..::THE COMMUNITY TECH THREAD No. 103::..

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 7:52 pm

Originally by Powerslide
LET'S MAKE THIS WORK PEOPLE!

Okay, now as anyone could see there are HUNDREDS of tech threads floating around in CD - ranging from questions about graphics hardware, to questions about pricier graphics hardware and other tech such as monitors, hard drives and Processors to announcement threads of new technology and more. (I accede - I'm not being very eloquent here)

Any questions you have, tech news or ANYTHING related to buying/selling/information/announcements of new hardware should go here.

For example, if you come to the forums to ask "What is the better graphics hardware" or "What sort of RAM should I put in my PC?" then it should go here - I'm a little hazy, I know - but please keep all those graphics card and tech questions to one thread! Please!
So here's the summary, all:
  • Announcements and queries on new or unreleased tech
  • Benchmarks and results of hardware/discussion
  • Questions on what sort of hardware you need/want for your machine
  • Questions about existing tech and/or function
  • Pricing and recommendations

Should be kept to THIS THREAD.

This has been A-okayed by CCNA for all who were wondering - it's up to you to stop filling CD with the same topics again and again that ask what the most powerful card in existence is so you can (not) buy it.

If you feel you have a question or can answer one - please feel free to do so.


Thanks all.
Adding more links shortly, thank you for your patience.

(Threads 1-85 have been all pruned, may they rest in peace)

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1079401-the-community-tech-thread-%2386/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1084024-the-community-tech-thread-no-87/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1090141-the-community-tech-thread-no-88/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1094900-the-community-tech-thread-no-89/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1102258-the-community-tech-thread-no-90/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1108118-the-community-tech-thread-no-91/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1112884-the-community-tech-thread-no-92/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1118559-the-community-tech-thread-no-93/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1145193-the-community-tech-thread-no-94/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1153130-the-community-tech-thread-no-95/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1160717-the-community-tech-thread-no-96/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1167952-the-community-tech-thread-no-97/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1176772-the-community-tech-thread-no-98/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1180239-the-community-tech-thread-no-99/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1188969-the-community-tech-thread-no-100/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1199194-the-community-tech-thread-no-101/
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1207079-the-community-tech-thread-no-102/

Do I also have to put a big glowing neon sign to this in my signature? THERE ARE TOO MANY TECH THREADS - THIS IS NOT A FORUM FOR YOUR TECH WOES!

But we will gladly help you anyway. ;)

Honour list:
Nottheking
Lord Athanar (SUPER-PINK!)
Insaneturbo13
Anothercanadian
Tig Ol' Bitties
Dogsbody
CCNA (Moderator)
Níeh?ggr
wolfpup
Wierd
Softnerd
wingus
DEFRON
Qwaxalot
iGuess


Oh and PLEASE, if you want us to "Build" you a PC, please indicate the following:
1.) your budget in your country's currency
2.) what country you reside if not listed in your avatar area
3.) pre-assembled PC? ...or can you build your own?
4.) what is needed other than the PC tower? Monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, Windows OS disc? All these can jack up the price.
5.) product preferences, preferred seller, and intended aim

but please, no "I want teh superererest Peecee evar1!!!!11!1", because really, only Bill Gates has that much moolah.


And, speaking of building your own PC, two sets of good how-to videos from Newegg:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok&feature=related

Thanks to SpankyTheElf for finding these additional ones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CStOC0hET8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buj5cIh2Bs&feature=related



Other useful links

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/983941-a-freeware-guide/page__p__14225246__fromsearch__1#entry14225246
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/CPU/2
http://www.overclock.net/graphics-cards-general/502403-graphics-card-ranking-5th-time-last.html
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/articles.php?articleid=132
http://www.memtest86.com/
http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/
http://entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm
http://www.irfanview.com/
http://www.knoppix.org/
http://www.jonnyguru.com/
http://www.overclock.net/power-supplies/183810-faq-recommended-power-supplies.html
http://www.overclock.net/power-supplies/715889-psu-articles.html#post9110838
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
http://tftcentral.co.uk/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark06/
http://www.fraps.com/
http://trinityhome.org/Home/index.php?wpid=1&front_id=12
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I love YOu
 
Posts: 3505
Joined: Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:05 pm

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 10:30 am

So my brother is looking to build a HTPC/Rendering PC/ Minecraft server. His budget is around $300 but he doesn't need an OS, HDD, or CD drive.

He's currently going to go with a:
Phenom X4 BE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

It's pretty much set in stone that he is going to get 8 GB of RAM and he likes G Skill though if there is a cheaper and yet quality brand I'd like to hear it.

Does anyone know of a good motherboard with an AM3 socket and Nvidia integrated graphics? Also does anyone know of a good, cheap, quality case? It needs to have good cooling for when the comps rendering but he doesn't want it to have LED's. It doesn't matter if it comes with the case as long as you can disable them.

Does anyone know of a good PSU for this build? It needs to have 3 Sata connectors and enough for all of the other components. What's a good wattage for this, 400?

And Defron click on the link in my signature.

Thanks
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Samantha hulme
 
Posts: 3373
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Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 11:54 am

Hey sorry, one final post to finalize before I purchase my new build.

What CPU fan + heatsink would you recommend to overclock the i5-2500k? I've never overclock/used a 3rd party heatsink + fan, so I don't know which would be the best.

Also, how do you tell if it comes pre-applied with thermal paste? And would Arctic Silver 5 be the best option regardless?

And how long do pre-installed case fans usually last? My back 120mm exhaust fan and a side 80mm exhaust fan don't seem to be pushing that hard. Are they worth to be replaced? Should all fans except a front 120mm intake fan be exhaust? One of the side 80mm fans (out of the two) is taking in air, rather than pushing it out. Should I flip it around? I don't know why I just noticed it now.

I think that covers everything. Sorry for being a hassle :blush: Thanks for all the help
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Avril Louise
 
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Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:00 pm

Hey sorry, one final post to finalize before I purchase my new build.

What CPU fan + heatsink would you recommend to overclock the i5-2500k? I've never overclock/used a 3rd party heatsink + fan, so I don't know which would be the best.

The http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6603 is currently one of the best CPU coolers on the market.
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victoria johnstone
 
Posts: 3424
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:56 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:02 pm

Hey sorry, one final post to finalize before I purchase my new build.

What CPU fan + heatsink would you recommend to overclock the i5-2500k? I've never overclock/used a 3rd party heatsink + fan, so I don't know which would be the best.

Also, how do you tell if it comes pre-applied with thermal paste? And would Arctic Silver 5 be the best option regardless?

And how long do pre-installed case fans usually last? My back 120mm exhaust fan and a side 80mm exhaust fan don't seem to be pushing that hard. Are they worth to be replaced? Should all fans except a front 120mm intake fan be exhaust? One of the side 80mm fans (out of the two) is taking in air, rather than pushing it out. Should I flip it around? I don't know why I just noticed it now.

I think that covers everything. Sorry for being a hassle :blush: Thanks for all the help


http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-Sleeve-RR-B10-212P-G1/dp/B002G1YPH0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312581467&sr=8-1AFAIK it comes with thermal paste but it'd be worth double checking.

EDIT: Looks like someone beat me.
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JD bernal
 
Posts: 3450
Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:10 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:25 pm

The http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6603 is currently one of the best CPU coolers on the market.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-Sleeve-RR-B10-212P-G1/dp/B002G1YPH0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312581467&sr=8-1AFAIK it comes with thermal paste but it'd be worth double checking.

EDIT: Looks like someone beat me.

Thanks :) I'll go with that one. Do you think it's okay with the 1 fan it comes with, or would it be a big difference to have a 2nd fan on there?
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Josee Leach
 
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Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:50 pm

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:16 pm

Thanks :) I'll go with that one. Do you think it's okay with the 1 fan it comes with, or would it be a big difference to have a 2nd fan on there?

The fan that it comes with is one of the best 120mm fans out there. You are welcome to add a 2nd fan, but it would make a very miniscule difference, something like 1-3 degrees.
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Camden Unglesbee
 
Posts: 3467
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:30 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:25 pm

The fan that it comes with is one of the best 120mm fans out there. You are welcome to add a 2nd fan, but it would make a very miniscule difference, something like 1-3 degrees.

Alright thanks a lot for the help :)
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Dan Scott
 
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Joined: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:45 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 1:09 pm

And how long do pre-installed case fans usually last? My back 120mm exhaust fan and a side 80mm exhaust fan don't seem to be pushing that hard. Are they worth to be replaced? Should all fans except a front 120mm intake fan be exhaust? One of the side 80mm fans (out of the two) is taking in air, rather than pushing it out. Should I flip it around? I don't know why I just noticed it now.


Case fans have different lifespans depending on the style. Preinstalled fans are usually the cheapest variant and may only last 2-3 years, especially if mounted horizontal. Default fans often have a low CFM rating so they are more quiet.

Most computer cases are designed for a negative air pressure inside the case. Basically your primary goal is to remove hot air inside the case.

Front mounted fans = intake
Side mounted fans = intake
Bottom mounted fans = intake
Top mounted fans = exhaust
Rear mounted fans = exhaust
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Charlotte Lloyd-Jones
 
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Joined: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:53 pm

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:53 am

@ TigOlBitties: In the last thread I asked about upgrading my graphics card for my Dell XPS 410 system. You recommended a 6850.

Is there a certain brand or model of the 6850 that you prefer or recommend for my system in regards to reliability, size, cooling, temperature and wattage usage?

Thanks for your time again!
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Ana
 
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Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:29 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:39 pm

Would this be a good/decent gaming PC?

Asus GeForce GTX 560 1GB
Intel Core i5 2500K
Kingston HYperX 8GB 1600MHz DDR3


Sorry if this is not the right thread to ask this.
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Michael Russ
 
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Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:33 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:48 pm

Would this be a good/decent gaming PC?

Asus GeForce GTX 560 1GB
Intel Core i5 2500K
Kingston HYperX 8GB 1600MHz DDR3


Sorry if this is not the right thread to ask this.

That's almost exactly the same as my PC (except I have a GTX560 Ti) and I run all games perfectly.
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Anna Beattie
 
Posts: 3512
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 4:59 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:22 pm

Would this be a good/decent gaming PC?

Asus GeForce GTX 560 1GB
Intel Core i5 2500K
Kingston HYperX 8GB 1600MHz DDR3


Sorry if this is not the right thread to ask this.

Yeah that would max most games out there. Building it yourself or buying prebuilt?

Ninja'd
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emily grieve
 
Posts: 3408
Joined: Thu Jun 22, 2006 11:55 pm

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:00 pm

That's almost exactly the same as my PC (except I have a GTX560 Ti) and I run all games perfectly.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will be getting this PC then :)

Yeah that would max most games out there. Building it yourself or buying prebuilt?Ninja'd

Prebuilt. Too lazy to build my own. :spotted owl:
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Lexy Corpsey
 
Posts: 3448
Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2006 12:39 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 2:27 pm

Thanks for the quick reply. I will be getting this PC then :)


Prebuilt. Too lazy to build my own. :spotted owl:


How much are you paying for it?
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HARDHEAD
 
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Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 2:50 pm

How much are you paying for it?

869€

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Prisca Lacour
 
Posts: 3375
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:25 am

Post » Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:27 pm

So my brother is looking to build a HTPC/Rendering PC/ Minecraft server. His budget is around $300 but he doesn't need an OS, HDD, or CD drive.

He's currently going to go with a:
Phenom X4 BE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

It's pretty much set in stone that he is going to get 8 GB of RAM and he likes G Skill though if there is a cheaper and yet quality brand I'd like to hear it.

Does anyone know of a good motherboard with an AM3 socket and Nvidia integrated graphics? Also does anyone know of a good, cheap, quality case? It needs to have good cooling for when the comps rendering but he doesn't want it to have LED's. It doesn't matter if it comes with the case as long as you can disable them.

Does anyone know of a good PSU for this build? It needs to have 3 Sata connectors and enough for all of the other components. What's a good wattage for this, 400?

And Defron click on the link in my signature.

Thanks


If you're not OCing, that RAM is perfectly fine.

This board will fair well enough and is AM3+ Supportive too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128490

This board will save some money:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128458


Good cheap quality case: http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/B002UDK9U6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312683803&sr=8-1

PSU: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Certified-Compatible-Platforms-CMPSU-430CXV2/dp/B004W2T2TM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312686100&sr=8-1



Hey sorry, one final post to finalize before I purchase my new build.

What CPU fan + heatsink would you recommend to overclock the i5-2500k? I've never overclock/used a 3rd party heatsink + fan, so I don't know which would be the best.

Also, how do you tell if it comes pre-applied with thermal paste? And would Arctic Silver 5 be the best option regardless?

And how long do pre-installed case fans usually last? My back 120mm exhaust fan and a side 80mm exhaust fan don't seem to be pushing that hard. Are they worth to be replaced? Should all fans except a front 120mm intake fan be exhaust? One of the side 80mm fans (out of the two) is taking in air, rather than pushing it out. Should I flip it around? I don't know why I just noticed it now.

I think that covers everything. Sorry for being a hassle :blush: Thanks for all the help


Another vote for the CM Hyper 212+ and that comes with a pretty good thermal paste. AS5 is old stuff these days with Arctic MX-2 and MX-4 being better alternatives with no curing time.

Níeh?ggr gave the best advice for the fans.


@ TigOlBitties: In the last thread I asked about upgrading my graphics card for my Dell XPS 410 system. You recommended a 6850.

Is there a certain brand or model of the 6850 that you prefer or recommend for my system in regards to reliability, size, cooling, temperature and wattage usage?

Thanks for your time again!


Brand doesn't really make one 6850 that much different from others. Some might come with fancier fans for OCing and/or keep temps a bit cooler, but for most people it comes down to warranty support and customer service. Sapphire is still the top brand for AMD cards with XFX, Asus, and MSI not too far behind. XFX has an attractive warranty (double lifetime) and I've bought several cards from them without issues, but their customer service horror stories are becoming a common occurrence these days. Gigabyte, HIS, and Powercolor are other brands that are alright as well too. Just get the one you can afford that has a good track record.



Would this be a good/decent gaming PC?

Asus GeForce GTX 560 1GB
Intel Core i5 2500K
Kingston HYperX 8GB 1600MHz DDR3


Sorry if this is not the right thread to ask this.

869€


It's decent and that's not too bad of a price for it being prebuilt . I just hope the power supply is of decent quality.
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Casey
 
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