So I came into quite a bit of money for my birthday and Christmas bonus and plus my savings I should have enough to spend on up to 1000$ for a gaming PC. I was wondering if you guys could help me make an informed decision (hopefully somewhere around the 600-800 range). I would like to play next gen games on the PC.
Um....No, not in that price range. If you want a really good gaming rig, like you'd need for really high-end games to play really well, you're looking at another digit in the price, and the first digit probably isn't going to be a '1'.
And don't go near anything from Dell. Even if they really have gotten better, the company is going down in flames.
If you're comfortable putting it together yourself, you should be able to build one for 800 or so. Many serious gamers (i.e. those that play the cutting edge games) go this route.
If there's a Fry's Electronics somewhere near you, there's usually someone on staff that can help get you started.
I can go the build it yourself route. Any kits I could order online?
I've also heard good things about steam box consoles.
Not as such, you'll have to look for the individual components individually. The most difficult part here is making sure the motherboard you get has the right slots for the peripherals you want. Even if you don't get all the peripherals now (or something is on the horizon).
Here's a sample starter shopping list, (and the current prices at Fry's):
Intel Z87 motherboard, $160
a hard drive $39-$149
GeForce GTX 750 graphics accelerator - 149
Sound Blaster $65.
Memory - ~50/chip for DDR3
That should be enough to have a working computer, and then you'd expand on that as your needs demand.
Alternatively, you could buy this http://www.frys.com/product/8171905#detailed (http://www.frys.com/product/8171905#detailed).
It should be able to play any commercially available game reasonably well.
I went digging around and found these builds. Any thoughts on them?
http://www.reddit.com/r/PCMasterRace/wiki/builds
Actually, it's pretty sound advise. I'd go with the exterminator.
Would end-all be a good choice too? Cause I could totally go end-all-in *bricked*
I usually get my machines custom-built (or you can get kits, too) at CPUSolutions (http://www.cpusolutions.com/). They have a section for gaming PCs, but as Evensgrey said they have an extra digit that isn't a 1. But I believe they're all customizable, and you can also go elsewhere on the site and customize pretty much any PC you want. So if you knew specifically what you needed to run the games you want to play, you should be able to find a fairly cheap solution there.
I can tell you, these guys only select the best hardware. You can probably find some for cheaper, but I wouldn't trust the hardware. Cheaper usually means less reliable.
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 24, 2014, 05:43:46 PM
Would end-all be a good choice too? Cause I could totally go end-all-in *bricked*
Yes. I was considering your stated price range, but if you want to spend the extra for "even better", then I'm not going to tell you it's a "bad" choice. In terms of savings down the road, it may even be a "good" choice.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 24, 2014, 05:44:55 PM
I usually get my machines custom-built (or you can get kits, too) at CPUSolutions (http://www.cpusolutions.com/). They have a section for gaming PCs, but as Evensgrey said they have an extra digit that isn't a 1. But I believe they're all customizable, and you can also go elsewhere on the site and customize pretty much any PC you want. So if you knew specifically what you needed to run the games you want to play, you should be able to find a fairly cheap solution there.
I can tell you, these guys only select the best hardware. You can probably find some for cheaper, but I wouldn't trust the hardware. Cheaper usually means less reliable.
I just checked out that site and am looking at the top most expensive gaming PC: $3,784.88 Ho-ly cow.
https://www.cpusolutions.com/store/pc/Rampage-V-Extreme-w-i7-5960X-Extreme-Edition-8-core-CPU-X99-Chipset-Custom-Built-Performance-Gaming-Desktop-PC-w-GTX-780-32GB-DDR4-RAM-Windows-7-Pro-183p3994.htm
Well, I know what I'll be getting once I save up some money. Though, considering I'd want to install Linux in it too (A dual-boot, I think that's called?) I don't know if I should start cheaper and mess around with things, or maybe use virtual box or something. I'd like to learn to build my own myself, tbh.
But yeah, damn that system is just...*swoons!*
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 24, 2014, 05:57:54 PM
I just checked out that site and am looking at the top most expensive gaming PC: $3,784.88 Ho-ly cow.
https://www.cpusolutions.com/store/pc/Rampage-V-Extreme-w-i7-5960X-Extreme-Edition-8-core-CPU-X99-Chipset-Custom-Built-Performance-Gaming-Desktop-PC-w-GTX-780-32GB-DDR4-RAM-Windows-7-Pro-183p3994.htm
Well, I know what I'll be getting once I save up some money. Though, considering I'd want to install Linux in it too (A dual-boot, I think that's called?) I don't know if I should start cheaper and mess around with things, or maybe use virtual box or something. I'd like to learn to build my own myself, tbh.
But yeah, damn that system is just...*swoons!*
Well, if you were to get that, and you wanted to experiment with dual boot or a straight Linux, most people would advise NOT doing it with your shiny new computer. Especially if you've not done it before. Once you have the new computer all snug and comfy with what you need it to do, use the OLD computer for experimenting.
I think ill go with the exterminator since its got pretty good options for the price plus I can ask my gf for help if i cant figure out how to put it all together xD
Quote from: dallen68 on November 24, 2014, 06:05:28 PM
Well, if you were to get that, and you wanted to experiment with dual boot or a straight Linux, most people would advise NOT doing it with your shiny new computer. Especially if you've not done it before. Once you have the new computer all snug and comfy with what you need it to do, use the OLD computer for experimenting.
Thanks, Dallen. :)
@Shane: So maybe I'm just in that kind of mood, but I went to customize this bad boy, and picked all of the most expensive things (including 4 of the costliest HDD and 3 of the most expensive monitors, and 2 of the most expensive video cards, and the extended warranty). The end price: $11,282.70
Dayam. So what would be a better way to customize this thing, like, in a way that won't get me a lot of wasted money on redundant or incompatible parts? I figure maybe learn more about the technical specs or what have you, and yes, I can Google it, but what specific sources or sites would you recommend?
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 24, 2014, 06:26:34 PM
Thanks, Dallen. :)
@Shane: So maybe I'm just in that kind of mood, but I went to customize this bad boy, and picked all of the most expensive things (including 4 of the costliest HDD and 3 of the most expensive monitors, and 2 of the most expensive video cards, and the extended warranty). The end price: $11,282.70
Dayam. So what would be a better way to customize this thing, like, in a way that won't get me a lot of wasted money on redundant or incompatible parts? I figure maybe learn more about the technical specs or what have you, and yes, I can Google it, but what specific sources or sites would you recommend?
Personally, I'd just look at the system requirements (NOT the minimum) of the software you're wanting to run on it. And you might want to consider stepping it up a bit, to make room for the future.
Well happy Black Friday then. Isn't capitalism great x3
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 24, 2014, 07:54:58 PM
Personally, I'd just look at the system requirements (NOT the minimum) of the software you're wanting to run on it. And you might want to consider stepping it up a bit, to make room for the future.
I plan on running games on it. :3 And watching/streaming lots of video. I ask about the specs and stuff, because I'd like to learn how to build my own PC. A friend on Twitter (who knows how to build them and likes doing so) says not to buy the pre-made ones and that it's cheaper to build your own.
So I guess what I'm getting at is:
1) Do you think it would be more cost effective to build my own PC instead of using the cpusolutions site?
2) Because someday, I would like to learn how to build it myself, what would be a good way go about learning that sort of thing (e.g. specific site/sources/resources if you can recommend any for n00bs like me)?
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 24, 2014, 08:40:44 PM
Well happy Black Friday then. Isn't capitalism great x3
Well, what parts of capitalism we still have. :P But then, computers/software (copyright bs aside) are the most free market we have atm, so yeah. X3
Also, apologies if I'm hijacking your thread, I kinda had a lot of thoughts/questions on this topic myself and figured might as well put them here instead of making a separate thread.
@travis it's fine man. Helps me out too :3
And I'm wondering what kind of OS I should go with. Windows 7, Linux, or should I get into dual booting?
Using the recommended specs for assassins creed unity, I "built" the following
Case w/ power supply $60 (avg)
A hard drive $75 (avg)
A directx 9 compatible sound card $120 (in this case a sound blaster)
Radeon R9-290x with 3g VRAM $370
AMD FX-8350 CPU/Motherboard bundle $239
8 gb ram @ 50/4gb chip $100.
broadband - unknown.
total: 1,093+
For the sake of argument, let's say I went to the store to buy a shelf model with the same budget: (In this case I forgot to include the price of RAM when I did the comparing.)
Samsung KO2US $900.(4g ram/1tb int. hard drive/win 8.1/s amd a6-5200 ) and a bunch of stuff that's not relevant to us today.
4GB Ram 50.
Total $950.
In conclusion, if my only intent was to play Assassin's Creed Unity (or similar) games (meaning pretty much any commercially available PC game in this genre), I'd be better off just buying the Samsung and an extra memory card. But only by a little bit, and that assumes that there's even a slot for the extra memory card, AND the unified CPU/GPU thingy is expandable to the required 3gb VRAM - which Ubisoft explicitly says it does not guarantee. It also assumes that more hardware intense games are not around the corner. So I guess conclusion to the conclusion: Short term think: the Samsung, Mid-Long term think: the Dallen 001.
Quote from: dallen68 on November 24, 2014, 10:34:53 PM
Using the recommended specs for assassins creed unity, I "built" the following
Case w/ power supply $60 (avg)
A hard drive $75 (avg)
A directx 9 compatible sound card $120 (in this case a sound blaster)
Radeon R9-290x with 3g VRAM $370
AMD FX-8350 CPU/Motherboard bundle $239
8 gb ram @ 50/4gb chip $100.
broadband - unknown.
total: 1,093+
For the sake of argument, let's say I went to the store to buy a shelf model with the same budget: (In this case I forgot to include the price of RAM when I did the comparing.)
Samsung KO2US $900.(4g ram/1tb int. hard drive/win 8.1/s amd a6-5200 ) and a bunch of stuff that's not relevant to us today.
4GB Ram 50.
Total $950.
In conclusion, if my only intent was to play Assassin's Creed Unity (or similar) games (meaning pretty much any commercially available PC game in this genre), I'd be better off just buying the Samsung and an extra memory card. But only by a little bit, and that assumes that there's even a slot for the extra memory card, AND the unified CPU/GPU thingy is expandable to the required 3gb VRAM - which Ubisoft explicitly says it does not guarantee. It also assumes that more hardware intense games are not around the corner. So I guess conclusion to the conclusion: Short term think: the Samsung, Mid-Long term think: the Dallen 001.
That assumes Unity is a game thats worth playing :P *bricked*
I don't know much about hardware at all, but i think most people will tell you, that if you don't really plan on doing any fancy stuff like double GPU's (is that even considered fancy? God, I am a disgrace to the PC Master Race), or any sort of overclocking, then there really isn't any reason to spend anything more than the 1000-1500$ range (and I think i am being fairly generous with the 1500$ number). You won't need a fancy motherboard and you won't need powerful power supply, just something that can handle the standard load and of a trusted brand.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 24, 2014, 08:53:40 PM
2) Because someday, I would like to learn how to build it myself, what would be a good way go about learning that sort of thing (e.g. specific site/sources/resources if you can recommend any for n00bs like me)?
I have to mull this over. I got started way back in the day when they were all IBM clones and you could take them apart, mix them up, put them back together, and all the parts would work. I just kept up with the changes over time. Now, you have to worry about AMD vs. Intel, the different PCI standards, forward/backward compatibility, different form factors, all sorts of things.
This early edition of the KnowHow netcast should help: http://twit.tv/show/know-how/15
[yt]hxLFu2TCD_U[/yt]
Some of the other early shows should help as well.
Might want to start small, with cheap/used components.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 07:22:17 AM
I have to mull this over. I got started way back in the day when they were all IBM clones and you could take them apart, mix them up, put them back together, and all the parts would work. I just kept up with the changes over time. Now, you have to worry about AMD vs. Intel, the different PCI standards, forward/backward compatibility, different form factors, all sorts of things.
This early edition of the KnowHow netcast should help: http://twit.tv/show/know-how/15
[yt]hxLFu2TCD_U[/yt]
Some of the other early shows should help as well.
Might want to start small, with cheap/used components.
My family was so tight on cash what you did simply wasn't an option for me. My mom did work with a computer and it was the only one we had, so me eff'ing around with it was NOT an option. :'( Hell, we didn't even get internet a good 5 years after it went mainstream, and didn't get broadband until after 2003 ish and it was actually even *worse* than what we have now. It's a reason I want to move to Chat. TN and get that hyper fast internet and maybe blow a huge amount (I'm talking >$6,000 for a single machine huge amounts here) on a super awesome computer and learn how to be better with them. Call me entitled, but as good as I am with logic, etc, having ASD, etc, I kinda feel like it's something I should be extremely good at, but never really got around to. :'( Like I was deprived of it as a child, if not a birthright to begin with. Yeah, I know that sounds *extremely* entitled, but yeah, it's still how I feel. *shrugs* Like I never had the opportunity to begin with, when I could have made outstanding use of it. weee. Penny pincher parents whose idea of 'helping' you was nitpicking everything you do ftl.
Ditto for becoming better with working with computers in general, really. Hence, why I'm constantly asking you questions regarding Linux, etc. It sounds like it's no longer something just meant for folks we've been with computers since they were infants, and non-computer super-geniuses/savants can make good use of it now. Because I'm telling you, that's how a lot of people view Linux (or at least I do/used to). :P Just so you know where I'm coming from with this.
And thanks for the link and resources. :) Will definitely watch.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 24, 2014, 06:26:34 PM
@Shane: So maybe I'm just in that kind of mood, but I went to customize this bad boy, and picked all of the most expensive things (including 4 of the costliest HDD and 3 of the most expensive monitors, and 2 of the most expensive video cards, and the extended warranty). The end price: $11,282.70
Sounds like what I got when, just for fun, I priced an off-the-shelf movie-quality video editing rig. (One of the scary things about that is you CAN just buy those off-the-shelf.)
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 25, 2014, 10:33:50 AM
My family was so tight on cash what you did simply wasn't an option for me.
Hey, I didn't actually own an IBM-compatible until the 1990s! This was what I was working with at school or at various jobs.
QuoteDitto for becoming better with working with computers in general, really. Hence, why I'm constantly asking you questions regarding Linux, etc. It sounds like it's no longer something just meant for folks we've been with computers since they were infants, and non-computer super-geniuses/savants can make good use of it now. Because I'm telling you, that's how a lot of people view Linux (or at least I do/used to). :P Just so you know where I'm coming from with this.
Linux is something you definitely shouldn't be afraid to play around with and even break, since you can just boot it from a USB key without compromising your actual computer that you need to work with.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 01:12:50 PM
Hey, I didn't actually own an IBM-compatible until the 1990s! This was what I was working with at school or at various jobs.
Oh wow.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 01:12:50 PM
Linux is something you definitely shouldn't be afraid to play around with and even break, since you can just boot it from a USB key without compromising your actual computer that you need to work with.
That's good to know. :) Something tells me Windows isn't like that, isn't it?
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 25, 2014, 01:42:16 PM
Oh wow.
That's good to know. :) Something tells me Windows isn't like that, isn't it?
Actually, Hiren's Boot CD will allow you to boot into Mini Windows XP. I think there are some hacked versions that'll get you into Windows 7.
Just be careful: there are a LOT of tools on that disk that can hose your system if you don't know what you're doing!
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 02:13:12 PM
Actually, Hiren's Boot CD will allow you to boot into Mini Windows XP. I think there are some hacked versions that'll get you into Windows 7.
Just be careful: there are a LOT of tools on that disk that can hose your system if you don't know what you're doing!
Well, I wouldn't know what I'm doing so...
So for fun, I checked the cpusolutions website and saw another computer even more expensive and customized to be more pimped out than Flava Flav's mouth:
PC Case: Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 High Airflow ATX Cube Case Silver
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 1500W Power Supply RSF00-SPM2D3-US
Motherboard: Asus ROG RAMPAGE V EXTREME Desktop Motherboard - Intel X99 Chipset - Socket LGA 2011-v3 - Extended ATX
CPU: Intel Core i7 5960X Extreme Edition Processor Socket 3.0GHz 8 Core LGA 2011-v3
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken-X60 All in One 280mm Liquid Cooler
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 32GB Kit (8GBx4), DDR4 2400 PC4 19200
Video Card: 2x Asus GTXTITANBLACK-6GD5 GeForce GTX TITAN BLACK Graphic Card - 889 MHz Core - 6 GB GDDR5 SDRAM - PCI Express 3.0
Hard Drives: 4x Samsung 850 Pro MZ-7KE1T0BW 1 TB 2.5" Internal Solid State Drive
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Internal Blu-ray Writer - Black - Bulk - Internal
Flash Drive: SIIG USB 3.0 & 2.0 Hub with Card Reader and 5V/4A Adapter
Windows OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit OEM 1PK License and Media - OEM - 1 PC - English Supports Up To 192GB RAM
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Keyboard K350
Mice: Logitech Corded Mouse M500 Laser - USB - Black, Gray - Retail
Speakers: Tt eSPORTS SHOCK Headset SHK002ECWH
Monitors: 3x Viewsonic VX2880ml 28" Ultra HD display with Dual DisplayPort Inputs (there's a more expensive monitor, but this one had a higher resolution)
System Assembly: Full System Assemble with 48 Hour Testing and Burn In Requires 3-6 Business days
Warranty: 36 Month Parts & Labor Depot Limited Warranty
Soundcard: Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Sound Board
Network & WiFi: Intel Multi-Port Server Adapter PCI Express x16 - 2 x RJ-45 - 10/100/1000Base-T - Internal
Office Software: Microsoft Office 2013 Professional 32/64-bit
Surge Protector: CyberPower Intelligent LCD CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA UPS
Accessories:
14FT CAT 6 Patch Cable Black
Antistatic Wrist Band
Linksys E2500 Wireless Router - IEEE 802.11n
Manhattan Air Duster 8oz
Memorex PC Quick Wipes
NZXT CB-LED10-BU 1-Metre Light Sensitivity Sleeved LED Kit Blue
NZXT FZ 120mm LED High Airflow 120mm LED Fan Blue
StarTech.com 24x26in Beige Desktop Anti-Static Mat
TP-LINK TL-SG1008D 10/100/1000Mbps 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch, 10Gbps Switching Capacity
TRENDnet TEG-S16DG Gigabit GREENnet Switch
Total Price: $11,494.63
AKA, 10 times more expensive than the system I'm typing this from.
So what OS would be best for gaming. Windows or Linux?
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 25, 2014, 04:02:32 PM
So what OS would be best for gaming. Windows or Linux?
Windows tends to have more selection than Linux, though I wouldn't be surprised if Linux had a lot of benefits that Windows doesn't.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 25, 2014, 02:58:14 PM
Well, I wouldn't know what I'm doing so...
Just stay away from the Hiren utilities. They're on their own separate menu.
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 25, 2014, 04:02:32 PM
So what OS would be best for gaming. Windows or Linux?
You're guaranteed to run more games on Windows. Linux has a WINE frontend called PlayOnLinux which can get a lot of them working, but before you select Linux check and see what they have presets for. Anything they don't have presets for is a crapshoot. And of course you won't know anything about future releases.
Quote from: VectorM on November 25, 2014, 12:21:13 AM
I don't know much about hardware at all, but i think most people will tell you, that if you don't really plan on doing any fancy stuff like double GPU's (is that even considered fancy? God, I am a disgrace to the PC Master Race), or any sort of overclocking, then there really isn't any reason to spend anything more than the 1000-1500$ range (and I think i am being fairly generous with the 1500$ number). You won't need a fancy motherboard and you won't need powerful power supply, just something that can handle the standard load and of a trusted brand.
Dude, I didn't even know double GPUs were a thing...And yeah, I'd plan on being as fancy as possible.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 05:00:36 PM
You're guaranteed to run more games on Windows. Linux has a WINE frontend called PlayOnLinux which can get a lot of them working, but before you select Linux check and see what they have presets for. Anything they don't have presets for is a crapshoot. And of course you won't know anything about future releases.
So should i get windows 7 home premium or something else?
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 25, 2014, 05:37:46 PM
So should i get windows 7 home premium or something else?
I'd recommend 7, unless you're part of the 0.0000001% of the population who actually finds 8.1 usable.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 25, 2014, 08:36:23 PM
I'd recommend 7, unless you're part of the 0.0000001% of the population who actually finds 8.1 usable.
So windows 7 home, professional, or Ultimate?
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 25, 2014, 09:52:02 PM
So windows 7 home, professional, or Ultimate?
For gaming, I don't think it matters.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 25, 2014, 05:21:22 PM
Dude, I didn't even know double GPUs were a thing...And yeah, I'd plan on being as fancy as possible.
I've seen lots of high-end gaming rigs (of their time, that is) with quad GPUs (on crosslinked dual GPU cards), and with there now being triple-linked video cards, there could be up to six GPUs in a single system.
Quote from: evensgrey on November 26, 2014, 08:09:07 AM
I've seen lots of high-end gaming rigs (of their time, that is) with quad GPUs (on crosslinked dual GPU cards), and with there now being triple-linked video cards, there could be up to six GPUs in a single system.
Six? Try twenty-five: http://arstechnica.com/security/2012/12/25-gpu-cluster-cracks-every-standard-windows-password-in-6-hours/
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/194911-intel-announces-32-layer-3d-nand-chips-plans-for-larger-than-10tb-ssds
Dear Azathoth 10TB ssds
And here I only had two of these:
Asus GTXTITANBLACK-6GD5 GeForce GTX TITAN BLACK Graphic Card - 889 MHz Core - 6 GB GDDR5 SDRAM - PCI Express 3.0
on my above "wishlist" super PC.
I guess > 6 it is. I think. *shrugs*
Actually, it looks like cpusolutions is holding out on me, the pricks. http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-titan-z <--something even more powerful. Maybe a dozen of these?
EDIT: I found them on newegg.com: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487038 Damn, that's rather steep for a single graphics card.
Is there anything more powerful out there, graphics card wise? And how many of them should I buy for a second to none gaming PC? I'm thinking at least half a dozen, but now I'm not sure.
According to a PCMag article written in October, the Nvidia 980 GTX Core i7 5960x is the most powerful GPU on the market. ($1000).
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2837828/graphics-card-slugfest-amd-and-nvidias-most-powerful-gaming-hardware-compared.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2837828/graphics-card-slugfest-amd-and-nvidias-most-powerful-gaming-hardware-compared.html)
Quote from: dallen68 on November 26, 2014, 03:45:36 PM
According to a PCMag article written in October, the Nvidia 980 GTX Core i7 5960x is the most powerful GPU on the market. ($1000).
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2837828/graphics-card-slugfest-amd-and-nvidias-most-powerful-gaming-hardware-compared.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2837828/graphics-card-slugfest-amd-and-nvidias-most-powerful-gaming-hardware-compared.html)
IIRC, that's the one they used to recreate the moon landing scene when we gave nVidia the Silver Cluon.
Quote from: MrBogosity on November 26, 2014, 05:11:58 PM
IIRC, that's the one they used to recreate the moon landing scene when we gave nVidia the Silver Cluon.
Oh! I was looking for that chip. :)
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-titan-z/specifications
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-980/specifications
Based on the specs, it looks like the only thing the 980 has over the titan z is the base and boosted clock (I think).
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 26, 2014, 05:29:05 PM
Oh! I was looking for that chip. :)
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-titan-z/specifications
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-980/specifications
Based on the specs, it looks like the only thing the 980 has over the titan z is the base and boosted clock (I think).
And it evidently runs cooler, other than that... Wait the base and boosted clocks is what makes a GPU more powerful than another, so.... (
Well, that and VRAM, which is apparently identical)
Quote from: dallen68 on November 26, 2014, 05:38:54 PM
And it evidently runs cooler, other than that... Wait the base and boosted clocks is what makes a GPU more powerful than another, so....
(Well, that and VRAM, which is apparently identical)
Would the fact that it has more cores mean anything? *shrugs*
For the fun of it: http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine
4 physical CPUs and 4 of the Titan Z CPUs, resulting power (along with the other stuff I selected):
Minimum PSU Wattage: 1990 W
Recommended: 2040 W.
2000 W Power supply it is then. :3
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-6.html Also interesting.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html
They note that, in terms of individual cards, the Titan Z was best on page 7 of that. Go figure.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 26, 2014, 06:10:51 PM
Would the fact that it has more cores mean anything? *shrugs*
Yes. *winks*
Well, basically, if your core runs at say, 2ghz and you have 3 cores, at 100% capacity you'd have 6ghz of processing power. However, there is a caveat: You need to check if all of your cores actually run at 2ghz (often they don't, the speed on the box is normally for the primary core, also known as core0)
On most quad cores, where core 0=2 ghz, core 1=2ghz, core 3= 1ghz, and core 4= 0.5-0.75 ghz. When you run a program, it utilizes core 0 to maximum, and then core 1 to maximum, and so on. So you would actually need to find out what the speeds of each core actually are, and add them together, to find the maximum C/G PU speed; and that doesn't tell you how "fast" it's going at any one particular time. Pretty much the only way to know for sure is to download a program like Belarc Advisor, and look it up. [even with the improved win 8 task manager, the report is for core0 only.]
Plus, it depends on whether its a single C/G PU with 4 cores, 2 C/G PU's with 2 cores each, or 4 C/G PU's with a single core each. (The middle one is normally the case on commercial models).
Quote from: dallen68 on November 26, 2014, 06:39:22 PM
Well, basically, if your core runs at say, 2ghz and you have 3 cores, at 100% capacity you'd have 6ghz of processing power. However, there is a caveat: You need to check if all of your cores actually run at 2ghz (often they don't, the speed on the box is normally for the primary core, also known as core0)
On most quad cores, where core 0=2 ghz, core 1=2ghz, core 3= 1ghz, and core 4= 0.5-0.75 ghz. When you run a program, it utilizes core 0 to maximum, and then core 1 to maximum, and so on. So you would actually need to find out what the speeds of each core actually are, and add them together, to find the maximum C/G PU speed; and that doesn't tell you how "fast" it's going at any one particular time. Pretty much the only way to know for sure is to download a program like Belarc Advisor, and look it up. [even with the improved win 8 task manager, the report is for core0 only.]
Plus, it depends on whether its a single C/G PU with 4 cores, 2 C/G PU's with 2 cores each, or 4 C/G PU's with a single core each. (The middle one is normally the case on commercial models).
Awesome. :) So how do I go about checking that?
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 26, 2014, 07:34:35 PM
Awesome. :) So how do I go about checking that?
If you mean what I think you do, open your case and look at you c/gpu. If you see 1 fan, you have a single with 4 cores. If you see 2 fans, you have a double, with 2 cores each. If you see 4 fans, you have 4 independents.
Don't bother if you have a laptop, because its the first one.
Quote from: dallen68 on November 26, 2014, 07:46:27 PM
If you mean what I think you do, open your case and look at you c/gpu. If you see 1 fan, you have a single with 4 cores. If you see 2 fans, you have a double, with 2 cores each. If you see 4 fans, you have 4 independents.
Don't bother if you have a laptop, because its the first one.
"Well, basically, if your core runs at say, 2ghz and you have 3 cores, at 100% capacity you'd have 6ghz of processing power. However, there is a caveat:
You need to check if all of your cores actually run at 2ghz (often they don't, the speed on the box is normally for the primary core, also known as core0) "
^That was what I meant. How do I check that?
You don't have to worry about that given that is not how most x86-64 CPUs work. Even with multiple cores, they all run at the same clock rate because they are symmetric (i.e. use SMP). There is one clock and one clock multiplier for all chips. To do otherwise requires a bunch of things that, frankly, would just increase complexity and get in the way of both being cheap and fast.
Quote from: BogosityForumUser on November 26, 2014, 08:25:46 PM
You don't have to worry about that given that is not how most x86-64 CPUs work. Even with multiple cores, they all run at the same clock rate because they are symmetric (i.e. use SMP). There is one clock and one clock multiplier for all chips. To do otherwise requires a bunch of things that, frankly, would just increase complexity and get in the way of both being cheap and fast.Quote
You're wrong. It's Asymmetric (for the most part)
@Dallen...okay, so how do I check if the CPU/GPU is asymmetric or not?
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 26, 2014, 10:22:36 PM
@Dallen...okay, so how do I check if the CPU/GPU is asymmetric or not?
Unfortunately, Travis, there is no easy way to tell. You can use belarc adviser (which I strongly recommend for unrelated reasons), if it reports all four of your cores operating at the same speed, you have a symmetric system. If it reports any thing else, you don't. and the fact almost no one has x86 anything anymore.
You are worrying him for no reason. Not counting the GPUs of heterogeneous APUs and the like, processors are symmetric. Find me one that isn't. And while you are at it, you better tell the *BSDs and Linux kernel hackers. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Kernel and https://www.freebsd.org/cgi/man.cgi?query=smp&sektion=4 among others for their kernel docs.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 26, 2014, 08:02:04 PM
"Well, basically, if your core runs at say, 2ghz and you have 3 cores, at 100% capacity you'd have 6ghz of processing power. However, there is a caveat: You need to check if all of your cores actually run at 2ghz (often they don't, the speed on the box is normally for the primary core, also known as core0) "
^That was what I meant. How do I check that?
There isn't an easy way of checking it. You can run a diagnostic program (such as belarc) on your system, OR you can google your C/GPU and just look it up.
I sincerely doubt I'm "worrying" Travis ATFA.
*ATFA=AT THE FUCK ALL.
That being said, Travis, the formula I gave you earlier remains "true' regardless of whether BFU is correct, or I am. It remains the correct way of calculating your total processing speed.
So I googled my chip and it didn't return anything on the subject. :(
This is what the program you suggested reported regarding my processor:
Processor
2.93 gigahertz Intel Core i7 870
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
8192 kilobyte tertiary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (4 total)
Hyper-threaded (8 total)
GPU
AMD Radeon HD 5670 [Display adapter]
DELL ST2010 [Monitor] (19.9"vis, s/n XX-0R7VV2-XXXXX-092-203L, September 2010)
So...is my CPU/GPU asymmetric? I don't even know. :(
In that case, Travis, your c/gcu is symmetric. and you actually have a kinda nice display adapter, but your screen sucks. I have the opposite. In your specific case you turn over 64,000 bytes 2.9 billion times every second, times 4 (or 4 times whichever way).
Quote from: dallen68 on November 27, 2014, 01:29:25 AM
In that case, Travis, your c/gcu is symmetric. and you actually have a kinda nice display adapter, but your screen sucks. I have the opposite. In your specific case you turn over 64,000 bytes 2.9 billion times every second, times 4 (or 4 times whichever way).
*nods* Cool and thanks for the feedback. :) And yeah, I always felt my monitor having a limit of 1600x900 pixels was rather small. :( Needless to say when I get my next (big) computer, I'll shoot for a MUCH better monitor, and probably do the 3 monitors thing I've seen people do.
So is it possible to install windows 7 onto a new computer with USB drive? and if so how would I do that and whats the best USB to get?
@Travis- If you have an HDMI port (it's going to be a flatish oval thing, most likely labeled "HDMI"), you could just plug it into your TV, also, it looks like you could add more memory. Beyond that, it's not going to get all that much better. OH, and you can so totally do the three monitor thing.
@Artemis- There's no reason you couldn't. As far as what specific USB to get, that's hard to say. Essentially, any USB of sufficient capacity (in this case, a 64 gig one) should work. On your first boot, you'd have to go to the bios menu (refer to the manual that came with your motherboard for instructions on how to do that, normally it's "hold F2 while powering on the computer", but that does vary). Then tell it to boot from the USB, then install windows to your primary HD, then repeat, switching the boot drive from the USB to your primary.
Quote from: dallen68 on November 27, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
@Travis- If you have an HDMI port (it's going to be a flatish oval thing, most likely labeled "HDMI"), you could just plug it into your TV, also, it looks like you could add more memory. Beyond that, it's not going to get all that much better. OH, and you can so totally do the three monitor thing.
That was another thing I was considering doing. I don't know which choice--the 3x monitors vs a huge TV would give me a greater resolution though. I have a friend who has it plugged into his (big) TV and it looks freakin' awesome. I don't know if I have such a cable though. I'm told to watch out for folks charging far too much for them, however.
Quote from: Travis Retriever on November 27, 2014, 01:48:05 PM
That was another thing I was considering doing. I don't know which choice--the 3x monitors vs a huge TV would give me a greater resolution though. I have a friend who has it plugged into his (big) TV and it looks freakin' awesome. I don't know if I have such a cable though. I'm told to watch out for folks charging far too much for them, however.
Yes, vendors ripping off consumers on HDMI cables is a problem. More than likely, you don't have it laying around, however. I'd recommend going to Radio Shack, and having them make one for you. This way, you can get one that's the length you need it to be.
My laptop (which coincidently has about the same stats as yours) actually did come with one... but it's only like a foot and a half long, so totally useless for any practical application.
I'd go with the big screen VS the 3 screen. One is totally awesome, the other... well, there's only a handful of situations where it does anything.
Quote from: dallen68 on November 27, 2014, 01:21:42 PM
@Travis- If you have an HDMI port (it's going to be a flatish oval thing, most likely labeled "HDMI"), you could just plug it into your TV, also, it looks like you could add more memory. Beyond that, it's not going to get all that much better. OH, and you can so totally do the three monitor thing.
@Artemis- There's no reason you couldn't. As far as what specific USB to get, that's hard to say. Essentially, any USB of sufficient capacity (in this case, a 64 gig one) should work. On your first boot, you'd have to go to the bios menu (refer to the manual that came with your motherboard for instructions on how to do that, normally it's "hold F2 while powering on the computer", but that does vary). Then tell it to boot from the USB, then install windows to your primary HD, then repeat, switching the boot drive from the USB to your primary.
Would getting a physical disk and an external optical drive also be an option?
Quote from: ArtemisVale on November 27, 2014, 02:17:31 PM
Would getting a physical disk and an external optical drive also be an option?
[/quote
Yes, it would. In fact, I was going to say you can go to a store like CompUSA and buy a USB stick that already has Windows on it, but I'm guessing the ones they have would be Win 8, so I refrained.
Anybody know of any good external optical drives?
EDIT: ehhhh nvm its cheaper to just do digital download and USB
Okay I tried to build my PC. Key word try xD Took it to a local computer store to get it fixed and good and its only 50$ service charge.
Anybody know of a decent mouse with to thumb buttons on the side?
Essentially, there isn't all that much difference when it comes to mice, providing of course you get one made this century. Almost all of them should have the wheel and the thumb buttons. If you want a "brand" so you can say "I have a..." Logitech. Then of course, you'll have to decide whether you want no lights, always on lights, lights the go on and off depending on whether you're moving/using the mouse, whether you want one that you move about the pad with your hand or one that you spin the tracker with your thumb...and probably other things I can't think of... Those a just the more common options.