[Connor Wing]

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.

Also, this is a great thread for you PC newbs, for learning more about your PC and hardware. http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=258050&st=0&p=4626051&#entry4626051

Also, a useful site for a frame of reference (not actual numbers), http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=476&model2=477&chart=174, and http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=519&model2=547&chart=211


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

(Threads 1-74 have been all pruned, may they rest in peace)

http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1036256
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1043406
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1046279
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1050067
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1053812
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1057002
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1060245
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1064983
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1069729
http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1073705

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 (Moderator)
CCNA (Moderator)
N??h?ggr
wolfpup
Wierd
Softnerd
wingus

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 good how-to videos from Newegg (thanks to SpankyTheElf for finding these):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CStOC0hET8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buj5cIh2Bs&feature=related

Other useful links
http://trinityhome.org/Home/index.php?wpid=1&front_id=12
http://tools.corsairmemory.com/systembuild/report.aspx?report_id=12472
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://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=136602
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/

[Eric Hayes]

Where's my Phenom II X2 555 BE? Newegg has a 555 non BE but it has a BE box picture on it though.

[Ludivine Poussineau]

Tig, in regards to my last question about a build for my dad's computer, do you think going DDR3 and AM3 is the way to go right now? I was under the assumption that DDR3 was cheaper, but there are some DDR2 sets for around $20 less.

The price between the two isn't a big factor, but I'm just wondering if it's worth going the AM3 MOBO route.

[Project]

Every time I try to update my drivers I get http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l316/camtheman1993/driverserror.jpg?t=1266375121.
I have a radeon 4870 1gb. XP 64 bit if that matters.

From the last thread.

[steve brewin]

From the last thread.

Use the Catalyst uninstaller, and then install the latest drivers.

Oh, and I'm assuming you're downloading the XP 64-bit drivers, right?

[Katey Meyer]

Oh, and I'm assuming you're downloading the XP 64-bit drivers, right?

Yeah. I'll try uninstalling it but the last time I did that it didn't work.

[Tanya Parra]

Tig, in regards to my last question about a build for my dad's computer, do you think going DDR3 and AM3 is the way to go right now? I was under the assumption that DDR3 was cheaper, but there are some DDR2 sets for around $20 less.

The price between the two isn't a big factor, but I'm just wondering if it's worth going the AM3 MOBO route.

I think it's worth it. While the newer AM3 chip are backward compatible with AM2+/AM3 motherboards (that uses DDR2), there's no telling how long that will go really. If you decide to upgrade later, then there more likely won't be a problem with any future AM3 chips

[Jordan Moreno]

You will not get that much in a prebuilt for under $700. You will get better value by building your own. There are a number of under-$700 builds drifting around the various tech threads, here and in Oblivion HW/SW and Fallout 3 PC Issues.

If you must have a prebuilt, try:

http://outlet.us.dell.com Their stock varies, and moves fast, but right now they have a number of suitable models (with an nVidia 8800 GT, ATI 4670, or ATI 4850) for $739 and up.

http://www.bestbuy.com Suitable models run $649 and up.

http://www.tigerdirect.com You won't get better models this way, as they carry equally no-name goods like Cyberpower, iBuyPower, Visionman, and Cybertron, but they have suitable models for $600 and up.

Thank you for the reply and the links! I'd build it, but last time I got tripped up with the motherboard and the delivery system at my apartment is a little sketchy for that many packages.

Ibuypower and Cyberpower about the only PC makers you can really look at to get a system under $700 that has horsepower. Example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227218

I'll get back to you later on alternatives though. Next thread, which is coming.

Ah, thanks a bunch, that is perfect! How good is that Nvidia GTS250 graphics card? I could always update the sound and video cards if I get around to it. Its iBuypower, which makes me nervous, but hopefully they'll do it right!

[Rhysa Hughes]

Thank you for the reply and the links! I'd build it, but last time I got tripped up with the motherboard and the delivery system at my apartment is a little sketchy for that many packages.



Ah, thanks a bunch, that is perfect! How good is that Nvidia GTS250 graphics card? I could always update the sound and video cards if I get around to it. Its iBuypower, which makes me nervous, but hopefully they'll do it right!

GTS 250 = 9800 GTX+ It's a very good card.

[Arnold Wet]

Thank you for the reply and the links! I'd build it, but last time I got tripped up with the motherboard and the delivery system at my apartment is a little sketchy for that many packages.



Ah, thanks a bunch, that is perfect! How good is that Nvidia GTS250 graphics card? I could always update the sound and video cards if I get around to it. Its iBuypower, which makes me nervous, but hopefully they'll do it right!

Actually, Cyberpower has improved quite a bit over the years in their reseller ratings: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/CyberPower

I would feel safer going with them over Ibuypower (being they are fairly close in specs between the two linked).

[+++CAZZY]

As I noted in the previous thread, I am in need of an easy way to backup my computer in preparation upgrading from the Windows 7 RC to the actual OS.

However, I think I found a solution!

I'm using relatively little space in my hard drive (150 GB out of 500 GB), so would it work if I partitioned my drive, installed Windows 7 on the new partition, then copy and pasted over everything from the old partition except the "windows" folder?

[Eibe Novy]

As I noted in the previous thread, I am in need of an easy way to backup my computer in preparation upgrading from the Windows 7 RC to the actual OS.

However, I think I found a solution!

I'm using relatively little space in my hard drive (150 GB out of 500 GB), so would it work if I partitioned my drive, installed Windows 7 on the new partition, then copy and pasted over everything from the old partition except the "windows" folder?

Good idea. Windows copy/paste is horrible at moving large numbers of files or folders, though; what I do is I use 7-zip to back everything up into an archive (if you set compression level to Store (no compression), it is very fast) and then unzip the archive into a new location.

Don't try to transfer your Program Files this way. You'll have to reinstall programs.

[Add Meeh]

Don't try to transfer your Program Files this way. You'll have to reinstall programs.

Is there a way to get around that? Reinstalling everything is something I'd rather not do.

In any case, thanks for the advice!

[Amy Siebenhaar]

Is there a way to get around that? Reinstalling everything is something I'd rather not do.

In any case, thanks for the advice!

No, only with a direct upgrade of the OS, and I don't think you can do an upgrade from RC to the current Windows 7.

The problem is that applications install bits of themselves all over the place: in the Windows folder, in the registry, etc. You can't possibly transfer all the bits for any except a very few simple applications.

[Melissa De Thomasis]

No, only with a direct upgrade of the OS, and I don't think you can do an upgrade from RC to the current Windows 7.

The problem is that applications install bits of themselves all over the place: in the Windows folder, in the registry, etc. You can't possibly transfer all the bits for any except a very few simple applications.

Okay, thanks for the help.

[Lynne Hinton]

I recently got a Saitek Cyborg X. I can get all the other keys to work (but I can't use my SSE Profiler or whatever it is called because for some reason the stick won't use my profiles. For example, I can set the trigger to space bar, save the profile, and then click to use it, then open notepad, but when I use the trigger nothing is spaced. Same for any other button.) but I don't know how to see the throttle handle in the game (Freespace 2). Pushing it forward or backward will not register a command when I'm trying to set keys, so I'm at a loss.

But as I mentioned, I can not use my Profiler for whatever reason and its definitely slowing me down. Halp?

[leigh stewart]

Howdy computer folks.
So,I would like a new computer..but I know -nothing- about them other then how to use 'em.

With a budget of around $2,000(could spend a bit more if it would make a big difference),what kinda gaming computer could I get pre-built?

I already have a mouse & keyboard,but my monitor is out of date and I really need a new one.

Speakers also aren't an issue-I would just like a computer that will be able to play modern games smoothly,don't care for the fancy flashing lights 'n such.

So anyways,almighty BSF people,recommend me a computer please.

Think that covers it,if anything else needs to be answered just ask.

Also..if this question is too general for this thread,I'm sorry.

[maddison]

You could do pretty well with $2000, but you could build it yourself for about half that with a little bit of research and a guide or two. It's really not as hard as it might seem.

If you think you might want to look into building it yourself I can post up a build, otherwise someone else will have to help you on the pre-built front.

[Ysabelle]

You could do pretty well with $2000, but you could build it yourself for about half that with a little bit of research and a guide or two. It's really not as hard as it might seem.

I just have always found building a computer very intimidating..and installing the drivers/making everything run smoothly once i have it built is just as much or more intimidating.

I just wanna see what I can get/what i can expect before I even consider building one myself.

You're welcome to give me some ideas incase I do decide on building one,though.

Also,nice avatar.

[glot]

Hey all, so i've thought of this really cool idea that will save me alot of money in the long run, but need to know if it will work (and what to do) so here it is.

i have a PC headset, 3.5mm, and i want it to work with my Xbox 360, so im going to get a 2.5mm male to 3.5mm female adapter, that way i can plug the PC headset into the adapter, into the 360 controller, so i have that figured out (pretty sure it will work), but what im wondering, is if theres a way, i can get my headset to hear the T.V.'s noises. like a home-made turtle-beach. because as it is, i can almost Never turn my TV up very loud at all (an i like loud things )

if that idea doesnt work out, then can somebody recommend me a good headset for the Xbox 360? i want to be able to hear the game in the headset.

No clue about the tv question,but the Turtle Beach X1's are cheap and very good if you don't mind wires.

Preferably no wires... but then again, preferably under $80 lol.

most likely i will end up getting wired, because im too cheap to go out and spend $150 on a headset (which is why i was wondering about the T.V. thing, cuz then i could use a Razer Piranha with my 360 but i have doubts about that.)

[Casey]

Hey all, so i've thought of this really cool idea that will save me alot of money in the long run, but need to know if it will work (and what to do) so here it is.

i have a PC headset, 3.5mm, and i want it to work with my Xbox 360, so im going to get a 2.5mm male to 3.5mm female adapter, that way i can plug the PC headset into the adapter, into the 360 controller, so i have that figured out (pretty sure it will work), but what im wondering, is if theres a way, i can get my headset to hear the T.V.'s noises. like a home-made turtle-beach. because as it is, i can almost Never turn my TV up very loud at all (an i like loud things )

if that idea doesnt work out, then can somebody recommend me a good headset for the Xbox 360? i want to be able to hear the game in the headset.

No clue about the tv question,but the Turtle Beach X1's are cheap and very good if you don't mind wires.

[SaVino GοΜ]

Howdy computer folks.
So,I would like a new computer..but I know -nothing- about them other then how to use 'em.

With a budget of around $2,000(could spend a bit more if it would make a big difference),what kinda gaming computer could I get pre-built?

I already have a mouse & keyboard,but my monitor is out of date and I really need a new one.

Speakers also aren't an issue-I would just like a computer that will be able to play modern games smoothly,don't care for the fancy flashing lights 'n such.

So anyways,almighty BSF people,recommend me a computer please.

Think that covers it,if anything else needs to be answered just ask.

Also..if this question is too general for this thread,I'm sorry.

BuyXG and VigorGaming are customization sites you can look into for a prebuilt with that budget. Not sure if you want an Intel or AMD platform, but I'll list configs for both if you're interested. Note, Vigorgaming is a bit more expensive, but they have higher quality parts in their rigs, their customer service is excellent, and they offer a 3 year warranty as opposed to 1 year. BuyXG is for the most part a decent PC provider and good on pricing.

Let's get the LCD out of the way. This is decent:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236046&cm_re=asus_lcd%2d%5f%2d24-236-046%2d%5f%2dProduct

If you like really large screen gaming, this is an excellent alternative:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889005064&cm_re=lg_32%22%2d%5f%2d89-005-064%2d%5f%2dProduct

On to the RIGS....

BuyXG AMD AM3
http://www.buyxg.com/system/AMD_Phenom_Custom_Builder/detail

Configure like so....

CASE: Antec Nine Hundred
POWER SUPPLY UPGRADE: Corsair 650W....IMPORTANT!!!
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955
COOLING FAN: AMD Certified Cooling Fan
MOBO: Gigabyte MA770T-UD3P AM3
MEMORY: 4GB (2GBX2) DDR3/1600MHz (Kingston HyperX)
VIDEO CARD: 1GB Radeon 5870...or Radeon 5850 to save $ (still very powerful card)
Hard Drive: 1TB HDD
Data HDD: 1TB HDD
OPTICAL DRIVE: Sony 20X DVD +-R / +-RW
SOUND: Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer
OS: Windows 7 Premium 64-bit

Everything else NONE if possible. Price is $1531 before ship/taxes.


BuyXG Intel Core i7
http://www.buyxg.com/system/Core_i7_X58_Custom_Builder/detail

Configure like so....

CASE: Antec Nine Hundred
POWER SUPPLY UPGRADE: Corsair 650W
CPU: Intel Core i7 920
COOLING FAN: Intel LGA1366 Certified Cooling Fan
MOBO: ASUS P6T SE
MEMORY: 6GB (3GBX2) DDR3/1600MHz (Kingston HyperX)
VIDEO CARD: 1GB Radeon 5850
Hard Drive: 500GB HDD
Data HDD: 500GB HDD
OPTICAL DRIVE: Sony 20X DVD +-R / +-RW
SOUND: Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer
OS: Windows 7 Premium 64-bit


Everything else NONE if possible. Price is $1573 before ship/taxes.


VigorGaming Intel Core i5
http://vigorgaming.com/product/config_hornetne.html

PROCESSOR: Intel? Core?i5-750 Quad-Core Processor at 2.66GHz, 2.5GT QPI, 8M Cache
RIG: Vigor Cooler Master CM 690 Screwless Chassis
RIG COLOR: Black
RIG COOLING: Vigor Cool BlastTM Air Vent Cooling System with Dual 120MM (1 Front + 1 Rear) and 140MM Top Case Fan
RIG POWER: Corsair CMPSU-620HX X Series nVidia-SLI Certified 620Watt Power Supply
RIG DIMENSIONS: 8.10" Width X 18.30" Depth X 18.50" Height.
MOTHERBOARD: MSI P55M-GD45 M-ATX Intel P55 Dual Channel DDR3 w/1600MHz/ 2 PCI-E (1X16+1X4) SLI & CrossFireX
MEMORY: 4GB Kingston HyperX KHX1600C9D3K2/4G CL9 DDR3 1600MHz Memory (2 X 2GB)
HARD DRIVE 1: 500GB SATA II 7200 RPM Hard Drive
HARD DRIVE 2: 500GB SATA II 7200 RPM Hard Drive
VIDEO CARD SLI SLOT 1:ATI Radeon HD5850 1GB @725MHz w/PCI Express, DVI and TV Out
OPTICAL DRIVE 1: ASUS Internal SATA 2014BLT 20X LIGHTSCRIBE DVD+/- RW + CDRW Rewritable Drive
RECORDING SOFTWARE: Bundled DVD/CDRW Software
SOUND: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Retail Edition
NETWORK PORT: Onboard Gigabit (10/100/1000Mbps) PCI Network Card
WIRELESS NETWORK PORT None.
I/O PORTS: 1 Parallel, 1 Game/Midi, 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire and 6 to 10 USB ports (Varies by Motherboards)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows 7 Premium 64-bit w/Original DVD
SERVICE: Standard 3 Year Limited Parts and Life-Time Labor Warranty

Everything else NONE if possible. That'll run you $1466.


VigorGaming Intel Core i7
http://vigorgaming.com/product/config_deltaforcet7.html

PROCESSOR: Intel? Core?i7-920 Quad-Core Processor at 2.66GHz, 4.8GT QPI, 8M Cache
RIG: Vigor CYCLONE Screwless Chassis powered by Antec
RIG COLOR: Black
RIG COOLING: Vigor TyphoonTM Air Vent with 250MM Intake and 120MM Exhaust Case Fan
RIG POWER: Corsair CMPSU-620HX X Series nVidia-SLI Certified 620Watt Power Supply
RIG DIMENSIONS: 8.94" Width X 22.99" Depth X 21.10" Height.
MOTHERBOARD: MSI X58M Intel X58 Triple Channel DDR3 w/1600MHz/ Gen 2 (2X16) 2-Way SLI & CrossFireX
MEMORY: 6GB Kingston KVR1066D3N7K3/6G CL7 DDR3 1066MHz Memory (3 X 2GB)
HARD DRIVE 1: 500GB SATA II 7200 RPM Hard Drive
HARD DRIVE 2: 500GB SATA II 7200 RPM Hard Drive
VIDEO CARD SLI SLOT 1:ATI Radeon HD5850 1GB @725MHz w/PCI Express, DVI and TV Out
OPTICAL DRIVE 1: ASUS Internal SATA 2014BLT 20X LIGHTSCRIBE DVD+/- RW + CDRW Rewritable Drive
RECORDING SOFTWARE: Bundled DVD/CDRW Software
SOUND: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Retail Edition
NETWORK PORT: Onboard Gigabit (10/100/1000Mbps) PCI Network Card
WIRELESS NETWORK PORT None.
I/O PORTS: 1 Parallel, 1 Game/Midi, 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire and 6 to 10 USB ports (Varies by Motherboards)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows 7 Premium 64-bit w/Original DVD
SERVICE: Standard 3 Year Limited Parts and Life-Time Labor Warranty

Everything else NONE if possible. That'll run you $1781.




ORRRR, you can just settle for one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229137
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229149
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227174
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5395911&CatId=1886

[michael danso]

I recently got a Saitek Cyborg X. I can get all the other keys to work (but I can't use my SSE Profiler or whatever it is called because for some reason the stick won't use my profiles. For example, I can set the trigger to space bar, save the profile, and then click to use it, then open notepad, but when I use the trigger nothing is spaced. Same for any other button.) but I don't know how to see the throttle handle in the game (Freespace 2). Pushing it forward or backward will not register a command when I'm trying to set keys, so I'm at a loss.

But as I mentioned, I can not use my Profiler for whatever reason and its definitely slowing me down. Halp?

I'd still appreciate some help with this issue, if anyone wants to help.

Also, Windows keeps prompting me to install new hardware with the hardware wizard, despite me already installing the program for the stick (although I didn't use the wizard). Could this cause any issues?

As I said before, the profiler is supposed to let me assign heystrokes to buttons on the stick, but it doesn't seem to be working because the manual says you can test it out by going into notepad and pressing your joystick buttons, which will input the keystroke you have set to them (for example, I set spacebar to the trigger, go into notepad, then press the trigger. It should space. For me, it does not.).

[Petr Jordy Zugar]

Thank you very,very much!

I was looking at my speakers and i may end up buying new ones.
If I did what would be some good quality one's that don't cost too much?

[Jamie Moysey]

Thank you very,very much!

I was looking at my speakers and i may end up buying new ones.
If I did what would be some good quality one's that don't cost too much?

These are fine:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476038-REG/Logitech_970223_0403_X_540_5_1_Speaker_System.html

newegg has them too, but cost more and tax.