The Student Room Group
Competition - post a photo you've taken of nature >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Competition - post a photo you've taken of nature >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>

This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Before buying PC please ask our advice first!

Scroll to see replies

Original post by Aristotle's' Disciple
I use Cherry Black with my Steelseries 7G, and it's really not that hard to type, maybe you'd struggle after hours and hours of essays, but for gaming and just casual typing, it's not a problem at all. :smile: Syncmaster RZ was highly recommended to me, mainly for the 120 Hz / price.

EDIT: At Quakecon yesterday apparently John Carmack was emphasizing how important 120 Hz true gameplay is to pros, to the point where their setups would have the really fat screens, just because they were true 120 Hz


From what I know I doubt I'd be able to tell the difference between a 120Hz and a 60Hz source; but 120Hz is necessary for nVidia 3D isn't it? I was reading an article about FPS the other day (I can't remember on which site) and they made a very good point that a immobile brick wall at 120Hz will appear the same as a immobile brick wall at 60Hz :tongue:

I looked at the 7G as well - is it the 6V02 with an armrest or is there more there?
I'd prefer to get the 7G but it's quite expensive, for me at least.
Original post by Cupid Stunt
Ok, got the build to this. Thinking of just keeping it around the £1400 mark because I keep getting carried away with the odd £30 upgrade etc.



It comes to £1410.40, few things:
1. Do I need a network card or anything for a wired internet connection?
2. Do I need that sound card?
3. Is anything a bit pointless e.g. Graphics card/motherboard upgrade?
4. I want that case so no comments on that. :smile:


You don't need a network card.

Get rid of the sound card unless you're a studio producer or have 5.1 or above surround sound.

Graphics card is good but the EVGA one is identical with (I find) better customer service should anything go wrong, and is around £25 cheaper. Always look on the "Todays Deals" section at Scan, you'll save a few quid here and there but it all adds up/

I'd get an OEM DVDRW drive for about £5 then just buy a SATA cable. They cost about 30p, save a few quid.

Case is very good, I have it myself - highly recommend it.

Motherboard seems a bit overkill, something like this:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/gigabyte-ga-z77x-d3h-intel-z77-s-1155-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-sata-raid-pcie-30-d-sub-dvi-d-hdmi-atx

Or this if you don't want SLi and still want an ASUS board:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-p8z77-v-le-intel-z77-s-1155-ddr3-pcie-30-%28x16%29-d-sub-%28vga%29-displayport-dvi-i-hdmi-atx

I'd recommend the Gigabyte though, usually pretty solid.

Go for LP (low profile) RAM. You don't need big heatsinks, it doesn't get hot - a marketing gimmick. LP sticks will give you more room and takes out the risk that it'll get in the way of your CPU cooler.

Looks like a decent build though :smile:

Oh and sorry but I don't know too much about that CPU cooler. Reviews online say it seems good but never tried it myself. Also 1TB storage isn't much these days, but you can always upgrade later :smile:
Original post by Iqbal007
Nope, they basically trick you.

INTEL i5 2500K Quad Core 4x3,3GHz 2nd gen i5 well known and is good, but that 4 x 3.3 is trying to say its 13.2 which is a lie, seen it before.............also you won't be overclocking so don't see the point of this i5.
Network LAN, Wireless LAN USB, 2xUSB3.0 No info on the motherboard at all, also a bad sign most likely a cheap one
Windows7 Home Premium 64Bit English (DVD a.Lizenzkey)
1000GB HDD most likely generic and a old tech one
8GB DDR3 (1333 MHz) most likely again generic and slow
DVD Writer most likely generic
Grafik GeForce GTX550 Ti (1024MB DDR5-VGA-DVI-HDMI-DirectX 11) that graphics is the basic starting point of gaming graphics card from Nvidia, its inbetween the multimedia cards and the gaming ones

The case is also something weird, but does certainly look decent with the cooling and ports.

Another worrying thing is the power supply, which is likely to be cheap and generic which is a bad sign as it will explode within some time as seen from the reviews.

Another thing is that it's from Germany so repairing will take some time.


do you want some help in getting a pre-built one?
or building it yourself :smile: ?



Hah, ripped it to shreds. But yh, looking to get a decent pre-built one that can handle HD video and music editing. [Budget ≤ £700]. There's just so many online that I haven't a clue where to start.
Original post by Jin3011
Hah, ripped it to shreds. But yh, looking to get a decent pre-built one that can handle HD video and music editing. [Budget ≤ £700]. There's just so many online that I haven't a clue where to start.


Any gaming at all?
Original post by neillya1
You don't need a network card.

Get rid of the sound card unless you're a studio producer or have 5.1 or above surround sound.

Graphics card is good but the EVGA one is identical with (I find) better customer service should anything go wrong, and is around £25 cheaper. Always look on the "Todays Deals" section at Scan, you'll save a few quid here and there but it all adds up/

I'd get an OEM DVDRW drive for about £5 then just buy a SATA cable. They cost about 30p, save a few quid.

Case is very good, I have it myself - highly recommend it.

Motherboard seems a bit overkill, something like this:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/gigabyte-ga-z77x-d3h-intel-z77-s-1155-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-sata-raid-pcie-30-d-sub-dvi-d-hdmi-atx

Or this if you don't want SLi and still want an ASUS board:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-p8z77-v-le-intel-z77-s-1155-ddr3-pcie-30-%28x16%29-d-sub-%28vga%29-displayport-dvi-i-hdmi-atx

I'd recommend the Gigabyte though, usually pretty solid.

Go for LP (low profile) RAM. You don't need big heatsinks, it doesn't get hot - a marketing gimmick. LP sticks will give you more room and takes out the risk that it'll get in the way of your CPU cooler.

Looks like a decent build though :smile:

Oh and sorry but I don't know too much about that CPU cooler. Reviews online say it seems good but never tried it myself. Also 1TB storage isn't much these days, but you can always upgrade later :smile:


Gigabyte have brilliant customer service from what I hear. Usually less than 5 days turn around time (i.e. from receiving your item to you receiving it back fixed) and the warranty is 3 years long (same as EVGA).

Furthermore, the gigabyte card is just a lot better on the whole; quieter, cooler, runs at a higher max and standard clock - worth the £25 extra.
Original post by Cupid Stunt
Ok, got the build to this. Thinking of just keeping it around the £1400 mark because I keep getting carried away with the odd £30 upgrade etc.



It comes to £1410.40, few things:
1. Do I need a network card or anything for a wired internet connection?
2. Do I need that sound card?
3. Is anything a bit pointless e.g. Graphics card/motherboard upgrade?
4. I want that case so no comments on that. :smile:


Motherboard upgrade is pretty pointless unless you plan on getting another 670 (which I wouldn't recommend, worth just upgrading altogether in several years time or whatever). Go for this if not interested in SLI: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007KHROSC/ref=asc_df_B007KHROSC9064979?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B007KHROSC

Don't need that sound card imo. Either leave it out or get a better one if you want to mix tracks/DJ or are just a massive audiophile.

And +1 on low profile RAM.

The graphics card is top of the line, will max out any game currently out smoothly. Depends if you want it to be that good. Could easily save £100-140 by buying a 7850 that should still max most games currently out and play them all on at least high for the next year or so.
Original post by hassi94
Any gaming at all?


Not really a gamer, but need something with a decent graphic card.
Original post by Jin3011
Not really a gamer, but need something with a decent graphic card.


Man like Jin!!!!!!!!!

you planning on pc gaming for uni?

:rofl: same here
Original post by hassi94
Gigabyte have brilliant customer service from what I hear. Usually less than 5 days turn around time (i.e. from receiving your item to you receiving it back fixed) and the warranty is 3 years long (same as EVGA).

Furthermore, the gigabyte card is just a lot better on the whole; quieter, cooler, runs at a higher max and standard clock - worth the £25 extra.


Never used them but fair enough, sounds good.

The only reason the clock is higher is that it's pre-OC'd.... Could just do that yourself in a few seconds. Yes the cooler is better but my EVGA card has never gone above 70C and I use it for some pretty intense stuff. It's not really that loud either.

I wouldn't pay the £25 extra, I don't think it's worth it - but if they really want an even faster OC'd card then fair enough, worth it then.

Edit: Just seen it also has a DisplayPort so can do 4 diplays at once, pretty nifty that - 100% worth it in that case if you want to use 4 screens.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by James A
Man like Jin!!!!!!!!!

you planning on pc gaming for uni?

:rofl: same here


Yoo James!!

Not into PC gaming; will be taking my PS3 to uni:tongue:
What sort of PC you got?
Original post by Jin3011
Hah, ripped it to shreds. But yh, looking to get a decent pre-built one that can handle HD video and music editing. [Budget ≤ £700]. There's just so many online that I haven't a clue where to start.


if you can't build one than I will suggest you try looking at DinoPC or PCSpecialist?
if you want a pre-built one.

Suggest you look at the i7 if your are going to video editing, though a i5 will do the job.
And getting at 8gb of ram at 1600mHZ with a decent motherboard and power supply :smile:

give us a link when your customising :smile:
Original post by Iqbal007
if you can't build one than I will suggest you try looking at DinoPC or PCSpecialist?
if you want a pre-built one.

Suggest you look at the i7 if your are going to video editing, though a i5 will do the job.
And getting at 8gb of ram at 1600mHZ with a decent motherboard and power supply :smile:

give us a link when your customising :smile:


sdklhrihrfd.jpg Thoughts?:smile:
Original post by Jin3011
sdklhrihrfd.jpg Thoughts?:smile:


It's actually good.
But do you really need 2133mHZ ram :s-smilie:
Also the motherboard is pretty good, but will only support crossfire which shouldn't be an issue.
Here's a review http://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/henry-butt/asus-p8z77-v-lx-motherboard-review/

I really dislike these companies they always limit your choice.
The 7770 is ok, but to be fair isn't seen as amazing, but will do the gaming side of things if you ever consider it.

The only the other thing I dislike is the case looks kinda ugly :redface:
How many hours are you going to spend using it?
because it may be wise to get a few fans or a aftermarket cooler to keep temps down if you render over night as a caution.
Original post by Killjoy-
From what I know I doubt I'd be able to tell the difference between a 120Hz and a 60Hz source; but 120Hz is necessary for nVidia 3D isn't it? I was reading an article about FPS the other day (I can't remember on which site) and they made a very good point that a immobile brick wall at 120Hz will appear the same as a immobile brick wall at 60Hz :tongue:

I looked at the 7G as well - is it the 6V02 with an armrest or is there more there?
I'd prefer to get the 7G but it's quite expensive, for me at least.


Apparently the difference is noticeable to anyone, I haven't used it so couldn't say, Why would they mention brick walls, it's to do with reflexes :p:

The 7G is basically an arm rest included, although I think that the USB ports and headphone and mic jacks on the keyboard may not be included, but all in all, not a big difference.
I'm (hopefully!) starting uni in September studying Graphic Design. I've asked at the interview if I was expected to get a Mac and they told me no I wouldn't need one until the 4th year of the degree, so I'm after a PC. I have a few questions:

1) Would I need a laptop or desktop? I'd prefer a desktop as it's easy to upgrade and in my experience of laptops, will be more reliable (however of course if a laptop is more appropriate then I will have to go with one).
2) Do you need a decent graphics card? If so, what's the bare minimum?
3) Is an i5 processor with 4gb+ of RAM and 1TB hard drive decent enough?
4) Should I wait for Windows 8, or is Windows 7 good enough?

Also I'd be grateful for any good websites on where to buy desktops, I don't want to pay over the odds at PC World and the like... Thanks!
Original post by HeadintheClouds93
I'm (hopefully!) starting uni in September studying Graphic Design. I've asked at the interview if I was expected to get a Mac and they told me no I wouldn't need one until the 4th year of the degree, so I'm after a PC. I have a few questions:

1) Would I need a laptop or desktop? I'd prefer a desktop as it's easy to upgrade and in my experience of laptops, will be more reliable (however of course if a laptop is more appropriate then I will have to go with one).
2) Do you need a decent graphics card? If so, what's the bare minimum?
3) Is an i5 processor with 4gb+ of RAM and 1TB hard drive decent enough?
4) Should I wait for Windows 8, or is Windows 7 good enough?

Also I'd be grateful for any good websites on where to buy desktops, I don't want to pay over the odds at PC World and the like... Thanks!


1) To be fair desktops are more reliable compared to Laptops, as laptops are susceptible to knocks and heating issues.
It'll depend to be honest, if you guys have your own room for computers for graphic design it'll be good, on the other hand having a laptop is good for working elsewhere at the uni, whereas with a laptop you've got to spend more to get more power.

2)It all depends on the software your using and how much you will be using it for.

3) That would be decent though get more than 4gb of ram and a dedicated graphics card if your going to be doing Graphic design, maybe an SSD if you want more speed.

4) Windows 7 is good enough, Windows 8 is more about touch screens otherwise it's pointless.

You probably need a decent customised one, try DinoPC or PC specialist for desktops, the latter is more expensive. A lot of customisation.
For laptops try ebuyer, dabs, saveonlaptops, laptopsdirect, sometimes a good deal pops up on-line at pcworld.
Original post by Iqbal007
1) To be fair desktops are more reliable compared to Laptops, as laptops are susceptible to knocks and heating issues.
It'll depend to be honest, if you guys have your own room for computers for graphic design it'll be good, on the other hand having a laptop is good for working elsewhere at the uni, whereas with a laptop you've got to spend more to get more power.

2)It all depends on the software your using and how much you will be using it for.

3) That would be decent though get more than 4gb of ram and a dedicated graphics card if your going to be doing Graphic design, maybe an SSD if you want more speed.

4) Windows 7 is good enough, Windows 8 is more about touch screens otherwise it's pointless.

You probably need a decent customised one, try DinoPC or PC specialist for desktops, the latter is more expensive. A lot of customisation.
For laptops try ebuyer, dabs, saveonlaptops, laptopsdirect, sometimes a good deal pops up on-line at pcworld.


Thank you so much for the reply; definitely checking out them websites :smile:
Reply 8237
Avatar for enimpri
enimpri
2
Original post by Iqbal007
monitor x 2: http://www.ebuyer.com/260589-samsung-syncmaster-s20a300n-lcd-led-20-ls20a300ns-en £66.99
Mouse & keyboard:http://www.ebuyer.com/226938-xenta-black-2-4ghz-wireless-keyboard-and-optical-mouse-nano-usb-receiver-hk-3518b-hm-3301 £10.99

Motherboard: http://www.ebuyer.com/351614-gigabyte-ga-b75m-d3h-socket-1155-vga-dvi-hdmi-8-channel-audio-matx-motherboard-ga-b75m-d3h £59.40 not sure if you want this motherboard, it's a small mATX one and doesn't offer much features as a full ATX.
CPU: i3-2120http://www.ebuyer.com/254978-intel-core-i3-2120-3-3ghz-socket-1155-3mb-l3-cache-retail-boxed-bx80623i32120 £90.12 could swap it for a amd quad core.
Ram: 2 x 4gb 1600mhzhttp://www.ebuyer.com/195372-kingston-8gb-ddr3-1600mhz-hyperx-xmp-memory-khx1600c9d3k2-8gx £29.98
PSU:XFX ProSeries 450W http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/powersupplies/p1-450s-u2b9.html £38.38
GPU: did you want any sort of graphics card?
Case:Antec 300 http://www.ebuyer.com/143854-antec-300-three-hundred-case-0761345-08300-3 £39.99
HDD: 500gb http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005GOTMR2/ref=asc_df_B005GOTMR29050216?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B005GOTMR2 £47.98


£450.82 in total not including Windows OS, read my comments, the main issues are the motherboard, power supply, cpu and graphics. Are you happy with it?


The case can be cheaper I don't really mind what it looks like, so http://www.ebuyer.com/239060-casecom-ksm-7288-piano-black-mid-tower-case-2x-usb2-0-on-front-ksm-7288 is fine. Is that PSU thing a fan or just power supply? And I suppose a mid-range graphics card would be fine.
Original post by hines
The case can be cheaper I don't really mind what it looks like, so http://www.ebuyer.com/239060-casecom-ksm-7288-piano-black-mid-tower-case-2x-usb2-0-on-front-ksm-7288 is fine. Is that PSU thing a fan or just power supply? And I suppose a mid-range graphics card would be fine.


I chose that case because it's known for good value for money and being excellent build quality and for keeping temps down, this one is also good and comes with a few fans http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/components/cases/cases/nov-prowle.html.

All power supplies have a fan in them, they even have heatsinks inside them, it's for keeping temperature low.
Are you happy with a mATX board?
I could get you a full ATX board around the same price http://www.ebuyer.com/363618-msi-b75ma-p45-socket-1155-vga-dvi-8-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-b75ma-p45 personally this one is better overall.

Depends on entirely what you want to use the graphics card for?
And whether you'll go with the cheaper case?

edit: Doesn't include Windows by the way, you got a dvd already from a past computer?
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by Iqbal007
about £50, plus quad core is unnecessary unless you utilise the cores properly so essentially they get wasted not doing anything, though all the i3, i5, i7 perform very well both on single core tasks and multiple core tasks.

what kind of gaming?
also whats the cost you looking to get everything at?


I3 then and no gaming.

Under £400.

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you