SRL Archive - NOTA

Hello, I'm almost ready to sit down and build a computer, but I'd like SRL to review it first.
Its going to be decent because it has to last a while. The computers in my house are growing old, 7 year old, 8 year old, 18 year old, 3 or 4 year old laptop.
So, its time for an update!

I'm yet to choose a psu and wireless card.
If any one could recommend some, that would be great. I plan to buy the parts at the newegg 4th of july sales.

I'd like to keep this ~ or under 900USD

HDD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

MOBO - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131627

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849

GPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447&cm_re=xfx_Radeon_HD_5770-_-14-150-447-_-Product

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

CD/DVD reader writer - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334

From: noidea
Hello, I'm almost ready to sit down and build a computer, but I'd like SRL to review it first.
Its going to be decent because it has to last a while. The computers in my house are growing old, 7 year old, 8 year old, 18 year old, 3 or 4 year old laptop.
So, its time for an update!

I'm yet to choose a psu and wireless card.
If any one could recommend some, that would be great. I plan to buy the parts at the newegg 4th of july sales.

I'd like to keep this ~ or under 900USD

HDD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320

MOBO - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131627

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849

GPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447&cm_re=xfx_Radeon_HD_5770-_-14-150-447-_-Product

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

CD/DVD reader writer - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334

I like it

Good choices on the Phenom x6 (I think its unique) and the 5770.

You dont really need to spend to much on the mobo tho.

From: kingarabian
I like it

Good choices on the Phenom x6 (I think its unique) and the 5770.

You dont really need to spend to much on the mobo tho.

Thanks. I doubt they use much more power than what you built. What PSU did you end up buying?

From: noidea
Thanks. I doubt they use much more power than what you built. What PSU did you end up buying?

Edit: nvm. From my experience, last month my comp blew because I decided to buy a 30 dollar PSU. So I had to replace all my parts.

I bought a 75 dollar PSU made from antec.

When you buy a PSU make sure it has alot of wattage on the 12v rail.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017KE3DM/ref=oss_product

I recommend that one ^.

Use this guide to help you choose a PSU

Very nice. You know that the mobo has integrated graphics right?

From: TRiLeZ
Very nice. You know that the mobo has integrated graphics right?

Yes, but this is for the long haul, and integrated graphics arent usually up to date so they dont last long.

I think TRiLeZ was referring to you maybe finding a mobo without integrate graphics, to possibly save money.

From: Brain
I think TRiLeZ was referring to you maybe finding a mobo without integrate graphics, to possibly save money.

Yea, I know. I looked before deciding on that one, but could never find a similar one but without the integrated gpu :/
I'm open to suggestions though

What do you want to use the computer for?

From: Capricorn
What do you want to use the computer for?

Everything. Gaming to word processing and programming. I've never really 'gamed' before as you guys do. No xbox, ps3, so this will be my device to do it with. I know its not going play high level games like crysis at a large fps, but it'll do.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166021&cm_re=rosewill_wireless_card-_-33-166-021-_-Product

That's a good wireless card for cheap. It doesn't support Draft N but it does work in Linux and Windows and it has good range too and it's only $15 :D

From: CowFish
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166021&cm_re=rosewill_wireless_card-_-33-166-021-_-Product

That's a good wireless card for cheap. It doesn't support Draft N but it does work in Linux and Windows and it has good range too and it's only $15 :D

Thank you! That looks perfect.

From: noidea
Thank you! That looks perfect.

I'd recommend going as high as your router will permit. If you have a N, don't skimp out bro! Course, if your router's G, go for that card

EDIT: Btw, what OS you throwing on this thing? Are you a Linux person?

From: c0rrupt f1r3
I'd recommend going as high as your router will permit. If you have a N, don't skimp out bro! Course, if your router's G, go for that card

EDIT: Btw, what OS you throwing on this thing? Are you a Linux person?

Yea my router is only G. I'll be throwing in ArchLinux and Win7, maybe ubuntu at first just to check some stuff

Didn't see if your hardware is 64 bit, but it probably is… So Win7 64 for the majority of your needs? doesn't sound bad… you gonna partition your drive for both Os'?

From: c0rrupt f1r3
Didn't see if your hardware is 64 bit, but it probably is… So Win7 64 for the majority of your needs? doesn't sound bad… you gonna partition your drive for both Os'?

Arch or Ubuntu for the majority of the time. Win7 for gaming.

Don't buy the 1090T then, buy the I7 930. None of the uses you said requires the extra two cores and thus your better off with Intel as you will get more performance per clock.

Also at your price range, you are probably better off buying a i5 750 with a 5770. I would say stick with the i7 930 (or 1090T if you really really want to) if you plan on buying a 5850/5870

From: Capricorn
Don't buy the 1090T then, buy the I7 930. None of the uses you said requires the extra two cores and thus your better off with Intel as you will get more performance per clock.

Also at your price range, you are probably better off buying a i5 750 with a 5770. I would say stick with the i7 930 (or 1090T if you really really want to) if you plan on buying a 5850/5870

I'd really like the 1090T. In my eyes, its something I can expand upon. As time goes on, there will be more multi core applications.
Also: the 1090T is extremely overclockable. People have been getting to 4+GHz on air. And thats the reason I've been looking for a decent psu.

why exactly wouldn't this play high level games? I think this would handle something like crisis as fairly good settings.

From: noidea
I'd really like the 1090T. In my eyes, its something I can expand upon. As time goes on, there will be more multi core applications.
Also: the 1090T is extremely overclockable. People have been getting to 4+GHz on air. And thats the reason I've been looking for a decent psu.

The i7 930 is a fine overclocker. Whatever man, unless you plan on rendering videos in your free time you won't see any benefit over the extra 2 cores. Do what you will its your money.

Edit: Whats the point of asking for opinions when you won't really listen to them? FYI, having a good PSU isn't required for overclocking, having a good PSU just ensures your PSU won't shit out on you in a years time.

Your build shouldplay any games at any settings. My Build is like yours except I got a quad instead of your x6, and it plays Crysis at 50fps at max settings.

Plus I agree with you on choosing the x6. In the future we never know what games, programs might demand.

Offtopic: Capricorn you switching to intel?

From: Capricorn
The i7 930 is a fine overclocker. Whatever man, unless you plan on rendering videos in your free time you won't see any benefit over the extra 2 cores. Do what you will its your money.

Edit: Whats the point of asking for opinions when you won't really listen to them? FYI, having a good PSU isn't required for overclocking, having a good PSU just ensures your PSU won't shit out on you in a years time.

I am listening to ideas, I'm just not listening to one person's ideas. I like to get many idea's instead of listening to one person. Also, who knows what the future holds for me or the one I pass the computer on to? I might end up encoding video for recreation?

Thanks for your information/suggestions.


@KingArabian: Thanks, I'm just planning for the distant future. Which gpu did you get?

From: noidea
I am listening to ideas, I'm just not listening to one person's ideas. I like to get many idea's instead of listening to one person. Also, who knows what the future holds for me or the one I pass the computer on to? I might end up encoding video for recreation?

Thanks for your information/suggestions.


@KingArabian: Thanks, I'm just planning for the distant future. Which gpu did you get?

I was supposed to get the 5770 but I choose the 5750 because I wanted to save a few bucks just so I can spend some more money on a nicer looking case :|.

I'd go with Intel I5 or I7. Intel has proven to be superior over AMD in recent years. I5 if you want light gaming like runescape, or graphic intense games that are not so competitive to the point that who ever has the better computer wins. I7 is for intense hard-core gaming, HD video editing, advanced music making programs, and anything else that need a lot of power.

Bottom line, AMD sucks.

First question. How long to you want this computer to last? How long do you expect to be using it? What type of environment is it going to be in? (is it going to be roughed around? is it going to be in a generally hot environment? is it going to be in a humid environment? is it going to be in a freezing environment? is it going to be in a dry environment? Are you going to give it iced tea during the hard summers and read it bed time stories?) Make a small list of things that you want or might do with it.

When building a computer you have to look long term. I always think about how long I want to be using it.. if I want to be using it for a long time.. I go through different parts and compare different products to different manufacturers… I want to be able to upgrade hardware on a machine as its span of life progresses.

I don't agree, I think it is important to spend a little extra on a mobo. When it comes down to it, in the tech world the advancements in technology and the prices of motherboards is climbing at a slower rate than processors. Due to of this fact, I (personal feeling) push out the extra on a motherboard, because it will still be top of the line for a while, unlike processors which or outdated between the time you purchase it and the time it gets to you. This slower expansion means that the mobo price will be more steady. Now a processor; processor advancements are rocketing. As they go up you get more for your money and over a short period of time you are able to get better processing hardware.

@ shadohead - I feel that that was a narrow-minded and sheltered statement. We are all entitled to our opinions and I will give you that :P. But look, AMD and Intel are both on a competitive line, they actually work(ed) side by side while sharing technology (both directions) and because of their corporate competitiveness, we are able to see the processor in use that we have today.

For some perspective on my tech opinions, I am actually typing this from a computer that is coming up on its NINTH birthday. This is my baby, and I have to say we share a lot of memories. I build computers for a living. In six hours, I will get up and head to work, where I will grab some coffee or soda, a bagel, say hi to my boss, call one of my co-workers an old pos and tell him to leave me alone for the day because I want to take a nap, sit down, and start custom building computers and helping clients with their tech problems.

noidea, I am curious about your comp, I hope it turns out well for ya!

From: anonymity
First question. How long to you want this computer to last? How long do you expect to be using it? What type of environment is it going to be in? (is it going to be roughed around? is it going to be in a generally hot environment? is it going to be in a humid environment? is it going to be in a freezing environment? is it going to be in a dry environment? Are you going to give it iced tea during the hard summers and read it bed time stories?) Make a small list of things that you want or might do with it.

When building a computer you have to look long term. I always think about how long I want to be using it.. if I want to be using it for a long time.. I go through different parts and compare different products to different manufacturers… I want to be able to upgrade hardware on a machine as its span of life progresses.

Thanks for your response.
They'll be in a cool dry place. between 68 in winter and 76 during summer (inside)
This will be my baby that will have to last for several years. Like you, I wish to keep it as long as I possibly can. We have 18, 8, 7, year old comps in the house, so it will be built to last. At the time we got the 7 and 8 year old comps, they werent optimally build for time, but for the moment. I think they've done well for that.
This will hopefully be passed down from me to another member of the family.

Thanks again

From: shadohead
I'd go with Intel I5 or I7. Intel has proven to be superior over AMD in recent years. I5 if you want light gaming like runescape, or graphic intense games that are not so competitive to the point that who ever has the better computer wins. I7 is for intense hard-core gaming, HD video editing, advanced music making programs, and anything else that need a lot of power.

Bottom line, AMD sucks.

lol ur so funneh XDXD.

AMD does not suck. However Intel is seemingly able to pump out technology after technology that really gets them more speed per clock. AMD realized they cannot compete with Intel at their own game. That is why AMD creates CPU's not to compete with Intel directly, but they price their products competitively at different price segments and different needs. A great example is the 1090T vs the i7 930. We have 6 cores vs 4 cores, the i7 is going to beat the 1090T for any mainstream use. But damn, you want to boost your internet ego with a crazy ray tracing benchmark? Well you sure can with the 1090T.

Also, the i5 CPU's perform better at games due to its turbo feature.

As well I would like to point out that its not what is inside a computer that makes it age well, it is what type of use you need it for. Building a gaming machine you can make it last a good 5 or so years but only until a new standard for PCI-E comes out. Need a computer for word processing, browsing the internet, checking your email? Well then any computer will age well. Spending extra money to "future-proof" your computer is a waste of money and time because guaranteed 8 months down the road your high end computer will become a mid range computer. Sure, you could buy a 5870 right now. But within a couple months, in fact I am willing to bet on it that there will be a refresh from ATI. And we'll see the 5890 priced at the same price as the 5870 but will be 20% faster because of faster GDDR5 memory and experience with the 40nm process.

Also I don't know where you guys are getting your information from, but the 5770 cannot run Crysis at max. Not even close. It can play it fine at a medium resolution though.