Uber Value Computer Thread - 2013 - Xmas Ed

[Bek]

Awesome, might want to change the $210 in the post to ~170 though. Other than that, perfect

[Lurk]

I'm confused. What the **** ended up happening? What are the builds?

[JackAttack]

considering a 2600k with a mild OC beats a stock 980/990x

Yes that is amazing, and true!!

But who the hell buys a 980/990X and doesn't overclock the smegma out of that puppy?

[^2Lantern]

Steve, any updates on the builds, I am just about to upgrade, last time the build got updated the week after I purchased everything.

Maybe group the builds by base / Rec / Highroller as opposed to component, that way it makes it an easier cut and paste job. But either way it is appreciated.

How about including a Case and a PSU in the mix?

<edit> what is the difference btw the H67 and the P67 ??

L

[Lurk]

the lack of structure does make it a bit hard to read

[steve_rogers42]

Good Replies! thanks will do it when i get around to posting, i was awaiting news on AMD's new wonder, but the release and specs of the Z68 have set my mind...


Would you guys be happy with the Base / Recommended / High-roller titles? i think it sums it up, was also thinking Base-noob / Casual / Hardcore, or using some wild terms that would again be harder to under stand... feed back is GOOD. XD


The main issue with Cases is as always Looks vs Ability. Lian-li straddle both, but then you have people who want to put builds into Thermaltake Soprano's and then people who love the Fractal R3's. I might put in a blurb on manufacturers and maybe point out pricing and unique points, but really the best advice is generally to grab something you like the look of that will fit your build...

PSU's i will cover also, i will be recommending ECO or GREEN units for the base spec and atleast an 80% cert. PSU's for the others. There really is no excuse to not use a psu that will provide you with the clean efficient power you require, whilst also not impacting too heavily on the Power bill.

As for Monitors... i was thinking of maybe bringing up something akin to both case/Psu recommendations.. Thoughts?

As for H67 and P67, What it really comes down to is what your going to use your computer for. If your looking at buying a System your not going to overclock and just use as is, H67 will suit, YOU CANNOT OC your CPU with a H67 or a H series motherboard, BUT it will suit nearly anything you throw at it, plus it will take better advantage of the on CPU graphics chipset, it also comes with Onboard video out (generally vga/dvi/hdmi).

If you own a 'K' designated 1155 Cpu IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED to buy a H67 motherboard as you will not be able to utilize the unlocked multiplier onthe cpu to overclock, YOU WILL WANT A P67 Motherboard.
P67 will allow you to overclock you cpu, It is essentially the more cpu + dedicated GPU configuration, IT DOES NOT HAVE onboard video out, nor take advantage of intel's quicksynch technology. If you are looking to OVERCLOCK you cpu and GPU or you have/looking at getting a 'K' processor this is the board for you.

Z68 is again a combination of both the H67 and the P67 motherboards, it has a lotof tech under the hood, and i have two unfinished artciles on it on my computer at home, when i finish work and a few rounds of frolf with the dudes(if its not trying to snow and sleet) i will be getting this stuff up... then dinner and beer and many many games of CoD...

<3 sorry about the caps, its more to draw attention as opposed to yelling. I'd hate for any of you guys to pick up a H67 mobo and a 2600k processor and then be dissapointed in the non-ability to overclock (adjust the multi) the cpu.

cheers dudes/dudettes!

[Lurk]

It lives!

[flabcab]

Stoked to see this thread back, thanks for all the hard work Steve.

Will be looking at a new system in the next couple of months, yay tax time!

[Bek]

My contribution: Don't use the Asus p8p67 pro v3 ( or just the pro) mobo. Many many many people inc me have had faulty units. Some people on forums also claim to have gone through 3 RMA's before switching brands. Google asus p8p67 pro double boot issue / cpu_led / red light of death for more info.

As for 80+ PSU's.. how about the Seasonic M12II 520W? It's 80+, Modular, and sells for around $113.

[Lurk]

What's one of the better video cards these days, in terms of bang-for-buck? I heard that the Gigabyte 560ti SOC was ridiculously awesome, but can't find it anywhere- and the reviews are also a few months old now.

All of this hardware discussion is getting me anxious for a new desktop box!

[mini15michael]

What are peoples opinions on the new AMD Fusion CPU Desktop CPU's?
PCCaseGear
Looking pretty good for a bang for buck system...

[steve_rogers42]

All of this hardware discussion is getting me anxious for a new desktop box!

meow, tax time, meow, everymeow wants and new computemeow.


you should do it meow.

Depending lurk, if you want to play high res games comfortably without too muh eyecandy now, or if you want to continue doing so into teh futurez, a 560 Ti will hold up for a little while, but a 570/580 will hold up longer.

Sorry hating on ATI atm, but the 580 has gotten cheap now that the 3gb version is out and that the non-reference cards have hit the market.

[Lurk]

hmmm, yeah that's what i was looking at.

thinking about doing it right meow.

[Shinanigans]

Lurve my 580. Thing is a freakin weapon. I got a 560Ti in my work machine and it's a pretty solid card, though it's paired with an E7400 so the potential is somewhat ruined.

[steve_rogers42]

better than my work machine... p8400 and Quadro nv 160m

But totally agree about the 580's, beast card... am quite pleased with it