Nvidia GTX680 due to recent drivers? Its cheaper and iv always been an ATI user. Stick to what i know. Unless anyone has any reccomendations against this Saphire card?

Luckily I have a friend coming back to Ireland from the US for christmas so he can bring it back. How quick can NewEgg typically ship stuff. Need it in New York by next Wednesday?