SRL Archive - Help

Just wondering what the best DDR3 RAM company would be. I've got a weak computer with a mini-motherboard. I want to get another 2GB to speed it up until I can afford a better computer. 2GB RAM is cheap, just wanna know the best to buy. I'm checking out newegg.com right now.

Kingston is good. Also heard Samsung and Corsair(sp?) are also good

Corsair is fine for me

GSkill by far is my favorite!!! Wondeful quality and price!
Corsair is good qukaity, but a bit pricyish.

Can you tell all computer specs please.

All of the above, but one not mentioned was Crucial. I have had nothing but success with their RAM.

Transcend has always been my favourite for Flash Drives, SSDs and RAM. They are also the cheapest around where I live!

Lifetime warranty, too. :D :p

From: YoHoJo
GSkill by far is my favorite!!! Wondeful quality and price!
Corsair is good qukaity, but a bit pricyish.

Can you tell all computer specs please.

The computer was custom built by someone else and given to me after my other computer broke down. I plan on upgrading this computer with completely new hardware in the future.

The pc isn't great -

ASRock N68-S UCC NVIDIA GeForce 7025
AMD Sempron 140 Processor 2.70 GHz
2.0 GB RAM
250 GB HD

BTW, I understand the motherboard doesn't support DDR3, but I was just wondering. I will also be getting a new motherboard.

New mobo plus prosessor plus ram is a perfect upgrade actually!
Get a sandybridge!

From: YoHoJo
New mobo plus prosessor plus ram is a perfect upgrade actually!
Get a sandybridge!

Or wait a few months and go for the Ivy Bridge! :bart:

Let me tell you something before you end up spending more money than needed. Ram is Ram. That means 8gb 1333mhz crucial ram will perform just as good as 8gb 1333mhz kingston, gskill, patriot, etc ram. The performance will be no different at all. The only difference between the brands is the quality of assembly and durability, which don't matter at all because your ram will be permanently in its slot.

This is the ram I would 100% recommend.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148221&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Memory%20(Desktop%20Memory)-_-Crucial-_-20148221&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

From: Nebula
Let me tell you something before you end up spending more money than needed. Ram is Ram. That means 8gb 1333mhz crucial ram will perform just as good as 8gb 1333mhz kingston, gskill, patriot, etc ram. The performance will be no different at all. The only difference between the brands is the quality of assembly and durability, which don't matter at all because your ram will be permanently in its slot.

This is the ram I would 100% recommend.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148221&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Memory%20(Desktop%20Memory)-_-Crucial-_-20148221&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

That is not true. The timings of the ram vary by brand.

From: YoHoJo
New mobo plus prosessor plus ram is a perfect upgrade actually!
Get a sandybridge!

Sandybridge:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074
[http://ark.intel.com/products/52207/Intel-Core-i5-2400-Processor-(6M-Cache-3_10-GHz)]

I'm unsure of a right motherboard that would be compatible with that. Will also probably be needing a new graphics card, will check that out tomorrow morning.

Please, can you guys post your suggestions about the motherboard and graphics card(cheap card, will replace later).

Also, didn't mention my 350V power supply. Do I need to update that as well? LOL seems like I'm buying a new computer. :)

From: MylesMadness
That is not true. The timings of the ram vary by brand.

Ram timings only noticeably affect high resource tasks such as gaming, even then it only makes a small difference. And with his Sempron processor, I don't think he'll be doing much gaming.

From: Nebula
Ram timings only noticeably affect high resource tasks such as gaming, even then it only makes a small difference. And with his Sempron processor, I don't think he'll be doing much gaming.

That's only because I can't right now. I miss my games. :(

From: DeSnob
Sandybridge:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074
[http://ark.intel.com/products/52207/Intel-Core-i5-2400-Processor-(6M-Cache-3_10-GHz)]

I'm unsure of a right motherboard that would be compatible with that. Will also probably be needing a new graphics card, will check that out tomorrow morning.

Please, can you guys post your suggestions about the motherboard and graphics card(cheap card, will replace later).

Also, didn't mention my 350V power supply. Do I need to update that as well? LOL seems like I'm buying a new computer. :)

If you have a 350w power supply there's no way you'll be able to support a
decent graphics card, 4gb of ram, an i5, etc. Just build a new computer.

Here's a great computer build I made for you.


Part list permalink

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 925 2.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($92.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar A880G+ Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Hitachi 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R218-P-BK-450W ATX Mid Tower Case w/450W Power Supply ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $291.94
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-25 23:30 EST-0500)


I can guarantee you that all parts are compatable. You can use the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and optical drive from your current computer with this one. If your current hard drive is compatable (sata) with this one, you can save the $70 and use you old one. The motherboard has integrated graphics (meaning you won't have to buy a graphics card unless you want to hardcore game) and the case comes with a 450w power supply which should be sufficient for the build. If you decide to get a graphics card for gaming. I recommend a Radeon 6850 or 6870. If 4gb of ram isn't enough for you, just buy two of the ram sticks instead of one. You could also upgrade the processor to a Phenom x6 instead of x4 for almost 2x the performance(but higher price).

From: Nebula
If you have a 350w power supply there's no way you'll be able to support a
decent graphics card, 4gb of ram, an i5, etc. Just build a new computer.

Here's a great computer build I made for you.


Part list permalink

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 925 2.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($92.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar A880G+ Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Hitachi 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill R218-P-BK-450W ATX Mid Tower Case w/450W Power Supply ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $291.94
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-25 23:30 EST-0500)


I can guarantee you that all parts are compatable. You can use the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and optical drive from your current computer with this one. If your current hard drive is compatable (sata) with this one, you can save the $70 and use you old one. The motherboard has integrated graphics (meaning you won't have to buy a graphics card unless you want to hardcore game) and the case comes with a 450w power supply which should be sufficient for the build. If you decide to get a graphics card for gaming. I recommend a Radeon 6850 or 6870. If 4gb of ram isn't enough for you, just buy two of the ram sticks instead of one. You could also upgrade the processor to a Phenom x6 instead of x4 for almost 2x the performance(but higher price).

Seems like a very cheap, decent build. I'll have a deeper look into it. I did plan on building a computer. Guess I'll just do it now. One question, how much does RAM affect performance? Should I just buy 8 GB of ram?

From: DeSnob
Seems like a very cheap, decent build. I'll have a deeper look into it. I did plan on building a computer. Guess I'll just do it now. One question, how much does RAM affect performance? Should I just buy 8 GB of ram?

Ram makes a very big difference on performance. However if you have more than you use, then that is a waste. Tell me what kinds of games you will be playing and I could tell you how much I would recommend purchasing.

From: Nebula
Ram makes a very big difference on performance. However if you have more than you use, then that is a waste. Tell me what kinds of games you will be playing and I could tell you how much I would recommend purchasing.

MW3, Crossfire (very very low requirements), and Minecraft. Those are games I play the most. I know that Minecraft needs a lot of resources to play with full settings on it. 4 Gb should work fine, but what do you think?

I say buy 4gb. If you find that isn't enough, you can always buy more:)

It's kind of best to just buy the best you cam afford when you can.
You obviously have a working computer now, it would be a big waste to do a 'small/cheap upgrade' now and then again upgrade again so soon which is what you're making it seem.


You're pretty much gonna need new everything except case, hard drive, and cd drive.

You should just tell us an estimated maximum price, and we will post best builds for that amount.

If you're not running 64-Bit Windows, don't bother buying more than 4GB of RAM. The system won't recognize or be able to use extra.

Give us a price and we can help. Because if you get Nebula's build now, then try to stick a 6850 or 6870 in it with a 450W PSU, haha it's not going to work.

nvm

a 6850 would definitely work, but a 6870 might be pushing it.

Alright, then let's begin a new build. My current budget is $800, and I'll be happy if the computer can be bought for less, of course. :) I'm still pretty stupid when it comes to computer parts, and this'll be my first ever custom built pc.

Try kingston ram its good quality not sure on price :/ i had few Kingston USBs and might plan on getting bigger one. ANyways Desnob with $800 you can buy a reli nice PC look at pre-made PC's for $800 and thats what you dont want to buy ( if you know what i mean) also what do you want to do with the PC? :P Gl i'm not too good with Custom computers but i do know how to do the basics like installing ram, CPU if its compatible and stuff and stuff.

To start searching for your new Custom try make up in your mind what your looking for like computer for Running lots of programs (multi-tasking :D ) or Botting ( simba ^^) and gaming ( you'd need Powerful Ram,CPU,Graphics Card) :D

~Bro433

The issue I'm having is knowing compatibility between motherboards/CPUs etc. How do you know everything will work out?

Also, I only need a moderate computer. I'm not intending on a gaming pc that can run everything on its best settings, but on one that can run games well.

From: TheJokester117
If you're not running 64-Bit Windows, don't bother buying more than 4GB of RAM. The system won't recognize or be able to use extra.

Give us a price and we can help. Because if you get Nebula's build now, then try to stick a 6850 or 6870 in it with a 450W PSU, haha it's not going to work.

Windows supports PAE, and will use more than 4GB with a patch.

$700, will run 99% of games at medium settings. Everything is compatable. Post if you have any questions,

Part list permalink

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($189.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 ATX AM3 Motherboard ($123.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 1GB Video Card ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.88 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 600W ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $706.31
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-26 13:37 EST-0500)

From: DeSnob
The issue I'm having is knowing compatibility between motherboards/CPUs etc. How do you know everything will work out?

Also, I only need a moderate computer. I'm not intending on a gaming pc that can run everything on its best settings, but on one that can run games well.

You know by slot.
CPU fits a certain slog, mono had the slot.

Ex: AMD phenoms are AM3, AMD FX's are AM3+

You can see this info on newegg usually in the title.
Everyone here can just suggest/explain builds to you and you can pick your favorite :)

From: YoHoJo
You know by slot.
CPU fits a certain slog, mono had the slot.

Ex: AMD phenoms are AM3, AMD FX's are AM3+

You can see this info on newegg usually in the title.
Everyone here can just suggest/explain builds to you and you can pick your favorite :)

I'm starting to get the hang of this. I found another motherboard I like. Will post in a few mins. It's got decent "stats."

BIOSTAR TA990FXE AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Only problem would be that it's AM3+, right?
E: Yeah, I'll be looking for more options for a motherboard with AM3.

Also, about the processor. Just wondering the benefit of a 6-core to a quad. It speeds up the processing speed for multiple programs, right?

I would suggest Intel though remember? They are just 'better' (at least the current generation vs AMDs current generation) overall. Although more pricy.
With you budget and stuff I'd start with a any 4 core sandy-bridge, even the lower price ones are nice, and can be overclocked well too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006676&IsNodeId=1&Description=4%20core%20intel%20sandy&name=CPUs%20%2f%20Processors&Order=BESTMATCH

am3+ is backward compatable, meaning that an am3 processor can be put into an am3+ motherboard.

AMD processors have a higher performance/price ratio. The intel quad cores are good for overclocking, but considering that DeSnob needs help choosing parts, I don't think he'll be overclocking. The Phenom hex-core I posted in my $700 build will be sufficient for what you'll be using your computer for.

From: Nebula

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 1GB Video Card ($124.99 @ Newegg)
(Generated 2011-12-26 13:37 EST-0500)

Just checked out some reviews for that video card. A LOT of people talking about hardware issues and graphical glitches. I'll skip that one and look for another, I guess.

About the motherboard, what do you think of the one I posted?

Start with case, RAM, PSU, CD Drive, and mobo. (these are normally all around the same-ish price stats/etc)

Then with whatever you have left, pick the most expensive CPU and GFX you can, because these vary A LOT in price and power.

Seems like a good way to do it.
I'd get 8GB of g.skill or any good ram. RAM is very cheap right now.

You don't necessarily have to get that 6850 I posted. Gigabyte, powercolor, sapphire, etc etc all manufacture 6850s. Gigabyte makes the best ones but the one I posted was at the median price-quality wise. This one is more expensive than the one I previously posted but will definately perform better and not have the glitches you mentioned.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125353


Biostar makes excellent motherboards for general use and medium performances, but I wouldn't recommend a biostar motherboard in a gaming computer. The Asus board I posted is just about the same price but I guarantee will be "better".

GSkill has always been dependable for me!

From: Nebula
You don't necessarily have to get that 6850 I posted. Gigabyte, powercolor, sapphire, etc etc all manufacture 6850s. Gigabyte makes the best ones but the one I posted was at the median price-quality wise. This one is more expensive than the one I previously posted but will definately perform better and not have the glitches you mentioned.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125353


Biostar makes excellent motherboards for general use and medium performances, but I wouldn't recommend a biostar motherboard in a gaming computer. The Asus board I posted is just about the same price but I guarantee will be "better".

Alright, thanks. GIGABYTE does manufacture great cards, but I didn't think they manufactured that card.
@YoHoJo
I'll begin picking more things and post them when I get home. Great idea by the way. GSkill seems a bit pricey, it's good right? I was thinking about some Kingston ram. Heard about it in this thread and different one. Prices and low and quality is okay?

E: The GIGABYTE card has a $20 rebate and 20% off by tomorrow, should I just get it? It would be about a $50 saving.

E2: Would size case would the card fit in? It's 9" by 5" by 1.5"

G.Skill I've seen is cheap/decently cheap, I'll find you a good kit later.

I also like because you can EASILY OC it.
So youre paying for ram with X specs, and then you can just adjust it to be Y specs (better) fora lower price!

corsair vengance!

~shut

If you get the case in the build I posted (HAF 912), the 9850 will fit.

Computer build eh? My turn!

First of, I love AMD, and I've never had any problems with them, I find them to be cheaper, and just as effective for practical purposes. Having said that, lets move on to the build itself that I came up with.

Case: Tool-less design case, trust me, makes putting it together so much easier.
RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black With 500W Power Supply

PSU: Included above. To those that say you can't trust PSU's that come with cases, I've been using this one for over a year and a half, no problems. It's running 3 hard drives, a six-core cpu, and a 5670 GPU, oh and my optical devices. It's a good one.

Motherboard: supports USB and Sata 3. But cost effective, lots more too.
GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD

CPU: New AMD six-core CPU, reviewers have overclocked it over 4Ghz if anyone cares.
AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3GHz Socket AM3+ 95W Six-Core

Memory/RAM: There are other brands that are just as good, but this gets the job done. I would get two of these for 16Gb, or just one set for 8Gb. Cheap ether way. (and quality)
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

Graphics card: Can play all current games on full. If you really want more power, buy two, they support crossfire and so does the Motherboard.
XFX HD-677X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6770

Adapter: Little adapter for the CPU power on the motherboard. Some boards have an 8-pin, this one happens to, and the PSU has a four pin.
EPS 8-Pin Male to ATX 4-Pin Female

So, the build I would recommend would be.
1 x Case
1 x Motherboard
1 x CPU
2 x RAM
1 x Graphics card
1 x Adapter
Total = $539.37 with shipping, not including mail-in rebates ($45 worth)

How do you know this would be a good build? Because I use one very similar to it everyday. I built it myself, everything is pretty much the same except for the CPU and Graphics Card, which in the case of this build, are actually better than mine.

One area you should try to look into is what kind of hard drive you have. If it is an older one, as I suspect it might be, it won't have a SATA connection, and would instead be PATA based, your optical drive might be too. In that case, a simple adapter for that would be required too. They aren't very expensive either.

If you have any other questions with this, please let me know. I breathe hardware.

From: Silent SPY
blah.

Thanks. :) I like that build, seems nice.
1 question -
I'll need to build a new DVD player and Harddrive, right? Are they compatible with most motherboards?

E: Looking at the dimensions of the case, it's just a little too big. My table can support up to a 18" high case, and 18" long (preferably 16"). The case will stick out a bit. I guess I can move the desk a bit closer to me by a few inches. Nevermind.

The only issue would be the amount of space around it. I can fit a 9.1" wide case. This gives this case about an inch of room to its side (Only has 1 fan preinstalled to the side). I'm not sure if this would cause some heating issues.

E2: I'll get ASUS' video card. I don't plan on doing any CrossFire for a while. If I do, I'll just buy a new set of video cards. The ASUS 6770 seems to work well, except for no crossfire support. From the one you posted, there were several reviews talking about how it can get pretty hot. I looked into this one, and it seems better. They're both the same price with the rebate.

ASUS 6770: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121468

I'm finalizing the build little by little:
Motherboard -
GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU-
AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3GHz Socket AM3+ 95W Six-Core Desktop Processor

Video Card -
ASUS EAH6770 DC/2DI/1GD5 Radeon HD 6770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5
or
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable VGA Series GV-R685OC-1GD Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5

PSU-
Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL 600W ATX12V v2.01 SLI Ready Power Supply

RAM- compatible with AMD processor
CORSAIR XMS 8GB

Case-
Antec Three Hundred

DVD-
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7260S
or
ASUS 24X DVD Burner

HDD-
Seagate Barracuda ST3250312AS 250GB
These are possibilities. Will add more and modify the list.

http://www.ramcompany.com/

^ Looks pretty good, first on Google for "Best RAM Company" ;)

From: Kyle Undefined
http://www.ramcompany.com/

^ Looks pretty good, first on Google for "Best RAM Company" ;)

SWEET!! Exactly what I needed, my Boeing 787 needs some new fuel valves. The old ones are getting a little rusty.

I hav a 1055T and it's great!
I would not go for black edition they cost more bEcauas black edition is made for overclocking, but in many cases you can get thr non black edition and overclock it just as much.
I'd also go for FX since it's the generation after PhenomII so probably 'better'.
You could even get away with a 4 core, but 6 core will be super future proof which is naice!

If you will be overclocking, get the 1100T. If you won't be overclocking, get the FX6100.

The 1100T is only better than the FX6100 price/performance wise if you overclock it. Otherwise the FX6100 is a better deal.

From: Nebula
If you will be overclocking, get the 1100T. If you won't be overclocking, get the FX6100.

The 1100T is only better than the FX6100 price/performance wise if you overclock it. Otherwise the FX6100 is a better deal.

Alright, updated my post. I really like the case you had but it would be a tight fit in my computer table. Will be looking for more. :) In the case of the normal version, is the FX still the better way to go?

@YoHoJo I'll look into the non-black version.

I'm assuming since FX is newer version it's better in all aspects than the PhenomII (besides like GhZ there are other stats that matter like cahe size etc).
I'd go with FX cuz it's newer!

In your case the FX6100 will be the better way to go.

From: DeSnob
Thanks. :) I like that build, seems nice.
1 question -
I'll need to build a new DVD player and Harddrive, right? Are they compatible with most motherboards?

E: Looking at the dimensions of the case, it's just a little too big. My table can support up to a 18" high case, and 18" long (preferably 16"). The case will stick out a bit. I guess I can move the desk a bit closer to me by a few inches. Nevermind.

The only issue would be the amount of space around it. I can fit a 9.1" wide case. This gives this case about an inch of room to its side (Only has 1 fan preinstalled to the side). I'm not sure if this would cause some heating issues.

To answer your question about the hdd and the dvd drive, yes, as long as they are SATA they will be compatible with pretty much any new motherboard. That power supply you posted looks very nice also!

As for the case and heating issues. It actually comes with two side 80mm fans, one by the GPU, and one by the CPU. However, if you are getting that PSU, and I think you should, look into getting the Antec Three hundred Case to go along with it, as it is a little smaller and also has great cooling.

I went to look at the ASUS card you posted, and Newegg said they had deactivated it… Oops… The Gigabyte card looks solid, they are a great company.

For a hard drive I would recommend, well, anything from Seagate or Western Digital, I also hear Samsung makes some good drives. Look for the 7200 RPM drives. I was going to personally post one, but they have become way to expensive everywhere, so until I find a decent price, I'm not going to post one.

For a DVD drive/burner, this was easy. ASUS DVD Drive, great speed and exceptionally inexpensive.

From: YoHoJo
I hav a 1055T and it's great!
I would not go for black edition they cost more bEcauas black edition is made for overclocking, but in many cases you can get thr non black edition and overclock it just as much.
I'd also go for FX since it's the generation after PhenomII so probably 'better'.
You could even get away with a 4 core, but 6 core will be super future proof which is naice!

I have a 1090T personally, I love it. If you aren't going to do overclocking I would personally say still stick with the FX core as YoHoJo said. It's a newer CPU, and if you decide you want to overclock, it's less expensive.

Once again, if you have any other questions, let me know.

From: Silent SPY
blah.

Really? It shows as usual for me. I'll use that case - I looked at it earlier, but never really looked into it.
Questions -
How do I check if the HDD/DVD are using SATA?

From what I saw, the psu and mobo should be compatible. What would make the psu compatible with it? The mobo has 24-pin ATX main power connector, and the psu has a 20+4-pin Main Connector, is that significant?

For RAM, I want to get 8GB DDR3 to keep my pc updated. Is there any need for 16GB?

When it comes to a hard drive, 500GB should be fine, correct? Also, if I am able to connect 2 hard drives and I use my current one(if it's SATA - it's 250GB), I would still have Win7 installed right? Just wondering. :p

8GB is plenty. Some are just fine with 4.
16 is overkill for normal people.

PSU works with anything, you just need enough wats to power it all is all.

HD/DVD are eitehr SATA or IDE (IDE is old shiz)
Download and run this:
http://www.piriform.com/speccy

You can check there in the proper tab it tells you all info.

If you got 2 drives you can't 'combine' but you can use one for OS and other for stirage.
Size depends on how much shiz/music/videos etc you have.

From: YoHoJo
8GB is plenty. Some are just fine with 4.
16 is overkill for normal people.

PSU works with anything, you just need enough wats to power it all is all.

HD/DVD are eitehr SATA or IDE (IDE is old shiz)
Download and run this:
http://www.piriform.com/speccy

You can check there in the proper tab it tells you all info.

If you got 2 drives you can't 'combine' but you can use one for OS and other for stirage.
Size depends on how much shiz/music/videos etc you have.

Actually, you can combine two drives.

RAID 0

Oh yes of course! Forgot about that/don't know super much about it.

From: DeSnob
Really? It shows as usual for me. I'll use that case - I looked at it earlier, but never really looked into it.
Questions -
How do I check if the HDD/DVD are using SATA?

From what I saw, the psu and mobo should be compatible. What would make the psu compatible with it? The mobo has 24-pin ATX main power connector, and the psu has a 20+4-pin Main Connector, is that significant?

For RAM, I want to get 8GB DDR3 to keep my pc updated. Is there any need for 16GB?

When it comes to a hard drive, 500GB should be fine, correct? Also, if I am able to connect 2 hard drives and I use my current one(if it's SATA - it's 250GB), I would still have Win7 installed right? Just wondering. :p

From: YoHoJo
8GB is plenty. Some are just fine with 4.
16 is overkill for normal people.

PSU works with anything, you just need enough wats to power it all is all.

HD/DVD are eitehr SATA or IDE (IDE is old shiz)
Download and run this:
http://www.piriform.com/speccy

You can check there in the proper tab it tells you all info.

If you got 2 drives you can't 'combine' but you can use one for OS and other for stirage.
Size depends on how much shiz/music/videos etc you have.

There is an option on Newegg if you are talking about for new drives, otherwise, do as YoHoJo said. As for the PSU, they aren't automatically compatible with everything, you do however, have a very nice one that has connectors for everything, which means you also wouldn't need that little adapter I posted. If you use your old drive, yes you would still have it. If it isn't Sata you can get this cheap adapter to convert it to Sata so you can still use it.

As for the RAM, 8Gb would be fine. 16 is a little bit of overkill :p

EDIT: @ above Raid 0 only works if you have two of the same drive sizes, otherwise you would need to do JBOD.

How would I combine both HDDs? I have this one, which is using SATA and runs at 7200 RPM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148699

I'm trying to learn as much as possible before doing anything. 250GB isn't going to last forever, otherwise I would just keep using it.

Meh don't worry about RAID0 and stuff too much. It just makes them faster and stuff that's all.
I would get a 1TB drive, and use that (and just use the 250 as extra/storage)

i would get a 1tb and a small 128gb ssd (or 256 if you have enough money)

install the OS onto the ssd and any large programs

you will see a big improvement

~shut

From: DeSnob
How would I combine both HDDs? I have this one, which is using SATA and runs at 7200 RPM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148699

I'm trying to learn as much as possible before doing anything. 250GB isn't going to last forever, otherwise I would just keep using it.

To be 100% honest with you I have never combined disks of different sizes, as if one drive fails, you risk corrupting the data of the whole system (or that's what the entire internet seems to think). It would be safer to just use them separately. Just use the main disk for drivers, and programs, then use the other disk to dump media, and large data on. That seems to be the way most people do it. With windows 7 libraries, this really is the best way to go, as you can combine similar folders into one, even if they are from different drives.

Any memory company with a lifetime or 5 year+ warranty. Kingston is pretty epic. RMAd a 512mb ddr stick not too long ago without even as much as a receipt and they sent me back a brand new one.

Also, DO NOT BUY A HARD DRIVE AT THE MOMENT. If anything, go for an SSD. The prices are inflated due to floods in taiwan. Wait a good 3-4 months.

From: dweg
Also, DO NOT BUY A HARD DRIVE AT THE MOMENT. If anything, go for an SSD. The prices are inflated due to floods in taiwan. Wait a good 3-4 months.

That's why the prices are so insane… Yeah, I agree with this.

From: YoHoJo
Meh don't worry about RAID0 and stuff too much. It just makes them faster and stuff that's all.
I would get a 1TB drive, and use that (and just use the 250 as extra/storage)

Alright. I googled it and I'll need a SATA cable that splits into 2 to input into 2 hdd? Is that correct?

@dweg
No wonder a $35 hdd is now $80..
Also, a HDD is still cheaper than a SSD.

Sweet deal on 500GB, 50% less than anywhere else!
$47 HDD
Not sure how safe that site is though..

Crucial.com

From: DeSnob
Alright. I googled it and I'll need a SATA cable that splits into 2 to input into 2 hdd? Is that correct?

@dweg
No wonder a $35 hdd is now $80..
Also, a HDD is still cheaper than a SSD.

Sweet deal on 500GB, 50% less than anywhere else!
$47 HDD
Not sure how safe that site is though..

No, for RAID 0 you wouldn't need any special cables, it's all done in the motherboard BIOS, or in Windows.

$47 for a 500Gb hdd is pretty crappy in my opinion, I bought a 1Tb drive for $49 less than 4 months ago…

From: Silent SPY
No, for RAID 0 you wouldn't need any special cables, it's all done in the motherboard BIOS, or in Windows.

$47 for a 500Gb hdd is pretty crappy in my opinion, I bought a 1Tb drive for $49 less than 4 months ago…

What should I do? It'll be over a year before the prices return to normal. Seagate mentioned it'll be a minimum of 1 year before normal production continues. Besides, most of their suppliers they sell to are going to be shut down for a while due to flooding. I would honestly get a clean hdd, but I'd have to reinstall windows again. The issue is that I wasn't the one who created this computer and I don't have the disk for Win7. I'd have to buy a new copy.

From: DeSnob
What should I do? It'll be over a year before the prices return to normal. Seagate mentioned it'll be a minimum of 1 year before normal production continues. Besides, most of their suppliers they sell to are going to be shut down for a while due to flooding. I would honestly get a clean hdd, but I'd have to reinstall windows again. The issue is that I wasn't the one who created this computer and I don't have the disk for Win7. I'd have to buy a new copy.

You can find a win 7 cd online, the issue would be using your current serial, which also wouldn't be an issue. Have a look at this article. It explains how to find your current serial codes for programs like windows 7.

I would just keep your current hard drive, you said it was Sata right? If that's the case unless you are out of disk space there is no need for a new one.

Corsair X series are my favourite :)

Really easy to OC and very cheap!

From: Silent SPY
You can find a win 7 cd online, the issue would be using your current serial, which also wouldn't be an issue. Have a look at this article. It explains how to find your current serial codes for programs like windows 7.

I would just keep your curhttp://villavu.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70090&page=3rent hard drive, you said it was Sata right? If that's the case unless you are out of disk space there is no need for a new one.

Alright, I'll do that for both the DVD and HDD. I can upgrade later if I must. I know for a fact that once a 1TB hard drive is under $70 I'll probably buy one. I still need some thoughts on the video card - Radeon HD 6770 or Radeon HD 6850?

Current Build:
Motherboard -
GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU-
AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3GHz Socket AM3+ 95W Six-Core Desktop Processor

Video Card -
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable VGA Series GV-R685OC-1GD Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5

PSU-
Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL 600W ATX12V v2.01 SLI Ready Power Supply

RAM- compatible with AMD processor
CORSAIR XMS 8GB

Case-
Antec Three Hundred

DVD-
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7260S

HDD-$104 (expensive, but it's a gift)
Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM

Get the 6850. If is 256 bit while the 6770 is 128 bit. Also the 6850 is $20 off for a few days, so it's only $150 compared to the 6770 being $120. The 6850 performs 35% better than the 6770 at only 20% more cost.

From: Nebula
Get the 6850. If is 256 bit while the 6770 is 128 bit. Also the 6850 is $20 off for a few days, so it's only $150 compared to the 6770 being $120. The 6850 performs 35% better than the 6770 at only 20% more cost.

Alright thanks. I think I'll also just keep the Optiarc DVD drive, considering it's still pretty good. If that's the case, then I'll look over everything tonight and tomorrow. I'll start buying parts before all the sales are gone. ALSO, a final question - how much power is really required to run something like my build? The graphics card needs a minimum of 500W alone.

From: DeSnob
Alright thanks. I think I'll also just keep the Optiarc DVD drive, considering it's still pretty good. If that's the case, then I'll look over everything tonight and tomorrow. I'll start buying parts before all the sales are gone. ALSO, a final question - how much power is really required to run something like my build? The graphics card needs a minimum of 500W alone.

I didn't know you already had a Sata optical drive too. Yeah definitely keep using that. The 6850 looks sick, and for that price that's a great card!

Looks like you have a solid build, would love to see some pics once it is completed.

EDIT: I didn't see you question that you posted, whoops.
Well, your graphics card requires a 500W PSU? But that's probably considered for the entire system plus the GPU. Yours is a 600W PSU. The CPU only pulls 95W at peak, which wouldn't leave you very much room to spare, about 5W, but I don't think the GPU will realistically eat up all 500W. It is probably more concerned about the voltage that it will get, for which your PSU should be more than fine.

Could you link me to where you found the power supply requirements for the GPU? I don't see them on Newegg's page.

Guess I read it wrong, it's actually 400W, which is even better!
http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3630#sp
I'm noticing that I'll be getting some hefty taxes from newegg. :(

E: I mentioned the pc to my parents and they offered to buy me the 1tb harddrive, even though it's overpriced, as an early birthday present. :p

This power supply calculator on Newegg says you'll need 450Watts. So get a 500-600Watt powersupply just to be safe.

http://images10.newegg.com/BizIntell/tool/psucalc/index.html?name=Power-Supply-Wattage-Calculator

AMD FX-6 core black edition x1
High end montherboard x1
AMD Radeon HD 6850 x1
4gb Ram x2
DVD-RW x1
7200rpm 3.5" hard drive x1

447Watts

From: Nebula
This power supply calculator on Newegg says you'll need 450Watts. So get a 500-600Watt powersupply just to be safe.

http://images10.newegg.com/BizIntell/tool/psucalc/index.html?name=Power-Supply-Wattage-Calculator

AMD FX-6 core black edition x1
High end montherboard x1
AMD Radeon HD 6850 x1
4gb Ram x2
DVD-RW x1
7200rpm 3.5" hard drive x1

447Watts

Thank you for double checking for me. :)
I've been learning more and more about installing different parts. In the antec three hundred case, all 4 fans have molex cables due to the speed control. The psu comes with 6 molex connectors. Are these able to connect the fans to the psu? I could always get some adapters for the motherboard, but I'm unsure.

From: DeSnob
Thank you for double checking for me. :)
I've been learning more and more about installing different parts. In the antec three hundred case, all 4 fans have molex cables due to the speed control. The psu comes with 6 molex connectors. Are these able to connect the fans to the psu? I could always get some adapters for the motherboard, but I'm unsure.

Fans are just about all molex is used for these days. Not to mention you can usually connect more than one to each connector, in a chain like fashion.
(Ex> I have my 80mm linked to my other 80mm, and then one of those is linked to my 120mm fan.) So I have at least 3 fans on one molex.

If you don't need the connections for anything else (no IDE devices) then you can use them all on your fans.

From: Silent SPY
Fans are just about all molex is used for these days. Not to mention you can usually connect more than one to each connector, in a chain like fashion.
(Ex> I have my 80mm linked to my other 80mm, and then one of those is linked to my 120mm fan.) So I have at least 3 fans on one molex.

If you don't need the connections for anything else (no IDE devices) then you can use them all on your fans.

Alright. I'm guessing the fans use a male molex cable while the psu using female, right?

Just double checked everything and it all seems compatible. The RAM should be compatible, as it says it's a dual channel RAM made for AMD processors. Seems good.

With taxes, promo codes, and shipping it comes out to $740.19. This doesn't include mail-in rebates. That's great for this build. :) I'm also getting a free $15 gift card. Maybe get another stick of RAM? :p