Buying new computer, display,speaker; need advice!

Post » Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:06 pm

Why I want to buy a new computer, display, speaker:
Spoiler

My computer has been suffering from TDR the last two days (my computer freezes constantly, resulting in BSOD). I have so far tried to 1) reinstall graphics drivers, 2) reinstall previous graphics drivers cleanly, 3) installing the "fix it" here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2665946/en-us, 4) checked my computer temperatures in BIOS, and they were fine. However, nothing has helped and I can't start my computer normally; I'm writing this topic from safe mode with networking. I've read quite a few threads about this problem, and most people just say: buy a new computer, it's not worth wasting time on, there's nothing you can do.

My computer is quite old (like 5-6 years?). I have a GTX 260. So I think, perhaps it's my computer causing this TDR problem. But, of course, if someone knows something else I can try to solve this TDR problem, please tell me so I don't have to buy a new computer. In addition, my speakers are not very good. My display is very good, but it flickers constantly for one hour at startup (which is annoying).

So, do anyone got any good advice on a new computer, display, speaker? Here's some requirements and things I know want though:
- Total price range for everything shouldn't be higher than 3300 dollars.
- I play Skyrim and no other games, so the computer should definitely be able to handle it very well.

- I want a display with great colors and that has great response time as well, so it's good for playing Skyrim and working in Photoshop. I prefer LCD.

- Speaker can be either 2x or 5x. I have much space in my room, but not any great places (like corners) to put subwoofers, etc... so it's a bit troublesome. My current small subwoofer is on top of my desktop. The speakers are meant for my computer and not a TV or something.
- The speaker sound has to be great with crisp, clear sounds. I listen to a lot of classical music, so that's more important than a strong bass. I also have tinnitus, so I really can't stand too much bass either (so a speaker with configurable bass is good). I bought Logitech Z-906 a few months ago, but returned it because, surprisingly it sounded WORSE than my current very old logitech 2x speaker (Z-906 didn't sound crisp at all, it sounded muffled).

- I value online reviews a lot, but I don't take them for granted. For instance, my previous Z-906 speaker had great reviews but sounded pretty bad/mediocre to me.

- Everything should be able to be bought in stores or online stores in Sweden, because I live there and I also prefer my country's consumer law protection which I'm familiar with. Whether the product is available in Sweden is of course something I can check myself and nothing you'd have to check.

To anyone who helps me, THANKS IN ADVANCE :foodndrink:. I could really, really use some advice. And of course, you don't have to give me advice about everything (like all computer parts, or speakers, or display).
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sam
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:21 am

I can't really help you as I'm not particularly knowledgeable about monitors or speakers (I use a headset 99% of the time) but if you're planning on getting a good sound system (speakers or headset) then make sure to get a good soundcard. Something like a Creative Xi-Fi Titanium or an ASUS Xonar STX 2. Onboard sound or a cheap soundcard will not do a high end speaker system or headset any kind of justice.
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Charlie Sarson
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:34 am

I can't really help you as I'm not particularly knowledgeable about monitors or speakers (I use a headset 99% of the time) but if you're planning on getting a good sound system (speakers or headset) then make sure to get a good soundcard. Something like a Creative Xi-Fi Titanium or an ASUS Xonar STX 2. Onboard sound or a cheap soundcard will not do a high end speaker system or headset any kind of justice.
Do you think that's why the Z-906 I bought before didn't sound good? I think it's really weird that my at least 5 year old Logitech speakers sounded better than Logitech's new flagship Z-906. I currently have Realtek High Definition Audio (that supports 5x speakers).
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trisha punch
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:20 am

What's the resolution and screen size you want for your monitor?
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Ezekiel Macallister
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:12 pm

Do you think that's why the Z-906 I bought before didn't sound good? I think it's really weird that my at least 5 year old Logitech speakers sounded better than Logitech's new flagship Z-906. I currently have Realtek High Definition Audio (that supports 5x speakers).

It might be, although they certainly still should have sounded much better than your older speakers. I have a fairly high end headset and there's a vast difference in quality if I plug it into my soundcard (Creative Titanium HD) rather than my onboard audio port. But it still sounds very good through the onboard audio. If your speakers actually sounded bad, it's more likely there was a problem with the speakers.
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Steph
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:53 am

I recommend the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836852001 I've been using them for a year or so and they're great especially in games and movies, powerful sound and clarity at high volume (in a 5m x 4m room that is)
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Meghan Terry
 
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Post » Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:22 am

What's the resolution and screen size you want for your monitor?
I currently have 1680 x 1050 resolution and size ... I think it's 16:9, and that works fine. It could be a little bigger, but definitely not smaller.

It might be, although they certainly still should have sounded much better than your older speakers. I have a fairly high end headset and there's a vast difference in quality if I plug it into my soundcard (Creative Titanium HD) rather than my onboard audio port. But it still sounds very good through the onboard audio. If your speakers actually sounded bad, it's more likely there was a problem with the speakers.
I also thought they should have sounded better than my old ones. I tested them really througouh and even let other people listen without them knowing if they were the new ones or the old ones, but the old ones sounded better still. The speakers didn't sound awful, but it sounded kind of muffled. They sounded mediocre. And I didn't expect that from logitech's newest flagship. My brother said that I should buy a new soundcard too, but I didn't want to risk wasting more money and not after that be able to return the speakers.

I recommend the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836852001 I've been using them for a year or so and they're great especially in games and movies, powerful sound and clarity at high volume (in a 5m x 4m room that is)
Thanks, I'll keep those in mind. They got very good reviews on amazon too.
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Elea Rossi
 
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