Computer Problems/Upgrades/Info

[Devastator]

Well, tested my mic at school. Looks like it's the jack on my sound card that screws me up.
Probably gonna get a cheap SB card soon.

 

[TAZTG]

Try a USB MIC.. Not that expensive.. I have a Labtec that works fine, its plug n play. Works great in TS..
Here's a Logitech for 20 from newegg, I am sure you could find something similiar.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836111601

 

[Devastator]

Sadly, I like having a headset.

 

[Bonecrusher]

No, its not sad. Headsets are WONDERFUL *cough* lolll

 

[Morty]

Just make sure TS is set to the USB device.

 

[«BuA»Lurker_71]

Ok guys, I'm trying to slap together an "upgrade" presentation for my wife.
The premise is that I need the upgrades to be better prepared for the future.
What I'm going for is best quality for low-cost upgrades:
1) PCIe 2.0 capable mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188036

2) HDMI capable video card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125269

3) Blu-Ray player (for future HDMI TV purchase):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106277

4) I also need a tower:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

This won't be going to waste waiting for a HDMI TV either... my monitor is HDMI ready.

So give me some opinions, links, etc. I'm not thrilled about the vid card manufacturer, but it was the best rated for the price.

EDIT: Cost is @ $399.96 without shipping.

 

[TAZTG]

First off trying to fool Penny is one thing but don't fool yourself.
These upgrades are hardly future proof and to be honest aren't worth the cost of upgrading.

You sure didn't provide any guidelines for the upgrade.
What you have and what you need. Things like Power Supply, Ram, CPU's etc.
Here's the question, are you upgrading for just HDMI/BluRay crap cause these upgrades won't improve gaming capability.
I suggest saving money and do a real Upgrade that is atleast somewhat future proof.

Example: The AMD Motherboard - Is on its last leg and doesn't support the new Socket AM3.

The Graphic Card is wrong generation and you could much better with this one.
XFX GX260XADJC GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

What I am trying to say Lurk do you really need BluRay capability, if so buy a Playstation 3.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Not to mention the Mobo linked has on-board graphics... which is a waste of resources and space on the board. I didn't know they bothered making it anymore. As cheap as that board is WITH on-board graphics included... it'll be one of those "you get what you pay for" deals... and we're talking more like a downgrade there probably like Mike did with his vid card. I also recommend saving up little by little til you can pony up for something better.

 

[«BuA»Lurker_71]

I admit I do want HDMI capabilities, not just for BluRay, but also because I plan on using a HDTV for a monitor down the road.
AM3 is news to me... I haven't really been looking at upgrades seriously, though.

I'm open to ideas, but I don't want to build a brand new rig after putting one together just a year ago... and she wouldn't go for that.

BTW: I wasn't trying to fool her, TAZ... but it's hard to get someone o the bandwagon when they aren't interested in computers at all.

 

[TAZTG]

Here's the article I was talking about for the AM3. Did I state it wrong in Team Speak, maybe not sure. Anyway AM2 is old and not worth upgrading to that board.

Now, with the unveiling of Socket AM3, AMD brings half of that same story over to its newest PGA-ZIF interface. You see, AM3 processors include the DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers needed to drop into either AM2/AM2+ or AM3 motherboards. However, aging AM2/AM2+ processors don’t have the DDR3 memory controller to drop into an AM3 motherboard. We have to imagine more enthusiasts would be interested in adopting modern 45 nm CPUs and recycling their platforms than keeping a dated processor, hoping to only upgrade the motherboard, so that's an acceptable trade-off to us. Just to be sure no mistakes are made, AM3 processors come armed with 938 pins—two shy of the 940 needed in an AM2/AM2+ configuration.

 

[«BuA»Lurker_71]

Upgrades are pushed back to around Christmas time, because we made a major purchase today... a power chair.
The extra money coming in between now and the end of September will be used to find and secure a house, October's extras are going to decorations and a Halloween party that's been 3 years in the making, and November's extras will be going towards presents for the family.
When the time comes though, I'll be letting you know TAZ.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Well, I just read that snippet twice... and the way its worded I think it kinda contradicts itself. Or it could just be the way they worded the last sentence... where the 938 and 940 pins... they say NEEDED... where if taz is correct, the two less pins are still compatible with the older AM2 boards. Either way, get an intel... it'll solve all your problems.

 

[Shattered_Steel]

It is saying that the AM2/AM2+ processors will not fit into the new generation AMD boards. But the New AM3 processors *will* fit in the older motherboards. Ie - the processors are backwards compatible, not the motherboards. But I still agree with Boney - go for Intel instead.

 

[Morty]

Intel is the way to go for the long haul. AMD is losing marketshare and can't keep up with Intel. Intel will be worth the money.

 

[TAZTG]

WINDOWS 7 - Discussion

Hey folks, thought I drop this in here in case some of you are planning on upgrading to the new OS in Oct. Currently there are some nice Pre-Order Deals out there.

INFO - From Sharky's
So here’s the low-down on pricing for Windows 7. The estimated retail prices for upgrade packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99

And the estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99

This means that Windows 7 Home Premium full retail product is $40.00 less than Windows Vista Home Premium today.


Here is a Pre-Order Deal (Save $100.00)
http://promotions.newegg.com/Micros...gg.com/Microsoft/Windows7/PreSale/362x130.jpg

BTW, both 32- and 64-bit versions are included on the disc for both Home and professional. See this link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order-faq.aspx

Will I get 32-bit or 64-bit discs?

You’ll get both. Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional packaged products include both 32- and 64-bit discs.

 

[Bad-Target]

I to have been dreaming of a new system. I just can't bring my self to drop down the $1300 it would cost. Not all that much has changed since I started coveting a intel i7 920 system with either Nividia GTX260 -GTX285 or a ATI HD4870w/2gb ram.

Basically I am still in favor of cyberpowerpc.com. I know Bonyey had some bad experiences with them. Over all they still seem to have better prices then other online system, even cheaper packages then pricing out things individually at Newegg.

I enjoy going to their site and playing around with the customizer. I like to add different video cards to the configuration and other things to see how low I can keep the price, with out the system becoming to astronomical..

Taz, don't almost all the new generation video cards come with HDMI?

 

[Bonecrusher]

The problem with building one that way is you don't get full customization. It'll say "4 gigs of corsair XMS memory" but is it the cheap sticks or the good ones? Websites like that severely limit your options... and when you calculate it all out and buy smart (look for free shipping deals, shop newegg, tigerdirect, zipzoomfly, frozencpu, etc) you WILL save a ton of money.

You could probably build a system better than my current one for under $1000. But I'm not upgrading again unless we all get into something that requires it... or something breaks

 

[TAZTG]

If you search on NewEgg most cards have that option even older generations. The question is does your Monitor Support HDMI and what benefits would you gain from it?

Taz, don't almost all the new generation video cards come with HDMI?

 

[Bad-Target]

Your right they do limit your choices. but my problem has always been I am not current with the market.

Unlike our other Guru (TAZ), You being the other one. (not trying to exclude anyone) I just dont keep up on what s new and hot stuffs.

But you do make some strong points. I think I will check out some of your suggested sites. I knew about newegg, and tigerdirect but not about the others.

My other problem has been I was too timid to construct a system on my own. Last time I had to visit Taz when he lived in Greenbelt to get my system put together.

I always have this fear I crack the mother board or install the cpu wrong.

As always Lurker you getting some good advice from the fellas.

 

[Saigon Lucipher]

well with all that being said....I actually did not have the money to build a system so.....i went to Best Buy picked up a compaq with.......
2.6GHZ AMD64X2
3GIG DDR2-800
9800 GT PNY 512mb 256BIT PCI-E 2.0
23" Hanspree Monitor(HDMI capable,15,000-1 Contrast Ratio)


And believe it or not runs like a dream.....all at under 500 bucks....