[BackwardsSuggestions]

Currently have 4GB RAM in my gaming PC and everything seems to run smoothly. Is there really any need to stick an extra 4 in there?

[Mr Nightman]

Currently have 4GB RAM in my gaming PC and everything seems to run smoothly. Is there really any need to stick an extra 4 in there?

not really. I only recently added an extra 4gb in my rig cause it was cheap lol, did help with alt tabbing out of battlefield 3 alot, as well as improve loading times slightly. Really just up to you. If you have the money, why not? Good cheap upgrade

[Lulubop]

Can anyone recommend an i5-750 overclock guide?

[Isaccard]

I'm so friggin' excited right now. Sometime tomorrow I'm finally gonna pull the trigger on my build. I can hardly contain myself. I've lurked around this thread mostly taken notes and doing my own research and I can't wait to show you guys pics of the finished product. (which will be taken with my crap phone camera mind you.)

Stay gdlk PCGAF.

[1-D_FTW]

What's a good wireless keyboard/mouse to buy?

I've had a lot of mice in my time, but the Logitech G700 is my new favorite. Not sure what your budget is, but it's very sweet. Just suggest you have extra eneloops and a charger lying around so you never have to chord up.

[DarkFlow]

I'm so friggin' excited right now. Sometime tomorrow I'm finally gonna pull the trigger on my build. I can hardly contain myself. I've lurked around this thread mostly taken notes and doing my own research and I can't wait to show you guys pics of the finished product. (which will be taken with my crap phone camera mind you.) Stay gdlk PCGAF.

I feel you man, I pulled the trigger last week. Sadly Amazon decided to ship the motherboard by itself. Now I have everything but the most important part sitting here taunting me. *shakes fist in tears*

[I H8 Memes]

I'm so friggin' excited right now. Sometime tomorrow I'm finally gonna pull the trigger on my build. I can hardly contain myself. I've lurked around this thread mostly taken notes and doing my own research and I can't wait to show you guys pics of the finished product. (which will be taken with my crap phone camera mind you.) Stay gdlk PCGAF.

I feel you man, I pulled the trigger last week. Sadly Amazon decided to ship the motherboard by itself. Now I have everything but the most important part sitting here taunting me. *shakes fist in tears*

Look forward to seeing your builds. One of the great things about PC gaming is that when you build a new pc or make a major upgrade every game feels new again.

[faceless007]

So many people buying now? Am I the only one waiting for Ivy Bridge & Kepler?

I just applied for a new credit card, I get $300 back after spending $500. Hello free GPU.

[GhostRidah]

Hey guys I need some upgrade help, my ati 4870 sounds like its about to die, the fan is super loud, what is a minimal upgrade cheap card?

I don't have plans to go hardcore until I build my new comp at the end of the year, I just need something as good or slightly better for a really good price.

[Wizman23]

Quick question in regards to a 360 controller on PC. Do I need to buy a specific Windows 360 controller or will the normal Xbox 360 controller work considering I have 5 of them? Amazon did not offer much help.

[teh_pwn]

Hey guys I need some upgrade help, my ati 4870 sounds like its about to die, the fan is super loud, what is a minimal upgrade cheap card? I don't have plans to go hardcore until I build my new comp at the end of the year, I just need something as good or slightly better for a really good price.

AMD 7750

Well it depends on the price. Take a look at some benchmarks:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5541/a...edition-review
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU12/372

[teh_pwn]

So many people buying now? Am I the only one waiting for Ivy Bridge & Kepler? I just applied for a new credit card, I get $300 back after spending $500. Hello free GPU.

Ivy Bridge seems geared towards mobile improvements (lower power, less heat, faster GPU).

Haswell in early 2013 will be Intels next major revision. Probably will be considerably faster, though I'm skeptical they can iterate as much as Sandy did.

[GhostRidah]

AMD 7750 Well it depends on the price. Take a look at some benchmarks: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5541/a...edition-review http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU12/372

That looks pretty good, would it bottleneck my intel core 2 quad q660?

[Isaccard]

Quick question in regards to a 360 controller on PC. Do I need to buy a specific Windows 360 controller or will the normal Xbox 360 controller work considering I have 5 of them? Amazon did not offer much help.

You need a Windows specific 360 controller. Normal ones won't work.

And is it me or is anyone else noticing SSD prices (specifically Crucial M4) fluctuating up and down every 20 minutes? I finally lock down my grand total, then I come back 20 minutes later and it's changed because the SSD is suddenly $20 more than it was the last time I checked my shopping cart.

[teh_pwn]

That looks pretty good, would it bottleneck my intel core 2 quad q660?

Not anymore than it does now. In many areas the card performs about the same as the 4870.

[EphemeralDream]

You need a Windows specific 360 controller. Normal ones won't work. And is it me or is anyone else noticing SSD prices (specifically Crucial M4) fluctuating up and down every 20 minutes? I finally lock down my grand total, then I come back 20 minutes later and it's changed because the SSD is suddenly $20 more than it was the last time I checked my shopping cart.

Nope, a regular 360 controller will work fine and should be auto-detected in Windows 7 and such.

Wireless 360 controllers require a USB dongle which I'm not experienced with.

[soundahfekz]

Just bought a new hd 6850 and it seems like it's DOA? No fans spinning, no power seems to be getting to the card at all. put the 7600gt back in and it works fine. Is there anything I can check or test to figure out what the issue may be?

My PSU is 400w, but even under load all components in my system shouldnt be exceeding around 270w. Just reformatted, no overclocks currently. I plan on upgrading to a bigger PSU before doing anything intensive like gaming, but shouldn't the fans at least spin and the card display?

[Dibbz]

Planning on making a new system but I want to know if it is worth biting the bullet now on an i5 2500k system or waiting for Ivybridge. Is the upgrade going to be significant or should I just build now? Also I would assume prices would drop for current hardware so would it be better to wait in general for Ivybridge?

I do a lot of 3D modeling and use UDK, CryEngine, Photoshop etc just so you know what I need it for.

Price range would be around <£200 for a CPU btw. Don't want to wait for new hardware if it's going to be way outside my budget.

@soundahfekz 400w seems like it's on the low side. I'm not 100% sure but don't most cards require at least 500w?

[claviertekky]

Just bought a new hd 6850 and it seems like it's DOA? No fans spinning, no power seems to be getting to the card at all. put the 7600gt back in and it works fine. Is there anything I can check or test to figure out what the issue may be? My PSU is 400w, but even under load all components in my system shouldnt be exceeding around 270w. Just reformatted, no overclocks currently. I plan on upgrading to a bigger PSU before doing anything intensive like gaming, but shouldn't the fans at least spin and the card display?

Tell us more about the PSU (i.e. model number). What's important is how many amps it outputs on the 12V rail.

Did you forget to plug in the PCI-e power?

[Mr Nightman]

You need a Windows specific 360 controller. Normal ones won't work. And is it me or is anyone else noticing SSD prices (specifically Crucial M4) fluctuating up and down every 20 minutes? I finally lock down my grand total, then I come back 20 minutes later and it's changed because the SSD is suddenly $20 more than it was the last time I checked my shopping cart.

i use my normal wireless ones with my pc and reciever just fine as well

[I H8 Memes]

Just bought a new hd 6850 and it seems like it's DOA? No fans spinning, no power seems to be getting to the card at all. put the 7600gt back in and it works fine. Is there anything I can check or test to figure out what the issue may be? My PSU is 400w, but even under load all components in my system shouldnt be exceeding around 270w. Just reformatted, no overclocks currently. I plan on upgrading to a bigger PSU before doing anything intensive like gaming, but shouldn't the fans at least spin and the card display?

Did the old card need one connection from the psu and the new one maybe needs 2?

[Isaccard]

i use my normal wireless ones with my pc and reciever just fine as well

I stand corrected then. I see the question alot, most people try to use their play and charge kit to plug in to their PC's with no effect.

[Hazaro]

Hey guys I need some upgrade help, my ati 4870 sounds like its about to die, the fan is super loud, what is a minimal upgrade cheap card? I don't have plans to go hardcore until I build my new comp at the end of the year, I just need something as good or slightly better for a really good price.

6870 best value and a good upgrade.

Quick question in regards to a 360 controller on PC. Do I need to buy a specific Windows 360 controller or will the normal Xbox 360 controller work considering I have 5 of them? Amazon did not offer much help.

USB works fine. Wireless you need a special one (so I've heard)

Planning on making a new system but I want to know if it is worth biting the bullet now on an i5 2500k system or waiting for Ivybridge. Is the upgrade going to be significant or should I just build now? Also I would assume prices would drop for current hardware so would it be better to wait in general for Ivybridge? I do a lot of 3D modeling and use UDK, CryEngine, Photoshop etc just so you know what I need it for. Price range would be around <£200 for a CPU btw. Don't want to wait for new hardware if it's going to be way outside my budget. @soundahfekz 400w seems like it's on the low side. I'm not 100% sure but don't most cards require at least 500w?

It seems like it is a 10-15% speed boost per clock, so nothing amazing. OC ability unknown. Power draw will be lower. Could be 20% faster with a Ghz bump. 2500K will not disappoint.

Any reason why 2550K aren't in the recommended build? My preferred supplier is currently listing them at slightly cheaper than the 2500K... edit: it doesn't have a functional GPU.

It costs more right now and an onboard GPU helps with trouble shooting on a Z68 board.

[Hazaro]

Can anyone recommend an i5-750 overclock guide?

Second line in the OP takes you to the Benching thread which has a guide section
http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overc...beginners.html

[faceless007]

I stand corrected then. I see the question alot, most people try to use their play and charge kit to plug in to their PC's with no effect.

Play and charge is just a power connection, not data. The controller is exactly the same.

[MizzouRah]

I feel this is a stupid question, regardless of the answer.

I just purchased a GTX 570 of eBay and posted my GTX 285 immediately afterwards. Someone purchased my old card with the Buy It Now option (within an hour) and I'll still be waiting on the new card to arrive for a while between shipping away the old one.

I'm wondering, because they're both Nvidia cards (EVGA branded) will I need to uninstall the previous drivers before shipping away the card, or will it be possible to swap out using the same drivers?

I'm pretty sure I need to remove the drivers regardless, to ensure a clean installation, but I'm wondering if I could skip that step.

Thank you.

-Noob

[DarkFlow]

Got some of my parts today. Still waiting on the Mobo, should have that tomorrow. Took some pics with my Cell.

i3-2120


8 Gigs DDR3 1600


HD 6870 with the rest.


I'll take pics of the Case and Mobo tomorrow when I put it all togather. :)

[Hazaro]

I feel this is a stupid question, regardless of the answer. I just purchased a GTX 570 of eBay and posted my GTX 285 immediately afterwards. Someone purchased my old card with the Buy It Now option (within an hour) and I'll still be waiting on the new card to arrive for a while between shipping away the old one. I'm wondering, because they're both Nvidia cards (EVGA branded) will I need to uninstall the previous drivers before shipping away the card, or will it be possible to swap out using the same drivers? I'm pretty sure I need to remove the drivers regardless, to ensure a clean installation, but I'm wondering if I could skip that step. Thank you. -Noob

Just install the new nVidia drivers on top.

[claviertekky]

post

Awesome. Hope your build goes smoothly.

[DarkFlow]

Awesome. Hope your build goes smoothly.

Thanks, It should. I've been building PC's since I was about 13. I'm not so great on cleaning up the cables, but my g/f is a neat freak and already said she would do that for me lol.

[demigod]

Just bought a new hd 6850 and it seems like it's DOA? No fans spinning, no power seems to be getting to the card at all. put the 7600gt back in and it works fine. Is there anything I can check or test to figure out what the issue may be? My PSU is 400w, but even under load all components in my system shouldnt be exceeding around 270w. Just reformatted, no overclocks currently. I plan on upgrading to a bigger PSU before doing anything intensive like gaming, but shouldn't the fans at least spin and the card display?

lol, I bet you didn't plug the pci-e connector in!

[Isaccard]

Thanks, It should. I've been building PC's since I was about 13. I'm not so great on cleaning up the cables, but my g/f is a neat freak and already said she would do that for me lol.

That's too awesome. Congrats man.

[Dibbz]

It seems like it is a 10-15% speed boost per clock, so nothing amazing. OC ability unknown. Power draw will be lower. Could be 20% faster with a Ghz bump. 2500K will not disappoint.

Sounds good thanks.

Just another question, regarding the motherboard for an i5 2500k. I see there are multiple "chipsets". Is there a huge difference between them? I see some of the prices are crazy like £200+ where as others are cheaper. Why is that? Do they make a big difference?

[LordAlu]

I would just get a razer blackwiddow unless you plan to use all of those macro keys, it's cheaper and uses mechanical keys (blue switches).

I use all six macro keys on my G15 along with the different memory banks, so having more available at once is a great boon.

Also, I'm done with Razer. I had a Lycosa which died on me in six months and another which lasted less than that, plus I'm on my second Deathadder. When this one dies I'll probably pick up a RAT5 or RAT7.

[I H8 Memes]

Sounds good thanks. Just another question, regarding the motherboard for an i5 2500k. I see there are multiple "chipsets". Is there a huge difference between them? I see some of the prices are crazy like £200+ where as others are cheaper. Why is that? Do they make a big difference?

Better quality and better stability when you OC. The mobo has to be able to handle overclocking as well.

I didn't get one of these boards, but right now it seems like the ASRock and to a lesser extent the Asus Gen3 1155 boards are the most popular. I'm sure they have multiple models of Gen3 boards so you will have to look closer into that to see which ones you want. In the US I believe they can be had for around $150.

[Hazaro]

Sounds good thanks. Just another question, regarding the motherboard for an i5 2500k. I see there are multiple "chipsets". Is there a huge difference between them? I see some of the prices are crazy like £200+ where as others are cheaper. Why is that? Do they make a big difference?

p67 and z68 can overclock. Z68 has more features and is newer. It's around the same price which is why almost all the boards listed are Z68.
z68 gets you onboard video out, quick sync, and some ssd thing you can use

Some of that info is in the build list under the mobo section.

[Khorino]

Guys, what about this HDD? Seagate 2TB sata III Barracuda Green ST2000DL003 2TB 5900 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s

Is it good? Or should I go after the Samsung 5400 RPM 2TB?

[Isaccard]

I use all six macro keys on my G15 along with the different memory banks, so having more available at once is a great boon. Also, I'm done with Razer. I had a Lycosa which died on me in six months and another which lasted less than that, plus I'm on my second Deathadder. When this one dies I'll probably pick up a RAT5 or RAT7.

Razer seems to be one of those companies you really want to like but they just keep breaking your heart (and bank) over and over again with cheaply made overpriced crap.

[mkenyon]

Went out to Fry's and picked up the Samsung S23A750D this weekend.



I can definitively say that going to a 120hz monitor has been the most significant improvement to my gaming experience in years. It's simply amazing, even just moving the cursor around. Games at 120fps/120hz are mind blowingly smooth. Even when dropping to lower FPS, it's always smooth. No screen tearing, no stutters, no weird anything. This picture is the best possible way that I can represent what it looks like.



If you want to buy a nice monitor, 120hz is the first feature you need to look at in your checkbox. The S23A700D is a bit less expensive, but is the same panel. It just lacks some eco features and 3D glasses. The Benq 2420 and 2410 are great monitors as well, and support 120hz out through Dual Link DVI if you don't have displayport.

[Hazaro]

Guys, what about this HDD? Seagate 2TB sata III Barracuda Green ST2000DL003 2TB 5900 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s Is it good? Or should I go after the Samsung 5400 RPM 2TB?

You take what you can get at lower pricing, but I'd get the Samsung.

[Isaccard]

How much did you pay?

[Zzoram]

Logitech G5v2 is the best wired laser mouse.

[Khorino]

You take what you can get at lower pricing, but I'd get the Samsung.

Thanks!

[mkenyon]

How much did you pay?

If that's directed at me, $275. Was an open box item, but I asked them to open it and test it in front of me to make sure it works. They open it, and the 3D glasses are missing (good for me, as I can't see 3D images in movies/games), so they take an extra $100 off. But it does work! Bring it home and have an issue where it auto hibernates every 10 minutes. Look it up, and it's due to a fan in the back of the stand not turning on. Open up the back, and the fan is that kind of blower style you see on reference cards. One of the blades is actually damaged and hitting against the side preventing it from moving. I cut the single blade off and all is well.

Pretty good score.

[TheExodu5]

I'm just waiting for a 120Hz 32" OLED TV/monitor.

It will come at some point, right? ;_;

Not willing to give up size/colors for 120Hz just yet...

[Isaccard]

Logitech G5v2 is the best wired laser mouse.

G500 would like to have a word with you.

[mkenyon]

Remember, can't do 120hz through HDMI or DVI. Need dual link or displayport. I've yet to find a TV that has a displayport input.

The Samsung is IPS quality in colors, seriously. I swear it looks better than the screen on my Transformer Prime.

[1-D_FTW]

Newegg has the 23" Asus for 289.99 after 30 MIR rebate. It's got a glossy screen (which is a plus or minus depending on viewpoint). I just can't justify the price to drop an inch. And the 27 inch just seems excessively overpriced (and has quality issues in the US). 500 would tempt me.

Think I saw someone here claim they got a 27 inch Samsung for 400 at Compusa. That I would have jumped at. But there must have been some special circumstance, because I don't think they ever had it listed for that.

[mkenyon]

It's something that is hard to swallow at first, certainly. I hate hyperbole, I hate it when others use it, and I hate the phrases that have now been rendered useless due to overuse of them. I genuinely mean that this is the single best upgrade to my gaming experience since I logged on to T1 after going from a 28.8kbps connection to an @home cable internet. It's that significant.

*edit*

Also, final pic from a build I did this weekend for one of my teammates. Documented the whole thing with pictures and an article that will be going up on teamzfz.com. Might also end up just posting it here to be included in the OP for an in-depth building guide aimed at amateurs and first timers.



Specs:
2500K @ 4.6Ghz
8GB Corsair Vengeance LP
Maximus IV Gene-Z
Corsair 300R
Corsair H40
Corsair HX650
MSI 560Ti Twin Frozr II
Corsair F90 SSD

(yeah, aiming for corsair sponsorship)

[Hazaro]

It's something that is hard to swallow at first, certainly. I hate hyperbole, I hate it when others use it, and I hate the phrases that have now been rendered useless due to overuse of them. I genuinely mean that this is the single best upgrade to my gaming experience since I logged on to T1 after going from a 28.8kbps connection to an @home cable internet. It's that significant. *edit* Also, final pic from a build I did this weekend for one of my teammates. Documented the whole thing with pictures and an article that will be going up on teamzfz.com. Might also end up just posting it here to be included in the OP for an in-depth building guide aimed at amateurs and first timers.

Is that the suggested way to mount the HS? Seems like pushing would be better.

Also PM me again, I've been real busy lately.