[mkenyon]

You are awesome!! thanks for all you do.. do you think anything will change with the standard or budget builds? I am about to pull the trigger.

Prolly not.

Wanting to OC my 2500K on Z68. Can I assume the P67 clunk.org guide is pretty much the same? Or any other guides you recommend? I'm using An Asus P8Z68-V Pro. Thanks.

Yep.

[opticalmace]

Prolly not. Yep.

Excellent, I'll give it a go tonight. Thanks.

[JetBlackPanda]

quick question guys.. my build is seriously strapped for cash.

how viable is it to use Windows 8 preview as my OS for a little bit???

I really only want to play Diablo III right now.

thanks guys.

[awwyeahgurrl]

What's the expected temp increases on pushing a 2500K from 3.3 to say 4.2/4.3/4.4. I've got a Noctua-DH14 and idle around 25-30 and load at 55-60 currently at 3.3Ghz.

[teh_pwn]

What's the expected temp increases on pushing a 2500K from 3.3 to say 4.2/4.3/4.4. I've got a Noctua-DH14 and idle around 25-30 and load at 55-60 currently at 3.3Ghz.

Load seems a bit high for stock. I see 60-65 C at 4.4-4.6GHz with Hyper 212.

Make sure you aren't jacking up your Vcore directly or through something at load with "load line calibration". Look at the voltage in CPU-Z under load. If it exceeds 1.4V you've got bad settings. Generally keep it below 1.35V if you can.

Then again 55-60C is cool. If you can increase the clock rate to 4.4 GHz and not exceed 75 C max I think you're fine.

[rhfb]

I hate cable management :( doesn't help that I have 8 molex connectors and 2 fdd connectors that aren't in use now and pcie power connectors for a second gpu that I have to cram somewhere. Better to do it well once and not have to deal with it again. Also can't have them lying around obstructing airflow if I get a gpu that doesn't exhaust out the back.

[Gr1mLock]

quick question guys.. my build is seriously strapped for cash. how viable is it to use Windows 8 preview as my OS for a little bit??? I really only want to play Diablo III right now. thanks guys.

If you don't have a choice then If you can go with 7 then do it.

[vanty]

I was just putting a new HDD and fan in my PC the other day, and now the rear speaker out on the motherboard doesn't work. I plug the cable in and the Realtek audio thing will pop-up with "something plugged into rear speaker out", but I get no sound. If it didn't know something was plugged in I could understand it just being dead for some reason, but it's more like half-dead and I have no idea. I have the speaker cable plugged into the front now, so I get sound but it's not a perfect solution.

[Edgeward]

Ugggghhhh stupid thing wont turn on now. I had put my cpu parts from my old dell case into a new coolermaster case but I having really shitty luck getting it to turn on. I think I've tried every combination: vertical, horizontal, switching the plug, nothing. Blaaah.

[ArecxP]

All right GAF, I bought a custom PC off Ebay since I'm not particularly found of actually building the entire thing from scratch. Help me out with the things I should replace (for better or quality parts). I'm not sure if any of these are up to par with whatever is available. I would also like to know if upgrading the 560ti to a 448 core is worth it. What are the benefits exactly?

Computer Case : Cooler Master Gladiator ATX Mid Tower Case (Black)
Power Supply Upgrade : 550W Heavy Duty TOUGH Series SATA Power Supply
Motherboard : GIGABYTE GA-Z77X Intel Z77/ DDR3/ 2-Way CrossFireX&SLI/ SATA3&USB3.0/ A&GbE/ATX
DDR3 Memory : 8GB (2X4GB) DDR3-1600 PC3-12800 Hyper-X
Processor : Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz Quad Core 6MB
CPU Cooling Fan : Cooler Master HYPER TX3
SSD : Crucial Technology SSD 64 GB Solid State Drive
Hard Drive : 500GB Seagate 7200RPM SATA-2 UDMA 300 16MB Cache
Video Card : EVGA nVidia GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB DDR DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card
DVD Recorder : Samsung 22X DVD+/-RW
Sound Card : 8-Channel Digital Sound Card (onboard)
Network Card : 10/100/1000 Gigabit Network Card (onboard)

[Yoshiya]

Slightly strange build, I know. Given I barely play games I've put more cash into the CPU and SSD. I'm considering something like this or just picking up the next Macbook Pro so I can be more flexible with school work. Hmmm. I just want something that will last, start up in a few seconds and not dare to threaten to slow down or lag - the shitbox PC I have is driving me insane.

[Wolf Akela]

You can get a 6870 for practically the same price but the performance is better.

I would also like to know if upgrading the 560ti to a 448 core is worth it. What are the benefits exactly?

Complete waste of cash since you already have a 560ti. I wouldn't even bother upgrading until 3 generations later.

[colinp]

I'm going to build the standard from the OP, but locally I am having trouble finding a 450W PSU for a reasonable price.

I can find an ANTEC EA-650W for MUCH less. Is there any reason NOT to get a 650 even if it's overkill for my machine? I'll save about $60 doing so (I'm in Japan, in case you're wondering why I don't just order from Newegg or something). It will still fit and do the job, won't it? There's no harm in going so big, right?


Update: I found the ANTEC EA-430 that I guess I'll go ahead and order since that is a reasonable price and more in line with my needs. Someone please tell me if I am making a horrible mistake!

[1-D_FTW]

I'm going to build the standard from the OP, but locally I am having trouble finding a 450W PSU for a reasonable price. I can find an ANTEC EA-650W for MUCH less. Is there any reason NOT to get a 650 even if it's overkill for my machine? I'll save about $60 doing so (I'm in Japan, in case you're wondering why I don't just order from Newegg or something). It will still fit and do the job, won't it? There's no harm in going so big, right? Update: I found the ANTEC EA-430 that I guess I'll go ahead and order since that is a reasonable price and more in line with my needs. Someone please tell me if I am making a horrible mistake!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151093

If you hurry, you can get the modular Seasonic 520W for around 69 dollars with shipping.

[colinp]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151093 If you hurry, you can get the modular Seasonic 520W for around 69 dollars with shipping.

No no, I'm in Japan so I can't order from newegg. Or I wouldn't save much with the shipping... ;) Looks like the 520W is a good $30 more than the 430 over here so I'll stick with the 430. Thanks for the recommendation though!

[1-D_FTW]

No no, I'm in Japan so I can't order from newegg. Or I wouldn't save much with the shipping... ;) Looks like the 520W is a good $30 more than the 430 over here so I'll stick with the 430. Thanks for the recommendation though!

No problem. It didn't even need my response. I missed your update. I could have sworn it wasn't there when I pressed the quote button (although it had been open for a while). When my answer posted, I saw the quote was updated. Wasn't trying to upsell you.

[colinp]

No problem. It didn't even need my response. I missed your update. I could have sworn it wasn't there when I pressed the quote button (although it had been open for a while). When my answer posted, I saw the quote was updated. Wasn't trying to upsell you.

Haha, I didn't think you were. ;)

Anyway, I was going to order my graphics card but Amazon.jp is apparently low on supply and have jacked the price up! Ugh, going to pick it up at a local shop tomorrow for two $ more for conveniences sake. Amazing how quickly prices change on Amazon... You really need to commit because if you wait too long...

[JonCha]

Considering reserving the G500 and a HDMI cable for pick-up at PC World, which actually works out cheaper. The only issue is if Amazon say the deliveries are coming, so I'll have duplicates, instead of offering a refund.

[specialguy]

Looking at this Diablo 3 bench



And suddenly the FX 4170 looks like a nice little chip (or actually the 4100 and easily overclock it to a 4170). You can see it's not far below the 2500K there.

$110 for the 4100 on newegg, cheap AM3+ mobo for $60, and $30 for 8GB of RAM (doesn't have to be fast). A rig for under $200 (heck, in my case I could probably sell my old parts for $200). I also generally have a desire to buy something different than the norm or support the underdog.

Sadly a little more checking and in most games the 4100 sucks, it's still not worth it. Only if more games look like Diablo 3 going forward. Maybe games will actually optimize for the FX architecture going forward.

[JB1981]

Is it me or are the 560ti benchmarks not that great for a $250 card? Radeon 6900 series fairs better and is $50 cheaper

[Madridy]

Hey guys.

Why is the Crucial m4 256GB SSD going for that low price compared to the rest of brands? Is it in clearance? or is the new version coming soon? or maybe there is something wrong with it (Performance wise)?

Crucial m4 256GB : $210
Samsung 830 256GB : $264
Intel 520 240GB : $345

[brandonh83]

Do you know the exact processor?

"Q8400?"

[Big Papa Husker]

I just got my M4 today that I ordered last night. I'm kind of bummed I only ordered the drive itself because I will probably have to go hunt for some cables. Also, it looks like they redesigned their logo - its completely different than what is on Newegg, TigerDirect, etc.

[MrBig]

Hey guys. Why is the Crucial m4 256GB SSD going for that low price compared to the rest of brands? Is it in clearance? or is the new version coming soon? or maybe there is something wrong with it (Performance wise)? Crucial m4 256GB : $210 Samsung 830 256GB : $264 Intel 520 240GB : $345

Price competition starting to get hotter. Those you listed are all the top end drives, while you have lesser OCZ drives going for a lot less that plenty of people are picking them up. The M4 and 830 will probably be around the $150 mark in a few months.

[Ledsen]

Hey guys. Why is the Crucial m4 256GB SSD going for that low price compared to the rest of brands? Is it in clearance? or is the new version coming soon? or maybe there is something wrong with it (Performance wise)? Crucial m4 256GB : $210 Samsung 830 256GB : $264 Intel 520 240GB : $345

There's nothing wrong with it, in fact from what I read before I bought one it's basically as reliable as Intel drives. It's not the fastest SSD, but still super fast because... it's an SSD. It's a very good buy, that's all.

[Madridy]

Price competition starting to get hotter. Those you listed are all the top end drives, while you have lesser OCZ drives going for a lot less that plenty of people are picking them up. The M4 and 830 will probably be around the $150 mark in a few months.

Nice. Competition between the different brands is always good for consumers.

There's nothing wrong with it, in fact from what I read before I bought one it's basically as reliable as Intel drives. It's not the fastest SSD, but still super fast because... it's an SSD. It's a very good buy, that's all.

Good to here that it is reliable. I'm planing to build 3 PCs, for me and my 2 brothers, in early July and all of them gonna need SSDs for the OS. I was checking AnandTech SSD benches and the Samsung 830 beats Crucial's m4 in almost everything, but by not that much.

Anyway seems I'll be going with m4 for the PCs unless Samsung drops the price on their 830 SSDs.

[Edvardelis]

I really only care about going up to an i7 when they come down in price.

That doesn't really happen. The new processors come out, Intel end-of-life's the old ones, and stock runs out. I tried the same thing with my i3-530 and it ended up not being worth it.

[JonCha]

Does HDMI 1.4 work with 1.4a? I'm getting lots of conflicting information.

Edit: doesn't matter, found the answer.

[longdi]

I just got my M4 today that I ordered last night. I'm kind of bummed I only ordered the drive itself because I will probably have to go hunt for some cables. Also, it looks like they redesigned their logo - its completely different than what is on Newegg, TigerDirect, etc.

different box too, where is yours made in?

[claviertekky]

quick question guys.. my build is seriously strapped for cash. how viable is it to use Windows 8 preview as my OS for a little bit??? I really only want to play Diablo III right now. thanks guys.

You can use it. Just uninstall the Metro apps that come with it as most of them are in an alpha state (aside from Finance and Weather).

Release candidate is in a few weeks.

I haven't had any problems with Blizzard games on my old setup.

[celcius]

If you've got an older card where the fan runs at 100% for 4-5 sec when the machine first boots (during post), is it possible to flash the bios to make it run at 30% during post instead?

[JetBlackPanda]

You can use it. Just uninstall the Metro apps that come with it as most of them are in an alpha state (aside from Finance and Weather). Release candidate is in a few weeks. I haven't had any problems with Blizzard games on my old setup.

thanks.. I am going to give it a shot. I can always purchase 7 if things get bad.

[Mr. Hyde]

Is this a good deal and a good card for 1080P monitors?

XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB

[Big Papa Husker]

different box too, where is yours made in?

I opened it up and the logo on the drive itself is the old one. It's weird the box would be different.

[1-D_FTW]

Is this a good deal and a good card for 1080P monitors? XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150608

Why not just go with the 7850? It equals or beats it in almost every category. And uses less power to boot.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/510?vs=549

[alternade]

So I think this what im going to go for. Trying to keep it below $800, but would be willing to bump some stuff up if its going to affect performance:

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $59

Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $79

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified $89

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B $49

BIOSTAR TZ77XE3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS $129

COMBO $360
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K

GIGABYTE GV-N550WF2-1GI GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card


TOTAL: $770.93

Am I forgetting anything? Does this look ok to run most games at moderate settings? Thanks in advance!

[Fallout-NL]

Alright, I've fixed the motherboard spacer issue and finished the build. It works 100%, except when I try to add a videocard, a 4870 in this case, the PC doesn't power up. No response at all. When I remove the card, the PC does turn on properly. I also switched the card out with a friend's 3870, same problem: no response from the power button.

I've got a Corsair 550w power supply, which I thought would be fine for a i5 3570k and one video card. I'm still waiting for the GTX670 to arrive, that's why I wanted to run the old 4870 for a while.

So, the question is: does anyone know what could cause this? Is the PCI slot busted?

[UltimateIke]

Alright, I've fixed the motherboard spacer issue and finished the build. It works 100%, except when I try to add a videocard, a 4870 in this case, the PC doesn't power up. No response at all. When I remove the card, the PC does turn on properly. I also switched the card out with a friend's 3870, same problem: no response from the power button. I've got a Corsair 550w power supply, which I thought would be fine for a i5 3570k and one video card. I'm still waiting for the GTX670 to arrive, that's why I wanted to run the old 4870 for a while. So, the question is: does anyone know what could cause this? Is the PCI slot busted?

You're remembering to plug in the PCI Express power connectors, right? (Just making sure.)

[Fallout-NL]

You're remembering to plug in the PCI Express power connectors, right? (Just making sure.)

Yeah, they're in there. Two six pin connectors.


Shit I know what it might be. I could have accidentally left a redundant spacer/standoff in that general area. Maybe it's touching the board and it causes a short when I use the PCI slot.

[Edgeward]

Reapplying thermal paste just have a question on prepping it. So I gonna use rubbing alcohol to remove the residue on the processor but do I also use it on the other side as well? I mean do i also clean the cpu fans side of the clamp Im gonna do when I put it back together?

[Bisnic]

I'm looking for a decent motherboard with an AM3 socket and 4 RAM slots (compatible with DDR2 if possible) for around 100$, i've looked over Newegg, but there is so many of them and so many comments about "DOA" or "dead after 2 months" that i dont know which one i should buy. I'd like one that come with the required screws too, apparently some motherboards dont even come with them. Any suggestions?

[ReyBrujo]

Ok, I got a hard question. I got a friend who won't change his monitor, a 1360x768 TV monitor connected via VGA, and is looking at buying new hardware around it. He wants to play Diablo 3 and Skyrim, but that would be his maximum resolution, so many of the suggestions found around here aren't useful for him (as most don't use VGA anymore, or build computers to work in higher resolutions). Anyone got a suggestion for a video card from where we could start building his machine? Thanks.

[sk3]

Ok, I got a hard question. I got a friend who won't change his monitor, a 1360x768 TV monitor connected via VGA, and is looking at buying new hardware around it. He wants to play Diablo 3 and Skyrim, but that would be his maximum resolution, so many of the suggestions found around here aren't useful for him (as most don't use VGA anymore, or build computers to work in higher resolutions). Anyone got a suggestion for a video card from where we could start building his machine? Thanks.

If that's the max resolution, just get a 3570k and use the built in graphics. I'm using the HD 4000 graphics while I wait for someone to start stocking the direct CU II top GTX 670. I can play diablo 3 at 1400x900, everything on high (shadows on medium) and FPS never goes below 30.

If in the future he needs more performance or gets a decent monitor, just buy any 600 series geforce and stick it in. No double dipping.

[UltimateIke]

Ok, I got a hard question. I got a friend who won't change his monitor, a 1360x768 TV monitor connected via VGA, and is looking at buying new hardware around it. He wants to play Diablo 3 and Skyrim, but that would be his maximum resolution, so many of the suggestions found around here aren't useful for him (as most don't use VGA anymore, or build computers to work in higher resolutions). Anyone got a suggestion for a video card from where we could start building his machine? Thanks.

At that resolution you wouldn't have to go all out on the video card, but I'd still try to get something somewhat future-proof, just in case he decides to buy a digital 1080p monitor or something.

New cards typically include a DVI-I port that a DVI-to-VGA adapter can be used with.

[Fallout-NL]

Right, after having removed the mobo for the zillionth time. It finally works, it did turn out to be the redundant motherboard standoff. The 4870 now works.

Victory is mine.

Hope I didn't do too much damage with my fucking around.

[MrBig]

Ok, I got a hard question. I got a friend who won't change his monitor, a 1360x768 TV monitor connected via VGA, and is looking at buying new hardware around it. He wants to play Diablo 3 and Skyrim, but that would be his maximum resolution, so many of the suggestions found around here aren't useful for him (as most don't use VGA anymore, or build computers to work in higher resolutions). Anyone got a suggestion for a video card from where we could start building his machine? Thanks.

You could probably play skyrim/diablo at 30fps at that res with the iGPU of a 3570k alone. He can then buy an appropriate dGPU when he upgrades his monitor.

[NIGHT-]

I'm a moron and ordered a M5A97 and it only has Crossfire and not SLI!! Can someone recommend me a SLI capable mobo for the same price range( amd processor)

[Bombadil]

So I think this what im going to go for. Trying to keep it below $800, but would be willing to bump some stuff up if its going to affect performance: COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $59 Samsung by Seagate Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ/ST500DM005 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $79 CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified $89 CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B $49 BIOSTAR TZ77XE3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS $129 COMBO $360 Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K GIGABYTE GV-N550WF2-1GI GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card TOTAL: $770.93 Am I forgetting anything? Does this look ok to run most games at moderate settings? Thanks in advance!

Don't get a mid-tower. Spring for a full tower case.

[ReyBrujo]

Thanks for the suggestions. We checked around, and unfortunately in Hungary the 3570K hasn't yet launched officially. Maybe an older, one year old setup for i3 or i5 exist? Thanks again for the help.

(Edited: looks like i5-2500k can handle Skyrim mid quality, 1080p without a display card, it might be a good option to get it since he would be able to save the video card price until he needs it).

[1-D_FTW]

Don't get a mid-tower. Spring for a full tower case.

Why? Even the HAF 912 is cavernous. You people and your mini-car sized cases. Let him be.