Customise build PC

[Gonzen]

Hi all,

Does anyone knows of anyone or any shop reliable for building a computer with components?

Its not my first time though. I had my first customised build computer (for gaming purpose) some 7 years back, but it starts giving me problem merely after 1 year. Some 4 years back, I had my second customised build computer from another shop in Sim Lim. Its better this time round, as the technical problem comes in at around 3 years. However, perhaps is because of Microsoft Windows 7, or some other unknown problems, I have faced with uncountable blue screen errors over this years with my 2nd customed build computer. Some say is because of my RAM, since I am quite extreme with the spec. Anyway, my harddisk crushed recently, and I had replaced it with a new one, but for some reasons beyond my comprehension, when I try to install Windows 7, instead of installing it, it goes into repairing the OS.

When I try to call Mircosoft, they said I need to check with my retailer since my Windows is OEM version. Thus, I am unable to repair the system.

Since it is already 4 years, I am considering to build a new one, even though I am already using i7 quad core, 32Gb RAM, and hopefully, I could get someone reliable who could build a computer free from blue screen problems, or at least one that can render assistance when needed.

Any recommendations?

 

[summer_dell]

for a start, u may try PCtheme. Excellent service, price is reasonable too.

if you are more adventurous, you can try tradepac. They can give u unbeatable price, but their service and after sale service is not that good. Alternatively you can state your budget here , so the bros here will also recommend you parts which will make your life easier when u go sim lim.

 

[zXioNGz]

I recommend Best Buy Computers, very cheap

 

[nippp0n]

What is the purpose of your rig?

 

[Gonzen]

The purpose of this computer is for gaming purpose.

Budget (looking at +/- 3k, excluding monitor, mouse & keyboard)

In addition,

Because of where my computer will be place, is there any recommendation on wireless network card where there is no need to hook up with network adaptor? Currently is using TPlink router with adapter, but every now and then, it will disconnect, same thing happen when I am using linksys, which is quite a big problem when playing games. It do not seem to be the problem with the service provided, (i am using singtel fiber optics), cuz it seems that each time it disconnect, my computer need to re-link with the network adaptor.

Can anyone also advise which OS I should use. I am thinking of remaining using Windows 7 ultimate, but I fear that it may not work anymore since mircosoft does not provide updates anymore like Windows XP. (As mentioned, since I failed to install Windows 7, I have to use Windows xp, but because of no updates, its not working properly. Every now and then, I will see error message here and there.

I read from some article, with the use of SSD, the bootup time is shorten tremendously. Thus, I am thinking of adding it in my new build too.

Any suggestions on the above.

 

[twasken]

Try using homeplugs, a lot more stable internet connection than if you were to use wireless.

 

[summer_dell]

The purpose of this computer is for gaming purpose.

Budget (looking at +/- 3k, excluding monitor, mouse & keyboard)

In addition,

Because of where my computer will be place, is there any recommendation on wireless network card where there is no need to hook up with network adaptor? Currently is using TPlink router with adapter, but every now and then, it will disconnect, same thing happen when I am using linksys, which is quite a big problem when playing games. It do not seem to be the problem with the service provided, (i am using singtel fiber optics), cuz it seems that each time it disconnect, my computer need to re-link with the network adaptor.

Can anyone also advise which OS I should use. I am thinking of remaining using Windows 7 ultimate, but I fear that it may not work anymore since mircosoft does not provide updates anymore like Windows XP. (As mentioned, since I failed to install Windows 7, I have to use Windows xp, but because of no updates, its not working properly. Every now and then, I will see error message here and there.

I read from some article, with the use of SSD, the bootup time is shorten tremendously. Thus, I am thinking of adding it in my new build too.

Any suggestions on the above.

1. do you need to overclock or do not need?

2. Window 7 still can be use. in you case, i suggest 64bit windows.

3. For your wireless situation, either get homeplug, or change your router to a better router and a better adapter (your 3k budget can include buying a new dual band router and a few adapter from asus)

4. Yes. SSD is where u install your OS into. And watch your OS fly.

 

[Gonzen]

Thanks for the recommendations.

I am using previously using Windows 7 64 bit ultimate, until my harddisk crushed:~

Anyway, I got 1 more noob question. Somemore suggest to have 2 graphic cards, although I would agree probably it will raise the performance to a great deal, but wouldn't it make the system running at a hotter environment since 2 graphic cards are generating heat instead of one.

Based on all these years of experiences, it appears that graphic cards are generally the first component that start to give problem. If say, I choose to run my system with 2 graphic cards, and if one is starting to give problem, will the system be intelligent enough to bypass the one giving the problem and run on one instead. Something like parallel circuit and series circuit. In the former, if one gives a problem, the circuit still works, but in the later, if one gives a problem, the circuit fails.

In view of the above, is it advisable to have 2 graphic cards? What is the pros and cons.

I am previously advise that overclocking causes instability to the system, and probably causes blue screen errors (which had give me nightmares for the past 4 years), thus that's why I have set such a budget that can allow me to have a system that could accommodate most if not all games for now or in the coming few years, thus, I don't think I need to overclock, unless there is some apparent benefits. Likewise, what is the pros and cons.

 

[diamond96]

If 1 GPU is spoiled (touch wood) , you can remove the SLI bridge , RMA the spoil one , and use 1 first.

When you get back your RMA-ed one , attach it back and there you go.

3k can get you something very good I suppose.
2x GTX 770 or GTX 780 maybe ? hehe

 

[summer_dell]

my suggestion is that scrap the two gfx idea and just use one gtx 780 or you can consider gtx titan.

no point going sli or crossfire and at the end of day, you only have one monitor

 

[dannytan87]

my suggestion is that scrap the two gfx idea and just use one gtx 780 or you can consider gtx titan.

no point going sli or crossfire and at the end of day, you only have one monitor

running 2 cards meaning 1 cards is running at 8x, 1 at 16x 1 at 8x. running to 2 mid range card sometimes might beat a hi end card as well as price to performance ratio, but its still some not all, you have to look at the spec of the card. and also 1 thing to take note. the frame buffers are not a summation of both the rams of the card. Each card has to store a copy of its own textures, meaning there is duplication, 2 sets of ram with identical values store.

titan is not a good investment imo. its memory bandwidth is the same as 780, so basically the performance is not going to be drastically different from 780. it has more processing power with is stream processor (CUDA cores) and a 6 GB frame buffer. Its more gear towards workstation than gaming rigs.

 

[Gonzen]

I am considering the following setup, with some options (pending suggestions)

Case
Cooler Master HAF-X RC-942

Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z77

CPU
Intel Core i7 3770K Quad Core

CPU Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo

RAM
Corsair Vengeance 16GB 1600 MHz

Video Card
Asus GTX680 DC II 4GB DDR5
Or
Asus HD7970 DC II 3GB DDR5
(Which is more stable)

Sound Card
Asus Xonar Phoebus

System Drive
OCZ Agility 4 256GB

Storage Drive
WD Black 3TB 7200rpm

Power Supply
Corsair AX850

Can anyone commend if the above setup is stable, or is there any components in the market are more value for money?

 

[rAcEr]

3k budget damn high leh...if u really want value for money stick to a 2k budget. That can easily get u a mid-range i5 system with 660Ti (or 7950) plus SSD somemore.

It really depends on your needs...if you dont game at 2560x1440 resolution than your suggested rig is overkill imho.

do a search on nipp0n's recommendations

 

[nippp0n]

CPU & Mobo: i5-4670k & MSI Z87 Gaming G45 @ $545
Ram: Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz 2x4GB @ $95
ODD: LG DVD RW @ $25
HDD: Toshiba 3TB @ $155
SSD: Plextor M5S 256GB @ $249
GPU: MSI GTX 770 Lightning @ $699
PSU: FSP Platinum 650W @ $159
Case & CPU Cooler: NZXT Phantom 410 & Corsair H80i @ $269
Assembly fee: $10

Total: $2206
Buy and build at PC Themes.

 

[dannytan87]

CPU & Mobo: i5-4670k & MSI Z87 Gaming G45 @ $545
Ram: Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz 2x4GB @ $95
ODD: LG DVD RW @ $25
HDD: Toshiba 3TB @ $155
SSD: Plextor M5S 256GB @ $249
GPU: MSI GTX 770 Lightning @ $699
PSU: FSP Platinum 650W @ $159
Case & CPU Cooler: NZXT Phantom 410 & Corsair H80i @ $269
Assembly fee: $10

Total: $2206
Buy and build at PC Themes.

i think get those with more than 10 phase power board better maybe the mpower msi board or asus rog board. since getting K suffix means got OC capability. get better power regulation for the CPU will be better. get low latency ram is also good since got the budget.

also get single rail psu will have less possible power fluctuation on the GPU.