I have an old PC and it doesn't work too well anymore. So I need to upgrade to a new one, and I need your help because I don't know much about computers.
I don't want there to be any possible problems like parts not shipping, or broken parts because the shipping company doesn't handle them carefully.
I also want to buy the computer with a new keyboard and mouse, whether I have to buy those separately or with the PC I don't really care. I want the keyboard and mouse to feel good and work well, for both gaming and art.
Okay, so now that I have all that out of the way (to summarize, I want a PC with trustworthy shipping / I can go and buy it at store and bring it home myself, and I want a keyboard and mouse) I'll give you what type of specs I'm thinking and what I want to use it for:
So I want my computer to remain useful for a long time, like 3+ years. I want it to perform well, for example I'll be using it for these things: Gaming + Youtube + Steam at same time GIMP / PS CC + Youtube + Steam at same time I want it to be able to run something like Borderlands 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 with high graphics, at at least 50 FPS, while having Youtube on the another monitor. I want it to be able to run really big files, like images on Photosop or GIMP at 9000x9000 pixels or more without a lot of lag and have Chrome open with Youtube and other tabs. I want it to be able to store a lot of stuff too, because I'm constantly making more and more images, text files, etc... and playing lots of games. I also want a good sound system. I'll also be wanting Windows 7 with those service packs (whatever they are, the things that make Windows 7 better)
My budget is kinda loose, but I don't want to be spending much more than like 2200 CAD. & Just to be clear, the budget of "not much more than 2200 CAD" includes the PC and monitors, but if you can get the keyboard and mouse in there too it would be great, but it doesn't really matter since I want quality over cheapness.
By the way, since you'll be needing to know this for websites/stores and stuff, I live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Thankyou, I hope I'll be able to get the computer I want with my budget with the least possible problems, and I hope I don't sound stupid/annoying/rude/greedy.
Bad SSD, no CPU cooler and that cooler is ugly. I'd suggest triple monitors in his usage scenario, or one large 1440p monitor.
If you can and it won't waste your time, please show me what you mean by editing his list.
Since you said the cooler is ugly, I think this is an early enough time to state that I would like a black case if possible, white doesn't go with anything in my room.
Also since my budget is so much higher I suggest that you guys make it even awesome-r than I asked for, since the better it is the better.
I think those monitors look good so 3 of those would be nice, other than that and the OS feel free to go crazy and make this PC a beast.
Thanks! Looking good so far, I think go with what EvilCreeper said in reply and choose some better things as much as you can until you reach like $1800-$2000, the better the comp is the more I will be able to use it without buying a new one.
I'm thinking maybe 16 GB instead of the 8GB, maybe even 20+ GB if it doesn't cost too much.
I think I'll also take a look at this myself and see if I can find some parts.
Ok well I have some feedback on this whole conversation:
Grime's build looks slightly better in terms of performance, but I think the tri-monitors on EvilCreeper's build may be the reason he couldn't get some extra stuff into the same price.
I like Grime's case more too.
Now I notice Grime has 2 TB in storage but Evil has 1 TB + 250 GB, but Evi's costs more. What's the reason why you choose the 250 instead of another TB? Does it do something other than storage?
Also, Grime, there's two video cards in yours, is that a misclick or does it need to be there? I don't know anything about them but the other 2 builds only have 1.
You also don't have Windows 7 in there which actually makes your build cost more since I will be needing Windows 7. Hmm.
Although, if the double video card is a mistake we can take that out and either have triple monitors + Windows 7 or Windows 7 and save like 150 dollars.
Evil, you don't seem to have an Optical drive, but you did include the Keyboard and Mouse, so I think Evil's build is definitely a lot cheaper using the same components.
I think I could go with Grime's current build, but if you guys can see what you can do with this feedback maybe there is a better build.
Important Note: I have access to a discount on all Dell-built computers, I don't have the exact details yet but maybe keep that in mind, I don't know if Dell has access to the same parts but if they do I might be able to save some money (and building time) by ordering from there. I'll know the details within 24 hours.
Thanks for all the effort guys! I don't know if this is boring or fun or whatever for you but either way you have my sincere thanks.
P.S. Evil, yeah I was not very interested in the Alienware website
Fish, does the discount extend to their monitors?
If so, I HIGHLY recommend their ultrasharp line. They're very colour accurate and are beautiful for gaming and making art. (I have one)
Oh figured I should also mention, I have an i5 and do pretty much the exact same things as fish plans to do and it works perfectly. Either AMD or Intel would be fine.
Fish, does the discount extend to their monitors?
If so, I HIGHLY recommend their ultrasharp line. They're very colour accurate and are beautiful for gaming and making art. (I have one)
Oh figured I should also mention, I have an i5 and do pretty much the exact same things as fish plans to do and it works perfectly. Either AMD or Intel would be fine.
Nice to see you here, Sheep! lol
I think the discount is if you buy a PC, so maybe if you include the monitors with it it will. But hey, maybe the discount is for individual parts too, while would mean we can save a lot on monitors.
Ok well I have some feedback on this whole conversation:
Grime's build looks slightly better in terms of performance, but I think the tri-monitors on EvilCreeper's build may be the reason he couldn't get some extra stuff into the same price.
I like Grime's case more too.
Now I notice Grime has 2 TB in storage but Evil has 1 TB + 250 GB, but Evi's costs more. What's the reason why you choose the 250 instead of another TB? Does it do something other than storage?
Also, Grime, there's two video cards in yours, is that a misclick or does it need to be there? I don't know anything about them but the other 2 builds only have 1.
You also don't have Windows 7 in there which actually makes your build cost more since I will be needing Windows 7. Hmm.
Although, if the double video card is a mistake we can take that out and either have triple monitors + Windows 7 or Windows 7 and save like 150 dollars.
Evil, you don't seem to have an Optical drive, but you did include the Keyboard and Mouse, so I think Evil's build is definitely a lot cheaper using the same components.
I think I could go with Grime's current build, but if you guys can see what you can do with this feedback maybe there is a better build.
Important Note: I have access to a discount on all Dell-built computers, I don't have the exact details yet but maybe keep that in mind, I don't know if Dell has access to the same parts but if they do I might be able to save some money (and building time) by ordering from there. I'll know the details within 24 hours.
Thanks for all the effort guys! I don't know if this is boring or fun or whatever for you but either way you have my sincere thanks.
P.S. Evil, yeah I was not very interested in the Alienware website
I think it's a good idea to quote this.
Evil's build has an SSD, small but ludicrously fast drive, as in computer from power on to desktop and browsing around online in about 15 seconds or so, but it comes at the cost of mass storage
double video cards was for tri screen systems, gaming on 3 screens is doable with a single card but the performance hit is massive, a second card is almost always needed if you're doing intensive gaming over 3 monitors, though a single 7970 can handle 3 screens without too much trouble, but you'd need to lower settings on some more demanding games like BF3 etc
If the coupon works on monitors, i agree with their ultrasharps and using it on them, because they are pretty damn nice monitors
Grime's build looks slightly better in terms of performance, but I think the tri-monitors on EvilCreeper's build may be the reason he couldn't get some extra stuff into the same price.
And the peripherals...
I like Grime's case more too.
It's rather old and mine is more modern and has better cooling, if you like the styling switch to a Phantom 530/630 as those are even better than mine at air cooling (and more expensive)
Now I notice Grime has 2 TB in storage but Evil has 1 TB + 250 GB, but Evi's costs more. What's the reason why you choose the 250 instead of another TB? Does it do something other than storage?
I believe mine has 2 TB, and I put an SSD in mine for better performance.
Also, Grime, there's two video cards in yours, is that a misclick or does it need to be there? I don't know anything about them but the other 2 builds only have 1.
Mostly him just being an idiot, there's no point in SLI/CrossFire unless you're working with top of the line cards.
Evil, you don't seem to have an Optical drive, but you did include the Keyboard and Mouse, so I think Evil's build is definitely a lot cheaper using the same components.
I didn't notice that you needed an optical drive, but they're very cheap.
I think I could go with Grime's current build, but if you guys can see what you can do with this feedback maybe there is a better build.
I wouldn't recommend that, he made some poor component choices.
Evil's build has an SSD, small but ludicrously fast drive, as in computer from power on to desktop and browsing around online in about 15 seconds or so, but it comes at the cost of mass storage
double video cards was for tri screen systems, gaming on 3 screens is doable with a single card but the performance hit is massive, a second card is almost always needed if you're doing intensive gaming over 3 monitors, though a single 7970 can handle 3 screens without too much trouble, but you'd need to lower settings on some more demanding games like BF3 etc
If the coupon works on monitors, i agree with their ultrasharps and using it on them, because they are pretty damn nice monitors
Ah, I see. I think I prefer the 1 TB with the 250 GB SSD then, since slow startups are one of my worst enemies, and I'm pretty sure leaving my PC on forever is a bad thing.
Grime's build only has 2 monitors though, but hey if double video cards are good on 3 they must be awesome on 2. Although, I think if I only get 2 monitors I`ll be wanting 1 video card.
& it seems like you guys like Ultrasharps, I`ll go take a look
Hmm.. $179.99, that`s a little more expensive but with the coupon I think it might be cheaper and it looks better too.
And the peripherals... True, which makes yours much more price efficient.
It's rather old and mine is more modern and has better cooling, if you like the styling switch to a Phantom 530/630 as those are even better than mine at air cooling (and more expensive) Well what I meant is I like the look, if yours comes in a sleek black style then I`d love it. I definitely want good cooling.
I believe mine has 2 TB, and I put an SSD in mine for better performance. Well either way I now like yours, since it has the SSD. I won`t really need extra 750 GB, will I?
Mostly him just being an idiot, there's no point in SLI/CrossFire unless you're working with top of the line cards. Well that`s a little mean :P. But yes, I`ll only need one. Unless I get 3 monitors, then maybe 2.
I didn't notice that you needed an optical drive, but they're very cheap. I don`t know what they are and do, but the other 2 builds have them so they seem useful somehow.
I wouldn't recommend that, he made some poor component choices.
Ok.
I think I`ll have to wait at least until I know more about the Dell coupon until I make any finalized choices, so if you guys post more builds keep that in mind and keep in mind that if the Dell coupon is per part I will probably want this Ultrasharp as my monitors (either 2 or 3 of them)
I think a mix between Grime and Evil`s builds might work quite well, but if you can see what you can do otherwise.
You have 3 crappy monitors, a cooler that's a bit worse than mine, and a much worse case and you STILL have the SLI'd 760s which make no sense in this scenario. You also have a super expensive PSU for no reason, and you can get the normal 840 SSD for $90.
Why'd you go with 16 GB of memory, and why is it so overpriced?
If you call Acer monitors crap you have no idea what you are doing.
They're inferior to my chosen monitors.
First sentence answers second.
Also >getting 3 monitors
>not SLI
How stupid are you? I literally just posted a benchmark that shows the 7970 doing fine in BF3 on 3 monitors on Ultra, with old drivers and the non-GE of the card.
Fish never mentioned triple monitor gaming guys, he wants an extra monitor to use for extra productivity, not gaming. Two ips monitors, a nice ssd, 770/7970 would be fine.
Triple monitors take up a lot of space, aren't natively supported in most games and have weird fov issues and stuff. I would recommend a single 1440p display over 3x1080p. 2x1080p for productivity.
Just something to keep in mind OP:760 SLI>1 GTX Titan
just something to keep in mind, SLI has very little support, still has frame pacing issues on both sides, uses 2X the power of a single card and makes the top card run far hotter without a double spaced motherboard and a case with VERY good airflow
I wouldn't SLI 760's. I'd only SLI/Crossfire the best of cards. Also, why the 760? It's pretty well known that AMD does a better job at multi-monitor setups and high resolutions.
I don't want there to be any possible problems like parts not shipping, or broken parts because the shipping company doesn't handle them carefully.
I also want to buy the computer with a new keyboard and mouse, whether I have to buy those separately or with the PC I don't really care. I want the keyboard and mouse to feel good and work well, for both gaming and art.
Okay, so now that I have all that out of the way (to summarize, I want a PC with trustworthy shipping / I can go and buy it at store and bring it home myself, and I want a keyboard and mouse) I'll give you what type of specs I'm thinking and what I want to use it for:
So I want my computer to remain useful for a long time, like 3+ years.
I want it to perform well, for example I'll be using it for these things:
Gaming + Youtube + Steam at same time
GIMP / PS CC + Youtube + Steam at same time
I want it to be able to run something like Borderlands 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 with high graphics, at at least 50 FPS, while having Youtube on the another monitor.
I want it to be able to run really big files, like images on Photosop or GIMP at 9000x9000 pixels or more without a lot of lag and have Chrome open with Youtube and other tabs.
I want it to be able to store a lot of stuff too, because I'm constantly making more and more images, text files, etc... and playing lots of games.
I also want a good sound system.
I'll also be wanting Windows 7 with those service packs (whatever they are, the things that make Windows 7 better)
My budget is kinda loose, but I don't want to be spending much more than like 2200 CAD.
& Just to be clear, the budget of "not much more than 2200 CAD" includes the PC and monitors, but if you can get the keyboard and mouse in there too it would be great, but it doesn't really matter since I want quality over cheapness.
By the way, since you'll be needing to know this for websites/stores and stuff, I live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Thankyou, I hope I'll be able to get the computer I want with my budget with the least possible problems, and I hope I don't sound stupid/annoying/rude/greedy.
Current favored build:
[PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($157.99 @ Canada Computers)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_RD 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($87.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($150.48 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($409.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N150PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($21.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ NCIX)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($87.85 @ Newegg Canada)
Other: Laser Gaming Mouse - G500s ($69.99)
Other: Ultrasharp 23" 1080p ($249.99)
Other: Ultrasharp 23" 1080p ($249.99)
Total: $2179.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-28 20:16 EDT-0400)
Awesome, another GTAer!
Uh, upgrading your PC WiFi won't make your Internet connection any faster...
Why not go triple monitor? Dual monitor is iffy because of the bezel.
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme3 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Wintec Value 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.97 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VE228H 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VE228H 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1339.85
Bad SSD, no CPU cooler and that cooler is ugly. I'd suggest triple monitors in his usage scenario, or one large 1440p monitor.
If you can and it won't waste your time, please show me what you mean by editing his list.
Since you said the cooler is ugly, I think this is an early enough time to state that I would like a black case if possible, white doesn't go with anything in my room.
Also since my budget is so much higher I suggest that you guys make it even awesome-r than I asked for, since the better it is the better.
I think those monitors look good so 3 of those would be nice, other than that and the OS feel free to go crazy and make this PC a beast.
Thanks!
Thanks! Looking good so far, I think go with what EvilCreeper said in reply and choose some better things as much as you can until you reach like $1800-$2000, the better the comp is the more I will be able to use it without buying a new one.
I'm thinking maybe 16 GB instead of the 8GB, maybe even 20+ GB if it doesn't cost too much.
I think I'll also take a look at this myself and see if I can find some parts.
Thanks guys!
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($238.32 @ TigerDirect Canada)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($98.93 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.75 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($342.84 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ NCIX)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($169.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($88.38 @ Newegg Canada)
Mouse: Corsair Vengeance M60 Wired Laser Mouse ($55.50 @ Vuugo)
Total: $2081.62
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-13 16:14 EDT-0400)
I went with IPS monitors because you said you work with photo editing applications.
Please ignore the Alienware recommendation on Deviantart.
Better for gaming than the 8350.
It's not BAD at multitasking, and I couldn't fit a 3930K into the budget.
Grime's build looks slightly better in terms of performance, but I think the tri-monitors on EvilCreeper's build may be the reason he couldn't get some extra stuff into the same price.
I like Grime's case more too.
Now I notice Grime has 2 TB in storage but Evil has 1 TB + 250 GB, but Evi's costs more. What's the reason why you choose the 250 instead of another TB? Does it do something other than storage?
Also, Grime, there's two video cards in yours, is that a misclick or does it need to be there? I don't know anything about them but the other 2 builds only have 1.
You also don't have Windows 7 in there which actually makes your build cost more since I will be needing Windows 7. Hmm.
Although, if the double video card is a mistake we can take that out and either have triple monitors + Windows 7 or Windows 7 and save like 150 dollars.
Evil, you don't seem to have an Optical drive, but you did include the Keyboard and Mouse, so I think Evil's build is definitely a lot cheaper using the same components.
I think I could go with Grime's current build, but if you guys can see what you can do with this feedback maybe there is a better build.
Important Note: I have access to a discount on all Dell-built computers, I don't have the exact details yet but maybe keep that in mind, I don't know if Dell has access to the same parts but if they do I might be able to save some money (and building time) by ordering from there. I'll know the details within 24 hours.
Thanks for all the effort guys! I don't know if this is boring or fun or whatever for you but either way you have my sincere thanks.
P.S. Evil, yeah I was not very interested in the Alienware website
I think it's a good idea to quote this.
If so, I HIGHLY recommend their ultrasharp line. They're very colour accurate and are beautiful for gaming and making art. (I have one)
Oh figured I should also mention, I have an i5 and do pretty much the exact same things as fish plans to do and it works perfectly. Either AMD or Intel would be fine.
Nice to see you here, Sheep! lol
I think the discount is if you buy a PC, so maybe if you include the monitors with it it will. But hey, maybe the discount is for individual parts too, while would mean we can save a lot on monitors.
I'm just quoting you two so you can see my last post
Evil's build has an SSD, small but ludicrously fast drive, as in computer from power on to desktop and browsing around online in about 15 seconds or so, but it comes at the cost of mass storage
double video cards was for tri screen systems, gaming on 3 screens is doable with a single card but the performance hit is massive, a second card is almost always needed if you're doing intensive gaming over 3 monitors, though a single 7970 can handle 3 screens without too much trouble, but you'd need to lower settings on some more demanding games like BF3 etc
If the coupon works on monitors, i agree with their ultrasharps and using it on them, because they are pretty damn nice monitors
i5-4690K @4.6GHz ~ ASRock Z97X Fatal1ty Killer ~ EKWB Supremacy MX ~ Watercooled SLI STRIX 970s
Project RedShift
And the peripherals...
It's rather old and mine is more modern and has better cooling, if you like the styling switch to a Phantom 530/630 as those are even better than mine at air cooling (and more expensive)
I believe mine has 2 TB, and I put an SSD in mine for better performance. Mostly him just being an idiot, there's no point in SLI/CrossFire unless you're working with top of the line cards. I didn't notice that you needed an optical drive, but they're very cheap. I wouldn't recommend that, he made some poor component choices.
Old drivers, non-GE card.
Ah, I see. I think I prefer the 1 TB with the 250 GB SSD then, since slow startups are one of my worst enemies, and I'm pretty sure leaving my PC on forever is a bad thing.
Grime's build only has 2 monitors though, but hey if double video cards are good on 3 they must be awesome on 2. Although, I think if I only get 2 monitors I`ll be wanting 1 video card.
& it seems like you guys like Ultrasharps, I`ll go take a look
Hmm.. $179.99, that`s a little more expensive but with the coupon I think it might be cheaper and it looks better too.
I think I`ll have to wait at least until I know more about the Dell coupon until I make any finalized choices, so if you guys post more builds keep that in mind and keep in mind that if the Dell coupon is per part I will probably want this Ultrasharp as my monitors (either 2 or 3 of them)
I think a mix between Grime and Evil`s builds might work quite well, but if you can see what you can do otherwise.
Thanks guys!
Why'd you go with 16 GB of memory, and why is it so overpriced?
How stupid are you? I literally just posted a benchmark that shows the 7970 doing fine in BF3 on 3 monitors on Ultra, with old drivers and the non-GE of the card.
Triple monitors take up a lot of space, aren't natively supported in most games and have weird fov issues and stuff. I would recommend a single 1440p display over 3x1080p. 2x1080p for productivity.
Oh and hi fish !
Yours aren't IPS. Yeah, which is almost perfect on a 60Hz monitor. Protip: AMD cards have something called OpenCL.
You shouldn't have recommended a bad case in the first place.
I doubt you're older than 15.
I mentioned the issues. It would be better to just save some cash or go 1440p.
just something to keep in mind, SLI has very little support, still has frame pacing issues on both sides, uses 2X the power of a single card and makes the top card run far hotter without a double spaced motherboard and a case with VERY good airflow
i5-4690K @4.6GHz ~ ASRock Z97X Fatal1ty Killer ~ EKWB Supremacy MX ~ Watercooled SLI STRIX 970s
Project RedShift