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Yet Another Help-Me-Build-a-New-Computer Thread
Ath:
The only trouble with on-board video is that it's often impossible to get a multi-monitor setup. The selected MSI board does offer 3 video output connectors, so that should be no problem in this case, unless the monitors don't have DVI and HDMI inputs. (DVI-I can be connected to standard VGA monitor using an adapter, and HDMI can be converted to DVI if need may be)
Combining DVI/HDMI with a VGA connected display is a setup I'd like to avoid if possible, because of the rather flimsy (analog) VGA display, compared to either DVI or HDMI (digital) connected displays.
It all depends on the monitors used :tellme:
Deozaan:
The only trouble with on-board video is that it's often impossible to get a multi-monitor setup.
[snip]
It all depends on the monitors used :tellme:
-Ath (July 23, 2011, 08:06 AM)
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I have a pretty nice 25.5" 16:10 monitor with HDMI, DVI, VGA, and even component inputs. I love it and would like another but sadly this model has been discontinued.
My secondary monitor is a 19" no-name brand (DCLCD) with only a single VGA input. Not that great, but I got it nearly 10 years ago and it still works. I wish I could say the same about the more expensive 19" ViewSonic LCD monitor I bought about 6 years ago.
Either way, if the onboard video doesn't support multiple monitors, then I can make due with just my nice one for a while or plug in my GeForce 8600 GTS and use that in the meantime.
I do intend on getting a discrete GPU eventually, but it was really stretching my budget to get one now. So maybe by Christmas I can save up for (most of) the other parts I wanted.
On another note, good choice with the case - I've been looking at getting the Scout for a while. My friend has one, the LEDs are quite subdued and can all be turned off via one switch on the top panel.
The only bad thing I'd have to say about it is that the carry handle is not designed for human hands - its cross-section is equivalent to a piece steel rectangular tube and the corners dig into your hand. You'll find it a lot more comfortable to wrap a bit a high-density foam, (1/8" thick), around it as I did with my friends. But if you don't envision carrying it around, or only infrequently, then no problem.
-4wd (July 23, 2011, 07:31 AM)
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I was a little worried about the case and how noisy it is. Can you tell me if it was especially noisy or quiet? Or was it just average? I guess that may depend on what other parts your friend has inside, but I'd still like to know.
Keep us posted and maybe put up a picture or two? :Thmbsup:-40hz (July 23, 2011, 07:19 AM)
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Will do. :)
wraith808:
Handle is extraneous in my view, but you may like the aesthetic, heh.
-JavaJones (July 22, 2011, 04:18 PM)
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Didn't see this before. The handle actually isn't extraneous in my experience. It is *very* well built, and the handles have a metal core, even for being plastic. It's come in really handy (no pun intended), and I'd not even considered that factor when I purchased it. It's a very good case for the price point.
1. I have this case, and it's awesome! It's to a large extent plastic, but it doesn't have that plasticy feel; it's very solid, while not being as heavy as some other cases. The lights are great(they aren't really christmas lighty, and can be turned off), and it was very easy to work on.-wraith808 (July 22, 2011, 04:35 PM)
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Is the case noisy or quiet or what?
-Deozaan (July 22, 2011, 07:01 PM)
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Most of the time, I don't even hear the computer running. I'm not sure if that's a factor of the case or not, but I hear my other computer running all the time.
My Specs:
ProcessorIntel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52400MotherboardGIGABYTE GA-H61M-D2P-B3 LGA 1155 Intel H61 Intel MotherboardRAMG.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRHHard DrivesSeagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM/ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"DVDLITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe SupportVideo CardXFX HD-685X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with EyefinityPSUCORSAIR Builder Series CX600 (CMPSU-600CX) 600W ATX12V v2.3 Active PFC Power Supply
But I'd still go for a Radeon 6850 :)
-4wd (July 23, 2011, 07:31 AM)
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This. Being a gamer, I *know* you would have appreciated the increase. But then again, I know that I'm upgrading my other computer in the next couple of years (this one replaced my laptop) so I went with the i5 so I could get the GPU. But I am enjoying running 1680x1050 in everything with minimal slowdown :)
The only bad thing I'd have to say about it is that the carry handle is not designed for human hands - its cross-section is equivalent to a piece steel rectangular tube and the corners dig into your hand.
-4wd (July 23, 2011, 07:31 AM)
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How were you carrying it? I carry it by my side, using one handle or the other (not both), and it works quite well. I also love the 4 front USB ports - I've never had that many.
Deozaan:
Handle is extraneous in my view, but you may like the aesthetic, heh.
-JavaJones (July 22, 2011, 04:18 PM)
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Didn't see this before. The handle actually isn't extraneous in my experience. It is *very* well built, and the handles have a metal core, even for being plastic. It's come in really handy (no pun intended), and I'd not even considered that factor when I purchased it. It's a very good case for the price point.
-wraith808 (July 23, 2011, 03:48 PM)
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Yeah, I had similar thoughts with the Nintendo GameCube'sw handle. At first I thought it was kind of weird and unnecessary. But after owning it and using it I thought it was a really great and useful feature.
So when I saw the PC case with the handle I was pretty sure I'd really like it, even if I didn't move my PC as much as I moved my GameCube around.
Is the case noisy or quiet or what?
-Deozaan (July 22, 2011, 07:01 PM)
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Most of the time, I don't even hear the computer running. I'm not sure if that's a factor of the case or not, but I hear my other computer running all the time.
-wraith808 (July 23, 2011, 03:48 PM)
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Thanks. I was a bit concerned about the noise levels of the case. From the sounds of it I'll be really happy with my choice. :Thmbsup:
Deozaan:
Wait.....you're saying that the Intel integrated GPU is an upgrade from your current GPU?-4wd (July 23, 2011, 05:41 AM)
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Yes, I think so. As I understand it, the CPU-integrated-GPU on these new 2nd Gen Core i5/7s are equivalent to Radeon HD 3000 series. Or am I misunderstanding that?-Deozaan (July 23, 2011, 06:08 AM)
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Apologies, I mistook the integrated GPU for the previous GMA3000 Intel graphics.....having just had a look at it's specs it seems quite impressive compared to Intels' previous attempts.
But I'd still go for a Radeon 6850 :)-4wd (July 23, 2011, 07:31 AM)
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I just found this Anandtech article which compares the CPU-integrated-GPU known as Intel HD 3000 and Intel HD 2000 to some relatively cheap discrete GPUs. The Core i7 2600K with Intel HD 3000 does pretty well in the benchmarks, but most of the benchmarks are done at lowest quality settings and at "only" 1024x768 resolution. However it seems as though increasing the resolution reduces the difference in performance between the integrated graphics and the discrete graphics.
But of course a Radeon HD 6850 will blow the Intel HD 3000 out of the water. I'll definitely be getting a better discrete GPU, but I think the integrated one will suit me just fine for at least a few months.
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