PC build thread

[Valkyrie-Favor]

Noise, it's unlikely you're even using 6GB of RAM at any given time. Use task manager to take a look, or get a monitoring program to make a log of your RAM use for a few weeks. If you are maxed out all the time, consider upgrading. Unless you are creating large multimedia files, or using a huge ramdisc probably won't matter at all. You can be sure it won't matter for gaming - at least not right now. GPU upgrade with lots of VRAM -might- be more relevant. Consoles use unified memory, but on PC the game data is split between RAM and VRAM. 4GB VRAM (GTX760) has been more than enough for me.

Otherwise, for faster performance I you can't go wrong with a new CPU or faster permanent storage.

If I had extra money I'd personally go with better monitor and speakers.

[flex wood]

Wait you only have one 4GB 760? Aren't they are only really useful in dual or more setups? From everything I've read that seems to be the case even then isn't it a tiny difference since the actual gpu isn't strong enough to really push all that much information.

Even with all the benchmarks I've seen for 6 GB 780's they will realistically only give you a couple frames more compared to a 3GB 780 and still are slower then a 4 GB 290x at higher resolutions that you need more vram for.

[emwearz]

2GB GTX770 > 4GB GTX760

You might get more Vram for higher textures, increased Anti Aliasing,etc but what does it matter if your GPU is not powerful enough to push it.

[noiseredux]

Noise, it's unlikely you're even using 6GB of RAM at any given time. Use task manager to take a look, or get a monitoring program to make a log of your RAM use for a few weeks. If you are maxed out all the time, consider upgrading. Unless you are creating large multimedia files, or using a huge ramdisc probably won't matter at all. You can be sure it won't matter for gaming - at least not right now.

Oh well - another 8GB has already been ordered thanks to a New Egg sale haha.

GPU upgrade with lots of VRAM -might- be more relevant. Consoles use unified memory, but on PC the game data is split between RAM and VRAM. 4GB VRAM (GTX760) has been more than enough for me.

My Radeon has 4 2GB.

Otherwise, for faster performance I you can't go wrong with a new CPU or faster permanent storage.

New CPU would prob just end up being in my next proper build, not so much an upgrade. But I did order a SATA cable so I could finally migrate my OS over to an SSD.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

Sure but 4gb760>2GB760

Try multiple monitors and it will be worth it...and that postprocessing ability is nothing to laugh at either

BTW, full specs of the PC I just built:

Mobo: Biostar B75MU38
PSU: Rosewill Capstone 475W
i5 3470
8GB Team DRAM 1333
Zotac GTX 760 4GB
WD Green 2TB SATA III
Case: Ancient OEM MicroITX case with expansion slots open to the air

Damages about $750. I built a reliable, cool, and very quiet machine. Suitable for my needs - any game at good framerates@1080p, full-speed PS2 and GCN emulation, madVR, and any lighter tasks without hiccups.

Respect for those of you who throw money into the highest possible gaming experience.

[flex wood]

For a second there I was wondering how in the hell you were able to emulate amd's gcn with a nvidia card then I realized what gcn also means

So I am planning to rebuild later this year and move to a micro atx case? How difficult is it to remove thermal paste from a cpu and my old heat sink?

Only reason I'm going to rebuild is because the graphics card I wanted wasn't out and my friend that helped me pick out parts is an idiot, basically I don't need a full tower at all and thought I did because he said I did. That's what I get for listening to a guy who spent more on his $300+ case then his gpu because "muh monolith"

In case anyone is wondering what a $300 case looks like

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 38566&SID=

I think the thing is ugly as all get out.

[fastbilly1]

How difficult is it to remove thermal paste from a cpu and my old heat sink?

Very simple, just get the isopropyl ready.

basically I don't need a full tower at all and thought I did because he said I did.

Full tower does help with airflow though. But since I built a shuttle pc in 2004 I have always been a fan of small cases.

In case anyone is wondering what a $300 case looks like

Its not that bad, but not my taste. Granted my next build is getting a $200 case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

[flex wood]

How difficult is it to remove thermal paste from a cpu and my old heat sink?

Very simple, just get the isopropyl ready.

Sweet thats good to know thanks.

basically I don't need a full tower at all and thought I did because he said I did.

Full tower does help with airflow though. But since I built a shuttle pc in 2004 I have always been a fan of small cases.

Well I'm going to do my rebuild in August when this Corsair 240 air hits the streets. I like it because it has a ton of space, great airflow and that giant window so I can do a nice matching color scheme.*
http://www.computershopper.com/computex ... rientation

In case anyone is wondering what a $300 case looks like

Its not that bad, but not my taste. Granted my next build is getting a $200 case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

I actually think that case is pretty awesome. I think I would end up mounting that thing to a desk or building a table that uses server racks as legs or something silly like that just because it's actually pretty unique.

*green means I'm being half sarcastic.

[fastbilly1]

I hate the windows on cases. They are one of the reasons I am going to rackmount. That and we have the perfect spot to do it, and the whole kit and caboodle will not be terribly expensive. My wife and I did the math, migrating our machines to racks right now would cost us about $600 total. Which is not terrible, but definitely for my next major pc upgrade. I say not terrible because when I first looked at rackmounting, each 4u case was $600.

[noiseredux]

I like windows on cases though I don't have one.

I do have blue glowing fans that match the keyboard and mouse though.