Comparing components

[donnato]

Today I found a site that`s run by a guy who has been involved with computers and tech in general since his highschool years. He does benchmark tests for most of the new tech comming out as well as alot of older stuff. This site is ... AnandTech.com . and I had quite the time comparing my own stuff to comparable items. He`s well trusted throughout the industry. I thought I`d share this for those considering upgrades or additions to their mech.

Edited July 28, 2012 by donnato

[HeyYou]

Tom's is another good site.

[donnato]

I love Tom`s and I go there all the time. Anand ... only doing benchmarks, is my go to place for comparisons.

[Neko]

LOL I was going to mention Tom's too. Been going to both for some time, great sites both.

For people with Laptops, Notebook Review is also a great resource for all kinds of computer interests - especially the gaming laptop and laptop modding community.

[ibleedmonster]

just rebuilt my system, she's a screamer! =)

heres a few links to help out with hardware upgrades

graphics cards:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/AMD-ATI-Chips-Comparison-Table/131 Radeon

http://www.hardwares...rison-Table/132 <--Nvidia

Procs:

http://products.amd....desktopcpu.aspx <--AMD

http://www.intel.com...?select=desktop <-- Intel

Mobo's..... Only real advice I have is to get something with good solid state caps, MIL-spec 2 or better.

Power delivery kills gaming rigs, if you buy a cheap mobo and overclock anything, your VRM's also need good cooling. Bad capacitors and hot VRM's destabilize overclocks even when things are operating within specs.

Cooling: this is essential, biggest debate is aircooling over water, I say, use both.

A good cheap "closed loop" water system does wonders for cooling your proc... and overheating the rest of your internals, unfortunately.

I use a Corsair H-60 1st gen, they cost about 70$ many brands have units in that range also. your water system will prolly last you a couple of builds, so get one you like.

Next you would want large low RPM fans, 120's, 150's, even 200mm fans are good choices, you would also want to look at the decible rateing, 27.5 Db is a good medium, its going to be quieter at low speed anywayz. fans can be had for 5$ even with leds <woot woot> just be sure to check your decible rating (Db).

dont forget thermal paste! best stuff out right now is artic MX4, tube can be had for 8$

Let's face it, having a fast PC is awesome, hearing it fire up and sound like a turbine is great, until about hour 2 comes along and you have a migraine =/

amd,intel, nvidia or ati... keep it cool and quiet and youll be a much happier gamer!

<unless there's flying ninja monkey pirates, gotta watch those guys >

Edited January 10, 2013 by ibleedmonster