Ones in the OP build sheet.
Vertex 3 is a fast drive, but I want my storage to be more reliable.
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"I need a New PC!" 2012 Thread. 22nm+28nm, Tri-Gate, and reading the OP. [Part 1]
- Thread starter Hazaro
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Vertex 3 is a fast drive, but I want my storage to be more reliable.
You should be able to, but space will be 2X the smallest drive and speed will be limited to ~2X the slowest drive. That's why it's always best to use the same drives in raid.
I've heard that the problems with OCZ drives where pre- vertex 3. Are they still not reliable?
Not as reliable. Still some issues I can't put my finger on.
Ah, thanks.
A Black Falcon
Member
So, my computer's GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB died on me recently, that I've had since I got my computer in early '07. Screen artifacting and stuff everywhere, drivers won't install, etc. It's very frustrating, but it sounds like once this kind of thing happens to a card, it's dead, sadly. Currently I'm using an old Radeon X300 card that was in another computer, but that can't play any games from the past five years, so I need something new. I've used NVidia graphics cards for a long time now, and think they definitely have better drivers too, so I'd rather get NVidia than ATI.
The computer's got a Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4Ghz) CPU, with 4GB Ram, the now dead EVGA 8800 GTS video card, a SB X-Fi, etc. It's been having some other problems -- something's wrong with the sound card and has been for a while, my power supply died a year ago and I had to replace it (the new power supply's a Corsair GS600, decently good model I think if lower wattage than the one it replaced.) I do have four HDDs in it, and DVD and floppy drives (and Vista 32-bit). Basically, I don't want to buy a whole new machine right now -- this one can still run new games, and new computers are expensive. As long as it can still decently run new stuff I want to keep it, as long as I can keep it going that is. (Perhaps the weirdest problem I've had was when it was the machine resetting when I touched some parts of the back of the case with somethng, most notably on the sound card... yeah. It hasn't done that in a while, but the sound card's speaker port is touchy now. Also, one of the plastic feet of the computer broke off when I was moving it a few years ago and then I lost it, so I've got it partially held up by a thin piece of wood under the case... I have wondered if that's part of the problem, but I don't know. I was really worried when the video card failed, because after the failure at first I got no picture at all, so I was pretty relieved when I tried that other card and it started up... (Oh, I do plan on probably upgrading the rear case fan from 80mm to 120mm; I don't know if heat is a problem, and there are three fans in the case (not counting the power supply's fan), but that spot can fit a 120mm, so it seems like it couldn't be a bad idea. That's a cheaper upgrade...)
However, ever since installing ATI's drivers two days ago I've had a very annoying problem -- most of the time, when I turn the computer back on from Suspend, it reverses my two monitors, after a lengthy black-screen period, so I then have to go back in and switch them again. Argh, it never did either the long black-screen periods or monitor reversing with either NVidia drivers or the generic drivers I had previously been using with the X300! Stupid ATI... another reason to get another card sooner.
Anyway, to the point, the video card. I've heard that with this power supply I probably could handle anything up to a 560-range card, but given my CPU, it seems likely that I'd probably be CPU-limited at that level, yes? And those cards are more expensive, too, particularly the 560Ti. Getting a DX11 card does seem to make sense, but I don't want to get something that's a waste of money because of the CPU (and it's not like I could upgrade that much, i7 of course requires a whole new motherboard from the Core 2).
I've heard the 460 (1GB model, probably? I see various models, not sure what the differences are.) mentioned, and that seems like it might be a decent option, but the cheaper ones seem to be EVGA, and given that it's their 8800 that just died on me, I don't know... yes, it was five years old, but still. I do find getting a higher-end card tempting, but the question is whether it''d be worth it at all, with the rest of my ardware (and the additional price!).
And of course, NVidia has new stuff coming this year too, soon maybe? I wouldn't be waiting for that, but if that dropped prices for their other stuff too, it almost makes me want to wait, even though otherwise I'd really rather not so that I can play newer games on this thing again.
The computer's got a Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4Ghz) CPU, with 4GB Ram, the now dead EVGA 8800 GTS video card, a SB X-Fi, etc. It's been having some other problems -- something's wrong with the sound card and has been for a while, my power supply died a year ago and I had to replace it (the new power supply's a Corsair GS600, decently good model I think if lower wattage than the one it replaced.) I do have four HDDs in it, and DVD and floppy drives (and Vista 32-bit). Basically, I don't want to buy a whole new machine right now -- this one can still run new games, and new computers are expensive. As long as it can still decently run new stuff I want to keep it, as long as I can keep it going that is. (Perhaps the weirdest problem I've had was when it was the machine resetting when I touched some parts of the back of the case with somethng, most notably on the sound card... yeah. It hasn't done that in a while, but the sound card's speaker port is touchy now. Also, one of the plastic feet of the computer broke off when I was moving it a few years ago and then I lost it, so I've got it partially held up by a thin piece of wood under the case... I have wondered if that's part of the problem, but I don't know. I was really worried when the video card failed, because after the failure at first I got no picture at all, so I was pretty relieved when I tried that other card and it started up... (Oh, I do plan on probably upgrading the rear case fan from 80mm to 120mm; I don't know if heat is a problem, and there are three fans in the case (not counting the power supply's fan), but that spot can fit a 120mm, so it seems like it couldn't be a bad idea. That's a cheaper upgrade...)
However, ever since installing ATI's drivers two days ago I've had a very annoying problem -- most of the time, when I turn the computer back on from Suspend, it reverses my two monitors, after a lengthy black-screen period, so I then have to go back in and switch them again. Argh, it never did either the long black-screen periods or monitor reversing with either NVidia drivers or the generic drivers I had previously been using with the X300! Stupid ATI... another reason to get another card sooner.
Anyway, to the point, the video card. I've heard that with this power supply I probably could handle anything up to a 560-range card, but given my CPU, it seems likely that I'd probably be CPU-limited at that level, yes? And those cards are more expensive, too, particularly the 560Ti. Getting a DX11 card does seem to make sense, but I don't want to get something that's a waste of money because of the CPU (and it's not like I could upgrade that much, i7 of course requires a whole new motherboard from the Core 2).
I've heard the 460 (1GB model, probably? I see various models, not sure what the differences are.) mentioned, and that seems like it might be a decent option, but the cheaper ones seem to be EVGA, and given that it's their 8800 that just died on me, I don't know... yes, it was five years old, but still. I do find getting a higher-end card tempting, but the question is whether it''d be worth it at all, with the rest of my ardware (and the additional price!).
And of course, NVidia has new stuff coming this year too, soon maybe? I wouldn't be waiting for that, but if that dropped prices for their other stuff too, it almost makes me want to wait, even though otherwise I'd really rather not so that I can play newer games on this thing again.
Sounds like there could be a short in your PC somewhere.
Depending on how comfortable you are I'd clean it out and reassemble the parts to make sure nothing is loose.
On graphics the best value now is the 6870 and I'd suggest that, or a 6850 (if you order tonight)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908
Depending on your motherboard an overclock to 3.0Ghz would be extremely beneficial as well. CPU will limit your frames a bit, but a good GPU is a good thing to have.
Depending on how comfortable you are I'd clean it out and reassemble the parts to make sure nothing is loose.
On graphics the best value now is the 6870 and I'd suggest that, or a 6850 (if you order tonight)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908
Depending on your motherboard an overclock to 3.0Ghz would be extremely beneficial as well. CPU will limit your frames a bit, but a good GPU is a good thing to have.
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.
When I checked the other day I just looked for the full rectangle of connections in the middle which I had. I think it is -I since I have used VGA adapters as well. I didn't know there was the -I -D -A differences.
A Black Falcon
Member
Yeah, I think I should do that. Not sure what to look for (I know how to put parts in and about them and such, but have never done something like this), and given the intermittent of the reset problems (not occurring right now) I don't know if it'd be touching somewhere obvious right now, but I'll see if there's anything I can see... hopefully there will be. Something has got to be wrong, with all those problems.
I've never overclocked a CPU, not sure how IU'd do it... the motherboard's an Asus P5N-E SLI, with that Core 2 Duo E6600 CPU I mentioned.
As for that video card, yeah, I don't know if I want ATI, as I said... looking it up it looks like that card slightly beats the 460 though, though not by a lot I guess and the two have mostly similar prices it seems.
And then I've still got a part of me saying "get a 560-something anyway...". Not sure if I'll actually do that though.
I had an e6750 with a modest over clock when I got my 460. Wasn't much of a practical upgrade over my 8800gt. Most games that ran poorly on the 8800 were CPU bound on the 460. Wasn't until I upgraded to quad core that I could really see the difference.
It's not uncommon for those socket motherboards to have a fsb black hole. My motherboard had a black hole from like 352 - 400. For the longest time, it never dawned on me that I should try 405 if I wanted more than a slight over clock.
A C2D rig I had for my friend had a hole from 340-430. I'm not even kidding. I had to pump so many volts on air for it to be stable I just ran it at 3.0Ghz for him.
Finally ordered the parts I needed to finish my rig. The stuff I ordered:
1) i5 2500k
2) 8GB Corsair Vengeance RAM
3) ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 Motherboard
My motherboard caught on fire on my old Q9300 rig, so I'm using the stuff above to replace all that, and couple it with these things that I already own:
1) EVGA GTX 465 1GB Superclocked
2) Corsair GS600 power supply
3) existing heatink/fan, optical drives, case, HDDs
Does this seem like it will run pretty well?
Also, the most hardware tinkering I've done is install the power supply and GPU listed above. I plan on just pulling everything out and putting it all back together with the new stuff I bought. How hard could it be, right?
1) i5 2500k
2) 8GB Corsair Vengeance RAM
3) ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 Motherboard
My motherboard caught on fire on my old Q9300 rig, so I'm using the stuff above to replace all that, and couple it with these things that I already own:
1) EVGA GTX 465 1GB Superclocked
2) Corsair GS600 power supply
3) existing heatink/fan, optical drives, case, HDDs
Does this seem like it will run pretty well?
Also, the most hardware tinkering I've done is install the power supply and GPU listed above. I plan on just pulling everything out and putting it all back together with the new stuff I bought. How hard could it be, right?
A Black Falcon
Member
And where would I do this? Would I hope the bios settings allow me to or something?
Yeah, that it'd be CPU limited doesn't surprise me too much... still, I'd hope for at least some kind of improvement. Also, which 8800 did you have? The one I have/had, the 8800 GTS 320MB, is one of the lower-end 8800s.
And how would you figure that kind of thing out... look up the motherboard?
IcyRhythms
Member
what is currently considered the best MOBO with at least two PCI E 3.0 slots for under $300?
P8Z68-V/GEN 3?
This is my opinion, but for 1155 - Maximus IV Gene-Z Gen 3
For 2011 - Rampage IV Gene
If you have requirements for many expansion slots, such as SLI/X-fire + sound card, or triple slot GPU's, then they fall short.
IcyRhythms
Member
So none of those would be good to SLI for the upcoming NVIDIA cards?
That Maximus really sells. Out of stock again.
Sure they would. Not the ASUS DCII coolers though.
Yeah. It's because it's a beast. OC tools and quality of a $300 board for less than $200. It's a stupid good deal if you OC. Onboard sound is pretty decent too.
*edit*
Are you much of an OC'er? Air/water cooling?
IcyRhythms
Member
but you just said for SLI and Xfire they fall short
You can't have two vid cards AND a sound card as there are a total of four slots. Was running 2x560Ti's on mine with a 2500K @ 5Ghz. Thing was/is a beast.
IcyRhythms
Member
oh ok
Splash Wave
Member
What's Falcon Northwest's reputation like these days? My friend is about to pull the trigger on one from their site, and I figured I'd ask here on his behalf. Is there another company anyone would recommend over them?
He is in no way capable of building his own PC and has no desire to learn, by the way.
He is in no way capable of building his own PC and has no desire to learn, by the way.
Somewhat bright 12 year old children can, your buddy certainly is capable, but I understand some people liking pre-builts. Maingear and Origin have really good reputations.
Splash Wave
Member
I mean, he could learn, but he has no interest in doing so. And I'll pass on your recommendations.
Could be a number of things. I was receiving BSODs and display driver errors because of my motherboard. It's usually the ram or video card though.
Had a 512MB 8800GT. So, yeah, I was already getting more out of that card. You should definitely notice more improvements than I initially saw.
Not sure you can look that up. Think it was highly individual even among specific motherboard brands. It's just trial and error. It was just an FYI that just because you hit a wall at 360 or 375 or even 400, doesn't mean that 405 won't get you out of the black hole and allow fluid overclocking again.
Consensus seems to be shitty drivers, monitors auto turning off and OC cards. Gonna unclock mine and see.
Other thing is I ran Furmark at 1920 x 1080 stress test and it got through it just fine. But then I'll be in a game and it'll BSOD me. FUCKING.
EDIT: Did a giant google search and it looks like the Catalyst software could be a culprit. Also, I think the fact I have dual monitors also is hurting.
Waiting till tomorrow to install everything, but just want to verify the directions are crap. It says the insulation tape must face the motherboard. But that doesn't seem to make any sense or jive with the pictures. The insulation tape actually makes contact with the case, right? The tape faces away from the mobo.
Nope. The insulation tape goes against the mobo so it doesn't short anything on the motherboard. And you are talking about the insulation tape on the back plate right?
I was mentally and physically fatigued last night when looking at it. All I could do was concentrate on the fat insulation padding (that faces down) and it blinded me to the small pads on the opposite side that went against the motherboard. Got it now.
RepairmanJack
Member
Sorry for the dumb question in advanced but I am just not well versed in pc specs and what not.
I am looking at building the Excellent build in the OP with the GTX 560ti video card. I am just concerned this will be good for what I plan on playing. This year for the most part I plan on playing Diablo 3 and Guild Wars 2. Would that build with the 560TI be able to run these games farely well? Mid-high settings smoothly?
Thanks for any and all help. I'm open to any suggestions on changing, my budget for the build is about $800-900 with reusing my optic drive and hard drive.
I am looking at building the Excellent build in the OP with the GTX 560ti video card. I am just concerned this will be good for what I plan on playing. This year for the most part I plan on playing Diablo 3 and Guild Wars 2. Would that build with the 560TI be able to run these games farely well? Mid-high settings smoothly?
Thanks for any and all help. I'm open to any suggestions on changing, my budget for the build is about $800-900 with reusing my optic drive and hard drive.
Wolf Akela
Member
If SC2 is anything to go by, it'll pretty much max D3.
Gunmonkey36
Member
It will max D3.
Not sure about guild wars 2 but almost guaranteed somewhere in high-ultra settings at 1920X1080.
RepairmanJack
Member
Thanks guys you have helped with the decision. Plus from the looks of it the asrock board should make it easy to upgrade the cpu and gpu down the road right?
Oddly enough I'm selling that exact card haha
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=35615975&postcount=1678
Stock 570 is pretty close to 6970, but the super clocked 570 beats it. Not sure you'll notice too much of a difference, though. Still pretty close
edit: sold this btw
Wow good deal. I'd buy if I wasn't so happy with my 5950.
Oh cool. I'm not looking to "upgrade" per se, but if I'm not losing any performance I'd be willing to make the switch. I can probably make back enough selling my 6950.
EDIT: I suppose the only concern would be the difference in VRAM. Would that be noticeable?
It hasn't been an issue so far, but I only game at 1920x1080.
Yeah, same here. I don't think it'll be an issue so long as the current gen of consoles is still around, anyway.
Sir Abacus
Member
So mSATA. The 311 is way too expensive for what it is so what to use to hybridize a bigger drive?
I was looking at the OCZ Nocti which appears to have pretty good sequential writes and a reasonably priced 60G version.
Any others I should be considering?
I was looking at the OCZ Nocti which appears to have pretty good sequential writes and a reasonably priced 60G version.
Any others I should be considering?
my PC died yesterday, its about 8 years old and a huge piece of crap. right now im looking for a laptop in the 400 range. this is more if a temp thing, really looking to do basic stuff. Whats the consensus on refurbs? I see a couple on newegg that I like but Im not sure about buying a refurb, any input?
looking at this one specifically
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834158243
looking at this one specifically
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834158243
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