Support NeoGAF

[Cannon Goose]

Is the NH-D14 difficult to install? I watched a few videos and didn't appear to be overly complicated?

I thought it was an absolute fucker of a thing to install, but it was my first aftermarket CPU cooler installation and I just happened to choose the biggest one.

Most of my issues came down to my case being just a tad too small (the Noctua website said it would be fine size-wise) and not setting clear instructions for myself ahead of time. I think I ended up having to remove and reseat the motherboard three times while I was installing the cooler. Took about three hours because I was afraid everything would explode at any second!

Excellent cooler though. Made my PC much quieter than it was with the stock cooler.

 

[nicjac]

Can anyone confirm that this item on amazon is just a revision of the Asus Maximus VI Hero? Amazon UK seems to be the only site listing it (and it's cheaper than any site with available stock that I can find).

 

[Niks]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Staples)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

 

[tr4656]

Can anyone confirm that this item on amazon is just a revision of the Asus Maximus VI Hero? Amazon UK seems to be the only site listing it (and it's cheaper than any site with available stock that I can find).

Yes, it's a revision that fixes a sleep issue.

I thought it was an absolute fucker of a thing to install, but it was my first aftermarket CPU cooler installation and I just happened to choose the biggest one.

Most of my issues came down to my case being just a tad too small (the Noctua website said it would be fine size-wise) and not setting clear instructions for myself ahead of time. I think I ended up having to remove and reseat the motherboard three times while I was installing the cooler. Took about three hours because I was afraid everything would explode at any second!

Excellent cooler though. Made my PC much quieter than it was with the stock cooler.

Yeah, might not be the easiest if it's your first just because of the size. Otherwise, it's pretty straightforward.

 

[IllumiNate]

I'm gonna hold off on a new monitor until after CES. Hoping to see a 1440p G-Sync 120hz monitor.

 

[Moral Panic]

Not totally true. The RVZ01 in the SFF guide is about the same size. There's a number of chassis like that.

RVZ01 isn't out. What other cases are there?

I'm probably gonna upgrade in March, No way I'm dragging this ATX case around when my lease runs out. ITX is the future.

 

[NoRéN]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Staples)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

The optical drive is not a must. Plenty of people on here could show you how to install your OS via USB.

This PSU was recommended to me last month at it has been great. Would save you some money too.
Rosewill HIVE Series HIVE-650 650W

You could also go with a regular air cooler for less cost and similar performance to the H60.
Hyper 212 EVO
The T4 is also in stock.

 

[tr4656]

I'm gonna hold off on a new monitor until after CES. Hoping to see a 1440p G-Sync 120hz monitor.

Doubt it. They don't even make standard 120Hz 1440p monitors.

 

[mhayze]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Staples)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

Should be able to pick up the difference between a cheaper CPU cooler, and a 2GB video card. If you're getting a GTX 760, get the cheapest one you can find.
Don't skimp any further on the mobo unless you find a deal, IMHO. If you have any discs that you need to install, then you need an optical drive. There's no reason to buy a new one, if you have an older SATA DVD-ROM.

 

[Prophet Steve]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Staples)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

The UD3H contains a Displayport connector and esata connections but seem the same otherwise. Decide for yourself whether you have a use for them.

But why do you have two hard drives instead of one? Do you want to run them in RAID? One 2TB one is probably cheaper, and imo at that price point there should be a SSD.

An optical drive is not essential, but you may use it. It is easier to install drivers and Windows, but you can also just do that with an USB Stick.

You could probably get a cheaper PSU, unless you want to add an extra GPU or something.

And I always vote for Windows 8.1 over Windows 7, not only do I prefer it, but it will just be supported longer and make sure you will be compatible with things to come.

If you really want you could also get a cheaper CPU cooler. But when you pick that one I assume you have your reasons.

 

[kharma45]

The optical drive is not a must. Plenty of people on here could show you how to install your OS via USB.

This PSU was recommended to me last month at it has been great. Would save you some money too.
Rosewill HIVE Series HIVE-650 650W

You could also go with a regular air cooler for less cost and similar performance to the H60.
Hyper 212 EVO
The T4 is also in stock.

Yeah the Hive is good but this is better value after rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na

 

[BPoole]

Posting this again since I need advice:

I want to buy an R9 290 but seeing as the prices are inflated nearly $200 with no drop in sight, I'm starting to consider other options. I currently run 6950s in cfx on a 1440p monitor. Would a 4GB 770 even be worth the upgrade? I don't want to spend more than $450, and my only other option would be the 780, which is more than I want to pay.

 

[nOoblet16]

Guys, I have a core i7 950 from 2010 and I use it along with a GTX780 with 16 Gigs of Corsair Vengeance racing red. I am wondering if I should upgrade my CPU and whether I'll see any remarkable benefits in gaming especially CPU intensive games like Planetside 2. I can't seem to hit 60FPS at 1080p during battles in that game but is it because of my CPU ? (I realise that the game itself is quite unoptimised).

My budget is around £250 and I haven't got a scooby about CPUs.

 

[chaosblade]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

Really no reason at all to get Windows 7 over Windows 8.1. Even if you don't like the Metro nonsense you can install Classic Shell and you basically end up Win7 Better Edition.

And the above posts have about all the cost cutting I could think of. One of the motherboards in the OP, cheaper but still good PSU, tower CPU cooler, maybe cut the optical drive if you don't have any discs you need to use.

 

[kharma45]

Looking to start a completely new build (giving my old one to a relative)

Budget: $1500 USD
Uses: gaming, graphic design (pretty minor)
Gaming: 1080p

Came up with this list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB Video Card ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.98 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Staples)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)

Total: $1597.31

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 14:42 EST-0500)


Im about 100 bucks over.
Where could I shave them? Maybe on the mobo? What is the difference between say the Gigabyte Z87X-UD3H and the Z87X-D3H (almost $30 difference). Also is the optical drive a must in this time and age? ($20)

Change to a 212, change PSU, drop that second HDD for an SSD (or even upgrade to a 2TB), 2GB 760 is fine, cheaper Windows, no need for a DVD drive, cheaper case

$200 saved with this build. Can save another $15 on mobo with the Biostar HiFi Z87X

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.97 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($154.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($82.02 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($266.99 @ B&H)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($22.49 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech M560 Wireless Laser Mouse ($31.99 @ B&H)
Other: Windows 8.1 Pro ($25.00)
Total: $1300.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-05 15:13 EST-0500)

Posting this again since I need advice:

I want to buy an R9 290 but seeing as the prices are inflated nearly $200 with no drop in sight, I'm starting to consider other options. I currently run 6950s in cfx on a 1440p monitor. Would a 4GB 770 even be worth the upgrade? I don't want to spend more than $450, and my only other option would be the 780, which is more than I want to pay.

Considered a used 780?

Guys, I have a core i7 950 from 2010 and I use it along with a GTX780 with 16 Gigs of Corsair Vengeance racing red. I am wondering if I should upgrade my CPU and whether I'll see any remarkable benefits in gaming especially CPU intensive games like Planetside 2. I can't seem to hit 60FPS at 1080p during battles in that game but is it because of my CPU ? (I realise that the game itself is quite unoptimised).

My budget is around £250 and I haven't got a scooby about CPUs.

Spend ~£25 and overclock your i7 to 4Ghz or so and see if that gives you the boost you require. That i7 is still a very capable chip. £250 would get you a 4670K and a Gigabyte D3H mobo, but before splurging out try OCing.

 

[mkenyon]

RVZ01 isn't out. What other cases are there?

I'm probably gonna upgrade in March, No way I'm dragging this ATX case around when my lease runs out. ITX is the future.

It is out this month or the beginning of February for $100-110.

There's the ASRock one too. Then just about any horizontal ITX case with a 90 degree PCI-E riser can work.

 

[Ty4on]

Looks pretty bad aesthetically but good to see more of this size on the market.

Not that they're the only one, but Silverstone has updated the design on a lot of their cases. The SG series (compact, but not flat like a console) had a lot of cases, but many of them where just SG(n+1) where only the design was updated. The last one being SG09 -> SG10:

The Steam Machine prototype's internal layout is very similar to the RVZ01 and even a Silverstone PSU. It looks like a custom version of it with no optical which makes it slightly lower (look at the rear IO of the GPU). Nothing new as the Maingear Shift was basically a skinned RV01. Hope they make a Fortress variant because those cases have been pretty enough for OEMs to be content with just replacing the logo

Edit: Wonder if Fractal would make one without an optical. Silverstone has been good at comprimising drive space, but never left the optical out and even a slim one takes quite a bit of space. Most other case manufacturers seem to still believe that we all need 5 3.5inch drives so I wonder how they will respond (if they haven't already ).

 

[Sectorseven]

Saw a rumor about a define r5 case. What exactly could they improve on?

 

[lostsupper]

Saw a rumor about a define r5 case. What exactly could they improve on?

Removable 5.25" bays, more space behind the backplate, general build quality.

 

[bubu]

I'm gonna hold off on a new monitor until after CES. Hoping to see a 1440p G-Sync 120hz monitor.

Really doubt this would be announced.

 

[Samyy]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

 

[kharma45]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

There is no risk involved. Watch the videos in the OP.

 

[Katyusha]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

I'd say go for it. It's always good to learn something new and there are enough good tutorials out there for those that don't have any experience.

Plus you'll be getting a better build for that money if you build yourself as opposed to getting a prebuilt.

 

[Anton668]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

at one point everybody had no experience.
ya gotta start somewhere.
For my first sys, asked a bunch of questions in here, watched videos, read articles, and presto, built a system!

1 key thing is not to be afraid of it, yet dont go into it with reckless abandon. educate yourself, take your time. if you are unsure ask around til you understand.
for the most part, parts really only go in a certain way. everything has a place. somethings may take a lil extra pressure to seat, but those will be called out in most how-to's

 

[killertofu]

Let's say I want to start using 2, 1440p monitors...

What's a good solution for that? I do mostly video editing.

I have a GTX 670 right now and I notice that when I'm rendering on After Effects, it takes way longer to render if I have my 1440p and 1080p monitor plugged in. I usually just unplug the 1440 p one

 

[Prophet Steve]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

Go for it, for that price you cannot really buy a gaming PC, the PCs in that price ranged are all focused on mainstream users and do not have powerful graphics cards.

 

[tr4656]

Let's say I want to start using 2, 1440p monitors...

What's a good solution for that? I do mostly video editing.

I have a GTX 670 right now and I notice that when I'm rendering on After Effects, it takes way longer to render if I have my 1440p and 1080p monitor plugged in. I usually just unplug the 1440 p one

SLI.

 

[Ty4on]

Removable 5.25" bays, more space behind the backplate, general build quality.

I was joking with the idea of making it even wider, but seriously? It's so darn wide to begin with

Reminds me of cars that have grown a little bit here and there over the years and the result is that a 1984 Honda Accord is now quite a bit smaller than a modern Honda Civic.

 

[Bboy AJ]

Looking over the AnandTech review for the Fractal Design Node 304, this cable management is going to kill me:

"Cable spaghetti is a foregone conclusion in a case like this"

 

[140.85]

Let's say I want to start using 2, 1440p monitors...

What's a good solution for that? I do mostly video editing.

I have a GTX 670 right now and I notice that when I'm rendering on After Effects, it takes way longer to render if I have my 1440p and 1080p monitor plugged in. I usually just unplug the 1440 p one

Did you try the Caps Lock option so AE doesn't update the display while rendering?

 

[Niks]

Thanks for the replies guys. Gonna have a look at the options mentioned.

 

[Red Blaster]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

building a pc is easy, watch the tutorial videos and just think of it as expensive lego

 

[cdyhybrid]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

Build it.

 

[Bboy AJ]

Little case - use reference
Big case - use anything.

How necessary is exhaust cooling for small cases? There are no 4GB GTX 760s out there that aren't multi fan cooled, other than some ZOTAC that has bad reviews.

 

[mr2xxx]

Do you guys think its wise for someone with no experience in building computers to attempt to build a cheap ($500-600) PC or should I not risk it and just get something premade?

If you could build a Lego set then you 're fine.

 

[Nick]

Hey guys! So I'm looking to build my very first PC, and this thread is great! One thing I'm still not sure about it the case. I want a standard ATX tower but quite frankly, I want it to look as cool as possible. What are your recommendations? The ones listed in the OP are alright, but I want a few other options. Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 22576]

Whats the easiest way to clean a matte screen? just a microfiber cloth and touch of alcohol? or should i just use a bit of water.

 

[bubu]

Whats the easiest way to clean a matte screen? just a microfiber cloth and touch of alcohol? or should i just use a bit of water.

I use microfibre cloth and compressed air.

 

[mr2xxx]

Hey guys! So I'm looking to build my very first PC, and this thread is great! One thing I'm still not sure about it the case. I want a standard ATX tower but quite frankly, I want it to look as cool as possible. What are your recommendations? The ones listed in the OP are alright, but I want a few other options. Thanks in advance!

What do you consider cool? Do you want some aggressive looking case with a see through cover and all sorts of LEDs?

 

[killertofu]

SLI.

I keep hearing that's bad...or is that only for games?

Did you try the Caps Lock option so AE doesn't update the display while rendering?

Yeah...didn't seem to do much though... maybe shaved a minute or so off a 20-25 minute render?

 

[OldAsUrSock]

I keep hearing that's bad...or is that only for games?




Yeah...didn't seem to do much though... maybe shaved a minute or so off a 20-25 minute render?

SLI is not bad, but it is better to go for one powerful GPU then two weaker ones. If you cannot afford one powerful GPU at the moment then you could go for a SLI build, but frametimes are worse than single setups.

 

[sant]

I'm thinking about buying a mechanical keyboard, anyone have any recommendations? I want to spend around $100 (but willing to pay more), want Blue switches and would prefer a red blacklight.

 

[Katyusha]

I'm thinking about buying a mechanical keyboard, anyone have any recommendations? I want to spend around $100 (but willing to pay more), want Blue switches and would prefer a red blacklight.

The only keyboard that I could find that fit that criteria was the Rosewill Apollo, but at that price you might be better off with something like a Ducky Shine 3.

And those are both around $150

 

[CaptainZombie]

Not that they're the only one, but Silverstone has updated the design on a lot of their cases. The SG series (compact, but not flat like a console) had a lot of cases, but many of them where just SG(n+1) where only the design was updated. The last one being SG09 -> SG10:

The SG series is pretty compact. I currently have the SG10 and its a pretty sweet case for mATX. SS does that a lot with most of their cases, they end up having 2 versions.

Looking over the AnandTech review for the Fractal Design Node 304, this cable management is going to kill me:

"Cable spaghetti is a foregone conclusion in a case like this"

The best way to solve the issue with the Node 304 is to get a fully modular PSU. I would also look at going with one of the Silverstone PSU's that are 140mm in length so you can have some room between the cables on the PSU and the video card.

 

[Cmerrill]

Guys, need some help. When I plug my new PC into my tv as a monitor(Samsung 50inch LED) it chooses 1080p as recommended resolution, but the icons and tray are half off the screen, why? If I lower the resolution a notch, everything is back. I don't understand how to fix this.

 

[whitemex88]

Guys, need some help. When I plug my new PC into my tv as a monitor(Samsung 50inch LED) it chooses 1080p as recommended resolution, but the icons and tray are half off the screen, why? If I lower the resolution a notch, everything is back. I don't understand how to fix this.

overscan
if you have an amd card. in catalyst control you can adjust the overscan

 

[Anton668]

Hey guys! So I'm looking to build my very first PC, and this thread is great! One thing I'm still not sure about it the case. I want a standard ATX tower but quite frankly, I want it to look as cool as possible. What are your recommendations? The ones listed in the OP are alright, but I want a few other options. Thanks in advance!

What do you consider cool? Do you want some aggressive looking case with a see through cover and all sorts of LEDs?

as said, what do you consider cool?
look around and link some pics to what you consider cool.
the recommended case are based on build quality, air flow and such.
maybe look around at some of the companys that make the cases listed in the OP and see if they have any offerings that pique your interest.
as for windows and lights, they can be modded in to almost any case after the fact.

 

[Cmerrill]

overscan
if you have an amd card. in catalyst control you can adjust the overscan

It's a GTX 770.

 

[whitemex88]

It's a GTX 770.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_13964.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/277895-33-hdmi-screen-display
here you go. i have a shitty amd and went through the same thing. hope this helps

 

[Cmerrill]

I figured it out, I needed to change the name of the input on my tv to PC/DVI and the Tv turns off overscan. Stupid Samsung.