The Computer Megathread

[aludane]

It can also be called AMD VISION Engine Control Center as of late.

I've never heard of that name. I must research.

[Ad Bot]

[Ethan]

I've never heard of that name. I must research.

I think it's only if you have an AMD/AMD setup as it doesn't happen on either of my Intel/AMD setups.

[steve5451]

Vision Engine claims my monitor can go 75Hz and it does indeed work.
However, does this mean that if I play a game at, let's say, 71fps, I won't get tearing?

[Ethan]

Vision Engine claims my monitor can go 75Hz and it does indeed work.
However, does this mean that if I play a game at, let's say, 71fps, I won't get tearing?

Yeah.
However any decent quality monitor won't have noticeable tearing.

[Straton.]

Yeah.
However any decent quality monitor won't have noticeable tearing.

Speaking of monitors, got any good recommendations?

[steve5451]

Yeah.
However any decent quality monitor won't have noticeable tearing.

It's only noticeable on Source games where I have 200+ FPS and I spin quickly.

[Ethan]

Speaking of monitors, got any good recommendations?

Most monitors nowadays are good.
Just keep to the good brands for whatever size you want. Some great ones are Asus, Acer, Dell, ViewSonic, AOC. Off the top of my head.
Others are great as well.

[Nasoa]

This has probably been asked, but what's the best free anti-virus?

[Straton.]

Most monitors nowadays are good.
Just keep to the good brands for whatever size you want. Some great ones are Asus, Acer, Dell, ViewSonic, AOC. Off the top of my head.
Others are great as well.

Could I make the assumption that even though your part choices add up to $300, $400, $500, etc. that you would still need around $100 for an operating system as well as an additional $50 for a decent keyboard, mouse, and possible another $150-$200 for a decent monitor? As well as other accessories or what ever floats a person's boat, the total actually has a $300 in miscellaneous costs meaning that a $600 build would turn out to be around $900 if not $1000?

The only reason it can reach so high is if someone had no previous PC products to begin with; am I correct?

[Ethan]

Could I make the assumption that even though your part choices add up to $300, $400, $500, etc. that you would still need around $100 for an operating system as well as an additional $50 for a decent keyboard, mouse, and possible another $150-$200 for a decent monitor? As well as other accessories or what ever floats a person's boat, the total actually has a $300 in miscellaneous costs meaning that a $600 build would turn out to be around $900 if not $1000?

The only reason it can reach so high is if someone had no previous PC products to begin with; am I correct?

Yes, but that is stated in the OP. Most people actually have monitors lying around, plus way too many keyboards/peripherals for their systems.
And also OS is stated as not included. Some people already have disks.

[Ethan]

This has probably been asked, but what's the best free anti-virus?

Microsoft Security Essentials IMO.
AVG and Avast are both really quite good though.

Don't get Avira.

[Straton.]

Thank you Ethan, you are doing this forum a public service.

[Nickelob Ultra]

300 bucks isn't a lot of money.

Why get i7 it's not like you'll die without it. I go with an i5 and I'm fine. But what ever floats your boat. Im pretty sure i5 is more than you need. i7 sounds like its just for bragging rights. But I'm no expert.

i7s are much more efficient, therefore require lower clockrates.

[.:FancyPants:.]

So each trimester I get a chance at getting a laptop if I get straight A's. This year is looking good, and my dad says he has a good recommendation for me, but I want to be sure. So who better to ask than Ethan?

My dad says he'll purchase me a laptop within the range of 700$-900$. I recently saw a 500GB storage, 4GB RAM, i7 processor laptop for 800$ or so. (I believe it was from Asus?) After showing my dad he considered it but then came out with a better idea for me. Whats your suggestion?

[Ethan]

i7s are much more efficient, therefore require lower clockrates.

Plus hyperthreading.

So each trimester I get a chance at getting a laptop if I get straight A's. This year is looking good, and my dad says he has a good recommendation for me, but I want to be sure. So who better to ask than Ethan?

My dad says he'll purchase me a laptop within the range of 700$-900$. I recently saw a 500GB storage, 4GB RAM, i7 processor laptop for 800$ or so. (I believe it was from Asus?) After showing my dad he considered it but then came out with a better idea for me. Whats your suggestion?

It depends on the exact specs (what i7 model? what GPU?).
If you can't find this info, I'll find the best one for your price range.