Kaz's Crude Thread for Rocks who are Building A Computer.

[Kazthul]

Research is king in this line of dialogue, end of story. Don't take what I have to say as de facto, think for yourself, question authority.

First of all, for those of you trying to build a windows system on the cheap, its tough to outdo the Dells and HPs of the world in the super-cheap category, mainly because the cost of the operating system. If you don't have the OS already, I strongly advise you to just go buy a cheap budget pc from Dell or HP.

I will assume you have the fundamentals of what you need and how to assemble. If not, see here... oops, no wait I mean here.

Three decisions are...

1. Do you want an Intel or AMD processor? Pick a side, its like Horde vs Alliance, personal preference.
2. Do you want to use NVidia or ATi graphics card? This is a constant battle of 1uping each other. Pick a side.
3. Do you want to Air-cool or water-cool?

Myself, I'm a bit of a Intel, Nvidia and water-cooling guy.

Decision 1 info: The most important thing to know about buying a processor (CPU) though is that whatever you do chose, your CPU must have the same socket set as your motherboard (Mobo). If you have 1366 pin processor, its not gonna fit in a 1155 pin motherboard socket.... EVER. Performance-wise I would advise against the x58s and go with the z68s for intel. Here's a good article for why. Tweaktown - z68 vs x58. I don't have usual info for AMD procs, I don't use em.

Question 2 info: Now that you have a Proc and mobo, it's time to buy a graphics card. Now which GPU architecture your newly acquired mobo supports will decide the Nvidia vs ATi debate for you. Unless you have an X58 board, cause well, those ones don't care which camp you go with.

Question 3 info: This one boils down completely to how tech savvy, comfortable, or ballsy you are. Personally, water-cooling is easy, I think it just seems hard to everybody when it isn't. You could even mineral oil it if you want.

So what brand do you buy? Much like the choices above, its all about preference, if you're going for benchmarks, well then, research is everything once again.

Personally, I prefer EVGA (Mobo & Graphics Cards), Corsair (Case, SSDs, PSU, RAM), EK Waterblocks (Reservoirs and Rads), Bitspower (Compression Fittings), Razer (Mice, Keyboards) components whenever possible. Mainly because I try to go for a theme look instead of a hodge podge combo of stuff. I've been using Enermax Vegas Apollish fans lately. They look sick.

As for audio, I'm not a fan of standard PC speaker setups, I just have the audio output to a Pioneer A/V Receiver via Toslink and I bought some Klipsch surround speakers that won't magnetize my shit.

Monitors. TN or IPS? This is another divide. TN screens usually have a faster display, so they don't ghost as much and they're cheap as hell, but their color quality isn't quite so great. IPS on the other hand, are very expensive compared to TN screens, have awesome color replication, and not as fast as the TN screens. I go with IPS all the way, but shit, my monitor cost $1599.00 vs comparable a TN screen for $799.00 that has 3D and a built in TV tuner. I think mine was worth every damned penny, but then, if your not into the color quality, you'll think I'm a retard.

However, I do happen to have a TN screen sitting next to the Dell...... What?!? I gotta be able to watch my directv, a bluray, or read the forums while I'm gaming bitches.

I frequent this thread for creative inspiration Xtreme Systems Liquid Cooling Case Gallery

This is where I go to buy my gear.

Aquatuning
FrozenCPU
Mountain Mods
NCIX
Newegg
Performance PCs
Sidewinder Computers
US Plastics
Xoxide

These are places I go to glean info.

Xtreme Systems My mecca.
Xtreme Systems Liquid Cooling Case Gallery - This is where I go for inspiration.
Xtreme Systems - Cable sleeveing guide. How to sleeve cable... Huh, didn't see that coming.
Xtreme Systems - Guide to soldering This site could have good info, it's linked again after all.
Overclockers.net I even linked the super water cooling links thread.
Clunk.org.uk I linked the watercoolling for beginners guide for ya.
3Dgameman Nice video reviews of things.
Skinnee Labs Good place to get comparisons on liquid gear.
Martin's Liquid Lab Good comparisons of liquid gear.
Frosty Tech Want to know what is thee best cpu cooler on air? You do now.

Just thought I'd slap together some info to help those of you who may or may not be into DIY on the computer front.

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle. Winning.

[Ashenfury]

Your preferences are remarkably similar to mine. So much so that I had to double take. The ONLY part that we differ on is that I like CoolerMaster cases (HAF932 baby) and I like x58 motherboards for flexibility.

[Kazthul]

I was hard pressed to decide between the Coolermaster and 800D. My friend went with the coolermaster and I opted for the corsair, if fits my whole corsair theme anyway.

And don't get me wrong, I'm all about x58. It's just z68 performance is similar to z58 today at lower cost. z68 isn't king.

I'm currently torturing torturing myself by considering buying a mobo tray from Mountain Mods that would allow me to shove the SR-2 into my 800D.

Would turn out something like this.



Otherwise, I'm holding out for the x58's true successor.