PC build thread

[isiolia]

For what they cost, throwing a DVD drive in there probably wouldn't hurt. Doesn't look like there's one listed.

[flex wood]

Good catch. I did that on my last build actually, that was a fun last minute run out to microcenter. That's also a part that isn't that big of a cost and wouldn't have that much of an impact on the system so it'll be a random buy from microcenter.

[Frag Mortuus]

1) ...go with ASrock, which is Asus' budget brand....

2) ...I would recommend XFX for AMD GPUs....

3) ...and EVGA for Nvidia GPUs...

4) ...Intel CPU...

5) ...PSU... Also, pay for modularity. It's a godsend.

No disrespect intended, but I wanted to chime in on a few of these points.

1) ASrock is no longer an ASUS budget brand, they have been separated for years now. Also, I have had friends that have used ASrock with horrible experiences.

2) I recently bought two XFX R9 290's, installed them and got no video signal. I tried both cards separately in various PCI-e slots and still nothing. However, when put my 560 Ti's in they both work. I call XFX (whom is only open 9-5 M-F....WTF) they immediately told me that it was my motherboard and that they wouldn't trouble shoot until I had the most recent BIOS. So, I updated the BIOS, called them back and they still said it was either my MoBo or my PSU. So, I call EVGA about my MoBO and they stayed on the phone with me for about two hours and were really apologetic about not being able to fix my problems. XFX could give a shit less. So, I promptly returned the cards and decided to go with Nvidia again.

As far as Radeon GPU's are concerned, they do offer more performance for the money, by a long shot. However, they are far more temperamental and they have more driver and compatibility issues. Example, Watch Dogs doesn't support CrossFireX. You have to disable one card for Radeon, but it does support SLI. Radeon has to come up with a driver update to fix the issue with WD. This is far more common with Radeon cards than it is with Nvidia cards. But again, you can get a $500 R9 290X from Radeon and it will compete with a $1000 Titan from Nvidia. It won't necessarily beat it, but it will be within 5 or so FPS in benchmarks.

3) I agree with EVGA being great. They and ASUS have always treated my great.

4) This is where you and I completely disagree. The price to performance ratio is so much higher with Intel. I bought the first gen i7 (920) CPU in 2009 and it is still a completely competent CPU today. I have yet to find a reason to upgrade it. However, if you are still running an AMD CPU from 2009, I guarantee that it won't be running Watch Dogs or any other recent game regardless of what the GPU is that you're running. Also, AMD is absolutely not better at multithreaded jobs. AMD doesn't support hyper threading which basically lets you run two threads (or instructions at the same time) per core. AMD only lets you run 1 thread per core. Also, the entry level i5's are easily more powerful than the most powerful AMD CPU. You will definitely spend more money on a high end Intel CPU but it will give you better performance and last you twice as long.

5)I completely agree. Modularity is the best thing ever.


A lot of the points you are making regarding AMD vs Intel seems to be outdated info. Again, I mean no disrespect, nor am I trying to start an argument. I just wanted to add what I think and know of AMD and Intel, Radeon and Nvidia. The fact is though that AMD makes great chips and if you want a $700 PC, AMD is probably the way to go. However, If you want a PC that will last you the same length of time as a console generation, I would definitely go with Intel. You will spend around $1200 or more for higher end parts but you will get a lot more longevity.

[flex wood]

So I jsut got my new monitor today and it's awesome! I am having trouble trying to get audio through it and my headset at the same time. I'm not even sure if this is possible but it would be nice. Anyone got any ideas?

[fastbilly1]

So I jsut got my new monitor today and it's awesome! I am having trouble trying to get audio through it and my headset at the same time. I'm not even sure if this is possible but it would be nice. Anyone got any ideas?

What is your motherboard and OS?

On my setup I just have a cable that plugs in on the front for speakers, and unplug so I can use a headset.

[isiolia]

My guess is you're running a headset for voice chat, and want to use HDMI audio via the monitor for other stuff?

It should show up as two different audio devices in that case. Set the HDMI audio as the default, and change the output device in your chat program for the headset.

Unless I'm off in that assumption (or the software doesn't support it).

[flex wood]

So I jsut got my new monitor today and it's awesome! I am having trouble trying to get audio through it and my headset at the same time. I'm not even sure if this is possible but it would be nice. Anyone got any ideas?

What is your motherboard and OS?

On my setup I just have a cable that plugs in on the front for speakers, and unplug so I can use a headset.

asrock extreme4 and win 8.1. Yea looking around online it looks like I'll have to do just that unless I get a couple splitter cables. I'll look into getting some soon. I can just unplug my headset when I want to watch a movie now at least so I won't have to wear it for movies at least.

[flex wood]

My guess is you're running a headset for voice chat, and want to use HDMI audio via the monitor for other stuff?

It should show up as two different audio devices in that case. Set the HDMI audio as the default, and change the output device in your chat program for the headset.

Unless I'm off in that assumption (or the software doesn't support it).

Nope I'm running dvi and a 3.5mm from the monitor to my motherboard and have my headset plugged in on the front 3.5 mic and speaker headers.

I want to have audio for my game through both so when people come over they can hear things too.

[Hazerd]

Going to chime in and say what my brand of parts im going to use for my next build:

CPU: Definitely going Intel again, an i5 to be precise, i7 is more than i need.

Mobo: ASRock or MSI (i currently have a ASRock mobo and it Rocks, pun intended)

PSU: Corsair (aka Seasonic) Cant go wrong with Corsair.
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers

GPU: I have always gone AMD(ATI) GPU's but may try a Nvidia card for my next build, but if i went AMD again i would go HIS(Hightech Information System) Currently have a HIS HD 7870 IceQ and has to be one of the best air coolers ever.

If i go Nvidia, im undecided, im not looking for recommendations. As brand experiences may vary and arent fact.

Case: Fractal Design R4 /w Window, this case is awesome, it has everything i want in a case right now:
- Window
- Cable Management
- Sound dampening
- Black with simple sleek design

RAM: G.Skill, i mean RAM is RAM, if you are hardcore into one brand of RAM, your crazy.

HDD: Seagate for Mechanical and Samsung EVO for SSD

[isiolia]

Nope I'm running dvi and a 3.5mm from the monitor to my motherboard and have my headset plugged in on the front 3.5 mic and speaker headers.

I want to have audio for my game through both so when people come over they can hear things too.

So you don't want auto-muting? Might check in the control panel, or reinstall the software if there's isn't one/etc. I've seen some setups (mostly laptops) where the generic Windows-supplied driver doesn't properly enable all features. I know the Realtek control panel has a toggle for it. Not sure what you have though.