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    Best Modern GPU to Pair with i5 2500 (not 2500k) Without Severe Bottlenecking

    Hello everyone, Back in 2011 I built (with your help) a modest budget gaming rig. I don't play enough to warrant a completely new build in 2015, but I'm wondering if swapping in a new graphics card could help breathe a bit of new life into the system. I'd like be able to play GTA V at the...
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    Black Screen after Windows Updates (Intel Display Driver, other various 8.1 updates)

    I wish I had a Windows install disk, but the laptop only came with a "recovery" partition instead. I solved the issue - if anyone ever finds this post via searches during a similar problem here's how I fixed it: Push F11 during boot up - which opens some sort of recovery screen. Towards...
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    Black Screen after Windows Updates (Intel Display Driver, other various 8.1 updates)

    I'm running a new HP Laptop. I had updated from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 without any problems. Tonight I ran Windows Updates and there were several "recommended for 8.1" updates as well as an "Intel Display Driver" update. After letting the updates download and install the computer cannot...
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    Suggestions for a 2 channel receiver and mid-hight quality floorstanding speakers?

    @slashbinslashbash - thank you so much for the wealth of information. Also thanks for the insight on the Polk vs Klipsch sound signature differences. Based on the details you mentioned I definitely agree that I would prefer Polk. Like you mentioned, wattage is a very misunderstood concept but...
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    Suggestions for a 2 channel receiver and mid-hight quality floorstanding speakers?

    Hello everyone, I *think* I'm in the market for two floorstanding speakers and a simple 2 channel stereo receiver. I believe I want a traditional setup - I don't need a sub. I mention that I "think" that's what I'm in the market for - but I'm not quite sure. I'll describe my situation and...
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    Help Building an Affordable, CPU oriented "Minecraft" Box

    Hello everyone, I'm looking to build a computer for a friend of mine. Here are her primary concerns: She wants it to be fast enough to play Minecraft (a Java game) at a high level :) We know this isn't exactly the most demanding task for computers in the year 2013, but we thought it...
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    Recommend an LCD or LED with excellent vertical tilt options?

    Hi everyone, I'm looking for 18-21.5" monitor that has the capability to tilt vertically. Currently I'm using an L-desk, and one half of the L has a raised surface that I would like to set a reasonably lightweight monitor on. Since it is a bit raised I would like a monitor that can tilt...
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    Help Me Choose Parts for a "Grandma" Low Performance Rig

    Thanks trexpesto!! Definitely looks like there are some great Dell deals to be had - I'll keep an eye out on the links you included. I doubt she would ever even burn a CD, but I would feel a lot more comfortable if the computer at least had the ability to burn a quick CD. Otherwise I would...
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    Help Me Choose Parts for a "Grandma" Low Performance Rig

    Hello everyone, I've only put together one computer in the past (for myself, a i5 2500, HD 6850 rig) and I'm now interested in putting together a computer for a friend's grandmother. This would be extremely low budget - she wouldn't be doing much aside from opening Firefox and OpenOffice...
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    HD 6850 Black Screen - Windows+D Always Fixes It

    Wow, now that is weird! My system is still a newborn, hopefully nothing like that surfaces :) Good point, I went ahead and updated the drivers. Even if "the issue" still exists I probably won't experience it for a month or so :) I do know that in the latest ATI drivers there was a fix...
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    HD 6850 Black Screen - Windows+D Always Fixes It

    Hi everyone, I have an odd situation. From time to time, my screen will go black, and Windows+D to hide the "trigger" app always fixes the issue immediately. I'm running on a rig I built a few months ago. i5, HD 6850, Windows 7 64-bit, etc... I am overjoyed with the performance of this...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    The monitor is indeed 1920x1200, but the issue has gone away. Not sure if Windows Updates might have solved the issue... but I can run apps and games at the native resolution now with zero problems. My temperatures seem very reasonable with just stock cooling - I am pleasantly surprised...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Thanks guys! I went with HWMonitor for now, but will try the others soon. Termie, thanks for putting numbers into context for me :). All of my numbers check out, CPU is 1.00v. The temps for the cores are 29, 31, 27, 27C. The GPU is .95v, temp is 35C. I wasn't able to find "Load...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Well thanks to everyone who helped me in this thread - I've assembled my first PC :). I ran it for a few hours last night, installed Win7, motherboard drivers, GPU drivers, Windows updates, etc... and during those few hours nothing blew up, so for the moment I will say that it was a successful...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Thanks for all of the help mfenn, mnewsham, and everyone else! So I went with the 2500 (since I won't be overclocking). My parts should all be here within the next few days. Here are three more first-time-builder-questions :) 1. Does anyone know if the i5 2500 will come with the heat sink...
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    Recommend any old/bargain games for first time Builder looking to get into PC Gaming?

    Sorry for the delay guys - busy week. Wow, thank you for all of the feedback!!! There is a wealth of games here to choose from, most of which I didn't know about, thank you so much :) The only internet available where I live is ATT, and they only offer one speed, and it only downloads...
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    H61 Motherboard and Sandy Bridge with Windows XP SP3?

    Thanks for the feedback guys! I decided on the OEM version :) - hopefully my motherboard lasts, and even if it doesn't, I hear MS is fairly flexible.
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    H61 Motherboard and Sandy Bridge with Windows XP SP3?

    Hello all, I recently ordered parts for a computer with the belief I had access to a legal copy of Windows 7 through my work. This plan has fallen apart, so I have a few questions regarding versions of Windows. I already have Windows XP SP3 I can place on my new build, but I'm not sure if...
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    Recommend any old/bargain games for first time Builder looking to get into PC Gaming?

    So this may sound like an odd request... let me explain. So I've never had a good enough computer to play many games before (except a few early Command and Conquers and Starcraft). I recently ordered the parts for a i5 2500 / HD 6850 rig, and I'd like to find games that are a few years old...
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    Smart Backup to External Hard Drive Software?

    Hi guys, If this question is super obvious, I'm sorry, I'm coming from the Mac world, so I'm not very familiar with all of the tools available for Windows. Essentially, I'm looking for a way to keep a few folders on my computer synced to my external hard drive. I don't always leave my...
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    First Time Build - Small Budget

    Thanks for the quick response, guys. I can definitely live with 5% performance missing for a while. Just for future reference... let's say I bought another identical stick of this... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-423-_-Product 1) When I drop it into the mobo, I'm sure it will...
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    First Time Build - Small Budget

    I recently ordered the parts for my build, and my motherboard also only had 2 slots for RAM. I had originally planned to place 2x2GB, but after reading your post I thought it made a lot of sense to leave room to upgrade to 8GB in the future. After I ordered the 1x4GB, I was reading an...
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    Wise PSU Choice for i5 / HD 6850 Build?

    Thanks Termie. Is this the type of power cord (basic 3 prong) that it doesn't come with? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812123368 Or is it another type of internal power cable that connects the parts together?
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    Wise PSU Choice for i5 / HD 6850 Build?

    @BTRY B 529th FA BN: I will be playing StarCraft 2 (hopefully at max settings @ 1920x1200) and also a game called Minecraft. Other than that, I am an amateur photographer, so also Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Antec Earthwatts 430 for $50 //...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    @aphelion02: I went with the 2500k instead of simply 2500 because it was only a $15 difference, and that way in the distant future I could potentially upgrade to a different motherboard and overclock and squeeze a bit more life out of the processor. I suppose $15 is $15 and there's a good...
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    Thanks for the help guys! cusideabelincoln, am I overlooking something or did you mean to link to another PSU? That is the same price, and also the same (430) watts as the one I chose? toyota, that sounds like a smart idea. Does this seem like a decent choice...
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    Wise PSU Choice for i5 / HD 6850 Build?

    Hi all, I'm putting the final touches on my build before I order the parts, and I'm trying to decide on a power supply. Initially I had picked the Corsair 430CX ($51 - including shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9017&Tpk=430cx The reason I think I might need something else...
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    Mustang, that is awesome news!!! Considering the Alt+Tab issue not existing anymore... I've decided on the 6850. Here is my semi-final build if anyone is interested. I'm still looking for any last minute tips, warnings, etc... CPU: i5 2500k // $225...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Guys, thanks again for all of the help! Here is my semi-final build, still looking for any last minute tips, warnings, approvals :), etc... before I make the purchases... CPU: i5 2500k // $225 http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Processo...1711484&sr=1-1 GPU: Radeon HD 6850 1 GB // $175...
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    Antec Three Hundred - Quick "Room" Question

    Haha, the thought did cross my mind that those might be the box dimensions. It does look thicker than other GPU's I've seen in pictures, so 3.5" seemed possible... haha, I've never dealt with a GPU in person before so I have nothing tangible to base this off of :)
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    @cusideabelincoln: Thanks again for all the help! I am seriously considering the 460 SE to keep things affordable. However, while I am still considering the $200 460 1GB... I must ask, does anyone have any thoughts on the HD 6850? I've read several reviews that say it out performs the 460...
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    Antec Three Hundred - Quick "Room" Question

    Hi everyone, I'm going to be building my first computer, and am very close to ordering the parts. I've read in several reviews of a few GPU's that "they are quite large, make sure it will fit in your case." New Egg says that the maximum GPU size for the Three Hundred is 11 inches. 1. Will...
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    Wow, thanks for all of the help guys! Tough choice between the 5870 and GTX 460, but I think the issues with Alt-Tabbing back into SC2 will lead me closer to choosing the 460. Does this 460 offer the same performance as the link below it? //...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    WOW! I had no idea you could play at that resolution with high detail without some completely ridiculous setup. I know SC2 isn't the most demanding game around, but I know it can be quite CPU intensive. The fact that you can get results like that with your setup sort of implies that my...
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    @cusideabelincoln: Are there other cards which are a bit cheaper that would also be enough for SC2? @LiuKangBakinPie: My native resolution is 1920 x 1200, but I realize that is probably completely unrealistic unless I spring for a $1,000+ system.
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    Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

    Hi All, I'm a first time builder with very little knowledge of video cards, so I thought I would seek your opinion on this matter :). I'm attempting to create an affordable StarCraft 2 rig. I've decided to go the i5 2500k / P67 route. I've had the GTX 460 recommended in random, dark, scary...
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    Recommend a Motherboard for i3 Sandy Bridge?

    Hi all, I'm looking to build my first computer, so my knowledge is really lacking, and I could use some help choosing a motherboard. I'm debating between an i3 Sandy Bridge and the i5 2500k. The motherboard I was recommended for the i5 is $135...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Thanks for the help guys! 1. That RAM is $10 cheaper, can't argue with that :). Will the 2500k not take advantage of the other, slightly faster RAM? Or is it not even faster, and I just have no clue how to read the descriptions (that is highly probable)? 2. Another thing I completely...
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    Semi-Final Build, Feedback Time - First Time Builder - i5 2500k -(StarCraft 2 rig)

    Hi Zion, thanks for the help! Here is my updated build, still some details to fill in. CPU: i5 2500k // http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tel-_-19115072 Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard //...