+- Southperry.net (https://www.southperry.net)
+-- Forum: Maplers Helping Maplers (https://www.southperry.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=9)
+--- Forum: Technical Help (https://www.southperry.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=84)
+--- Thread: Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. (/showthread.php?tid=30669)
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-20
Dudewitbow Wrote:the 617$ row isnt so bad. I can pull pricing directions dependent on time of purchase for you. its good to buy somethign that is on sale on purchase day for best results. so to be clear what you need is the entire tower(and innards) + monitor + OS? (with cd drive?)
Yeah, that's everything I need.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-20
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:Yeah, that's everything I need.
heres a few builds i kinda briskly made on the spot. give or take you can make final adjustments based on preference:
Build Option 1: Closer to that sites base build
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $782.66
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 02:54 EDT-0400)
Build Option 2: Cutting mobo as much as possible to fit in cheapest intel quad core
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($180.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($36.49 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $799.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 02:59 EDT-0400)
Build Option 3: Cutting AM3+ mobo fit in SSD
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: PNY XLR8 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($36.49 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $795.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 03:02 EDT-0400)
Build Option 4: Cutting mobo, maximize GPU power
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill REDBONE U3 ATX Mid Tower Case ($36.49 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $804.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 03:04 EDT-0400)
TLDR on options:
1. the base build. decent ability to purchase heatsink at later date and overclock since mobo is better than below 3 options
2. intel based build with poor mans mobo, smaller case. best overall experience, but you dont play CPU heavy games so its not mandatory. nice for emulation if you get into dolphin
3. base build less mobo quality + SSD, smaller case. fastest and snapiest computer program wise.
4. pineapple everything and maximize GPU potential, smaller case
I should also note that if you prefer to get an IPS monitor, itll cost slightly more than the monitor placed above. IPS(found on tablets, some smartphones(to differentiate it from OLED), Macbooks/MacPros usually) have better color quality at the cost of slight latency
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-20
Thanks for going through all that trouble. It's late now, so I'll go over those in detail tomorrow. My only comment is that I was going to go with Windows 7, unless I hear good reasons to choose 8 instead.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-20
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:Thanks for going through all that trouble. It's late now, so I'll go over those in detail tomorrow. My only comment is that I was going to go with Windows 7, unless I hear good reasons to choose 8 instead.
Win8 advantages: Hibernation works better. leads to better boot speeds. smaller memory imprint. some games get better FPS from win8
disadvantages: on installation, there will be alot of functions you probably dont want. you have to turn them off. also takes some time to make Win8 seem like win7 through addons(e.g start shell). AMD drivers also slightly picky on win8.
I just put win8 as a place holder. if you want to use win7, feel free to use it
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-20
Okay, just have a few questions regarding some of those items...
- If I choose that cheaper motherboard, what exactly am I losing performance wise over the original one? (I don't overclock)
- Is the video card in builds 1-3 equivalent/better to the one from the original list? I also see you downgraded the power supply. Was the one from the list not necessary, or is the second one just better for the price?
I'm leaning towards build 2; just making sure I understand the differences between the hardware choices.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-20
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:Okay, just have a few questions regarding some of those items...
- If I choose that cheaper motherboard, what exactly am I losing performance wise over the original one? (I don't overclock)
- Is the video card in builds 1-3 equivalent/better to the one from the original list? I also see you downgraded the power supply. Was the one from the list not necessary, or is the second one just better for the price?
I'm leaning towards build 2; just making sure I understand the differences between the hardware choices.
1-3 has the same gpus(r9 265 is a rebranded HD 7850) which is the same as the original list.
PSU overall is a downgrade, but that was due to attempt to fit into budget limit. feel free to upgrade if you think it may be necessary(the original list asks for a psu thats slightly old and on low stock, so it has bad prices atm at places)
essentially:
1. the sites build with lower quality psu(this psu will be the starting point throughout)
2. lower quality mobo in favor of faster CPU. most user friendly as it has little upgrade room, and doesnt overclock, so its trying to pump out as much perf/$ as it can by cutting upgradability. packed in a lower quality case for budget contraint(used from this point on)
3. lower quality mobo in favor of SSD, for increased system speed
4. lower quality mobo in favor of having the best FPS by dumping it into GPU
feel free to say if you want a better quality case/mobo/psu/monitor/gpu. I could probably throw in some time limited recommendations(dependant on how long a sale last basically). good psus go on sale commonly.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-20
I see, thanks. I'm pretty satisfied with #2, but are there any cheaper monitors that are still decent? If not, I'll roll with that one.
Edit: And something I meant to ask from the beginning but forgot, all of these parts come with the proper connectors to connect to the motherboard, correct?
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - xparasite9 - 2014-04-20
why is DDR3 RAM so expensive
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-20
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:I see, thanks. I'm pretty satisfied with #2, but are there any cheaper monitors that are still decent? If not, I'll roll with that one.
Edit: And something I meant to ask from the beginning but forgot, all of these parts come with the proper connectors to connect to the motherboard, correct?
It should for the most part. as for monitor, i just pickjed whatever was the cheapest 1080p monitor with integrated sound. if you have your own speakers, you can pick a slightly cheaper one
xparasite9 Wrote:why is DDR3 RAM so expensive
DDR3 DRAM when it was 30-40 was at its lowest. one DRAM manufacturer(only 4 exist who actually makes the RAM chip, i dont remember, but I think it was Micron who went bankrupt, so the only ram manufacturers are Elpida, Hynix, and Samsung(in quality order)) went bankrupt, and samsung pulled out of the consumer ram market. this artificially decreased ram stock and increased prices. all DRAM manufacturers want to keep prices high for profit. this is ontop of the wake of DDR4 ram being genrated late this year/next year
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-29
... Ugh, I'm an idiot.
I got this: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($180.49 @ Amazon)
And this: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
I mixed the parts from those lists because I wanted a better CPU. I didn't realize those were two completely different standardizations x_x Now I have to hope that I can return it. I was so sure this would go correctly too...
I don't suppose anyone can suggest an AMD CPU on par with the Intel in that list a few posts above? :/
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-29
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:... Ugh, I'm an idiot.
I got this: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($180.49 @ Amazon)
And this: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Newegg)
I mixed the parts from those lists because I wanted a better CPU. I didn't realize those were two completely different standardizations x_x Now I have to hope that I can return it. I was so sure this would go correctly too...
I don't suppose anyone can suggest an AMD CPU on par with the Intel in that list a few posts above? :/
there's no direct comparison between AMD and intel chips. Intel chips have a better IPC, so games with a lower core requirement count 4 or less run better on intel platform compared to the AMD platform(majority of games). In a few select games that utilize more than 4 cores, the modular 8 core 8320/8350 goes on par with the intel chip as the AMD based cpu can handle more threads.
as for the mistake, there are no real standards for motherboards except standards set by CPU vendors(AMD and Intel). Intel and AMD are completely different platforms and have different controller requirements, as they handle data transfer differently, so they never share any of the core part hardware(Mobo and CPU). everything else is considered a standard that is compatable with both systems(gpus, HDD etc). even between generations, different LGA platforms are created that only support select few processors from each family(e.g current generation mainstream intel is LGA 1150, last generation was 1155, 1150 cpus DO NOT work with 1155 motherboards)
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - CrimsonJohnny - 2014-04-29
So would I be better off keeping the CPU and returning the motherboard then?
Edit: To clarify, you make it seem that intel is better to have in general, which is why I ask.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-04-29
CrimsonJohnny Wrote:So would I be better off keeping the CPU and returning the motherboard then?
Edit: To clarify, you make it seem that intel is better to have in general, which is why I ask.
yes, intel chips tend to be more user friendly(power consumption, settings and temperature wise), since that its top performance at stock. AMD chips tend to only shine after a hefty overclock, which requires a good motherboard to maintain.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Hanabira.Kage - 2014-05-04
Uhh...I'm looking for a new laptop, I suppose that still counts?
I've got my eye on the HP ENVY[SUP]15[/SUP] Touchsmart j128TX at the moment. I've provided the link to the product specifications page and think it looks pretty good, but I'm seeking a second opinion.
Also, I assume the "multimedia drive" listed on that page is really just a DVD burner as stated, which means I'll need an external optical drive to read discs. Anyone has any suggestions on that front?
I've got my eye on the HP ENVY[SUP]15[/SUP] Touchsmart j128TX at the moment. I've provided the link to the product specifications page and think it looks pretty good, but I'm seeking a second opinion.
Also, I assume the "multimedia drive" listed on that page is really just a DVD burner as stated, which means I'll need an external optical drive to read discs. Anyone has any suggestions on that front?
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-05-04
Hanabira.Kage Wrote:Uhh...I'm looking for a new laptop, I suppose that still counts?
I've got my eye on the HP ENVY[SUP]15[/SUP] Touchsmart j128TX at the moment. I've provided the link to the product specifications page and think it looks pretty good, but I'm seeking a second opinion.
Also, I assume the "multimedia drive" listed on that page is really just a DVD burner as stated, which means I'll need an external optical drive to read discs. Anyone has any suggestions on that front?
price range, weight requirement, storage requirement, touch screen, refurbished units? pretty much main purpose leads to recommendations
on side note, all dvd burners now and days are read/write. no need for extra disc drive.
as for the HP(4702MQ + 750M), I cant tell what price it is(sites online say around 1500), but it seems way expensive. even newer laptops that just got released(e.g Lenovo Y50(4700HQ + 860m)), is cheaper than it(1300 for better specs, albeit no optical drive, buying one would still be cheaper) but there probably exists better choices
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Hanabira.Kage - 2014-05-04
Dudewitbow Wrote:price range, weight requirement, storage requirement, touch screen, refurbished units? pretty much main purpose leads to recommendationsPrice: Preferably below SGD2000.00 (USD1595.51). I don't really mind if it's a little more expensive than that (and by little, I mean no more than one or two hundred).
on side note, all dvd burners now and days are read/write. no need for extra disc drive.
Weight: No preference. I'm used to carrying heavy stuff because kids in my country carry a hell of a lot of textbooks to school daily, so yeah. Plus conscription does wonders for your ability to carry heavy items.
Storage: As much as I can get with that budget of mine.
Refurbished: Preferably not.
And thanks for the heads-up. By the way, any comments on that laptop I linked to?
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-05-04
Hanabira.Kage Wrote:Price: Preferably below SGD2000.00 (USD1595.51). I don't really mind if it's a little more expensive than that (and by little, I mean no more than one or two hundred).
Weight: No preference. I'm used to carrying heavy stuff because kids in my country carry a hell of a lot of textbooks to school daily, so yeah. Plus conscription does wonders for your tolerance.
Storage: As much as I can get with that budget of mine.
Refurbished: Preferably not.
And thanks for the heads-up. By the way, any comments on that laptop I linked to?
do you have any kind of site you have access to so i can pretty much debate performance? (i also edited above with a comment constantly)
if you want more comments on the HP, performance wise, its pretty much similar specifications as a Mac Book Pro of that time period would be, except running windows. Most OEMS use Nvidia X50 or X60 gpus for their mainstream systems. Only few companies go beyond that. Apple generally uses overclocked X50 gpus, so if you have seen anyone use a new MBP in the past 7ish months, expect similar performance to those laptops
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Hanabira.Kage - 2014-05-04
Dudewitbow Wrote:do you have any kind of site you have access to so i can pretty much debate performance?
I'm sorry, but I don't really understand what you mean by this...?
Also, companies like Lenovo and Dell are out of the question for me because they don't have a proper branch office in Singapore, which means that I'll either have to jump through hoops to get the laptop fixed if it breaks or deal with horrendous customer service.
Some companies which have an office here (other than HP) are Toshiba, Fujitsu, Sony, and Acer. But I had a pretty bad experience with that last one with a CPU dying really soon after buying it so yeah.
Also, companies like Lenovo and Dell are out of the question for me because they don't have a proper branch office in Singapore, which means that I'll either have to jump through hoops to get the laptop fixed if it breaks or deal with horrendous customer service.
Some companies which have an office here (other than HP) are Toshiba, Fujitsu, Sony, and Acer. But I had a pretty bad experience with that last one with a CPU dying really soon after buying it so yeah.
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Dudewitbow - 2014-05-04
Hanabira.Kage Wrote:I'm sorry, but I don't really understand what you mean by this...?
Also, companies like Lenovo and Dell are out of the question for me because they don't have a proper branch office in Singapore, which means that I'll either have to jump through loops to get the laptop fixed if it breaks or deal with horrendous customer service.
as in like internet retailers site who sell laptops in said country. I just want a reference on prices and what laptops you have access to, unless you are importing and going to eat the shipping costs
Need help picking computer parts or a new computer? Click here. - Hanabira.Kage - 2014-05-04
Dudewitbow Wrote:as in like internet retailers site who sell laptops in said country. I just want a reference on prices and what laptops you have access to, unless you are importing and going to eat the shipping costs
Ah I see.
http://pcmart.com.sg
I don't shop online for this kind of stuff, so I really just stumbled upon that site while looking for reviews.
I think I should tell you what I'll be using the laptop for too. I'll be using it for university, but also for games. I don't play games that are particularly graphics-intensive, so I don't need some kind of crazy awesome graphics card, but I'd prefer to have high processing speed so I don't rage every time I'm say, opening a large document.
What I'm looking for in a laptop are:
Affordable price
Good battery life
High processing speed
Decent graphics
Lots of storage
Some other things that'll be nice to have:
High resolution so I can have multiple windows open at a time.
Good speakers, because I love music.
http://pcmart.com.sg
I don't shop online for this kind of stuff, so I really just stumbled upon that site while looking for reviews.
I think I should tell you what I'll be using the laptop for too. I'll be using it for university, but also for games. I don't play games that are particularly graphics-intensive, so I don't need some kind of crazy awesome graphics card, but I'd prefer to have high processing speed so I don't rage every time I'm say, opening a large document.
What I'm looking for in a laptop are:
Affordable price
Good battery life
High processing speed
Decent graphics
Lots of storage
Some other things that'll be nice to have:
High resolution so I can have multiple windows open at a time.
Good speakers, because I love music.