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New gaming pc

  • 27-03-2011 3:59pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys,
    Looking at upgrading to new gaming rig at present. I know that building your own offers the best bang for your buck but don't think I'd be able. Could anyone point me in the direction of what specs I'd be looking at and recommend a company to build. Current pc is dell inspiron 530 with geforce 8600 gt graphics card. Budget around 800 euro. Any advice much appreciated.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    ok i'll spec you out one now in a minute and if your looking for someone to build your pc for you you should look at this thread to find someone in your area to do it for you:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=2056197599


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    Here's my recommendations from HWVS:

    CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T - €145.33
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=34042&agid=1242

    CPU Cooler: Arctic Freezer Xtreme Rev 2.0 - €28.22
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=25993&agid=669

    Motherboard: ASRock 870 Extreme3 - €73.98
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=36056&agid=1232

    RAM: 4GB Mushkin Silverline Stiletto 1333MHz - €33.12
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=33951&agid=1192

    Graphics Card: 2GB MSI Radeion HD6950 - €212.93
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41905&agid=1165

    HDD: 1TB Samsung Spinpoint F3 - €46.31
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28152&agid=689

    Disc Drive: Samsung SH-223C DVD+RW - €16.62
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29466&agid=699

    Case: Just over €60 to choose your own
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlesearch.jsp?agid=375&search.reset=1&search.sKey=

    PSU: Super-Flower Amazon 650W - €67.54
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=24479&agid=1629

    OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit - €84.33
    http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29181&agid=185

    Shipping €30

    So that shuld come up around €800 depending on what case you choose.
    Just le us know what case your thinking of getting and we'll let you know if it's compatible and if the airflow is any good.

    Edit: I chose a Phenom X6 rather than a faster Sandybridge i5 is because the motherboard and CPU are alot cheaper and you could use the extra money saved from them to get a 2GB 6950 which is alot faster for games where as an i5 2500K set-up you'd be looking at getting a 1GB 6870 instead which isn't as fast


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 4,282 Mod ✭✭✭✭deconduo


    For a gaming PC, the X6 is useless. Its actually worse than an X4 955. Considering the price difference is tiny now, there is no reason not to get an i5:

    i5-2500k - 177,46 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41224&agid=1617

    ASRock P67 Pro3 - 108,85 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=43133&agid=1601

    DVD-RW - 16,62 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29466&agid=699

    HIS HD 6950 1GB - 198,83 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=43021&agid=1004

    4GB Corsair RAM - 33,81 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=38051&agid=1192

    Spinpoint F3 500GB - 32,16 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=28151&agid=689

    SF Amazon 550W - 52,23 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=30069&agid=1628

    Windows 7 - 84,33 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=29181&agid=185

    NZXT Hades - 67,88 €
    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=31307&agid=631

    Delivery €30

    Total €802,17


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    tbh tho's corsair valueselect's are terrible for overclocking and you can get a good set of mushkin 4GB like i suggested for slightly cheaper also you didn't include a cpu cooler so i fail to see the point of getting a 2500k if your not going to overclock so you'd be better of getting a 2300 if your looking for a sandybridge but not looking to overclock

    http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41227&agid=1617


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 4,282 Mod ✭✭✭✭deconduo


    tbh tho's corsair valueselect's are terrible for overclocking and you can get a good set of mushkin 4GB like i suggested for slightly cheaper also you didn't include a cpu cooler so i fail to see the point of getting a 2500k if your not going to overclock so you'd be better of getting a 2300 if your looking for a sandybridge but not looking to overclock

    http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41227&agid=1617

    You can get 4GHz fairly easily on the i5 stock cooler.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    you can overclock the 2300 aswell on the stock cooler probably not 4.0GHz but 3.6GHz or even 3.8GHz (if your lucky with the chip you recieve ;)) but defo not any higher then that due to the locked multiplier but still very good value for money but at this point i would suggest spending abit more on your budget (maybe put it up to €850) and get a cpu cooler with a 2500K because then that would be a unanimous decision for that set up :)


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 4,282 Mod ✭✭✭✭deconduo


    you can overclock the 2300 aswell on the stock cooler probably not 4.0GHz but 3.6GHz or even 3.8GHz (if your lucky with the chip you recieve ;)) but defo not any higher then that due to the locked multiplier but still very good value for money but at this point i would suggest spending abit more on your budget (maybe put it up to €850) and get a cpu cooler with a 2500K because then that would be a unanimous decision for that set up :)

    The point is that you can get a cooler a few months down the line pretty easily, but there is no upgrade path for the 2300 or X6.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    Ohh I see what you did there nvm then disregard my previous comments
    but you could upgrade the cpu later aswll would cost you alot more tho so it would really be worth it unless the bulldozer cpu's prove there worth when there released but that is yet remains to be seen


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭seyeM


    you can overclock the 2300 aswell on the stock cooler probably not 4.0GHz but 3.6GHz or even 3.8GHz (if your lucky with the chip you recieve ;))

    I've read that increasing the base clock even from 100->105 with the P67 chipset can cause lockups or worse. It's recommended all overclocking be done using multiplier only, keeping the base clock fixed at 100Mhz. Thus 2500k with a P67 mobo is really the minimum you should get if you plan overclock.

    Following from that, ram speed isn't so important here either, but I'd get the cheap 4gb mushkin kit over the cheap Corsair Valueselect

    http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=33951&agid=1192&lb


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭seyeM


    Actually, seems there's another way to do it besides base clock:
    What's this? The good news is that the rumors of Intel killing overclocking for non-K Sandy Bridge processors were slightly exaggerated! If you've got a CPU with Turbo Boost functionality it can be overclocked!! The bad news is that it's pretty limited. Our Core i5 2400 is rated at 3.1GHz with a typical Turbo speed of 3.2GHz with four active cores, with an absolute maximum of 3.4GHz under a single core load. By changing the Turbo multipliers to the maximum allowed either in the BIOS or the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility and raising the power consumption limits to 135W we were able to get the Core i5 2400 to run at a solid and steady 3.6GHz with a full 4 core load. 2 and 3 core loads are allowed to run at 3.7GHz and under single core loads Turbo was allowed up to 3.8GHz. These are noticeable increases in speed and only added about 15w of additional power use. It was on default voltage as well.
    http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1501/7/


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Thanks guys, exactly the sort of stuff im looking for.
    Will look into more details tomorrow when I get a chance.
    Have people used hardwareversand.de much. Never heard of
    them myself but thats not saying much.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Ok guys have half decided on a build.


    AMD Athlon II X3 450 / 3.2 GHz = €62.81
    ASRock 870 Extreme 3 motherboard = €73.98
    Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro = €15.73
    4GB Corsair valuselect RAM = €33.15
    Antec 300 ATX case = €51.91
    Super Flower Amazon 80plus 550w PSU = €52.23
    Gigabyte Radeon HD 5850OC = €223.50
    Samsung Ecogreen F3 1 TB SATA II HD = €43.18
    Samsung SH-223C bare DVD+RW=€16.62
    MWindows 7 Home Premium 32 bit. = €80

    Total built and delivered is just over €700.
    Anyone care to comment on this please.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 4,282 Mod ✭✭✭✭deconduo


    Glebee wrote: »
    Ok guys have half decided on a build.


    AMD Athlon II X3 450 / 3.2 GHz = €62.81
    ASRock 870 Extreme 3 motherboard = €73.98
    Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro = €15.73
    4GB Corsair valuselect RAM = €33.15
    Antec 300 ATX case = €51.91
    Super Flower Amazon 80plus 550w PSU = €52.23
    Gigabyte Radeon HD 5850OC = €223.50
    Samsung Ecogreen F3 1 TB SATA II HD = €43.18
    Samsung SH-223C bare DVD+RW=€16.62
    MWindows 7 Home Premium 32 bit. = €80

    Total built and delivered is just over €700.
    Anyone care to comment on this please.

    Ecogreen HD is bad, get the normal one instead, its only €3 more.

    Get the 6950 I linked earlier. Its cheaper and much much better than the 5850.

    Motherboard might be a bit overkill too, but thats preference really.

    Everything else looks good, however you should consider spending the extra €100 to get the i5-2500k. Seriously, if you can afford it you'll thank me in 1-2 years time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    Don't get the valueselect ram either as mentioned above it's terrible you can get a much beter get of mushkin for the same price also the 5850 is abit dated at this point should go with a much newer 6950, wher you ordring from btw?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    At the moment is hardwareversand.de

    Hope to order this evening / tomorrow. Any other companies worth
    a look?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    hardwareversand.de is the only one i can think of tbh.
    but that's not a bad thing tho because they are incredibly cheap anyway

    Edit: Just noticed you also put a 32bit version of Windows in that list where your supose to use the 64bit version of Windows because 32bit dosn't support 4GB of RAM


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    If your after something abit simple but still powerfull I would recommend this then I also included HWVS's Building services in the price but exl. shipping:

    jhq3wz.png

    Phenom's are better processors for gaming than the Atlon's so there probably the best budget gaming cpu's atm and the 6870 is almost the exact same as the 5850 in terms of speed but I'm pretty sure the 6870 is actually faster in most games.

    Edit: Also I included the sticks of Corsair XMS3's because the Mushkin's are currently out of stock so they were the next decent 4GB kit that were in stock.

    Edit2: Also the 650W version of the Amazon is only there because the PC Configurator wouldn't allow me to select the 550W version even tho it would run it =/
    Probably one of few HWVS's flaws.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    What are peoples experiences of using overclockers.co.uk
    Some mixed reviews around. Some of their overclocked systems
    look fairly solid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    I've only ever bought a graphics card from them. Just a heads-up: if you're using a Visa with that Verified by Visa crap, it won't go through on their system, and you'll have to call. They're customer service is great though, from that one experience - and RMA - that I had.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    OK guys, have decided to go with this............

    Intel Core i5-2500k = €177.46
    ASRock H67M-GE (B3) Sockel 1155,mATX = €4.33
    Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro = €15.73
    4GB -KIT Mushkin Essentials PC3-10667 = €38.60
    Antec 300 ATX case = €51.91
    Super Flower SF700A14A Gamer Edition 700W = €68.02
    MSI R6950-2PM2D2GD5,2GB PCI-E = €212.93
    Samsung Spinpoint F3 1000GB SATA II = €46.31
    MWindows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. = €84.33

    Total built and software install coming in at €850 delivery not include.
    Should I defo pick i5-2500k over i5-760?
    Could reduce cost slightly on case if needed.
    Think im getting there guys. Anybody care to comment please??


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Definitely keep the 2500K. Much better processor, no question.

    You sure you haven't miscalculated there? You have your motherboard down as costing less than €5. ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭seyeM


    That's looking good. Yes, 2500k over i5 760 - similar price, better performance, upgradeable platform.

    You should get a P67 motherboard with the 2500K, it allows overclocking,

    If you're willing to spend a small bit extra, these upgrades in components will make a decent difference to build quality and performance.

    ASRock P67 Pro3 (B3) Motherboard ~ €20 extra. P67 motherboard - really a sensible purchase with a 'K' processor, allow overclocking using the multiplier.

    LanCool K58 Case ~ €15 extra. Has better cooling, build quality, cable management etc


    Corsair A70 CPU cooler ~ €15 extra. Will offer far better cooling then the Freezer 7


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Serephucus wrote: »
    Definitely keep the 2500K. Much better processor, no question.

    You sure you haven't miscalculated there? You have your motherboard down as costing less than €5. ;)

    Cheers guys, should have been €84.33 but total figure is still ok.
    Christ id love to chance building it myself. Have messed around abit inside pcs just switching graphics cards and things. Its a nice lump of money and dont want to waste it...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭seyeM


    If you're somewhat familiar and comfortable with switching components around, you're not too far from building yourself. It is essentially doing that a few times in a row :). I certainly wouldn't pay for them to install the OS, €35 for booting from a DVD is crazy :pac:.

    You could save €55 by handling both of those tasks yourself and put that towards the components I recommended above


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Depending one where you are, you could get someone here to help you with it. I myself am in Maynooth. Have a look at this thread, to get an idea of who's where.

    It's actually great fun to build a PC, and once you get comfortable with it, not that hard at all. Your first one can be a bit daunting though. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭fionny


    For shops its worth also checking out

    ebuyer.com

    They are great value and with the sterling euro conversion rate improved so much its even better.

    komplett.ie can be good for bits too.

    As for building... its really easy mate, just google some guides! If you are building dont forget to organise some thermal paste etc...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    if you're looking for shops:

    www.overclockers.co.uk
    www.scan.co.uk
    www.dabs.ie
    www.komplett.ie
    www.amazon.co.uk
    www.memoryc.co.uk
    www.pixmania.ie

    All of the above I've used and have found very easy to deal with. I've had to request RMAs with Dabs, Komplett, Overclockers, and Scan. The latter three are great in my experience, the one with Dabs, not so much.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭fionny


    Had a bad experience with OCUK bought a 120gig Vertex from them which died on me... the RMA processes took over 2.5 months to sort... an absolute disgrace they were.

    They arent cheap most of the time either, it pays to shop around for what you want.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Cheers guys think ill get hardwareversand.de to build it.
    Anyone know how long it take from order to delivery if everything is in stock

    On my revised hardwareversand.de order when I change to a Corsair A70 cooler its saying "You have selected a CPU fan which because of its weight can cause damage when shipped mounted. Therefore the fan will not be mounted by us. By checking this Checkbox you agree to mount the fan yourself. If you do not want to mount the fan youself, please choose a different one with less weight."

    Its not a big thing to fit that when it arrives is it???


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,696 ✭✭✭Jonny7


    Delivery from hwv is varied, sometimes quite fast, but usually a week or two (just in my experience anyway)

    Packing and build are absolutely top notch


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭fionny


    No its just a clip but you will need thermal paste to mount it properly so buy some. Artic Freeze is the brand iirc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Order sent. many thanks guys for all your imput. Now we wait.......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Either you copied the same link twice, or they're identical RAM. What's the difference?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Ah... If it hasn't shipped yet, I'd see if you can change your order.

    2GB is alright. I mean it's not like your PC won't boot or anything, but it is going to be a hinderence when it comes to games. You could just run 4x1GB, but that doesn't make much sense, and it doesn't leave any room for upgrading in the future.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Hows your German till I try to explain the problem to them.:)

    This is going to cause hassle cos the 4gb is cheaper than the 2 gb.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Yeah, good luck with that one. ;)

    It shouldn't be a problem for them to refund you the difference. If it is, just get some thermal paste or something. :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Might ring them,

    I can imaging myself on the phone,

    "Spreken ze english....wrong RAM, wrong RAM"

    :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,185 ✭✭✭IrishMetalhead


    Why were you trying to buy Mushkin's value RAM when there silverline has come back in stock and is actually cheaper:

    http://www4.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=33951&agid=1192


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    OK guys, new pc arrived this morning:D
    Need to go about installing the Corsair A70 cooling unit which could not be installed for delivery purposes.

    There is some sort of unit already in place over the cpu.

    It does not want to come out and I dont want to force it in case I do damage. Some photos attached. Whats my next step?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Stock cooler.

    You should be able to rotate the pins, and then just pull them out.

    After that, you'll have to remove the thermal compound that's there. Ear buds and rubbing alcohol will do the trick.

    Then apply new thermal compound - about the size of a grain of rice - in the middle of the CPU, then install the new cooler.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Cheers , just dont want to bust all ahead of me trying to remove in my haste


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Think I might have to take out mother board to get the bloody backplate for the cooler to work..............:eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Unless there's a hole in the motherboard tray where the CPU socket is - depends on the case - probably. Yeah, it's a pain. This is why CPU cut-outs are fantastic.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Cut out at the back alright behind cpu but just not big enough..
    Might be able to remove mother board screws and adjust enough to get plate to fit. What the chance of doing damage to motherboard..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,181 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    It's not big enough??? Well that's just... ugh.

    I'd just take it out TBH. Easier than screwing around.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    **** it anyway. Graphics card needs to come out.
    I've done this before just not an expert at it.

    Moving motherboard scare me a bit..:(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭fionny


    Sounds like building the whole PC yourself is less effort :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,840 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Done and dusted. Booted up perfect. Thanks guys.:)


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