re: PC Discussion - Gaming, Performance and Enthusiasts

For $200 after rebate

That may be it because it is hard to find a review of their cards in english
I wish someone would buy my 7870 so I can go ahead and feel comfortable doing this.

quote:

---

LSU Coyote

---

Here you go

quote:

---

Here you go

---

My system isn't ready..

EDT: I'm looking but I don't see a 27" version. Just 24 - 32", we all have gotten used to 27. No dropping down now.

Bruce, I've read so much different shtt about how to uninstall W8. The shtt is honestly crazy, its hard to even get into the BIOS. As you know I had to disable a ridiculous amount of settings. Long story short, this is becoming a headache. I might try again tonight.

quote:

---

Are you just trying to format a drive to use in another machine or are you trying to downgrade a laptop?

---

Both.. I installed a SSD in my sister's laptop and now using that HDD to replace a dead HDD an old HP.

I will mess with it tonight. Just spent a few unfocused minutes with it connected to my computer.

Finished a downsize and upgrade to my home server.(Really just a FTP) Will also serve as my encoder for console streams, torrent box and HTPC when needed.

Reason for the downsize/upgrade was because I got tired of having a bulky mid-tower for my small and simple tasks.

CPU: FX-8320 @ 3.0GHz 1.25V w/ Turbo @ 4.3 1.44V
MOBO: Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 Rev 3
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) @ 1866GHz 1.465V
GPU: GTX 650Ti 2GB (Currently in my HTPC for tWAU)
Sound: ASUS Xonar Essence STX
Capture: AverMedia Live Gamer HD C985
Case: Fractal Node 605
Case Fans: 2xAF120 1xSP120
CPU Heatsink: CoolerMaster Geminii w/ SP120

HDDs and Configuration:

--Permanent Storage--
RAID 10 - 2x3TB WD RED 64MB Inteli(7200RPM)

--FileZilla Cache--
500GB WD VelociRaptor 64MB 10000RPM

--Torrent Drive--
2TB WB RED 64MB Inteli(7200RPM)

--Boot Drive--
60GB ADATA S510 SSD

Pictures:

quote:

---

hey does that node 605 have room for a full size optical drive or does it have to be a slim line version?

---

Just a slim optical option. This really sucks because I still watch some Blu-Rays. My other home server case was a Fractal Define R4 Mini with a Blu-Ray drive, so it could stream video to any PC on our network.

That was the only major problem I had with downsizing. I could purchase a Slim Blu-Ray drive but can't justify the $100 price tag.

Yeah, if there is already one on your network then it doesn't pay.

Are you looking into a "PURE" HTPC which just plays videos or a SteamBox/HTPC which also plays games at a high lvl?


HTPC:

Here is a year old picture of my HTPC build in a really nice Lian Li case. My build in this picture has an A75/5800K w/ 8GB Samsung 30nm @ 1866 but it currently has an A85X/5800K w/ 8GB Trident X @ 2400. I can run all games besides most Triple AAA Titles on Ultra w/ Low AA and VSync enabled. I lay my box horizontally though because I hate the stupid base.

Dimensions: 14.37" x 3.46" x 8.19"

Lian Li PC-Q12B




SteamBox:

This is my "Under Water" Node 304 which is a pure SteamBox I built to game at a high lvl @ 1080. This damn thing hasn't turned out as planned. Purchased a Z87 Impact/4670K/780 Lightning for the build. So I waited a little over 1 month on a Lightning block to launch. Well, in that time frame the 780TIs released and I decided to sell the Lightning for a 3rd 780Ti. So I then started using my spare 7950 in this build but that also didn't last long. LTC Mining inflated AMD Tahiti based GPU prices forcing me to sell the 7950.

Sorry took me so long to get to this point, but I just was venting about how disappointed I am with myself for not completely finishing this build. The RADs/PUMP/RES/CPU Block are all installed and running great, but the GPU is a 650 Ti acting like a place holder for now. Once AMD prices come down, I do plan on finishing the build right by the way of a 290/290X w/ EKWB. Then the damn Node 304 can be complete.

I've been wanting to shoot an updated pic of the build's progress, tonight i'll upload some. I will keep it in the media center to give you a sense of scale.

Dimensions: 9.84" x 8.27" x 14.72"

Fractal Design Node 304




PURE HTPC - Intel NUC Form Factor:

Intel is now releasing NUC boards with embedded processors (basically just soldered down). Its made from mobile hardware, but not your Atom processors, you can purchase an Ivy Bridge i3/i5 w/ HD4000 Graphics or a Haswell i3/i5 w/ HD5000 Graphics. They can be configured with up to 32GB RAM and 180GB mSATA SSD. You can also configure NUCs with WiFi, Bluetooth and Thunderbolt. They run FULL 64BIT VERSIONS of desktop OSs like Windows 7, WIndows 8 and even Mac OS X.

Dimensions: 4.17" x 4.8" x 1.5"

Motherboard comparisons between NUC, iTX and mATX form factors.



Here is a nice aftermarket case you would want to switch out. No one wants cheap plastic in their home.

SilverStone PETITE Series PT14B-H1T1



akaska Newton V



EDT: Note that most NUC builds are fanless so they cool by passive cooling. Reason for the "ridges" on the outside of cases. There are cases which use active cooling by an 80mm fan; and IMO they look much nicer and cleaner.

It would be an all in one media and steambox. Wife would play controller based games, and I've got about 2tb of movies, tv, and music as well.

quote:

---

Where would y'all recommend I look for a new desk chair?

---

We have been purchasing all our furniture from West Elm and All Modern. My current computer room desk/chair is from office depot, but will no doubt spend the extra money 2-3yrs from now to get a "forever" desk.

Office Depot has a good selection at decent prices and they always have a sale on at less 1 chair which they rotate every week. Try there, I love sitting in all of them and trying it out. Think I paid around $150 for mine on sale.