PC build thread

[Hazerd]

I cant see myself ever purchasing a "steam machine" from my point of view, it's just a glorified pre-built "gaming" box that will be end up being out-dated and you wont beable to upgrade it.

As for the controller, i havent used it, but i cant see myself replacing my 360 controller for windows anytime soon, probably buy a Xbox One controller for windows.

Then there is this Steam OS i keep hearing about, why would you want a rig with full size computer components, limited to a OS dedicating to a digital gaming service?

I hope this Steam Box isnt too expensive, because you may as well just buy a real computer with windows on it.

/rant

[Sano]

This is my build, and it runs everything just fine. Even Battlefield 4. It can run on Ultra 64man, but it gets a little hotter than I prefer.. so I play it on medium. Anyway, here are my specs:

CPU: FX-6300 @ 3.5GHz (4.1 Turbo Boost)
RAM: 16GB Low Voltage G-Skill Sniper Series
Graphics: XFX 5870 1GB GDDR5
MOBO: ASRock 870 Extreme3 R2.0

A solid build that runs just about anything out there, some games I can't run on high. Not THAT powerful of a system. Just wanted to share my info to maybe give you some ideas for your build.

[ZenErik]

Erik, you should try using pcpartbuilder.com

It will tell you (A) if there's any conflict between parts, and (B) the cheapest place to get each part you want.

Thanks. I'll check, but I am pretty sure they are all compatible.

Saving doesn't hurt, but I could get all of these parts at Microcenter today and be up and running tonight. Provided I don't screw up. You'd think I'd be more knowledgable about building a computer considering I work on many laptops and smart phones every day. Repair is fun.

[Sano]

Erik, you should try using pcpartbuilder.com

It will tell you (A) if there's any conflict between parts, and (B) the cheapest place to get each part you want.

Thanks. I'll check, but I am pretty sure they are all compatible.

Saving doesn't hurt, but I could get all of these parts at Microcenter today and be up and running tonight. Provided I don't screw up. You'd think I'd be more knowledgable about building a computer considering I work on many laptops and smart phones every day. Repair is fun.

I must inform you that while SSDs are fast and awesome, they just up and die for no reason. My OCZ 80GB just died without warning. I would shy away from SSDs for now. Get a couple of WD VelociRaptors and RAID 0 them.

[ZenErik]

I do not have a SSD in the cards for this machine yet. But I use one all the time as that is what is in my retina MacBook Pro.

Should I be considering one? I figured that since this would basically just be used for games and maybe some video playback that it wasn't worth it. Not going to be doing much besides those two things on it.

[Sano]

I do not have a SSD in the cards for this machine yet. But I use one all the time as that is what is in my retina MacBook Pro.

Should I be considering one? I figured that since this would basically just be used for games and maybe some video playback that it wasn't worth it. Not going to be doing much besides those two things on it.

Na, I say skip it and get a WD VelociRaptor. SSDs are nice, but like I said, the die. And yes, I have heard and read reports on this issue all over the net. There are a couple of brands that do tend to last longer, they are Samsung and Mushkin. I don't know anything about either, but my next SSD will probably be a Samsung.

[noiseredux]

I do not have a SSD in the cards for this machine yet. But I use one all the time as that is what is in my retina MacBook Pro.

Should I be considering one? I figured that since this would basically just be used for games and maybe some video playback that it wasn't worth it. Not going to be doing much besides those two things on it.

usually (it seems to me) most dudes are using SSD for the OS and maybe some apps, and then using an HDD for games/media. That's what I'm doing with my build. If you are only planning on one drive, then you'd get a lot more space for your $ by not getting an SSD.

[Sano]

I do not have a SSD in the cards for this machine yet. But I use one all the time as that is what is in my retina MacBook Pro.

Should I be considering one? I figured that since this would basically just be used for games and maybe some video playback that it wasn't worth it. Not going to be doing much besides those two things on it.

usually (it seems to me) most dudes are using SSD for the OS and maybe some apps, and then using an HDD for games/media. That's what I'm doing with my build. If you are only planning on one drive, then you'd get a lot more space for your $ by not getting an SSD.

Very true. I did use my OCZ Vertex3 as my OS drive. I miss how fast it was.

[isiolia]

Does the CPU come with any thermal paste generally or no?

And what would you recommend for a cooler? Thanks!

The stock cooler will have some pre-applied pad or paste.

Cooler Master 212 Evo is great for the money, if it'll fit.

Also, yeah, a DVD burner is $15-20, no real reason not to have one. That said, some cases (like the one you had in your previous build) may need a slimline drive, which will cost more.

I must inform you that while SSDs are fast and awesome, they just up and die for no reason. My OCZ 80GB just died without warning. I would shy away from SSDs for now. Get a couple of WD VelociRaptors and RAID 0 them.

Any storage has the potential to up and fail without warning. That's why you make backups. Seriously, I have a fort of failed HDDs in my office.

No HDD solution, array or not, can match the main strength of an SSD - access speed. RAID 0 is hardly a solution to run with if data loss is a concern either.

I would say to get an SSD. Just, as with all computing ever, if a piece of data is important, you make a copy on a different drive. All storage will die. Plan for it. In the meantime, there's little reason not to use the more effective technology.

[ZenErik]

Does the CPU come with any thermal paste generally or no?

And what would you recommend for a cooler? Thanks!

The stock cooler will have some pre-applied pad or paste.

Cooler Master 212 Evo is great for the money, if it'll fit.

Also, yeah, a DVD burner is $15-20, no real reason not to have one. That said, some cases (like the one you had in your previous build) may need a slimline drive, which will cost more.

I must inform you that while SSDs are fast and awesome, they just up and die for no reason. My OCZ 80GB just died without warning. I would shy away from SSDs for now. Get a couple of WD VelociRaptors and RAID 0 them.

Any storage has the potential to up and fail without warning. That's why you make backups. Seriously, I have a fort of failed HDDs in my office.

No HDD solution, array or not, can match the main strength of an SSD - access speed. RAID 0 is hardly a solution to run with if data loss is a concern either.

I would say to get an SSD. Just, as with all computing ever, if a piece of data is important, you make a copy on a different drive. All storage will die. Plan for it. In the meantime, there's little reason not to use the more effective technology.

Alright. I'll probably stick with stock for now. If I feel the need to upgrade I will. And I'll see what DVD drive I can get. I am pretty sure the case I am going with now has a 5.25" bay, or whatever the full size is.

As for SSD... I'll see if there are any reliable but cheap 64GB ones. I could get one now or upgrade later. I may not even buy today, but I probably will soon. Guess I won't need a Steam Machine anymore. Windows will be better for compatibility anyway.