Home Built Computers

[SuperChief]

Stealing some mojo from another thread, I was curious as to who here has built theiir own computer? If you do, would you mind sharing what hardware/software you're using and what you primarily use the computer for (gaming, home office, etc)?

Also, links would be greatly appreciated to the hardware parts, but if you're too lazy, it's all good. I'm going to start building my own system, and I'm looking for some advice.

Thanks in advance.

[Saulbadguy]

Originally Posted by SuperChief

So I could just get a SSD and be fine without a traditional HD?

You could, but SSD's are very expensive when compared to traditional drives per gigabyte. You can buy a terabyte hard drive for pretty cheap these days, but i'm not sure a Terabyte SSD exists...and if/when it does, it will be super expensive. A 128gb SSD costs in the range of 200, give or take.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by SuperChief

So I could just get a SSD and be fine without a traditional HD?

Well, your storage would be much more limited and I would not waste that instant data access with shit that doesn't benefit from it (like music and video files).

[SuperChief]

Originally Posted by Pants

Well, your storage would be much more limited and I would not waste that instant data access with shit that doesn't benefit from it (like music and video files).

Ok, I think I'm understanding a little better now. Anybody have a place to find decently priced monitors or have preferrences/suggestions?

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by loochy

Yes. The top of the line Intel chips blow the top of the line AMD stuff away. However, if you don't need absolute top of the line, AMD gives much more bang for the buck. The Intel chipsets also have a bit more memory bandwith (info moves faster from RAM to the CPU). If you can afford a top of the line Intel, go for it. If you don't want to pay that much, go with the AMD.

I've gone with AMD for years for 'bang for the buck'. I've never had a single complaint about a processor I've purchased from them, and my computers are almost entirely centered around gaming (and secondarily video editing, my job...). They've given me all the power and speed I've ever needed. In fact, I'm still using an Athlon 2 x4 620 I purchased in 2009.

I've generally found the biggest difference for me in the things that I do/need comes from RAM and video card (still using the Radeon HD 5770 that I also purchased in 2009). That's where I'd recommend spending $$$, if you have a limited budget.

I don't even try to build a system that can handle Ultra settings on games. I don't have the money for that and I never will, and I think trying to do that keeps you on a treadmill that never ends. But I've been able to play everything I've gotten on High for two years with that processor, that card and the maximum amount of RAM you can use on a 32-bit system (4 GB, 3.25 useable). The only adjustment I might have made/will make would be to go 64 bit with win7, but even that I don't really need at this point. And the good part about the 5770 is that it was one of the first dx11-ready cards.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by SuperChief

Ok, I think I'm understanding a little better now. Anybody have a place to find decently priced monitors or have preferrences/suggestions?

I got this one for christmas and I like it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

I don't really know what to suggest because I don't know what you like...

[SuperChief]

Originally Posted by loochy

I got this one for christmas and I like it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

I don't really know what to suggest because I don't know what you like...

Looks like a solid monitor. And to tell you the truth, I'm not looking for anything in particular in terms of monitors - at least 20' scrren, I suppose, but something that's good for gaming.

[Saulbadguy]

120hz

[loochy]

Yeah, you might want to look at something with 120hz refresh and 5ms or less response...although mine is 60 hz and it is just fine.

[Pants]

These threads always make want to build a new rig for myself! Just gotta wait for Bulldozer and then go to town (unless it blows ass).

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by loochy

I got this one for christmas and I like it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

I don't really know what to suggest because I don't know what you like...

I have this exact monitor and I love it.

[SuperChief]

Here's what I'm looking at. Your thoughts/opinions/suggestions are appreciated.

**AMD Phenom II X6 Six-Core Processor 1090T (3.2GHz) AM3, HDT90ZFBGRBOX (Black Edition)
**Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 Socket AM3 AMD 890GX/SB850 6 SATA USB 3.0 ATX Motherboard
**Corsair XMS3 8 GB 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C​9
**Western Digital WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA 6 GB/S 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Bulk/OEM 3.5-Inch Desktop Hard Drive
**Crucial Technology 128 GB Crucial RealSSD C300 Series Solid State Drive CTFDDAC128MAG-1​G1
**OCZ Fatal1ty 550W Modular Gaming Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
**MSI Graphics Card R5770 Hawk
**Zalman CNPS9700LED Ultra Quiet Cpu Cooler
**Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Ultimate Gamer PC Case (Black)

[Saulbadguy]

Originally Posted by SuperChief

Here's what I'm looking at. Your thoughts/opinions/suggestions are appreciated.

**AMD Phenom II X6 Six-Core Processor 1090T (3.2GHz) AM3, HDT90ZFBGRBOX (Black Edition)
**Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 Socket AM3 AMD 890GX/SB850 6 SATA USB 3.0 ATX Motherboard
**Corsair XMS3 8 GB 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C​9
**Western Digital WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA 6 GB/S 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Bulk/OEM 3.5-Inch Desktop Hard Drive
**Crucial Technology 128 GB Crucial RealSSD C300 Series Solid State Drive CTFDDAC128MAG-1​G1
**OCZ Fatal1ty 550W Modular Gaming Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
**MSI Graphics Card R5770 Hawk
**Zalman CNPS9700LED Ultra Quiet Cpu Cooler
**Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Ultimate Gamer PC Case (Black)

AMD SUX!!11

I'm guessing the power supply is overpriced if it has the Fatal1ty label.

[SuperChief]

Originally Posted by Dante Hicks

AMD SUX!!11

I'm guessing the power supply is overpriced if it has the Fatal1ty label.

I've been back and forth about the AMD/Intel thing, as most people I'm sure have. I'm thinking I'll get more bang for my buck w/ AMD. Just sayin..

[Fish]

A six core Phenom is really overkill. There's only a handful of applications that will actually take advantage of that many cores. Most games only use 2-4 cores at most, so you're not gaining anything there. Unless you're running some specific expensive video encoding software, you're really wasting money. The motherboard you're getting has a core unlocker anyway. You'd be much better off just getting the X3, and unlocking the extra core. The X6 is mainly a marketing ploy aimed at those who think more is better.

That video card is pretty badass though. You'll like that....

[SuperChief]

Originally Posted by KC Fish

A six core Phenom is really overkill. There's only a handful of applications that will actually take advantage of that many cores. Most games only use 2-4 cores at most, so you're not gaining anything there. Unless you're running some specific expensive video encoding software, you're really wasting money. The motherboard you're getting has a core unlocker anyway. You'd be much better off just getting the X3, and unlocking the extra core. The X6 is mainly a marketing ploy aimed at those who think more is better.

That video card is pretty badass though. You'll like that....

I keep reading that 6 cores is "preparing for the future" and such. Any validity to this point, you think?

I'm stoked about the video card - hopefully BF3 and TES:Skyrim respond well!