Requesting tips on building PCs

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  1. Posts : 57
    MS Windows 7 HP 64Bit
    Thread Starter
       #21

    Thank you VERY VERY much everyone that has helped me, I'm off to do some researching as you suggested and shall return after a short period of time....

    Regards,
    FLaTLiN3D
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 263
    Dual boot XP Pro SP3x86 and Win7 Pro x64
       #22

    Great! Once you narrow things down to viable choices, it will be interesting/fun, for those who are interested, to tweak those choices based on their, ah . . . their, oh what's the word . . . oh yes, their biases (me too).

    More importantly, collective scrutiny may be able to point out things missed or not anticipated. And do post back here with questions about specs, features, uses, "what's this mean," etc.: a forum is a dynamic FAQ.

    Monk
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4,663
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #23

    Hope we haven't put you off FLaTLiND3D. Where you at?:)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 263
    Dual boot XP Pro SP3x86 and Win7 Pro x64
       #24

    FLaTLiN3D said:
    Thank you VERY VERY much everyone that has helped me, I'm off to do some researching as you suggested and shall return after a short period of time....

    Regards,
    FLaTLiN3D
    I trust/hope he is off researching.

    Monk
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 57
    MS Windows 7 HP 64Bit
    Thread Starter
       #25

    Researching indeed. Swapping out old video and sound cards and reading up on Wikipedia about various types of hardware. I had no idea there were so many cables that do virtually the same job. I don't understand it but, meh. I currently need to go buy some SATA cables because I can't format this HDD without them. ... I do have one question at the moment, Intel or AMD? Does it really matter or is it simply a preference matter? Meaning are ALL Intel's incompatible with some systems so you must use AMD? Or is it simply the users favorite?

    FLaTLiN3D

    @John, Put me off? Never apart from handling weapons, computers are the only thing that seem to endlessly put me in awe. I have a feeling I'll be active on these forums for quite some time. You don't find this level of kindness and professional inputs in many places nowadays. I love it, even reserved a place in my quick launch for this community. Which is extremely rare.

    @Monk, You continue to amaze me. I make an attempt to maintain a vast vocabulary, yet time and time again I find myself looking up some of the words you use. I love challenging the mind. It seems you've challenged mine more than once, and for that, I salute you.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 263
    Dual boot XP Pro SP3x86 and Win7 Pro x64
       #26

    Hey, FlaTLin3D

    As of this writing, there are very few apps that take advantage of four core processors; similarly, there are very few apps written for x64. Regardless, very few people use computers for the type of work that require the extraordinary capability offered by really high-end CPUs (e.g., serious number crunching, video editing). My bottom line: until I join NASCAR, I do not need a car with 750HP.

    NEVER forget my early on advice: do not view components in the abstract or vacuum. What do I mean? You may come across a review or post that states, "You can't beat an i7! Why just look at those benchmarks." To me that's like saying my truck can go from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Who cares and why do they care? What is the pragmatic value of such a benchmark? As I noted above: none.

    A computing system is just that: a system, all of whose parts must play well together. I prefer gfx quality and stability for gaming and AMD CPUs/mobos and ATi gfx cards are designed with each other in mind. Because of design limitations, ATi gfx cards in an XFire array are more versatile than NVIDIA in an SLI array. These are just some of the factors that influence my choosing AMD, which satisfy my ends and at a significantly cheaper cost than Intel. I could not care less that it may take my AMD system 6 seconds longer to boot to the DT than that of an i7.

    I'm reminded of an incident when the SS United States first took to sea. On one occasion, She happened to cross paths with the Queen Mary, upon which Her Captain radioed the Captain of the Queen Mary noting that, by comparison, the Queen Mary was not very fast and couldn't keep up. The Captain of the Queen Mary radioed back, "We don't run with fast crowds." Where was I . . . ?

    It may take you a while but by studying what's available and then considering your needs and your budget, save money by not buying high-end components that you will not benefit from and put it on higher-end components that will benefit you. Me, by saving on the CPU I bought a second gfx card.

    Regarding compatibility, the CPU and mobo have to match, socket-to-socket. Each mfr will tell you what mobos your CPU is compatible with and, from there, you can look over the features of each and decide what you want. For example, how much and what type of RAM; integrated audio - whose; number and types of ports for external devices, etc. Differences abound.

    In the end, you may find yourself faced with the question, which is better, Ford or Chevy? My answer (for me): all other things being equal, which has the features I want/need at the best price?

    Oh, words I use, what words? I am out-of-place in a world dominated by colloquialisms and texting shorthand, having only recently divined the meaning of "OMG." I will endeavor to learn, however.

    You are doing well in your research; keep it up and keep asking questions. Hopefully, others will pipe in with their thoughts on the AMD/Intel question.

    Monk
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #27

    I'm no expert, but on the AMD/Intel question. Just generally you can build/buy an AMD PC for less. They can be, and often are, just as good or better than their Intel counterparts. It's often a matter of preference and/or who you get advice from. I personally have always had Intel, so I started there, I didn't go for the baddest boy on the block, but didn't go low end either. A similar build based on a AMD CPU would have probably been a couple of $100 cheaper. And tell the truth, would have probably suited me just as well. So all things being equal, you can probably go AMD, save a few bucks, and still get all the performance you need. A Guy
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,663
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #28

    Personally I'm an Intel/Nvidia guy. I've always used Intel CPUs with compatible motherboards which are also compatible with Nvidia graphics cards.

    I agree with HMonk. There's not much point having a Ferrari to drive to the local shop.

    But I've always tried to futureproof my machines.
    I think the future is x64 multithreaded applications and Intel produce the fastest CPUs.
    Similarly Nvidia have, until recently, generally been ahead of AMD (ATI) in the graphics card stakes.
    However this has all changed relatively recently. Intel still make the best CPUs (imho) but AMD have overtaken Nvidia in terms of graphics cards.
    ATI were the first to bring a DX11 card to market and have a range of them at all price points.
    Nvidias latest "Fermi" cards are DX11 and theoretically they produce the fastest cards but they are very expensive and very hot. They require very efficient cooling. Many Nvidia fans are disappointed by them.

    So AMD/ATI better value but not cutting edge fast. Intel/Nvidia, expensive and hot but very fast indeed.

    Given that games using DX11 are only just appearing now (DX10 was a bit of a flop) it's hard to say what will happen.
    The market seems to polarize between AMD/ATI and Intel/Nvidia and this is probably a crucial choice for you to begin with.

    HMonk is right AMD/ATI probably represent the best bang for buck right now but I'm sticking with Intel/Nvidia.

    You could spend a while researching this choice and it will affect your future upgrade path so take your time and keep asking questions, good luck
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 263
    Dual boot XP Pro SP3x86 and Win7 Pro x64
       #29

    @Johnwillyums: ATi, indeed beat NVIDIA to the street with a DX11 - the 5770 - but what a flop! Yeah, the 5770 uses less power, runs cooler, is smaller but it's about 20% slower than say the 4890 which is a real good card.

    If I were building new and, if DX11 was a must (many really do not NEED it), I would wait, at least towards the end of the year, to see what ATi and NVIDIA seriously come up with rather than buy ha-ha-we-beat-you stuff.

    Monk
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,747
    window's 7
       #30

    DX11 is important for gamers(like me ) and you need to get your hands on either Nvidia GTX or ATI 5xxx.
      My Computer


 
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