The PC Build Thread

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I do not have a TV or dvd player
so my pc is the only medium I use to watch movies ect.
My monitor is an LG 23" IPS234V
 
jacodebeer said:
I do not have a TV or dvd player
so my pc is the only medium I use to watch movies ect.
My monitor is an LG 23" IPS234V
Click to expand...

Blu-ray is completely wasted on a 23" monitor. Just get a cheap DVD drive and rent DVD's instead, and download or copy from a friend the HD stuff you want to watch. Does your monitor even support HD resolution?
 
Hey Guys

Need some advice with upgrades...

My old setup:
Chassis: Thermaltake A31 mid tower (not as old, got it couple of months ago as well as the PSU and all the available fan slots in the case is filled with 120mm fans, front two and bottom cold air in and back and top 2 exhaust)
Cpu: Core2Quad Q9400 @2.66ghz
Mem: 4gb ddr2 ram
Gpu: MSI N250GTS
Psu: Gigabyte Powerock AX600 PSU
Hdd's: 1tb Seagate (OS Win 7 32 bit) another 1tb storage

Looking at getting this CPU and this motherboard to start off with... ok i should say i'm ordering it tomorrow... (my budget don't really allow for intel goodies...)

What GPU and ram would you couple to the above to get a very decent gaming setup? and also should i look at getting an aftermarket cooler seeing as the stock coolers on the FX's are shyte for OC seeing as the mobo has very "rich" features?

Is there anything i should change with the goodies i already have? (Not getting a ssd very soon, budget don't allow for it yet lol!)

What kinda performance boost am i looking at coming from my 5yr+ old C2Q setup?

Would love to have your input on this!
 
Those are some good components you are going for. However, for the prices of the AMD components you are looking at, you can get a nice Intel Motherboard, and i5 CPU. But, since you mentioned overclocking, you won't be able to afford an Intel overclockable CPU in that price bracket.

For cooling on a budget for overclocking, I would suggest the Cooler Master Hyper 212X. If you can afford watercooling, go for the Zalman LQ310 or one of the Corsair liquid coolers.

GPU will most definitely depend on your budget. Under R2000, the HD6950. Under R2500, the HD7870 OC. Under R3000, HD7870 LE. Under R3500, HD7950 or a GTX760 if you can find one on special.

RAM: Look for at least 8GB. 1600mhz, CL9. Corsair and GSkill have excellent RAM to choose from. The price would range from R850 to R1100 in the given specs.
 
EmileS said:
Those are some good components you are going for. However, for the prices of the AMD components you are looking at, you can get a nice Intel Motherboard, and i5 CPU. But, since you mentioned overclocking, you won't be able to afford an Intel overclockable CPU in that price bracket.

For cooling on a budget for overclocking, I would suggest the Cooler Master Hyper 212X. If you can afford watercooling, go for the Zalman LQ310 or one of the Corsair liquid coolers.

GPU will most definitely depend on your budget. Under R2000, the HD6950. Under R2500, the HD7870 OC. Under R3000, HD7870 LE. Under R3500, HD7950 or a GTX760 if you can find one on special.

RAM: Look for at least 8GB. 1600mhz, CL9. Corsair and GSkill have excellent RAM to choose from. The price would range from R850 to R1100 in the given specs.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input!

My aim is to overclock on a budget so Intel was a no go from the start...

Was looking at the CM hyper 212 and ram for next month cos the budget is shot to bits this month cos of cpu and mobo

I'll see if i can squeeze in the HD7870 next month as well other wise it'll just have to wait another month (being married dictates budget as well lol!)

Thanks once again!
 
Nikkel said:
Thanks for the input!

My aim is to overclock on a budget so Intel was a no go from the start...

Was looking at the CM hyper 212 and ram for next month cos the budget is shot to bits this month cos of cpu and mobo

I'll see if i can squeeze in the HD7870 next month as well other wise it'll just have to wait another month (being married dictates budget as well lol!)

Thanks once again!
Click to expand...
Overclock from a budget, you can't go wrong with AMD.

Your old DDR2 RAM won't work on this new board. Unless you have some DDR3 somewhere. And, if you planning on buying the motherboard and CPU now, and keep it until you can afford the RAM. Rather wait until you have saved up enough and buy them together (CPU, Mobo, RAM). The rest can come later, otherwise you'll have fancy components in your cupboard... If you get what I'm saying.

Otherwise, it's going to be an awesome rig! Enjoy!
 
Hello

I am hoping someone can help. I am looking at the following parts to build a pc. I want to make sure if all the parts will work together and fit. Also if I am using parts which could be replaced by cheaper parts for the same or better performance please let me know.

Any changes or suggestions would be welcome.

CPU http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=6042&zenid=bkkp51hmbraa8dval82foqsm01

GPU http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=2885&zenid=et17bg3bkvoh46k2d03nj375i7

MOTHERBOARD http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=6033&zenid=i364l53hdtb3ceme3eqr5b8093

RAM http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ducts_id=343&zenid=hs257qeq6bcg0lle8mkrv4sts0

CASE http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=1619&zenid=auqnh9v4grmgpe7kc5op7n42j0

POWER http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=8734&zenid=lcm7e7sck2ehi4tjarivd51is1
 
Everything will fit.

Note:
A lot of items are sold out.
Rather get the new Haswell CPU an motherboard. i5 4670K and then a Haswell (socket 1150) motherboard.

Questions:
Will you be overclocking? If yes, get a better CPU cooler (I use the Cooler Master Hyper 212X, it's excellent cooler on a budget)
What about a HDD?
Why not Haswell?

Suggestions:
Motherboard: Go Haswell (MSI Z87 or Gigabyte D3H or any other Z87)
CPU: Get the i5 4670K
Case: Rather get the Corsair 300R (your case is sold out) - http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=6425
PSU: Get something 80+ certified. Like this or bigger (more expensive) - http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=1762

Everything else looks good.
 
Hello

Thank you for the reply. I did look into the i5 4670K but it appears not to give much gain for the extra amount.
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/processors/intel-core-i5-4670k-1159758/review

Thank you for the tip on the fan. Will look into it.
HDD will be a transplant From older machine for now.
As mentioned before I dont see the advantage of going Haswell. What advantages are there?
Was trying to save on budget with the case. But your reccomendation would be better.
Thanks on the PSU too. Did not know about the certification. Was just working on a budget.

I chose the DDR3-1600 memory due to the CPU and Motherboard supporting it. I assume this is good? As a example i should not put DDR-1333 in it as it is slower.
 
cymax said:
Hello

Thank you for the reply. I did look into the i5 4670K but it appears not to give much gain for the extra amount.
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/processors/intel-core-i5-4670k-1159758/review

Thank you for the tip on the fan. Will look into it.
HDD will be a transplant From older machine for now.
As mentioned before I dont see the advantage of going Haswell. What advantages are there?
Was trying to save on budget with the case. But your reccomendation would be better.
Thanks on the PSU too. Did not know about the certification. Was just working on a budget.

I chose the DDR3-1600 memory due to the CPU and Motherboard supporting it. I assume this is good? As a example i should not put DDR-1333 in it as it is slower.
Click to expand...
The gain you get for choosing the latest tech (for almost the same price):
1) The possibility of easy upgrading in the future (if Intel is not screwing us over again, you could still upgrade your CPU in 2 years time)
2) More features from the motherboards (more usb 3.0 ports, more sata 3 connectors, etc.)
3) Then there is the efficiency factor, "less power draw".

Yes, there is almost no real gain in performance, but why not get the latest tech rather for a bit more? The same goes for iPhones, between the 4, 4S, and 5, there weren't really anything that gave a massive performance boost. But, you won't get the 4, when you can get the 5 now would you? 5S looks to be a bit different (that's why I left it out).

If a motherboard states it can support DDR3 at various speeds, it can basically be any DDR3 modules. The support they show is just a "native guideline" as I call it. Most boards read up to 2333mhz with a nice overclock. 1600mhz is, IMO, where the sweet-spot lies, so go for the 1600mhz. Just remember to activate XMP in your BIOS.
 
cymax said:
Hello

I am hoping someone can help. I am looking at the following parts to build a pc. I want to make sure if all the parts will work together and fit. Also if I am using parts which could be replaced by cheaper parts for the same or better performance please let me know.

Any changes or suggestions would be welcome.

CPU http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=6042&zenid=bkkp51hmbraa8dval82foqsm01

GPU http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=2885&zenid=et17bg3bkvoh46k2d03nj375i7

MOTHERBOARD http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=6033&zenid=i364l53hdtb3ceme3eqr5b8093

RAM http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ducts_id=343&zenid=hs257qeq6bcg0lle8mkrv4sts0

CASE http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=1619&zenid=auqnh9v4grmgpe7kc5op7n42j0

POWER http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.ph...ucts_id=8734&zenid=lcm7e7sck2ehi4tjarivd51is1
Click to expand...

I bought a Powercolor HD7950 for wootware, the prices for the Powercolor GPUs are really good. I see the Powercolor HD7970 is on special for R4k http://www.wootware.co.za/powercolor-ax7970-3gbd5-2dhe-oc-radeon-hd7970-oc-edition-3gb-gddr5-pci-express-3-0-x-16-desktop-graphics-card-includes-4-free-games-amd-golden-tier-crysis-3-8gb-flash-drive.html.

Not sure how fussed you are about the manufacturer but so far mine has treated me well and what I have read on other posts here they seem to be decent.

Anyways thought if you could save some cash and use it on other components if you wanted. Anyways, thats my 2 cents worth.
 
Howzit guys

Looking at a new pc as my old phenom & 4850 is struggling. PC will be used for gaming & work (excel, caseware etc). Budget is 9K max. I see wootware is recommended a lot so I got these from there:

1.jpg

or

2.jpg

Total for Intel build is R9066 and AMD is R8825

Any comments & advice is appreciated! :)

Edit: I got a really nice coolermaster case & DVDR from a friend so don't need that.
Edit 2 : I also have a coolermaster 650W PSU at home in my old pc, however it doesn't have the 2 6 pin connectors as required by the new Graphics cards, is there a way to make it work or will it be better to just buy a new one?
 
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Jhercules said:
Howzit guys

Looking at a new pc as my old phenom & 4850 is struggling. PC will be used for gaming & work (excel, caseware etc). Budget is 9K max. I see wootware is recommended a lot so I got these from there:


or


Total for Intel build is R9066 and AMD is R8825

Any comments & advice is appreciated! :)

Edit: I got a really nice coolermaster case & DVDR from a friend so don't need that.
Edit 2 : I also have a coolermaster 650W PSU at home in my old pc, however it doesn't have the 2 6 pin connectors as required by the new Graphics cards, is there a way to make it work or will it be better to just buy a new one?
Click to expand...

If you do go Intel, might as well go for the "K" edition, it is only like R150 more, or so was the case for me like 2 months back.
 
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Jhercules said:
however it doesn't have the 2 6 pin connectors as required by the new Graphics cards, is there a way to make it work or will it be better to just buy a new one?
Click to expand...

First, check the Wattage requirement of the graphics card and divide by 12V to get Amps - then look at the power supply Amp rating of the 12V rails to see if they can supply enough (should be plenty).

You can buy adaptors to convert the regular molex plugs to the 6 pin connectors.
 
Hi

Need help building a rig in the vicinity of R12K. ANY help/suggestions/advice will be <3 since it's been a while since I've done this.

The only thing that I am really set upon is having the ability to overclock. In fact I will probably want it overclocked immediately. I had the following build in mind:

R13,000 Budget: (2560 x 1440p with High to Ultra details and 2x AA, 5760 x 1080p with Medium to High details and 2 AA)

Intel Core i5-4670K @ R2773

Gigabyte Z87-D3HP @ R2013

G.Skill Area DDR3-1600 8GB @ R839

PowerColor Radeon HD7950 3GB GDDR5 @ R3499 (Gigabyte Geforce GTX660 Ti Windforce 2GB @ R3684)

Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA @ R781

Sandisk Extreme 120GB SSD 2.5″ @ R1199

ASUS DRW-24D3ST @ R195

Be Quiet! Pure Power L8 630W @ R888

Cooler Master Centurion 610 @ R796

Total: R12983

That was a build posted by NAG a few months ago, and I'm unsure whether it is outdated, plus most of the components will probably be even more expensive. I know that rig is basically R13K which is okay. It should preferably be less than 13K.
 
sour said:
Hi

Need help building a rig in the vicinity of R12K. ANY help/suggestions/advice will be <3 since it's been a while since I've done this.

The only thing that I am really set upon is having the ability to overclock. In fact I will probably want it overclocked immediately. I had the following build in mind:

R13,000 Budget: (2560 x 1440p with High to Ultra details and 2x AA, 5760 x 1080p with Medium to High details and 2 AA)

Intel Core i5-4670K @ R2773

Gigabyte Z87-D3HP @ R2013

G.Skill Area DDR3-1600 8GB @ R839

PowerColor Radeon HD7950 3GB GDDR5 @ R3499 (Gigabyte Geforce GTX660 Ti Windforce 2GB @ R3684)

Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA @ R781

Sandisk Extreme 120GB SSD 2.5″ @ R1199

ASUS DRW-24D3ST @ R195

Be Quiet! Pure Power L8 630W @ R888

Cooler Master Centurion 610 @ R796

Total: R12983

That was a build posted by NAG a few months ago, and I'm unsure whether it is outdated, plus most of the components will probably be even more expensive. I know that rig is basically R13K which is okay. It should preferably be less than 13K.
Click to expand...

Here's the latest, posted last month: http://www.nag.co.za/2013/08/13/system-builders-guide-august-r10000-to-r15500/

I've updated the prices indicated in bold.

Intel Core i5-4670K @ R2,797

ASRock Z87 Extreme 4 @ R2,048

G.Skill Ares Blue DDR3-2133 8GB @ R999

Gigabyte GTX760 Windforce 3x OC 2GB GDDR5 @ R3,382 (PowerColor Radeon HD7950 3GB GDDR5 @ R3499)

Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA @ R772

Sandisk Ultra Plus - Solid State Drive - 128GB @ R 1,299 http://www.takealot.com/computers/c...k-ultra-plus-solid-state-drive-128gb,29524575

ASUS DRW-24D3ST @ R219

Be Quiet! Pure Power L8 630W @ R888

Cooler Master Centurion 610 @ R819
 
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I want to build/buy an htpc to run xbmc on HD, been looking at the following options:

MSI A55M-P33 Micro-ATX Motherboard (FM1) R 546.00
AMD A6-5400K Trinity Dual-Core Processor (3.6GHz)(FM2) R 737.00
Adata 4GB DDR3-1333 Desktop Memory Module R 449.00
Micro-Tower Chassis + Psu R 781.00
MSI AMD Radeon HD 6450 Graphics Card (1GB)(PCI-E 2.1) R 515.00
Total: R 3 028.00

Advantages: internal bays for HDDs, traditional pc.

another other option i`m looking at:

Intel NUC Next Unit of Computing DCCP847DYE Celeron Mini PC - Celeron 847, Dual HDMI: R 2 007.00
Apacer 2GB Dual Channel DDR3-1333 SODIMM Memory: R 290.00
Transcend TS16GMSA300 Solid State Drive (16GB)(mSATA): R 391.00
Total: R 2 688.00

Advantages: Low power, built for the job, quiet?

last one:

HP ProLiant G7 N54L 1P 2GB-U Non-hot Plug SATA 250GB 150W PS MicroServer R 1 703.00
MSI nVidia GeForce GT 210 Low Profile Graphics Card (1GB) R 400.00
Total: R 2 103.00


any advice?
 
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Thanks nomnom, especially for the updates. Looks about right to me eye \:D/
 
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