desktop problem

[tommyk90]

So our power went out last night so naturally my desktop shut off. I go to turn it back on today and all that comes up is the dell screen.

Any ideas what could have happened? I assume the harddrive is fucked?

[JimJ]

Not so much the power suddenly going off that does the damage, it's the surge when everything comes back...

Plugged right into the wall?

[IamDeMan]

Without adequate protection a surge could have taken out one or all components. Usually I find it is the PSU only though that gets hosed though from surges.

[tommyk90]

It was plugged into a surge protector. Any way to know if its just the psu? I'd hate to spend money on this thing if its jacked. The only stuff I need off the HD is my pron. Desktop is 8 years old.

[IamDeMan]

It was plugged into a surge protector. Any way to know if its just the psu? I'd hate to spend money on this thing if its jacked. The only stuff I need off the HD is my pron. Desktop is 8 years old.

Yes, put a spare PSU in and see if it solves the problem lol.

[pl8er]

or use a DMM and check the rails

[IamDeMan]

If it is 8 years old I wouldn't replace anything. I would take out the drive and buy a new PC.

[pl8er]

but if dell screen boots, your at least getting power.....

hard drive light coming on at all? Even if it is a steady solid light?

[IamDeMan]

or use a DMM and check the rails

Sure you could do that as well. For an 8 yr old PC though I wouldn't even begin to waste my time on it.

[IamDeMan]

but if dell screen boots, your at least getting power.....

hard drive light coming on at all? Even if it is a steady solid light?

Ya, but he could be getting inconsistent voltage on one rail causing a piece of hardware to fail POST. That is usually what happens around here when I deal with PCs that got a surge during a storm.

[ragar31]

If it is the hard drive it would go past the Dell screen. I would try to flash the bios, or unplug the hard drive and see if it goes further. If you can boot off the Windows CD that came with the Dell use the recovery console and run fixboot, fixmbr, and then mabye a chkdsk /f .

[pl8er]

If it is the hard drive it would go past the Dell screen. I would try to flash the bios, or unplug the hard drive and see if it goes further. If you can boot off the Windows CD that came with the Dell use the recovery console and run fixboot, fixmbr, and then mabye a chkdsk /f .

I say go Ragar's route, he does get paid the big bucks to handle hardware issues.

[tommyk90]

If it is 8 years old I wouldn't replace anything. I would take out the drive and buy a new PC.
That was my first thought. Only care about the HD.

but if dell screen boots, your at least getting power.....

hard drive light coming on at all? Even if it is a steady solid light?

No light at all from what I remember. Didn't have much time to fuck with it since I had to go to work.

[tommyk90]

I'll do what Ragar suggested when I get home.

[J31Bro]

PSU or mobo fried. Replace the machine.

[tommyk90]

PSU or mobo fried. Replace the machine.
Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do. My only concern is the HD I want to save is an ide and aren't most machines these days sata?

[atoz350]

Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do. My only concern is the HD I want to save is an ide and aren't most machines these days sata?

Adapters are like 3 bucks bro.

[J31Bro]

Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do. My only concern is the HD I want to save is an ide and aren't most machines these days sata?

Yes 99% are SATA. I have an old school external HDD case that is PATA that I use if I ever need to back up old PATA drives.

Adapters are like 3 bucks bro.

!

[IamDeMan]

I say go Ragar's route, he does get paid the big bucks to handle hardware issues.It is always better to listen to those who get paid for it. Total experience > personal experience.
Adapters are like 3 bucks bro.

That yo.

[_AnGeL_]

buy an iPad.

[atoz350]

buy an iPad.

Or buy Angel's iVag™

[_AnGeL_]

its not for sale bro?!

[atoz350]

I tell you when it is and isn't for sale.

[_AnGeL_]

fuck yo couch, also plz refer to my ATTN: All bait thread.

[atoz350]

fuck yo couch, also plz refer to my ATTN: All bait thread.

I'm fucking Super bait. Cape and all. Fuck yo' Master shit.

[_AnGeL_]

i am yo master, bow down moa focka.

[atoz350]

i am yo master, bow down moa focka.

Nigga please. I'll Superman you ho.

[_AnGeL_]

solja boi up in this ho?

[tommyk90]

So who wants to build me a desktop? Already have a good monitor and can reuse my DVD burner.

Budget: ??? Under $1000 would be good.

Not a gamer, but I do like to watch TV shows and movies. HD capability is a plus.

[evildave101]

i believe there are a few threads on this subject

[_AnGeL_]

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?aid=AIC-NAUS-K2-CONFIGURE-MACMINI-INDEX&cp=CONFIGURE-MACMINI-INDEX

[tommyk90]

i believe there are a few threads on this subject

Too lazy, can't find.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini?aid=AIC-NAUS-K2-CONFIGURE-MACMINI-INDEX&cp=CONFIGURE-MACMINI-INDEX

Pass.

[evildave101]

Too lazy, can't find.

i looked also, couldnt find either

[jesus]

I could build you a nice setup but I think you should check with MOT.

[IamDeMan]

So who wants to build me a desktop? Already have a good monitor and can reuse my DVD burner.

Budget: ??? Under $1000 would be good.

Not a gamer, but I do like to watch TV shows and movies. HD capability is a plus.

For under 1000 and your criteria you could get a laptop bro. Why the need for it to be a desktop?

[IamDeMan]

I could build you a nice setup but I think you should check with MOT.

He doesn't sell PCs anymore.

[IamDeMan]

I can recomend hardware for you to put it together yourself Tommy. I don't think anyone needs to "build" you one. You're a smart enough cookie to plug cards into slots and turn the power on bro.

[tommyk90]

For under 1000 and your criteria you could get a laptop bro. Why the need for it to be a desktop?
I already have a laptop. I like having a desktop for normal use.

I can recomend hardware for you to put it together yourself Tommy. I don't think anyone needs to "build" you one. You're a smart enough cookie to plug cards into slots and turn the power on bro.
I'm sure I can put the stuff together. Just no idea where to start with components.

That's kinda what I meant by others "building" it for me. :)

[pl8er]

if you have a laptop, why not buy a docking station, keyboard mouse and a bigger monitor? Now you have both.

[atoz350]

if you have a laptop, why not buy a docking station, keyboard mouse and a bigger monitor? Now you have both.

I wish there was a docking station for my laptops. :(

[J31Bro]

So who wants to build me a desktop? Already have a good monitor and can reuse my DVD burner.

Budget: ??? Under $1000 would be good.

Not a gamer, but I do like to watch TV shows and movies. HD capability is a plus.

I built a nasty desktop for $600 bucks. No monitor, keyboard or mouse, already owned those things.

[J31Bro]

http://www.crunktimes.com/ct/showthread.php?t=5456

[J31Bro]

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/J31Rob/CT/SANY1747.jpg

Nothing UBER impressive, but far more than what you'd probably ever need.

[IamDeMan]

I already have a laptop. I like having a desktop for normal use.


I'm sure I can put the stuff together. Just no idea where to start with components.

That's kinda what I meant by others "building" it for me. :)

Oh if you have a laptop then yes I agree. I assumed a bit too much I suppose. Well a list of parts for you criteria should be well under a G then.

[J31Bro]

Tommy, you could use the same parts list I've got & I'll throw it together for ya & we can meet up half way from IN to IL?

..or you could build it. It's pretty cake, if you don't know what you're doing, the first time suxxors, but it's not too bad.

[pl8er]

PM me with exactly what you do and what you like to do and we can start looking at this.

[tommyk90]

if you have a laptop, why not buy a docking station, keyboard mouse and a bigger monitor? Now you have both.

I thought about that, but I want to have a better machine for my daily computer anyways.

Plus I'd have to get an external harddrive case and shit.

[tommyk90]

PM me with exactly what you do and what you like to do and we can start looking at this.

I pretty much posted my criteria. No gaming, but still want it to be decently fast.

HD capability would be nice, but not necessary. I already have a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and a DVD burner I assume I can reuse.

[IamDeMan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128435

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103696


Those are my recommendations. I would pick equipment similar to that lineup. I know Intel processors are nicer, but for people who don't game or do anything to intensive and just want HD ability I like these ATI HD based boards as a budget platform. Just ask the Monkey, he runs an ATI HD based board and is happy with the video output. The sun total comes to $754.94. I don't know how much storage you need, but I would probably order more of those 1TB drives for my needs, so flavor to taste ;)

[tommyk90]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128435

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103696


Those are my recommendations. I would pick equipment similar to that lineup. I know Intel processors are nicer, but for people who don't game or do anything to intensive and just want HD ability I like these ATI HD based boards as a budget platform. Just ask the Monkey, he runs an ATI HD based board and is happy with the video output. The sun total comes to $754.94. I don't know how much storage you need, but I would probably order more of those 1TB drives for my needs, so flavor to taste ;)

I have a 200 gig that I'm close to filling up, so I think a 500 gig would suit for now. :)

Also, how do I get an operating system on this bish?

[IamDeMan]

I have a 200 gig that I'm close to filling up, so I think a 500 gig would suit for now. :)

Also, how do I get an operating system on this bish?

Either buy or obtain a Windows 7 ultimate CD. Boot from the CD and let it do its thang.

[tommyk90]

Either buy or obtain a Windows 7 ultimate CD. Boot from the CD and let it do its thang.

Who wants to hook a brother up?

Lord knows I'm not paying for that shit.

[pl8er]

I agree with Deman, that is a good all around system.

[tommyk90]

I agree with Deman, that is a good all around system.

Yeah, everything looked pretty legit.

So I'm guessing the smaller HD is for the operating system and programs, then the big one would be for all my music and vids and shit?

My only question would be how does that MOBO fit into that case? It doesn't look like any of the jacks would line up anywhere.

[pl8er]

Yeah you should keep your data drive and your OS drive apart.

I'll go check out the board and see what you mean. I'm sure its an ATX or the likes and will fit.

[pl8er]

zero issue with the case and mobo...it will all fit like a glove

[tommyk90]

Buttery smooth.

Anything you would change on there? I was thinking maybe going up to 6 gigs of memory?

Beyond that I got nothing really.

[tommyk90]

Shit, it looks like window 7 ultimate is gonna run me $285 by itself.

Damn that microsoft.

[pl8er]

Zero benefit to 6gb ram. You can get a copy of win7 for much cheaper. Find a student for one and get a huge discount.

[tommyk90]

Zero benefit to 6gb ram. You can get a copy of win7 for much cheaper. Find a student for one and get a huge discount.

Sounds good.

I know a few people in school. :)

[fbi90909]

but before you do just ask around if anyone has a copy you could use to install it on instead of buying it. windows can be installed up to 3 different computers on the same serial number. i've managed to install windows on 5+ computers with 1 copy.

[tommyk90]

but before you do just ask around if anyone has a copy you could use to install it on instead of buying it. windows can be installed up to 3 different computers on the same serial number. i've managed to install windows on 5+ computers with 1 copy.

Yeah I'll look into that.

My sister is in school for her masters or something so perhaps I could get it that way.

[pl8er]

It is IP tracked....are these computers all in the same house? If not, have you been able to do all updates?

[tommyk90]

It is IP tracked....are these computers all in the same house? If not, have you been able to do all updates?

Not in the same house. :(

Not sure about updates as i haven't done any in a while. :laugh:

[fbi90909]

It is IP tracked....are these computers all in the same house? If not, have you been able to do all updates?

none are in the same house and have been updated

[pl8er]

none are in the same house and have been updated

interesting. I'll hit you up in a few months and see if it is still going strong. I would think that a mac address would id the system and be updated during, well updates.

maybe they never got this working, but that is how they make the cheddar...so very strange.

[fbi90909]

the copy of winXP i'm on is the copy that has been distributed a number of times.
and i'm currently on SP3.
but as an fyi, i haven't come in contact with any of those other computer for quite some time as i stopped working on peoples computers(i hated it really). anyone that came to me with viruses and malware and shit i just formatted their shit. lol, so it's kinda why my copy made its way around. the last time i reinstalled windows on this computer was maybe 2-3 years ago. and in between then i've installed the copy on a number of computers before and then.
i wanna say it's a time/year thing. like it resets or so after sometime. i auno.

[pl8er]

the copy of winXP i'm on is the copy that has been distributed a number of times.
and i'm currently on SP3.
but as an fyi, i haven't come in contact with any of those other computer for quite some time as i stopped working on peoples computers(i hated it really). anyone that came to me with viruses and malware and shit i just formatted their shit. lol, so it's kinda why my copy made its way around. the last time i reinstalled windows on this computer was maybe 2-3 years ago. and in between then i've installed the copy on a number of computers before and then.
i wanna say it's a time/year thing. like it resets or so after sometime. i auno.

Very interesting! I'll check this out. Very handy if it works.

[IamDeMan]

Who wants to hook a brother up?

Lord knows I'm not paying for that shit.

I got mine from a student. This is your best route. Have them get you either Home Premium or Ultimate. I also don't think you would personally see much benefit going from 4 to 6GB of memory either. Just save the money.

[tommyk90]

I got mine from a student. This is your best route. Have them get you either Home Premium or Ultimate. I also don't think you would personally see much benefit going from 4 to 6GB of memory either. Just save the money.

Sounds good.

Hopefully I can start putting it together soon.

Not thrilled about the case, but I guess thats more form over function if I want something fancy. :)

[pl8er]

if you are not getting that case get a P series Antec case.

[pl8er]

and if you meant you wanted flashy lights and shit.....grow up

[tommyk90]

if you are not getting that case get a P series Antec case.

Noted.

and if you meant you wanted flashy lights and shit.....grow up

:(

[IamDeMan]

Sounds good.

Hopefully I can start putting it together soon.

Not thrilled about the case, but I guess thats more form over function if I want something fancy. :)I picked it because it was a decent deal on Antec. I like Antec Power Supplies which obviously the case comes with. You can buy any case you want, but I would suggest you get the case bare then and add an Antec PSU to pop into the case.

if you are not getting that case get a P series Antec case.Can't go wrong with any Antec case/PSUs imo.

and if you meant you wanted flashy lights and shit.....grow upLOL

[fbi90909]

I have lights in my computer fans. But I built this computer ages ago and have updated everything else except the fans. They have gotten a little noisey and the lights are starting to get on my nerves cause they flash and no way to control them. Anyone got 4 80mm quiet fans they looking to get rid of?

[jesus]

I have 80 4mm fans if that helps.

[pl8er]

I'll look and see if I have any. I believe i had some zalman 80's but I recall doing an install that may have required them.

[JimJ]

If you have a 120, I may be interested ;)

[Bender]

Who wants to hook a brother up?

Lord knows I'm not paying for that shit.

hmm i can get it for $100 plus shipping but it says upgrade. idk if it will work since it will be a new machine...can anyone confirm or deny this?

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade 32-bit (English) (Student Select)

[JimJ]

I might be able to get it for less than that ;)

[IamDeMan]

hmm i can get it for $100 plus shipping but it says upgrade. idk if it will work since it will be a new machine...can anyone confirm or deny this?

If he has a CD to an eligible OS he can install it as a fresh OS. It will just ask for the CD to the OS he is upgrading from to verify during install.

[Bender]

If he has a CD to an eligible OS he can install it as a fresh OS. It will just ask for the CD to the OS he is upgrading from to verify during install.

ok good. if anyone wants it just let me know

[tommyk90]

I don't have any windows 7 cd's to use, so I'll probably need the fresh install.

I'm gonna talk to my sister and see if she knows anything about getting a discount on stuff. I assume she can since she's a teacher and is also taking classes at a local college.

[Bender]

I don't have any windows 7 cd's to use, so I'll probably need the fresh install.

I'm gonna talk to my sister and see if she knows anything about getting a discount on stuff. I assume she can since she's a teacher and is also taking classes at a local college.

you dont need windows 7 cd's you just need a windows cd, xp, 98...

[tommyk90]

you dont need windows 7 cd's you just need a windows cd, xp, 98...

Well, I have xp and vista cd's here, so that may just work.

However, I have discovered that my old university email works for the student discount through www.theultimatesteal.com and lets me get win7 professional for $65. :)

Guess from there I could just upgrade it to ultimate.

Or see if I can use my xp cd and upgrade from there.

[fbi90909]

If I were you and from past experiences from "Upgrades" I wouldn't even consider it. Get a fresh full win 7 install.

To me upgrades are problematic. Your "covering" a current install with lots of patches which as they are designed to pretty much change the current os to the new os with a ore installed os. So you kinda have a full os with. Another os on top which usually causes conflicts between the 2 later on or early aster the install.

Just cough up the cash and get win 7 as a non upgrade.

[tommyk90]

If I were you and from past experiences from "Upgrades" I wouldn't even consider it. Get a fresh full win 7 install.

To me upgrades are problematic. Your "covering" a current install with lots of patches which as they are designed to pretty much change the current os to the new os with a ore installed os. So you kinda have a full os with. Another os on top which usually causes conflicts between the 2 later on or early aster the install.

Just cough up the cash and get win 7 as a non upgrade.

What about upgrading a fresh win7 professional install to ultimate?

I can get professional on my own, getting ultimate i'm not sure about yet.

[IamDeMan]

Well, I have xp and vista cd's here, so that may just work.

However, I have discovered that my old university email works for the student discount through www.theultimatesteal.com and lets me get win7 professional for $65. :)

Guess from there I could just upgrade it to ultimate.

Or see if I can use my xp cd and upgrade from there.

Professional may be all you need. You won't get much upgrading from Pro to Ultimate. Buy the pro for 65 and don't look back.

[IamDeMan]

If I were you and from past experiences from "Upgrades" I wouldn't even consider it. Get a fresh full win 7 install.

To me upgrades are problematic. Your "covering" a current install with lots of patches which as they are designed to pretty much change the current os to the new os with a ore installed os. So you kinda have a full os with. Another os on top which usually causes conflicts between the 2 later on or early aster the install.

Just cough up the cash and get win 7 as a non upgrade.

As long as you have a CD to an eligible OS there is absolutley NO REASON to do an actual upgrade. You can use an upgrade disc to do a fresh and newly formatted install. It will just verify that you have a disc to an older windows before proceeding with install.

[IamDeMan]

What about upgrading a fresh win7 professional install to ultimate?

I can get professional on my own, getting ultimate i'm not sure about yet.

There is very little difference (especially to most users) between the two version. Don't even worry about it.

[tommyk90]

There is very little difference (especially to most users) between the two version. Don't even worry about it.

Alrighty then.

But just for shits and giggles, what are the differences between pro and ultimate?

[IamDeMan]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare

[tommyk90]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare

Hmmm, you're right. Not much difference at all.

[tommyk90]

Ok, now just so you guys know, if i do decide to build this shit I'm gonna have a million questions during the assembly process.

Just a heads up. :)

[J31Bro]

Who wants to hook a brother up?

Lord knows I'm not paying for that shit.

I can send you a disc. Finding an activator is your job.

[Spider Monkey]

Ok, now just so you guys know, if i do decide to build this shit I'm gonna have a million questions during the assembly process.

Just a heads up. :)

No you won't. You may think you do, but once you start putting it together, you'll see how easy it is.

[J31Bro]

No you won't. You may think you do, but once you start putting it together, you'll see how easy it is.

.

[IamDeMan]

Building computers today is so simple. It is learning to maintain them properly that people have a hard time with.

[J31Bro]

Building computers today is so simple. It is learning to maintain them properly that people have a hard time with.

Yar. There are multiple spots for things such as HDDs n shit. Put 'em in the right spot or watch 'em overheat & fry.

[tommyk90]

I mean installing all the shit, BIOS, etc.

I've installed RAM, so thats no biggie, but after hooking all the shit up I basically am a n00b.

Plus installing the processor.

I'd like to do the shit myself versus buying a dell or something, though i pieced together a nice XPS tower for ~1000. win7 professional, intel core i7, 4 gigs of ram, dual 500 gig harddrives, ati HD video card....

After buying all the components and software I need, building it is gonna cost me almost $900.

[JimJ]

buy software lol

[fbi90909]

Bro YouTube bro. All your answers are there. From assembling computers, cooking eggs, to learning how to queef.

Look up installing processors, hard drives, vid cards, and anything.

[Glock17]

Bro YouTube bro. All your answers are there. From assembling computers, cooking eggs, to learning how to queef.

Look up installing processors, hard drives, vid cards, and anything.

I had to look that up...lol, shows how much i know.

[IamDeMan]

I mean installing all the shit, BIOS, etc.

I've installed RAM, so thats no biggie, but after hooking all the shit up I basically am a n00b.

Plus installing the processor.

I'd like to do the shit myself versus buying a dell or something, though i pieced together a nice XPS tower for ~1000. win7 professional, intel core i7, 4 gigs of ram, dual 500 gig harddrives, ati HD video card....

After buying all the components and software I need, building it is gonna cost me almost $900.
Windows installs itself pretty much bro. Getting in the BIOS to boot from the Optical should be about the alone thing even remotely technical aand it isn't.

Also, it is actually hard to beat the prices of budget systems from the big brands. It is what kills it for upstarts. Savings comes in when you want to build extreme game or production machines.

[Spider Monkey]

I mean installing all the shit, BIOS, etc.

I've installed RAM, so thats no biggie, but after hooking all the shit up I basically am a n00b.

Plus installing the processor.




Bro the processor slides right in no more difficult than RAM. And you shouldn't have to really fuck with the BIOS. Fire that bitch up and throw the OS in.

[IamDeMan]

Bro the processor slides right in no more difficult than RAM. And you shouldn't have to really fuck with the BIOS. Fire that bitch up and throw the OS in.

If this guy can do it in fewer than 10 questions then so can you!

[Spider Monkey]

If this guy can do it in fewer than 10 questions then so can you!

THAT

[fbi90909]

Bro, don't forget cooling bro.

Those processors can put out some heat. Look into getting a different heatsink that fits that processor. Also some artic silver 5 compound for the installation.
Case fans help too. Get a fan speed adjuster to reduce fan noise if wanted.

[tommyk90]

You guys adding shit to my list isn't helping. LOL.

The dell xps is getting closer to the same price now.

[Spider Monkey]

You guys adding shit to my list isn't helping. LOL.

The dell xps is getting closer to the same price now.

The stock heatsink will work fine. You only upgrade for baller status.

[IamDeMan]

The stock heatsink will work fine. You only upgrade for baller status.

This. Only overclockers and gamers need worry about more than stock. Your shit is covered bro.

[IamDeMan]

Stick in my guidelines and you will be happier than shit bro. I am trying to bring you home and these punks want to mess up your ride.

[tommyk90]

Stick in my guidelines and you will be happier than shit bro. I am trying to bring you home and these punks want to mess up your ride.

But fo realz though, I put all that shit in my cart on newegg and the total was $775. :(

Something must have been on sale and came off.

Add software and we're approaching $900, plus shipping.

My original intention with building versus buying was that it would be considerably cheaper, but thats not really the case anymore. haha.

Built a dell xps 8100 with an intel i7, 4 gigs of DDR3, ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3 graphics card, 2 500 gig harddrives, and a dvd-rw drive for $1078. I could drop down to an i5 and be at $929.

I mean, is it really worth the roughly $200 less I'd be spending to build it?

Now if we were talking $400-500, then I could see the benefits, but right now I'm a little weary.

[tommyk90]

Though it looks like the one you built for me has USB3.0, and an optical out for HD audio which is nice.

FUCK, idk.

[tommyk90]

Ok, I made a few revisions to the list DeMan posted. I personally didn't like that case so I chose something a little more convenient and better looking, and that also let me choose a different (and bigger) PSU.

This also dropped my total to $749.89

New case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
new PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

Any pros/cons?

On a side note, whats the usefulness of an eSATA port on the front of the case?

[IamDeMan]

But fo realz though, I put all that shit in my cart on newegg and the total was $775. :(

Something must have been on sale and came off.

Add software and we're approaching $900, plus shipping.

My original intention with building versus buying was that it would be considerably cheaper, but thats not really the case anymore. haha.

Built a dell xps 8100 with an intel i7, 4 gigs of DDR3, ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3 graphics card, 2 500 gig harddrives, and a dvd-rw drive for $1078. I could drop down to an i5 and be at $929.

I mean, is it really worth the roughly $200 less I'd be spending to build it?

Now if we were talking $400-500, then I could see the benefits, but right now I'm a little weary.
The benefit to building is better quality selected components and building to your exact needs. You can't expect to beat mass produced garbage bro. Dell has that covered. I am sure the enclosures you build for subs cost as much or more than a prefab:grin3: If you want to make it easy then pick up a dell. It will serve you well. I would just rather build.

[IamDeMan]

Ok, I made a few revisions to the list DeMan posted. I personally didn't like that case so I chose something a little more convenient and better looking, and that also let me choose a different (and bigger) PSU.

This also dropped my total to $749.89

New case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
new PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

Any pros/cons?

On a side note, whats the usefulness of an eSATA port on the front of the case?

It saves you money, but I really like the drive cage of the sonata better. However, those are still solid choices you made.

The eSATA on the outside is for newer externals. It is faster and a direct connection compared to USB.

[tommyk90]

It saves you money, but I really like the drive cage of the sonata better. However, those are still solid choices you made.

The eSATA on the outside is for newer externals. It is faster and a direct connection compared to USB.

I just didn't like the looks or the flimsy looking front door on that sonata case. I'm not dead set on that case, it just seemed like a very good price for what it is.

I'm still searching around.

Feel free to add other choices if you like. :)

I don't mind spending a little extra dough to get a nice, solid case that looks good as well. Like I've stated, I don't know shit about this, so I have no idea what brands are good and what are junk.

[J31Bro]

But fo realz though, I put all that shit in my cart on newegg and the total was $775. :(

Something must have been on sale and came off.

Add software and we're approaching $900, plus shipping.

My original intention with building versus buying was that it would be considerably cheaper, but thats not really the case anymore. haha.

Built a dell xps 8100 with an intel i7, 4 gigs of DDR3, ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3 graphics card, 2 500 gig harddrives, and a dvd-rw drive for $1078. I could drop down to an i5 and be at $929.

I mean, is it really worth the roughly $200 less I'd be spending to build it?

Now if we were talking $400-500, then I could see the benefits, but right now I'm a little weary.

dude holy fuck. LOOK AT MY FUCKING THREAD, BUILD THE SAME COMPUTER.

I built my machine for $550 and it's faster than any purchasable machine on the market for the price.

[J31Bro]

and why do you think you need an i5 or i7? the fuck are you gonna be doing?

[IamDeMan]

I just didn't like the looks or the flimsy looking front door on that sonata case. I'm not dead set on that case, it just seemed like a very good price for what it is.

I'm still searching around.

Feel free to add other choices if you like. :)

I don't mind spending a little extra dough to get a nice, solid case that looks good as well. Like I've stated, I don't know shit about this, so I have no idea what brands are good and what are junk.

Lian Li always look good but very pricey.

[fbi90909]

and why do you think you need an i5 or i7? the fuck are you gonna be doing?

Running multiple pornography videos simutanously will take a lot for the computers processor.

As for my comment earlier on then cooling Iam is right. I overlooked that you're just using it for basic usage. My bros i7 on stock heats up pretty good but he sits on wow with full settings. His machines much much more powerful than mine. Mine puts out some heat but it's not that bad. I just use my comp for downloading and porn watching. It was a gaming machine but I moved on from pc to 360.

[tommyk90]

dude holy fuck. LOOK AT MY FUCKING THREAD, BUILD THE SAME COMPUTER.

I built my machine for $550 and it's faster than any purchasable machine on the market for the price.

I saw your thread and went MEH.

When I'm gonna put the time and effort into building something, I'm gonna build the shit out of it, whether I really need to or not.

and why do you think you need an i5 or i7? the fuck are you gonna be doing?

Nothing right now, but in the future....

Remember, my old desktop lasted me 8 YEARS. The goal here is get the same, or more, use out of this one.

Back when I got that thing, 256 of ram was the UPGRADE. The 40 gig HD was the UPGRADE. People laugh at that shit now, but 8 years ago it was good.

Who's to say that your rig won't be an outdated piece of junk in 4-5 years?

[IamDeMan]

dude holy fuck. LOOK AT MY FUCKING THREAD, BUILD THE SAME COMPUTER.

I built my machine for $550 and it's faster than any purchasable machine on the market for the price.

I would build this for 750 over yours. You also reused a video crd to save some pennies.

I would take the Phenom over you II, I would rather have a single 1TB for storage and a separate HDD for OS.

Your rig isn't bad, but it isn't how I would set it up.

[IamDeMan]

I saw your thread and went MEH.

When I'm gonna put the time and effort into building something, I'm gonna build the shit out of it, whether I really need to or not.



Nothing right now, but in the future....

Remember, my old desktop lasted me 8 YEARS. The goal here is get the same, or more, use out of this one.

Back when I got that thing, 256 of ram was the UPGRADE. The 40 gig HD was the UPGRADE. People laugh at that shit now, but 8 years ago it was good.

Who's to say that your rig won't be an outdated piece of junk in 4-5 years?

You machine that lasted 8 years WAS a piece of junk after 4-5yrs to be fair about this lol. You just got lucky it held out limping that long. That is a good run for sure.

[J31Bro]

I saw your thread and went MEH.

When I'm gonna put the time and effort into building something, I'm gonna build the shit out of it, whether I really need to or not.



Nothing right now, but in the future....

Remember, my old desktop lasted me 8 YEARS. The goal here is get the same, or more, use out of this one.

Back when I got that thing, 256 of ram was the UPGRADE. The 40 gig HD was the UPGRADE. People laugh at that shit now, but 8 years ago it was good.

Who's to say that your rig won't be an outdated piece of junk in 4-5 years?

My rig is "outdated" right now.. computers become obsolete every month.. it's even worse than audio.. but rebuilding because it's "outdated" is like changing your clothes because your buddy doesn't like 'em.

I can't lag my computer if I try dude. Obsolete or not.. it's fast as shit & performs way beyond what you'd expect.

[IamDeMan]

Love Aluminum Lian Li cases.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112065

My server is in a huge aluminum Lina Li. Nicely built cases.

[J31Bro]

I would build this for 750 over yours. You also reused a video crd to save some pennies.

I would take the Phenom over you II, I would rather have a single 1TB for storage and a separate HDD for OS.

Your rig isn't bad, but it isn't how I would set it up.

It works bro. It was a budget beater setup and it flies.

We have different uses. My rig isn't set up for your uses.. that's why it's MY rig.

[IamDeMan]

It works bro. It was a budget beater setup and it flies.

We have different uses. My rig isn't set up for your uses.. that's why it's MY rig.

So then what made you so adamant that YOUR pc was perfect for him?

[tommyk90]

You machine that lasted 8 years WAS a piece of junk after 4-5yrs to be fair about this lol. You just got lucky it held out limping that long. That is a good run for sure.

Oh trust me, I knew it was outdated. :D

I did upgrade the ram to a gig a few years ago, and added a 200 gig HD, but that was about it.

I know I got more than my fair amount of usage out of it.

Love Aluminum Lian Li cases.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112065

My server is in a huge aluminum Lina Li. Nicely built cases.

Damn thats pricey. Who do you think I am? SM?

Trying to keep it under $80 for the case.

This seemed like a pretty nice case for the price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147144

But, as stated, I don't know shit about this stuff.

[J31Bro]

It works bro. It was a budget beater setup and it flies.

We have different uses. My rig isn't set up for your uses.. that's why it's MY rig.

So then what made you so adamant that YOUR pc was perfect for him?

But fo realz though, I put all that shit in my cart on newegg and the total was $775. :(

.

[IamDeMan]

Oh trust me, I knew it was outdated. :D

I did upgrade the ram to a gig a few years ago, and added a 200 gig HD, but that was about it.

I know I got more than my fair amount of usage out of it.



Damn thats pricey. Who do you think I am? SM?

Trying to keep it under $70 for the case.
I was just showing you what a nice case is. Lin has some cheap ones, but they won't be any better/worse than anything else in that price range of yours. At that price, just pick the one that looks best to you because the features will all be similar. The important part is having a nice PSU to put in it and you got that covered with your choice for power.

[J31Bro]

That's the only reason I suggested my rig.

[IamDeMan]

.

That still doesn't say anything. Ya he was bitching about price, but he has yet to make it clear on it being a deal breaker bro.

I am happy you bought your for 550, but I find that useless for anyone to buy the absolute cheapest, just as much as it is to buy the absolute best. I like to purchase in the curve for best bang for buck. Go to new and you are just spending money for negligible gain, buy too cheap and you will be buying again sooner than you may think.

To each their own and you are happy with it. I just wouldn't personally recommend your setup.

[J31Bro]

We'll see then. Been running since the day I assembled it, rebooted once or twice.. no issues.

[IamDeMan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112237

Cheaper Lian

[tommyk90]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112237

Cheaper Lian

Not bad.

I'll have to give this case thing some more thought.

[IamDeMan]

Not bad.

I'll have to give this case thing some more thought.

It really is a personal thing to choose for your rig. You could even just get the cheapest they got if you wanted, which I believe is around $20, if you like the looks of it. There may be some nice features in better ones like drive rails, locking doors, more fans for tornado sounds. However, you won't be creating too much heated so you really only need some decent intake areas and a nice exhaust fan. the drive rails and other mounting features only help you when building, so not absolute musts. So the only things you have left to worry about is do you like the looks of it and putting a nice power source in.

[pl8er]

well you have a laptop, right? Do you have a webcam? If so, get skype I'll give you my skype addy and we can go right through it when you have problems.

[JimJ]

well you have a laptop, right? Do you have a webcam? If so, get skype I'll give you my skype addy and we can go right through it when you have problems.

I don't know if I'd be comfortable looking at a webcam of someone saying they're getting random boners today...

[IamDeMan]

I don't know if I'd be comfortable looking at a webcam of someone saying they're getting random boners today...

Well that is just where me and you are different, Mr.

[IamDeMan]

I was thinking of buying a webcam just because of that news.

[pl8er]

I was thinking of buying a webcam just because of that news.

:hi5:

You ma boi!

[tommyk90]

Switching out to this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

let me use a $15 rebate which dropped my total down to $758.53 after shipping.

Yes it has blue LED's in it. Sue me.

[tommyk90]

Oh, it gets better!

The 1 TB HD that DeMan picked out now has a $20 promo code attached to it, so that dropped the total to $738.53.

Now we're talking. :)

[IamDeMan]

Switching out to this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

let me use a $15 rebate which dropped my total down to $758.53 after shipping.

Yes it has blue LED's in it. Sue me.

Holy fucking hurricanes that shit has enough airflow. Looks good though, pretty good deal on it.

[tommyk90]

Holy fucking hurricanes that shit has enough airflow. Looks good though, pretty good deal on it.

Yeah I know, 4 flippin fans!

Hopefully it's not UBER loud on lower settings. If it is I'm sure I can get by with just a couple fans going.

[IamDeMan]

Yeah I know, 4 flippin fans!

Hopefully it's not UBER loud on lower settings. If it is I'm sure I can get by with just a couple fans going.

4 big ass fans bro. lol.

[Spider Monkey]

Yeah I know, 4 flippin fans!

Hopefully it's not UBER loud on lower settings. If it is I'm sure I can get by with just a couple fans going.

Its gonna be loud as shit.

[tommyk90]

4 big ass fans bro. lol.

lulz, yeah.

But for $45 after the promo code, seems like a pretty good deal. :)

[tommyk90]

So do I need to buy some thermal paste or will the CPU come with some?

Do I even need some period?

[jesus]

The stock fan has some on it. If you're not OC'ing that will be sufficient.

[tommyk90]

So here's a fun story.

I turn my desktop back on today for fun, and the shit works. pwnt.

Still a slow ass piece of shit though, so i think i'm gonna go through the build anyways.

[tommyk90]

Ok, I think this is the final setup

case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.391129

OS HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136296

Media HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.391129

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016


Basically I upgraded the RAM to the higher series A-DATA, and upgraded to the 955 Black Edition processor.

After all the instant discounts, promo codes, and one combo deal, the total is only $748.63. Only $10 more than the original combo, and with the upgraded RAM and CPU

[jesus]

Spend $75 and get a decent dedicated video card..................................It doesn't matter if you "need" it, you need it.

[tommyk90]

Spend $75 and get a decent dedicated video card..................................It doesn't matter if you "need" it, you need it.

Well at that point shouldn't i get a cheaper MOBO and put that money towards a dedicated video card then?

I figured the on board graphics will hold me over for now and I can upgrade the video card in the future. Trying not to spend $1000 on this thing. At least not all at once. :)

[Acidburn]

buy b00bies!!1!!!

[IamDeMan]

Spend $75 and get a decent dedicated video card..................................It doesn't matter if you "need" it, you need it.

To browse the web and watch the occasional HD movie? Those onboard ATI HD chips are plenty for that.

[pl8er]

Keep a decent motherboard and use onboard video. You can always upgrade to an add-on video card later. Updating the motherboard would be a pain.

[tommyk90]

Keep a decent motherboard and use onboard video. You can always upgrade to an add-on video card later. Updating the motherboard would be a pain.

Yep, that's what I'm gonna do.

[JimJ]

Spend $75 and get a decent dedicated video card..................................It doesn't matter if you "need" it, you need it.

Why?

[pl8er]

He is a video producer. I doubt he has had a pc without one, ever.

[JimJ]

lol, 'splains it

So the same reason why I'd never recommend anything but a replacement sound card :D

[JimJ]

BTW, Tommykay, these: http://cgi.ebay.com/SURGEX-INDUSTRIAL-SURGE-SUPPRESSOR-MODEL-SX15-iR2-/330429860735?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cef278b7f#ht_500wt_1182 are the best brand of surge protectors I've ever seen. Anything they make is pretty much FTW.

No MOVs, won't eventually fry from nearby strikes.

[MR.Crunk]

No MOVs


interesting

[JimJ]

Yup, uses a huge inductor instead...not cost effective at all, but it works.

They make a 2-rack unit version that I'm eying for my home rig once I can afford it :)