Docta Octa new computer

[Octavus]

Looking to get a new computer. My 10 year old Dell pentium 4 is just not doing it at 4 FPS during raid. In fact it is pissing the fuck out of me. Just looking for some ideas, links, minimum stats that I should be shooting for. My budget is only $500ish so I won't be sporting any V12 KY gel cooled super computers that Card and Elk sport. My computer knowledge is nil, I couldn't tell a hard drive from a duel core processor, any help would be appreciated.

Found this online looked interesting. http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/AMD_Phenom_II_Configurator/

[Allara]

You might tweak it slightly, I added more RAM and upgraded the video card.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saving/show.asp?id=1971433
It's over your budget ($600) but should perform adequately with WoW.

[Lonskils]

500 is kinda low figure for a computer top to bottom. Have a case etc already or is this a from 0 make it so kinda thing?

[Lonskils]

What I mean is, do you have an OS already? Monitor you are using now fine? Just a tower might be able to pull that off, but that will be difficult without onboard graphics!

[Andaas]

You could shave $30 off of Allara's specification if you go from 4GB to 3GB of RAM (you really should run a 64-bit OS if you're going to have 4GB of RAM anyway, since the 1GB of RAM on the video card is shared in the 3GB-4GB space in 32-bit).

Since neither of these come with a pre-installed OS, you'd either need to use your current OS (which may or may not work depending on if you're using an OEM version of XP/Vista); or I would recommend downloading the Windows 7 RC and installing that. Win7 is very stable, and I believe the current build will work until March 2010 - so you get a free OS for 10 months.

Then what Lons said; as long as your other parts are workable (monitor, etc.).

[Lonskils]

Just called sales and they sent me a mark up for one that is 467.00 from here at DELL. Has more memory and more HD space, is an intel chip, and I have no idea about that video card, but it can't be any worse than a 9500GT.


Dell Inspiron 530
Intel® Pentium Conroe Dual Core Processor E5300 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.6GHz, 800FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
Keyboard and Mouse Bundles Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB
Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI
Hard Drives 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Network Interface Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive 16DVDRW
Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Warranty & Service 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Datasafe Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Environmental Options Recycle my old system with Dell (FREE)
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
DataSafe Online Backup Dell Remote Access, free basic service

That's what I got!

[Allara]

Lons' computer looks pretty much perfect for you. Just don't expect to max out your video settings or anything :tongue:

[Angelie]

That's a pretty good DEAL Lons. If people want to 4 box - just get 4 of these bad boys and you'll be set!

[Angelie]

Lons' computer looks pretty much perfect for you. Just don't expect to max out your video settings or anything :tongue:

Lons PC is probably better than mine - or just as good. But I'm going to install a 285 GTX so I'm going to get a little better!!

Now if I can only understand Kirynos' post about OC'ing my 2.66 GHz CPU, I'll be money.

[Andaas]

Dell Inspiron 530
Intel® Pentium Conroe Dual Core Processor E5300 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.6GHz, 800FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
Keyboard and Mouse Bundles Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB
Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI
Hard Drives 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Network Interface Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive 16DVDRW
Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Warranty & Service 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Datasafe Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Environmental Options Recycle my old system with Dell (FREE)
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
DataSafe Online Backup Dell Remote Access, free basic service

That's what I got!

Definitely a good deal, and check that awesome label you get included in the price!!

[Andaas]

I just checked some reviews on the 3450, and while I'm sure it will run WoW acceptably, it's definitely a lower end card (retails for <$50).

Are there any other video options for that system Lons?

[Allara]

Lons PC is probably better than mine - or just as good.

Yeah it's pretty amazing what you can get for your $ these days.

[Lonskils]

Ok just got off the phone the only upgrade to that video card for that model is a ATI RADEON HD 4670 which will run about 85 bucks more.

[Andaas]

Looking at the Dell configurations, they don't offer anything bigger than the ATI 3450 with their "slim" Inspirons (probably because they can't fit anything bigger than that in the case).

So I specced out an Inspiron 530, went through the whole configuration process and found something pretty good for $559, the specs are below:


var doPost = true;

(Yes, the Dell site ate my customized configuration). So I tried again and got:


PROCESSOR Intel® Pentium Conroe Dual Core Processor E5300 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.6GHz, 800FSB)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1
OFFICE SOFTWARE Microsoft Works 9.0
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
MEMORY 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
HARD DRIVE 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
OPTICAL DRIVE 16X DVD+/-RW Drive
MONITORS No Monitor
VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON HD 4670 512MB
SOUND CARD Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
SPEAKERS No speakers
KEYBOARD Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
MEDIA READER No Floppy Drive Included
MODEM No Modem Option

[Lonskils]

Here is the list that dell goes by in video card comparisons, just an FYI.

http://www.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&l=e&ref=CFG&s=gen&~id=hmc_graphics_inspndt&~lt=popup&~series=inspn&~tab=details

[Lonskils]

Looking at the Dell configurations, they don't offer anything bigger than the ATI 3450 with their "slim" Inspirons (probably because they can't fit anything bigger than that in the case).

So I specced out an Inspiron 530, went through the whole configuration process and found something pretty good for $559, the specs are below:



(Yes, the Dell site ate my customized configuration). So I tried again and got:


We also have free shipping going on right now, not sure about the Phenom and stuff, but most folks including us really beat the shit out of you when you pay for shipping. Just another way to squeeze the money from folks. We will even finance the shipping haha.

[Andaas]

To put some numbers to the video card performance, I just grabbed the 3DMark06 scores for the various cards since that's at least a common performance benchmark:

ATI 3450 - 1803
ATI 4670 - 9251

I think the 3450 *might* play WoW just fine, but there really aren't any benchmarks that measure WoW performance. At least with the 4670 you should pretty much be certain that your video card will not be the limiting factor of the new system, you'll more than likely be limited on CPU with that card (also, that card should run anything decently aside from Crysis).

[Berae]

I like how oct has only made one post in this thread so far.

[Stosh]

Lons' computer looks pretty much perfect for you. Just don't expect to max out your video settings or anything :tongue:

Just make sure you turn the graphics up high enough so you can see the walls on the left.

[Octavus]

I'm letting the experts work out all the details. I trust you guys more than anyone else I know when it comes to technology. Basically anything I buy will be 100% better than what I'm using. At 4 FPS my DPS is severely gimped and more importantly my situational awareness is limited by how fast I can percieve the damage/circles of death/etc. Add to this my drinking habit and you can pretty much call me HOSS's retarded raider. I plan on keeping my monitor, mouse, and key board. Just need the good stuff. I'm not looking to blow away my senses with smooth as silk graffics or anything, but the ability to play with a normal FPS would be awesome. Soooo we are looking at $580-$620 for a nice running machine?

[Allara]

What unit frame add-on do you use, Oct (or none)? As I'm finding out, this will severely impact your performance. To the point that I'd almost recommend using default blizzard unit frames if you don't have a top-notch computer.

[Lonskils]

What I posted up with the upgraded video card will fit you perfectly if you aren't hard capped at 500.

[Valdis]

Yea I wish Dell still had the Nvidia cards. I have hated ATI ever since they created that horrible Catalyst Control Center. Also I have only had poor experiences with the slim and form factor Dell's power supplies.

[Lonskils]

We do still have them, just not on this system.

[Valdis]

Yea I've seen em just never on the systems I build out for family members.

[Stosh]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/system-builder-marathon,2315.html

For what it's worth.

[Lonskils]

Gotta keep margins high enough to pay few sales folk we have left lol

[Valdis]

So long as you guys keep the competent people I deal with on Dell Tech Chat I'm ok. And apparently this just in Sallie Mae wants me to get Dell and HP certified.

[Stosh]

So long as you guys keep the competent people I deal with on Dell Tech Chat I'm ok. And apparently this just in Sallie Mae wants me to get Dell and HP certified.

I have Dell Platinum at work for my servers, and I'm pretty sure I could ask for a sloppy blow job and get it. I've had parts delivered to me within 30 minutes at 3AM, and continual follow up calls and emails from managers until I tell them my issue has been resolved to my satisfaction.

For my home issues, that's another story. Last month when attempting to get my 2408 issue resolved, it took me 30 minutes to work my way through the phone queue, since nobody at Dell seems to think it's possible to own a Dell branded monitor without a Dell PC, and every prompt assumes you have a Dell PC with a service tag. Once I finally got to speak with "Bob" from Bangalore, he told me I had the wrong department, and transfered me to a dial tone. Another 30 minutes to get another "Bob" from Bangalore, who asks me to tell him my entire issue. When I finish, Bob tells me that I called the wrong department, and transfers me. When I ask for the correct number in case I get disconnected, he gives me the same number I originally dialed. Bob also gives me a incident number. So I get transfered again, to another Bob, who askes for my service tag (sigh) that doesn't exist on a monitor. So after explaing to him that I don't have a PC with a service tag, I give him the incident number. He then asks me to explain the problem again, so I do, despite being told thaty my problem has been logged with the incident number I received. Bob then puts me on hold, returns in 5 minutes to tell me that I have the wrong department, and that the department I want is closed until 8AM. He then gives me a number to call for the correct department, that exactly matches the phone number I originally called.

The next morning, I call again. Same infurating automated answering attendant that assumes you have a Dell PC with a service tag. After the 20 minute conversation with a computer that continually says "I don't understand." to every voice prompt, I get Judy from Bangalore! Before she can even ask for my service tag, I say I don't have a service tag, I have an incident number, give her my order number and every other number from my original order. Even though my issue is supposed to be described in the incident report, I have to explain it again. And again, I get put on hold. I really think there are 50 Bob's and Judy's in a room, with a single "engineer" in the middle of the room with a book of flowcharts on how and what to say and ask for each problem. Five minutes later, Judy tells me I am in the wrong department. I then say JUDY WHAT THE FUCK, and slam the phone down.

I still have the problem.

[Lonskils]

You can upgrade your home to gold and by pass all queues. Just a heads up.

[Stosh]

Next time I call I am just going to lie and say I heard a popping sound, and say I saw some white smoke came out of the back so I don't have to go through the 500 itirations of "have you tried this..."

[Valdis]

I have an XPS so I cut to the XPS support who seem to be required to have at least an A+ level of knowledge.

P.S. At work I always have the Enterprise support so I always tell them to just ship me X part and its always there within 12 hours or so. Unless one of the shitty Dell printers breaks then I make them send a guy to replace the damn motor for the umpteenth time. (Plastic gears like to turn into dust in Dell 5100 printers it seems.)

[Angelie]

Is this still about Oct's comp? :kiss:

[Valdis]

Oct needs a comp?

[Octavus]

I originally posted this in 2005, just that no one answered till now. :D

[Valdis]

Well get with the times and buy one of the many options posted son. :D

[renshin]

I am going to get my brother's gaming computer which is identical to mine so I can dual box weee.

[Octavus]

Lons is that a regular deal or an "insiders" package?

[Peotr]

Well... I know Oct didn't want to look at building a computer, but ...

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 $52.99
Processor: Intel Pentium E5300 2.6GHz $79.99
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 $49.99
Case: HEC 6K28BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX $59.99
Power Supply (included with case): 585W $0.00
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB $59.99
Video Card: XFX HD-485X-YDFC Radeon HD 4850 512MB $119.99
DVD: LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99

Which works out to $450.93 before shipping. It doesn't have an operating system, but you could either use the one in your old computer, buy one on eBay for cheap, (steal one), or download Windows 7 64-bit and use that until next March, when you'd have to pay around $150.00 for a full copy.

WHATS GOOD:

You get an XFX 4850, which is a significantly better video card.
You get a 640GB hard drive
4GB of faster RAM (in case you want to overclock)


WHATS BAD:

Well, I have no clue about the case and power supply, except that the Newegg users like them. But we could switch out for a Rosewill case for the same money.
There's no operating system.
No system warranty, and you have to build it.


Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Note: Before anyone says anything, I chose components that I trust. I've built with two of the motherboards I listed (and it has many high reviews from NewEggers), I prefer GSkil RAM (it's the only kind I use), and I also prefer Western Digital. Thats just me.

[Angelie]

Just called sales and they sent me a mark up for one that is 467.00 from here at DELL. Has more memory and more HD space, is an intel chip, and I have no idea about that video card, but it can't be any worse than a 9500GT.


Dell Inspiron 530
Intel® Pentium Conroe Dual Core Processor E5300 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.6GHz, 800FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
Keyboard and Mouse Bundles Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB
Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI
Hard Drives 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Network Interface Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive 16DVDRW
Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Warranty & Service 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Datasafe Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Environmental Options Recycle my old system with Dell (FREE)
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
DataSafe Online Backup Dell Remote Access, free basic service

That's what I got!

Lons is there a hook up you can get for a laptop? Puet is looking for one and I was wondering what your sales department hook up has under their sleeves. :love: Price range is also 500ish (under $600) and hopefully can run WOW (so a dedicated vidcard is necessary)

[Lonskils]

has to be a laptop?

[Lonskils]

We just started the 10 days of deals, now is probably the best time to get something.

[Angelie]

Yeah - he has a desktop already. He actually needs it for work but since he does experiments 24 hours 7 days a week - he couldn't raid coz he has to be at the lab. So he's looking to get a laptop so he can raid while waiting for experiments to finish :)

[Lonskils]

INSPIRON 15:
System Color: Jet Black
Intel® Pentium® Dual Core T4200 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/1MB cache)
Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64 Bit
1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Bright, glossy widescreen 15.6 WLED display (1366x768)
Memory: 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
Hard Drive: 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330
Combo or DVD+RW Drive: 8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Battery Options: 6-cell battery
Wireless Networking Cards: Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Integrated Web Cam: Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
Sound: High Definition Audio 2.0
Network: Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Software - Antivirus: McAfee 30 day Trial
Datasafe: Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Dell Remote Access: Dell Remote Access, free basic service

Price 599.00 pre tax / shipping

To lower the price you can reduce the ram by a gig and lower the screen quality and you'll save 50 bucks

Quote only good for today

[Lonskils]

Oh and Ang, we have a Sharp AQUOS LC40E77U 40-inch LCD HDTV 120hz 1080p for 899.00.

[Angelie]

Oh and Ang, we have a Sharp AQUOS LC40E77U 40-inch LCD HDTV 120hz 1080p for 899.00.

Oh I just bought that TV at Costco 2 weekends ago. It was on sale for $650 (with coupon from members). After the new 9.25% CA tax and disposal fees - it came to about almost $800...Good TV!

[Angelie]

Dual Core eh? Not Core 2 Duo? Is there a link he can order it from?

[Angelie]

Inspiron 15 Qty 1
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6400 (2.00GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache), Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 32 Bit Unit Price $709.00


Save $175 off this Dell Inspiron 15!
Limited Time Offer!
- $175.00


Catalog Number: 29 DNDOZZ1
Module Description Show Details

INSPIRON 15 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6400 (2.00GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 32 Bit
System Color Jet Black
Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
LCD Panel Bright, glossy widescreen 15.6 WLED display (1366x768)
Video Card Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
Hard Drive 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Network Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
Combo or DVD+RW Drive 8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Sound High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Integrated Web Cam Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam
Productivity Microsoft® Works 9
Software - Antivirus McAfee 30 day Trial
Battery Options 6-cell battery
Hardware Support Services 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Datasafe Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Dial-Up Internet Access No ISP requested
PROCESSOR LABELS Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor
OS LABELS Windows Vista™ Premium
Dell Remote Access Dell Remote Access, free basic service

TOTAL: $534.00


He got this Laptop on the Deal and it's a Core 2 Duo which is better than the Dual Core - Except I advised that it doesn't have a dedicated video card at least...

[Lonskils]

Here's a link, he'll need to make a profile and yes there is an option for that core 2 duo, but it is about 160 more dollars. As an aside there are 10 days of deals... Tomorrow we may have different ones, but I am not at liberty to say. This deal will only be good for today. This system starts at 499.00

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&oc=DNDOZZ1

[Lonskils]

Yeah I went for what you asked for and not the core 2 duo which while great isn't as good as the extra gig of ram, vid card pci and glossy screen

[Angelie]

Yeah - I'm not technically savvy to know the performance difference between Core 2 Duo and Dual Core. Some swear their lives to only work with Core 2 Duo and not touch Dual Core (in New Egg anyway). Any inputs from the forum gurus?

[Octavus]

Well... I know Oct didn't want to look at building a computer, but ...

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 $52.99
Processor: Intel Pentium E5300 2.6GHz $79.99
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 $49.99
Case: HEC 6K28BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX $59.99
Power Supply (included with case): 585W $0.00
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB $59.99
Video Card: XFX HD-485X-YDFC Radeon HD 4850 512MB $119.99
DVD: LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99

Which works out to $450.93 before shipping. It doesn't have an operating system, but you could either use the one in your old computer, buy one on eBay for cheap, (steal one), or download Windows 7 64-bit and use that until next March, when you'd have to pay around $150.00 for a full copy.


WHATS GOOD:

You get an XFX 4850, which is a significantly better video card.
You get a 640GB hard drive
4GB of faster RAM (in case you want to overclock)


WHATS BAD:

Well, I have no clue about the case and power supply, except that the Newegg users like them. But we could switch out for a Rosewill case for the same money.
There's no operating system.
No system warranty, and you have to build it.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Note: Before anyone says anything, I chose components that I trust. I've built with two of the motherboards I listed (and it has many high reviews from NewEggers), I prefer GSkil RAM (it's the only kind I use), and I also prefer Western Digital. Thats just me.


So I think I'm gonna throw shit to the wind and try and build this fucker. So where did you get all this stuff from? I'll order it up then hopefully you can be my guidance via vent during the babymaking process.

[Angelie]

So I think I'm gonna throw shit to the wind and try and build this fucker. So where did you get all this stuff from? I'll order it up then hopefully you can be my guidance via vent during the babymaking process.

Of all the computers I've built - the hardest part in building a PC is frigging putting the fan onto the CPU/Motherboard. I don't care if it's a Zalman or stock fan - it's the worst step of building a PC. The rest is just playing old school NES and plugging in parts :wink:

[Octavus]

Good cause I don't know a motherboard from a microchip.

[Domathoine]

Properly placing a CPU heatsink with CPU can be a pain too. Otherwise, /bore

[Lonskils]

Oct man, if you are smart you will buy the stuff and send it to Peotr or someone that will agree to build it for you and then have it built.

[Andaas]

Oct man, if you are smart you will buy the stuff and send it to Peotr or someone that will agree to build it for you and then have it built.

I'd say get Zeyla to do it, since he's somewhat local, you won't have to ship it afterward.

[Zeyla]

This is a possibility...

[Domathoine]

Thinking of pulling a Doc-Oct here... but really only looking for a new case, motherboard, and cpu... and potentially a power supply.

Right now, I'm running a Pentium E2180 (2ghz dual core, 1mb L2 cache), 4gbs of DDR2 Corsair ram, and a Nvidia Gefroce 8800 GTX, all on a 300w power supply (bad idea, I know).

I'm thinking my card and RAM would hold up for a while longer, but my mid-size case is giving me some heat issues, especially after extended periods. The MoBo also won't hold up as I've already reached its' memory capacity, so I'd like to upgrade that as well. The current dual core isn't bad, but it is starting to be a limiting factor in some areas.

I was wondering if you guys knew of any deals or had any sort of suggestions... I'd like to keep my purchase under $400, but that might be a little hard to do.

As far as the case goes, I'm not too particular about looks... I just want enough space for a huge video card and adequate airflow. Looking through newegg, I came across (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011) and (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811215006), neither of which I'm particularly crazy about, but they might do the job.

With the processor, I really don't feel like I (or anyone, for that matter) can really make use of a Quad-Core, so I'd prefer a mid to high end dual core instead. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037) is about the closest fit I could find... it must be such a high seller for a reason, right?

As far as the motherboard goes, I really don't know what I'm looking for//at. I know some things (I'd like memory expandable to 16gb, but 8 would be fine as well) and that I don't require the space for 2 huge cards to SLI or anything... but beyond that is pretty much free reign.

The last concern is the power supply... I'm rather surprised I haven't overdone my 300w with what I've got on it right now, so I'd imagine this is probably a high priority. I've got a 450w sitting around that I actually tried to install today, but I couldn't get the damn thing to turn on even though I was positive it was plugged in correctly, so it might be dead. I've heard some people swear by particular power supplies, so I'm open to suggestions here as well.

[Parak]

GA-EP45-UD3R/GA-EP45-UD3P for motherboard is a solid choice. For power supplies, the best values currently are Mushkin 550200 and OCZ600MXSP (ymmv on rebate here); for more high end stuff look at Corsair CMPSU-520HX. Case is more difficult, but I'm leaning towards Cooler Master HAF 922. Oh, and don't forget the heatsink, such as the Thermalright Ultra 120.

[Domathoine]

That case looks nice, but its a mid-size... I'm already running into space issues, so I'm going to have to go to the full. Looking into those other suggestions.

[Lonskils]

Yup, my next one I am going server size and building a cabinet ala Cardinal.

[Domathoine]

As far as the case goes, I'm looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144135 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164081 right now. Both come with a power supply that isn't terrible and don't make me want to gag when I look at them... and they're not horrendously expensive.

Thoughts?

[Lonskils]

Screw the power supply, get a new one you want and jsut take the ones in the cases out.

[Parak]

That case looks nice, but its a mid-size... I'm already running into space issues, so I'm going to have to go to the full. Looking into those other suggestions.

What do you have now that would require a full tower? =O

[Domathoine]

The Nvidia 8800 GTX is just a hair too big for my case. It fits, but not by much.

[Parak]

The Nvidia 8800 GTX is just a hair too big for my case. It fits, but not by much.

Ah, the HAF 922 fits 10.5" cards with no problems. Example:

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3015/dsc01319a.jpg

[Lonskils]

My 9800 GTX barely fits my mid tower and lead to some "creative" use of space

[Domathoine]

Looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.231297

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

[Valdis]

Pretty good choices. I always go with EVGA for my manufacturer but that's because I have always gotten perfect working parts and word of mouth is that their Customer Support is always top notch.

And I have the full size HAF and I absolutely love that case.

[Octavus]

So it took longer than I expected but I'm finally ready (financially) to purchase a computer. I'm going with newegg and I'm on the fence on whether to go with pre-built or build my own.

Here is the pre-built: Price with shipping and tax: $598.71
<TABLE class=specification cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Motherboard</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Chipset</TD><TD class=desc>AMD 780G</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>CPU</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>CPU Type</TD><TD class=desc>Athlon II X2</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Installed Qty</TD><TD class=desc>1</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>CPU Speed</TD><TD class=desc>240(2.8GHz)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>L2 Cache Per CPU</TD><TD class=desc>2 x 1MB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>CPU Socket Type</TD><TD class=desc>AM3</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>CPU Main Features</TD><TD class=desc>64 bit Dual Core Processor</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Graphics</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>GPU/VPU Type</TD><TD class=desc>NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Graphics Interface</TD><TD class=desc>PCI Express 2.0 x16</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Memory</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Memory Capacity</TD><TD class=desc>4GB DDR2</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Memory Speed</TD><TD class=desc>DDR2 800</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Form Factor</TD><TD class=desc>DIMM 240-pin</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Memory Spec</TD><TD class=desc>2GB x 2</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Memory Slots (Available/Total)</TD><TD class=desc>2/4</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Maximum Memory Supported</TD><TD class=desc>8GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Hard Drive</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>HDD Capacity</TD><TD class=desc>500GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>HDD Interface</TD><TD class=desc>SATA II</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Optical Drive</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Optical Drive Type</TD><TD class=desc>DVD±RW</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Optical Drive Spec</TD><TD class=desc>22X DL DVD+/-RW Drive</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Audio</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Audio Chipset</TD><TD class=desc>Integrated</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Audio Channels</TD><TD class=desc>8 channels</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Communications</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>LAN Chipset</TD><TD class=desc>Integrated</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>LAN Speed</TD><TD class=desc>10/100/1000Mbps</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Front Panel Ports</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Front USB</TD><TD class=desc>2</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Front eSATA</TD><TD class=desc>1 x eSATA (based on motherboard availability)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Front Audio Ports</TD><TD class=desc>2</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Back Panel Ports</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>PS/2</TD><TD class=desc>1</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Rear USB</TD><TD class=desc>6</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Rear IEEE 1394</TD><TD class=desc>1</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>eSATA</TD><TD class=desc>1</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>RJ45</TD><TD class=desc>1 port</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>Rear Audio Ports</TD><TD class=desc>6 ports</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>S/P DIF</TD><TD class=desc>1 x S/PDIF out</TD></TR><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Expansion</TD></TR><TR><TD class=name>PCI Slots (Available/Total)</TD><TD class=desc>1 x PCI-Express x16
1 x PCI-Express x1
2 x PCI</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

For the pieced together computer this is what I put together. Total price with shipping and tax. $625.74

-Linkworld 32104-68WU+P07 Black/ Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply
-Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
-ZOTAC ZT-95TEK2P-FSL GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
-WINTEC AMPX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
-AMD Phenom II 925 Deneb 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor
-ECS BLACK SERIES A790GXM-AD3 AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
-Windows 7
-LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive


The Prebuilt
Pros:
~$25 cheaper
-Includes USB mouse and keyboard
-I don't have to build.

Piece'd together
Pros:
-Quad core
- +1 PCI express x16 slot
- +1 PCI express x 1 slot
- an extra 20W of Power supply
-Hard drive has +1800 RPM's and +24 MB cache

First off if I built it my self do I have all that I need and does it look like everything will piece together correctly? Do you think the extra $25 dollars spent is worth the effort and upgrades? Planning on making the purchase tomorrow after your much appreciated advice.

Octalag

[Octavus]

After speaking with a few in guild I changed up some things on the Pieced together comp. Dropped down to a dual core and price is now $531.57 out the door.

-Linkworld 32104-68WU+P07 Black/ Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

-Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

-ZOTAC ZT-95TEK2P-FSL GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

-CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

-AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor

-GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

-Windows 7

-LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive

[Parak]

Personally at the present time I wouldn't try to compromise much on DIY, and go for the best bang for the dollar. Here's something that you might spend a bit more on ($721.92 pre tax, with $35 worth of rebates, free shipping on case), but it will run circles around both of those (in terms of both cpu and graphics), and is much more future proof:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=8430049

At the very least, I'd run like hell from a 9500GT, and use a 4670.

[Allara]

I'm with Parak except I'd switch the CPU to a dual core with a higher clock rate. We are WoW players, after all.

[Octavus]

Well with shipping and tax I don't want to spend over $650. So I'm limited in the amount of bells and whistles that I can upgrade to.

[Parak]

Here are the replacement parts for a dual core build, $40 worth of rebates:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146785
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116093
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135093

Overall you probably won't notice much difference in gaming, though the i5 is going to be better at general applications and leeloo dallas muuuultitask.

[Wresh]

Tigerdirect and Fry's are other locations you can go look at (honestly why people sometimes think newegg is the only place to get things is beyond me...I use all 3 to get the best price)..


I found a "barebone kit" at Tigerdirect with the following in it:

Intel DP55WB Socket LGA1156 Motherboard
Intel Core i5-750 2.66Ghz Processor (with CPU Fan)
OCZ 4GB DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Low Voltage Memory
HITACHI 1TB SATA 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Ultra XBlaster Mid-Tower Case Black
Ultra LSP550 550w Power Supply

Cost out the door after rebate (and before shipping) is $509.99

Bad thing about barebone kits is you will need to either use your current Windows disk or buy a new one (or get a *cough* copy from a friend). This one also doesn't come with a video card, but you can pick up good "older" models now for around $100.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5226067&CatId=333


This is of course not the best option, but throwing another "possible" way to go for ya..

[Parak]

Yep, tigerdirect can be a good place to get parts as well, but to be fair:

The newegg cost after rebate and before shipping is also $510 for those equivalent components, but you get a motherboard with sli/cf support (not to mention being a full ATX), and a better case :p

[Wresh]

Oh I hear ya Parak...lol.

Newegg is a great place to get items, just don't wanna pigeon hole him into one place to get the stuff he needs/wants....

I still think that getting pieces and building a computer vs. a pre-made one is still the best way to go...

[Domathoine]

Most of the time I agree... unless you're worried about warranties. It can be a PAIN to deal with individual part replacement as opposed to a whole system from a manufacturer... but I'd much rather get my hands dirty and build the damn thing myself.

[Wresh]

Today would be a great day to purchase things if you know what you want...

It is Cyber Monday...and just like Black Friday in stores, you will find some good deals on the net today...

[Octavus]

Thats the main reason I was waiting till today. I'm gonna check out the deals and put in my order. Hopefully by this time next week Ill be building/playing my new comp...

[Octavus]

SOLD! Shits in the mail. Thanks for all the input and advice.

<TABLE class=cartSum cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>Linkworld 32104-68WU+P07 Black/ Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164122) <DD>Item #: N82E16811164122 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty44) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD class=checkoutOrig>$39.99 <DD>$29.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>BIOSTAR TA790GXE 128M AM2+/AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138146) <DD>Item #: N82E16813138146 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty44) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD class=checkoutOrig>$99.99 <DD>$79.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>POWERCOLOR AX4650 1GBD2-H Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131166) <DD>Item #: N82E16814131166 </DD></DL><DL><DD>VGA Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty30) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD class=checkoutOrig>$59.99 <DD>$54.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103687) <DD>Item #: N82E16819103687 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty44) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD>$62.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184) <DD>Item #: N82E16820145184 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Memory Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty41) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD>$89.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320) <DD>Item #: N82E16822136320 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty44) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD>$69.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>LITE-ON Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDS118-04 - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276) <DD>Item #: N82E16827106276 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Standard Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty44) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD>$19.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD><DL class=prodDesc><DD>Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754) <DD>Item #: N82E16832116754 </DD></DL><DL><DD>Software Return Policy (https://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/CheckoutStep3.aspx?CartID=zlT3YWgU7MAjuB4sDO2bmo8m hHVApL6vKaGwf0Wmshg%3d&SONumbers=56492078#warranty27) </DD></DL></TD><TD><DL><DD>$104.99 </DD></DL></TD></TR><TR><TD class=qty>1</TD><TD>DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #294419

</TD><TD class=money><DL><DD>-$25.00</DD></DL></TD></TR><TR class=subtotal><TD colSpan=2>Subtotal</TD><TD>$487.92</TD></TR><TR class=noTop><TD colSpan=2>Tax</TD><TD>$40.25</TD></TR><TR class=noTop><TD colSpan=2>UPS Ground </TD><TD>$18.68</TD></TR><TR class=noTop><TD colSpan=2>Order Total</TD><TD id=ORDER_TOTAL>$546.85</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Allara]

Nice, now you can eat balls with the pros!

[Lonskils]

I do hope you have a cpu cooler that isn't factory.

[Angelie]

I love the balls when they explode on my face - especially the black ballz :smile:

[Angelie]

If he's not going to OC - factory with Arctic Silver is fine...

[Angelie]

Although paying $104 for Windows 7 is I think the biggest folly?

[Lonskils]

That's not a bad price really.

[Angelie]

/shrug - u can get it for $30 from Stosh's link ... :smile:

(just give beer to someone who has an edu acct) ;)

[Octavus]

I was going to try and get a "borrowed" windows 7 but decided to go the legal way. Now I get to start a new. This will be a no porn computer. Ill keep my older comp up for that stuff. :p

[Octavus]

I do hope you have a cpu cooler that isn't factory.


CPU comes with fan/heatsink... Case has 3 fans. Do I really need to buy an aftermarket cooler?

[Angelie]

CPU comes with fan/heatsink... Case has 3 fans. Do I really need to buy an aftermarket cooler?

No

[Domathoine]

No

Agreed.

[Allara]

You'll be fine, and I agree that legal Windows is better at this stage in the game. The hacks are getting harder and harder to work with and maintain.

[Llain]

on friday newegg had caviar black 640gigs for 50$ till they sold out only thing is you should have tried to get a mobo/cpu combo deal and saved like 20$ and spent it towards the vid card. other than that, good job! I just bought a new rig from there for me and one for ZP. newegg rocks.

[Llain]

oh and i paid 35$ for an aftermarket heatsink for my quad core... max load prime95 was 64C with stock heatsink + arctic silver 5...now it's 60C with AS5 and the aftermarket...kinda wishing I saved my money.

[Octavus]

I did a combo on the mobo/cpu and saved $25. The combo discount is showed at the bottom. I'm like a kid on christmas eve... I hope it comes Friday, so I have time to build it for next weeks raid schedule.

[gukaistar]

Good work Oct! Don't ever give up porn. Cold turkey or otherwise. No , not turkey porn, wha? wait!.. no... argh.. Call me we'll porn.

[Aerothas]

Congrats Oct. I hope you know how to put the shit together. And if so, be careful.

[Valdis]

Don't forget to buy an ESD strap...........................

[Aindayen]

Oct inspired me.

I just ordered:

Intel Core i7 960 (3.2 hz)
12GB DDR3
2TB HD
NVidea GeForce GTX 295
Bluray
Windows 7
28" monitor
G19 Keyboard (been eyeballing it for too long)

Now to see if I can get it before Tuesday!

Ain

[Allara]

:thumbup:

[Domathoine]

Intel Core i7 960 (3.2 hz)
12GB DDR3
2TB HD
NVidea GeForce GTX 295
Bluray
Windows 7
28" monitor
G19 Keyboard (been eyeballing it for too long)


Couple of interesting choices...

Why the 12gb of ram? Seems like a ridiculous amount of overkill... Most people don't see too much use past 6gb.

Why the i7 960 when the 920 overclocks so well for a smaller price?

All in all, going to be a BEAST of a system. I'm jealous, regardless.

[Valdis]

I have 12GB of RAM on my i7, with how cheap it is it was more of a why not. Plus from all the studies Aind there is no point in using anything but the lowest frequency DDR3 for your i7. It saves a lot of money.

[Allara]

Advocating less RAM is silly. RAM is cheap. If you do anything even remotely useful with your system, you'll use the RAM. Just max it out. Also, some people don't like overclocking.

[gukaistar]

Is this thing built yet?

[Aerothas]

More memory would make a difference if you're running a 64 bit OS. But even if you are, 12 GB is a bit over kill regardless and just creates more heat.

[Valdis]

I didn't say anything about less RAM I said don't waste money on the high frequency DDR3 i.e. buy the PC10666 not the PC12800 or PC15000. The i7 boards have enough bandwidth from the RAM to the proc that you don't need the high frequency to get the top end performance. I believe the difference in performance from the PC10666 to the PC15000 is only a couple nanoseconds better which is not humanly detectable so why spend the extra $200ish on the difference between 12GB of one then the other.

P.S. The only time I advocate not buying RAM is if you're like my ex and your machine is using RAMBUS. At that point its time to buy a new computer lol.

[Aindayen]

I believe I can put up to 24 gigs of ram in it. That seems like overkill, but is on my to do list eventually. I went with 12 because it fell into my car motor category, where more seems like better to have when you do need it.

I should have it by Tuesday.

With running 2 computers off the same router should I do anything special? It'll be hardwired not wireless at this point.

Ain

[Aindayen]

Oct is your baby assembled yet?!?

Ain

[Octavus]

I just got done putting her together. Now I need to go through the long WOW downloading... She is a beauty. Now I need to buy a monitor. My 7 year old dell 16incher is gonna throttle the full potential of this system. Build went well with only one mistake.

I put the motherboard in and connected the power supply. I wanted to check and see if the mobo was working before I went any further. I turned on the power supply and nothing happened. I figured the power supply must be jacked and didn't want to wait for newegg to replace. So I drove to Fry's and picked up a 450 watt Rhino Power supply. Got back and put the new one in. Same shit. Now I know I'm doing something wrong. Long story short. I forgot to plug the on/off switch into the mobo. I figured the powersupply fan would at least come on when I turned it on, but apparantly you need to have the computer "on" too. Dumb mistake but now I have a back up powersupply.

[Octavus]

When I am on a web page and moving my curser the webpage sometimes flickers. Would my old monitor be causing this or something else?

[Octavus]

Don't forget to buy an ESD strap...........................

What the hell is that?

[Allara]

When I am on a web page and moving my curser the webpage sometimes flickers. Would my old monitor be causing this or something else?

Video card and/or video drivers, most likely? Been years since I've seen it.

[Allara]

What the hell is that?

Electrostatic Discharge strap. http://www.esdproduct.com/ESD_Wrist_Strap.php

Highly recommended when building computers.

[Aerothas]

When I am on a web page and moving my curser the webpage sometimes flickers. Would my old monitor be causing this or something else?

If its the scroll wheel on the mouse then it's video card drivers like Allara said. I've never seen flickering while just moving the mouse cursor itself.

[Octavus]

I figured it out. I needed to download adobe flash. The wow official page was flickering everytime i scrolled over an image/link etc..

[Allara]

If its the scroll wheel on the mouse then it's video card drivers like Allara said. I've never seen flickering while just moving the mouse cursor itself.

I have seen this before, on an older computer. It was a bad video card, needed to replace it. Glad that wasn't it this time!

[Octavus]

Still downloading patches.... 4 hours of downloader so far. 3.8 of the 4.2 Gigs transfered. The suspense is killing me.

[Angelie]

I dont get it man - why didn't u just copy ur wow folder from ur old pc and copy it into ur new pc... I never ever had to fully reinstall wow from ground zero in any of my 10 trillion reformats and/or new builds...

[Valdis]

Electrostatic Discharge strap. http://www.esdproduct.com/ESD_Wrist_Strap.php

Highly recommended when building computers.


All that being said, I have worked on many hundred computers now without using an ESD strap and have only heard 3rd hand stories of anything happening. Basically do the common sense stuff and ground yourself before you work and you're all good. Also ESD straps are for Sally's. :D

[Angelie]

LOL Just touch the case often

[Octavus]

I touched the case and myself often during the build. I should have cut and pasted from the old computer but I want everything fresh and new. I'm afraid to pass corrupted/tainted/porn infected data to my sexy virgin pooter.

[Angelie]

You put porn files into your WoW folder? You sir are my hero! :love:

[Aindayen]

I dont get it man - why didn't u just copy ur wow folder from ur old pc and copy it into ur new pc... I never ever had to fully reinstall wow from ground zero in any of my 10 trillion reformats and/or new builds...

So your saying copy it onto an external and then back to the new pc?

Ain

[Angelie]

So your saying copy it onto an external and then back to the new pc?

Ain

Hell Yes!

Or if your legit - just network it and copy it from your PC to the new one without having to go through external HDs.

[Aindayen]

Hell Yes!

Or if your legit - just network it and copy it from your PC to the new one without having to go through external HDs.

Ang I have the computer literacy of a monkey. Networking may not be an option for me.

Ain

[Angelie]

I found networking two windows 7 comps a little more challenging (for the average user) to have an open communication than it was for xp... I have the computer literacy of a space monkey (which is just a grain higher than a regular monkey).

[Aindayen]

I should get my computer shortly, and have already put WoW onto my external.

Crap I forgot about my music. Hmmm that is going to take forever :(

Ain

[Aindayen]

Waiting for my computer to show sucks, especially when WoW is down...

Ain

[Wresh]

Waiting for my computer to show sucks, especially when WoW is down...

Ain


Go get off the couch and exercise??

[Aindayen]

Go get off the couch and exercise??

My area should get 8" of snow tonight, and I'm thinking of buying a new snowblower as to not break my back. Screw heavy snow...

Oh and I'm getting exercise seeing if the UPS driver is here every 8 minutes :(

Ain

[Wresh]

lol...I live in Aurora remember?? We are going to get hit too!!

I can only hope there is too much on the ground in the morning so I don't have to go to work....

[Aindayen]

I'm glad it's finally here, but dreading the shoveling :(

We're going to have to hook up one of these days wresh. I think Krip is near Chi-town as well.

Ain

[Aindayen]

Soo I get my delivery today. I open the box, plug everything in and fire it up.

I switch my 28" back to the new computer and it's not getting a signal from the new computer. I attempted both types of cords and both outlets in the video card. It isn't the monitor as I can switch it back to the old pc and it turns right on.

Any thoughts?

Ain

[Aindayen]

N/M. Opened the case and found the video card not plugged in.

This computer appears to have been assembled by crack head hookers. Fucking newegg...

Ain

[Aerothas]

uh.. what? what exactly did you buy?

[Lonskils]

some premade shit I think.

[Aindayen]

I just bought a Newegg premade

Intel Core i7 960 (3.2 hz)
12GB DDR3
2TB HD
NVidea GeForce GTX 295
Bluray
Windows 7
28" monitor
G19 Keyboard

I've been having a hell of a time trying to get WoW to work. I'm missing the raid :(

Ain

[Aerothas]

newegg doesn't make or build premade computers so don't blame them. that's a pretty sweet build though. can you post a link to what you ordered? :)

edit: also, what the problem is? why dont it werk?

[Angelie]

Can u link the pre-made?

[Lonskils]

fresh install it and be done with it

[Aindayen]

fresh install it and be done with it

Ya I did, it took forever and I missed 50% of the raid but it's done finally.

I have everything on max and am still pulling 40-62 fps in raids. With clip out all the way the world is pretty spectacular.

Now to figure out the g19...

Ain

[Aindayen]

This is what I purchased: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229145&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-

I have to agree finding the video card out of the socket pissed me off pretty badly.

Overall the performance of the machine is pretty good. I've yet to see it break 20%

Ain

[Angelie]

If they give you all the MFG boxes for it, then it's a great combo. All you have to do is double check whether all the pieces are fit together. Personally, based on my experience, as long as the motherboard is screwed to the case with the CPU and Heat Sink Fan already screwed in as well, they already did me a great service...

[Aindayen]

Ya I know. I'm used to a polished finished product. Part of me wanted to go Oct's way and build one, but again my abilities are severely lacking with computer software/hardware. Maybe next time.

So far so good though. Now to get my music to the new computer ><

Ain

[Aerothas]

Were you the one who wrote the only review on that? If you didn't write that, that person had the same problem and more.

[Aindayen]

Were you the one who wrote the only review on that? If you didn't write that, that person had the same problem and more.

I wasn't but I fully intend on adding a comment.

Ain