New PC Build

KD18 · 07-02-2010, 06:46 PM

Hey guys,

Since I'll be entering the engineering field shortly (and may occasionally have to do drafting/other computer intensive work at home), I feel as if it'd be a good idea to build a new PC, especially since my current one is showing its age (4 years old). So, since I've been out of the loop of computer hardware lately, I've been doing a lot of research and would also like some of your opinions on my current configuration. If possible, could you guys take a look at this setup, comment on its cost/performance ratio, and suggest any alternatives? For the most part, I'll be using it for the engineering work mentioned above (autodesk inventor, autocad, ansys finite element analyses, etc), occasionally recording/mixing some music, and occasional gaming.

Here's the configuration from Newegg:

Also, I've never installed an aftermarket heat sink. For my last build, which was my first, I just used the stock one with the thermal paste already applied; so, I really don't know much about heatsinks or how to install them. Since stock Intel heat sinks are supposedly horrible, I really want to pick up and install an aftermarket one for this build. However, I am not sure of what to get or how to even do it. Could you guys also make any suggestions and possibly share any great tutorials that you've used in the past?

Thanks a lot

EDIT: Also, I forgot to ask something about triple channel memory. From reading, I learned that triple channel memory is much more effective with an i7 processor (which is why I chose it), and I made sure to choose a motherboard that supports it. However, I'm not 100% sure about the installation process. If you use triple channel memory, do you have to install it in specific slots to enable that pipeline. Of course, I could always read the motherboard manual, but I'd like to know prior to buying the hardware =p. Once again, thanks a lot for the advice.

Z4toichi · 07-10-2010, 05:06 AM

I would like to recommend the Coolermaster Hyper 212 plus, probably the best air cooler out there, and only about $50. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-065-_-Product

Heres a comprehensive video on installation.

YouTube

Lost · 07-10-2010, 04:40 PM

If you'll be doing drafting, won't you need a CAD graphics card rather than a standard vid card? I'm sure today's top of the line graphics hardware can run these CAD programs well enough for beginners, so that probably isn't an issue. Probably.

And I'll just repeat what the homies on here told me: unless you're using high quality monitors for your sound system, you're wasting money on a sound card. Seems onboard sound is efficient and effective these days. Mine does 5.1 without a hitch, better than my Audigy did in fact.

Mooga · 07-10-2010, 07:25 PM

Audiofiles may need a sound card, most people don't. Also, unless you are running very high-end speakers, you're not going to notice much difference. At home I have 2 desktop Bose speakers hooked up to my mobo's sounds and it's amazing enough for me...

**Dexter** · 07-10-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost

If you'll be doing drafting, won't you need a CAD graphics card rather than a standard vid card? I'm sure today's top of the line graphics hardware can run these CAD programs well enough for beginners, so that probably isn't an issue. Probably.

And I'll just repeat what the homies on here told me: unless you're using high quality monitors for your sound system, you're wasting money on a sound card. Seems onboard sound is efficient and effective these days. Mine does 5.1 without a hitch, better than my Audigy did in fact.

Are you referring to Quadro / FireGL cards? They are soooo goddamn expensive - its funny because its the same hardware with very different drivers. I bet any normal high-end video card is more than fine for doing most 3D/CAD stuff on a single head of output.

**mervaka** · 07-10-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooga

Audiofiles may need a sound card, most people don't. Also, unless you are running very high-end speakers, you're not going to notice much difference. At home I have 2 desktop Bose speakers hooked up to my mobo's sounds and it's amazing enough for me...

B.O.S.E.

Buy Other Sound Equipment
No Highs? Now Lows? It's Bose.

Lost · 07-11-2010, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dexter

Are you referring to Quadro / FireGL cards? They are soooo goddamn expensive - its funny because its the same hardware with very different drivers. I bet any normal high-end video card is more than fine for doing most 3D/CAD stuff on a single head of output.

Yah, I'd imagine so. I had a buddy that did the drafting shit and the Quadro made a different, it ran the CAD programs far better than the equiv 6800's he was using. But it didn't game for shit. It was his job though, so it fit, probably a tax discount too.

**Dexter** · 07-11-2010, 08:29 AM

You know, my statement doesn't seem true for nvidia hardware anymore. Quadros are a completely different deal these days

FireGL appears to be the same cards with different firmwares and drivers, though.

Rutabeggar · 07-13-2010, 02:09 AM

Careful when installing a heat sync, I had a friend install one and it was off center by just the smallest of margins and my computer would overheat and lock up when worked too much. Gotta make sure the paste is on there evenly and that the sync itself doesn't shift when you put it in, otherwise it's not terribly difficult.

**mervaka** · 07-13-2010, 10:50 AM

gotta synchronise all them heats..

07-02-2010, 06:46 PM	#1
KD18 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times	New PC Build Hey guys, Since I'll be entering the engineering field shortly (and may occasionally have to do drafting/other computer intensive work at home), I feel as if it'd be a good idea to build a new PC, especially since my current one is showing its age (4 years old). So, since I've been out of the loop of computer hardware lately, I've been doing a lot of research and would also like some of your opinions on my current configuration. If possible, could you guys take a look at this setup, comment on its cost/performance ratio, and suggest any alternatives? For the most part, I'll be using it for the engineering work mentioned above (autodesk inventor, autocad, ansys finite element analyses, etc), occasionally recording/mixing some music, and occasional gaming. Here's the configuration from Newegg: Also, I've never installed an aftermarket heat sink. For my last build, which was my first, I just used the stock one with the thermal paste already applied; so, I really don't know much about heatsinks or how to install them. Since stock Intel heat sinks are supposedly horrible, I really want to pick up and install an aftermarket one for this build. However, I am not sure of what to get or how to even do it. Could you guys also make any suggestions and possibly share any great tutorials that you've used in the past? Thanks a lot EDIT: Also, I forgot to ask something about triple channel memory. From reading, I learned that triple channel memory is much more effective with an i7 processor (which is why I chose it), and I made sure to choose a motherboard that supports it. However, I'm not 100% sure about the installation process. If you use triple channel memory, do you have to install it in specific slots to enable that pipeline. Of course, I could always read the motherboard manual, but I'd like to know prior to buying the hardware =p. Once again, thanks a lot for the advice. Last edited by KD18; 07-02-2010 at 07:06 PM.

07-10-2010, 04:40 PM	#3
Lost Fear teh crowbar. Retired FF Staff Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oklahoma Gametype: CTF ftw, yeh Posts Rated Helpful 6 Times	If you'll be doing drafting, won't you need a CAD graphics card rather than a standard vid card? I'm sure today's top of the line graphics hardware can run these CAD programs well enough for beginners, so that probably isn't an issue. Probably. And I'll just repeat what the homies on here told me: unless you're using high quality monitors for your sound system, you're wasting money on a sound card. Seems onboard sound is efficient and effective these days. Mine does 5.1 without a hitch, better than my Audigy did in fact. __________________ Do what you want cuz a pirate is free! You are a pirate!

07-10-2010, 07:25 PM	#4
Mooga Colorless FTW D&A Member Beta Tester Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: A Small Box Affiliations: SRCDS.com Posts Rated Helpful 1 Times	Audiofiles may need a sound card, most people don't. Also, unless you are running very high-end speakers, you're not going to notice much difference. At home I have 2 desktop Bose speakers hooked up to my mobo's sounds and it's amazing enough for me... __________________ ~ Mooga ...w00t? SRCDS.com \| Twitter

07-11-2010, 08:29 AM	#8
Dexter internet user Fortress Forever Staff Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts Rated Helpful 42 Times	You know, my statement doesn't seem true for nvidia hardware anymore. Quadros are a completely different deal these days FireGL appears to be the same cards with different firmwares and drivers, though. __________________ 9:17 PM - DEXTER: can you teach me how to play o 9:17 PM - squeek.: you jump a lot 9:18 PM - squeek.: and do sweet moves 8:55 PM - FDA: fart in you fridge and blame it on wild animals

07-13-2010, 02:09 AM	#9
Rutabeggar D&A Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts Rated Helpful 0 Times	Careful when installing a heat sync, I had a friend install one and it was off center by just the smallest of margins and my computer would overheat and lock up when worked too much. Gotta make sure the paste is on there evenly and that the sync itself doesn't shift when you put it in, otherwise it's not terribly difficult.

07-13-2010, 10:50 AM	#10
mervaka A Very Sound Guy! Fortress Forever Staff Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts Rated Helpful 15 Times	gotta synchronise all them heats..

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