Reasons to buy a new PC

[Hitman]

A good option is to build ur own, much better and then you know how to repair , replace , or modify hardware. There are plenty books with diagrams and step bye step guidance although usally using obselete or outdated parts, its up to you to check for a happy medium . Often when having custom made to suit ones spec, its usally on the advise of the shop on which hardware to use based on your recomendations (ie u want a pc for gaming only )they suggest what u need if u do not have a clue. this is not always best!!

I agree 100% on the advantages of building yoru own rig and would like to have a suggestion regarding which components are the best buy for the money: Tom's hardware has a section for the best PC of the trimester, in three levels, cheap, medium, expensive. I picked their recommendated medium set up nearly two years ago, and it still is able to cope with all new games since then

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Hitman

I agree 100% on the advantages of building yoru own rig and would like to have a suggestion regarding which components are the best buy for the money: Tom's hardware has a section for the best PC of the trimester, in three levels, cheap, medium, expensive. I picked their recommendated medium set up nearly two years ago, and it still is able to cope with all new games since then

Great site that Hitman.....has given me lots of information and a great deal to think about...cheers

[Philipp_Thomsen]

Toms hardware is a great site, specially for benchmarks. Im always taking a look in that site, in the past 5 years, to keep myself up to date.

When it comes to buying a new pc, I always go to the stores and pick the parts one by one, after carefully researching and choosing.

For me, there's nothing better then unpacking and mounting a new computer, from scratch. It's a lot of fun, and I want to know every little piece of my new toy.

[Lord Justice]

Originally Posted by Hitman

I agree 100% on the advantages of building yoru own rig and would like to have a suggestion regarding which components are the best buy for the money: Tom's hardware has a section for the best PC of the trimester, in three levels, cheap, medium, expensive. I picked their recommendated medium set up nearly two years ago, and it still is able to cope with all new games since then

yes indeed a good site, often visit it myself, another is hardware logic good for thier exstensive testing and exp, i like them for thier reviews , very in depth. if however someone is prepairing to build thier own, may i suggest using a MODULAR POWER SUPPLY, as it cuts down less cables, allowing better air flow and a much tidy rig. Modular are slightly more expensive though. I tend to sway for corsair 650, 750, 850 watt modular psu, if planning on using 2 graphics cards go with 850, if using 1 then the 650 and 750 should see through next few years. I think this relevant to 1st and expirenced builders alike, so many products ,specs, differing opinions, and options. cutting down cable managment is a big plus point to mention though as lots of cables can be quite daunting and messy at first.

[scrapser]

I've been building my own rig for several years. People who do not work with computers directly are mystified by them and that's the main reason they buy a computer system instead of building one. But you can shatter the mystery by simply spending some time reading about building computers on any overclocking website (there are plenty out there).

My first attempt was with an AMD processor on a DFI LanParty motherboard. DFI has a reputation for making motherboards for enthusiasts. As such, their forum is moderated by users who know the product inside and out and there are many members who are also glad to assist with any questions or issues. There is also a database organized by motherboard model and CPU with BIOS settings that users have tested and proved out. This makes it much easier to overclock a system if you choose to go that route.

But simply building a computer is so easy I'm surprised it hasn't caught on more by now. Go to a site like NewEgg...pick a case, power supply, CPU, motherboard, and RAM. Next, pick your CPU cooler and any other cooling solutions you may want to include. The rest (monitor, keyboard, hard drives, graphics, sound, DVD, CDROM, etc.) are all nothing more than accessories and generally just plug into the system. Also don't forget the necessary cables if they are not included with each item.

For a basic setup, you will need a wooden board to protect the motherboard from static electricity, a static wrist band, thermal paste for the CPU (Artic Silver 5 is very good), a phillips screw driver, some 99% denatured alcohol, and some good quality paper towels.

You will pay more for your first rig than if you bought a complete system but here's the difference....

Computer companies buy parts for their systems in mass quantities and the components are usually cheap, mid to low end quality. In essence they are minimal systems. But average users don't know this and think they are getting a great deal.

Once you have your own custom rig, from there on it will evolve. You will only need to replace parts here and there when you want instead of having to buy a completely new computer. This is where it all pays off. Put some time into getting to know what's possible before buying anything for your first rig. Set up a budget and then buy what you can afford. You will leverage your money not regret it.

[Grothesj2]

Originally Posted by ps249

I am having one custom made in the coming weeks. I am currently running a HP pavilion a1430n Windows XP media center edition, 2GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive and NVidia Geforce 6150 LE graphics card. I have had it since July 2005.

My new one will have more RAM and bigger HD and of course, a much better graphics. Having them custom made is a better way so you can order one with only the features you need. My 6150 Geforce is the absolute very minimum anyone should use for SH3. It gets very choppy especially when there is an explosion. I cannot even play it with the Grey Wolves expansion so I am definately missing out big time. I should have my new one by November 16-20.

That's pretty much my system but I dropped 3gb of Ram into it, a new 700w power supply and am on the 4th video card upgrade, currently geforce 9500GT. I'll probably get a new system this coming year as it's showing it's age.

[scrapser]

One last post regarding hardware and that's it for me in this thread. I think everyone who's thinking on buying, building, or upgrading a PC should hold off if they can until the next generation nVidia card is released (code name "Fermi" and introduced as a card designed for super computers). This thing is supposed to be a quantum leap...not an incremental jump.

It will likely hit the shelves sometime in March (maybe a bit sooner). It was supposed to be released in 4Q, 2009 so the March date is much more realistic I think.

[TheDarkWraith]

Originally Posted by scrapser

One last post regarding hardware and that's it for me in this thread. I think everyone who's thinking on buying, building, or upgrading a PC should hold off if they can until the next generation nVidia card is released (code name "Fermi" and introduced as a card designed for super computers). This thing is supposed to be a quantum leap...not an incremental jump.

I wouldn't wait. You can use your 'old' nVidia card for PhysX processing. That's what I plan on doing with my current GTX280.

Don't skimp on your parts! Shell out the money, it will be worth it (latest system I built was around $3000 - but it flies and I hate to wait on anything to load or crappy frame rates on high game settings). I've been building my own systems for over 15 years. There isn't one pre-built system that can compare to a custom built one. Period. You get what you want, not what some corporation was able to buy the cheapest for. The motherboard is the heart and soul of a system - get the best (I prefer Asus - currently their Crosshair III Formula as it is just awesome).
Processors - AMD or Intel? I prefer AMD. You have to be a serious hard-core gamer to realize the difference between the two. I prefer the underdog...plus they are WAY cheaper. I have an AMD 955 Black Edition quad-core oc'd to 3.8GHz and it's stable (with a Zalman cooling it of course). You just can't go wrong with AMD. Picked up the X4 955 BE for $225 on NewEgg.com.
Case - Antec 1200. It'll keep things nice and cool and plenty of room for expansion (and GTX280 size video cards fit with no problem and room to spare)
Power Supply - Galaxy Evo 1.2kW. Has enough room to expand your system for many years and it's modular.
CPU Coolers - Zalman. The only way to go if you're going to oc.
Memory - OCZ. Never had a problem with them.
Video Card - BFGTech nVidia GTX___. They give lifetime warranty on their video cards and I've never had a problem with them.
Case Fans - replace your stock case fans with good quality aftermarket ones. Look for ones with the 4 pole plug so you can monitor speed and PWM them for speed control (power savings and heat control).
Hard Drives - WD VelociRaptors. If you like speed and hate waiting for things to load you'll love these. Put them in a RAID 0 and you'll wonder why you didn't do it before (my system is backed up by a custom-built server running Windows Home Server so I'm safe to use RAID 0).
My .02 worth.

[Philipp_Thomsen]

@Webster

I didnt mention coolers cos I always use the stock Intel cooler. Its pretty enough for the CPU, even with small overclocks. I dont ever overclock, and I think its not necessary. Most dual cores will be more then enough to run anything, its usually the ram, hd and videocard that makes the difference.

Also, the Intel stock coolers are so damn quiet that more then often I turn my computer off, thinking its already off when Im going to turn it on. Its so damn quiet I cannot tell if its on or off. (except for the leds, that I dont usually plug in the mainboard, i prefer it that way).

[scrapser]

Originally Posted by Racerboy

I wouldn't wait. You can use your 'old' nVidia card for PhysX processing. That's what I plan on doing with my current GTX280.

Don't skimp on your parts! Shell out the money, it will be worth it (latest system I built was around $3000 - but it flies and I hate to wait on anything to load or crappy frame rates on high game settings). I've been building my own systems for over 15 years. There isn't one pre-built system that can compare to a custom built one. Period. You get what you want, not what some corporation was able to buy the cheapest for. The motherboard is the heart and soul of a system - get the best (I prefer Asus - currently their Crosshair III Formula as it is just awesome).
Processors - AMD or Intel? I prefer AMD. You have to be a serious hard-core gamer to realize the difference between the two. I prefer the underdog...plus they are WAY cheaper. I have an AMD 955 Black Edition quad-core oc'd to 3.8GHz and it's stable (with a Zalman cooling it of course). You just can't go wrong with AMD. Picked up the X4 955 BE for $225 on NewEgg.com.
Case - Antec 1200. It'll keep things nice and cool and plenty of room for expansion (and GTX280 size video cards fit with no problem and room to spare)
Power Supply - Galaxy Evo 1.2kW. Has enough room to expand your system for many years and it's modular.
CPU Coolers - Zalman. The only way to go if you're going to oc.
Memory - OCZ. Never had a problem with them.
Video Card - BFGTech nVidia GTX___. They give lifetime warranty on their video cards and I've never had a problem with them.
Case Fans - replace your stock case fans with good quality aftermarket ones. Look for ones with the 4 pole plug so you can monitor speed and PWM them for speed control (power savings and heat control).
Hard Drives - WD VelociRaptors. If you like speed and hate waiting for things to load you'll love these. Put them in a RAID 0 and you'll wonder why you didn't do it before (my system is backed up by a custom-built server running Windows Home Server so I'm safe to use RAID 0).
My .02 worth.

Unfortunately I am one of the people who ended up with a bogus GTX280 but it only became apparent about a month ago. I can use it for older games and regular stuff like web surfing but it chokes on games like Crysis or Far Cry 2.

It's the only card I have and I don't want to bother with sending it back to BFG for a replacement (I use my home PC for work). It also doesn't make sense to replace it by buying a new card because as soon as Fermi is released, those prices will all drop and many of the 200 series cards are being phased out.

Fermi will be out sometime in the next few months (maybe January) so I am willing to limp along until then.

[karamazovnew]

Originally Posted by Rosencrantz

Have you already started making up reasons why you - coincidentally - need a new PC just before SH5 is released? My old one has RAM 512 only, so I think that's a good reason enough... I have been playing 4 with laptop, and I'm not totally happy with that.

Greetings,
-RC-

Hero: "I decided to join the navy. I'll be leaving for about 4-6 months."
Wife or Mom: "What?! Are you crazy? Does it have anything to do with that silly game of yours?"
Hero: "Actually yes, I've seen some images of Silent Hunter 5 and I got the urge to travel the Atlantic"
Wife or Mom: "Can't you just play the damn thing? Remember when you wanted to join the army when that game Modern Warfare came up? ".
Hero: "Yes but I can't play this game. My PC is to old for it".
Wife or Mom: "Then just buy a new PC, I'm not letting you go!"
Hero: " Oh... all right... if you say so."

[Sailor Steve]

That's a good 'un!

[FIREWALL]

TigerDirect for all my needs. NewEgg and I are in the same almost 10% sales tax state.

Tell the wifey your donateing alot of money to "Save the Tigers" fund.

[Elder-Pirate]

OMG youse guys better come clean pretty quick or this could happen to you.




Torplexed can draw them can't he.

[Philipp_Thomsen]

Administrate the financial part of your life is not as important as administrate your life itself.

That includes managing your friend and your wife/girlfriend.

Everybody needs it's privacy and freetime, and if she cant understand that, you are better off finding someone that fits you best.

Its always better to be alone than to have a bad companion.

And if she doesnt understand you, dont think women are like that. You just didnt find the right one for you.