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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: chimera15 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 13:44:35

Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 13:44:35
Dang, that's an expensive 1156 board.  Why wouldn't you wan to go 1366?  The processor becomes too expensive? Course everyone on this board will just suggest you go amd. lol


Amazed to hear that your processor blew up.  Glad I didn't decide to push mine that far.

I'd definitely go with an ssd for the main system drive.  120g meaning gb? or is that a stat?  You don't need 120 gb, you can get away with as little as 16gb for your system drive, then just dump a cheap 500 gb or 1 tera sata in the system where most of your big video and data files will be.  I like 16gb system drives cause they're easy to backup as well.   I have mostly 64gb ssd drives, and I have a ton of programs and I usually max out with all my apps and usually a couple of installed games around 50gb.

Oh and you probably want to stay away from mlc ssds if you can, and go with slc.  If you can drop down to 64 or even 32 and get an slc instead of an mlc you'd probably be happier for it, and it should make a big difference in video editing.  The intel ssds haven't gotten good reviews.  I have one of them, because it was affordable, mainly probably because of the bad reviews.   I'd go with ocz, they have cooler packaging too. lol


Or white label.


http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/flash-ssd-hard-drive,2000-7.html (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/flash-ssd-hard-drive,2000-7.html)


http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Slim-64GB-SLC-SSD-uSATA-hard-drive-HDD-/260690667646?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb25fe87e (http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Slim-64GB-SLC-SSD-uSATA-hard-drive-HDD-/260690667646?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb25fe87e)

Actually for some reason this drive has horrible read write speeds...so the newer mlc drives actually outperform it, but the slc drive probably does have a longer life at least.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 13:46:47
Check out Biostar's P67 board, they've really improved since the olden days when they were mediocre second stringers. Their board is comparable to that Asus, and it's a solid value.

An SSD will actually make a huge difference with video editing, since one of the main bottlenecks with that is writing to the hard drive. With a video over 0:30 90% of your data is going to be in your page file at any given time, so being able to swap that in and out quickly will make things a lot faster. Then you can get a cheap 1TB storage drive.

If you need advice on PSUs I'm your man. What GPU will you be using?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 13:53:40
Well check and make sure the Silencer hasn't died, as it could have been a power supply failure that caused the issue and fried the board. Silencers don't fail catastrophically often, but it does happen. If you look to get a new PSU, the Antec NeoECO 520C is one of the better values right now especially after rebate; if you want to go the luxury route get a SeaSonic X.


A 120GB SSD will be fine for Windows; I'm running that on a 60GB. Keep in mind that SSDs do have a finite life cycle when it comes to writes, the speed comes with a tradeoff. Keep a backup image of that drive, refresh it every month or so. That SSD should last you a good long while but it will eventually fail if you do tons of editing every day.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: majestouch on Sun, 30 January 2011, 13:59:23
I normally don't keep up on this stuff, but my aging Athlon workstation of 5 years is acting up so I've done a little reading lately; I don't game, but I need something that can fly through CaptureOne, Illustrator, and some CAD. So my 2cents...

You might consider the Asus P67 Sabertooth, which has a 5 year warranty; better spec'd components might equate to it having a better chance of *not* blowing up like your last mobo did;) Yes, the Deluxe has a second LAN and the NF200 Northbridge (word is they run hot anyway); the former is easily remedied, and the latter isn't necessary since you aren't doing multi-vid cards.

Wait a few weeks on the SSDs, Micron and Intel are bringing out new platforms next month (supposedly). Alternatively, while you wait, if you have good HDDs lying around, you might look into matching them up for RAID 0 & 1 for faster disk performance.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: majestouch on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:00:25
I normally don't keep up on this stuff, but my aging Athlon workstation of 5 years is acting up so I've done a little reading lately; I don't game, but I need something that can fly through CaptureOne, Illustrator, and some CAD. So my 2cents...

You might consider the Asus P67 Sabertooth, which has a 5 year warranty; better spec'd components might equate to it having a better chance of *not* blowing up like your last mobo did;) Yes, the Deluxe has a second LAN and the NF200 Northbridge (word is they run hot anyway); the former is easily remedied, and the latter isn't necessary since you aren't doing multi-vid cards.

Wait a few weeks on the SSDs, Micron and Intel are bringing out new platforms next month (supposedly). Alternatively, while you wait, if you have good HDDs lying around, you might look into matching them up for RAID 0 & 1 for faster disk performance.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: JelinaNU on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:02:13
Check out MSI's new line of mil-spec motherboards. I think they're impressive. This (http://us.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=170&prod_no=2070) is the 1155 socket version. (Here's the Newegg link (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130553&Tpk=msi%20p67a-gd65) for comparative purposes.)

I know that Asus is the staple and benchmark for motherboards these days, but I did exhaustive research before getting my new rig. Everything pointed at MSI being rock solid. The touted benefits of their new boards could be seen as the same kind of marketingspeak Geekhack regularly punishes keyboard manufacturers for, yes. Their flourish not withstanding, though, initial acid tests have been favorable.

I'm one of those people with an entropic touc- Strike that. An entropic field. I crash or explode computers simply by walking by or, Gods forbid, touching one; so any tech designed to be more durable automatically has my attention. While you might not have my particular...ability, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you use your rigs far more often and more rigorously than the "end user" most components are designed for.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Lanx on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:14:03
120g is way fine, I run with a 60g, win 7 and a few office apps will take up 25g or so, 15g along for win7. Of course I always stress that this is a boot drive, keep all data files, pics/videos on a seperate regular harddrive.
really any ssd now with a sandforce 1200/1500 controller should be awesome, along with the one by crucial the real300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148348


for motherboards i personally go for gigabyte and biostar on the cheaper end.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128463
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:38:57
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;287355
Well check and make sure the Silencer hasn't died, as it could have been a power supply failure that caused the issue and fried the board. Silencers don't fail catastrophically often, but it does happen. If you look to get a new PSU, the Antec NeoECO 520C is one of the better values right now especially after rebate; if you want to go the luxury route get a SeaSonic X.


A 120GB SSD will be fine for Windows; I'm running that on a 60GB. Keep in mind that SSDs do have a finite life cycle when it comes to writes, the speed comes with a tradeoff. Keep a backup image of that drive, refresh it every month or so. That SSD should last you a good long while but it will eventually fail if you do tons of editing every day.

slcs are calculated under average-heavy load to have a 50+ year lifespan.  mlc's 5-10. lol

That way outperforms any standard hd I've ever owned.  As far as I'm concerned there's no real trade off.  I've had hd's die on me out of nowhere with no warning in under a year.   I've owned several ssds now for over a year, and there are utilities now that measure their wear rate and none of them are lower than 90% health.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: kriminal on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:43:58
go intel ssd's
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 14:52:31
Quote from: chimera15;287381
slcs are calculated under average-heavy load to have a 50+ year lifespan.  mlc's 5-10. lol

That way outperforms any standard hd I've ever owned.  As far as I'm concerned there's no real trade off.  I've had hd's die on me out of nowhere with no warning in under a year.   I've owned several ssds now for over a year, and there are utilities now that measure their wear rate and none of them are lower than 90% health.

Yes, but do you use it for constant i/o swapping for video editing? I'm putting it out as an option, but I really do have concerns about long term durability.


Of course he could go for an SLC SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167029&cm_re=slc_ssd-_-20-167-029-_-Product


But of course, if you're going that far you might as well go all the way, eh?
http://=http://www.ramsan.com/products/18

I'm actually not sure how much the RAM SAN 20 costs, but at Siggraph 2009 I was quoted "about $15,000". Worth it for microsecond latency and more bandwidth than god though.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 15:08:05
I'm going to facetiously suggest a PC300 running Windows 3.1 before someone mentions it in a serious way.

Quote
Keep in mind that SSDs do have a finite life cycle when it comes to writes


And magnetic drives have mean time between failures. Hell, my hard drive has come closer to death in the time I've typed this, even though I'm not using it!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyb_gr on Sun, 30 January 2011, 15:46:42
When comparing mo/bos, I'd prefer the one with lots of them solid state caps.

That doesn't save you from a crappy BIOS support policy, but at least they shouldn't have skimped on components then.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 30 January 2011, 16:07:53
I got a 30G OCD SSD for the operating system and it is fast. I created a Ram disk for /var/tmp, /var/log and /tmp to keep from constantly writing to the SSD.

I use 3 250G Seagates in a Raid 0 configuration for /home and the array is almost as fast as the SSD.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:08:46
For what you want I'd get a six core AMD and spunk on the RAM and graphics if it's mostly image and video editing.

2600k is complete overkill for anything but a hardcore gaming rig. And then you mentioned you MIGHT overclock it. The downside is sandybridge is quite delicate when it comes to overclocking. So much so that on the OCuK forums there were reports of the chips dying left and right when they were released. Turns out if you pump to much juice through them you'll kill them outright or severely limit the lifespan. 1.38v being the absolute limit of what you should be putting through them according to Intel and OCuK. And then there's really not much point in overclocking them anyway when turbo boost will do it for you. Ok it won't clock them to mid 4's, but turbo boost won't kill your chip faster than you can rub one out over getting several more frames in your FPS game.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:15:54
I think the 120gb SSD is fine so long as you have a much larger secondary storage elsewhere (for backups, large files, etc.) I have a 120gb SSD but to keep it performing well I always backup and move large files off to my external 2tb drive.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:16:16
I don't know about SB's survivability rate, but people on OCN have been able to OC them to 4.5-5.0GHz without too much difficulty. And the performance clock-per-clock is much greater than a Phenom II X6, which generally compete more with the older Nehalem architecture.


As for graphics, that has no impact on video editing. Graphics cards are for 3D gaming and that's it, unless you have something massively parallel to run and you can code CUDA or OpenCL... Well, you really just can't GPU accelerate video editing. Anything with regular video acceleration (ie. GeForce 8 and Radeon HD2000 and up) should do the trick, you could do it with a GeForce 9100.

I do agree on splurging on RAM.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:18:02
Yea, I'd say 8 gb DDR3 would be good. Make sure you get the 64 bit version of windows 7 to take advantage of it.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:21:48
Getting to 5 is solely down to the chip. It's not recommended to run it at 5Ghz, especially if you're putting more than 1.38v through it to achieve it. Sure, it'll do for a CPU-Z screenshot. But it'll more than likely kill your chip.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227651

Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you're willing to pay Intel's extortionate pricing to achieve something quicker in a couple of seconds that is usually unnoticeable to the end user unless the specific task is incredibly CPU intensive. Me, personally? I'd go AMD and make myself a cup of coffee while I wait for something to render. Spend what I save on some nice coffee and cuban cigars.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 18:28:12
A word on solid caps vs. electrolytics. Solid caps are more reliable and heat resistant, true, but also have a much lower maximum charge capacity, and are also much larger for that capacity. And more expensive and such.

A mobo's VRMs are basically DC-DC power supplies, and they need capacitors for charge reservoirs and pi filters. For reservoir caps the manufacturer might have to put a couple of solid caps in parallel to meet the capacity of one electrolytic cap. And in the pi filters, having higher capacitance will allow you to tune your filter to eliminate more unwanted signal (EMI and ripple), so having polymer capacitors may mean less filtering capacity.


There's a lot of trade-offs involved.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 30 January 2011, 19:45:25
I think the only time I'd care that something rendered or compiled 5 minutes quicker was if I was in a production environment and it was important to my wage. And even then I might still go AMD.

(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/compiling.png)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: speakeasy on Sun, 30 January 2011, 19:58:06
I bought a MSI motherboard for my current computer, and I'm pretty happy with it. They advertise as using "military grade" components, though I'm not sure what that means exactly other than a buzzword for marketing. As far as I can tell though, it's had less problems than the Gigabyte board I had previously which I had to RMA after like 2 weeks of owning it.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: MissileMike on Sun, 30 January 2011, 20:09:19
Quote from: brian8bit;287484
Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you're willing to pay Intel's extortionate pricing to achieve something quicker in a couple of seconds that is usually unnoticeable to the end user unless the specific task is incredibly CPU intensive. Me, personally? I'd go AMD and make myself a cup of coffee while I wait for something to render. Spend what I save on some nice coffee and cuban cigars.


Extortionate pricing?  Bang/buck, the 2500k and 2600k are absolutely fantastic.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sun, 30 January 2011, 20:28:15
Quote from: ripster;287348
So I'm on my trusty old DFI LanParty X48 and Q6700 @ 3.6 downstairs PC for about 5 minutes after power on and POOF!  Off goes the PC and I get a good sniff of burnt electronics.  Pull it out and put on my HSPC tech station with a spare power supply and confirm it's the motherboard (or maybe the chip -  am not sure how to tell).


Just out of curiosity, do you have a probable cause of death for that PC?  Last I knew computers don't usually have spontaneous catastrophic failures like that without some sort of reasoning behind it...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 30 January 2011, 20:40:41
Quote from: MissileMike;287522
Extortionate pricing?  Bang/buck, the 2500k and 2600k are absolutely fantastic.


Yes. They're good. But they're not the best bang for buck chips. That's strictly AMD territory. What's really stupid though is the mark up on the 2600 to the 2600k. So the 2600k has an unlocked multiplier. But as I've mentioned that's useless anyway since you can't put 1.38v through the chip without damaging it or killing it. You might as well save yourself the money and get the 2600 without the unlocked multiplier if you are going to go Intel. What multiplier tweaking is available in the standard chip should be more than enough to achieve what the K series can, safely. Everything after is **** waving suicide runs.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: MissileMike on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:01:06
Quote from: brian8bit;287531
Yes. They're good. But they're not the best bang for buck chips. That's strictly AMD territory. What's really stupid though is the mark up on the 2600 to the 2600k. So the 2600k has an unlocked multiplier. But as I've mentioned that's useless anyway since you can't put 1.38v through the chip without damaging it or killing it. You might as well save yourself the money and get the 2600 without the unlocked multiplier if you are going to go Intel. What multiplier tweaking is available in the standard chip should be more than enough to achieve what the K series can, safely. Everything after is **** waving suicide runs.


You can go really, really fast with 1.35v.

I personally would get a 2500k.  It's the fastest chip available at 225$ and then you could add the better ram/video like you would with a x6 1090t.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:23:43
this may be a llittle late, but get a C300 for your SSD, it is the fastest on the market right now.   At least for one that you dont have to spend an insane amount of money for.  Plus it is in 128GB so you get a little extra space for all your stuff!

I have one and it is FAST!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:29:33
Quote from: brian8bit;287531
Yes. They're good. But they're not the best bang for buck chips. That's strictly AMD territory. What's really stupid though is the mark up on the 2600 to the 2600k. So the 2600k has an unlocked multiplier. But as I've mentioned that's useless anyway since you can't put 1.38v through the chip without damaging it or killing it. You might as well save yourself the money and get the 2600 without the unlocked multiplier if you are going to go Intel. What multiplier tweaking is available in the standard chip should be more than enough to achieve what the K series can, safely. Everything after is **** waving suicide runs.


the new Sandy Bridge CPUs ONLY overclock by changing the multi.  Otherwise you will fry the Motherboard, its just how these things work.

ripster if you are going to overclock you should not change the BCLK unless you want something to die prematurely like the PCI slots.  They dont like being overclocked and they are now directly tied to the BCLK so you cannot increase that more than a few points if that.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:32:22
I'm seeing 2500Ks and 2600Ks on OCN at 4.8GHz at 1.32-1.38V, and a 5GHz at 1.39V. Seems to me they overclock pretty well regardless. I've made a thread asking about durability as well.


Edit: Oh-oh

Quote
been 3 weeks at 1.42v for me, and no issues at all. Ive had it over 1.5 for some 5ghz runs as well, hasn't missed a beat.
Quote
3weeks at 1.475v & 4.8ghz no issues


Not looking good for the "Sandy Bridge are crap" theory.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:33:44
Quote from: ripster;287532
BTW I ordered everything including the Intel SSD.

I love my ****!


Sorry Im too late, but which Intel SSD (x25-m I hope)? I have one of the new Corsair sandforce, they rip.

Also, in general, AMD IS the VALUE choice (price/performance) right now:

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_value_alltime.html

Not to say that Intel doesnt have some good values going on, it just seems like their pricing structure is out of wack between models.

My latest box is an AMD, and it absolutely smokes. On top of that, with the $$ I saved on the proc I got a top of the line board, tons of RAM, SSD and 2x WD caviar blacks.

Anyway, it's all good. Let us know how the build goes.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:41:47
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;287546
I'm seeing 2500Ks and 2600Ks on OCN at 4.8GHz at 1.32-1.38V, and a 5GHz at 1.39V. Seems to me they overclock pretty well regardless. I've made a thread asking about durability as well.


Edit: Oh-oh





Not looking good for the "Sandy Bridge are crap" theory.


Yes. I saw your thread. Nowhere did I say they would consistently die. Only that it had been reported to OCuK that chips where dropping like crazy. They got in contact with Intel. Who recommended no more than 1.38v through the chips. Which was again stated in the overclockers thread I linked to. And also I never said you couldn't achieve over 4Ghz on less than 1.38v. I've seen plenty under in mid 4's and high 4's.

Way to word your thread on OCN to make it sound like I was a clueless **** though. Appreciated.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:51:03
At OCN it doesn't sound like a single chip has died so far.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Sun, 30 January 2011, 21:55:21
Quote from: ripster;287550
Hmm.... Crucial C300 Does look a Tad faster (http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/194?vs=126), but not always.


the only tests it lost were in a gaming benchmark, it is much faster for everything so long as it is connected to SATA 6GB/s, in games it is about 1FPS slower it seems, but that is not big deal.   You dont but a SSD for anything other than faster load times when you are talking about games  :P

Plus, some of those wins are pretty substantial, the 4K random read and write were quite a bit faster.  While using a computer in non-gaming or editing situations 99% of the time you will be doing 4K random reads/writes.  Like browsing the web or just opening a program.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Sun, 30 January 2011, 22:00:39
all right, fair enough.   I have heard rumors of RAM that does not require power to store memory in the near future anyways.  Now THAT would be cool!  It would be the new storage option for people who need everything to happen instantly   :P
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: manfaux on Sun, 30 January 2011, 23:40:04
maybe wait till the next gen 25nm SSDs come out? They should be out for retail in a couple months, that's what I'm getting, and meanwhile just bear with your old drives.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Mon, 31 January 2011, 10:18:40
There's a shell shocker on the OCZ Vertex 2 120GB SSD right now:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16820227551 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16820227551)

$170 after $30 MIR.  Won't be up for long.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Mon, 31 January 2011, 12:12:17
Quote from: ripster;287472
And the Intel SSD and CPU?  Gotta prop up iMav's INTC stock.


http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/intel-finds-sandy-bridge-chipset-design-flaw-shipments-stopped/


annnd down it goes again ;)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Mon, 31 January 2011, 12:14:59
Quote from: instantkamera;287804
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/intel-finds-sandy-bridge-chipset-design-flaw-shipments-stopped/


annnd down it goes again ;)

Lol!  Was just going to post this for Ripster from DailyTech...

http://www.dailytech.com/Intel+Finds+Design+Flaw+in+New+Sandy+Bridge+Chipset/article20789.htm (http://www.dailytech.com/Intel+Finds+Design+Flaw+in+New+Sandy+Bridge+Chipset/article20789.htm)

$1 Billion dollar f*ck up.  Fun times Intel.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:18:31
Hopefully you won't bump into this stuff. (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=28733)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Mazora on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:35:39
Guys, this thread is getting so interesting !

I'm about to get rid of my P4P800 motherboard anytime soon this month, hence I'm reading here and there anything about pc building.

Question: Is the installation of the OS on a 120GB SSD more "difficult" than on a traditional HD ? I mean, is it meant for pc building guru ? And in term of speed difference (mainly read), how much faster is a SSD compared with a 10,000 rpm harddrive?

Thx and have a good one,

Max
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Supergleep on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:49:37
Quote from: Mazora;287861
Guys, this thread is getting so interesting !
Question: Is the installation of the OS on a 120GB SSD more "difficult" than on a traditional HD ? I mean, is it meant for pc building guru ? And in term of speed difference (mainly read), how much faster is a SSD compared with a 10,000 rpm harddrive?
Max


SSD's are literally an order of magnitude difference from a 10,000 RPM spindle drive. Anecdotally, I recently upgraded from a 150GB Raptor 10k drive to a Micron C300 128GB SSD and the Windows and application load times are VERY noticeable. It makes a large difference in performance.

What's even more notable is when you move back to a computer that doesn't have an SSD, it feels like it's crawling by comparison.

As far as difficulty of installation, functionally, they work exactly like a regular SATA harddrive. One thing to note is that you may need to get a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997013) if your current case doesn't make provision for a 2.5" drive (laptop sized)

Ripster, another vote here for the Micron C300 SSD. Love mine and no issues whatsoever.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:49:59
SSD acts just like an HDD. Except sometimes (occasionally) in laptops or pre-built systems where they **** around with the motherboard BIOS and break something. But if you're building a system from scratch there should be no difficulty.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:51:24
Quote from: Mazora;287861
Guys, this thread is getting so interesting !

I'm about to get rid of my P4P800 motherboard anytime soon this month, hence I'm reading here and there anything about pc building.

Question: Is the installation of the OS on a 120GB SSD more "difficult" than on a traditional HD ? I mean, is it meant for pc building guru ? And in term of speed difference (mainly read), how much faster is a SSD compared with a 10,000 rpm harddrive?

Thx and have a good one,

Max


The newer motherboards and updated BIOS can automatically detect SSD drives just like PATA/SATA drives.  So the installation shouldn't be any harder in terms of OS installation.

When it comes to speed difference, it is much noticeably faster.  I don't have quantitative numbers off the top of my head, but your typical Windows 7 boot-up time on a 10k rpm drive probably takes about 60+ seconds.  On a good SSD, under 30 seconds.  Performance will vary on applications within Windows, but will typically always be faster on an SSD.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Mon, 31 January 2011, 14:55:52
Quote from: DanGWanG;287866
The newer motherboards and updated BIOS can automatically detect SSD drives just like PATA/SATA drives.  So the installation shouldn't be any harder in terms of OS installation.

When it comes to speed difference, it is much noticeably faster.  I don't have quantitative numbers off the top of my head, but your typical Windows 7 boot-up time on a 10k rpm drive probably takes about 60+ seconds.  On a good SSD, under 30 seconds.  Performance will vary on applications within Windows, but will typically always be faster on an SSD.


<10 second boot times here. That's from the end of the POST process to a usable desktop. And my SSD isn't exceptionally fast.

POST takes about fifteen seconds, and if I jiggered around a bit (move CD drive down in boot priority) I could get it down to ten. So hit power, and twenty seconds later I'll have a usable desktop.



Not that it matters much, since my morning ritual usually goes:
1.) Wake up
2.) Hit PC power switch
3.) Use toilet
4.) Brush teeth
5.) Check email
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Mazora on Mon, 31 January 2011, 15:15:44
OKkkk, thx alot ! I'm convinced about SSD now !
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Mon, 31 January 2011, 16:35:38
Look no farther Ripster, here is the computer for you:
http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/tower/index.html (http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/tower/index.html)
Quote
Six-core Intel® Xeon® up to two X5680 3.33 GHz or four-core Intel® Xeon® X5677 3.46 GHz with 12 MB of cache per processor socket

yum... .mmmmmmm.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Lanx on Mon, 31 January 2011, 16:51:42
best utility for ssd is ssdtweak
http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?49779-SSD-Tweak-Utility
works for any ssd, just that ocz forums are basically the leaders in ssd stuff imo. Once you install you ssd and have windows booted up run this once and you don't have to worry about all those "extra" settings to get real ssd performance.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 17:19:56
Quote from: EverythingIBM;287929
Look no farther Ripster, here is the computer for you:
http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/tower/index.html (http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/tower/index.html)

yum... .mmmmmmm.
If you can live with a rack mount server, why not consider the x3755 M3 (http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/rack/x3755m3/index.html)?  Up to four 2.3 GHz 12-core AMD Opteron 6000 Series processors, for up to 48 cores in a 2U form factor.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: J888www on Mon, 31 January 2011, 17:39:30
Not much to advise really, I'm waiting for a few Months before I config a new build. Maybe configure and no build, as yet undecided. Spent far too much £££ this Year, also finally upgraded my Camera with a purchase of an Olympus XZ1, not sure if the online retailer can deliver soon as the Release Date is proposed on March 1st. Suppose if the Camera isn't shipped, I can always go for a latest generation SSD instead.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Mon, 31 January 2011, 18:12:19
What's 775 Xeon performance like compared to newer Core i* chips? You can pick up a lot of old 775 servers with one or two processors cheaply enough now so I'd be interested to know how they perform against i5's and i7's.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 18:17:15
Quote from: ripster;287959
Hmm...rack mounts.
Pack 'em in there!
(http://www.robotics.tu-berlin.de/fileadmin/fg170/Photos/CIMG0208.JPG)

Just need a little cash...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fodlbK6zk34/TKvn9e3I-QI/AAAAAAAAANA/g-tco10O2vE/s1600/mexico-drug-money2.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 18:19:33
Quote from: ripster;287959
Hmm...rack mounts.

Pack 'em in there!
(http://www.robotics.tu-berlin.de/fileadmin/fg170/Photos/CIMG0208.JPG)

Just need a little cash...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fodlbK6zk34/TKvn9e3I-QI/AAAAAAAAANA/g-tco10O2vE/s1600/mexico-drug-money2.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 31 January 2011, 18:30:26
Sounds abut as fun as sandy bathing trunks.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: godly_music on Mon, 31 January 2011, 20:05:43
A lot of SSDs come with extra 3.5" mounts.

Since this is the hardware advice thread.. I'm looking for a cheap and sturdy USB flash drive with 4-16 GB. Already decided against OCZ because they recently switched their old controllers against slower ones. 15mb/s write and 30mb/s read is the ideal here, but it shouldn't be pricey.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Mon, 31 January 2011, 20:15:26
Quote from: TexasFlood;287978
Pack 'em in there!
Show Image
(http://www.robotics.tu-berlin.de/fileadmin/fg170/Photos/CIMG0208.JPG)


Just need a little cash...
Show Image
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fodlbK6zk34/TKvn9e3I-QI/AAAAAAAAANA/g-tco10O2vE/s1600/mexico-drug-money2.jpg)


Nah, I think Ripster should get an X Series tower:
(http://www.vibrant.com/images/products/ibm-x3500.jpg)
It's only 80 pounds, so, much lighter than a rack.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 21:08:22
Quote from: EverythingIBM;288032
Nah, I think Ripster should get an X Series tower.  It's only 80 pounds, so, much lighter than a rack.

True, a rack is heavy, but cool, :wink:.  The server itself is about the same weight and the 3755M3 offers 4 times as many processors max.  Don't HAVE to have a rack, just throw it on a table.  Won't let you do that in most data centers, but basements space planners tend to be much more relaxed about such things...

Throw it on a table...
(http://j.b5z.net/i/u/2038610/i//Dell_server_front.JPG)

Fabricate your own mini rack...
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8282/ccnalab3.jpg)

Or your own maxirack...
(http://www.ericembling.com/images/Rack02.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Mon, 31 January 2011, 21:15:03
Quote from: TexasFlood;288046

Or your own maxirack...
Show Image
(http://www.ericembling.com/images/Rack02.jpg)


Sure that isn't MW basement?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 21:56:57
Quote from: brian8bit;288049
Sure that isn't MW basement?

You know I was thinking the same thing, :wink:.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 22:07:33
Quote from: ripster;288064
I can assure that wooden racks with vintage PCs is not my computing goal.

I wasn't really serious about that one, although I thought the mini network rack was kinda cool.
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8282/ccnalab3.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 22:22:52
Quote from: ripster;288064
I can assure that wooden racks with vintage PCs is not my computing goal.

I wasn't really serious about that one, although I thought the mini network rack was kinda cool.  I got curious so went and looked up what it was.  I figured it was fabricated but not.  It's described as someones BCMSN study lab consisting of an 1841 Router, 2960 Switch, two Dell L3 Switches in an 8U musician's desk top rack from cpc.co.uk.  Never seen anything like that before but now I want one, at least one, :wink:.

(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8282/ccnalab3.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Mon, 31 January 2011, 23:23:43
Quote from: brian8bit;288049
Sure that isn't MW basement?


Quote from: TexasFlood;288074
I wasn't really serious about that one, although I thought the mini network rack was kinda cool.  I got curious so went and looked up what it was.  I figured it was fabricated but not.  It's described as someones BCMSN study lab consisting of an 1841 Router, 2960 Switch, two Dell L3 Switches in an 8U musician's desk top rack from cpc.co.uk.  Never seen anything like that before but now I want one, at least one, :wink:.

Show Image
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8282/ccnalab3.jpg)


Forget about the router crap, I just want the thinkpad and synth rack... could put some cool synths in there.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 31 January 2011, 23:24:56
Quote from: EverythingIBM;288102
Forget about the router crap, I just want the thinkpad and synth rack... could put some cool synths in there.

Oh, right, I didn't want the routers, I wanted the rack, and I'll always take a thinkpad.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 01 February 2011, 00:55:59
Quote from: ripster;288124
You guys are sure getting excited about $10 worth of cheap steel tubing.
Show Image
(http://www.hdforindies.com/uploaded_images/Photo-149-707610.jpg)


I would actually like a desk synth rack... I haven't been able to find any locally.. HECK, one of the "music" stores I went to didn't even have any MIDI cables... lol.
I got some from The Source instead... they have a lot of cool stuff and audio adapters.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 01 February 2011, 01:26:34
Quote from: ripster;288126
That's nice.


anyways, you need to buy this:
(http://usedservers.com.au/images/ibm%20serverx3200.jpg)

It even has a lavender button on the side. Can you say cool?

Unlike a PC, you won't have to worry about this thinking blowing up. It'll keep on running.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Tue, 01 February 2011, 08:28:38
Quote from: ripster
Making love on the beach is highly overrated.

ow.  Ow.  OWWWW!


Same goes for in the snow. Getting a nice pile of "Canadian sand" in your underwear is NOT very fun.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:26:57
you should have went for the 980X man, it's the proc all the cool kids are talking about!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:29:31
Man I heard about Intel recalling chips on the news.  You ordered one of the defective ones??  You don't have any luck do you? lol
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:32:24
FYI, the CPU is fine, it's the chipset. Like rip said, he can get all the **** and do the build now, RMA the board later.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:34:21
Quote from: ripster;288276
You shouldn't listen to the news without understanding the details.


I just had it on in the background while I was playing Korean warrock.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:52:05
Voltage death. Chipset degradation. Socket burn. Jesus Christ. It's not been a good start for Sandy Bridge. That said socket burn was a problem on Nehalem early on as well.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:55:11
My computers  never  blow up. One  of  them's  been  turned on for  over a year and  still  runs  great.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 10:57:37
Any reason Dirk stepped down/was fired?  I like to think the board walked into his office and he had all their spouses lined up bent over his desk naked and was snorting coke off their arses.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:02:54
Quote from: brian8bit;288304
Any reason Dirk stepped down/was fired?  I like to think the board walked into his office and he had all their spouses lined up bent over his desk naked and was snorting coke off their arses.


Concerns over his not taking advantage of the huge spike in demand for tablets and smartphones and, more specifically, not making chips to go in said devices.

They're getting closer though, 5W dual core Fusion chips are available now. Pair it down to single core and put it on a 28nm node and you've got yourself the ultimate smartphone CPU.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:09:59
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;288307
Concerns over his not taking advantage of the huge spike in demand for tablets and smartphones and, more specifically, not making chips to go in said devices.

They're getting closer though, 5W dual core Fusion chips are available now. Pair it down to single core and put it on a 28nm node and you've got yourself the ultimate smartphone CPU.

At the time Intel Atom was taking off, weren't AMD still fighting in court with them about Intel's kick back scheme? Or was that done by then? AMD didn't really have anything to counter Atom at the time. I remember jumping on Intel Atom boards when they first hit the market and going mini-itx crazy. Still have two systems lying about somewhere. The novelty factor wore off quickly when you realise that single core Atoms are **** for just about anything bar powering a router. I think my next mini-itx board will either be something with the Intel D525 or AMD E-350. All comes down to cost and if it'll come with enough SATA connections for a Chenbro ES34069 server case.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:17:52
Quote from: TexasFlood;288074
I thought the mini network rack was kinda cool.  I got curious so went and looked up what it was.  I figured it was fabricated but not.  It's described as an 8U musician's desk top rack from cpc.co.uk.  Never seen anything like that before but now I want one, at least one, :wink:.


Quote from: EverythingIBM;288102
Forget about the router crap, I just want the thinkpad and synth rack... could put some cool synths in there.


Quote from: TexasFlood;288103
Oh, right, I didn't want the routers, I wanted the rack, and I'll always take a thinkpad.


Quote from: ripster;288124
You guys are sure getting excited about $10 worth of cheap steel tubing.


Quote from: EverythingIBM;288125
I would actually like a desk synth rack... I haven't been able to find any locally..


Well.  I've been thinking about a full size rack but didn't seem like it was going to work out (read my wife won't let me, hah).  But these smaller racks might work for me while staying under the wifes radar.  Might look around for something used or perhaps fabricating my own out of angle iron.  It's just that I had given up in defeat but now feel like I have some new options.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:24:55
Quote from: brian8bit;288312
At the time Intel Atom was taking off, weren't AMD still fighting in court with them about Intel's kick back scheme? Or was that done by then? AMD didn't really have anything to counter Atom at the time. I remember jumping on Intel Atom boards when they first hit the market and going mini-itx crazy. Still have two systems lying about somewhere. The novelty factor wore off quickly when you realise that single core Atoms are **** for just about anything bar powering a router. I think my next mini-itx board will either be something with the Intel D525 or AMD E-350. All comes down to cost and if it'll come with enough SATA connections for a Chenbro ES34069 server case.


I really dislike Atom. The bastard offspring of 80386 and Pentium M. Putting it on a smaller node and giving it power gating doesn't make up for the fact that it's outperformed by a Pentium 3.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:32:34
Quote from: TexasFlood;288315
Well.  I've been thinking about a full size rack but didn't seem like it was going to work out (read my wife won't let me, hah).  But these smaller racks might work for me while staying under the wifes radar.  Might look around for something used or perhaps fabricating my own out of angle iron.  It's just that I had given up in defeat but now feel like I have some new options.


ask your wife if she is sure she knows who she married, you are a nerd, durrr.
Then tell her "tough ****" and buy one anyway, the biggest rack you can find. Then, since she gave you trouble ... Look... Im sure you are a reasonable guy. You were going to get a rack, stick it in the basement, maybe a seldom-used closet, the spare room, whatever.
BUT, since she gave you ****, you gotta get this big-ass rack, right, and bolt that mother ****er to the living room floor. It's the only way.
A man has to set boundries.

Anyway, I gotta go, my lawyer has some paperwork for me to sign(??)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 11:43:04
One of the guys on OCuK was building a new house and stuck a rack under his stairs.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=17932308&postcount=260
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:08:59
Don't get P67? Atleast for now...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:09:08
Quote from: ripster;288332
People on OCuk look older than 13.  Like real adults with houses and everything.


It's still quite immature or it might just be me. For example I'm currently on my fifth suspension for insulting people. Two week stretch this one that expires on the fifth. I've got to stop telling people their keyboards are **** apparently. Oh and claiming that the mods don't like me telling people their keyboards are **** incase people shop elsewhere. And the whole avatar theme is "gangsters". So the only avatars available are gangsters from mob films. Certain avatars are reserved for admins and mods, known as the dons and underbosses. And the owner has a Don Corleone avatar. That's pretty immature.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:17:35
The technical forums are great. Lots of good information and plenty of helpful people. In that respect I actually prefer searching out technical information there than on OCN. Plus OCN has the worst layout ever. The OCUK general discussion board is dildos mostly and speakers corner is full of pseudo intellectual ****wits who get moist at the sound of their own voice. I think when my ban expires I'll just avoid GD in future as I'm sure they're itching to ban me for something. So I'll just go be helpful. And avoid keyboard threads.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:35:57
Go AMD, while technically not helpful, wasn't bad advice all things considered with the Sandy Bridge news in the past week or so.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:42:11
No love :(
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:51:53
Quote from: brian8bit;288367
No love :(


Dont take it personally, this is a guy who has ~27000 posts of not helping under his belt.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:52:40
Quote from: ripster;288370
You'll get over it.  It's the internet.

I'm looking at my porch from this PC and don't see the UPS girl yet.

How did the photographer know I like Parts Express too?

Here's what you should be looking for...
(obligatory response to any post with a shipping reference)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 12:55:04
Quote from: TexasFlood;288376
Here's what you should be looking for...
(obligatory response to any post with a shipping reference)


That OK, he's buying broken **** anyway, that's likely to help in the long-run ;)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Tue, 01 February 2011, 14:38:43
Quote from: instantkamera;288380
That OK, he's buying broken **** anyway, that's likely to help in the long-run ;)

Ripster, pay close attention to the dog when the shipping guy leaves.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15256)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15257)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15258)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: BababooeyHTJ on Tue, 01 February 2011, 14:53:37
Quote from: brian8bit;288294
Voltage death. Chipset degradation. Socket burn. Jesus Christ. It's not been a good start for Sandy Bridge. That said socket burn was a problem on Nehalem early on as well.


It was one motherboard. Socket burn was only an issue with 1156 foxconn brackets. I haven't been hearing about this "voltage death" either, unless we are talking about clarksdale.

The chipset degradation is a pretty serious but as long as you stick to the SATA 6gbs ports or use a third party controller you won't be affected.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 01 February 2011, 14:55:44
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;288317
I really dislike Atom. The bastard offspring of 80386 and Pentium M. Putting it on a smaller node and giving it power gating doesn't make up for the fact that it's outperformed by a Pentium 3.


Ooooh some Atom bashing!

Yeah, that thing is slow. My Pentium 4 runs faster.

But like Bhtooefr said, at least it'll force developers to write more efficient code so it'll run at a normal speed on an Atom.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 01 February 2011, 14:57:26
Quote from: BababooeyHTJ;288440
It was one motherboard. Socket burn was only an issue with 1156 foxconn brackets. I haven't been hearing about this "voltage death" either, unless we are talking about clarksdale.

The chipset degradation is a pretty serious but as long as you stick to the SATA 6gbs ports or use a third party controller you won't be affected.


What if you have 6 devices? ;D
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 15:04:34
I have five devices.
(SSD, two HDDs, DVD drive, and eSATA)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: TexasFlood on Tue, 01 February 2011, 15:07:59
Quote from: TexasFlood;288432
Ripster, pay close attention to the dog when the shipping guy leaves.

Waiting to see if Ripster has Ace Ventura Lego...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4465679938_b8a401cb32.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: BababooeyHTJ on Tue, 01 February 2011, 15:09:17
Quote from: Ekaros;288444
What if you have 6 devices? ;D


I run four now. I never said that I would be happy about it. :tongue:
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Tue, 01 February 2011, 15:48:35
Quote from: BababooeyHTJ;288440
It was one motherboard. Socket burn was only an issue with 1156 foxconn brackets. I haven't been hearing about this "voltage death" either, unless we are talking about clarksdale.

The chipset degradation is a pretty serious but as long as you stick to the SATA 6gbs ports or use a third party controller you won't be affected.

Voltage death is in reference to people pumping the upper limits of what a 65nm fabricated chip can take, through a 32nm fabricated chip. Which was already discussed in this thread. But here's the link again;

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227651 (http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227651)

And it's not just a problem regarding voltage with Sandy Bridge. Talking to guys on IRC and they remember people *****ing because they killed Yorkfield and Wolfdale chips where the recommended limit was around 1.4v but people were pumping 1.6v through them like they were Conroes.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 16:48:41
Quote from: ripster;288434
You have 8 wiki corrections of which I think I had to correct half.


Someone has to keep you on your toes.

Quote from: EverythingIBM;288443
Ooooh some Atom bashing!

Yeah, that thing is slow. My Pentium 4 runs faster.

But like Bhtooefr said, at least it'll force developers to write more efficient code so it'll run at a normal speed on an Atom.


Atom is almost useless as a general purpose CPU, which is how it is being used. Unfortunately, developers are doing no such thing, forcing the CPU makers hand. And winning, hence the "dual core" and nvidia ion ****.

Quote from: ripster;288445
Some people run slow no matter what processor they are on.


ya, so did you get the stuff or what?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: BababooeyHTJ on Tue, 01 February 2011, 17:17:08
Quote from: brian8bit;288485
Voltage death is in reference to people pumping the upper limits of what a 65nm fabricated chip can take, through a 32nm fabricated chip. Which was already discussed in this thread. But here's the link again;

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227651 (http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227651)

And it's not just a problem regarding voltage with Sandy Bridge. Talking to guys on IRC and they remember people *****ing because they killed Yorkfield and Wolfdale chips where the recommended limit was around 1.4v but people were pumping 1.6v through them like they were Conroes.


Thanks for the link. I apparently haven't been too up to date on overclocking on sandy. To be honest after all of the reports of random death or degradation on Clarksdale I'm not too surprised.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: godly_music on Tue, 01 February 2011, 17:30:25
I like to keep CPU at stock speeds and undervolt. Generates substantially less heat, saves power, and doesn't damage the CPU in any way or shorten its life expectancy. The computer will crash if you try to make the CPU run on too little, but 0.1-0.15 V below stock is usually safe. And it still performs just as good as stock.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 17:44:38
I'm overclocked by 25% and undervolted by .09V.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Pylon on Tue, 01 February 2011, 17:44:41
For the extra SATA stuff, why not just get a PCI-E SATA controller card?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Tue, 01 February 2011, 19:43:01
Quote from: ripster;288534
Lol.  You guys should read the thread for my plan.  Plus, I ghost my drives frequently and keep a spare in the bank safety box.  Luckily none of my drives were affected by the PC blowing up.

BTW - it's all here!  Wasn't home but my wife said it looked like this guy.
Show Image
(http://www.strangepolitics.com/images/content/12142.jpg)


I'm pretty sure this is what your wife saw:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Yo2QcoDTL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)

UPS has to cut back on their employee wages.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: NAVIWORLDINC on Tue, 01 February 2011, 19:54:33
Quote from: ripster;288534
Lol.  You guys should read the thread for my plan.  Plus, I ghost my drives frequently and keep a spare in the bank safety box.  Luckily none of my drives were affected by the PC blowing up.

BTW - it's all here!  Wasn't home but my wife said it looked like this guy.
Show Image
(http://www.strangepolitics.com/images/content/12142.jpg)

From what I hear, as long as you keep your drives in the SATA 6GB/s, you should be fine, only the 3GB/s were effected. For added security, you could always get a sweet raid/sata expansion card. Sorry I did not comment sooner, my life has been busy as normal.

Protip: I am probably missing about 1/3rd of this thread as I have only read pages 1-5... So if I am being redundant as another poster I preemptively apologize.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 01 February 2011, 20:08:33
blarg
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Tue, 01 February 2011, 20:37:35
Quote from: ripster;288594
That's fine. I posted that earlier.


First thing I plan on doing when I get my PC built is this calculation:
4195835.0/3145727.0 = 1.333 820 449 136 241 002 (correct result)
 4195835.0/3145727.0 = 1.333 739 068 902 037 589 (incorrect result on a defective Pentium)


Whatever floats you boat. but I say, who needs precision??


Code: [Select]
>>> int(4195835.0/3145727.0)
1
>>>
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 02 February 2011, 12:20:54
Quote from: ripster;288837

Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5410529889_8616fbd286_b.jpg)


You can't make fun of my computers anymore. Or my basement. Yours look worse!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 12:22:01
Quote from: microsoft windows;288847
You can't make fun of my computers anymore. Or my basement. Yours look worse!


yes he can.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 12:24:34
Quote from: ripster;288837
In before the shipments stopped!
Up and running.  Damn, I'm impressed with SSDs.  I must restrain myself from upgrading my laptop and two other PCs.   I'll probably just get in the habit of buying one at the $200 pricepoint every new generation.  Easiest build yet.  Hopefully they'll give me 6 months or so to RMA the motherboard.


So how is it in the benchies? Sorry I don't feel like digging through pages of crap, care to sum up the part list? Curious about RAM, no trip chan it looks like ?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 02 February 2011, 12:31:37
I like the new watermark on your pics; much less intrusive.  What happened to Helvectica?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Pylon on Wed, 02 February 2011, 12:59:09
So you switched to Calibri. Hmm...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 02 February 2011, 13:12:42
Quote from: ripster;288860
Can you translate what instantkamera just said??


Nope, I don't speak Geek.

(http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/glie/images/greek_alphabet.gif)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 February 2011, 13:22:18
the venemous x is a great heatsink, although if you have the room (and the money) look into the Noctua NH-D14, it is VERY quiet and has been named the king of air cooling.  Although it is also the biggest heatsink out there right now so if you dont have room for it then you should look elsewhere.   :P
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 02 February 2011, 14:42:12
Nobody should  need a heat  sink like that for  home computing.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: cometbus on Wed, 02 February 2011, 16:11:10
Good lord, careful you don't wander too close to the intake on that beast, it'll be the last thing you ever do.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Wed, 02 February 2011, 16:36:02
Quote from: cometbus;288972
Good lord, careful you don't wander too close to the intake on that beast, it'll be the last thing you ever do.


Might get lucky like this chap.

Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 02 February 2011, 16:37:59
ripster, do you have sandy bridge?

see this

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/11/02/02/1929238/Asus-Gigabyte-To-Replace-All-Sandy-Bridge-Boards
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 02 February 2011, 16:39:20
I suppose you did : ) Just a heads up buddy. Cheers!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 17:11:09
Windows Home Server? People buy that thing?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 02 February 2011, 17:14:09
Quote from: ch_123;289001
Windows Home Server? People buy that thing?

Sounds like a machine with training wheels...


Look Dad, I have a windows home server!!!!

Dad looks to mom and says " Don't worry dear, its a server for the home. Those training wheels will never come off".
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 17:18:00
Sounds like a cure for all that ails you.

(http://bluebook.state.or.us/images/facts/scenic/tm/765.jpg)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 February 2011, 17:52:56
SSD's are great! and i believe that any of the netbook laptops already come with SSD because they use less power and the netbook needs any boost in speed it can get   :P

So yes, atom CPUs do benefit, all CPUs should benefit from one so long as it isnt over 5 years old or something.  The HDD is the slowest part of your computer so upgrading that is one of the best things to do!

I love SSDs too btw   :)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:05:15
Quote from: ripster;289024
OK, I'm going with your recommendation.  That and because MW doesn't like it.

And it's Biggus ****us
Show Image
(http://img.youtube.com/vi/u6NuGf6G4fk/0.jpg)



:biggrin1:   best cooler EVER, i have 2x 140mm fans on mine for the extra cooling and the quieter sound   :)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:10:04
Quote from: ripster;289024
That and because MW doesn't like it.


Come to think of it, this is a pretty reliable heuristic for picking hardware.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:14:34
Quote from: instantkamera;288850
So how is it in the benchies?
Care to share with us some numerical data pertaining to the performance of this personal computer? A result set from the suite entitled "GeekBench" would be desirable as that software is most familiar to those who frequent this online forum.

 
Quote from: instantkamera;288850
Sorry I don't feel like digging through pages of crap, care to sum up the part list?
Apologies are due in advance of the following query, due to the fact that I could attempt to obtain the desired information myself, but choose to forgo the somewhat laborious task of reviewing the numerous preceding entries in this discussion.
Would you be so kind as to summarize the various components which comprise your newly constructed computational device?

Quote from: instantkamera;288850
Curious about RAM, no trip chan it looks like ?

I am particularly interested with the details of your Random-Access Memory as it appears, from the supplied photographic rendering,  that you have not configured your system in the manor that is currently regarded as "standard". It is customary that the aforementioned memory be represented by three modules (or a multiple thereof), giving rise to the moniker "Triple channel".
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:33:51
Quote
Can you translate what instantkamera just said??


I'll do my best.

Quote
So how is it in the benchies? Sorry I don't feel like digging through pages of crap, care to sum up the part list? Curious about RAM, no trip chan it looks like ?


"How does it perform in benchmarks? Sorry I don't know how to hit the "first page" button. Care to repeat what you said in the first post? Curious about your RAM, you didn't decide to go with triple channel memory?"
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:36:39
Quote from: instantkamera;289033
It is customary that the aforementioned memory be represented by three modules (or a multiple thereof), giving rise to the moniker "Triple channel".


That's incorrect, actually. The tech came first and allowed people to use it in triple channel configuration.

1155 doesn't support triple channel RAM, it's dual channel only. Triple channel is only for servers and people who like to enhance their epeen.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 18:49:23
That's nothing. A guy I know was helping another guy pick parts for a computer build. I spent a worryingly long amount of time explaining to the former that DDR3 was not inherently triple channel...

Why do people who know absolutely nothing about computers pretend to do so?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 19:16:31
It's a lot like gun fighting.  There's always going to be someone who knows more about computers.  I'm sure there's someone out there that thinks you're a dolt because you didn't know some esoteric fact too.  Triple channel is relatively new, not everyone knows everything about it.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: J888www on Wed, 02 February 2011, 19:21:39
Quote from: ripster;289014
.......I'm now a SSD convert.


I cannot vouch for the quality of this OCZ Revo SSD (http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/47764/OCZ-Revo-Drive-120GB-PCI-E-SSD) as the touting advert just arrived in my Inbox, it apparently Reads and Writes very fast, also it's PCI-E, I'm also unsure if it means doggies ball ball or kitties poo poo. I know nothing. :eek:

In regard to TIM, I recently purchased 3 syringes of the Shin-Etsu X23-7783D from the US of A as I could not find any retail carriers in the UK of not so GB. It is the latest stuff from Microsi and they say it is the second best TIM available on the market for heat transfer, the best is not very suitable as the application is basically pretty much permanent.
NB: Best to put the syringe into boiling hot water for a couple of minutes before application.

Edit: Just found out there is now a UK supplier.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 02 February 2011, 19:30:02
I have been using a OCZ-VERTEX (30G) as my boot drive for the past year or so. It is fast.
I ran some test with bonnie against a 3 drive raid 0. From what I can glean from the numbers the SSD was still faster.

I can't wait for higher capacity and lower prices. : )
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: J888www on Wed, 02 February 2011, 19:51:13
I cannot understand why they did not produce PCI-E SSD sooner (higher bandwidth).
The bottleneck of SATA would only hinder the SSD, even 6GB SATA and NAND would only alleviate this issue to a certain extent so why not just all go PCI-E ?

Ahaa, silly me , keep forgetting the Gamers need their spaces for SLI or Crossfire, else their bananas aren't as curved as others.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bytemeavaj on Wed, 02 February 2011, 19:51:56
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:06:38
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;289045
Sorry I don't know how to hit the "first page" button. Care to repeat what you said in the first post?


Sorry, just thought that, with a page count in the double digits, there might have been some revision to the originally proposed specs. I haven't been following that closely.

Quote from: Phaedrus2129;289047
That's incorrect, actually. The tech came first and allowed people to use it in triple channel configuration.


Im repeating this aloud to myself, but I dont get it:

"The tech came first and allow..."

well you can read, and Im sure you had a point to make there,  but that sentence is highly unclear.

Quote from: Phaedrus2129;289047

1155 doesn't support triple channel RAM, it's dual channel only. Triple channel is only for servers and people who like to enhance their epeen.


I did not know that. Im super unfamiliar with intel sockets, I feel like maybe they have too many on the go at one time, but that could be just me.

I can assure you though, from my shopping endeavours (especially those regarding RAM selection), that triple channel is not "just for servers", and while it MAY be for "people who like to enhance their epeen", Im pretty sure those numbers are greater than you are making out.

Triple channel kits abound on NCIX/newEgg/etc and I even know a few people with TC configurations, and they aren't even people with epeens at all (maybe they have evags?).

Anyway, I just figured that was the new thing ...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:08:29
Quote from: bytemeavaj;289068
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.


***********************************************************
An Important Announcement to the 18th person to mention this

***********************************************************

We know.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:19:18
Good thing I don't have to worry about it. Isn't it nice  having a good computer you can count on?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bytemeavaj on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:36:09
Quote from: instantkamera;289075
***********************************************************
An Important Announcement to the 18th person to mention this

***********************************************************

We know.

Just for good measure,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:37:12
Quote from: bytemeavaj;289095
Just for good measure,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.


That's news to me.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:39:15
Quote from: microsoft windows;289081
Good thing I don't have to worry about it. Isn't it nice  having a good computer you can count on?


Even with the degradation, this will out perform all your computers combined. So no, it sucks to have a ton of ****ty old computers with crappy software loaded on them.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 February 2011, 20:53:07
a lot of people i know think DDR3 is triple channel too, i dont know why.  DDR3 is just faster RAM and triple channel really depends on what kind of cpu you get.  If you get a P67 or P55 you get dual-channel, if you get an i7 or the new Ivy Bridge when it comes out later this year, you will get triple-channel.  The performance difference is so small it isnt even worth mentioning between dual and triple channel.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 21:43:44
Triple channel DDR3 is only popular because most people think that LGA1366 requires it or something; which is false. Intel X58 (LGA1366) is just the only consumer platform that supports triple channel DDR3.

Most AMD AM2+ and AM3 platforms, and Intel X48, P55, H55, H57, and P67 all support dual channel DDR3 and cannot run in triple channel.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Wed, 02 February 2011, 23:25:11
Yup.  I only got 2 sockets populated right now in my 1366 build.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 February 2011, 23:53:13
i know, but if you can then why not?  RAM is not expensive and you might as well et something a little bit better to say you have triple channel, if you are going for a high quality build anyways then i think that you should be at least looking at the triple channel option.   :)  

It doesnt really offer much more speed, but it does offer a little.  That was enough for me to spend a little extra for some   :D
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: audioave10 on Thu, 03 February 2011, 00:14:49
I have heard that top-of-the-line Socket 2011 Motherboards may also include the ability to support quad-channel RAM. The Ivy Bridge chips that we will see late this year.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Thu, 03 February 2011, 17:50:46
If it's the same mobo, you might not have to.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 06:04:41
Quote from: chimera15;289056
It's a lot like gun fighting.  There's always going to be someone who knows more about computers.  I'm sure there's someone out there that thinks you're a dolt because you didn't know some esoteric fact too.  Triple channel is relatively new, not everyone knows everything about it.


The problem comes when someone is about to spend 700 euros on a computer, and is blindly listening to you tell them to buy things that won't work together. Sure, not everyone is going to know everything, but it's nice to know 'obscure fact' about the most basic aspects of computer building, especially when you're building for someone else.

And DDR3 has been out for about four years now. Get with the program, bro.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 04 February 2011, 06:24:14
Quote from: ch_123;289669
The problem comes when someone is about to spend 700 euros on a computer, and is blindly listening to you tell them to buy things that won't work together. Sure, not everyone is going to know everything, but it's nice to know 'obscure fact' about the most basic aspects of computer building, especially when you're building for someone else.

And DDR3 has been out for about four years now. Get with the program, bro.


As always, google is your friend. I haven't built a new box in a couple of years though.
My quad AMD w/ 8G of ram is working just fine, for now : )

Anyways, its not that hard to build a box from scratch.
Newegg is a great resource to use, at least for me. I like to start with the CPU and next would be the motherboard. You get all of the information you need about the motherboard right on the page so its kind of hard to go wrong.
You get the CPU socket information and the types of RAM it will support. Once that is known the rest is easy. Then it is a question of how many sata ports, ethernet ports etc I need.

Its actually kind of fun to put a machine together. With a little time and patience you can get exactly the machine you are looking for. All you have to do is read the information and decide.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 06:50:16
I should point out here that the person in question was providing advice to someone else. I built my first machine when I was about 14 or so.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 04 February 2011, 06:51:22
Quote from: ch_123;289674
I should point out here that the person in question was providing advice to someone else.


The blind leading the blind?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 07:14:18
Quote from: ch_123;289669
The problem comes when someone is about to spend 700 euros on a computer, and is blindly listening to you tell them to buy things that won't work together. Sure, not everyone is going to know everything, but it's nice to know 'obscure fact' about the most basic aspects of computer building, especially when you're building for someone else.

And DDR3 has been out for about four years now. Get with the program, bro.

I'm not defending the guy, obviously he's on the back curve of knowledge.  It's just a matter of your gloating that people who know nothing shouldn't act like they do.  The fact of the matter is that he probably did know more than the person he was helping, and you come along and are on the upper end of the curve and think he's an idiot, when it's just a matter of relativity.

I built my first system when I was 14 in 1987, and have built and repaired hundreds of machines of every generation so far, but there's a lot I still don't know about the latest and greatest.  There's a lot I've learned and forgotten too, especially about older machines that I'm not working with.  For me 4 years ago is recent.

Could I help someone build a 1366 system now, yes, without a doubt because I've done it now myself.  Could I make mistakes and not know something, yes very much so.  Should I not offer help to someone who's never built anything because I don't know every single fact related to newer systems?  I don't think so, especially if they're asking me.

I don't think it's been 4 years either, maybe news of it.  I believe it was late 2008, or early 2009 when they were first available.  That's only about 2 years.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 07:41:38
Building a PC is like putting together lego, for the most part. While it IS nice to know about every single variation in parts, it's really not information that requires a Bachelors degree to know and understand- some googling is all it takes.

While I can appreciate that some people know and remember every last socket/ram/etc configuration and are hardcore into builds, I personally consider that a waste of time and mental resources. I built my AMD machine. It took me no time at all to select parts, and it's a great box so far.

I do agree though, if you DONT know, dont offer advice. Problem is, a lot of people THINK they know. Why is that? I think maybe it's just becoming more and more difficult for younger generation to know ... what they know, because they rely heavily on the internet for facts, but haven't learned the value in VERIFICATION of facts. One guy says something stupid and it's immediately imprinted in another persons head as fact. I dunno, could be off base there, but when I read OCN, that's what I think of. S/N ratio is retardedly bad there.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 04 February 2011, 10:06:41
Its not a crime not to know. Its just poor form to provide faulty advice.

For the record, I am no guru. I have gotten burned more than once over the years and have given advice that I thought was solid only to turn out wrong. Not often but sadly it has happened. Live and learn I guess.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 10:34:52
Quote from: ripster;289724
That's OK.

I never listen to you guys anyway.


clearly. and I quote:

Quote


 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 04 February 2011, 11:30:30
Quote from: instantkamera;289745
clearly. and I quote:

thank you for pointing that out : )
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 11:40:47
Quote from: chimera15;289680
I don't think it's been 4 years either, maybe news of it.  I believe it was late 2008, or early 2009 when they were first available.  That's only about 2 years.


I did a search before I posted that, and it did come out in 2007. I remember LGA775 boards with DDR3 long before the Core i7 came out. Again, making sure you are right before making claims is always a good idea.

Quote
I'm not defending the guy, obviously he's on the back curve of knowledge. It's just a matter of your gloating that people who know nothing shouldn't act like they do. The fact of the matter is that he probably did know more than the person he was helping, and you come along and are on the upper end of the curve and think he's an idiot, when it's just a matter of relativity.


The issue here, if you bothered reading anything I said, was that it's all well and good until you start wasting people's money on stuff that doesn't work. A computer that doesn't turn on is not a 'matter of relativity'.

Quote
I do agree though, if you DONT know, dont offer advice. Problem is, a lot of people THINK they know. Why is that? I think maybe it's just becoming more and more difficult for younger generation to know ... what they know, because they rely heavily on the internet for facts, but haven't learned the value in VERIFICATION of facts. One guy says something stupid and it's immediately imprinted in another persons head as fact. I dunno, could be off base there, but when I read OCN, that's what I think of. S/N ratio is retardedly bad there.


The problem is the ability to know when you don't know something, which is something you learn from experience, usually bad ones. When recommending something, I'll usually do a quick look around the internet to make sure I know what I'm on about, unless I've done the thing before myself.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 11:43:58
I mean, is it that difficult to check?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM#Market_penetration
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 12:15:19
Quote from: ripster;289781
GOOD Lego builds require creativity.  Something you seem to lack.


I'd insult you back, but I can't think of anything to say ...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 12:27:37
Quote from: ripster;289793
You could post this again.


Im pretty unoriginal, so do you mind if I quote you?

Quote from: ripster;289793

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An Important Announcement regarding Intel(r) Series 6 Chipsets

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets,
which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors
(code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it
should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes
that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while
working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

However, some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA
devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard
drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this
issue yet, but they expect it to affect a significant percentage of users
eventually, and to worsen over a three year period.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 12:35:53
You are right about the creative part though:

Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 20:22:24
Quote from: instantkamera;289775
I mean, is it that difficult to check?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM#Market_penetration

It actually is.   I did do a search for triple channel memory, and only got this.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple-channel_architecture

Also I couldn't find any launch dates on actual ddr3 memory earlier than late 2009.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 04 February 2011, 21:04:34
DDR3 + SSD = crazy delicious.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Fri, 04 February 2011, 21:28:33
Cases. The CM 690 II is far superior to the original, and is a very good case and a good value.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: NAVIWORLDINC on Fri, 04 February 2011, 22:12:59
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;290091
Cases. The CM 690 II is far superior to the original, and is a very good case and a good value.


Lancool K62 is another great and fair option.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Fri, 04 February 2011, 22:46:53
to recap:

Quote from: ch_123;289051
I spent a worryingly long amount of time explaining to the former that DDR3 was not inherently triple channel...


Quote from: ch_123;289669
And DDR3 has been out for about four years now. Get with the program, bro.


Quote from: chimera15;289680
I don't think it's been 4 years either, maybe news of it.  I believe it was late 2008, or early 2009 when they were first available.  That's only about 2 years.

Quote from: instantkamera;289775
I mean, is it that difficult to check?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SD...et_penetration

Quote from: chimera15;290065
It actually is.   I did do a search for triple channel memory, and only got this...

Quote from: ch_123;289051
Why do people who know absolutely nothing about computers pretend to do so?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: godly_music on Sat, 05 February 2011, 01:00:55
Sweet looking case. Would be perfect if the holes were narrower, like a net. To stop the dust from being sucked in. It just collects neatly at the front of my case and can be wiped off.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 05 February 2011, 03:18:42
Quote from: ripster;288860
Hmm... better take some measurements..
Show Image
(http://www.abload.de/img/025ru86m.jpg)


Anybody have any other suggestions?

I just have a quick question about that mobo...
What's up with the six RAM slots? Wouldn't eight be more appropriate?
It reminds me of my computer with its three RAM slots. I've always preferred computers to have two or four (or even eight)... rather than three or six...

Quote from: godly_music;290144
Sweet looking case. Would be perfect if the holes were narrower, like a net. To stop the dust from being sucked in. It just collects neatly at the front of my case and can be wiped off.

Smaller holes restrict air flow; you'd be surprised at how much.
I like the IBM "honeycomb" vents the best.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Sat, 05 February 2011, 08:25:26
Quote from: instantkamera;290114
to recap:

Please, even the article you pointed to stated that almost no one was using ddr3 till 2009.  Most companies weren't even producing ddr3 until 2009 either.   It's not like that was common information.   I know that ddr3 was incredibly pricey and not competitive with ddr2 until recently either, so it made no sense to build a ddr3 775 system unless you had a ton of money to spend for very little system performance increase.

As we've been discussing ddr3 isn't the same as triple channel either, and as stated just because a system accepts ddr3 doesn't mean it's triple channel necessarily.


I believe as ddr3 was used in graphics cards for many years, in a configuration that I doubt would be the same as triple channel.  

There are a ton of ddr3 775 boards, but are they triple channel?


 I'll clarify my original statement to say that use of triple channel is relatively recent if it'll make you happy.   My original statement didn't say if I was talking about ddr3, or triple channel.  In fact it was CH that tried to claim ddr3 is the same as triple channel, to discredit my statement, unfairly.  
They're two separate things.  The conversation CH had that I was commenting about him acting all superior for no reason was about triple channel function, not really ddr3.

Even 4 years is recent for ddr3, but the common use of triple channel and affordable ddr3 in system builds has been shorter than 2 years.

In fact as I believe has already been stated in this thread only 1366, have triple channel I believe?  Do 1156? Here's a guy that says that only i7 systems have triple channel as well, which would make my statement completely correct, and CH wrong on the very fact that he was complaining about and trying to explain to this dolt by bringing up ddr3 when the conversation really has nothing to do with it:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/ram/19245-triple-channel-kits-lg775.html (http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/ram/19245-triple-channel-kits-lg775.html)

The fact that you're just trying to defend CH's insulting others by insulting me just shows what kind of person you are as well Instant.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Sat, 05 February 2011, 09:40:46
Quote from: chimera15;290226
As we've been discussing ddr3 isn't the same as triple channel either, and as stated just because a system accepts ddr3 doesn't mean it's triple channel necessarily.


I KNOW. That was my point, but I guess you can't read. CH claimed that DDR3 was out in 2007, you claimed not to be able to find anything on the subject after doing a search for TRIPLE CHANNEL.


 
Quote from: chimera15;290226

The fact that you're just trying to defend CH's insulting others by insulting me just shows what kind of person you are as well Instant.

Im defending two things, that DD3 is not the same as TC (which we all see to agree on now) and the fact that DDR3 was around in 2007, a fact I easily confirmed by NOT googling for TRIPLE CHANNEL.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 05 February 2011, 09:55:19
I am using a SSD drive (32G OCZ) as a system drive. I am running linux though.
One of the things I was reading about SSD was that you want to minimize the amount of writes. Something about SSD drives wearing out over time. The biggest culprit in linux is the /var/log folder. One solution, and the one that I am using is to make a ram disk for the log files.

Here is a section from my fstab file:
tmpfs /tmp tmpfs defaults,mode=1777,noatime,size=1024m 0 0
tmpfs /var/tmp tmpfs defaults,mode=1777,noatime,size=512m 0 0
tmpfs /var/log tmpfs defaults,mode=0755,noatime,size=512m 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/fastdrive tmpfs defaults,noatime,size=500m 0 0


Seems to work fine, only down side is if the machine is bumped then the contents of the log files are lost and are recreated from scratch on boot up. It hasn't affected me yet in a negative way but if it did, I suppose I would put the var folder on my raid 0 to keep it persistant.

Anyways, I was wondering if this was even an issue with windows. Windows does create log files, right? And their is no swap partition, but a swap file?.
So there would be a fair amount of writes to the SSD, no?

Just curious as to how windows handles that.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 05 February 2011, 09:58:55
I believe the issue is no different with Windows. I have no idea which OS does more logging and thus more writes. However I was under the impression that it may not actually be such an "issue" as such in that it could take a very long time for that to actually happen (like if it takes 15 years then who cares?)

Well I guess MW would care :D
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Sat, 05 February 2011, 10:26:05
Quote from: ripster;290266
Hey, you guys are supposed to be helping me!

Anyway, I linked to a most excellent SSD setup guide for Windows earlier in the thread (http://www.overclock.net/ssd/700470-tutorials-real-world-windows-7-ssd.html).  But since you're an oldtimer here's a couple of more links:

1.  SSD WIN7 Setup Secrets (http://www.overclock.net/ssd/929553-win-7-ssds-setup-secrets.html)
2.  How to split tasks SSD Boot/HD Storag (http://www.overclock.net/ssd/664738-how-setup-ssd-boot-drive-secondary.html)e

Show Image
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4843/mofoyh4au3.gif)


And in case you missed it Sandy Bridge has a SATA 3.0 problem so don't plug in your stuff into it or you may get....ZZZZOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGG GRADUAL PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION OVER THREEEEEEE YEEEEEARRSSSSS.


Monkey fight!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 05 February 2011, 10:27:49
There is just something about Sam Jackson and the word ****.  Its just awesome.


And yes, so sorry for not reading the entire thread but gee whiz, it is over 15 pages long now...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 05 February 2011, 10:34:22
Yeah, I do recall a seemingly endless stream of Sandy Bridge recall notices. : )

Nice links on the windows stuff. Thanks.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 05 February 2011, 11:20:38
The good thing about old computers is you don't have to  worry about  faulty components. By the time computers  get  to be  10 years old,  all the  faulty  ones die off.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: J888www on Sat, 05 February 2011, 11:24:55
Quote from: ripster;290130
I like Aluminum Lian Li's for ease of carting around and impeccable fit/finish.  


I used a Lian-Li A05NB (very good quality, but....) for my last build, now with regret as the Aluminium case have a tendency to drone with fan speed set to highish. Wished I bought a steel chasis like ie. Antec Solo, at least it does not require separate purchase of sound proofing material (was quite surprised by the cost of this material).

The only recommendation for cases is not to use Aluminium. Each to their own requirements so the size/make/model is relatively personal.

I too am thinking of another new build atm but not until everything is sorted, then I will wait a little more longer to see if the reports are positive, no point in rushing into a situation where the results will only be disappointment.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 February 2011, 11:28:49
Quote from: chimera15;290226
In fact it was CH that tried to claim ddr3 is the same as triple channel

...

The conversation CH had that I was commenting about him acting all superior for no reason was about triple channel function, not really ddr3.


You know, I do feel superior to you by virtue of my ability to read English. I'll give you that much.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 05 February 2011, 12:09:15
Aluminum  is also  very soft. It's easier to  scratch  and  dent than  most  plastic. I'm  surprised people would make  computer  cases out of it.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 05 February 2011, 13:47:45
Quote from: microsoft windows;290334
Aluminum  is also  very soft. It's easier to  scratch  and  dent than  most  plastic. I'm  surprised people would make  computer  cases out of it.


Yeah, I prefer my steel IBM cases :)
Although I see what you mean when you say the plastic doesn't dent. But it can crack... or gets mushed if it's soft ABS.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sat, 05 February 2011, 17:09:41
Quote from: ripster;290448
The big advantage of Aluminum cases are how light they are.  Plus anodized aluminum is beautiful.

iPads for example are made of a single billet of machined aluminum.
Show Image
(http://images.appleinsider.com/ifixit.ipad.001.png)


Magnesium rollcage is way better bub. Way stronger than aluminum.

And for a *desktop*, I'd rather have steel any day 'round.

I still find apple products ugly. I hate shiny silver stuff. Tacky.

Matte is the way to go.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 05 February 2011, 21:23:22
The stuff isn't shiny. Apple's aluminum is very, very matte.

As for magnesium alloy, I agree. The problem is with consumer perception. Aluminum feels like metal because it's very cold to the touch. People know it's metal. That's why a lot of consumer end notebooks plaster aluminum all over the chassis to give it a higher end feel without actually being that much stronger. Magnesium alloy on the other hand, especially when painted, feels all plasticy. I mean, I thought the magnesium parts on a Dell Latitude D620 were plastic. Ditto for some E6410 parts and an entire Inspiron that I thought was plastic until I broke the panels.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Sat, 05 February 2011, 22:24:03
Isn't magnesium extremely flammable? Like it gets hot enough to ignite thermite even.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: msiegel on Sat, 05 February 2011, 22:50:37
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;290556
magnesium


that was quite interesting :)

Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Sat, 05 February 2011, 23:21:21
Quote from: ripster;290262
Why don't you guys argue about the history of DDR3 by PM. The lulz potential is minimal. ANDDDDDDD......I'm not into Vintage anyway.

God forbid anyone pollute YOUR threads with retarded posts. I mean, you have never done that to anyone else, right?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 06 February 2011, 05:43:39
Quote from: Phaedrus2129;290556
Isn't magnesium extremely flammable? Like it gets hot enough to ignite thermite even.


Let's just say that magnesium is flammable in the same way that aluminium is soft.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Sun, 06 February 2011, 10:45:37
That linoleum is a good idea. I like that. Much cheaper than branded foam sound deadening. And less smelly than the bitumen type they use in Fractals, I suppose.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: EverythingIBM on Sun, 06 February 2011, 14:56:49
Ripster I absolutely LOVE your cable tie idea to tie the fans on to the heatsinks by threading it through the fins.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5418554975_07b9b3bd0f_z.jpg)
GENIUS!

Where could I get twisty cables like that?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 06 February 2011, 15:21:58
You can get them real cheap at just about any hardware store.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Mon, 07 February 2011, 05:58:53
Quote from: ripster;290893
I recommend keeping a razor blade hidden in your anus.


Funny, that's where I keep my Razer BlackWidow. I had to switch to a standing desk though ...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Thu, 10 February 2011, 17:15:27
god i love my D14   :D    I will buy noctuas stuff for a long time if they can ever top this baby!   My 4.2 will never pass 70C, even under the Intel Burn Test my CPU does not go over 68C which is just amazing!

I am glad you like it ripster!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 11 February 2011, 10:51:54
That's why I'm lazy and let Lenovo build mine =)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Fri, 11 February 2011, 11:50:53
Nice lighting.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 11 February 2011, 11:51:46
How the BIOS has managed to last this long is really beyond me. Same with the whole x86 PC architecture in general.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: J888www on Fri, 11 February 2011, 12:03:23
The AsRock mobo have the latest Drivers and latest version of BIOS  flashed ?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 11 February 2011, 13:08:32
That would take longer than just flipping the DIP switch.  Efficiency for the win.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 11 February 2011, 13:33:34
DIP switches don't fry when you accidentally download the US firmware instead of the UK one...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 11 February 2011, 17:14:26
The nice thing about my rubber dome keyboards from the 1990's is that I don't have to worry about firmware. They're nice, reliable, and durable.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Sat, 12 February 2011, 16:13:13
Rip, those aren't bad numbers from you stock sandy.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: slueth on Wed, 16 February 2011, 02:01:09
Ripster did you get that ssd?  If so you should google ssd optimization.

Also utilize the ramdisk section.  There are ramdisk programs that will let you use your ram as a hard drive.  In linux they have a dynamic version where it changes according to use.

The ram disk will act like a super fast hard drive and you can point programs to it and then have it autosave or save before you shutdown the computer as an image.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 16 February 2011, 06:05:23
I use tmpfs and not a ramdisk, it can swap if it needs to. I have swap on a spinning disk.

Also, Im pretty sure Rip has already optimized for SSD...
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: chimera15 on Wed, 16 February 2011, 07:57:31
I learned it's important to update the firmware if there are any updates as well recently.  Lots of times the manufacturers tweak the leveling and other problems drives might encounter.

Patriot ssds for instance from a year or so ago are extremely prone to failing because the firmware they shipped with was inefficient.  You have to wipe the drive to do it unfortunately, so best to do it as soon as you get it.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: typo on Thu, 17 February 2011, 21:01:39
my! what a big heatsink you have. lol.

i'd be hard pressed to go 1366 or get a 12 core opteron. the opteron will smoke the i7......but of course the 12 core xeon will smoke the opteron. money not withstanding.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Hak Foo on Thu, 17 February 2011, 21:17:35
Quote from: ripster;289617
AssRocks Rocks Ass!

My Quad 6700 system is now up and running.  This is good news since the memory and CPU survived the motherboard getting fried.

Unfortunately there is no way a $60 AsRocks can get this up to 3.6 but I may just stick it at 3.4 and be happy.


I loved my old Asrock board - a 939SLI32-eSATA2.  It had a bizarre chipset which had two real x16 slots, and four SATA ports in a day when two was common, but no SLI support because nVidia stuck their heads up their rear ends until the X58 boards came out, by which time I had shorted and killed the board by accident, and installed a Phenom instead.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: dracaXL on Wed, 02 March 2011, 14:13:36
Nice build, I have a very similar set-up, except in an NZXT Phantom (White) case and a GTX 580.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 March 2011, 17:04:10
Quote from: typo;297013
my! what a big heatsink you have. lol.

i'd be hard pressed to go 1366 or get a 12 core opteron. the opteron will smoke the i7......but of course the 12 core xeon will smoke the opteron. money not withstanding.


why would you need a server CPU like that anyways?  That much power would be wasted on a home desktop I would think...

Unless you are buying one for a server of course, then dont mind this comment!  :P
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Wed, 02 March 2011, 17:10:38
Speaking of heatsinks, I posted this on Overclockers.

http://en.expreview.com/2011/02/18/scythe-rolls-out-susanoo-cpu-cooler-with-four-fans-and-twelve-heatpipes/14739.html
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 02 March 2011, 17:33:30
Quote from: Brian8bit;303684
Speaking of heatsinks, I posted this on Overclockers.

http://en.expreview.com/2011/02/18/scythe-rolls-out-susanoo-cpu-cooler-with-four-fans-and-twelve-heatpipes/14739.html

SWEET JESUS!!!!  I don't think that that cooler could even fit in my HAF-X!!!  I think that they are targeting people who don't use computer cases for their rig....

Pretty small target audience if you ask me.   :(   I really want it anyways for some reason, though!   >:)    Perhaps I could just drill out a large square in the side of my computer to fit it in and then all the fans could just be intake fans!  

hmmm..... so many ways to mod the case with that awesome cooler!  Fan orientation will be my hardest decision I feel if I could get my hands on one.  Plus the weight is enormous and it is so tall that it will put much more force on the motherboard than a shorter, heavier heatsink.  I wonder how mobos will be affected by the hugeness that is that cooler.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Wed, 02 March 2011, 17:46:01
Quote from: Brian8bit;303684
Speaking of heatsinks, I posted this on Overclockers.

http://en.expreview.com/2011/02/18/scythe-rolls-out-susanoo-cpu-cooler-with-four-fans-and-twelve-heatpipes/14739.html


:jaw:
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Brian8bit on Wed, 02 March 2011, 18:38:11
Quote from: hfcobra;303707
SWEET JESUS!!!!  I don't think that that cooler could even fit in my HAF-X!!!  I think that they are targeting people who don't use computer cases for their rig....


Pretty much. I don't think you could mount it from an upright board without at least attaching it to the top of your case somehow to avoid the thing bending your motherboard.

I suspect it's main use will be on test benches and the like. It'll be interesting to see just how effective it is all the same. For the life of me I can't see how it could be any better than smaller coolers.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Hak Foo on Wed, 02 March 2011, 20:27:42
As for the Scythe, it reminds me of an even more audacious take on the Cooler Master GeminiII.  They took two 120mm fans, and promised to ventilate parts of the board beyond the CPU alone because of the over-hang.

It was a ***** to install (mobo removal required, many step install process) and famed for poor quality (mine made virtually no contact with the actual CPU); they ended up flogging them off at huge rebates where the net cost was like $3.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: dracaXL on Thu, 03 March 2011, 18:20:42
Quote from: ripster;303793
I like how quiet the Noctua is.

4 smaller fans on that monster makes it a dead end for me.  At 40% fan speed my temp is 34c idle.


That seems a bit hot - my noctua's fans are set to minimum and I idle at 25*C in a room with an electric heater; have you overclocked the CPU?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: dracaXL on Thu, 03 March 2011, 18:58:24
Bar the case, pretty much - the 600t is known to run a little hotter than others though.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: tickt0ck on Fri, 04 March 2011, 12:49:07
Quote from: ripster;287348
So I'm on my trusty old DFI LanParty X48 and Q6700 @ 3.6 downstairs PC for about 5 minutes after power on and POOF!  Off goes the PC and I get a good sniff of burnt electronics.  Pull it out and put on my HSPC tech station with a spare power supply and confirm it's the motherboard (or maybe the chip -  am not sure how to tell).

Bummer, Doooood.

So I've been thinking it's new build time anyway so I'll toss the QC6700/RAM in a box for another day and start a new build.  I'll admit I don't hang out in the HardForum and OCN motherboard/CPU forums so I need some advice on this Sandy Bridge Build.   I've been eying the reviews and it looks like a good time for a new build.

I've got these in my Shopping Cart at Newegg and will pull the trigger this weekeng.  Any gotcha's anybody sees?  Primary application will be standard computing stuff, heavy photo and especially Video Editing (AVCHD is a *****).  Not a lot of gaming and I'm not really into the dual slot video card thing but it looks like I need to go upmarket a bit to get all those juicy USB 3.0 ports and eSata.  And yah, I'll OC it some.  But maybe not enough to burn up the motherboard this time - temps were fine but maybe the power boost did the DFI in over the 2/3 years.


Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070)

ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131679)


G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428)

I'm tempted to get a Intel (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167035) or OCZ SSD drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227551) even though it probably won't help the video editing much.  And do I really need 120G?

Wow, thats a bit ironic. My DFI Lan Party II went out on me too in the not so distant past. Ended up getting a Asus Rampage III formula. I like it quite a bit. Smokes the old box.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 16 March 2011, 10:49:32
I'd have picked the Thinkpad X120e over the HP. Similar guts, better keyboard and housing. Although I don't think Lenovo offers an SSD as an option on the X120e, and if they did it would be one of those crappy Samsung ones. But that's nothing a quick aftermarket upgrade won't fix, and there's no warranty sticker to break. ;)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 16 March 2011, 16:02:57
Quote from: ripster;310492
Sandy Bridge Motherboards Rev3s now all over Newegg. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131701&cm_re=p67-_-13-131-701-_-Product)  I got an Email from Newegg giving me options for replace/return and will be doing a advance RMA option - they send the replacement and I turn around and send the bad one back (gotta love Newegg!).

Bad one.
Show Image
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5410979540_3d41b417dc_z.jpg)


In other news I'm so fond of SSD I have a SSD HP DM1z NOTbook on the way.

Meanwhile the INTC Dinosaur lumbers on, meteors don't affect it but climate change might.
Show Image
(http://www.google.com/finance/chart?q=NASDAQ:INTC&tlf=12)


Did you change your watermark for any particular reason?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: instantkamera on Sat, 19 March 2011, 11:13:12
Micron = Crucial. I think he meant that the X120e would come with samsung, if it came with an ssd at all.

Why anyone would buy an ultra-portable (or any computer) without an SSD is beyond me.

So Rip, how is that vs. your old atom netbook in terms of overall usability and ****?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Sun, 20 March 2011, 12:30:20
(http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/6313255/Ripsters-back-Better-drink-my-own-piss.jpg?imageSize=Large&generatorName=bear-grylls)

While you were gone I formed a mild obsession with memegenerator.net
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: iMav on Sun, 20 March 2011, 12:36:37
I had an HP 2140HD that I really enjoyed.  Replaced it with a 11.6" gateway that I got off of woot.  Replace the gateway with a maxed out 11.6" Macbook Air.  

I don't think I would hesitate to pick up another HP netbook if the need arises.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 23 March 2011, 14:06:09
Quote from: ripster;305006
DFI Lanparty.  So many BIOS options it looks like it is designed by engineering trolls.


It is a LANparty afterall.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 14:17:48
Quote from: ripster;316915
I'm rusty on the whole OCing thing.

Somebody tell me what BIOS button settings to push for a clean Sandy Bridge Medium overclock. A jillion people must have my exact same build now that Intel has gotten their $1B writeoff act together (I wonder if iMav will get a Christmas bonus this year?).  Nothing fancy.  I was happy with my Q6700 at 3.6 so I'm not looking to fry anything (again).


just fiddle with the multi and voltages.  I dont remember the max safe voltage for the Sandy Bridge CPU's, but I think it was something like 1.35Vcore.  I doubt you will get that high though since you are not overclocking it a ton.

Don't mess with the BCLK because it is now tied to the PCI bus speed which get very unstable very quickly when the BCLK is increased.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 23 March 2011, 14:25:45
Most motherboards these days come with a Dummy OC/Auto AI Tweak, that typically OC's just enough without touching voltages.  Though, they don't always work perfectly, so manual adjustments usually need to be made...

But....I'm sure you've already seen this (http://www.techreaction.net/2011/01/04/3-step-overclocking-guide-%E2%80%93-sandy-bridge-v0-1beta/).
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 14:44:49
those auto OC things never really work that well from what I have seen.  Despite what the 3 step guide says I would still not recommend going much past 1.35Vcore.  SB is 35nm tech and that is more heat sensitive than the 45nm i7s and whatnot.  So less voltage can cause damage.  The SB's overclock like it is their job though, so you will most likely get where you want to go without much trouble.  :)

Just look up the max voltages for certain settings for a SB rig and just dont pass them while keeping good temps when stress testing and you will be fine.

That Noctua will cool whatever OC you can possibly want so there really isn't a  reason to worry.  My i7 920 at 4.2 is still going strong with the D-14 after almost a year and no problems at all.

Good luck with the OC btw!  :thumb:

EDIT: Just out of curiosity, what is your exact setup?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: DanGWanG on Wed, 23 March 2011, 16:18:45
I believe it's in the first post:

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor

ASUS P8P67 Deluxe LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:10:06
well the "quite different" is just that you overclock with the multiplier only instead of the BCLK and the Multi.  You can make a post over at OCN and see if you can get any advice from them if you like.   :)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:32:06
lol, why is that?

EDIT: OMFG 30K posts ripster!
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:35:31
(http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/6457771/congratulations-on-your-30000-posts.jpg?imageSize=Medium&generatorName=Troll-Face)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:42:31
Wow, a SENIOR moderator? What's that, like 9th grade?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 20:46:38
lol, that is rather funny if true.  You do post a lot though   :P   double posting is a little annoying I have found though so they really dont make any exceptions to keep the annoying posters from double posting, even if they have to tell you not too or something.  That whole deal, you know?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 22:35:42
Quote from: ripster;317331
This is my rig.

How do I OC it?



First you should download RealTemp, Prime95, the Intel Burn Test, and Memtestx86.

Just start by finding the memory's max overclock while maintaining stability at the rated voltage.  Found on the sticker on the side of the RAM stick, but I am sure you knew that.  I just set the memory to the settings on the sticker since RAM does not really add much speed unless you are really looking for every last bit of performance out of your machine.  When you set it at the rated timings, clock speed, and voltage, download an ISO of memtestx86 and put that on a CD to test that the RAM is stable at stock speeds.  If not you can RMA it or just run it slower or add more voltage to it.  Since it will most likely be stable at stock speeds you can either decide to overclock it or not, although I dont see much of a point in overclocking RAM when it is no longer tied to overclocking the CPU.

Then lower the RAM speed to somewhere around 800MHz or lower (it really doesnt matter so long as you are sure it will be stable, just put it well under the RAM specs) and find the CPU's multi that you would like to run it with.  Adjust the voltage when you lose stability.  Increase from x20 to x21 and reboot, repeat.  If it fails to boot add the smallest amount of Vcore possible then try again.  (the x20 is just the normal multi for an i7, I am not sure what the stock multi for a SB CPU is but you should start from there and not from x20 of course!)  The max multi for the CPU you have is x57, but I dont think you will get anywhere near that since you dont have liquid helium on standby for cooling lol.

When you find that just put the RAM at the timings that you want along with the CPU and boot.  If it boots then good for you, run the Intel Burn Test for 150-200 runs at max stress level and Prime95 on mixed for 10 hours or overnight to be sure that it is stable.  Watch the temps, if they get to high for you then lower your clock on the CPU and adjust the voltage to keep stability.  

When you are all done with that and the system is where you want it then you can be done or you can try for a higher overclock if your temps are lower than expected.  Intel suggests not passing 67C and with the Intel Burn Test you will put the CPU in a stressful situation that it will never EVER see in real world usage, so usually anything under 80C in IBT is considered fine.  I prefer staying under 75C and during the test my CPU maxes the temp at 69C.

Just follow this and don't do anything crazy and you should be fine!  Just so you know I have not had the pleasure of overclocking a SB CPU yet but I understand the process so you can take my advice or leave it.

People over at OCN have been hitting 4.7+GHz on air, so you should be able to hit 4.0-4.4 without much trouble or any huge temps.  If you have any problems then you might want to ask someone over there for help though, just reading about the process doesnt really help when troubleshooting I am sorry to say.   :(
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 23 March 2011, 22:42:54
Quote from: ripster;317373
tl;dr

I've overclocked before.  I just need the settings for a medium OC for that specific config.


well even rigs with the same parts will differ, that is why you should just do it yourself.  Someone else's setting might not be stable on you computer, even with the same parts.  Even the ambient room temp will make a difference sometimes.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: elbowglue on Thu, 31 March 2011, 13:50:46
Not trying to turn this into OCN or anything but,

I'm thinking about making a new i5-2500k rig,
anyone know a decent P67 motherboard that is
1) inexpensive
2) supports 2x pci-e for crossfire
3) will support a moderate overclock (maybe 4.5ghz)
4) pretty fast to POST?

Thanks.

Oh and Ripster you're such a troll =)
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: elbowglue on Thu, 31 March 2011, 13:56:14
Quote from: ripster;317373
tl;dr

I've overclocked before.  I just need the settings for a medium OC for that specific config.


I think you may have to wait for some time for someone with your exact setup to crop up.  Just consider changing the multiplier a few notches up until it becomes unstable, then back it down a few notches.  You may be able to get some increased Overclocks out of it at stock voltage.  That's what I would do at least.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: elbowglue on Thu, 31 March 2011, 14:07:10
Quote from: ripster;322127
Oooops.  Maybe not.  

 

Maybe I got finally banned?



Yeah I got the same server error.  Looks like they banned everyone.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Vittra on Thu, 31 March 2011, 15:24:56
I've got a 2600K/Gigabyte UD7-B3/8GB G.Skill ECO.

I have however worked with an Asus board recently, the Sabertooth P67 (B3).

When it comes to Sandybridge, the chips don't matter. You can have 2 people with the same batch number have wildly different results, it's a lot more "luck of the draw" than it used to be.

Pretty much every 2600K I've seen regardless of motherboard has been able to hit 4.3-4.4ghz on STOCK/AUTO settings (yes, including core voltage) by simply raising the multiplier. That'd be 43x or 44x respectively.

Hitting 4ghz is easy and worthwhile. Go into the UEFI, swap to advanced settings, go to the AI Tweaker tab

1) Set Turbo Ratio to "By All Cores". This will let you just select one value for all the 4 cores to OC to.
2) Change CPU Multi setting to 40x
3) Set Memory Frequency to 1600
4) Enter the DRAM Timing Control screen
5) Set the timings for your ram manually, 9-9-9-24
6) Exit the DRAM timing screen, scroll down on AI Tweaker and ensure DRAM voltage is set to 1.5V

That's it really. You can let the board deal with the vcore set to AUTO at 4.0ghz. Personally I wouldn't since I'm a bit OCD about having things as efficient as possible, but it would be just fine if you are feeling lazy.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: audioave10 on Fri, 10 June 2011, 11:01:36
Hey, that worked out good! nice setup
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: Lpb45 on Wed, 15 June 2011, 16:28:48
Quote from: ripster;357539
Time for a UPDATE!!!

First the boring stuff.  I upgraded the 1TB to a 2TB WD Black - booooorrrriiiinnnggg.

Then a Dell U3011.  The 30".  Velly nice.

Then my sound card died.  After posting in the headphone thread (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?13775-Headphone-Thread.&p=347126&viewfull=1#post347126) and getting rotten advice I decided on the Claro HT Omega Claro Halo with XT (they need to shorten that name).

Since this isn't HeadFi I'm not going into any tech speak on this stuff - just showing pics.

Show Image
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5759859309_62732f1d45_z.jpg)


Hi-End Amp on a card
Show Image
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/5759859951_cf6650cb15_z.jpg)


This sound card is sheer awesomeness despite being Korean.
Show Image
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5760404284_891b511c0e_z.jpg)


Replaceable OpAmps if I go headfihigh
Show Image
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5760404692_09df8c2018_z.jpg)


XT addon card.  I would have bought the ASUS if I could find their elusive 7channel version of this.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/5760405078_7b63d6508e_z.jpg)


The RCA jacks are a revelation after years of flimsy nonstandard Creative submini jacks.  PLIIX and DTS 5.1 FTW.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/5811130506_20a3dfd015_z.jpg)



But WAIT, there's MOAR.  The U3011/F2001 WallOlcds means my Mackie HR824 monitors sitting on the table top were obscured.  So first I looked into wall mounting 40lb monitors and decided that would be too much work so decided to put one on a pedestal and the other on another higher part of the desk.

So I grabbed a testbed speaker box I had and painted it with my favorite DIY speaker combo, oil based black paint over MDF and then a few coats of truckbed liner.  Then I sprayed another board and screwed it to the top to make a nice strong speaker stand.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/5797751285_218cee5cae_z.jpg)


Gives a nice pebbly and tough finish.  
Show Image
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/5798303242_2ea0e25ce4_z.jpg)


Then I went a bit off the deep end and instead of my former packing foam pads I used for monitor isolation I got the PrimaAcoustics with a 5 degree angle downfiring.

I was disappointed opening up the box.  WTF - $100 for a piece of foam and some metal?  AM I BACK AT HEADFI!!
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/5798299968_05da1a9ea4_z.jpg)


Actually the metal panel is impressive.  Weighs a ton and has a nonslip pad on top.  The foam itself didn't look anything special to me.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/5797748535_9f0dbfd2c7_z.jpg)

 
Fire up the rears...I should become a TruckLiner salesman.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5182954409_4f9a0eddaa_z.jpg)


Using my Yamaha 4 channel amp MX-35.  I have two of these cheap off of ebay a long time ago.
Show Image
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4736704578_e617e35634_z.jpg)


Putting it all together.
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/5797749113_c9c51f8b15_z.jpg)


And final result.
Show Image
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/5798301278_7c32f150ff_b.jpg)



It's just awesome for cranking out the sound.  Surprising enough I did do testing both A/B with Right/Left channel with/without the Primacoustics switching with the 1/4" ghetto pad solution and indeed I do hear a lot tighter bass.  Stupid audiophile equipment - when will it end!

Sounds great though.
(Attachment) 18968[/ATTACH]

IMO the 2001fp is horribly out of place.  Was that an IPS model?
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: slueth on Wed, 15 June 2011, 18:12:57
hah told you to get the halo claro or was it someone else to get a halo  :X tbh asus stuff sucks.  Did you switch it to the higher ohm setting? also you can replace those op amps if you wanna try different ones.  burr browns.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: nathanscribe on Sat, 20 August 2011, 14:13:38
Ah now you see proper speaker isolation does make a difference, it's a practical thing and has real physics in it.  Unlike that batsh*t nonsense about putting wooden cones or whatever at strategic points in the room to counteract resonance or realign shakras or something.  Or paying a four-figure sum for five feet of power cable.

I've been thinking about getting some of those Primacoustics or similar; there are a couple of cheaper models that might do.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: AlleyViper on Mon, 29 August 2011, 11:19:03
TN panels rotated vertically are almost impossible to use :p

Nice sound setup, usually any PC that lands into my desk is connected to a KA-3080R and a pair of Wharfedale Modus Four speakers (second hand/NOS). Most times using a way cheaper Oxygen HD based card (Asus DX), that comes with decent CS 4398 only for the front stereo. I simply can't stand sub-woofers when listening to music.
Title: OK, PC Blew Up, Need Build Advice
Post by: AlleyViper on Mon, 29 August 2011, 11:24:55
TN panels rotated vertically are almost impossible to use :p

Nice sound setup, usually any PC that lands into my desk is connected to a KA-3080R and a pair of Wharfedale Modus Four speakers (second hand/NOS). Most times using a way cheaper Oxygen HD based card (Asus DX), that comes with decent CS 4398 only for the front stereo. I simply can't stand sub-woofers when listening to music.