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PC Building Info [Updating]
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PC Building Info [Updating]Posted:

r00t
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Status: Offline
Joined: May 18, 201112Year Member
Posts: 16,357
Reputation Power: 24344
:!: Work in progress! :!:


PCBuildingInfo

Benefits of building a PC
  • You'll save a ton of money. You'll pay much more for a pre-built PC with comparable specs to a custom-built PC.

  • The parts will be of much higher quality. Pre-built PCs use low-quality parts across the board to keep costs down and profits up.

  • Because you are able to choose every part, theres no limit to the customization you can achieve.

  • There are warranties on individual parts, many of which are lifetime or very long.

  • Troubleshooting and working on custom-built PCs is extremely easy.

  • Upgrading custom-built PCs is a breeze.

  • Pride. You built that thing!
Hardware info & build guides

iThorHD's Complete Guide to Upgrading & Building Your Own Computer:
Forums/t=1722108/the-complete-gui...puter.html

This guide is extremely comprehensive and goes into great detail about each component. Required reading!

Here are some videos that will help you understand what it takes to build a PC. I think you'll find it's... Not much!

Hardware Canucks:


Newegg:


Duncan33303:


Tek Syndicate:


NCIX:


LavcoPriceTech:




SelectingParts

CPU
Motherboard
Memory
Graphics card
Power supply
CPU cooler
Drives
Case



ExtraInfo

Keyboard buying guide

CLICK ^ TO MAXIMIZE                                   Keyboard Guide


**This guide is a work in progress and will be updated with new content regularly. If you have any suggestions, please tell me.**

**UPDATED: 11/15/12**


                Forums:       

        http://geekhack.org/
        http://deskthority.net/


                Info:

        http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=GeekHackWiki
        http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide


                Sellers:

        http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/
        http://www.elitekeyboards.com/
        http://www.keyboardco.com/
        http://www.pckeyboard.com/
        http://www.amazon.com/
        http://www.newegg.com/
        http://myworld.ebay.com/qtan5370


                Deals:

        http://www.dsi-keyboards.com/
        http://5k177keyboards.wordpress.com/


                Parts:

        http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/
        http://www.keycapsdirect.com/
        http://www.mouser.com/
        http://www.digikey.com/


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Keyboard Labeling:

        =  - Tenkeyless
        *  - Backlight
        ~  - Otaku
        W  - Wireless

        B  - Black Alps
        G  - Green Alps
        C  - Cream Alps
        X  - XM Alps
        Y  - Yellow Alps


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                MX Brown:

$80     =-   Ducky DK1087
        =-   CM Quickfire Rapid
         -   iOne Xarmor U9
        *-   CM Quickfire Pro
$90      -   Steelseries 6GV2
         -   Rosewill RK-9000BRI
        =-   Vortex KBT Pure
        *-   CM Trigger
        =-   HPE 87
$100     -   Leopold FC500RR
        ~-   Leopold FC500RR
        =-   Leopold FC200RT
       ~=-   Leopold FC200RT
        *-   CM Quickfire Rapid Pro
         -   Tesoro Durandal G1N
        W-   iOne Xarmor U9W
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mini
$110   *=-   Vortex KBT Pure (PBT)
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mid
$120     -   Ducky DK9008G2 (ABS)
       *=-   Key Cool 84
$130     -   Ducky DK9000G2 (PBT)
         -   Ducky DK9008G2 (PBT)
        *-   Rosewill RK-9100BR
        *-   Tesoro Durandal G1NL
         -   Das Professional Model S
        ~-   Das Ultimate Model S
        =-   Ducky DK9087G2 (PBT)
$140   *=-   Ducky Shine II
        *-   Ducky Shine
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race LE White
        *-   Max Nighthawk-X8
$150    *-   Ducky Shine II
$170   *=-   Ducky Year of the Dragon
        ~-   Ducky Year of the Rabbit


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                MX Blue:

$60      -   Adesso MKB-125B
$70     =-   CM Quickfire Rapid
         -   Razer Blackwidow
         -   Rosewill RK-9000
         -   iOne Scorpius-M10
$80     =-   Ducky DK1087
        =-   Razer Blackwidow Tournament
         -   Rosewill RK-9000I
$90     ~-   Leopold FC500RR
        =-   Vortex KBT Pure
         -   Adesso mkB-135B
        =-   HPE 87
$100     -   Leopold FC500RR
        =-   Leopold FC200RT
       ~=-   Leopold FC200RT
         -   Razer Blackwidow 2013
        *-   Razer Blackwidow Ultimate
        *-   CM Quickfire TK
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mini
$110     -   Das Keyboard Model S
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mid
$120     -   Ducky DK9008G2 (ABS)
        *-   Razer Blackwidow Ultimate BF3
        *-   Rosewill RK-9100
         -   Das Professional Model S
        *-   CM Trigger
       *=-   Key Cool 84
$130     -   Ducky DK9000G2 (PBT)
         -   Ducky DK9008G2 (PBT)
        *-   Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
        =-   Ducky DK9087G2 (PBT)
$140   *=-   Ducky Shine II
        *-   Ducky Shine
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race LE Pink
$150    *-   Ducky Shine II
$170   *=-   Ducky Year of the Dragon
        ~-   Ducky Year of the Rabbit


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                MX Black:

$70     =-   CM Quickfire Rapid
$80     =-   Ducky DK1087
         -   Rosewill RK-9000BL
$90      -   Leopold FC500RL
        =-   Vortex Poker
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mini
        =-   HPE 87
$100    =-   Leopold FC200RT
         -   Steelseries 6GV2
        *-   CM Quickfire Pro
         -   Azio Levetron Mech4
$110     -   Ducky DK9000G2 (ABS)
        =-   Vortex Poker PBT
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race
        *-   CM Trigger
$120     -   Ducky DK9008G2 (ABS)
       *=-   Key Cool 84
$130     -   Ducky DK9008G2 (PBT)
        =-   Ducky DK9087G2 (PBT)
$140   *=-   Ducky Shine II
        *-   Ducky Shine
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race LE Pink
$150    *-   Ducky Shine II
       *=-   Deck 82 Ice PBT
         -   Steeleries 7G
$170   *=-   Ducky Year of the Dragon
$190    *-   Deck Lengend (PBT)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                MX Red:

$80     =-   CM Quickfire Rapid
$90      -   Leopold FC500RR
        ~-   Leopold FC500RR
         -   Corsair K60
$100    =-   Leopold FC200RT
       ~=-   Leopold FC200RT
         -   Ducky DK1008L
         -   Rosewill RK-9000RE
        =-   Vortex KBT Pure
        *-   CM Quickfire Pro
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mini
        =-   PLU ML-87 TKL
$110    *-   Corsair K90
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mid
        =-   Noppoo Choc Mini
$120   *=-   Vortex KBT Race
        *-   CM Trigger
       *=-   Key Cool 84
$130    =-   Ducky DK9087G2 (PBT)
$140   *=-   Ducky Shine II
        *-   Ducky Shine
         -   Ducky DK9008G2 (PBT)
       *=-   Vortex KBT Race LE White
        *-   Max Nighthawk-X9
$150    *-   Ducky Shine II
$170   *=-   Ducky Year of the Dragon


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                MX Clear:

$190    *-   Deck Legend PBT


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Topre:

$240    =-   Realforce 87U White
$270    =-   Realforce 87U EK Edition
$280     -   Realforce 104UB
$300    =-   Realforce 87U Black
        =-   Realforce 87U White/Gray
        =-   Realforce 87U Silent White
        =-   Happy Hacking Pro 2
       ~=-   Happy Hacking Pro 2
$310    =-   Realforce 87U Silent Black
$350    =-   Realforce 87U Silent White/Gray
        =-   Realforce 87U 55g Black
$450    =-   Happy Hacking Pro 2 Silenced
       ~=-   Happy Hacking Pro 2 Silenced


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Alps:

$50     =-   (B) Ducky DK 1087
         -   (Y) DSI Big Font
        =-   (G) Ducky DK 1087
$60      -   (G) Ducky DK 1008
$70      -   ( ) Siig Desktp Mechanical
$120     -   (C) Matias Quiet Pro
         -   (X) Matias tactile Pro


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Buckling Springs:

$??      -   IBM Model M
$80      -   Unicomp Classic
         -   Unicomp Ultra Classic
$90      -   Unicomp Spacesaver M
$100     -   Unicomp Endurapro
         -   Unicomp PC 122
         -   Unicomp IBM Replace
$110     -   Unicomp Classic Trackball
$???    =-   IBM Model M Spacesaver


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Other:

$70     =-   Cherry Ultraslim G84-4100 POS (Cherry ML)

$140+    -   http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<3

r00t


To decide among all of these great options, you have a number of factors to take into consideration.

1. What will you be using it for? If you'll be primarily typing, non-linear switches are the best choice. Some common examples are the Cherry MX Blue and buckling spring switches. There are also plenty of more obscure switches, but it's not likely that you'll be wanting or needing a board with those. If the situation presents itself, please send me a PM and I'll help you find your dream board!

2. Backlighting. Backlighting can make a board much more expensive than its non-backlit counterparts, so if possible, go without. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of fantastic boards out there with backlighting, like the Ducky Shine or KBT Race. One thing you should take into consideration is that you have a monitor right in front of you that completely illuminates the board. Not to mention that when you're gaming, you're not going to have your eyes on the board, are you? If you want something pretty, talk to me about some custom keycaps.

3. Layout. Boards without the ten-keys, or the number pad, are often significantly cheaper due to the fact that fewer switches are being used and less material is required. A tenkeyless layout also leaves much more room for the mouse pad and mouse on the side of the board, so for FPS exclusive gamers or users who just don't use the number pad, I'd suggest you get a tenkeyless keyboard. If you're an MMO gamer or use the keys, by all means, get them.

4. PM me or post. I like talking about keyboards and if you think you've found something you like, run it by me. I might be able to find you something you like even more or a better price. Be sure you include info regarding the first three points, though, they'll help me get a better idea of what would be best for you!

Everything you could ever want to know about keyboards can be found here:
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Another useful resource is here:
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Samsung 30nm RAM
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The only reason I would NOT recommend this RAM is if 8GB single sticks are required or memory bandwidth has a negligible affect on performance and other options are significantly cheaper. For the time being, these max out at 4GB per stick. Although RAM speeds make almost no performance difference on Sandy and Ivy Bridge, APU systems benefit considerably from fast RAM. Even if the benefits are minimal, I still recommend these for ANY platform if only for their size, power usage, stability, design, and looks. Platforms that don't support memory overclocking will not benefit from the capabilities of this RAM, but that doesn't rule it out.

These come at very mediocre speeds of 1600 MHz, a CAS latency of 11, a 1T command rate, and a voltage of 1.35. At stock voltages, you can easily set them to nice speeds like 1600 MHz CL9. You could be done there, but overclocking is free performance! I would talk about it in detail, but Techpowerup does a far better job that I could.

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Here's the Overclock.net thread, which is very helpful.

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For reference, my kit runs at 2000 9-9-9-24 1T @ 1.55v.
Korean monitors
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Recently a number of manufacturers using the same LG panels as those used in the Dell Ultrasharp U2711 and 27" iMac have been catching a lot of attention, far more than they were when I first read about these over a year ago. The Yamakasi Catleap, Crossover 27Q, Achieva Shimian, and a few others all use the super-high-quality S-IPS, 2560x1440, 27" made in Korea by LG. The A+ perfect units are used the Ultrasharps and iMacs, but the U2711 is $800, compared to the $310 you can get a Catleap for! Some "defects" include a few dead pixels (which can be minized by buying a "pixel perfect" listing, which guarantees 0-5 dead pixels and none in certain areas) and possibly some minor backlight bleeding. For more info on these monitors, there's plenty of info available on them here:

Comparison and tons of info: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Yamakasi Catleap: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Crossover 27Q: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Achieva Shimian: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

There's a lot to be said for these, but if you want to know more about any of these or plan on buying one, shoot me a PM!
Gaming mice
Logitech G400
Zowie AM
Zowie EC1/EC2 eVo
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0
Microsoft Intellimouse Optical 1.1
Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical
Razer Deathadder
Razer Deathadder 2013
CM Storm Xornet


And that's pretty much it. These are the mice chosen by pro gamers and people who know the industry, not me, as I defer to their conclusions. If it's not on here, I simply will not recommend it.

Some things to know:

  • Just because it's more expensive doesn't mean it's better.

  • As a general rule, don't use mouse driver software (except for the Deathadder).

  • Laser mice are generally inferior to optical mice.

  • Some mice can be overclocked, like the Intellimouse Optical 1.1.

  • Just say no to wireless mice.

  • Reviewers generally don't know anything about mice. Only listen to pro gamers or those who know the ins and outs of the industry.

  • Higher DPI doesn't necessarily make anything better.

  • In the end, the mouse you prefer is the mouse you should get.
Solid-state drives
I wish I had something to say about these, but Sean Webster on OCN has compiled all the info you could ever need. You're better off listening to him than me because he's incredibly knowledgeable on the subject. He tests them, reviews them, writes about them, etc. He's an expert, and here are his threads.

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#2. Posted:
Intel_2500k
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I am here to help, if you need me, I'm a quote/post away.
#3. Posted:
Overclocker
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Taking requests, all my PMs will be redirected here. Note that we are not online 24/7


PEOPLE SPECIFY YOUR CURRENCY


Last edited by Overclocker ; edited 2 times in total
#4. Posted:
BALLISTIC_SP00N
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very nice post! thanked!
#5. Posted:
Generation
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I'm here to help - if no one is available, feel free to PM me.
#6. Posted:
Celt
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****PC Build Request Form****

Budget: 650

Peripherals & Monitor: I want a Razer mouse and a 22" Led monitor with a respectable brand name

Games: cod 4 , mw2 , Minecraft and Battlefield.

Software: Cinema c4d , aef , Dreamwaver , Photoshop ,

Aesthetics: M59 GAMING case

Rebates/Promos:

Details:
#7. Posted:
Overclocker
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Celt wrote ****PC Build Request Form****

Budget: 650

Peripherals & Monitor: I want a Razer mouse and a 22" Led monitor with a respectable brand name

Games: cod 4 , mw2 , Minecraft and Battlefield.

Software: Cinema c4d , aef , Dreamwaver , Photoshop ,

Aesthetics: M59 GAMING case

Rebates/Promos:

Details:



EDIT:

Old post, Deleted.


Last edited by Overclocker ; edited 3 times in total
#8. Posted:
Condition
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For windows 7 download Can i just burn it to dual layer 8.5GB discs?
#9. Posted:
Celt
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Condition wrote For windows 7 download Can i just burn it to dual layer 8.5GB discs?


Yes, that will be fine. A single layer disk would do.
#10. Posted:
Appze
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Great Topic very helpful.
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