Recommended Builds by Usage - Page 3

Last message on previous page:

Good question.... I don't know if this is something you normally inclucde in an HTPC build. I have never built a HTPC build so I'm not sure.

I'm totally opposite of you on the 900. I don't like it because of the sloped top and like the 902 since it looks like a mini 1200

I sent you a PM...

The 5870 would definitely increase performance if you have a good sized monitor. The i7 860 could for some games and could not for others.

@tecmo34.. I sent you a PM!...

OP, could you review my CPU Buyer's Guide for linkage?

I will look at the RAM and HAF on my next review for updates. They look like good deals. I have a bad taste (experience) with MSI (MOBO died and killed my Q6600), so I can't recommend them on a personal level. Antec 900 is a good case so I might look at it for both the AM3 & i5 Gamer builds.

This topic has been sticky in top of the forum by 4ryan6

Well done tecmo!

congrats tec

I don't spend nearly the amount of time I did on this site before, and was stoked to see you stuck with this and got the sticky. CONGRATS

I just fell out of my chair. I had no idea that was still being used as reference. That's the kind of inspiration I need to dig back in and update/add to it. I saw the work you were doing and figured the overlapping nature didn't justify both threads running and didn't have the time to keep it updated. Maybe I'll just stick to the odd builds or around a specific sale or something.

Minor Updates and add the build I'm putting together this weekend for my daughter...

Thats a lot of information guys .Thanks a lot .Very informative.


las vegas towing

I use the Xigmatek Dark Knight 120mm HDT cooler, and I love it. Keeps my OC'd E8400 at about 36-39C Idle and doesn't have extra "bling" aside from a single white LED that is hardly noticeable.

$44 -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

Using with socket 1156 will require this bracket for $8 -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

the bracket kit appears to be out of stock on newegg, but you can snag it anywhere (like the cooler itself).

It has direct touch heatpipes, and a 120mm fan with rubber mounts for quiet operation. It is BIG, if your case has a side-venting fan you may need to relocate it (slap in on the outside of the case) or remove it.

I recommend this cooler though, I really do like it a lot.

Why yes, the rifle does look just like the dark knight lol. I hadn't noticed that! I do not like how newegg doesn't have a picture of the base of the Rifle HSF though. Although it says HDT I would really like to see that before I buy--it is one of the reasons I grabbed the dark knight.

I would run stock until the Xigmatek's are available (I actually DID run stock until they were available, lol).

found the cooler master mouse cheaper http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R5ABG [...] B002R5ABGY

I feel that this thread has several weaknesses. Primarily, it completely defeats the purpose of the "How to Ask for Build Advice" sticky. Meaning, you just suggest builds without knowing any of the things that are required in order to build the best PC for someone. You don't know what the person's resolution is, whether they plan on overclocking or crossfire/sli, what parts they prefer, or anything. Also, your title, "Recommended Builds By Usage" doesn't really make sense - the only factor you consider is price. I appreciate all the effort you put into this, I'm just explaining my feelings about it.

Hmmm.....a good post but....newegg wish lists for cheap/gaming systems with all parts known to be compatible would be good.

While many visitors to Tom's have above average knowledge of PC parts few have in-depth expert level knowledge. Sometimes you need a reference point to even get to the point where you can ask the right question. Also with the millions of posts here at Tom's it is often impossible to find an answer to your question because you don't know which search terms to use. Furthermore with a myriad of variations for every part used in a PC (Newegg list 79 CPUs) that have very subtle differences, having someone "tell" you what to buy is a useful starting point.

I recently read in an graphics card article that while two card SLI is great, a VERY small percentage of people actually use it. I just bought a MoBo for a build that can do NVIDIA Hybrid SLI but I'm having trouble finding any information on what cards I can use to do it. Probably because, while the feature is there, no one is using it.

I still contend that MacWrite, which had the operating system AND the application on a 720Kb floppy, is more word processor than 90% of users will ever need. That said, most systems are way overbuilt for what they will actually be used for. Sure there are many serious gamers and games are designed for those users, but recommending a build based on generalities is a useful starting point for most people.

Most people will use a standard resolution which the vast majority of graphics chips can produce. They won't overclock or use two graphics cards, they prefer the lowest priced brand they can find, etc. While there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of active users on Tom's, there are tens of millions of PC users whose biggest choice is "Mac or PC." (And since PC owns 90% of the market that isn't really much of a choice.)

I used Tom's to pick out the parts for my new HTPC. But I'm the exception in that I had the time to do that. I've been designing it for several months spending many hours reading articles and posts and checking prices, but the final decisions were made in a couple of hours during Newegg's Black Friday sale and they were based on price. Most people who will build their own system (I wonder how many do that?) will just look for recommendations from a trusted source (Tom's is the one I recommend) and buy parts as close to the recommended list as possible. They change one or two based on personal experience (I've never used AMD, I had many friends that worked for WD), friend's biases and prejudices, their budget, specific needs (I don't watch Blu-Ray movies or game) and availability. But for the most part they just want to say the built it themselves and saved some money.

These are my feelings on the topic and d@ng it, they sound harsh toward jbl91 and I didn't mean them to. jbl91 - I'm sorry but I don't have time to rewrite them. I have no ill feelings toward you. I usually write my comments offline, rewrite them for tone and then post them.