The Computer Megathread

[e-maxx]

Im only using around 200GB with everything I have on this computer. But I just changed to a 1TB hard drive after I posted that. 30 bucks more, still worth it.

you going to be entrepreneur in' yo
i got this hooked up to my computer
http://www.walmart.com/ip/VIZIO-SoundBar-w-Wireless-Subwoofer-VSB210WS/10910025
and these are my headphones

[Ad Bot]

[Ethan]

Im currently finding parts on newegg for a build im working on. I already have the graphics card and the powersupply, and hopefully will get the rest at Christmas. Specs:

i5 2500k Cpu
Asrock P67 Extreme4 gen3 Mobo
Cooler Master HAF 932 Case
Nvidia GTX 570 GPU
320GB HDD (I plan on upgrading to more space, but it will do in the meantime)
Corsair Vengeance 8GB Ram

All the other accessories I already have with this computer. The build is quite nice and should play most games out there. The total cost is around 1,100 dollars, probably a bit more. Luckily I already have the graphics card and PSU which is about 400 dollars.

Try get a Z68 board and maybe a SSD for caching later on.

Hey, is there really a difference with the Radeon HD 5450 and the 6450? 5570 vs 6570?

Also how easy is it to change CPUs?

Small upgrades.
CPUs are the hardest things to upgrade.
Gotta get the heatsink off, then the cpu out, clean the heatsink with rubbing alcohol if you are using it again, make sure your new CPU fits properly and doesn't go over the wattage limit of your board and also is supported by your BIOS, then put it in, thermal paste go, then heatsink on.

[Legodude77]

About the graphics cards, are the 6000s better? Or is it not worth it really?

On that $250 build you gave me, I might want to spend a little extra on the CPU.
Could I get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
and unlock the two extra cores in it with the motherboard?

[Sulfate]

About the graphics cards, are the 6000s better? Or is it not worth it really?

On that $250 build you gave me, I might want to spend a little extra on the CPU.
Could I get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
and unlock the two extra cores in it with the motherboard?

short answer: yes

according to the reviews, anyway

[Legodude77]

If you read the reviews....

Pros: Unlocked to 4 core right out of the box

[DontCare4Free]

If you read the reviews....

That means that they already are "unlocked".

[Legodude77]

No, it means that they unlocked the two locked cores right when they finished building.

Other Thoughts: Unlocked the extra 2 cores 1st try with my ASRock M3A770DE mobo.

Pros: Very quiet, runs smooth and unlocked to 4 core easily

Pros: got it to unlock to a 4 core first try

I think I have enough quotes now.

[HerpaDerp]

Ethan could you recommend me any intel mobo that supports quad crossfireX?

[Ethan]

Ethan could you recommend me any intel mobo that supports quad crossfireX?

Using 2x dual cards or 4x single cards?
It might be hard getting 4x single cards unless you're rich.

About the graphics cards, are the 6000s better? Or is it not worth it really?

On that $250 build you gave me, I might want to spend a little extra on the CPU.
Could I get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846
and unlock the two extra cores in it with the motherboard?

Some of the 6000s are better, some are equal, for example, the 6770 is a rebranded 5770, and the 5850 is equal to the 6870.

About the core thing, you could, but don't count on it. Worth it for the price anyway though.

[KoopaScooper]

Question. I've recently been getting FPS issues in L4D2, and I'm wondering if it's my Processor, my GPU, or some new skins I installed.
Processor: Socket AM2 AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ @ 3.1GHz
RAM: 2GB DDR2 Kingston  PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Motherboard: ASUS M2V Socket AM2 with VIA Northbridge & Southbridge
GPU: EVGA NVidia Geforce 9500GT 1GB 128-bit
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 160GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
I have no trouble loading, but about half-way through a campaign my FPS would drop from 30 to around 15
What's bottlenecking me here?

[Legodude77]

Is it that the motherboard couldn't handle it or just might not have enough power?
How about this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103911
People say they could unlock the forth core, others say they couldn't.

EDIT: Triple vs dual. Is there a big difference?

[HerpaDerp]

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17654645

Anything I could change with this build? Im a bit confused on which case I should get, either NZXT Phantom, HAF 932, or stick with the HAF X.

[Flush535]

So, uh, Ethan, do you have a job like at a computer place?

[Sulfate]

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17654645

Anything I could change with this build? Im a bit confused on which case I should get, either NZXT Phantom, HAF 932, or stick with the HAF X.

you don't need that big of a case. I thought I did, and it turns out the case was a LOT bigger than I'd expected when it was actually in front of me. try downgrading a few models if you go with a HAF case, you can save some money.

[Nickelob Ultra]

Question. I've recently been getting FPS issues in L4D2, and I'm wondering if it's my Processor, my GPU, or some new skins I installed.
Processor: Socket AM2 AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ @ 3.1GHz
RAM: 2GB DDR2 Kingston  PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Motherboard: ASUS M2V Socket AM2 with VIA Northbridge & Southbridge
GPU: EVGA NVidia Geforce 9500GT 1GB 128-bit
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 160GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
I have no trouble loading, but about half-way through a campaign my FPS would drop from 30 to around 15
What's bottlenecking me here?

It drops halfway through a campaign?  Likely overheating, try turning down the settings a bit, or pop open the case, blow out any dust, etc.