cRPG

Off Topic => General Off Topic => Topic started by: Life on December 12, 2013, 05:55:09 am

Title: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Life on December 12, 2013, 05:55:09 am
Feel free to discuss.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Christo on December 12, 2013, 06:36:38 am
Buy it, then build it.

 :)
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: bilwit on December 12, 2013, 06:57:30 am
DIY. Only lazy fat fucks and casuals buy Alienware/whatever. There's nothing magical or special about building computers, you buy some shit and plug it in. Fin. It's cheaper and specialized exactly how you want it.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 07:44:31 am
I have never owned a pre built PC, mainly due to my Father building our first 486 ( DOS ftw ) and then teaching me how to build them when I was a kid. I soon built one out of handed down parts and continued to upgrade that way until I was old enough to work and buy stuff myself. Lucky for me my Dad is a massive tech freak and always got top end stuff, so by the time he gave the parts to me they were still at least mid end pieces of hardware.

I see absolutely no benefit in buying a pre built PC. IMO one important part of being able to maintain your pc in the long run is knowing how it works inside and any of the quirks of the case or hardware have. Building a PC is the best way to begin learning, get someone that knows how to if you can and have them help, that would be my advice to anyone looking to buy a PC. Well especially for gaming. If you arent using it for gaming then jog the fuck on you mug because I dont give a shit.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: JackieChan on December 12, 2013, 08:58:27 am
http://forum.melee.org/general-off-topic/need-help-for-a-new-pc/

I didnt know anything about building a computer before  and i still managed to do it (u can see pics page 7). The only downturn with it is that it will take alot of your time. So if you havent got alot of free time you should just buy a prebuilt PC, otherwise build it yourself, its totally worth it! (trust me :p)

Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Teeth on December 12, 2013, 09:03:29 am
I shaved off so much money by just gathering some parts and building it myself. Building a PC is not hard or all that complex, it takes some reading up on the subject, but then you can do it for life. It saves so much money in my experience, built a dirt cheap PC two years a go and it still runs fairly well. Besides, if you know how to build one, you often also have much more of a clue when it comes to fixing one.

Alternatively you could also buy the parts yourself and then have a computer shop assemble it, I know there is a bunch of shops around here which do it for 50 euros. Leaving you to probably still save a lot of money from buying an entirely pre-built pc.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 12, 2013, 11:16:02 am
If you have two left hands and are not a lefty, then buying a pre-built PC makes sense. Otherwise, build!
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 11:38:00 am
I didn't have a nerdy neckbeard as a dad nor cba learning how to build a master race PC
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 12, 2013, 11:45:08 am
The most annoying part when i assembled my pc was probably organizing all the cables inside, in order to close the case  and not having cables touching components or the fans( or having them in front of the fans), and i have quite a lot of fans: 2  on top, 1 on the bottom, 2 on the left side, 1 on the front side and 1 on the backside of the case.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: zagibu on December 12, 2013, 11:56:01 am
Well, you don't need so many fans. Also, power supplies with detachable cables are a must nowadays.

One reason not to build it yourself is the bring in warranty on the whole system, if you buy it. Something doesn't work? Bring it to the vendor and pick it back up when it's repaired. Not going to happen with a selfbuilt rig.

But of course, you pay a premium price for prebuilt. Usually around 30% more compared to selfbuilt.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 12:56:47 pm
Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 11:38:00 am
I didn't have a nerdy neckbeard as a dad nor cba learning how to build a master race PC

My Dad must be master neckbeard nerd, not only does my Dad know a fuck ton about PC tech and teaches people about it, he can fix cars, operate lorries and construction veichles, maintain 747 engines, erect scaffolds, roof houses, make and maintain electrics, plumbing and carpentry in a house and the list goes on. I love my awesome nerd Dad.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm
Quote from: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 12:56:47 pm
My Dad must be master neckbeard nerd, not only does my Dad know a fuck ton about PC tech and teaches people about it, he can fix cars, operate lorries and construction veichles, maintain 747 engines, erect scaffolds, roof houses, make and maintain electrics, plumbing and carpentry in a house and the list goes on. I love my awesome nerd Dad.


Sounds like a beta dad. Alpha dads gets other people to do the work for them.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Tomas_Miles_again on December 12, 2013, 01:15:21 pm
Offtopic I know, but is that guy dying in that gif?

(marginally) Ontopic: anyone know much about reusing laptop parts?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 01:21:01 pm
Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm

Sounds like a beta dad. Alpha dads gets other people to do the work for them.

I'm sure you got that idea from your wife beater wearing coach potato Dad who only spoke to you when he wanted you to fetch him a beer. I would rather have a beta Dad if that's the case  :lol:.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Molly on December 12, 2013, 01:24:35 pm
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Tibe on December 12, 2013, 01:25:32 pm
Build it. It really is easy. Thou some pre-built PCs arent bad either, if you have cash to spare. And dat 780 Ti. I jizzed a little.

Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 11:38:00 am
I didn't have a nerdy neckbeard as a dad nor cba learning how to build a master race PC

And this comment is supercute. You make it sound like it's rocketsience.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 12, 2013, 01:50:09 pm
Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm

Sounds like a beta dad. Alpha dads gets other people to do the work for them.
I thought Alpha meant better, not just straight up worse at something.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 12, 2013, 02:22:51 pm
Quote from: zagibu on December 12, 2013, 11:56:01 am
Well, you don't need so many fans. Also, power supplies with detachable cables are a must nowadays.



You are probably right about the fans, anyway i don't have so many fans, just 7  :wink: . So far they work pretty well , the temperature inside my case is generally around 19-23 °C , the sensor is between the ram and the motherboard ( even tho i would probably have ~the same temperature with a couple of fans less).
I want to buy this Pci fan card soon, or something similar http://www.vantecusa.com/en/product/view_detail/101
(click to show/hide)

My Psu has removable cables, should be this one, the gouriki3 600W http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/power-supply/gouriki-3.html , the "problem" is probably because some cables take up extra space inside my case due to the fact they have a lot of endings.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 12, 2013, 02:42:38 pm
The value of knowledge is way higher than just being able to build other pcs faster.

That said, I personally ordered all the parts of a pc and asked the website to build it for me for an additional 40 euros, which is still much cheaper than typical pre-built equivalents, also considering that the total bulk I was charged for delivery was lower. It also means that because they test your pc before sending, it is a good way to avoid defective parts.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 12, 2013, 02:57:51 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 12, 2013, 02:42:38 pm
The value of knowledge is way higher than just being able to build other pcs faster.

That said, I personally ordered all the parts of a pc and asked the website to build it for me for an additional 40 euros, which is still much cheaper than typical pre-built equivalents, also considering that the total bulk I was charged for delivery was lower. It also means that because they test your pc before sending, it is a good way to avoid defective parts.


Fair enough, it can definitely save you some time, but  i bet some  stores  just assemble your pc and then they don't test it  :P .
Did the website you are talking about send you a paper or something that certify the pc works?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 12, 2013, 04:17:04 pm
Quote from: Lars on December 12, 2013, 02:57:51 pm

Fair enough, it can definitely save you some time, but  i bet some  stores  just assemble your pc and then they don't test it  :P .
Did the website you are talking about send you a paper or something that certify the pc works?

They are serious guys (http://www.materiel.net/ in french tho), I'm fairly sure I recieved a mail from them because I didn't order a graphics card so they used a generic one and couldn't test the pc in the same conditions as I would use it. The packaging was good too, as they protected the parts inside the case against vibrations and shocks, not just the exterior.


Anyway, the point is that if you ask the same people that sold you the parts to assemble them, you can easily throw the entire pc back at them if there is a problem, rather than consulting different manufacturers.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: SixThumbs on December 12, 2013, 06:00:03 pm
I built mine about a year ago. It was fairly easy to learn how to do, I had a pre-built computer before that wasn't cutting it and after looking at parts to upgrade I kind of learned the different components; learned mine was a micro-atx form factor, learned that cases were built to house different types of motherboards, learned that the motherboard had different socket types and compatibilities based on the current technology and then everything sort of branched out from their and I ended up just building a new one after some deliberation.

Now that I know how to do it I can't see myself ever buying a pre-built again but for others who haven't I can see it being less of a hassle in the short-term but at a higher cost.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kalam on December 12, 2013, 06:04:36 pm
There's nothing to discuss. If you're a gamer, you probably care enough to build. If you're not going to build your own PC, you might as well get a Mac.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: SixThumbs on December 12, 2013, 06:11:01 pm
Dude, shut up, you're getting a dell.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kalam on December 12, 2013, 06:12:44 pm
Quote from: SixThumbs on December 12, 2013, 06:11:01 pm
Dude, shut up, you're getting a dell.

you're going to hell
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: SixThumbs on December 12, 2013, 06:15:28 pm
When I get there I'll speak highly of you, love.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 06:59:46 pm
Quote from: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 01:21:01 pm
I'm sure you got that idea from your wife beater wearing coach potato Dad who only spoke to you when he wanted you to fetch him a beer. I would rather have a beta Dad if that's the case  :lol:.

My dad could kick your dads ass any day of the week! Even sundays.

Quote from: Tomas_Miles_again on December 12, 2013, 01:15:21 pm
Offtopic I know, but is that guy dying in that gif?


Maybe. what's it to ya?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: CrazyCracka420 on December 12, 2013, 08:52:22 pm
Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm

Sounds like a beta dad. Alpha dads gets other people to do the work for them.

people who are worried/concerned with if they fit into someone else's stereotypes, are betas.  In 2013 as someone who uses a computer, you should be able to build your own.  There's many guides to purchasing and building a PC out there.  The hardest part is installing the motherboard, everything else is pretty much plug it into the slot.  Or possibly making sure everything will be compatible. 
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: SixThumbs on December 12, 2013, 09:29:36 pm
The hardest part is definitely some of the naming conventions for things and what some of the numbers actually mean, I still don't understand the details of probably 75% of it but thankfully I wasn't so lazy that I didn't compare specs, reviews and price-points.

The hardest part of actually constructing the computer for me was how clammy my hands got when I first started handling the hardware, the fact that I was paranoid about static discharge and putting the heat-sink on the processor because there's apparently no "best" method for applying thermal paste and my heat-sink wouldn't actually clamp down until I thought to loosen the brackets on the motherboard.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 12, 2013, 09:50:21 pm
Especially if you are using liquid metal compounds, applying thermal paste is probably the most error-prone operation.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Clockworkkiller on December 12, 2013, 10:40:19 pm
Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm

 Alpha dads gets other people to do the work for them.

That sounds like a horrible dad
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 11:32:34 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 12, 2013, 09:50:21 pm
Especially if you are using liquid metal compounds, applying thermal paste is probably the most error-prone operation.

Personally I have never had an issue with it, you just gotta make sure you put the right amount on. I put on a nice little blob and spread it roughly across the CPU with half of an old bank card, making sure it covers most of it ( some little gaps at the egdes aren't an issue as once the CPU is hot the paste will fill those in with the help of pressure from the heatsink ), then seat the heatsink, then stress the CPU once the PC's running so the paste gets nice and hot and fills in all of the microscopic crevices and creates a nice connection between heatsink and CPU.

Of course if your heat still isn't stable when you're SURE it should be and have made sure to check all cooling, then yeah you're gonna have to try reapplying dat paste if you failed.

Quote from: LordBerenger on December 12, 2013, 06:59:46 pm
My dad could kick your dads ass any day of the week! Even sundays.

Your Dad would get knocked out so hard that his dead ancestors would feel it, shattering time itself, you would vanish like you were never conceived, all memory of you would be gone like a hermits fart on a windy day and your forum posts deleted, leaving me victorious in this Dad v Dad argument. There can only be one.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: zagibu on December 12, 2013, 11:48:09 pm
Some CPU heatsinks are a real bitch to mount. I don't understand why they don't supply simple spreader nuts and screws to screw the heatsink onto the mainboard's socket. Or have the socket provide some standard screwholes and call it a day. Some of those latch constructions need so much force to close, that if you slid off, you WILL break something on the mainboard AND/OR cut yourself somewhere.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Overdriven on December 13, 2013, 12:21:05 am
Quote from: Lars on December 12, 2013, 11:45:08 am
The most annoying part when i assembled my pc was probably organizing all the cables inside, in order to close the case  and not having cables touching components or the fans( or having them in front of the fans), and i have quite a lot of fans: 2  on top, 1 on the bottom, 2 on the left side, 1 on the front side and 1 on the backside of the case.

Cable ties. Best thing for keeping those pesky cables together.

I can't remember the last time I had a pre-built computer. My Dad built them for our family when I was a kid and for the last 8 years I've been doing it myself. I can't see any benefit from buying one out right if it's a gaming rig.

I think most people are just scared when they see the inside of a computer. Firstly they don't know what the heck anything is, but also they fear breaking something. I've found you can be pretty tough with computer components and only if you do something stupid will they break.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 13, 2013, 12:22:42 am
I'll admit, i did buy a cheap'ish pre-built PC for my parents a few years back, when i was moving out (together with my self-built gaming rig). My lazyness concerns me :/
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Strudog on December 13, 2013, 12:25:25 am
bought a PC where i choose the parts online and someone assembled it for me and gave me suggestions , 5 years on it still runs every game ultra graphics

im not a tech guy and never will be. Fpr me the more expensive the better (Naive i know)
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Scervo on December 13, 2013, 12:44:22 am
If you're reasonably smart and want a gaming desktop, build it.

If you want a gaming laptop or a non-gaming desktop, buy it.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Clockworkkiller on December 13, 2013, 12:55:12 am
lol im sory nt all of us r pc elitest mastur race cunts lol

lol consoles are 10x betar than Pc alwills,lol you cant deny it,lol becaz xbox is takn all the Pc exclusivs lol
 lol an games look the same on both systems lol u cnt deni that fact lololol

lol so yea lol have fun beenin stupid, lol lol

LOL XBOX 4 LIYE, my old friendOTS LOL
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 13, 2013, 01:01:09 am
Quote from: Overdriven on December 13, 2013, 12:21:05 am
Cable ties. Best thing for keeping those pesky cables together.

Yes i have used some  of these
(click to show/hide)
to tie the cables together (not that kind pointed by the arrow ). 
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 13, 2013, 07:55:07 am
Quote from: zagibu on December 12, 2013, 11:48:09 pm
Some CPU heatsinks are a real bitch to mount. I don't understand why they don't supply simple spreader nuts and screws to screw the heatsink onto the mainboard's socket. Or have the socket provide some standard screwholes and call it a day. Some of those latch constructions need so much force to close, that if you slid off, you WILL break something on the mainboard AND/OR cut yourself somewhere.

Yeah they can be a pain in the dick sometimes, recently I put this heatsink in.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


The plate that crosses the CPU was a bit awkward mainly due to the size but the main issue was that the heatsink was just so fucking space consuming, it only just clears the side of my case, I had done the measurements like usual but it took up even more space than predicted and I think I broke sweat a little as I questioned in my head if my case side door was going to slide back on  :lol:.

 That being said it was worth the money, I stuck it onto an AMD FX 8370 ( 8 cores @ 4ghz, OC'd to 4.4ghz ) and then I ran stress tests to max all 8 cores and this thing still kept the CPU way under the danger zone, not that I get much use with 8 cores in gaming but for price vs performance it is a massive bang for the buck. At the standard 4ghz speed it beats Intel CPUs in gaming that cost £100 more and the simple OC boost knocks it to 4.4ghz. Once I replace my old power supply ( it has the power, but it's aged, not gonna risk destroying it  :lol: ) I'm gonna knock this bitch up to about 4.7ghz.

My next build I'm going back to Intel for sure as it's clear they are taking over, through their genius and their monopolistic underhanded tactics, but I really just wanted to get the last bit out of my AMD mobo whilst it's still relevant as the upgrade cost me fuck all compared to what an Intel build will cost me, times are hard lol, or should I say bills, girlfriends and kid are expensive  :lol:.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Rumblood on December 13, 2013, 08:31:10 am
At different price points (and not just "low end" or "high end") it makes sense to do either. You have to price it out by parts, then go see where the pre-builts meet the parts lists. Also, some sites that will build them for you have special deals on specific hardware that helps pre-built meet a build your own price point. Where those prices meet, you may as well get it pre-built. But away from those hardware/price points, you can save a fuckton by building yourself.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 13, 2013, 11:40:31 am
Quote from: Leesin on December 12, 2013, 11:32:34 pm
Personally I have never had an issue with it, you just gotta make sure you put the right amount on. I put on a nice little blob and spread it roughly across the CPU with half of an old bank card, making sure it covers most of it ( some little gaps at the egdes aren't an issue as once the CPU is hot the paste will fill those in with the help of pressure from the heatsink ), then seat the heatsink, then stress the CPU once the PC's running so the paste gets nice and hot and fills in all of the microscopic crevices and creates a nice connection between heatsink and CPU.

Of course if your heat still isn't stable when you're SURE it should be and have made sure to check all cooling, then yeah you're gonna have to try reapplying dat paste if you failed.



I never applied the thermal paste on my cpu, because it said in the instructions that the heat sink/fan has pre-applied thermal interface material.
For example my old cpu is like one piece "glued" with the heat-sink,  but i'm not sure how i could  separate it without causing any damage, should i use a phon or something like that to heat the paste? i don't need that cpu anymore btw.
Also, should i reapply the thermal paste on my cpu after X years?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 12:33:52 pm
Quote from: Leesin on December 13, 2013, 07:55:07 am
AMD FX 8370 ( 8 cores @ 4ghz, OC'd to 4.4ghz )

How much did it cost you ?

Next upgrade is going to be cpu and mobo if required for me so I might as well get an octocore
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: zagibu on December 13, 2013, 12:52:41 pm
Quote from: Lars on December 13, 2013, 11:40:31 am


I never applied the thermal paste on my cpu, because it said in the instructions that the heat sink/fan has pre-applied thermal interface material.
For example my old cpu is like one piece "glued" with the heat-sink,  but i'm not sure how i could  separate it without causing any damage, should i use a phon or something like that to heat the paste? i don't need that cpu anymore btw.
Also, should i reapply the thermal paste on my cpu after X years?

Only separate CPU and heatsink if you really have to (because the heatsink is blocking stuff you want to get at, or whatever), or if you notice with temp check tools that it's getting hotter over time for some reason. I usually remove it with a turning motion, when the CPU is still in the socket, and the socket is closed. If you pull it, and the CPU gets pulled out of the socket with it (with the socket still closed, the CPU connector feet can get bent, making it hard to re-insert into the socket. If it's already out of the socket and still glued to the heatsink, and you want to remove it, i recommend gently squeezing it between two straight plastic or wood parts, then apply a turning motion to separate it from the heatsink.

If you reapply thermal paste, make sure you remove the old paste first. Don't apply too much, if the CPU is covered in a very thin film, that's enough. Use a piece of hard cardboard or a spattle to distribute it and remove excess paste.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: CrazyCracka420 on December 13, 2013, 03:07:34 pm
Quote from: Lars on December 13, 2013, 01:01:09 am
Yes i have used some  of these
(click to show/hide)
to tie the cables together (not that kind pointed by the arrow ).

my cable ties are cooler than yours :P

visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 03:14:10 pm
Wish me luck, I'm replacing my TX650 with a semi-modular. The day I see the delivery truck shall be the day the fiery octopus which current lair is my PC case is finally vanquished.

I mean, seriously...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 13, 2013, 03:32:23 pm
You should see my PC, i can't even put the sideplates on, it is so cramped, with drives just sitting freely (because no space to screw them in) :lol:
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: CrazyCracka420 on December 13, 2013, 03:37:07 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 03:14:10 pm
Wish me luck, I'm replacing my TX650 with a semi-modular. The day I see the delivery truck shall be the day the fiery octopus which current lair is my PC case is finally vanquished.

I mean, seriously...

(click to show/hide)

Nice I would like a modular or semi-modular power supply myself.  My cables are always a mess (even when I try to organize them). 
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 03:42:22 pm
That's also a good reason to ask professionnals to build your custom pc, cable management is a chore.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: CrazyCracka420 on December 13, 2013, 04:01:06 pm
That was always the worst part when I started out in IT support (doing desktop support).  When you setup someone's computer (or build a computer) managing cables was the biggest pain in the ass.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Jacko on December 13, 2013, 04:46:41 pm
That video was pretty awful when it came to the actual reasons to build or not to build a PC. What if you're low on money, or just think it would be a fun project? Not everything can or should be cost efficient. Hell, if you're building a Gaming PC that's the least of your worries.

If you can read and comprehend a  LEGO manual you can build a PC.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 13, 2013, 04:53:30 pm

Here is a good informational video.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 05:02:18 pm
is this guy for real
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: [ptx] on December 13, 2013, 05:07:16 pm
I followed it through and made many a succesful tweet.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Senni__Ti on December 13, 2013, 05:43:50 pm
Depends on the cost :p

If I could get the same quality of components pre-built as I can with building my own, it would be a no brainer :).
Though I don't plan on buying a pre-built ever again, as I find building so much more satisfying and you get quite a bit more for what you pay.

Laptops are another kettle of fish :p.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 13, 2013, 06:16:05 pm
Quote from: zagibu on December 13, 2013, 12:52:41 pm
Only separate CPU and heatsink if you really have to (because the heatsink is blocking stuff you want to get at, or whatever), or if you notice with temp check tools that it's getting hotter over time for some reason. I usually remove it with a turning motion, when the CPU is still in the socket, and the socket is closed. If you pull it, and the CPU gets pulled out of the socket with it (with the socket still closed, the CPU connector feet can get bent, making it hard to re-insert into the socket. If it's already out of the socket and still glued to the heatsink, and you want to remove it, i recommend gently squeezing it between two straight plastic or wood parts, then apply a turning motion to separate it from the heatsink.

If you reapply thermal paste, make sure you remove the old paste first. Don't apply too much, if the CPU is covered in a very thin film, that's enough. Use a piece of hard cardboard or a spattle to distribute it and remove excess paste.

Thanks. At the moment my old cpu  is in its box with the connector feet up . Shouldn't i heat the thermal paste with a phon or something like that  in order to make it "softer"? It looks like it's really glued to the heatsink.

Before i decided to open my case and clean my pc, i also had an extra hard disk connected that i don't use, so i wanted to remove it .
After i removed most of the dust with a vacuum cleaner and a air duster can(  which sucks, i want to buy an air compressor, i could also  use it for other stuff), i reconnected all the cables and turned my pc on, after few seconds i got a bad surprise "error something" ... so i checked if the hard disk was properly connected, tried again, but got the same error.
I re-mounted the hard disk i previously  removed, (that i thought was empty) and it worked. Then i opened the "disk management" program and i noticed that i have a partition of 100MB reserved for the system on that disk lol, i guess i screwed up something when i formatted and reinstalled windows, thought i had installed everything on one disk.

Temperature of my cpu before i cleaned my pc (no programs running) 
(click to show/hide)

After i cleaned my pc( no programs running), pc turned on since ~ an hour
(click to show/hide)
There was a lot of dust inside.



My pc "Hal 9000" 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Leesin on December 13, 2013, 09:24:12 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 12:33:52 pm
How much did it cost you ?

Next upgrade is going to be cpu and mobo if required for me so I might as well get an octocore

It cost me £125 about 3 months ago, it was on offer so for that price I was laughing. It's a good CPU for the price, you can't compare it with the current Intels, AMD have fallen behind and the Intel CPUs are clearly superior, but as I said, the bang for the buck is nice and it's gonna be the last upgrade for this system before I go back to an Intel build which is going to cost me an arm and a leg. It does beat quite a lot of the more expensive Intels since they revised it with the Piledriver architecture, the original fx 8350 was lackluster and upset a lot of people.

 I am however happy with this CPU's performance in a majority of my gaming experiences, the only downside is, games that don't even try to use multiple cores properly will suffer a lot more on this CPU than an Intel. I pretty much run all these new games on mostly maxed settings with this CPU and a Gainward golden sample GTX 660 with good performance.

Quote from: Lars on December 13, 2013, 11:40:31 am


I never applied the thermal paste on my cpu, because it said in the instructions that the heat sink/fan has pre-applied thermal interface material.
For example my old cpu is like one piece "glued" with the heat-sink,  but i'm not sure how i could  separate it without causing any damage, should i use a phon or something like that to heat the paste? i don't need that cpu anymore btw.
Also, should i reapply the thermal paste on my cpu after X years?

The pre-applied thermal paste is usually shit and you can't really be sure what quality of paste they used on it even if you can determine the material. I have always cleaned any of the pre-applied paste off of heatsinks using Nail varnish remover ( acetone based stuff ) and some cotton wool. It cleans the paste off pretty easily and it evaporates within seconds.

I personally use Arctic Silver thermal paste, put a blob of that onto the CPU, which I then smooth out over the CPU with a bank card and place the heatsink down onto. You can seperate the CPU and heatsink just by pulling it off, slowly and firmly. It will of course help if you heat the CPU up before you unplug the PC and take the heatsink off as the paste will be softer. Once separated clean with nail varnish remover or something else acetone based as I mentioned before.

Personally I've never had to reapply my thermal paste, because I've always used a good quality paste and applied it correctly, you might notice temperatures rising after a couple of years and if they're a problem then just reapply. You always have to reapply paste anytime you take the heatsink off.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Huscarlton_Banks on December 13, 2013, 09:51:01 pm
Even if you get a prebuilt you should at least learn how to clean your fans, how to remove/reapply thermal paste, and how overclocking works if you are going to use an overclocked system.

It's weird that he included parts research/installing OS into the build time for a high end computer since you'll have to learn with the prebuilt eventually anyway unless you want to spend more money (lol geeksquad).
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 04:53:47 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 13, 2013, 03:14:10 pm
Wish me luck, I'm replacing my TX650 with a semi-modular. The day I see the delivery truck shall be the day the fiery octopus which current lair is my PC case is finally vanquished.

I mean, seriously...

(click to show/hide)

Yeah, having a case where you can route the cables behind everything works wonders. Then it just takes a few cable ties.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 14, 2013, 05:51:42 pm
Quote from: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 04:53:47 pm
Yeah, having a case where you can route the cables behind everything works wonders. Then it just takes a few cable ties.

(click to show/hide)

Is this yours ?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 06:19:43 pm
Quote from: Kafein on December 14, 2013, 05:51:42 pm
Is this yours ?

Yes, its about 15 months old.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: zagibu on December 14, 2013, 07:30:10 pm
Quote from: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 06:19:43 pm
Yes, its about 15 months old.

Strange, I always pictured you sitting in front of a teletype for some reason.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: tizzango on December 14, 2013, 07:42:22 pm
To answer OP, and those still looking for another recommendation.

I had no idea what I was doing, so I looked into it a bit online then had my friend guide me in terms of what would be compatible and the actual assembly. At first it does seem really intimidating- but in the end it's just like lego, really expensive lego :D
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 14, 2013, 07:57:58 pm
Quote from: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 04:53:47 pm
Yeah, having a case where you can route the cables behind everything works wonders. Then it just takes a few cable ties.

(click to show/hide)

Your pc looks very neat, in the future i would like to install a liquid cooling system like  yours, i will  probably do it when i'll need  to upgrade my cpu and motherboard.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 08:43:06 pm
Quote from: zagibu on December 14, 2013, 07:30:10 pm
Strange, I always pictured you sitting in front of a teletype for some reason.

Yeah haha, and this is how I see you guys as the paper scrolls by  :lol:

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Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lt_Anders on December 14, 2013, 09:27:35 pm
^I don't get it.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: zagibu on December 14, 2013, 10:36:03 pm
Quote from: Rumblood on December 14, 2013, 08:43:06 pm
Yeah haha, and this is how I see you guys as the paper scrolls by  :lol:

Is that...a Kuyak?
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Rumblood on December 15, 2013, 04:51:42 am
Quote from: zagibu on December 14, 2013, 10:36:03 pm
Is that...a Kuyak?

Yes it is hahah! Kuyak saluting with polearm on horseback.  :wink:
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Hoppster on December 15, 2013, 05:58:26 am
i'd quite like to build one without having to buy it...
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Christo on December 15, 2013, 06:04:48 am
Quote from: Hoppster on December 15, 2013, 05:58:26 am
i'd quite like to build one without having to buy it...

Who wouldn't?  :wink:
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Zlisch_The_Butcher on December 15, 2013, 06:43:31 am
Quote from: Christo on December 15, 2013, 06:04:48 am
Who wouldn't?  :wink:
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE TRUE LOVE
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Christo on December 15, 2013, 07:45:19 am
You need to stop stalking me with your bullshit Zlisch, you are crossing the line.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Lars on December 15, 2013, 08:21:48 am
You are in great danger Christo, i would change my irl residence if i was you.
Title: Re: Build VS Buy Gaming PC
Post by: Kafein on December 15, 2013, 01:04:18 pm
Quote from: Lars on December 15, 2013, 08:21:48 am
You are in great danger Christo, i would change my irl residence if i was you.

Jackie is in great danger