we're building Mike a gaming PC (recycled thread)

[noiseredux]

Can't we wait until I rebuild? I got nothin right now but I will when I do get around to rebuilding but that isn't going to be until August when the case I want release, the corsair air 240, (it looks like a microwave.)

well I'm gonna start seeing what parts I can amass now, but that doesn't mean we'll get everything set before August. Would be great if so, but....

Should I assume this means you'll have an extra case to spare then?

[flex wood]

To slow on my edit. So I'll put it here again.

Actually I have two broken computers that I might be able to salvage some stuff from but I have no clue how they are broken, I know one doesn't have a power supply, so that might take some time to diagnose but it'll be a fun learning experience at least.

[noiseredux]

slow start.

I'm thinking about guilting Mike into buying a case or a mobo so we can at least get started. Don't tell him though. I doubt he reads this thread. It'll be our secret.

[flex wood]

[noiseredux]

some thoughts...

I've suggested this case to Mike, solely because it looks like a console rather than a PC, but also can fit an ATX mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... gnorebbr=1

Based on the recently released specs of Alienware's Alpha "Steam Machine," I feel like an i3 and 4GB of RAM would be plenty fine for Mike - especially knowing his gaming preferences for 2D games.

Ideally, a wireless 360 pad would be great, though the official MS receiver is getting tougher to find it seems like, and not sure I trust those knock-offs. Maybe a Logitech F710?

I'd also suggest a wireless keyboard/trackpad combo just in case.

The OS... since SteamOS won't be ready this year, then it's between 7 and 8. I know Mike currently hates 8, and I can't blame him too much. My thought was that either can be forced to just launch straight into Steam Big Picture mode though at bootup. But 7 might still be good for him in case he does any non-Steam games.

Mobo - no idea. But it would be wise to have integrated wifi.

GPU - no idea. I'm guessing something entry level. I've got a Radeon 6670 though I'm not sure if it's working or not.

[retrosportsgamer]

2 External 5.25" Drive Bays

^

Backwards compatible with all his old floppies!

[isiolia]

Ideally, a wireless 360 pad would be great, though the official MS receiver is getting tougher to find it seems like, and not sure I trust those knock-offs. Maybe a Logitech F710?

Might be preferable, since I think the DirectInput drivers for that are better?

Even the official wireless adapter is not without issues (easily repaired issues, but issues). I'd kinda guess that a clone product probably just inherits the problems of the original, but I'm not sure.

[Jmustang1968]

some thoughts...

I've suggested this case to Mike, solely because it looks like a console rather than a PC, but also can fit an ATX mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... gnorebbr=1

Based on the recently released specs of Alienware's Alpha "Steam Machine," I feel like an i3 and 4GB of RAM would be plenty fine for Mike - especially knowing his gaming preferences for 2D games.

Ideally, a wireless 360 pad would be great, though the official MS receiver is getting tougher to find it seems like, and not sure I trust those knock-offs. Maybe a Logitech F710?

I'd also suggest a wireless keyboard/trackpad combo just in case.

The OS... since SteamOS won't be ready this year, then it's between 7 and 8. I know Mike currently hates 8, and I can't blame him too much. My thought was that either can be forced to just launch straight into Steam Big Picture mode though at bootup. But 7 might still be good for him in case he does any non-Steam games.

Mobo - no idea. But it would be wise to have integrated wifi.

GPU - no idea. I'm guessing something entry level. I've got a Radeon 6670 though I'm not sure if it's working or not.

That case is pretty cool. I'd be worried about it not fitting some of the larger GPUs though

[flex wood]

Nah that case would fit almost gpu on the market.

[isiolia]

That case is pretty cool. I'd be worried about it not fitting some of the larger GPUs though

Depends on the cooling setup, but it's actually a pretty large case (though I'm not sure that was the intent). It can fit 13" cards, if you aren't putting a radiator up top there. Pics of it full of parts illustrate the size better, I think.

Dimensions probably put it in "fits in AV rack" size though.