[Hazaro]

Silly question: is it better to place a graphics card at the top of the motherboard - near the CPU heatsink (case upright) or at the bottom? At the top, the card's fans have more room to blow out air, but it's much closer to the CPU heatsink. This is opposed to placing it on the bottom PCI slot where there's less room between the card and the PSU for air to circulate about.

Usually on most boards the 16x slot is the top one so most cards get put there.

Got my PC up and running, pics soon, need to work on the wire management.

Good stuff

[cramcakes]

I'm building a pc for my sis soon. Looking at these components for light to medium gaming machine (reusing hard drive):

SAPPHIRE 100315L Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL

GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

AMD FX-4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor FD4100WMGUSBX

I'm considering getting the 6850 for myself and letting her have my 4870 to save her some money, since she plays way less games than me.

[Hazaro]

Intel 2100 will go a lot farther for light-med gaming and have a nice upgrade option. 4100 just isn't on the same level for clock speed.
Great deal on the 6850

[cramcakes]

Intel 2100 will go a lot farther for light-med gaming. 4100 just isn't on the same level for speed and the cores aren't used in such a way it works like a real quad on Win 7. Great deal on the 6850

I did a ton of looking around for the processor. I settled on that one since it was between these two price-wise and had good speed, even if it's an "on-paper" number with the current bulldozers.

AMD Phenom II X4 960T Zosma 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HD96ZTWFGRBOX

AMD Athlon II X3 455 Rana 3.3GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX455WFGMBOX

Think one of these would do better than that 4100 on a price/performance level?

[Wolf Akela]

I don't see why you'd go with AMD considering you're also getting a motherboard. Unless you're gonna overclock, i3 beats the 960 in most benchmarks (even 4 thread ones). i3 performs even better for software that has 2 threads because of how much faster it is per clock cycle.

I personally wouldn't get anything that handles less than 4 threads now. It's quickly becoming the norm.

[IcyRhythms]

Are you getting these frames online or in SP?

MP

[longdi]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1xav839yr384n

Crucial SSD now is $1 for 1gb!
I duno why Crucial is dumping their SSD, but $130 for 128gb...gotta grab em fast!

[dehydratedbabies]

Okay, so here's what this thread helped me produce (shitty iPhone pics ahead):





That's about the best I could do with cable management inside this case. I wish I could turn the hard drives around to hide those cables but the case prevents me from doing so. At least this way it's easy to remove drives if I need to.

Specs:

NEW
Case: Lian Li LanCool K58W ($49.99)
Motherboard: ASRock P67 Extreme 4 Gen 3 ($149.99)
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit ($99.99)
CPU: i7 2600k ($299.25)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212+ ($22.51)
RAM: 8GB G.Skill Low Profile 1600 ($49.99)
PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 850W ($104.74)
SSD: Intel 320 120GB SSD ($169.99)
Storage: 2x 3TB Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA3 for RAID1 ($347.26)
Optical: 24x Lite-On Lightscribe DVD drive ($22.99)
Sound Card: Asus Xonar DG ($17.60)

TOTAL: $1,332.30

REUSED
GPU: GTS 250
Storage: 640GB Western Digital Caviar Blue 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
Backup: HP 1TB Personal Media Drive
Monitor: Asus 24'' LED (VS248H-P)
Speakers: M-Audio AV 40

Those prices are what I paid after all of the discounts, mail-in rebates, and Amazon credits. It's more than I initially intended to spend, but I decided to splurge on some of the components (i7 instead of i5, two 3TB drives instead of two 1-2TB drives, a larger SSD) so that I won't want to upgrade for at least 2-3 years (hopefully).

I intend to add two 140mm fans to the top of the case (any suggestions?) and I might add 8GB more RAM just because I can. Once the GTX 670 Ti is released next month it will replace that GTS 250 (so add $350-$450 to my total) and then I will be completely upgraded.

For my first build everything went pretty well. Taking apart my pre-built HP Pavilion Elite m9500t to retrieve the GPU and hard drive was a massive pain in the ass and took forever (shout out to this video from ColtsFan895 which demonstrates what a pain in the ass it was and without which it would've taken me even longer). That was definitely the hardest part, and once I finally had everything out I was worried that I'd broken something during the disassembly.

Putting the new stuff together was much easier. Installing the Hyper 212+ took me the longest because I'd already screwed the motherboard to the case before attaching the cooler's backplate so I had to do it over again. Even though I knew what to expect when installing the CPU and RAM I still winced at the noises I heard as I applied the necessary force. The mess of PSU cables was intimidating until I figured out which ones were for what and that I didn't need half of them (in the future I will definitely go modular). The case (Lancool K58W) is great and its almost completely tool-less design made installing the PSU, PCI cards, and optical/hard drives really easy.

After everything was installed it wouldn't boot and I was ready to cry, but the problem ended up being that the case's power switch (not the connector) was somehow out of place and I simply needed to remove the front and top panels and move it into place. I had to replace my PSU which was functional but was making some bad noises. I also had a hard time getting the two 3TB drive set up with RAID1, but I eventually figured that out.

Anyway, I'm very happy with what I've built. 30 second boots thanks to the SSD are invaluable. A huge thank you to Darkatomz for convincing me that I'd notice a difference between the Xonar DG and my onboard audio. Holy shit do I notice a difference. My AV 40s sound amazing now. In Battlefield 3 it sounds like I'm actually standing on a battlefield. I'm also very happy with Windows 7 compared to Vista. I like the way libraries work (if there was something similar in Vista I didn't know about it) and it's nice that (at least so far) it seems to be remember my folder settings.

When I was reading about RAID while trying to set up RAID1 I took to heart the adage that "RAID is not backup" so now in addition to RAID1 on my two 3TB drives I have my 1TB external drive being used as a location for Windows Backup. I'm not completely safe but it's a lot better than the backup I had going before (none).

I originally intended to simply upgrade my GTS 250 but that turned into all of this. I've learned a lot along the way and this thread has been extremely valuable to me. Thanks a lot to everyone who contributes to it and to Hazaro and whoever else helps with the OP. It's truly a great resource.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1xav839yr384n Crucial SSD now is $1 for 1gb! I duno why Crucial is dumping their SSD, but $130 for 128gb...gotta grab em fast!

Hot damn, I was waiting for the 64GB to drop so I can get one for my mother's PC. $65! Thanks.

[InsaneLuchador]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1xav839yr384n Crucial SSD now is $1 for 1gb! I duno why Crucial is dumping their SSD, but $130 for 128gb...gotta grab em fast!

Thanks! 64 gb is $30 less than yesterday. Picked one up.

[Gunmonkey36]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1xav839yr384n Crucial SSD now is $1 for 1gb! I duno why Crucial is dumping their SSD, but $130 for 128gb...gotta grab em fast!

It's time.

[Corky]

So what's the general procedure when it comes to new nvidia launches?

Reference design first - how much longer until 3rd party manufacturers release their own gear? E.g the msi twin frozr or asus direct cu cards.

[longdi]

i would rush for the 128gb one, not just because of the extra space but larger ssd is faster ssd!

[longdi]

A few pages ago I think there were some recommendations given for good case fans but I can't find them. I'm looking to get two 140mm fans for the top of my Lancool K58W and I'd like them to be as silent as possible (air flow is already pretty good so I'm just adding them because I can). I'm assuming that if I just choose from Newegg's best rated low noise level fans that I'll get something good but does anyone have any suggestions?

thermalright ty140 or ty150. they are the best.
if you are looking for them as intake, silverstone ap141 is ok for focus airflow but ty140 is better quality.

[TheExodu5]

So what's the general procedure when it comes to new nvidia launches? Reference design first - how much longer until 3rd party manufacturers release their own gear? E.g the msi twin frozr or asus direct cu cards.

Usually around 2 months.

[Corky]

Usually around 2 months.

Fuck me :( that's an eternity.

[tycoonheart]

I have a 128gb M4 in my PC right now. Tempted to buy 1 more and Raid 0 'em.

[1-D_FTW]

Anyway, I'm very happy with what I've built. 30 second boots thanks to the SSD are invaluable. A huge thank you to Darkatomz for convincing me that I'd notice a difference between the Xonar DG and my onboard audio. Holy shit do I notice a difference. My AV 40s sound amazing now. In Battlefield 3 it sounds like I'm actually standing on a battlefield. I'm also very happy with Windows 7 compared to Vista. I like the way libraries work (if there was something similar in Vista I didn't know about it) and it's nice that (at least so far) it seems to be remember my folder settings. When I was reading about RAID while trying to set up RAID1 I took to heart the adage that "RAID is not backup" so now in addition to RAID1 on my two 3TB drives I have my 1TB external drive being used as a location for Windows Backup. I'm not completely safe but it's a lot better than the backup I had going before (none). I originally intended to simply upgrade my GTS 250 but that turned into all of this. I've learned a lot along the way and this thread has been extremely valuable to me. Thanks a lot to everyone who contributes to it and to Hazaro and whoever else helps with the OP. It's truly a great resource. Hot damn, I was waiting for the 64GB to drop so I can get one for my mother's PC. $65! Thanks.

Doesn't really sound much quicker than my 7200RPM HD. XP took around 20 seconds and Windows 7 is 30 - 35 (from memory, I don't reboot often since going to sleep only uses a couple watts and awakens in like 3 seconds).

[IceCold]

Help me choose a HDD guys. It's between these two: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=67463 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=63468

Anyone?

[dehydratedbabies]

thermalright ty140 or ty150. they are the best. if you are looking for them as intake, silverstone ap141 is ok for focus airflow but ty140 is better quality.

The TY-140 sounds good, but is there any reason why this CoolerMaster R4-S4S-10AK-GP would be a significantly worse choice? The CFM is less but it has a lower dBA, and it's half the price.

Doesn't really sound much quicker than my 7200RPM HD. XP took around 20 seconds and Windows 7 is 30 - 35 (from memory, I don't reboot often since going to sleep only uses a couple watts and awakens in like 3 seconds).

It's definitely 20-30 seconds faster than Vista booted on my 7200 RPM Caviar Blue. I'm not sure if there's anything I can do to improve the boot speed, but keep in mind the SSD (Intel 320) is SATA2, so that could be a factor. I'm eyeing those those $130 M4s and thinking about switching Windows to one and then using the Intel exclusively for games, but I'm not sure if the SATA3 speed increase will be worth it.

I don't like sleep mode, for some reason.

Anyone?

The Caviar Green has a bigger cache, get that one.

[MikeE21286]

It's time.

I jumped on the 256gb one



Question: I'll want to move my existing Win 7 install over to the new SSD when it comes in.

Are these the correct steps I should take (saw it posted on Overclockers.net from a pretty well respected member there)?

1. Use windows 7 backup program first, save the iso to my blank m4 ssd
Guide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...ge-backup.html

2. Run the system restore. (this will "restore" (aka clone) the image to my M4 SSD whilst leaving my existing windows 7 untouched. I will have 2 windows 7 partition now)
Guide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...-recovery.html

3. Then go to bios and select M4 SSD as boot drive


--- I really want to avoid installing everything all over again.

[jcutner]

Hey folks

Question on lower end (cheaper) video cards.
My dad's computer has an 8800GT which seems to be dying - artifacting, etc.

I see on the build list, the cheapest GPU recommended is the 550Ti - are there any cards you would recommend that would be a good upgrade over the 8800GT but still remaining relatively cheap?

No high intensity games are being played on the machine or anything like that.

[scogoth]

Silly question: is it better to place a graphics card at the top of the motherboard - near the CPU heatsink (case upright) or at the bottom? At the top, the card's fans have more room to blow out air, but it's much closer to the CPU heatsink. This is opposed to placing it on the bottom PCI slot where there's less room between the card and the PSU for air to circulate about.

Always top, the PCIe slots lower down are usually 8x speeds and sometimes 4x instead of 16x for slot one.

[mug]

Hey folks Question on lower end (cheaper) video cards. My dad's computer has an 8800GT which seems to be dying - artifacting, etc. I see on the build list, the cheapest GPU recommended is the 550Ti - are there any cards you would recommend that would be a good upgrade over the 8800GT but still remaining relatively cheap? No high intensity games are being played on the machine or anything like that.

Depends on the power supply really but I'd recommend a GTX 460 if you can get your hands on one. They're usually around the same price as the 550ti and quite a bit faster.

[jcutner]

Depends on the power supply really but I'd recommend a GTX 460 if you can get your hands on one. They're usually around the same price as the 550ti and quite a bit faster.

It's an older machine, I want to say it's an e6400 - but the PSU should be sufficient. I have a GTX 460 in my gaming machine right now - I wonder if I could source another one...

[ParityBit]

So I have been hearing a little about the Ivy Bridge. Is this something worth waiting for?

[mkenyon]

Anyone?

TBH, they're both terrible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1xav839yr384n Crucial SSD now is $1 for 1gb! I duno why Crucial is dumping their SSD, but $130 for 128gb...gotta grab em fast!

Hope my wife doesn't know how much 4 SSDs in a newegg box cost.

ok it looks like my old video card supports that. I was looking at monitors a week ago and disgusted that newegg canada seemed to have none of the good ones.

Do note that DVI-D is not Dual Link. DVI-D stands for DVI-Digital Only.

[irishcow]

I picked up a Crucial 128gb. I can't wait to see what the SSD excitement is all about!

[scogoth]

Lot of questions about DVI and 120Hz for reference heres all the DVI connection types


DVI-I = DVI integrated, supports both DVI and VGA output via adapter
DVI-D = DVI Digital, only support DVI output. Will not work with VGA adapter
DVI-A = Analog, only supports VGA output through adapter

Single-Link = 1920x1200 at 60Hz max
Dual-Link = 2560x1600 at 60Hz or 1920x1200 at 120Hz (as a general guideline, the actually limitations are complicated)

*A single link cable will work with a dual link port but a dual link cable WILL NOT work with a single link port.
*A dual link cable and port are required for 120Hz.

[Hazaro]

Anyone?

Gut would say Seagate, but I haven't relooked into the Green head parking issues.
I'd also recommend you grab the 1TB Samsung F3 if possible.

Question: I'll want to move my existing Win 7 install over to the new SSD when it comes in. Are these the correct steps I should take (saw it posted on Overclockers.net from a pretty well respected member there)? 1. Use windows 7 backup program first, save the iso to my blank m4 ssd Guide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...ge-backup.html 2. Run the system restore. (this will "restore" (aka clone) the image to my M4 SSD whilst leaving my existing windows 7 untouched. I will have 2 windows 7 partition now) Guide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...-recovery.html 3. Then go to bios and select M4 SSD as boot drive --- I really want to avoid installing everything all over again.

I skimmed, didn't know Windows could do that. I'd probably get some free cloning or backup software instead. Can you actually restore a backup from your SSD to your SSD? Doesn't sound right.

I'd just clone HDD to SSD straight and see if it works.

Hey folks Question on lower end (cheaper) video cards. My dad's computer has an 8800GT which seems to be dying - artifacting, etc. I see on the build list, the cheapest GPU recommended is the 550Ti - are there any cards you would recommend that would be a good upgrade over the 8800GT but still remaining relatively cheap? No high intensity games are being played on the machine or anything like that.

If there's no gaming involved then I'd get a 210 or something
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-P...dp/B004KABG22/

The TY-140 sounds good, but is there any reason why this CoolerMaster R4-S4S-10AK-GP would be a significantly worse choice? The CFM is less but it has a lower dBA, and it's half the price.

Sleeve bearing vs MetalLiquidMagnetBearingBRANDNAME. Not sure how much of an actual impact there is in noise, but one should last longer and make less noise.
Fan specs in general are horribly wrong or inaccurate. I've been very pleased with my Scythe Kama's, insanely quiet.

[mkenyon]

Forgot to mention, Corsair silently released unisleeved kits for their PSUs. Whole kits available for the AX, and then PCI-E/SATA/Molex available for the HX/TX-M. Here's hoping for a Corsair branded Seasonic Platinum soon. To give you guys an idea, prior to this, paying someone like Psychosleeve would be about $500 for a whole PSU. Quality is a bit better with Psycosleeve, plus you're limited on colors with Corsair. At 1/5 the price though, it's a killer deal.

[scogoth]

Forgot to mention, Corsair silently released unisleeved kits for their PSUs. Whole kits available for the AX, and then PCI-E/SATA/Molex available for the HX/TX-M. Here's hoping for a Corsair branded Seasonic Platinum soon. To give you guys an idea, prior to this, paying someone like Psychosleeve would be about $500 for a whole PSU. Quality is a bit better with Psycosleeve, plus you're limited on colors with Corsair. At 1/5 the price though, it's a killer deal.

My question is why isnt this standard on all premium PSUs

[longdi]

The TY-140 sounds good, but is there any reason why this CoolerMaster R4-S4S-10AK-GP would be a significantly worse choice? The CFM is less but it has a lower dBA, and it's half the price.

build quality and silence mainly. and also ty140 allows your motherboard bios to automate the speed with temps because it is pwm
i owed a box of coolermaster fans such as the link, they make more noise for the amount of air pushed. needless to say i dumped them to my auntie low end pc hidden under her table.

[mkenyon]

My question is why isnt this standard on all premium PSUs

Would they all be black? White? What if the person wants Red?

It's a ridiculously time intensive process. This system is better in that it's not added cost up front, but an option.

[scogoth]

Would they all be black? White? What if the person wants Red? It's a ridiculously time intensive process. This system is better in that it's not added cost up front, but an option.

Then no cables with the PSU and buy them in the color you want.

[Hazaro]

Then no cables with the PSU and buy them in the color you want.

Too many SKUs, or you'd have to directly order them from Corsair. Doubt it's worth the trouble.

[ParityBit]

So I have been hearing a little about the Ivy Bridge. Is this something worth waiting for?

Anyone have info on this? I heard it will be available in April. Just wondering if I should plan around that

[mkenyon]

Then no cables with the PSU and buy them in the color you want.

Would still inflate the cost quite a bit. The $100 isn't for the wires and connectors, it's for labor.

Anyone have info on this? I heard it will be available in April. Just wondering if I should plan around that

Info in the OP. But, about a 15% bump in performance. Also *might* be pushed to June.

[Hazaro]

Anyone have info on this? I heard it will be available in April. Just wondering if I should plan around that

1-3 months, probably 10-15% speed boost, oc boost unknown, uses less power.
Nothing gamechanging probably unless they OC to 5.0Ghz average via magic of tri-gate.

Info in the OP. But, about a 15% bump in performance. Also *might* be pushed to June.

I had to even look for it.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/dis..._Partners.html

[tycoonheart]

God damnit, 80 bucks, really Corsair? Still tempted to buy it.

[jcutner]

If there's no gaming involved then I'd get a 210 or something http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-P...dp/B004KABG22/

There may be a small bit of gaming, would the GT520 be worthwhile to look at? It's only $20~ more it seems.

[ParityBit]

I had to even look for it. http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/dis..._Partners.html

Thanks for the link. They say 25% boost? Hrm. Will probably be way over priced would be my guess if it's a new release.

[mkenyon]

God damnit, 80 bucks, really Corsair? Still tempted to buy it.

Like I was saying, it's a steal. Unless they have some sort of magic system, this is like a 20 hour process even for people who are pros at it.

I had to even look for it. http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/dis..._Partners.html

Edit the link to make "Ctrl-f ivy" work.

[Khorino]

Guys, since I can't create a thread and it's somehow related to a PC, do any of you know a great remote control for a slide presentation? For both Windows and Mac. It would be better if I could buy it from Amazon!

Thanks!

[Hazaro]

There may be a small bit of gaming, would the GT520 be worthwhile to look at? It's only $20~ more it seems.

'some gaming' is relative. What would be acceptable res/frames/settings?
This 6770 is stupid cheap after rebate. Ignore the reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125396

Thanks for the link. They say 25% boost? Hrm. Will probably be way over priced would be my guess if it's a new release.

10-15% If there's a 16% CPU boost in FUTUREMARK it sure as hell should be lower in practice. That's my guess.

[Sethos]

Guys, since I can't create a thread and it's somehow related to a PC, do any of you know a great remote control for a slide presentation? For both Windows and Mac. It would be better if I could buy it from Amazon! Thanks!

Something like http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/mice-p...e/devices/cube ?

[MikeE21286]

I skimmed, didn't know Windows could do that. I'd probably get some free cloning or backup software instead. Can you actually restore a backup from your SSD to your SSD? Doesn't sound right. I'd just clone HDD to SSD straight and see if it works.

What I'm looking into right now, and what I'll probably try, is a software called EaseUS todo backup. It's free, which is nice, and seems to be recommended often.


There's also a couple other alternatives out there (I'll list them for anyone interested):
- Clonezilla
- Paragon Migrate OS to SSD (costs $19.99)
- Acronis Home 2010/11 (requires a free(?) "Plus Pack" to do the migration)


EaseUS seems simple enough though, so that's what I'm going to try first. If it works I'll be extremely delighted!

[dehydratedbabies]

build quality and silence mainly. and also ty140 allows your motherboard bios to automate the speed with temps because it is pwm i owed a box of coolermaster fans such as the link, they make more noise for the amount of air pushed. needless to say i dumped them to my auntie low end pc hidden under her table.

Thanks, I just ordered two TY-140s from FrozenCPU.

And FYI the 64GB and 128GB Crucial M4s are already sold out on Newegg.

[Hazaro]

Anyone verify? I don't recall Sweclockers being a bad source.

http://en.expreview.com/2012/02/29/i...lay/21487.html

Intel will delay the launch of its Ivy Bridge processors, according to the report from Sweclockers. In accordance with the previous information, Intel will release its Ivy Bridge processors and matched 7-series motherboards on April 8th. However, the launch schedule has been adjusted. The release of Ivy Bridge will be divided into three steps, new plan is shown as follows: April 8th On April 8th, Intel will release 7-series motherboards based on Z77, Z75, H77 and B75 chipsets. But on that day users still can’t buy Ivy Bridge processors. April 29th On this day quad-core desktop Ivy Bridge processors will be officially announced, which covers Core i5 and Core i7 series models. Meanwhile NDA will be removed, the media are able to post relative reviews. And it remains to be seen whether these processors will be available. June In June, dual-core mobile Ivy Bridge processors will debut, additionally Ultrabook based on Ivy Bridge platform will come out, too. On June 3rd, Intel will launch Q77 and Q75 chipsets.

[DarkFlow]

Anyone verify? I don't recall Sweclockers being a bad source. http://en.expreview.com/2012/02/29/i...lay/21487.html

So are they just skipping over i3 for Ivy bridge then? That's somewhat disappointing for people on a budget. At least Sandy Bridge is still pretty good.

[Khorino]

Something like http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/mice-p...e/devices/cube ?

Is it good? I would like something that someone already used...