United3dArtists Archive

Hey folks. I have a few questions.
I have settled on an AMD FX6100 (six core).


video card: one of GTX 640, or GTX 550 Ti:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0394070"

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0383665"

Of the two video cards, it looks (by the numbers) the 640 is a slightly better value

As far as hard drives, I could get a new one but I want to ask: how much would using my old IDE drives
slow down the system? Dramatically? Or minimally?

I should probably get a new power supply even though I have at least one working one. What do you think?

Definitely will also get a UPS.

I have two mid-tower cases that enclosed the old computers. Is it necessary to purchase a new case with larger
sections for cooling fans? Or is that only for 'enthusiasts' who are interested in overclocking, running fancy liquid cooling, etc?

It's been a long time (2005 or 2006) since I built a computer from the ground up so I am definitely needing some feedback!

Thanks folks.

Froo

froo wrote:Hey folks. I have a few questions.
I have settled on an AMD FX6100 (six core).

have look here before you buy.... http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac ... 580/review

video card: one of GTX 640, or GTX 550 Ti:

Of the two video cards, it looks (by the numbers) the 640 is a slightly better value

love nvidia cards... do not buy the ones manufactured by EVGA if you expect to try to get a rebate. rebate processor scans your original documents with a 5 dpi scanner... you get an email saying you can resubmit documents one more time after that forget it. mine was a $40 rebate not worth the time to try and beg for it.

As far as hard drives, I could get a new one but I want to ask: how much would using my old IDE drives
slow down the system? Dramatically? Or minimally?

It could be quite a lot actually. Even newer EIDE drives vary in their data transfer rates. I used seagate for my last couple of builds... there is a big speed difference between low and high end. Power conservation models are fine for most applications but video editing and gaming and I suspect rendering can be affected.

I should probably get a new power supply even though I have at least one working one. What do you think?

I buy thermaltake powersupplies exclusively. Check your psu needs here .... http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

Definitely will also get a UPS.

I have two mid-tower cases that enclosed the old computers. Is it necessary to purchase a new case with larger sections for cooling fans? Or is that only for 'enthusiasts' who are interested in overclocking, running fancy liquid cooling, etc?

APC (American Power Company) produce good systems with replaceable batteries... Check costco cuz up here they sell a good one for a very fair price.

You really have to look at your overall build before you decide on a case. There is no point buying a cpu with a 5 inch heat sync and trying to stuff it into a mid-tower atx case. My last build has a beautiful Thermaltake case ... level 10 GT. You need the space for airflow and preserving your sanity trying to get the stuff in. Most cases come with installation kits with cable ties to anchor all your rails to minimize air flow disruption. Look at every how to video you can find on Youtube.

I bought the case to replace a smaller case that caused me a lot of overheating problems. I have 3 200mm fans and 2 120 mm fans cooling an 850W power supply and i7 cpu and a gtx 560. The fans are very quiet and I have no heat problems.

My suggestion is that you look at replacing the default heat sync. I use the intel version of this cpu cooler http://thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1137&ID=1548

It's been a long time (2005 or 2006) since I built a computer from the ground up so I am definitely needing some feedback!

Thanks folks.

Froo

Anything I can do to help Froo.

BTW, I am not an employee of Thermaltake, nor do I get commissions or anything from them. I just like their stuff.

To prove it another really good case maker is Coolermaster.... I just didn't buy one... nyaaaagh....

heheh sweet thank you very much v3rd3!

Do more research on Intel. I built a Core 5 with WD hard drive and it is fast. I am not sure how fast it is with Norton installed.

I like Zalman CPU fans. I used the CNPS9900 on the computer and the fan speed was between 800 and 900 rpm. The cpu temperature was less than the motherboard temperature. It will move air around and keep memory cooler. Some one asked me to clean his computer. I think I built it 3.5 years ago. Just when Windows 7 just started. The Zalman heat sink was clean.

Will the new motherboard handle a IDE drive. The RPM is more important then the interface. If it works, use it. You can get a SSD drive when they are reasonable.

I use Kingston HyperX memory. Gaming memory in a heat sink. 2 x 4gb for 50 dollars at newegg

I like Turbo powersupply. It uses a 130 mm fan and a lifetime warrenty. I used a 650 watt unit.

I use Asus boards. Only had one problem. I install the temp monitor program and when there is a problem, I can rule out temp problems.

ditto on the mobo....asus is a good supplier.

Thanks guys. I'll be checking into them.

I have a GTX 460 card. I love it.

Building a new system can be a lot of fun though when it goes wrong one can go into depression... ...hmmm, had a little flashback of my own life there. Feel free to ignore it

I have been looking for a good 8 gb ram module. Checked today and found this one. No reviews so it must be new.

I found this memory at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820104302"

16 gb (2x8) for 102 dollars.

I like Kingston products, have for years. Another good manufacturer for memory chips is Patriot.

My suggestion before you buy any memory is to go to your motherboards manufacturers forum and read what is posted there on the compatability of the memory with the mobo.

I bought OCX memory years ago at a big store sale and could not get it to work with my mobo. Several frustrating hours to learn this lesson. At the time most OCX modules did not work with ASUS boards.

Good Luck and good hunting.

Thanks for the interesting conversation folks!
I keep going back and forth on whether to proceed or not for a couple reasons.
One, I am still not home that much.
Two, I can't pay cash (in full). I have a few small bills that I can pay off in a few months, even faster, if I do not purchase a new system.
These little bills are a real annoying stressor so I am still very tempted to just hold off on it.

Remember. The longer you wait, the cheaper it gets.

That's true Shell.
Just seems like a smart move at this time. At least I am up to speed on the technology and terminology now.