Computer Problems/Upgrades/Info

[Bonecrusher]

This is what I'm talking about...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009212&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-24-009-212-_-Homepage

The list looks pretty nice. I didn't realize you had a monitor in there already. I'd say go-go if the price is right. Newegg changes prices every day. Free 8 gig flash drive today when you buy the Vengeance Ram

 

[Iceburgs]

That free flash offer is free through the end of the month, so I can dilly-dally a bit if I want. I don't know about the other mail-in or instant rebates. I should check them again.

 

[TAZTG]

Nice Very Nice..
Did you order an optional 120mm Blue LED fan for the side panel?

You going to bring all the goodies over here for a Build Party?

I have a few Skunky Black Labels for ya..

 

[Iceburgs]

Aaaaan guess whose AGP card just died last night? At least, I'm pretty sure it's the AGP card. There's always the possibility of RAM or the PSU being the problem, but I've had issues with the video card in the past, so I'm thinking its finally had it. Guess that's ANOTHER thing I'll have to order!

Taz, I didn't place the order yet since I wanted to see what you guys thought. Also, I was hoping maybe someone might suggest a better case. Also, I happen to already have an extra blue LED 120 mm fan so no worries there. I would love to bring them over after work to build the sucker, so we'll be in touch on that end.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Well, if you've given up on the removable motherboard tray idea, that increases your options like whoa!

If you aren't too concerned with the pretty blue lights right off the bat, I'd go on Dave's route with this one with something like this. Solid construction, bottom mounted PSU, PLENTY of room to hide cables. I just don't think it comes with LED fans, but you can always change them out later. At least this way you know you're getting quality.

And keep in mind there are very few (if any) cases out there right now that support USB 3.0 on the front ports. As far as I know you just get a bracket to mount to the back (like a PCI card) that has two 3.0 ports. The wiring to the front panels still only support 2.0 for the most part.

 

[TAZTG]

Man, that might be my next case.
I like this option: Removable Top Cover The hardware installation with Lancool PC-K58W is very easy and simple. The front panel and top panel are detachable and they can be removed without tools.

Dude, for 109.00 Check this SEXY one out.

 

[Bonecrusher]

I would totally pony up for that. Screw the 23" monitor, downgrade to 22" and get that one! Looks like case designers finally realized that heat rises...

 

[Iceburgs]

My buddy has the Antec 900 and I absolutely LOVE the case, except for that all the hard drives/media drives are rear-loading. I don't understand why pretty much all of Antec's cases are built this way, when their Sonata case has side-loaded HDD slots. It's so much more convenient. They also have the same case with black interior for only a few bucks more once you factor shipping. Real shame.

As for the monitor, I guess I can find one that's less expensive and still 23". Question: does anyone know which is the better monitor link up: HDMI or DVI?

 

[Bonecrusher]

The Antec 900 is the one I'm "modding" right now. It is really solid, and yeah, the hard drives don't mount sideways... but the HD Cages pull straight out the front after you take out the thumbscrews... so you don't have to load them with the cage IN the case. The only thing it lacks is room to hide cables. I've cut several holes to run wires... and hopefully I'm able to use them when I drop the hardware in. The only other thing was the power button lead wasn't long enough to hide it. So I cut it and soldered in an extra 5" or so of wire so I can run it behind the motherboard. It's a simple design... and I've got it stripped down to the framework, painted the inside flat black... will start putting it back together this week. I'm just excited to have a solid side panel and a window again.

 

[TAZTG]

OMG, Boney's Modding..We want PICS!

 

[Iceburgs]

Besides size (and, of course, price) can anyone tell me what's the difference between these two motherboards? Also, I'm wondering if I shouldn't be looking into another brand of mobo. I've never really been happy with my ASUS, so do what do you guys recommend besides the MSI?

[EDIT] I took another look at the LGA 1155 chipset mobos, and it looks like MSi is the way to go.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Biggest differences I see are the more expensive one supports more different RAM speeds, and it also has two PCI-E 2.0 X16 slots, where the other has an X16 and an X8. So if you were going with an SLI setup, the more expensive one would be the way to go in terms of getting the most out of your dual cards.

 

[Iceburgs]

Biggest differences I see are the more expensive one supports more different RAM speeds, and it also has two PCI-E 2.0 X16 slots, where the other has an X16 and an X8. So if you were going with an SLI setup, the more expensive one would be the way to go in terms of getting the most out of your dual cards.

Did you read the reviews? A user named Rami said that the X16/X16 was incorrect; that it really is X8/X8 when in SLI mode. Go figure. As for the RAM speeds, it looks like the less-expensive one has MORE overclocking options than the more expensive one. Hmmm. Confused! It seems to me what it really comes down to is size, and POSSIBLY different available RAID configurations.

 

[TAZTG]

Ice, there is no need for SLI, Raid or even Overclocking.
Pick a nice stable reliable motherboard.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Yeah, what he said!

And I just wanted to point out that this thread is old on an Epic level.

 

[Iceburgs]

Taz, that's what I am trying to do. I don't care about the OC and I don't intend to run my HDDs in RAID. If I ever want to use SLI, it definitely won't be for at least a few years, but it would be nice to have that possibility. In any case, all three of these things aren't deal breakers. My question of the day was what was the difference between the two mobos aside from size, and it seems to be apparent that there *IS* no difference. So, seeing as how the more expensive one is constantly going out of stock, I might as well go with the other one! The only reason why I am having trouble even picking a mobo is because the LGA 1155 chipset is new enough that there are hardly any reviews of the various boards on newegg, so it's pretty much go with your favorite board maker that has put what you want on the board.

 

[Bonecrusher]

And also, there aren't many "name brands" to choose from as far as 1155 Mobos go. ASUS and MSI are the only (semi) popular ones. And for some reason A LOT of the available boards are Micro-ATX... WTF. Anyway, The past two Motherboards I've had (Intel and EVGA) have been top notch aside from the Intel's onboard Sound was kinda crappy. I don't have any personal experience with MSI, but they've been around for a good while.

When are you taking the leap Icey? They'll be coming out with a new architecture by the time you order this thing!

 

[Iceburgs]

I might order a few things over the weekend, but at this rate, I might as well wait until late next weekend to take advantage of Memorial Day sales.

Still no answers/thoughts on using HDMI connection to a monitor. What do y'all think? Also, anyone have a monitor with speakers? Worth the bother?

 

[Bonecrusher]

If your monitor HAS an HDMI connection I'd say use it. But Monitors with an HDMI port are usually more expensive. Monitors with built in speakers are usually garbage. The speakers that is. Don't let built in speakers chase you away... but don't intend to use them. Built in speakers tend to up the price a little bit for something you won't use. I got my Dad a 2.1 speaker system a while back for about $50, the subwoofer is totally worth it when it comes to games.

 

[TAZTG]

Hey Icey, if you wait til the weekend after next weekend there should be another sale.