[Brad Johnson]

I'm planning on buying a third internal hard drive so I can dual boot windows 7 and XP on the same system. I'm going to get a Western Digital 500GB hard drive, but would I see a significant difference between getting the blue (16MB cache) vs the black (32MB cache)? I think my windows 7 install is on a western digital blue right now.

The WD black is quite a bit faster, and more reliable than the blue

[Valerie Marie]

The WD black is quite a bit faster, and more reliable than the blue

Yeah, and it being only a $10 difference doesn't give me much incentive to not go with the Black. Thanks

[Melissa De Thomasis]

Is this the right place to ask for help with building a computer..? Because I need help...

1.) USD. Willing to spend $1,000-1,200
2. United States
3. Uh..pre-assumbled.. I think.
4. I don't need a monitor, speakers, mouse, nor keyboard. I'll need 2 HDD's though.
5.Intel. Product can't be made by MSI...terrible...

Not sure if that helps..

You can settle for this guy here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229216

...but doesn't have the extra HDD.


OR go here:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_P55_Configurator/

customize as such:

Case: CoolerMaster HAF 912 Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ Adjustable HDD Cage [-29] (Black Color)
Extra Case Fan Upgrade: Default case fans
CPU: Intel? Core? i7-870 2.93 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1156 [+90]
Freebies: Star Trek Online Digital Deluxe Game
Venom Boost Fast And Efficient Factory Overclocking: No Overclocking
Cooling Fan: Intel LGA1156 Certified CPU Fan & Heatsink [-20]
Motherboard: [CrossFireX] Asus P7P55 LX Intel P55 Chipset DDR3 LGA1156 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, USB2.0, SATA-II, RAID, 2 Gen2 PCIe, 2 PCIe X1, & 3 PCI
Memory: 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: AMD Radeon HD 6870 1GB GDDR5 16X PCIe Video Card [+202] (Major Brand Powered by AMD)...GTX 460 is next option down if need to save
Multiple Video Card Settings: Non-SLI/Non-CrossFireX Mode Supports Multiple Monitors
Power Supply Upgrade: 650 Watts - Corsair CMPSU-650TX 80 Plus Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready [+99]....IMPORTANT!!!!!!Thermaltake 650W TR2 is a cheaper alternative, but Corsair better.
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+22] (Single Hard Drive)
Data Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+65] (Single Hard Drive)
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
Network: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
Keyboard: Xtreme Gear (Black Color) Multimedia/Internet USB Keyboard
Mouse: XtremeGear Optical USB 3 Buttons Gaming Mouse
USB Port: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
Operating System: Microsoft? Windows? 7 Home Premium [+104] (64-bit Edition)
Service: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Rush Service: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 10~15 BUSINESS DAYS

That's $1178....before ship/taxes.

Hey, I'm trying to buy a new computer. Tig Ol Bitties you might remember that I had a $1500 budget last time I asked. It is down to 1300 now. Can any of you build me a good computer on cyberpower?

1. budget is 1300 usd
2. United states.
3. Pre-assembled.
4. I don't need anything but a computer.
5. I'd prefer a well known website such as cyberpower, buyxg, or newegg. This computer is going to be for gaming and I want it to be good now and upgradable in the future. I also want a chocolate chip cookie.

Well, you could go with any one of the systems I specced out above if you wish, but I see you don't need an operating system. If you're willing to go with an AMD processor, you can get a bit more for the money for sure and might want to wait for the Radeon 6950 to hit CyberPowerPC's options. Rumor has it should be coming out by third week of the month. Here's an alternative that will be only $1052 with a Radeon 6870:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/AMD_Quad_Core_Configurator/

Customise like so:

Case: * Azza Solano 1000 Full-Tower Advance Cooling Case w/ Dual 230mm Fan + Extra 3 Fans [+7]
Extra Case Fan Upgrade: Default case fans
CPU: AMD Phenom?II X6 1090T Six-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology [+154]
Freebies: FREE Game: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
Cooling Fan: AMD ATHLON64 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK [-20]
Motherboard: GigaByte GA-870A-UD3 AMD 870/SB850 chipset support DDR3 Ultra Durable?3 Socket AM3 ATX Mainboard w/ 7.1 Audio, GBLAN, Support 6-core CPU, CPU Auto Unlocker, USB3.0, SATA-III, ON/OFF Charge for IPod, RAID, 2 Gen2 PCIe, 2 PCIe X1, & 3 PCI [+18]
Memory: 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory Module (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: AMD Radeon HD 6870 1GB GDDR5 16X PCIe Video Card [+202] (Major Brand Powered by AMD)....wait for the Radeon 6950 to hit options
Free Game: FREE! (Stormrise) Game
Multiple Video Card Settings: Non-SLI/Non-CrossFireX Mode Supports Multiple Monitors
Power Supply Upgrade: 650 Watts - Corsair CMPSU-650TX 80 Plus Power Supply - Quad SLI Ready [+99]
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+22] (Single Hard Drive)
External Hard Drive (USB3.0/2.0/eSATA): None
Optical Drive: 24X Double Layer Dual Format DVD+-R/+-RW + CD-R/RW Drive (BLACK COLOR)
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
Speakers: None [-5]
Network: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
Keyboard: None [-4]
Mouse: None [-3]
Flash Media Reader/Writer: None [-3]
USB Port: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
Operating System: None - FORMAT HARD DRIVE ONLY
Service: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Rush Service: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 10~15 BUSINESS DAYS


Total before ship/tax: $1052

Yeah, and it being only a $10 difference doesn't give me much incentive to not go with the Black. Thanks

Definitely go with WD Black.

[Lindsay Dunn]

Thank's alot Tig.

[elliot mudd]

Fairly broad question. In general how reliable is the WD Green?

In other words, is there any reason why I shouldn't buy it? I am going to mount it in a external harddrive case, so the lower speed is a bonus.

I was thinking of getting this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digital-Caviar-3-5-inch-Internal/dp/B003SLE8H4/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added

and this for the case:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Icy-Box-Ib-318stus2-b-Aluminium-Interface/dp/B001KWDOOQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3ETJ8XQTEXRYJ&colid=3Q5RX8H3L1TRP

[City Swagga]

You can settle for this guy here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229216

Snip

Sorry I should have been more clear. What I meant was that I didn't need anymore hardware other than the computer. I still need an operating system.

Also the setup you gave me didn't have a sound card. WIll the Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card suffice?

Edit: Also is the XtremeGear Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) cooling system good enough to stick with over the default?

Edit2: Its giving me a $0 tax charge when I select my state when I look at checkout. So when choosing a comp for me don't worry about online taxes. Sometimes it is good to live in Alabama

[gary lee]

Sorry I should have been more clear. What I meant was that I didn't need anymore hardware other than the computer. I still need an operating system.

Also the setup you gave me didn't have a sound card. WIll the Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card suffice?

Edit: Also is the XtremeGear Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) cooling system good enough to stick with over the default?

Edit2: Its giving me a $0 tax charge when I select my state when I look at checkout. So when choosing a comp for me don't worry about online taxes. Sometimes it is good to live in Alabama

Sound cards aren't a necessity, so it's up to you to whether you want to spend the money on one or not. And don't buy into the liquid cooling or XTREMEness of some cooling options. The default should be enough.

[brandon frier]

Fairly broad question. In general how reliable is the WD Green?

In other words, is there any reason why I shouldn't buy it? I am going to mount it in a external harddrive case, so the lower speed is a bonus.

I was thinking of getting this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digital-Caviar-3-5-inch-Internal/dp/B003SLE8H4/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added

and this for the case:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Icy-Box-Ib-318stus2-b-Aluminium-Interface/dp/B001KWDOOQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3ETJ8XQTEXRYJ&colid=3Q5RX8H3L1TRP

WD Green is a decent hard drive if used mainly for storage. I generally wouldn't suggest it for performance with games or the operating system because it is a rather ECO-friendly drive that's a lot slower than say WD's Black line, but looks like you're using it for storage anyways.

Sorry I should have been more clear. What I meant was that I didn't need anymore hardware other than the computer. I still need an operating system.

Also the setup you gave me didn't have a sound card. WIll the Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT PCI Sound Card suffice?

Edit: Also is the XtremeGear Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) cooling system good enough to stick with over the default?

Edit2: Its giving me a $0 tax charge when I select my state when I look at checkout. So when choosing a comp for me don't worry about online taxes. Sometimes it is good to live in Alabama

Well, adding in Windows Home Premium 64-bit should be simple enough.

Onboard sound in modern motherboards these days do a pretty decent job already in most games. Oblivion is one game that continues to seem problematic for many onboard users, but I'd say give it a try first with onboard to see how it performs....assuming you still play the game. The Creative Labs SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24-BIT card is no better than older onboard audio...wouldn't bother with that at all. The X-Fi XtremeGamer or Titanium are the cards to consider on Creative's front.

The liquid cooling is fine if you want it. I just personally don't like liquid cooling, but whatever floats your boat.

[Mélida Brunet]

I'm planning a system wipe due to increased balkiness of my system.

How would one deal with Steam? Is it possible to preserve all the stuff installed for my Steam games without having to reinstall them?

[Jason King]

Hey there hardware afficionados, had a quick question I was hoping someone might enlighten me on. I'm looking to pick up a new graphics card in the near future, probably an NVidia 470 GTX based on the reviews I've seen, but was just wondering if there was any new hardware coming out that might be worth waiting for, if only to drive prices down a bit - would waiting until January (or later) be advisable at this point?

Also, if I do get the 470 GTX, will there by any potential bottlenecking issues if I have a slightly older CPU, a Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz? (I currently have an 8800 GTX for graphics, and 4 gigs of DDR2 RAM.)

@MadCat221: Yes, just make a copy of your steamapps folder.

[Luis Reyma]

Hey there hardware afficionados, had a quick question I was hoping someone might enlighten me on. I'm looking to pick up a new graphics card in the near future, probably an NVidia 470 GTX based on the reviews I've seen, but was just wondering if there was any new hardware coming out that might be worth waiting for, if only to drive prices down a bit - would waiting until January (or later) be advisable at this point?

Also, if I do get the 470 GTX, will there by any potential bottlenecking issues if I have a slightly older CPU, a Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz? (I currently have an 8800 GTX for graphics, and 4 gigs of DDR2 RAM.)

@MadCat221: Yes, just make a copy of your steamapps folder.

The GTX 570 just launched...reviews are all over the place too. Check it out.

The Q6600 can certainly be a bottleneck though depending on application, but that chip is also highly overclockable if you're willing to do so.

[Sabrina Steige]

This afternoon, randomly, the headset icon appeared in my taskbar on my HTC Hero. I'm running the latest software.

It obviously means I can't hear anyone who calls nor can they hear me because it thinks the earphones are plugged in. I've had a look online and the general consensus was to download an app called Toogle Headset. I found Toggle Headset 2 and downloaded it (and paid for it). I've added it to my homescreen as told and the little box shows up with the 'on' green status but pressing it doesn't set the headset status to off. In fact tapping it doesn't seem to do anything.

Is there another way to toggle off the headset setting or am I doing something wrong with the Toggle Headset app?

[Bambi]

Would buying a pre-assembled computer be cheaper than building one?

Is a custom built computer easier to upgrade?

This topic really should be pinned to the top...

[Sarah MacLeod]

Would buying a pre-assembled computer be cheaper than building one?

No. By buying the individual parts of a computer, you are saving money.

[Veronica Martinez]

Would buying a pre-assembled computer be cheaper than building one?

Assuming both computers have the same specs, 99 out of 100 times the pre-built will be more expensive. You also have the added benefit of choosing which components and getting higher quality components. Some (many?) computer manufacturers use parts that aren't the best to try to save a buck and increase their profit margins.

Is a custom built computer easier to upgrade?

Generally, yes. Depends on the brand, but if you do a good job of buying your computer you hopefully won't have to worry too much about upgrading.

[Fanny Rouyé]

Would buying a pre-assembled computer be cheaper than building one?

Is a custom built computer easier to upgrade?

This topic really should be pinned to the top...

First question greatly depends on budget. Just based on the number of systems I've specced out for people, I find the lower your budget is...say $500 or less, it becomes close to being a wash between pre-built and do-it-yourself. The operating system alone already costs $100 by itself when building your own, yet there are lots of cheap prebuilts that absorbs a lot of that cost while still maintaining a low price. The higher your budget goes, the better it becomes to build it yourself...especially when close to the $1000 range.

For second question, for the most part yes since you are building to your needs and you choose the components that go in. However, a lot of pre-assembled PCs these days use similar components that can be found in the third party market, just lower brand and cheaper quality. Upgradability is there in those cases....but there are those slim-line, all-in-one, mini-PCs that are out there where upgrading is VERY difficult or even impossible. This is where you have to be careful in regards to form-factors.

[sarah taylor]

Just as a follow up, the parts arrived today and are now installed and working. You lose again, static electricity! :toughninja: The temperatures seem a bit high to me (CPU 50 idle, 65 under heavy load, GPU 39 Idle, 73 under heavy load) but accroding to various internet sources they are normal :shrug: Seeing a nice performance increase too, despite Windows' rating going from 5.9 to 1 :lmao: Now i need to find a Dx 11 game, Metro 2033 and Call of Pripyat?

[Jessie Rae Brouillette]

Just as a follow up, the parts arrived today and are now installed and working. You lose again, static electricity! :toughninja: The temperatures seem a bit high to me (CPU 50 idle, 65 under heavy load, GPU 39 Idle, 73 under heavy load) but accroding to various internet sources they are normal :shrug: Seeing a nice performance increase too, despite Windows' rating going from 5.9 to 1 :lmao: Now i need to find a Dx 11 game, Metro 2033 and Call of Pripyat?

What specific CPU did you get? Those numbers to me look suspicious. What did you use to measure the temps?

Both Metro 2033 and Stalker:CoP are great games....I enjoyed Metro quite a lot more though, but it sure can be strainful on any PC system.

[jadie kell]

Core2Quad Q8400, googling around got me some sites where it was stated that below 70 should be safe. I used the motherboard's "Asus AI Suite" program, and verified with RealTemp.

I've had both Metro and CoP for months and haven't played them, stupid Bethesda's games... :swear:

[Anna S]

I'm in need of a laptop suggestion. Friend's dog spilled water on it and it's fried for the most part.

I can find one easily, however I always prefer to hear others suggestions in case others can find better deals.

His spending limit is 700USD and what he mostly does is general use along with using programs such as Sony Vegas and AAE, meaning an above average clock CPU will be needed. He doesn't HAVE to have it be optimized for games, but if you can for around 700 than please show me. I think that about sums it up. Newegg is preferred, but not necessary. Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: Also, 16" or larger is also needed.

[Invasion's]

I spoke too soon it seems. Got two BSODs, first one was "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL", the second i didn't see since there was so much text it didn't fit in one screen, it appeared right after windows desktop loaded after the first one. Also the computer refused to restart wih the first try, the screen stayed in standby mode, so i'm guessing somethings up with the graphics card.

Edit: ...or it's an exceptional New Vegas issue, my last autosave was not my female character in Freeside, but a naked default caucasian male in Goodsprings :blink:

[Jerry Jr. Ortiz]

I'm in need of a laptop suggestion. Friend's dog spilled water on it and it's fried for the most part.

I can find one easily, however I always prefer to hear others suggestions in case others can find better deals.

His spending limit is 700USD and what he mostly does is general use along with using programs such as Sony Vegas and AAE, meaning an above average clock CPU will be needed. He doesn't HAVE to have it be optimized for games, but if you can for around 700 than please show me. I think that about sums it up. Newegg is preferred, but not necessary. Thanks in advanced.

From Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146852
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220745
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152215


From Amazon (free shipping and quite possibly no tax depending on option you choose and what state you're from):

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-14-Inch-Laptop-Aluminum-surface/dp/tech-data/B0043B7WDK/ref=de_a_smtd
http://www.amazon.com/K52DR-A1-15-6-Inch-Versatile-Entertainment-Laptop/dp/B003Q99Y04/ref=sr_1_11?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1292551735&sr=1-11

[Symone Velez]

I spoke too soon it seems. Got two BSODs, first one was "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL", the second i didn't see since there was so much text it didn't fit in one screen, it appeared right after windows desktop loaded after the first one. Also the computer refused to restart wih the first try, the screen stayed in standby mode, so i'm guessing somethings up with the graphics card.

Edit: ...or it's an exceptional New Vegas issue, my last autosave was not my female character in Freeside, but a naked default caucasian male in Goodsprings :blink:

That error message could mean so many things. It makes me wonder if your CPU is actually being adequately cooled. May want to reapply thermal compound (Arctic Silver 5 highly suggested) and give it another go.

What video card did you previously have? If it was an ATI card, did you remove those left-behind files before installing drivers for your new GTS 450? Is your power supply adequate enough for the new card?

One way or the other, getting rid of that message is probably not going to be fun....

[Kelly Tomlinson]

I just got an LG VU Plus yesterday and one thing I miss about my old phone was the .pdf reader. Does anyone know where I can find one for my new phone? Or some websites to take a look at?

[jodie]

That error message could mean so many things. It makes me wonder if your CPU is actually being adequately cooled. May want to reapply thermal compound (Arctic Silver 5 highly suggested) and give it another go.

What video card did you previously have? If it was an ATI card, did you remove those left-behind files before installing drivers for your new GTS 450? Is your power supply adequate enough for the new card?

One way or the other, getting rid of that message is probably not going to be fun....

I was playing New Vegas at the time, dual screen setup with the game running on 1920*1080 resolution in one, and with temperature measurement programs on the other, the CPU didn't get hotter than 55^oC so i doubt it's overheating. The GPU runs quite hot though, and i have an Antec 300 case where the PSU is intalled upside down at the bottom, it pretty much blows right into the GPU :shrug: The GPU fan speed seems to be automatically controlled but won't rise much higher than 30% according to GPU-Z. There propably are programs that allow manual contorl of it, i'll tyr to search for one.

The PSU itself an Antec Earthwatts 600W, it should be powerful enough, but it's over three years old so it propably won't be outputting that much anymore. Previous card was a GeForce 9600GT, and as far i can tell it used the same drivers. I simply removed the drivers when first installing it, but now i tried cleaning them completely, maybe that'll help :shrug: