A Nub's Guide to General Tech
Maple story Forums : Non-MS Tech Talk : Computer and tech issues NOT related to Maple Story Thread starter
READ BEFORE PURCHASE! MOST IMPORTANT THING! These items are based on opinion. They have been checked with some of my friends as well. Before posting, this is checked by AT LEAST one other person. Even though this is the case, WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. Please, before purchase, check for compatibility with your existing parts. I will not be held responsible if you buy something and it does not work with your computer. READ BEFORE PMING If you PM me, I will read your message. If I do not respond, it is because I did not understand you (GRAMMAR) or because I don't think that what you are saying is relevant :/ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alright. I noticed that many people always inquire about ram, graphics cards, etc. Below is a list showing three examples of various hardware. It will show recommendations for for cheap, mid-price and expensive hardware. If I find some, I will post links to installation guides. CONTENTS • Motherboards • Graphics cards • Hard drives • RAM • Processors • AMD Processors • Monitors • Software • Photo-Editing • Video Editing • Antivirus • Anti Spyware • Programming Languages • Music Related • Installation and relevant links as well as miscellaneous information LEGEND: • Cheap • • Mid-price range • • • Expensive MOTHERBOARDS Motherboards are something like the brain of your computer. All parts are attached to the motherboard. Before purchasing ANYTHING, check for motherboard compatibility. You should not really purchase a new motherboard unless you are building a computer from scratch. • ATI hybrid graphics technology & mainstream DX10 gaming- $80.00 • • Intel BOXDG35EC LGA 775 Intel G35 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard- $95.00 • • • GIGABYTE GA-EP35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard- $140.00 GRAPHICS CARDS A graphic card is component of a computer that improves the visual quality of the machine. The two main types are PCI and PCI-Express. Integrated graphics, is probably the worst type of card. It is integrated into the motherboard and has bad visual quality. It also does not allow for the running of many games (Ex: Magiboni). However, this does not mean you won't be able any games and just because you have non-integrated graphics does not mean you will run all games. All in all, more bitrate means better performance: xxlowongxx said: "A techy person could tell why a video card is worth it or not, a big deal is the bitrate. My video card runs at 128 bits a time, that is 2ce as fast as the external video card that you have listed, and mine is onboard. Lots of people would say, wow onboard video cards suck! But not all onboard video cards these days are 64MB @ 32bit." (Example Why to upgrade: upgrading your graphics card will allow for better quality of picture and might allow for playing more games (assuming your current card is quite bad.) • EVGA: GeForce 7300GS 256MB-$45 • • XFX: 8500GT 256MB-$68 • • • XFX: 8800GTX Extreme 768MB-$390 Chickenz said: "In the graphics card section you should mention that 8600GTS cards and up require a 6-pin connector to supply moar power. :0 ..." Dweomer said: "As a note, when I was buying my laptop last August the sales rep was very, very clear to never buy any graphics card made by Intel." HARD DRIVES Note: Based on size A hard drive is the component of a computer that allows for the storage of files. Without a hard drive you cannot download files and save files. A 250GB hard drive should be enough for a personal use computer. An internal hard drive requires installation to the PC's interior while an exterior can usually be attached through a USB port. Why to upgrade: If you have enough space for your files there is no reason to buy a bigger hard drive. However, if you are running out of space (10GB or less), I recommend deleting useless files, limiting your downloading/file creation or upgrading your hard drive. • Seagate Barracuda 250GB-$65 • • HITACHI 250GB-$95 • • • Maxtor (external) 750GB-$170 RAM RAM generally allows increase in computer performance. RAM stands for Random Access Memory and most games require at least 1GB. If more RAM is obtained, you will be able to run more applications simultaneously without a decrease in computer speed. PCs have four slots for RAM, which comes in the form of a stick link .Each stick can hold 1GB, allowing for a total of 4GB of Random Access Memory. Why to upgrade: upgrading your RAM to at least 2GB may increase your computer's performance a noticeable amount. It should also allow for the running of multiple applications without a decrease in your computer's performance. • DDR2 RAM-- 50$ • Very good deal IMO. $60 off--$70 (DDR2) INTEL PROCESSORS NOTE: I don't know too much about these. iMicrosoft said: "And for processor make sure its compatible with your motherboard" A processor (also called a CPU) essentially controls everything your computer does. The higher the GHZ (gigahertz), the faster data is processed, the better the performance. There are three types of processors currently on the market: • Single core • Duo core • Quad core Why to upgrade: Upgrading your processor will increase your computer's performance. Personally, I think that 2GHZ Duo core is enough. N0dleBandit said: "... The application uses all cores to lay out it's work on the 4 cores so there's less stress on 1 core.. You can't just buy any processor without knowing if your motherboard fits the process size like that processor is based on the 45nm process which only work on newer motherboards and only on Socket 775. If you don't know the difference between Core 2 Extreme and Core 2 Quad don't get it. If you don't play hardcore games, overclock, do DivX encodes, Photoshop etc don't get a Quad. And people who play Maple don't need a 8800 or even a dual core since Maple will only be using 1 core of the CPU then." • If your a cheapskate-$60 • Decent, 2.33GHZ DUO-$170 • • Quad core: 2.4GHZ-$244 • • • • Quad: 3.2GHZ-about $1500 AMD PROCESSORS tacocrusher said: "AMD Processors: -Cheap -Used to overheat in the past; newer cpu models come w/ liquid cooling so they stay cool; can't overclock above like 3.5% without a crapload of fan noise -The speed compared to a similar intel one is unnoticable -Use it if you're on a budget -Cheapskate 2.2 GHz one: link (adequate; one core) [$40] -Very good 2.8 GHz one: link (decent; two cores) [$163] -Very good 2.5 GHz one: link (good; four cores) [$235] -t3h uber smecks 3.2 GHz one: link (good; two cores) [163] I basically just copied what you wrote :p" Why to upgrade: Upgrading your processor will increase your computer's performance. Personally, I think that 2GHZ Duo core is enough. MONITORS The monitor is the screen of you computer. Everything that you do on your computer is seen in the monitor. Upgrading this component will result in better visual quality. Or maybe you will just get a bigger screen :D • Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor- $200.00 • • BenQ T241W Black 24" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height and Pivot Adjustments- $340.00 • • • Hanns·G HG-281DPB Black 28" 3ms Widescreen LCD HDMI Monitor- $490.00 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ K. Also, please note: do not buy these right away. Make sure that they are right for you and if your upgrading, that your computer is compatible with them. Any input or recommendations welcome. Also, if I made any mistakes please state them and they will be corrected. MY SHAMEFUL COMPUTER • My 1GB of ram • • Graphics card-XFX: 8500GT 256MB Same as mentioned 'cept 512MB • Can't find my processor. 2.8GHZ Duo • Hard drive 230GB SOFTWARE GUIDE Section created: August 7th, 2008: 19.26 BT I have noticed that since my time on Basil there were threads concerning things such as antivirus, photo-editing and other software. This guide will list some software useful in many fields. I will rate this as follows: • Simplest uses • • Intermediate • • • (Semi) Professional *My choice CONTENTS • Photo-Editing • Video Editing • Antivirus • Anti Spyware • Programming Languages • Music Related Photo-Editing Software This is probably the most questioned type of software. What is it? It allows for the manipulation of pictures; you can colour, draw, and combine pictures to look realistic. This software can be used in things such as comic making. • MS Paint Microsoft Paint should come pre-installed on Windows machines. If you do not have it you should look around. I was unable to find a reliable link for this software. This software is the simplest photo editing program. It does not have many professional uses but can be used for things such as comics. It contains simple functions such as filling in areas, making shapes, and drawing. A Screenshot of the MSPaint interface • • PaintNET This software is similar to Photoshop. It allows for a semi-professional manipulation of pictures and has more advanced features such as layers and layer effects. Interface: link • • • [http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop/]Photoshop CS3: Link to trial; Cost: $649.00[/url]* A very good program used even by professionals. It is very expensive so you shouldn't get it unless you need or unless you can find it cheaper (ie, older versions or eBay.) This program allows for extremely good photo editing as mentioned and can even be used to create pictures that look real but are not. Features include the basic stuff (pencil, brush, etc) but also advanced use of layers and layer effects. Interface Other related applications: Maplesim : Banned Story for creating comic characters Apophysis Allows for creation of interesting and often abstract images Terragen 2 : A scenery creator. Not free. Video Editing Video editing software allows for the manipulation of videos. You can combine video clips, make cartoons (if you're really good) and add effects to movies (black and white, fast forward). I personally do not do much video editing. • Windows Movie Maker* A simple editor that allows for combination of clips and some video effects. Audio is also supported. Screen: link • • • A variety of products with different prices. Choose what suits you A more advanced editing software. I never personally used it but it is recommended by many. Screen: link • heyitsmexD: You could add DivX Author to video editing. link[/quote] Antivirus Antivirus offers protection against harmful programs. More than one can mess up your machine. If anti-spyware is not included, please refer to the next section. • Avast! Home edition. Free for non-commercial uses Wikipedia said: " * Standard Shield — Real-time protection * Anti-rootkit — Built-in protection * Anti-spyware — Built-in protection * IM shield — Instant Messenger protection * P2P shield — P2P protection * Internet Mail — E-mail protection * Outlook/Exchange — Microsoft Outlook/Exchange protection * Web Shield — HTTP protection (localtransparent proxy) * Script blocker — script checker (Pro version only) * Network Shield — basic protection against well-known network worms. Acts as a lightweight Intrusion Detection System * Audible alarms — vocal warnings such as "Caution, a virus has been detected!" * Boot-time scan — through the program interface, a user can schedule a boot-time scan to remove viruses that load during Windows startup and are therefore difficult to remove. A very important feature especially for viruses written to shut-down the virus protection as soon as Windows starts. * Self-Protection — Prevents malware from terminating Avast! processes and damaging Avast! files. * Skinnable — Program is skinnable GUI. * Virus definition updates — Avast updates its virus definitions on a regular basis (sometimes multiple times a day), and this process is automated by default. * The virus chest is quarantine folder where "infected files" can be stored. The chest causes the files' usage to be disabled and is meant to prevent them from causing any harm. The virus chest also stores vital system files to prevent them from virus damage. They still can be run, but the access to the file by any source or other program is blocked until it is removed from the chest. Registration (Home Edition) Avast! needs to be registered after the first 60 days of use. After registering, a license key is e-mailed and can be used for only one year. After one year, the user is required to re-register. Despite registration, the program is still free for home use." • AVG Free Edition Wikipedia said: "Less protection - AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0 provides only base level protection against viruses, spyware and safe searching. It does not provide safe surfing (drive-by download protection) nor protection from hackers, keyloggers, spam, phishing attacks and malicious file downloads that can come through instant messaging and attachments from seemingly friendly sources. This protection is only available in the commercial versions of AVG products." • Bitdeffender trial download. Choose the one most beneficial to you.* Product features/comparisons • Malwarebytes: Epic for infection removal • Kaspersky Antivirus Antivirus list and comparisons Comparisson between three free AVs Anti-Spyware This software protects against malicious software that is used to steal personal information (keyloggers, etc.) Having multiple anti spyware will not mess up your computer. This software can be used if you want to feel safer or if your antivirus lacks it. NOTE: I do not use anti spyware • Ad Aware; Free + paid versions. Recommended by many • Spyware Doctor • Drive Sentry Wikipedia said: "# PC Tools's Spyware Doctor ( one free edition doesn't remove anything but protects, the other free edition removes but protects partially and uses a limited database) # DriveSentry (free version (3.1) will remove spyware)" Wikipedia said: "...real-time protection and anti-virus protection are not included with this version. Real-time protection and other advanced features are available in the paid versions of Ad-Aware 2008." PC MAG: Antivrus/Spyware Reviews For Building Programs This software is used for the creation of Windows programs. I will post guides later on. Windows/Microsoft Programming languages: link • Visual Basic 2008 Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming. • Visual C# A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer. • Visual C++ Horsepower with a finer degree of control than other Express Editions. Music Management WILL WRITE LATER Installation and Relevant Links as well as Miscellaneous Information (FROM HERE UNTIL THE BOTTOM) Installation Guides: • The Crucial Memory Advisor� tool is a quick, 3-step process to find guaranteed-compatible memory for computers and motherboards. • Breif graphics card installation • Video: How to install a graphics card • Processor installation • Processor video • RAM installation • RAM video • Hard Drive installation • Hard drive vid CHECKING YOUR CURRENT PARTS • Download and install PC Wizard • Or CPU-Z. I think that the prior is better, however. OTHER LINKS • Computer security and resources • MS problems + solutions • Can this PC run MS? • Kid24's tech stuff. • JPNgamer's IRC guide • Look like vista • Computer Jargon Glossary EXPLANATIONS Graphics card: Changes how stuff (videos, pics, GAMES) look on your computer. Some games require an actual graphics card, not integrated. Ram: GENERALLY improves computer speed, and decreases lag, allowing for use of several apps at once without slowing down your PC. Hard Drive: Allows for for storage of files. More space means more things can be saved on your computer. Processor:Essentially controls everything your computer does. More GHZ means it can process data at a quicker pace, increasing performance. WHERE TO BUY COMPUTER PARTS link Newegg link PC world ( recommended by maplesoul2) link Tiger direct (recommended by lilvboy) link (recommended by lonesoldier1 for Canadians) CHEAP COMPUTER Other Info Cheap Computer: tacocrusher said: "MB (Gigabit lan, sound, video [dx10]): link (I got it on a sale before; now $70) Processor (2 cores, 2.8GHz, 2MB Cache): link ($122) HDD (160gb, 7200rpm): link ($45) Power (Atx, 480w): link ($13) Case: link ($24) Edited: Forgot to put cd/os CD (sata, cdrom): link ($14) OS (XP Pro OEM): link ($140) Total: $427... you might want to upgrade the hard disk and cd drives This is all from one site, but you can probably get it cheaper if you search multiple sites. And this is pretty good if you have a tight budget ($427)." ultracheese said: "You should add a link to the Free Software Directory up there. It has a lot of great alternatives to the software you listed and they're all free and open source. Some of them don't have Windows versions though." All input/comments will be considered/appreciated. EDIT: Many thanks for the sticky mrbasil and Nigi for the title change  Last edit: September 29th 2008 at 18:24BT: Added links I will allow the distribution of this thread as long as credit is given.
Replies
Now this is just beast. 80 freaking cores. link
Wow, you suck at offering products. Other than that it's fine. If some people installed 4gigs of RAM the PC couldn't detect it all.
Can I buy a zakum helm and make it though the run with out lagging much with 1Gig of RAM?
I'm thinking of building a computer sometime, and should I use DDR3 RAM or DDR2?
DDR3 is fast, but not entirely necessary, as most don't utilize the speed. I personally would rather invest in (in order of importance)
GPU CPU HDD RAM YENNOX said: "DDR3 is fast, but not entirely necessary, as most don't utilize the speed. I personally would rather invest in (in order of importance) GPU CPU HDD RAM" True, DDR3 is fast but it isn't cost-effective. Performance gain is extremely minimal. dude, it should be GPU, CPU, RAM, and then HDD
Well, I was assuming that you had at least 2 GB. It really varies depending on the specs of the machine. I mean, even though RAM is at the bottom of my list, if you only had 256 MB of it, then of course it'll be number one priority. I suppose having a list of importance is really vague. My bad.
I guess I'll stick with DDR3 even if it costs more since I plan on using that comp for at least 4 years or more.
I'm thinking of something like this, but I'll probably switch some things up a bit. Price isn't too big of a concern since like I said before, I plan to use this for at least 4 years so I'm fine with spending a little extra. Case: Can't find a suitable one. I don't want one with LED fans, that sort of stuff, I don't need a comp as a nightlight. Card Reader: 5-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader with USB 2.0 / Firewire 1394a / Audio Ports / eSATA (3.5") slots CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz 12mb L2 Cache FSB 1333MHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz 2x4mb L2 Cache FSB 1066MHz I heard something about Nephalem coming out next year. Would it be worth it to just buy a cheap Core 2 Duo and upgrade when that comes out? And if not, is the Q450 worth it compared to the Q6600? Should I get a 3rd party heatsink and fan? I hear that the stock ones are pretty noisy and I'm opting for a quiet and cool comp. DVI to HDMI Cable: Gold-plated Male-Male DVI-D to HDMI I'm not sure if the 8800 has an adapter so I might need this. Floppy Drive: Sony 3.5" internal floppy drive Just for those odd times when you need one but get screwed because you don't have one. It's happened to me. GPU: EVGA GeForce 8800GT 512mb 256-bit HDD: 1TB WD HDD 7200RPM 32MB Cache Would a RAID setup with two 500gb HDDs be a better option? Keyboard: USB Logitech keyboard with media keys If anyone knows a better one, feel free to suggest it. Better key placement, etc. Monitor: HP 24" 1920x1200 5ms 1000:1contrast 400nits Widescreen My mom has 22" version of this and it seems to be a pretty decent monitor, so I figure I'll stick with HP for this. Motherboard: LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX DDR3 Intel Motherboard I have no idea why this lacks PS2, VGA, DVI, and HDMI ports. Mouse: I'll use my wireless Logitech mouse that I got a month ago. Sometimes the signal craps up though. :| PSU: Honestly not sure what I'll need. 430W 700W Optical Drive: 20x DVD+/- Burner with LightScribe from HP I'd get another drive without LightScribe, but I haven't been able find a case I like so far that has two optical drive slots. OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Any reasons why I shouldn't use 64-bit? Never been all that clear to me. RAM: Corsair 2x2GB DDR3 1333 Dual Channel Sound Card: HT Omega Striker 7.1 Sounds pretty good and is cheaper than a Creative one, and according to the reviews this is just as good as Creative. Thermal Compound: Artic Silver 5 Thoughts, help, compatibility help, etc. is appreciated. The build so far will cost roughly $2000.
I thought Nehalem is coming out next year? Don't bother with it. Quad core is good enough for way more than 4 years. It's actually more feasible to get the older Core 2 Quad, and get a better GPU. Though the Penryn will produce slightly less heat and a lower power consumption.
The heat difference isn't that noticeable is it? 8800GT seems like a decent enough GPU for anything I'll ever do in the future, and I think I could just get another one and add it on if I needed it.
i would get the dell ultrasharp monitor. Dell monitors are usually the good ones and i would get a better video card. no point getting quad core for a 8800
Kid24 said: "i would get the dell ultrasharp monitor. Dell monitors are usually the good ones and i would get a better video card. no point getting quad core for a 8800" Changed it to an ATi card so it can work with an Intel board. Gonna check out the Ultrasharp later.Changed some stuff, here's what I'm thinking right now. Any help is appreciated since this will be my first time building a comp. Case: link Card Reader: 5-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader with USB 2.0 / Firewire 1394a / Audio Ports / eSATA (3.5") slots CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz 12mb L2 Cache FSB 1333MHz CPU Cooler: HDT-RS1283 120mm CPU Cooler Gonna use this instead of the stock heatsink and fan that comes with the CPU. GPU: VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card Going to get one for now, and I'll get another if I need it. HDD: link 1TB 32mb cache Keyboard: USB Logitech keyboard with media keys If anyone knows a better one, feel free to suggest it. Better key placement, etc. Monitor: HP 24" 1920x1200 5ms 1000:1contrast 400nits Widescreen My mom has 22" version of this and it seems to be a pretty decent monitor, so I figure I'll stick with HP for this. Tried the Ultrasharp, way too expensive. Motherboard: link Mouse: I'll use my wireless Logitech mouse that I got a month ago. Sometimes the signal craps up though. :| PSU: CORSAIR 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Optical Drive: 20x DVD+/- SATA Burner with LightScribe from HP Optical Drive 2: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Any reasons why I shouldn't use 64-bit? Never been all that clear to me. RAM: link 2 x 2gb OCZ Reaper Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Thermal Compound: Tuniq TX-2 Thermal Grease Grand total: Somewhere around $2400. Thoughts, help, compatibility help, etc. is appreciated. The build so far will cost roughly $2200; CPU and RAM not included yet. YENNOX said: "I thought Nehalem is coming out next year? Don't bother with it. Quad core is good enough for way more than 4 years. It's actually more feasible to get the older Core 2 Quad, and get a better GPU. Though the Penryn will produce slightly less heat and a lower power consumption." Nahalem is socket 1366... guess we gotta say bye bye to S775  Not to mention but Nahalem is gonna have IMC and its supports DDR3 only... triple channel BTW to the guy above, why tuniq paste? Get AS5, Arctic Cooling MX-2, or Zalman super grease- they're better o.o
Really? The reviews say that there isn't too much difference between AS5, AMX-2, and Zalman, and the Tuniq reviews say it's cooler than AS5, so it'd be cooler than the other ones as well.
Nehalem is gonna be pretty stupid, I mean, whose actually gonna use all 16 cores?
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