Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here.

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Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-07

What is your current budget?:
$700 - 800

What part are you looking for? Why do you need it?:
Whole new PC. Old computer is too slow (it cant even run Office 2013 without lagging and crashing)

What parts are in your current computer? Be as specific as possible. Links to Newegg/Tigerdirect are best. If you have a pre-built, include the make and model.
Really not sure what to get, I really want a self built PC but I also extremely worried that I might break something.

How do you intend to use this new part or new computer? What's the heaviest load it's likely to encounter?
Gaming, some video production and some server hosting.

If you live anywhere other than the United States, please indicate your country.
N/a

I plan to order around the 18th (later if self built is recommended by you guys)

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dusk - 2013-02-07

Dystopiq Wrote:Plus Radeon cards have horrible drivers.

Well that's a huge generalization.

[MENTION=4015]maplefreak26[/MENTION]; Can you salvage any parts from your old computer? Do you have a copy of Windows? Do you need to buy any new peripherals (mouse/monitor/keyboard/speakers)? These things can add up to several hundred dollars, so they're helpful to be aware of in your budget.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-07

Dusk Wrote:Well that's a huge generalization.

[MENTION=4015]maplefreak26[/MENTION]; Can you salvage any parts from your old computer? Do you have a copy of Windows? Do you need to buy any new peripherals (mouse/monitor/keyboard/speakers)? These things can add up to several hundred dollars, so they're helpful to be aware of in your budget.

I'd rather get new computer parts but I am perfectly fine with the peripherals I have now so I don't need that. I have Windows 7 but I'd like to get Windows 8.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Five Second Pose - 2013-02-07

maplefreak26 Wrote:I have Windows 7 but I'd like to get Windows 8.

What do you mean by "have", I'm pretty sure you can't just uninstall Windows from one computer and put it on another

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dystopiq - 2013-02-07

Dusk Wrote:Well that's a huge generalization.

I was a Radeon card owner. Every released with the 12 series drivers was issue after issue. Clocks stuck on idle, clocks stuck on load, it was a pain in the ass. I had to replace DDL files in my system folders. It became a pineappleing hassle. This is from my experience. I haven't had issues with my Nvidia card.

Either way the 660 is a lot better than a 7850. Kepler architecture is amazing.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-07

Five Second Pose Wrote:What do you mean by "have", I'm pretty sure you can't just uninstall Windows from one computer and put it on another

Pretty sure I can just burn a Windows 7 iso onto a disc and use a key from my previous PC.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dusk - 2013-02-07

Dystopiq Wrote:I was a Radeon card owner. Every released with the 12 series drivers was issue after issue. Clocks stuck on idle, clocks stuck on load, it was a pain in the ass. I had to replace DDL files in my system folders. It became a pineappleing hassle. This is from my experience. I haven't had issues with my Nvidia card.

Either way the 660 is a lot better than a 7850. Kepler architecture is amazing.

I've had three Radeon cards and zero issues with any games I've played. Anecdotal evidence means nothing.

Benchmarks also depend on what you're likely to be doing with your graphics card. The best way to choose is to look at benchmarks for the games you play.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Piggy 2.0 - 2013-02-08

Should have the money for the thing in the next 3-4 months. Might even be able to knock off another ~$285 if I can get Win 7 from Dreamspark.

Two more questions, though. Do I absolutely NEED a soundcard, or is there something built in that I can use for sound? And is a case fan a neccessary investment for such a tiny case?

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dusk - 2013-02-08

Piggy 2.0 Wrote:Should have the money for the thing in the next 3-4 months. Might even be able to knock off another ~$285 if I can get Win 7 from Dreamspark.

Two more questions, though. Do I absolutely NEED a soundcard, or is there something built in that I can use for sound? And is a case fan a neccessary investment for such a tiny case?

Most motherboards come with built-in sound cards. The smaller the case, the hotter, so yes, you want a case fan for a tiny case. You can find cases that come with fans, though. My case had two built-in.

Edit: I just looked at your build - it's very similar to mine. I happen to have the same case, CPU, SSD, and motherboard. The motherboard is on the higher end and has a nice built-in sound chip; there's no reason to buy one. The BitFenix Prodigy comes with two case fans. If you're asking about the CPU cooler, you definitely need one if you plan on doing any overclocking, (and it looks like you are, looking at your CPU). If not, it's nice to reduce temps and noise, but not necessary.

Edit2: I'm using a 600W power supply and I haven't had any issues. You could save 10-20 bucks there.

Don't buy Windows 7 Ultimate. That's a serious waste of money. Ask around for an ISO. I could get you a copy of Professional if you need.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2013-02-08

Piggy 2.0 Wrote:What is your current budget?:
$1000-$1500

What part are you looking for? Why do you need it?
Been wanting a significantly stronger computer ever since I discovered emulation/started using Steam.

What parts are in your current computer? Be as specific as possible.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BV9J
As I've grown used to dual-screen shenanigans, I'm gonna want to buy a monitor with all this to use with the TV I've been using as a 2nd monitor with my laptop. What do I wanna look for in a monitor/how do I make sure my build can have multiple monitors plugged into it?
For the operating system, its kinda weird. I have access to a free version of Windows 7 professional, but by the time I get the money to buy all the parts, I may have already graduated and lost access to it. Thinking about DLing the set up, sticking it on a flash-drive and hiding the product-key away until I get everything set up. Is this viable?

Let it be known that this is the very first time I'm attempting to build a computer. Any recommendations, advice or harsh criticism is looked upon fondly.

How do you intend to use this new part or new computer? What's the heaviest load it's likely to encounter?
I'm planning to use it for everything I attempt to do on my low powered laptop right now. The laptop can handle video/music/light gaming, but anything other than that puts a strain on the poor thing, and Overclocking seems like a no-go.

Most likely emulating games via PCSx2/Dolphin with greater graphics than the actual systems themselves is the primo amount of strain.

If you live anywhere other than the United States, please indicate your country.

Right smack dab in the middle of the USA.

More info next time I gain access to a computer.

1. If you are going to use a HSF(hyper 212+ in this case), I recommend using low profile ram. Corsair LP(Aesthetics), Gskill Ares(Aesthetics), Samsung low voltage 30nm(Overclocking) are great choices for 1600 timed ram. especially on an ITX build, space is of the essence
2. I also recall that 2tb drives should occasionally go on sale for about 80$.
3. If you have the spare budget, I actualyl recommend upgrading to a 7870 LE for a bit more. the 7870 LE is based off of Tahiti(7950/7970) but a slightly nerfed version of the 7950. it more or less performs smack down the middle between a 7870 and a 7950, which performs at the level of 660ti's at stock clocks. Although doing so you forgo physx(to some extent, you can cpu physx) and automatic adaptive vsync(in favor for non official dynamic vsync through radeon pro manually). Don't have to go this way if you choose not to.
4. Be sure you are buying that psu for POST rebate price, its not worth that price pre rebate.

Also have fun playing emulators lol, makes emulation pretty awesome. I made a reddit comment post about emulator comparison to console for legend of zelda wind waker heres a screen shot compared to console, the wiiu remake and pc version.

Spoiler

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dystopiq - 2013-02-10

Dusk Wrote:I've had three Radeon cards and zero issues with any games I've played. Anecdotal evidence means nothing.

Benchmarks also depend on what you're likely to be doing with your graphics card. The best way to choose is to look at benchmarks for the games you play.

Go visit the forums on Guru3d for ATI/AMD drivers and you'll find pages of people with issues. AMD has shitty drivers. That's a fact.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dusk - 2013-02-10

Dystopiq Wrote:Go visit the forums on Guru3d for ATI/AMD drivers and you'll find pages of people with issues. AMD has pomegranatety drivers. That's a fact.

Are you serious? What is that supposed to prove? Drivers always have problems. There are pages of people with issues with nVidia drivers on the same site. You have some serious confirmation bias.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2013-02-12

Dystopiq Wrote:Go visit the forums on Guru3d for ATI/AMD drivers and you'll find pages of people with issues. AMD has shitty drivers. That's a fact.

I'm part of the top 100 contributing members of tomshardware and i read much of the stuff on OCN(overclock.net). If you read up on all of the recent drivers, on BOTH nvidia and amd, both are equally doing as bad. For nvidia, people keep having to rollback to the lastest WQHL drivers as beta drivers are limiting the amount of clocks, or crashing games. this applies more to users who use previous fermi based cards. AMD had installation issues(now fixed somewhat with an official AMD un-installer) and i know some peopel have problems with the latest beta drivers as well and verver back to 12.11 or 13.1 wqhl. The statement of Nvidia having better drivers is of the past. If someone is making that statement on the current generation of cards, they did not look into the issue recently.

I even have first hand experience with the cards side by side, I personally use a 7850, only 12.11 beta 3 crashed me in GW2, installed 12.11 beta 11 and it disappeared. my 13.2 beta 3 installed perfectly. My friends build(I built for him on january of 2013 so its fairly recent) which has a EVGA Gtx 660 Ftw Signature 2, 310.90 had BF3 crash on him. Beta Driver crashed on him too. it wasnt until later where that problem was resolved. It is not a proven fact. its a fact of history that no longer exist or be justified.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-14

I'm having trouble choosing parts.
Can anyone help me bring it down to 800 or lower?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DBWZ

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2013-02-16

tired, kinda rushed build. cut alot of corners. be aware that you have no cpu heatsink though:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G45 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($208.80 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $839.67
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-16 04:28 EST-0500)

i forgot to turn off microcenter for the cpu. actual price should be higher.

If you MUST get something underbudget. you have a choice on either:

A) getting a cheaper mobo, the current one is one of the more cheaper mobos which are both crossfire/sli capable(psu wont handle both well as much, possibly 2 7850/660s at stock clocks)
B) dropping k series cpu. you lose overclocking, but it doesnt require you to buy a cpu heatsink, or doesnt require a z77 board. you can still overclock non k cpus up to the turbo limit if light overclocks is what you were aiming for.
C) drop the gpu price. i only added the 7870 XT as its on sale right now and its performance to $$ is ridiculous(slightly under 7950). a chunk can be taken off if you got a 7850 2gb(1gb as well but i feel it as a last resort card) as the next card in line is a 650ti which is moderately sized gap between the 7850/660 in performance
D) drop hdd to 500gb, but its minor and probably not worth the effort

edit 2: case is comboed with psu.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-16

Dudewitbow Wrote:-snip-

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2

Would this be an ideal CPU Fan or would there be something better for my build? (I can spend a bit more because I was given some more money (+90))

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2013-02-16

the 212+ evo is pretty much standard price to performance cpu cooler. if you want my recommendations for air cooling its more or less(by price)
Xigmatek Gaia < CM 212+ < CM 212+ evo < Xigmatek Dark Knight II < Thermaltake Frio(i think)/Phanteks single tower < Noctua D14H/Silver Arrow/Phanteks dual tower. the 212+ evo will have the best $/ delta T price.

if you had the extra money, my recommendation is to change out the case

for example, you can get the original case you had chosen and tie it to the cpu to get 20$ off on top of the 15$ promotion if it was being purchased anytime soon. Though if you knew me as a basic on paper builder for limited budgets, one would know i tend to build depending on time of purchase, as promotion codes can heavily influence price. For instance, teh Xigmatek Dark Knight II can be bought for 35$ atm, which is only slightly more expensive than the 212+ evo.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-16

I'll be ordering these tonight.

Newegg is trustworthy since everyone loves ordering things from there but are SuperBiiz and OutletPC trustworthy?

EDIT: Bummer, video card is out of stock. Any alternatives? Or should I hope it's back in stock before the end of tomorrow when the $15 promotional gift card promo for the CPU expires? Or should I order everything tonight and just add it to my new PC when it's in stock?

EDIT2: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1219537
I'm getting myself a free beanie!

EDIT3: Ordering everything on Newegg since I have coupons there. (20 dollars off total + 20 dollars off Windows 8 64bit OEM).

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2013-02-16

For the gpu question, I cant say whether it will restock(i doubt it, it was a good deal, as the coupon existed due to tomshardware related reviews). in this price range, GTX 660s(with 150$ in F2P game code coupons) and 7870(with Tomb Raider and Bioshock exist). that only other Tahiti LE based card is the sapphire XT 7870, but that's 260$.

since your buying it today, I have just promotion ideas thrown up in the air:

Free Corsair 2x4 gb 1600 ram with certain mobo purchases: on a budget, i recommend the Biostar TZ77XE3 or the MSI GD55. the only nitpick is that its corsairs high profile ram, and you may have to use slots 2/4 of the ram slots or flip the fan on your fan heatsink to avoid cpu heatsink to ram contact. free ram decreases price alot.(140$ mobo -40$ ram = paying only 100$ for mobo)

as a mock up build honoring most of your original choices and modifying a few things around to attempt o decrease budget, it looks like:

i5-3570k + beanie
Hive 650w + redbone U3
Kingston Hyper 3k 120gb ssd
Xigmatek Dark Knight II
Win8 64bit OEM
Biostar TZ77XE3 with 2x4 gb ram free
EVGA GTX 660 FTW
1tb Seagate HDD(note theres a promo for a 2tb drive for 85$ 1 day only today)
Generic Samsung DVD/CD reader/burner

Currently 1050$ before tax if something MUST be cut more:

1) SSD
2) sacrifice SLI capabilities and switch and bundle the i5-3570k with a Biostar TZ77A(still crossfire capable at 16x/4x). mobo is the cheapest that also comes bundled with free ram so its free ram on top of a 13$ discount
3) Changing the gpu
4) Decrease quality of something in the build for newegg, getting a case + psu combo (being neweggs own home brand) is as far as budgeting will push it generally.
5) Dark Knight II to CM 121+ evo, though this is like 5$ its pretty minor.

I will also note that the reason why oem copies of windows is cheaper than retail, that oem is one time use(tied to the motherboard its installed on), and was technically not supposed to be sold to the general public, but only to companies. microsoft just hasn't been a butt and followed no action on doing it.

Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - maplefreak26 - 2013-02-16

I really like all the parts so I don't really want to sacrifice any further.
I'll follow the above build and keep the GPU out until I get enough money to be able to afford it.

-drumroll-

Grand Total: 849.48

And holy crap, I hate this $60 tax. My coupons saved me from sacrificing even further.