Also get a big case. Inherently better airflow due to being less cramped, and more room for cramming ###### in there. Also easier to work inside. Only downside is that you have a big monster next to your desk instead of a small box, but nobody gives a ###### about that. If anything, impress less tech-savvy friends with how huge your computer is. Tell them that means it has huge rambytes and megadrives.
<!--quoteo(post=1897543:date=Jan 27 2012, 12:14 AM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Jan 27 2012, 12:14 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1897543"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Also get a big case. Inherently better airflow due to being less cramped, and more room for cramming ###### in there. Also easier to work inside. Only downside is that you have a big monster next to your desk instead of a small box, but nobody gives a ###### about that. If anything, impress less tech-savvy friends with how huge your computer is. Tell them that means it has huge rambytes and megadrives.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
hadn't thought of that, thanks.
What dimensions would a big case be about?
This is the tower case offered as part of the system I'm configuring, should I upgrade it?
EZCool A200D Basic Case <img src="http://www.chillblast.com/images/P/A-200-1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <i>Our standard mid-sized tower case comes with all the features needed to accommodate modern PC components, and has plenty of cooling to ensure reliable operation.
Metal meshed front panel design for best ventilation. Unique site for power supply (put on the bottom). New HDD cage design with tool-free sliding rail. Back holes for connecting extra cooling device. Hi-speed 1394 port for fast transfer. Stylish Nickel-coating Power/Reset button design. Dual USB 2.0 + Audio (HD Audio + AC97), Microphone port on top. 1 x 120mm blue LED fan to front Space for 120/140mm Fan to top. Rubber foot stand PSU built to bottom of case with ventilation holes. Dimensions W 190 X D 460 x H 434mm</i>
Kouji_SanSr. Hινε UÏкεεÏεг - EUPT DeputyThe NetherlandsJoin Date: 2003-05-13Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
edited January 2012
Meh I dunno, seems about right. I once bought a CoolerMaster ATC SX1 back in... 2000 I think and still use it to this day. It has seen 3 configs: an AMD Barton 2500+, AMD Venice 3800+ and my current C2D E6420 Conroe. Next up a i5 or i7 this year :)
Also it is nice and roomy...
It has the following dimensions and the benefit of a removable motherboard tray so you can actually install the motherboard and other stuff outside the case before you slide it back...
Dimensions 535 mm(L) x196 mm(W) x 484 mm(H) <-- Around those dimensions is quite good for a midi tower :)
<!--quoteo(post=1897511:date=Jan 26 2012, 12:41 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Jan 26 2012, 12:41 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1897511"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->CPU is the hardest thing to install... Well the cooling thingamabob actually... The rest is indeed like Lego as Obraxis put it :D<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well unless the CPU has a fan with thermal paste on it already (which a lot of retail CPUs have) right...?
True. Of course the pros say you should buy a better cooler and overclock the ###### out of your processor, but if you aren't that comfortable with building your own computer you probably shouldn't consider that either. At stock speeds, stock cooler and stock thermal paste will do you fine.
Go for the i5-2500k and a modestly good aftermarket HSF. I suggest the coolermaster hyper 212 evo. It overclocks from the stock 3.3GHz super easily, with little to no risk. Awesome bang/buck. These days you don't have to be a hyperdude to overclock your stuff.
--Scythe--
P.S. An addendum to sherpa's post: My i5 2500K is running quite happily at 4.2GHz. YMMV.
<!--quoteo(post=1897988:date=Jan 29 2012, 02:30 AM:name=peregrinus)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peregrinus @ Jan 29 2012, 02:30 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1897988"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Thanks everyone I've pretty much got it all sorted....can't wait to play NS2 properly at last :D<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Just so you don't get your hopes up, a 3.3GHz processor is not enough to play NS2. That's not a slight on your new system- NS2 is just really poor in its current state, in terms of performance.
I can say that in OT, right?
(You will need to overlock to ~ 3.8GHz to get a less annoying experience)
The problem with that, Scythe, is that you now run the risk of frying your processor if you ###### up the thermal paste. Well, the greater possibility is that you simply get random shutdowns due to overtemp, but that's a pain in the ass too. For maximum ease of installation, stock cooler is best.
<!--quoteo(post=1898055:date=Jan 29 2012, 04:48 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Jan 29 2012, 04:48 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1898055"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The problem with that, Scythe, is that you now run the risk of frying your processor if you ###### up the thermal paste. Well, the greater possibility is that you simply get random shutdowns due to overtemp, but that's a pain in the ass too. For maximum ease of installation, stock cooler is best.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Don't Intels clock down to a crawl when overheating?
PS: In regards to the konata/perenigrus comments, keep it civil please.
They do, unless they continue to overheat after that. Either way, that's hardly desirable either. Hell, that might be worst of all - "my computer is running slow as hell and I can't figure out what's wrong with it."
Kouji_SanSr. Hινε UÏкεεÏεг - EUPT DeputyThe NetherlandsJoin Date: 2003-05-13Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
edited January 2012
AFAIK current CPU's simply shut down the PC and reboot into post using minimum or stock speeds, telling you something went wrong with the overclocking and you need to check your settings. Hell, if my Asus P5B is able to do this, I expect current tech would do this at the very least.
Besides, it's not like you're messing with voltages to get an i5 2500k to run at it's original stock speeds of 4.0Ghz. I dare say they are deliberately selling them as underclocked 3.3Ghz CPU's, to be able to boast about the amazing overclocking capabilities (I bet 4.0Ghz is the original stock speed :P)
<!--quoteo(post=1898055:date=Jan 30 2012, 01:48 AM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Jan 30 2012, 01:48 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1898055"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The problem with that, Scythe, is that you now run the risk of frying your processor if you ###### up the thermal paste. Well, the greater possibility is that you simply get random shutdowns due to overtemp, but that's a pain in the ass too. For maximum ease of installation, stock cooler is best.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well yes, of course. The stock coolers are idiot-proof.
But for a little extra effort you can get huge bang/buck. I said "little to no risk". It's actually very hard to break hardware these days; there's so many failsafes. It's easy to run intelburntestv2 and HWiNFO64 until you hit temperatures you're uncomfortable with. If your system is stable when running intelburntestv2 on maximum CPU-rape mode, your CPU will be stable as a mofo. It is by far the most heinous task your CPU can accomplish.
How 'about Prime95? I thought Prime95 was what all the hep cats used for processor tress testing. Still, we're talking past each other, so allow me to clarify: I know it's all fixable, that's not what I'm talking about. The problem is that someone who is nervous about building their own computer will be very frustrated by all this. If he was someone who wanted maximum performance at minimum cost, you wouldn't have to talk him into building his own computer, he'd do that of his own volition. Making him mess around with aftermarket coolers and thermal paste and overclocking isn't doing him a favour. The first computer he builds should be painless and without trouble, because that builds confidence for the next attempt. The NEXT one can have aftermarket coolers, watercooling, overclocking out the wazoo etc.
In modern games the bottleneck is always CPU or GFX. 8GB is more than sufficient unless you play to have tonnes of meaty applications open at the same time you play games.
<!--quoteo(post=1898167:date=Jan 30 2012, 06:39 AM:name=Crispy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Crispy @ Jan 30 2012, 06:39 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1898167"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->In modern games the bottleneck is always CPU or GFX. 8GB is more than sufficient unless you play to have tonnes of meaty applications open at the same time you play games.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> I can not be bothered to close things before playing a game.
For what it's worth, Noctua CPU coolers are amongst the best you can buy in the HSF category (you know, no TECs or anything fancy like that), without being outrageous in some way (I've seen some HSFs that were so huge and heavy I thought they were going to break off the motherboard).
I will say that in all my years of buying PC hardware gizmos, I've never seen a more professional product than their HSFs. Probably won't ever buy anything else at this point.
PS: they work ridiculously awesome. Got an i7-960 to 4.1GHz and even under full load on all 4 (8?) cores, it doesn't crack 60C.
<!--quoteo(post=1898427:date=Jan 31 2012, 04:31 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Jan 31 2012, 04:31 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1898427"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What is your definition of meaty programs though. Browsers and media players don't count :P<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->3D graphics applications, Photoshop, video editing software. Task Manager is your friend! :)
Kouji_SanSr. Hινε UÏкεεÏεг - EUPT DeputyThe NetherlandsJoin Date: 2003-05-13Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
<!--quoteo(post=1899001:date=Feb 3 2012, 12:28 AM:name=Crispy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Crispy @ Feb 3 2012, 12:28 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899001"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->3D graphics applications, Photoshop, video editing software. Task Manager is your friend! :)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> yeah I know what meaty programs are, I was just asking Sops what he has running in the background that he can't be bothered to shut down :D
<!--quoteo(post=1899003:date=Feb 3 2012, 12:33 AM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kouji_San @ Feb 3 2012, 12:33 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899003"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->yeah I know what meaty programs are, I was just asking Sops what he has running in the background that he can't be bothered to shut down :D<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> For me, anything and everything (8GB of RAM here). At one point I was playing DX:HR, and forgot that I had another game alt-tabbed in the background :D
Comments
Might as well go for it. Worst comes to worst just pay a local PC store to finish building it for you. Like £70 labour max.
make sure all your parts are compatible, and have some fun
really it's gotten alot more friendly inside the case (like Talesin and other said)
hadn't thought of that, thanks.
What dimensions would a big case be about?
This is the tower case offered as part of the system I'm configuring, should I upgrade it?
EZCool A200D Basic Case
<img src="http://www.chillblast.com/images/P/A-200-1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<i>Our standard mid-sized tower case comes with all the features needed to accommodate modern PC components, and has plenty of cooling to ensure reliable operation.
Metal meshed front panel design for best ventilation.
Unique site for power supply (put on the bottom).
New HDD cage design with tool-free sliding rail.
Back holes for connecting extra cooling device.
Hi-speed 1394 port for fast transfer.
Stylish Nickel-coating Power/Reset button design.
Dual USB 2.0 + Audio (HD Audio + AC97), Microphone port on top.
1 x 120mm blue LED fan to front
Space for 120/140mm Fan to top.
Rubber foot stand
PSU built to bottom of case with ventilation holes.
Dimensions W 190 X D 460 x H 434mm</i>
Also it is nice and roomy...
It has the following dimensions and the benefit of a removable motherboard tray so you can actually install the motherboard and other stuff outside the case before you slide it back...
Dimensions 535 mm(L) x196 mm(W) x 484 mm(H) <-- Around those dimensions is quite good for a midi tower :)
<i>-snip-
Don't feed the konata. (banned him)
No trashtalking either mr peregrinus!
--Zaggy
</i>
Well unless the CPU has a fan with thermal paste on it already (which a lot of retail CPUs have) right...?
(I don't remember stuff.)
Go for the i5-2500k and a modestly good aftermarket HSF. I suggest the coolermaster hyper 212 evo. It overclocks from the stock 3.3GHz super easily, with little to no risk. Awesome bang/buck. These days you don't have to be a hyperdude to overclock your stuff.
--Scythe--
P.S. An addendum to sherpa's post: My i5 2500K is running quite happily at 4.2GHz. YMMV.
Just so you don't get your hopes up, a 3.3GHz processor is not enough to play NS2. That's not a slight on your new system- NS2 is just really poor in its current state, in terms of performance.
I can say that in OT, right?
(You will need to overlock to ~ 3.8GHz to get a less annoying experience)
PS: In regards to the konata/perenigrus comments, keep it civil please.
Besides, it's not like you're messing with voltages to get an i5 2500k to run at it's original stock speeds of 4.0Ghz. I dare say they are deliberately selling them as underclocked 3.3Ghz CPU's, to be able to boast about the amazing overclocking capabilities (I bet 4.0Ghz is the original stock speed :P)
Well yes, of course. The stock coolers are idiot-proof.
But for a little extra effort you can get huge bang/buck. I said "little to no risk". It's actually very hard to break hardware these days; there's so many failsafes. It's easy to run intelburntestv2 and HWiNFO64 until you hit temperatures you're uncomfortable with. If your system is stable when running intelburntestv2 on maximum CPU-rape mode, your CPU will be stable as a mofo. It is by far the most heinous task your CPU can accomplish.
--Scythe--
Still, we're talking past each other, so allow me to clarify: I know it's all fixable, that's not what I'm talking about. The problem is that someone who is nervous about building their own computer will be very frustrated by all this. If he was someone who wanted maximum performance at minimum cost, you wouldn't have to talk him into building his own computer, he'd do that of his own volition. Making him mess around with aftermarket coolers and thermal paste and overclocking isn't doing him a favour. The first computer he builds should be painless and without trouble, because that builds confidence for the next attempt. The NEXT one can have aftermarket coolers, watercooling, overclocking out the wazoo etc.
I can not be bothered to close things before playing a game.
I will say that in all my years of buying PC hardware gizmos, I've never seen a more professional product than their HSFs. Probably won't ever buy anything else at this point.
PS: they work ridiculously awesome. Got an i7-960 to 4.1GHz and even under full load on all 4 (8?) cores, it doesn't crack 60C.
yeah I know what meaty programs are, I was just asking Sops what he has running in the background that he can't be bothered to shut down :D
For me, anything and everything (8GB of RAM here). At one point I was playing DX:HR, and forgot that I had another game alt-tabbed in the background :D