Need advice on a new pc - Page 2

f2000keith · #11 02-21-2009, 12:53 PM

Not sure yet. They're keeping it under wraps, but it IS under development. I would guess 6-12 months.

Warpedcow · #12 02-22-2009, 08:45 AM

Agree with much that has been said. I've built computers since before college, usually ordering parts through Newegg, as Steve recommends as well.

Just a few things to add:
Definitely get a dedicated video card.
I would suggest full tower, more room to work is always a plus. A cramped case is a PITA.
I run 64-bit Windows Server 2008 and have no trouble running any games. Vista 64-bit these days should be similarly trouble-free. Get at least 4GB of RAM. IMHO don't bother with 32-bit anything.
Consider doing RAID1, losing data to disk failure sucks, and it's pretty cheap to get RAID1 these days.

HawkBat · #13 02-22-2009, 08:13 PM

I haven't heard of any updates or time frame on RF2. I just know there is a big group of games that are going to come coming out that I want to play. Can't wait for StarCraft 2.

HawkBat · #14 02-24-2009, 06:50 PM

I haven't had time to go through my list but I have a feeling my upgrade is approaching also. I agree with everything warpedcow listed. I am also a user of Newegg. I prefer them over tiger direct.

Raid 1 is a good idea for having a backup and stuff. I am a crazy person and use Raid 0.

sbranda · #15 02-25-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warpedcow

Agree with much that has been said.
I would suggest full tower, more room to work is always a plus. A cramped case is a PITA.

How much room do you need? "Full Tower" cases have around 7 x 5.25" external bays, 7 x 3.5" bays, room for 7-10 expansion cards...etc. Maybe you're thinking of a larger Mid tower.

Don't buy a full tower just to put 2 hard drives, a graphics card and a DVD-Drive in it. Buy an appropriately sized case with the motherboard already installed if you want to make your life easy.

Warpedcow · #16 02-25-2009, 01:33 PM

I guess the cramped thing I encounter is caused by having a case that isn't long enough rather than not being tall enough. Having hard drives right up against the end of your expansion cards, and having RAM buried underneath them as well just isn't fun. Having more room also means more flexibility in where you can put the internal cabling usually which can give you better airflow and cooling.

That said, a well designed case is what's really important, rather than just getting a "big" one.

tifosi · #17 02-25-2009, 04:38 PM

Any recommendations for a well designed case? Do NOT want lime green, clear side panel or skulls.

Warpedcow · #18 02-25-2009, 04:41 PM

My favorite case is a Lian Li. Antec makes good ones too, but avoid the ones where the power supply is on the bottom of the case rather than the top - these are VERY cramped by this design (ask me how I know

)

HawkBat · #19 02-25-2009, 04:49 PM

Ok yes you are correct, It is a large mid tower. I have a Antec P180B. I like it a lot. Power supply is on the bottom and has its own wind tunnel type design plus it makes it so much more quiet.

Warpedcow · #20 02-25-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawkBat

Ok yes you are correct, It is a large mid tower. I have a Antec P180B. I like it a lot. Power supply is on the bottom and has its own wind tunnel type design plus it makes it so much more quiet.

I don't really like my P180 because the power supply I put in it is so long (1000W) that it barely fits and the cabling down there is very cramped.