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Argonath RPG Community => Hardware/Software support => Resolved issues => Topic started by: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm

Title: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm
I'm not that good in PC hardware because I'm not following prices or technology news since I don't have money to buy new hardware anyway (or even used for that matter). But I'm wondering if this pile of junk I compiled is price/performance attractive, or even compatible all together.

UPDATED:
PricePartModel
298,00MoboGigabyte GA-870A-USB3 REV 3.1
286,00CPUAMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition, Socket AM3, 3,2 GHz, 7MB cache, 80W, BOX (HDZ555WFGMBOX)
104,10RAMKingston 2X2GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (KVR1333D3N9K2/4G)
307,00GFXSapphire Radeon HD 5750 512MB DDR5, PCI-E, HDMI/DVI, LITE (11164-03-20R)
182,00HDDSeagate 1TB, SATA/600, 7200RPM, 32MB cache (ST31000524AS)
135,00PSUChieftec GPA-450S8
191,00CaseCooler Master RC-430-KWN1
1503,10TOTAL

NOTES ON CHOICES:
 - Mobo choice based on AM3+ socket, which would allow me to upgrade to a new AMD CPU in the future without replacing the whole motherboard
 - Mobo got 4 DDR3 banks so I can use two and fill remaining two later, without having to get rid of previous RAM
 - CPU choice based on possibility to unlock 2 extra cores, so it's a 4 in the price of 2 type of buy
 - RAM choice based on known brand and low price
 - GFX choice based on fairly low power consumption
 - HDD choice based on price and fair ratings
 - PSU choice based on price and amount of protection systems included ( OCP / OVP / UVP / SCP / OPP/OLP )
 - Case choice based on personal taste and having enough slots for everything

So, would this be a good setup? Price/upgradability/power consumption/performance wise (in that order)

Prices are in polish zloty, so google xxx PLN to USD for a quick-convert to US$.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: TheRock on June 03, 2011, 03:20:07 pm
If you are to get a graphics card, get a good one... Can't you try to afford a HD6850-6870 or just 69xx series? They are not over-priced ;)..
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Dutchy on June 03, 2011, 03:20:42 pm
For only 389Eur .. I'd say it's pretty nice.

Quote from: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm
PricePartModel
282,-CPUAMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition, Socket AM3, 3,2 GHz, 7MB cache, 80W, BOX (HDZ555WFGMBOX)

This CPU is a dual core, me myself I use a quad core, which I recommend. Though my quad core only has 3Ghz.

Quote from: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm
135,-RAMKingston 2X2GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (KVR1333D3N9K2/4G)

4 GB of RAM, good enough you don't need more, trust me.

Quote from: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm
314,-GFXSapphire Radeon HD 5750 512MB DDR5, PCI-E, HDMI/DVI, LITE (11164-03-20R)

Strange, I think this GFX is 1GB, not 512MB.. Also, are these parts you picked out yourself? Or is this the whole computer, which you will recieve in one piece?

Quote from: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:02:07 pm
182,-HDDDysk Seagate 1TB, SATA/600, 7200RPM, 32MB cache (ST31000524AS)

1TB, good. I have 500GB, which works perfectly.


That's about all I can say from my experience.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: TheRock on June 03, 2011, 03:24:24 pm
You will be available to upgrade it in future, and it's already good enough, but the graphics card is not really good... 512mb's are often too poor.. 1GB and a better product of graphics card is nice..

CPU is really good for 2-core... 7MB Cache is enough.. Even my 4-cores have just 6MB..
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 03:38:50 pm
@Rock
HD6850 is almost twice the price ( starting from ~520zl) and consumes 3/2 power of the HD5750 (according to gpureview). I don't think I'd play the z0mg newest games anyway.

@Dutchy
That's the trick with this CPU. From the comments on the site I found that CPU, I've read that there are two additional cores, so it's basically a buy 4 cores in the price of 2, though some said that one core didn't work. But that would be still 3 for the price of 2.
And (if I checked right) I could later upgrade to a X6 Phenom II.

And yeah I picked those parts myself, that's why'd I ask also if you guys don't know if there are any incompatibilities that I might've overlooked.

Post Merge: June 03, 2011, 04:16:49 pm
Was browsing a tad more...

Which mo-bo would be better, the Asus M4A79XTD EVO/USB3 with an AM3 socket (369zł) from the first post, or a Gigabyte GA-870A-USB3 with an AM3+ socket (296zl)?

The biggest difference I've noticed (apart from the price) is the socket. The GA one seems to not have any IDE but that doesn't seem to be a problem. I think it also doesn't have any crossfire or SLI support, but I doubt I'd make a use of it anyway, since I'm rather concerned about power consumption, so I'd rather not use multiple graphics cards.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Dutchy on June 03, 2011, 04:50:23 pm
My friend just suggested that you should send an email to the site or store where you would buy it from, and ask them if they can help you with selecting the best parts for composing your comp. He did that with his order and now he has a supercomp for 1400Eur.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 05:09:21 pm
Not so fast, first I'd need the money :roll: Besides, I got this place.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Todor on June 03, 2011, 08:56:06 pm
Keep the mobo and RAM, get a Samsung Spinpoint F3 HDD and a AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 955, a 5770 at least and a decent 500+ watt power supply from a reputable manufacturer such as Corsair.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on June 03, 2011, 09:54:37 pm
@Todor

Well here's a comparsion:
HDD: Samsung F3Seagate ST31000524AS
Capacity: 1TB1TB
RPM: 72007200
Noise: 29dB27dB
Transfer: SATA2 (3Gb/s)SATA3 (6Gb/s)
Avg. access: 8.9ms4.16ms
Price: 198zł183zł

I don't see anything better in the F3, so I don't see any reason to change my choice in the HDD, unless you got something to convince me.

The X4 955 seems to consume more power and it's more expensive, while the clock and cache are the same. I'd rather first get the X2 and then jump over to an X6 or something newer

A Sapphire Radeon HD 5770 512MB would be 334zł in bulk/357zł in box vs. the Sapphire Radeon HD 5750 512MB at 314zł, but the 5770 uses 20 more watts of power. I'd rather stick to the 5750 and upgrade later to something significantly better.

And I don't think this setup would need as much as a 500W power supply... unless I calculated the power usage wrong?
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: EliteTerm on June 03, 2011, 10:45:59 pm
Get a bigger powersupply for future upgrades, just in case.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Julio. on June 07, 2011, 01:04:25 am
Remember, don't just look at the Wattage.

Whats usually the most important is the Amount of Amps supplied by the 12V rail on the PSU sticker

If it has just '12V' and a number, can you tell us that, and if it has '12V1' and '12V2' can you tell us both numbers?
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Todor on June 07, 2011, 11:05:13 am
Quote from: joedaman633 on June 07, 2011, 01:04:25 am
Remember, don't just look at the Wattage.

Whats usually the most important is the Amount of Amps supplied by the 12V rail on the PSU sticker

If it has just '12V' and a number, can you tell us that, and if it has '12V1' and '12V2' can you tell us both numbers?

Exactly. Plus there's a very simple reason the sammy is better - First of all I can never hear it and second.. they are virtually indestructible AND your mobo doesn't support Sata 6gb/s does it? The 955 is a quad, it clocks like a beast too, a mate has one running at 4.2 easily. Don't look at the 512mb version of the 5770, it's bollocks. Get a 1gb card then go crossfire when they're even cheaper. That way you'll get 5870+ performance for quite a lot less. That or get a GTX 460. As far as the power supply is concerned at this day and age it's a good idea to be futureproof. At 400W and with an unheard of brand while being the most VITAL component in your computer you'd want to play it safe. I've seen 12V lines fused into graphics cards when a cheap PSU fried a mate of mine's PC, wasn't a pretty sight.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on June 07, 2011, 06:24:08 pm
@Todor
You missed the budget part. And the power consumption part.

AFAIK SATA's are cross-compatible. And the Gigabyte mobo has SATA3 anyway.

The HD 5750 is cheaper and eats less power. And it seems enough for me - I don't see myself playing the z0mg newest games anyway.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Todor on June 07, 2011, 11:04:24 pm
Quote from: 9r2e5i3k on June 07, 2011, 06:24:08 pm
@Todor
You missed the budget part. And the power consumption part.

AFAIK SATA's are cross-compatible. And the Gigabyte mobo has SATA3 anyway.

The HD 5750 is cheaper and eats less power. And it seems enough for me - I don't see myself playing the z0mg newest games anyway.

It has Sata3 (3gb/s), and yes they are reverse compatible. I'm sorry but 20 watts is NOTHING compared to what the difference is between the 5770 and 5750. As always, however your choice.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Julio. on June 07, 2011, 11:57:19 pm
I paid 30GBP for a 750W PSU that supplies 39A on the 12V rail.

I have, what is arguably one of the most Powerthirsty Graphics Cards Created, the Geforce GTX 280.

This card technically needs 40A as stated on the Nvidia website, but as I thought that they want to cover their asses, I thought that 1A less would not harm.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: mushy on June 08, 2011, 12:08:41 am
I've not dabbled in the computer game for about a year now, so I may be out of touch. But...
What about an nVidia card. I put an ATI 54 something in my brother's machine and I thought it was a bit weak. Something like a 9800? If they still make them that is. I've had my 9600 a few years and seen little better. I know the prices are shocking, but you get what you pay for.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Julio. on June 08, 2011, 12:12:35 am
the Nvidia Geforce GTS450 aint bad for the price for some new builders ^^
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: mushy on June 08, 2011, 12:19:28 am
Quote from: joedaman633 on June 08, 2011, 12:12:35 am
the Nvidia Geforce GTS450 aint bad for the price for some new builders ^^

Now there's a good shout.

I think I need to catch up on some computer stuff. The last thing I remember was knowing Core 2 Duos were the way forward.
I'm out of my depth. I shall console myself before my ageing machine, and reminisce about the excellent spec it used to have.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Julio. on June 08, 2011, 12:21:26 am
Quote from: mushy on June 08, 2011, 12:19:28 am
Now there's a good shout.

I think I need to catch up on some computer stuff. The last thing I remember was knowing Core 2 Duos were the way forward.
I'm out of my depth. I shall console myself before my ageing machine, and reminisce about the excellent spec it used to have.

Aha, I've always been an AMD kinda guy ;D
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: mushy on June 08, 2011, 12:30:07 am
Don't get me wrong I have no big problem with AMD stuff. I put an AMD dual core whatsit in the server because the Asus AM2+ boards were cheaper than the Intel Gigabytes. I just find AMDs a little less consistent than Intels.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Todor on June 09, 2011, 10:12:20 am
Quote from: joedaman633 on June 08, 2011, 12:12:35 am
the Nvidia Geforce GTS450 aint bad for the price for some new builders ^^

Not worth it. 460 from the 4xx series is what you should go for. Nothing less and nothing more.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on July 03, 2011, 02:02:52 am
ima bumpin this thread guise. I updated the table in the first post to the parts I'm currently watching the most...
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Yihka on July 05, 2011, 02:13:40 pm
Well, apart from that you picked dated components, the computer will suffice for what you have picked.

Motherboard

Motherboards can be tricky and give you problems quite fast if you pick one that isn't made very well. For that I will suggest you to google it as much as you can to find customer reviews. That way you know what you might expect from it and/or if it's a good quality motherboard.

Also for the RAM, check the compability list of your motherboard (Should be on their homepage, atleast ASUS has it there.). It can save you a lot of hassle.

CPU

Unfortunately I don't know much about AMD and it's GPU's and CPU's but when I tried to put a computer together last month I noticed that if you buy the latest generation CPU model (With latest socket) that it can save you some money.

Apart from that it's a good CPU especially because you can unlock it's true potentional. By the way, I suggest buying a cooler with it so that when you do, you will have a good cooler to take away the heat.

RAM

Can't see any problems with the ram. 4GB will be good enough and if your motherboard supports 8GB RAM then it should be good for the future.

Look like it supports 16GB RAM. xP

GFX

Like said before, it's a graphics card that isn't able to run newer games at good quality however it should be good enough for what you want it to do.

However, it is stated  that for just a little bit more money you can get one that is able to handle such things, for that reason this is not the best bang for buck.



PSU

Note that with PSU's they do not give you 450watts but a bit lower than that. For that reason you should pick one with a bronze / silver / gold certified sticker saying at how much it does offer.

I would also suggest putting in a bit higher since you mentioned you want to possibly upgrade your system.



Apart from all that it's a good system overall especially for the price.


 

Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Dutchy on July 05, 2011, 02:44:22 pm
About the GPU you selected, I suggest one with at least 1GB video RAM.
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on July 05, 2011, 03:15:18 pm
Components are "dated" cause they're cheaper than zomg hot off the production tape ones.

Will consider that GFX card hints, though I'm most likely going to play old [pre-2000 to mid 00's] games most of the time anyway. Will depend on price differences on the day I'm actually going to buy them.

Was talking with my brother yesterday and he said I should buy only the base parts (mobo, cpu, ram, gfx), because my PSU and case were good enough (though he didn't see how much my case is beat up and all dented :lol: ). Would save me 1/3 total costs.

Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Dutchy on July 05, 2011, 03:21:22 pm
Haha who cares about how the case looks like, unless it's an Alienware.. :roll:
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: 9r2e5i3k on July 05, 2011, 03:54:50 pm
Looks is one thing, the side panel not wanting to open because of being dented or one optical drive being jammed in the case is another  :devroll:
Title: Re: i-m n00b to new pc stuff
Post by: Julio. on July 05, 2011, 05:12:24 pm
9253, have you got a sticker on the side of your current PSU saying what power it gives on each Voltage? Should be in a table sort of thing.

Could you post the numbers on here :D:D
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