I'm thinking about getting a new computer - now DIY desktops. No rush.

[Mikeybc]

I'd get a laptop that has a display upgrade option to a good 1920x1080 screen. One of the best upgrades you can make. Most of the 720 displays I've seen are awful, washed out colors with poor viewing angles.

Very good info here on which laptops have good displays or common issues.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-manufacturers/

 

[Dean]

The last MSI I mentioned does have a Full HD 1920x1080 screen resolution... I believe that's the standard nowadays.

Thanks for the tip, and link 👍.

 

[djinline]

I would prefer below 6000 DKK, but, I'm pretty sure I'll get one that can't run anything properly (like my current).

Another one, I believe can be the one; MSI GE60 0ND-287NE, Intel Core i5 3210M, 6 GB SO-DIMM DDR3 RAM, 750 GB HDD, 15.6", GeForce GTX 660M 2 GB and Windows 8 64-bit (I believe there's a 32 bit too, though I don't know the difference, plus I can't choose between them on this model), for 7290 DKK (~$1257 USD). I would prefer prices around that if I should choose a new maximum limit.

64-bit OS is required to use more than 4GB of RAM. That laptop you mentioned is good for that price, you'll be happy with it, most certainly.

 

[nick09]

The last MSI I mentioned does have a Full HD 1920x1080 screen resolution... I believe that's the standard nowadays.

Thanks for the tip, and link 👍.

The standard is 1366x768 for many laptops. I know in the higher end some of them will have 1600x900.

 

[Dean]

64-bit OS is required to use more than 4GB of RAM. That laptop you mentioned is good for that price, you'll be happy with it, most certainly.

So, the only difference between the 32- and the 64-bit version, is the ability to use more than 4 GB ram? And, I'm pretty sure I'll be happy, too. Especially because the GPU seems to be faster than the GPU in the recommend settings, for ETS 2, which is a good thing.

The standard is 1366x768 for many laptops. I know in the higher end some of them will have 1600x900.

Really? Again, I don't know much about computers (thus all my questions). I looked the last MSI up, on MSI's website and it did say 1366x768. Though, the one I'm looking on, says 1920x1080, so I really thought that's was the standard () but thanks for correcting me 👍.

 

[Gdog96]

Yeah 1366x768 is the usual, but there are exceptions obviously.

Bear in mind that playing games at a higher resolution will be more demanding of the computer, but if thats the case you can always turn down the settings/resolution.

 

[Dean]

That's a good thing to know. I'm very sure I played games on my old desktop - an ASUS - (this is like 4 to 7 years ago) in window-mode. I did play ETS 1, back then too, so I'm no stranger .

 

[nick09]

So, the only difference between the 32- and the 64-bit version, is the ability to use more than 4 GB ram? And, I'm pretty sure I'll be happy, too. Especially because the GPU seems to be faster than the GPU in the recommend settings, for ETS 2, which is a good thing.

There is also benefits from faster processors when they run in the 64-bit mode.

 

[Dean]

There is also benefits from faster processors when they run in the 64-bit mode.

So, they're giving more power, faster, when in 64-mode?

Look what I found, for only $1171:

(An IdeaPad Y500!)

Here's the specs:
Intel Core i5 (3. gen) 3230M / 2.6 GHz, 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) RAM, 1 TB HDD / 5400 rpm, 15.6" (Full HD) and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M (2 GB). What'cha think?

(Translated version .)

 

[nick09]

Great choice. Plus you can upgrade the graphics if you want to(You lose the DVD drive of course).

So, they're giving more power, faster, when in 64-mode?

It varies but the extra performance is there.

 

[Dean]

Yes, I saw one with 650M SLI (I suppose that's two 650's, right?), but I know I'll miss the drive, as my current computer haven't got it, and I didn't like the price .

 

[nick09]

If you wanted to upgrade you can do it later down the road. And you are correct, a 650M SLI is two 650M GPU's.

 

[Dean]

Well, I've seen a few other threads about this, but with a much larger budget than mine... Anyway. I was thinking about going for a desktop instead of a laptop, but I'm stuck. I was thinking about a build-self-system (I know a place where I can get it build, as I don't dare to do that myself), but I have no clue to what I should get. I'm only looking for a system, no screen, keyboard or mouse. Though, I do have some demands here;

*Max $1000 USD, I know I was quite "large" with the laptops, but I'll stick to max $1000 here.
*As small as possible (in size)
*HDMI-output
*Wireless internet-card-thingy (WLAN?WiFi)
*Operating system should be included; either Windows 7 or 8; the cheapest.
*DVD-drive (I guess DVD burners are included nowadays)
*At least 6 USB... things...
*Must be fast and reliable.
*Low noise, if possible too...
*And, it should be equivalent or better than:

CPU: Dual core CPU 3.0 GHz
RAM: 4 GB RAM
VGA: Graphics card with 1024 MB memory (GeForce GTS 450-class equivalent or better)
DX: DirectX 9.0c
OS: Windows 7

I hope my demands aren't too much. Thanks in advance.

 

[bevo]

Well, I've seen a few other threads about this, but with a much larger budget than mine... Anyway. I was thinking about going for a desktop instead of a laptop, but I'm stuck. I was thinking about a build-self-system (I know a place where I can get it build, as I don't dare to do that myself), but I have no clue to what I should get. I'm only looking for a system, no screen, keyboard or mouse. Though, I do have some demands here;

*Max $1000 USD, I know I was quite "large" with the laptops, but I'll stick to max $1000 here.
*As small as possible (in size)
*HDMI-output
*Wireless internet-card-thingy (WLAN?WiFi)
*Operating system should be included; either Windows 7 or 8; the cheapest.
*DVD-drive (I guess DVD burners are included nowadays)
*At least 6 USB... things...
*Must be fast and reliable.
*Low noise, if possible too...
*And, it should be equivalent or better than:

I hope my demands aren't too much. Thanks in advance.

Nothing is included when you piece together a system. You will have to buy windows, and a DVD drive. Your budget is pretty good though. For 1k you will be able to build a really nice PC.

People will need to know though what you want to use it for. Gaming, 3d editing, just normal web browsing and school? It will make a big difference toward what people will suggest.

Another thing is, do you live near a micro center s store. They have great deals on processors and motherboards where you could save a couple hundred on those 2 parts.

 

[TB]

If you aren't planning on hard core gaming for a bit*, my build came in at under $1k. Some changes to meet you criteria would simply be a change of cases for more USB, although the case has 2 (one 3.0 and one 2.0) and the motherboard has 6 (four 3.0 and two 2.0). Unless you need/want more on the front, that might work for you anyway.

* only because I'm currently running on-board. Been working fine for the likes of Portal but anything newer would almost certainly be laughable.

 

[Dean]

Nothing is included when you piece together a system. You will have to buy windows, and a DVD drive. Your budget is pretty good though. For 1k you will be able to build a really nice PC.

People will need to know though what you want to use it for. Gaming, 3d editing, just normal web browsing and school? It will make a big difference toward what people will suggest.

Another thing is, do you live near a micro center s store. They have great deals on processors and motherboards where you could save a couple hundred on those 2 parts.

Well, this will (probably) be my first DIY-computer, so I though it was possible to get the drive and Windows in the price. I get that it's something I'll have to install myself (or pay a professional to do), and well I also though it would be capable of doing a lot of things, if it could run ETS2. So, I was planning on gaming (well, ETS2-ish games), possibly music/video editing, and just regular browsing on the internet.

Well, I do live near a micro center, but I'm not sure if there's a computer (bits) shop. Otherwise, I know a place where I can get most parts (I believe), installation of Windows and a 24 hour burn in test (I'm not 100% sure what that is).

If you aren't planning on hard core gaming for a bit*, my build came in at under $1k. Some changes to meet you criteria would simply be a change of cases for more USB, although the case has 2 (one 3.0 and one 2.0) and the motherboard has 6 (four 3.0 and two 2.0). Unless you need/want more on the front, that might work for you anyway.

* only because I'm currently running on-board. Been working fine for the likes of Portal but anything newer would almost certainly be laughable.

Well, I don't really care where the USBs' placed, as long as they're there, I should be fine. I tried fitting your computer, into a Danish site, and the price was just a tad too high (~1000 DKK, 6000 DKK is my max; excluding the installation of Windows and that burn in test, - if I even need that?) and there wasn't even a graphics card . I would like that included as well.

And a question; do I need the soundcard, if I'll plug it into my TV, via HDMI?

Here's a translated version of the site. I know it says pounds at the bottom, but it'll be in Danish kroner.

Thanks!

 

[LaBounti]

A $1000 PC will probably be 2+ times beyond those requirements. Unless you plan on doing serious gaming you could save some cash.

You will not need a sound card. HDMI includes a sound driver and should work when installing graphic drivers, also all modern mother boards include audio output.

I recently built my first PC, it was fun but took a few hours to get it up and running. $750 including shipping, Windows 7, wifi and graphics. It will run everything playable at 1080p.

 

[Dean]

I'm not sure if I'll be "hardcore" gaming, but I would like high quality games, (ETS2 would be the most demanding game I have in mind - so far - so, no Crysis, Battlefield or etc. at ultra setting and 60 FPS.) without "lagging", at high settings. I would like it as cheap as possible, but I believe money could be quality. However, I would very much like to try giving your system a try, on the page I linked to above, if I may.

I found this site called Game Debate, where I've been trying various i5/i7s and various GeForce-cards, and I think I should get something around the power/capabilities of a GTX 660M (I think it has been mentioned before, here)

And, I'm glad I can save some money on a soundcard too (~500 kroner) - and, that's a bit more than the assembly price (409 kroner)!

Thanks!

Edit: Just to make it a bit easier, I'm looking at roughly $850 USD, including GPU and excluding Windows and the building. Or $920 USD if I should do it myself... but as I said, I really don't know what I'm doing, so I would preferably avoid doing it myself.

 

[Joel]

Note: it's just a GTX 660 in a desktop format. The M is for mobile and means it's a laptop GPU. Would recommend at that price point that you look into an AMD Radeon 7950.

 

[dice1998]

Note: it's just a GTX 660 in a desktop format.

What is? the 660M?

It's desktop equivalence is a 650Ti if you're not using AA on the 660M. If you are, then it should perform a little bit better than the GT 640.

 

[Joel]

No no, I just meant that the name in the desktop cards drops the M. I know that laptop GPU's are usually several models worse than desktop ones.

 

[dice1998]

Ah, sorry.

Carry on.

 

[Dean]

Note: it's just a GTX 660 in a desktop format. The M is for mobile and means it's a laptop GPU. Would recommend at that price point that you look into an AMD Radeon 7950.

Oh, I didn't know. I actually wondered what the M was short for... and I certainly will look into a 7950.

What is? the 660M?

It's desktop equivalence is a 650Ti if you're not using AA on the 660M. If you are, then it should perform a little bit better than the GT 640.

I think I got some alternatives to the 7950 there, if you can recommend any of them.

I tried setting together a system (still, with very limited knowledge):

Motherboard: Asrock 960GM-GS3 FX AM3+ DDR3 mATX (319,-)
CPU: Intel i5 3330 3.0 GHz 6MB Box S1115 (1299,-)
RAM: Crucial DDR3 PC1333 8GB CL9 (379,-)
Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA6 64MB 7200RPM (499,-)
SSD: None
GPU: Club 3D Radeon PCI-E HD7950BE 3GB DP/DVI/HDMI (2009,-)
Cooler: Intel RTS2011AC Active Heatsink S2011 (139,-)
Case: Linkworld Mini 7271-18U 550W (319,-)
Power supply: Corsair CX Series 600W 600CX V2 80+ Bronze (509,-)
DVD-drive: Asus DRW-24B5ST DVD-RW SATA black (139,-)
Operating system: Windows 8 64-bit OEM DK DVD (729,-)
Network card: TRENDnet TEW-643PI Wireless N 300mbit PCI Adapter (179,-)
All in all: 6469,- kroner, plus assembly myself.

If I could save another ~400 kroner, I would be able to get it assembled for me, which I would like.

- Did - or didn't () - it go well?

 

[dice1998]

You could probably save a couple of krone if you can find a CM Hyper 212+ (which are cheaper than the Intel RTS2011AC here).

I'd recommend the 7950 since I hear it's super duper overclocker friendly .

 

[Dean]

It is pretty expensive. Do you know anything about the HD7870 2GB JokerCard? I'm not sure if it's better, but it's cheaper, and brings down my cost to 6149 kroner... 149 kroner too much .

And, about that power supply, can I use a Energon EPS-650W AktivPFC (279,-), instead of the other?

 

[TB]

And, about that power supply, can I use a Energon EPS-650W AktivPFC (279,-), instead of the other?

Can't say I'm super educated on all parts PC but between these two, personally I'd stick with the Corsair.

 

[dice1998]

It is pretty expensive. Do you know anything about the HD7870 2GB JokerCard? I'm not sure if it's better, but it's cheaper, and brings down my cost to 6149 kroner... 149 kroner too much .

I'm not really educated on the AMD side of things but if it helps you any, I'd probably buy a 7850 and upgrade later on.

 

[TB]

I'd probably buy a 7850 and upgrade later on.

And my suggestion would be the complete opposite - figure out which one you want and if it's over your budget, save an extra month or two instead of buying a replacement later.

Buy nice or buy twice!

 

[Dean]

I won't upgrade before years have gone, and only if I'll need it...

Anyway, the 7850 - with the Corsair power supply - get's me down to 5849 kroner. And, according to Game Debate, it's 61% better than the recommended HD 6670, for ETS. And, should I save 230 kroner, and go for the i3-3240 3.4GHz in stead of the i5?

 

[LaBounti]

Note: The I5 3330p isn't that much more powerful than the I3 3220 in most games that aren't multi thread heavy, 4 cores VS 4 threads. Slight edge but nothing major for the i5 3330. To see a real world difference go with the I5-3470K or 3570K. You won't notice a difference with a I7 in most games. The I5 3570K is a good gaming cpu

My PC has a 7870, The 7850 is very good for playing any game at 1080p. These are mid grade cards.

My mid level PC

I3-3220/8GB/530W PSU/HD7870 GHZ./ PCI-E 3.0. The rest adds up to $730ish had I gone with the I5 and 7970 would have added about $250 more for $990 with shipping

Now is a bad time to buy a PC GPU, the 7800 series could see a price drop in a few months when the 8000 hits. You will be safe for a while paying more for a 7970 or GTX 670. Anything better than the 7970/670 will not be noticeable as your TV won't do anything beyond 60fps.