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Other => Computer stuff => Topic started by: 420 on October 08, 2006, 11:01:41 PM

Title: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on October 08, 2006, 11:01:41 PM
OK, this is the first time I ever bought a computer that I didn't build from scratch.

Dell XPS 410
Quote
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4 GHz, 1066 FSB)
OS: Genuine Win XP Media Center 2005 with re-install CD
RAM: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 DIMMs)
Monitor: 19" Analog Flat Panel
Video: 256MB nVidia GeForce 7900 GS
HD: 250 GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s (7200 RPM) w/ DataBurst Cache
Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/ double layer write capability
Sound: Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition

~$1,500 before taxes!

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Anheg on October 08, 2006, 11:57:50 PM
That is a nice computer, im jelous. Though i might have waited for quadcore.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: cuchulann on October 09, 2006, 12:06:53 AM
Quote
That is a nice computer, im jelous. Though i might have waited for quadcore.
[snapback]31786[/snapback]
Well if you worked for the Federal government you might be able to get something better than quad core, they had those as far back as '98. Damn rich boys, they get all the good toys before anyone else can.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on October 09, 2006, 12:26:41 AM
I don't trust store-bought, or pre-built computers. Normally oem trash and alot of the time, cheap brands for things people don't pay much attention to, like the power supply. I would rather build mine.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Mo on October 09, 2006, 02:01:58 AM
Quote
OK, this is the first time I ever bought a computer that I didn't build from scratch.

Dell XPS 410
~$1,500 before taxes!

-420
[snapback]31784[/snapback]


Sweet good stuff! All set for NWN2 huh.  Though may be tough to game on a 9'' screen lol :P
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on October 09, 2006, 03:00:54 AM
Quote
Sweet good stuff! All set for NWN2 huh.  Though may be tough to game on a 9'' screen lol :P
[snapback]31799[/snapback]
Fixed, added sound spec too.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Anheg on October 09, 2006, 02:48:54 PM
Quote
Sweet good stuff! All set for NWN2 huh.  Though may be tough to game on a 9'' screen lol :P
[snapback]31799[/snapback]
I saw that and assumed it was a typo  :D
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on October 09, 2006, 03:56:33 PM
Quote
I don't trust store-bought, or pre-built computers. Normally oem trash and alot of the time, cheap brands for things people don't pay much attention to, like the power supply. I would rather build mine.
[snapback]31796[/snapback]
The days of OEM + cheap power supplies and cases are long gone. It's more expensive to build your own computer now a days even with all OEM parts. Throbble's was the last one I built before the Dell prices became ridiculously low.

We're going to my local OEM shop later this week to get Throbble a new video card, I'll put together a similar system to the Dell and post the price.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Cannixxxx on October 09, 2006, 04:42:49 PM
Neat rig
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on October 10, 2006, 09:36:23 AM
Quote
The days of OEM + cheap power supplies and cases are long gone. It's more expensive to build your own computer now a days even with all OEM parts. Throbble's was the last one I built before the Dell prices became ridiculously low.

We're going to my local OEM shop later this week to get Throbble a new video card, I'll put together a similar system to the Dell and post the price.

-420
[snapback]31822[/snapback]
I buy retail, which is more expensive yet. And yeah, it's generally more expensive, but to me it's worth it. And so is buying brands I know are good. Only places I ever have trouble are motherboards and video cards. With the mobo's, picking between a few pretty good brands gets me, when comparing. Same with video card, normally between ati/nvidia.

I always buy sparklers power supplies, and normally corsair memory chips, sound blaster/creative labs audio.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on October 24, 2006, 12:28:44 PM
I know there was a thread split off of the "420's New Compy" thread, butnow I can't find the original. I thought it was in Random Ranting. Anyone know where it went?

Anyway, check this out (the FPS):
[attachmentid=983]

-420

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 18, 2011, 04:36:23 PM
My new one, up and running now thanks to Throbblefoot's superior network kung-fu:
Quote
Case: Antec Three Hundred Gaming MidTower
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast Series 850W
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 B3 Rev i7 i5 i3 LGA1155 P67 DDR3 USB3
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600 3.4Ghz 8MB Cache 32NM LGA1155
RAM: Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3
HD: Seagate Barracuda SATA3 1.5 TB
Video Card: nVidia GeForce GTX 460 SE
Sound Card: On-Board Realtek High Definition Audio
Mouse: Logitech G9x Laser
~$1173

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 18, 2011, 07:55:27 PM
aww, should have gone with the 'K' version; mmmm, OC /drool

Pimp My Rig
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Mo on July 22, 2011, 12:05:41 PM
My new one, up and running now thanks to Throbblefoot's superior network kung-fu:~$1173

-420

Nevermind the K version lol.  Very nice! Good case, very good CPU, Sandy Bridge is a nice step up from older generation.  Does your board support SLI?  If so then a decent upgrade in a year or so by adding in another 460.

How's in running so far?
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 22, 2011, 01:39:50 PM
Nevermind the K version lol.

Buuut the cooores, the coooores; they be unlocked (http://www.strawberrycomics.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif)


[srs]
Looks to be 2-way SLI*
[/srs]
*http://www.centralcomputers.com/ccp78943-asus-p8p67-b3-rev--i7-i5-i3-lga1155-p67-ddr3-usb--p8p67-b3-rev-motasup8p66r.htm
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 22, 2011, 09:55:52 PM
Nevermind the K version lol.  Very nice! Good case, very good CPU, Sandy Bridge is a nice step up from older generation.  Does your board support SLI?  If so then a decent upgrade in a year or so by adding in another 460.
Yes, SLI ready. Also Solid State Harddrive ready in case I want to go that route someday.

What's the "K" version exactly? Is it some sort of Kosher thing?

How's in running so far?
So far it's running pretty good. I'm having some difficulty with the Windows 7 security settings but I think I got it worked out for the most part.

The biggest problem I'm having right now is running NWN. The server icon (nwserver.exe) has some kind of yellow and blue shield and it doesn't save any of my settings when I restart it. While it's running Throbble and I can see it in the server list but if we try to join we time out unless we direct connect using the IP address. Lastly, I get 11 FPS in-game.

I tried running both the server and game in compatibility mode (Win XP SP3) but no luck. I'm probably going to have to get some help on the BioWare social forums or maybe just hook up my old compy to use as a stand alone NWN server.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: cuchulann on July 23, 2011, 01:33:39 AM


The biggest problem I'm having right now is running NWN. The server icon (nwserver.exe) has some kind of yellow and blue shield and it doesn't save any of my settings when I restart it. While it's running Throbble and I can see it in the server list but if we try to join we time out unless we direct connect using the IP address. Lastly, I get 11 FPS in-game.

I tried running both the server and game in compatibility mode (Win XP SP3) but no luck. I'm probably going to have to get some help on the BioWare social forums or maybe just hook up my old compy to use as a stand alone NWN server.

-420

Planned obsolescence. We're just going to have to choke on it from now on alas.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 23, 2011, 06:51:26 AM
Yes, SLI ready. Also Solid State Harddrive ready in case I want to go that route someday.

What's the "K" version exactly? Is it some sort of Kosher thing?
So far it's running pretty good. I'm having some difficulty with the Windows 7 security settings but I think I got it worked out for the most part.

The biggest problem I'm having right now is running NWN. The server icon (nwserver.exe) has some kind of yellow and blue shield and it doesn't save any of my settings when I restart it. While it's running Throbble and I can see it in the server list but if we try to join we time out unless we direct connect using the IP address. Lastly, I get 11 FPS in-game.

I tried running both the server and game in compatibility mode (Win XP SP3) but no luck. I'm probably going to have to get some help on the BioWare social forums or maybe just hook up my old compy to use as a stand alone NWN server.

-420

'K' is the unlocked-core version; much easier and safer to OC.

Do NOT disable the UAC (yellow-shield) it's better to have it pop up asking if you want to authorize something than have "bloat-ware" installed. Had a game that was going to force me to install Xfire; thanks UAC, told it [UAC] not to authorize the Xfire installer. BTW, there was no option during game installation to not install Xfire.....gotta love Free2Play games :P

You may need to go to gog.com and get NWN: Diamond Edition. I think they modified it..so a non-GOG Diamond Edition still won't work

http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/neverwinter_nights_diamond_edition

Then I believe I just used the CD Keys from my "hard copies" of NWN+Expansions*

*Multiplayer notice: online multiplayer mode is available after register your unique CD-key for the game. For details see: Support.; they use a generic Key just for installation then you request a unique key (included in purchase)
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 23, 2011, 06:29:07 PM
'K' is the unlocked-core version; much easier and safer to OC.
Christ Almighty!

Like I said, it's been awhile since I've built a computer from scratch. (Over 10 years.) So I did a bit of searching on Google.

Apparently this has something to do with using K-Style and OxyContin to unlock your Sandy Bridge? Dude, that's just nasty.

Wait, look what I found:
Quote
Sandy Bridge - The 2nd Gen Intel® Core™ Processors | Intel.com
www.intel.com/SandyBridge

OK, so this has something to do with overclocking my processor? Still don't know what the 'K' stands for but I've never overclocked any of my hardware in the 20+ years I've been building computers. Not sure how it is today but overclocking used to reduce the lifespan of your hardware.

I'd appreciate any further education on the matter.

Thanks,
420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 24, 2011, 07:01:22 AM
'K' just denotes "unlocked"

Just like the X58 (LGA1366) denoted unlocked by using "Extreme Edition". Guess using one letter is cheaper (printing ink) than using words :P

OCing will always lessen the lifespan, but moderate OCing lifespan reduction still leaves it well outside the time frame in which you'll own the hardware.

Plus, you can save money. I paid for a i7-920 (2.66GHz) but I'm running it at speeds close to an i7-975 (3.77GHz; 975 is actually 3.33GHz..but it's still quad-core). The i7-975 is ~$1000 USD vs the i7-920's ~$269 (when I made the purchase).

Both Intel and AMD have finally begun to encourage Overclocking; AMD being the first. What G.E.E.K doesn't like taking something and making it perform above specs :D

This is why I like unlocked cores:
http://www.overclock.net/intel-general/910467-ultimate-sandy-bridge-oc-guide-p67a.html

Quote
Step #1: Do not overclock RAM yet, let it run at stock frequencies. RAM is not like it was on previous platforms, it can run at 1333mhz and you can do 5.2ghz, believe me I have. Let’s tackle one thing at a time.

We still have yet to see a 4.5GHz (stock; consumer-grade) CPU :P
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 24, 2011, 11:14:26 AM
icons...lolwut

Also...you have an alert in the Action Center....
Yeah, Windows Firewall is disabled and no anti-virus software installed (despite the McAfee icon on the desktop).

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 24, 2011, 01:01:36 PM
Yeah, Windows Firewall is disabled and no anti-virus software installed (despite the McAfee icon on the desktop).

-420

*strangles*

Is this so you could run the NWN Server? If so...you don't need to do that >_>
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 24, 2011, 01:56:37 PM
*strangles*

Is this so you could run the NWN Server? If so...you don't need to do that >_>
Well, I'm having some problems with NWN Server right now. I'll turn it back on once I get that resolved.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 24, 2011, 02:19:27 PM
v_v"

nwserver.exe -should be running as admin

Allow the exe's exception in Windows Firewall

port-forward 5121 (or what ever port you specified for the server)

That's all I had to do :P

Oh Lyrasia...how I've missed thee
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 24, 2011, 07:17:22 PM
v_v"

nwserver.exe -should be running as admin

Allow the exe's exception in Windows Firewall

port-forward 5121 (or what ever port you specified for the server)

That's all I had to do :P

Oh Lyrasia...how I've missed thee
OK, so I already had it running as admin. I'll look into the Windows Firewall exception. I believe the port is forwarded but I'll double check.

So far it's a bit inconsistent, sometimes I can log in through the server menu, sometimes I can log in by direct connect to the IP. Most of the time it times out when trying to connect. Also, is the authentication server down for everyone or is that just me?

Finally, after searching the BioWare forums, it turns out that nVidia GeForce 4xx series and later uses some newer version of OpenGL or possibly OpenGL is no longer a standard. Whatever the reason, I'm stuck at 15 FPS in-game and it sucks. I found a workaround (http://nwvault.ign.com/View.php?view=Other.Detail&id=208426&id=1500) someone posted to NWVault but I'm dubious about installing this kind of thing.

I think it may just be easier to hook the old XP computer back up and plug it into our new Ethernet switch. That way I have the best of both worlds. Just need a box so I can switch over my mouse/keyboard/monitor on the fly. Do they still make that kind of thing?

Anyway, thanks the suggestions! I'll post my results here once I try them out.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 24, 2011, 08:20:32 PM
o_O

wow; technology hatz y00


400 series uses OpenGL 4.0

Are you running NWN Diamond Edition?
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on July 24, 2011, 08:54:06 PM
Mcafee? I feel sorry for your computer. :P

That's sucks titty about your fps. Khad might be on to something with the GoG idea, but that obviously means spending more dough.

As for your connection problems, double check your firewalls, and if you have a router (of course you do) make sure to correctly port forward through your router for the machine you desire to host with.

As for quick switching, I don't know anything about that, but a decent keyboard and mouse won't cost a whole lot and having a spare will prove helpful a thousand times over, in the case of a monitor, however, you'd have to be willing to dish out at least a moderate sum, unless you know someone or a place where you can pick up old monitors for free/cheap.

If you lived nearby I'd be more than willing to give you all three, I've got all kinds of spare shit, lol.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 24, 2011, 09:54:52 PM
Mcafee? I feel sorry for your computer. :P

That's sucks titty about your fps. Khad might be on to something with the GoG idea, but that obviously means spending more dough.

As for your connection problems, double check your firewalls, and if you have a router (of course you do) make sure to correctly port forward through your router for the machine you desire to host with.

As for quick switching, I don't know anything about that, but a decent keyboard and mouse won't cost a whole lot and having a spare will prove helpful a thousand times over, in the case of a monitor, however, you'd have to be willing to dish out at least a moderate sum, unless you know someone or a place where you can pick up old monitors for free/cheap.

If you lived nearby I'd be more than willing to give you all three, I've got all kinds of spare shit, lol.


That's why I need to know if he's got Diamond Edition, which is the same edition GOG sells; if he does then all he'll need is to replace the CD Key(s) in the INI with his own...I'll see if I can seed a torrent of it; seeing as he would have already bought that version of the game...I think of this as a 'fix' that Bioware should have done. ^_^

I know for a fact that NWN and NWN Server will work just fine on a Win7 Pro [64] machine; you'll even see the server in the Gamespy list...so long as it's on port 5121 (default port)...not sure why. I changed the server port in the INI to 5122 and it didn't show up...soon as I changed it back to the default port it showed up; must have missed a '5121' reference somewhere......oh well not like I'd be running more than 1 Server at any given time.

My router's a NETGEAR Router WNDR3700 forwarding port 5121 [UDP] on IP 192.168.1.100
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 30, 2011, 04:39:07 PM
OK I think I fixed the problem with running nwserver.exe on my new computer. I forwarded the NWN ports to my router and it seems to have worked like a charm. I'll need some people to test it though. Strange that I had to forward ports on our Win 2K machines but not on our Win XP machines.

Channel: Social
Server: ThrobbleServ
Game: Smith Hold

If anyone can just check to see if they can log in and post some feedback it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
420

EDIT: Just found this on the GOG NWN forums discussing the low frame rate on newer nVidia cards:
Quote
There's a beta release v280.19 available now, and it has solved the problem for me (GTX570).
Looks like I'll be back up an running soon. Gotta finish that final (9th) Purple Dragon quest.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 30, 2011, 05:46:24 PM
Update, I can confirm that the v280.19 Beta drivers for the GeForce fixes the FPS issue in NWN that occurs with 400 and later series cards. My FPS went from average 13 to average 70. Apparently a lot of games that use an older version of OpenGL benefit from this new beta driver.

Also had an issue with getting nwserver to save the settings I use, so I had to edit the nwplayer file manually but it worked.

The last issue I think I have is to get a new Sound Blaster so I can enable the cool sound options in NWN and Diablo 2.

-420

EDIT: It's nwplayer not nwconfig. Fixed.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on July 30, 2011, 06:52:42 PM
Figured it'd be the router. Sounds like you're almost set, coolfish.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 30, 2011, 08:17:19 PM
What I don't get is why isn't 420 using the older system to power the nwserver :P
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 31, 2011, 02:16:46 AM
What I don't get is why isn't 420 using the older system to power the nwserver :P
Throbble and I live in a 100-year-old apartment building. If we have both our computers on, and we try to use the toaster while cooking something in the microwave the breaker switch will trigger and I have to walk down to the basement to turn our power back on by cranking some antiquated Frankensteinesk mechanical device. So I'm a little wary about adding another burden to our electrical system. (I don't think Throbble will go without lights and alarm clock.)

I may do some tests with it later but I hate resetting the clocks. At this point I think running the server is no longer an issue, it's the in-game sound that I need to deal with, but it would be nice to have a 24/7 server just to see if we get anyone during the server's down time (1am-9am Pacific Time).

-420

EDIT: Just realized I forgot to restart the server after I accidentally shut down Windows (still getting used to the interface). I'll run it all night tonight and see if anyone joins.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 31, 2011, 03:35:09 AM
I hope those computers are on a UPS

:S
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 31, 2011, 12:31:59 PM
I hope those computers are on a UPS

:S
Heh, yeah right. They are on surge protectors plugged into extension cords. Because, of course, safety is my greatest concern.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on July 31, 2011, 01:51:48 PM
Heh, yeah right. They are on surge protectors plugged into extension cords. Because, of course, safety is my greatest concern.

-420

*wallops you upside the head*
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on July 31, 2011, 03:09:37 PM
*wallops you upside the head*
I get that from Throbble enough already.

Anyway, I did some research and it turns out RealTek are a bunch of lying bastards. They claim to support all audio standards without giving any details.

One of the things they leave out is that they don't support EAX because that is a Sound Blaster standard. But, the good news is Sound Blaster has always made its newest EAX version (5.0 right now I think) backward compatible. So I should just be able to go buy their newest card (http://www.centralcomputers.com/commerce/ccp68171-creative-labs-x-fi-titanium-pci-e-1x-70sb088000004-70sb088000004-cddcl-xfie9r.htm).

-JJ
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on August 01, 2011, 04:53:45 PM
I get that from Throbble enough already.

Anyway, I did some research and it turns out RealTek are a bunch of lying bastards. They claim to support all audio standards without giving any details.

One of the things they leave out is that they don't support EAX because that is a Sound Blaster standard. But, the good news is Sound Blaster has always made its newest EAX version (5.0 right now I think) backward compatible. So I should just be able to go buy their newest card (http://www.centralcomputers.com/commerce/ccp68171-creative-labs-x-fi-titanium-pci-e-1x-70sb088000004-70sb088000004-cddcl-xfie9r.htm).

-JJ
Lmfao, for good reason it seems. :P

I've always been brand loyal to Creative when it comes to speakers and sound cards. I don't have any qualms about recommending them, although I've always liked Realtek as well, I would never buy one of their cards over a Creative card. I would definitely recommend the Sound Blaster card you're looking at, or a different Creative sound card.
If you're buying online... Newegg? :P

Your selection on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102024
Creative Labs cards on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008658%2050001137&IsNodeId=1&name=Creative%20Labs&Order=RATING

More on that card: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Creative+70SB088000004+Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+Titanium&cid=12938495148427484916&os=sellers
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on August 02, 2011, 01:41:47 PM
Cool, I might buy from Newegg, but I'm still bitter about the Egg Head stores closing down. Now I have to walk an extra 1/2 mile to get to Central Computers. Also, I like to support local businesses when I can. Though Tony was a bit of a douche for telling me the on-board RealTek would be fine even though I told him I was building a gaming machine.

One question, I got a couple USB ports on the front of my case (very convenient for headphones and memory sticks) and they plug into the motherboard. If I install a Sound Blaster card will I have to plug my headphones directly into the card or how does that all work? (Damn these new fangled devices!)

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on August 02, 2011, 02:33:47 PM
Cool, I might buy from Newegg, but I'm still bitter about the Egg Head stores closing down. Now I have to walk an extra 1/2 mile to get to Central Computers. Also, I like to support local businesses when I can. Though Tony was a bit of a douche for telling me the on-board RealTek would be fine even though I told him I was building a gaming machine.

One question, I got a couple USB ports on the front of my case (very convenient for headphones and memory sticks) and they plug into the motherboard. If I install a Sound Blaster card will I have to plug my headphones directly into the card or how does that all work? (Damn these new fangled devices!)

-420

Sound cards should have front-port headers on the PCB somewhere. I would HIGHLY recommend getting shielded cables and modifying your front port board to ground the USB OFF OF THE CASE AND NOT THE FREAKING MIC. It's a cost-saving measure they 'all' use and it results in a whine/buzz every time you use the front audio port....kind of like listening to an AM station while running the microwave.

Also, this 'Tony' was right...not his fault you play'n old-ass games :P

PS: I never liked EAX made the sound...um...(Sound) like it was coming from a metal pipe....very hollow.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on August 02, 2011, 06:46:03 PM
Cool, I might buy from Newegg, but I'm still bitter about the Egg Head stores closing down. Now I have to walk an extra 1/2 mile to get to Central Computers. Also, I like to support local businesses when I can. Though Tony was a bit of a douche for telling me the on-board RealTek would be fine even though I told him I was building a gaming machine.

One question, I got a couple USB ports on the front of my case (very convenient for headphones and memory sticks) and they plug into the motherboard. If I install a Sound Blaster card will I have to plug my headphones directly into the card or how does that all work? (Damn these new fangled devices!)

-420
Wanna know a secret... *shhhh* I'm using onboard Realtek myself, and I have no problem with any of my games, including NWN, of course, I don't care about EAX either... soo.... Bah, I support local businesses too, if and when they're not trying to rip me off. Otherwise, I buy online. Anyway, Newegg is kinda local, it's based in Whittier, California. Not the same city as you, but it's still in Cali.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on August 02, 2011, 08:40:13 PM
Sound cards should have front-port headers on the PCB somewhere. I would HIGHLY recommend getting shielded cables and modifying your front port board to ground the USB OFF OF THE CASE AND NOT THE FREAKING MIC. It's a cost-saving measure they 'all' use and it results in a whine/buzz every time you use the front audio port....kind of like listening to an AM station while running the microwave.
Is there a way to check the cables that came with the case to see if they are shielded already? (I guess I could just check for the buzz after I install the card.) And how do I go about modifying my front port board to, uh, do that thing you said.

Also, this 'Tony' was right...not his fault you play'n old-ass games :P
Well, at this rate I'll have to move into a bigger place and set up my Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz Win XP, Pentium 4 2.4 GHz Win 2000, Pentium III 800 MHz Win 2000, and uh, I got a couple Pentium or Pentium 2 computers in the corner. Think they are running Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or maybe something as cool as Windows 95.

Damn, I need a bigger Ethernet switch and a bunch of ancient network cards!

PS: I never liked EAX made the sound...um...(Sound) like it was coming from a metal pipe....very hollow.

Wanna know a secret... *shhhh* I'm using onboard Realtek myself, and I have no problem with any of my games, including NWN, of course, I don't care about EAX either... soo.... Bah, I support local businesses too, if and when they're not trying to rip me off. Otherwise, I buy online. Anyway, Newegg is kinda local, it's based in Whittier, California. Not the same city as you, but it's still in Cali.
Screw you guys! *sniff* I love my EAX.

Yeah Newegg might be local but I'll never forget the day I had to wade through the human filth in downtown San Francisco only to find the Egg Head closed with a sign that said "Find us online at www.newegg.com. Fuckers.

-420
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on August 02, 2011, 09:05:28 PM
No, the 'proper' method of shielding is too expensive

Some DYI Shielding: http://www.evga.com/forumsarchive/tm.asp?m=100726856&mpage=1&key=&#100726856

If you want to do it "right": http://www.zippertubing.com/EMI-Shielded-Heat-Shrink-Tubing.aspx

You'll need to shield every wire bundle that goes to the front panel...that means:

-Power, Reset button
-USB
-Firewire
-Mic
-Audio

*each need to be shield individually, so if you have 2 seperate USB 'heat shrinked cables'....you'll need two separate shields.

Now mind you you can go a 'cheaper' route and just bundle all non-audio cables together; shield those (prevent leak). And then shield Audio and mic (prevent absorption). But you'll suffer front-USB transfer speed issues, nothing "OMFG, IT WUN WERK!"...but I like to over engineer :P


In fact, first use the tin foil method (first link) to see if it helps before spending on the professional-grade shielding (if you want to that is)
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Soul Sojourner on August 04, 2011, 03:27:00 AM
Yeah Newegg might be local but I'll never forget the day I had to wade through the human filth in downtown San Francisco only to find the Egg Head closed with a sign that said "Find us online at www.newegg.com. Fuckers.
Once You Know, You Newegg.®
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: cuchulann on March 17, 2012, 01:06:22 AM
Okay real quick, I am looking at giving my rig it's final huzzah before i REALLY have to buy a new one and I have forgotten many things. My situation is this: My current graphic card is a PCIE x16 bus. When I look for that online I only see PCIE 2.0 x16. I am pretty sure that the 2.0 is the extended name but I cannot remember. Am I okay with this or is it, "No you fool! you've got that.. *BANG!*" -end of line-
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on March 17, 2012, 09:19:11 AM
Okay real quick, I am looking at giving my rig it's final huzzah before i REALLY have to buy a new one and I have forgotten many things. My situation is this: My current graphic card is a PCIE x16 bus. When I look for that online I only see PCIE 2.0 x16. I am pretty sure that the 2.0 is the extended name but I cannot remember. Am I okay with this or is it, "No you fool! you've got that.. *BANG!*" -end of line-

PCIe (1.0) x16 and PCIe (2.0) x16

It'll be like USB 1.0 vs 2.0. The card or Bus will match the other.

So if you have a 2.0 card it'll down-clock to the 1.0 bus. And vice versa.

Personally, I would hold off. The new PCIe 3.0 cards should be coming out later this year so the 2.0 cards from both AMD (ATI) and Nvidia will go down in price.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Mo on March 19, 2012, 10:23:31 PM
Depending on what video card he has now he can upgrade a lot for not a lot of $.  No real need to hold off.  Get a new vid card for D3.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on March 19, 2012, 10:31:52 PM
I'm just saying it looks like the Kepler cards are about to ship; probably summer (earlier or end).

Cuch, what mobo & card you got. You did'n tell us :P
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: cuchulann on March 20, 2012, 09:14:46 PM
It the board from a Dell XPS 410. Nothing too fancy and a bit old now. It can only handle 4 GB ram and the compatible vid cards available now are few and inexpensive. I'm running a G force 8800 right now. It works okay but with newer games I get a little slowdown when it starts dipping into virtual memory and I have to turn the cards fan up a bit to keep it at a stable temp. Most of what I am seeing recommended are a  few radeons with not so hot reviews from previous owners, and in nvidia the GT 520.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: Illutian on March 20, 2012, 10:21:47 PM
Oh...a Dell.

GT/S 200 series is about all you'll be able to do with the POS power supplies they ship in those. And good luck finding a "Dell Custom" PSU; hate Dell.
Title: Re: 420's New Compy!
Post by: 420 on March 20, 2012, 11:07:25 PM
Oh...a Dell.

GT/S 200 series is about all you'll be able to do with the POS power supplies they ship in those. And good luck finding a "Dell Custom" PSU; hate Dell.
Unfortunately, I have to agree here. I got a Dell 410 and the power supply couldn't handle the nVidia GeForce GTX 460 SE that I bought for it. Which led me to buy a brand new system. Though the people at Central Computers (http://www.centralcomputers.com/) said they replace/upgrade a lot of Dell power supplies. (Ask for Tony.)

-420