Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 17 to 32 of 36

Thread: First time building a PC

  1. #17
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    Stripe them up in a RAID0 array for extra game loading performance.
    Or do that!! The only issue with RAID0 is that if one disc fails you will lose all your data IIRC!

  2. #18
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by Astreal View Post
    hmmm Raid0 or one large and a smaller HDD, also how do you set up a raid0
    That varies between motherboards. Your motherboard manual will have details on creating arrays to install Windows on. In general, it's a simple matter of entering the RAID BIOS setup screen, create array, select raid mode and initalise it, then reboot, then install windows. You might need the motherboard CD to load the RAID controller drivers when Vista attempts to detect a suitable volume to install itself to.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  3. #19
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH View Post
    Or do that!! The only issue with RAID0 is that if one disc fails you will lose all your data IIRC!
    You have the same problem with a single disk setup

    There's no replacement for backups.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  4. #20
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    You have the same problem with a single disk setup

    There's no replacement for backups.
    However you are magnifying the problem with a RAID0 array. It only needs one disc to fail and all your data is lost. In theory you could keep a copy of any important files on both discs if you were using the discs separately(not in a RAID0 array).

    Anyway I prefer to have separate discs as I have Vista installed on one and XP on the other.If one disc fails I still have a usable computer. If I was using RAID0 I would not have a useable computer which would be a pain. If my main PC was not a SFF PC I would probably use RAID1 for storage and a smaller disc for software.

    Also backing up needs to be carefully done. Having a copy of your important files in separate locations is a good start.
    Last edited by CAT-THE-FIFTH; 15-02-2009 at 02:20 AM.

  5. #21
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH View Post
    However you are magnifying the problem with a RAID0 array.
    Not quite. This has been discussed at great length in another thread about failure probabilities. I pointed out that 'n' can't be a simple exponant in factoring in failure probabilities because of the batch manufacturing nature of drives.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  6. #22
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    Not quite. This has been discussed at great length in another thread about failure probabilities. I pointed out that 'n' can't be a simple exponant in factoring in failure probabilities because of the batch manufacturing nature of drives.
    I use two different hard drive models so this does not really affect me. It is highly unlikely that two different batches of two different models are both going to have issues at the same time. I also do keep a check on the smart data and HDD temperatures too.

    Like I said before I prefer to have storage on one drive and running programmes on the other. If one disc fails or has issues I can still use my computer until I sort it out as one disc has XP and the other Vista. Anyway I backup important stuff onto a few externals and a couple of DVDs anway. Also like I said it is important to have some of you backups away from home(at work for example) or even online.

  7. #23
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by CAT-THE-FIFTH View Post
    I use two different hard drive models so this does not really affect me. It is highly unlikely that two different batches of two different models are both going to have issues at the same time. I also do keep a check on the smart data and HDD temperatures too.

    Like I said before I prefer to have storage on one drive and running programmes on the other. If one disc fails or has issues I can still use my computer until I sort it out as one disc has XP and the other Vista.
    Aye, then in your case there is a *slight* additional risk. But as I said, in either case, there's no replacement for proper backups. Not even RAID5/6.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  8. #24
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    Aye, then in your case there is a *slight* additional risk. But as I said, in either case, there's no replacement for proper backups. Not even RAID5/6.
    Well not compared to RAID0. If one disc fails I would not have a functioning computer. Considering that both discs will probably be the same model(and same batch) it also exposes you to any issues if a particular batch is faulty. At least this way I can still use my computer. I have backups of my critical stuff anyway at multiple locations so this is the best way for me. Considering anything important that I have not backed up properly has identical copies on both discs and also on an external than there is less risk then a RAID0 array. The likelihood of three different discs of three different models from two different manufacturers failing is tiny.
    Last edited by CAT-THE-FIFTH; 15-02-2009 at 03:04 AM.

  9. #25
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Hmm?.. If your system disk fails you'll have to reinstall windows anyway. You can still use the RAID disk that didn't fail to accomplish the same thing.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  10. #26
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    Hmm?.. If your system disk fails you'll have to reinstall windows anyway. You can still use the RAID disk that didn't fail to accomplish the same thing.
    You would have to rebuild the RAID array so you would lose all your data. At least with RAID 1,5 and 6 you can recover your data.
    I have an OS on each disc so I can always use the computer. Both copies have all the programmes and any important files I need so I still have a usable computer. Reinstalling a boot manger is not that hard. The other way is changing the boot priority in the BIOS(as long as you install each OS independently of each other). However there will be no boot manager in the latter case.
    Last edited by CAT-THE-FIFTH; 15-02-2009 at 03:52 AM.

  11. #27
    Gentoo Ricer
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Galway
    Posts
    11,048
    Thanks
    1,016
    Thanked
    944 times in 704 posts
    • aidanjt's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Strix Z370-G
      • CPU:
      • Intel i7-8700K
      • Memory:
      • 2x8GB Corsiar LPX 3000C15
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 960 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
      • PSU:
      • EVGA G3 750W
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Define C Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus MG279Q
      • Internet:
      • 240mbps Virgin Cable

    Re: First time building a PC

    Yes, but reinstallation is still an issue at some point in recovery. Yes, RAID5 is a better choice if you have enough disks and system downtime is intollerable. But RAID0 can still be ideal as well.. Particularly with certain volumes where array death isn't a huge deal, like operating systems, swap, applications, etc.. And the nice thing about Intel's Matrix RAID is you can create split arrays so you can have OSes on a RAID0 volume, and RAID5 for storing data.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  12. #28
    Senior Member Pob255's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    The land of Brum
    Posts
    10,143
    Thanks
    608
    Thanked
    1,226 times in 1,123 posts
    • Pob255's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus M5A99X EVO
      • CPU:
      • FX8350 & CM Hyper 212+
      • Memory:
      • 4 x 2gb Corsair Vengence 1600mhz cas9
      • Storage:
      • 512gb samsung SSD +1tb Samsung HDD
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EGVA GTX970
      • PSU:
      • Seasonic GX 650W
      • Case:
      • HAF 912+
      • Operating System:
      • W7 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • iiyama XB3270QS-B1 32" IPS 1440p

    Re: First time building a PC

    Just a quick question to Astreal.
    Do you require other bits as well? Monitor? keyboard? mouse?
    Monitor / resolution is a big issues here as that can seriously effect the graphics card you should get.
    Also what games do you plan on playing? some games require far less graphics power than others.

  13. #29
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts

    Re: First time building a PC

    No I already have extra bits, I took a chunck out the original budget for the monitor in the first place.

  14. #30
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by Pob255 View Post
    Just a quick question to Astreal.
    Do you require other bits as well? Monitor? keyboard? mouse?
    Monitor / resolution is a big issues here as that can seriously effect the graphics card you should get.
    Also what games do you plan on playing? some games require far less graphics power than others.
    He/she said the they already have a 24" monitor and have a keyboard and mouse too.

  15. #31
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts

    Re: First time building a PC

    Cat, I need a copy of vista,so as for the case would you recommend a midi or full tower?

    Oh and should I use the stock cooler

  16. #32
    Moosing about! CAT-THE-FIFTH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Not here
    Posts
    32,039
    Thanks
    3,910
    Thanked
    5,224 times in 4,015 posts
    • CAT-THE-FIFTH's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Less E-PEEN
      • CPU:
      • Massive E-PEEN
      • Memory:
      • RGB E-PEEN
      • Storage:
      • Not in any order
      • Graphics card(s):
      • EVEN BIGGER E-PEEN
      • PSU:
      • OVERSIZED
      • Case:
      • UNDERSIZED
      • Operating System:
      • DOS 6.22
      • Monitor(s):
      • NOT USUALLY ON....WHEN I POST
      • Internet:
      • FUNCTIONAL

    Re: First time building a PC

    Quote Originally Posted by Astreal View Post
    Cat, I need a copy of vista,so as for the case would you recommend a midi or full tower?

    Oh and should I use the stock cooler

    I would go fo Vista Basic 64 bit OEM. It lacks the fancy graphical effects of Home Premium and windows media centre but the latter functions can done using free software. You should be able to get a copy for £70.

    Regarding the case size I personally prefer smaller cases but a larger case would mean more expansion possibilities in the future.

    I think that the Antec 300 is a nice case for the price:

    http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143854

    However it would be probably be better to look for one yourself:

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=....283.282.519-0

    http://www.ebuyer.com/search?limit=5...ricelow&page=1

    You have around £60 to £70 for a case in your budget so you should be able to get something reasonably nice!!

    The HD4850X2 is a long card though so you will need a large enough case for it.

    Unless you are overclocking much the stock cooler should be OK!! My advice would be to check temperatures first and see if they are OK. If they are not satisfactory I would then buy an aftermarket cooler. The Phenom II quad core cooler is meant to quite decent though.

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Top 5 All Time Games?
    By Stewart in forum Gaming
    Replies: 199
    Last Post: 30-09-2012, 01:53 AM
  2. Replies: 36
    Last Post: 17-07-2008, 06:24 PM
  3. When's the best time??
    By Mit321 in forum PC Hardware and Components
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 23-10-2007, 10:14 PM
  4. When is the best time to exercise?
    By Taz in forum Sports and Fitness
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-11-2005, 12:21 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •