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The Official PC building thread - 4th Edition
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In case you want to ask something like "What components should I pick for my new PC?", start a new topic to our PC building forum.
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19. May 2014 @ 14:41 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Quote:
Jeff: Sounds good on the N64 controller refurb, I'm trying to remember if there was any appreciable difference between my N64 pads new vs. their latter years. I do remember they became a little bit less tactile, and picked up some sort of rattle, but still worked perfectly well enough.
After enough hard use the sticks lose their spring entirely and flop around freely. Several people I know personally have had the same issue. (Any puns not intended lol)

Quote:
I wasn't aware of an official gamecube component cable, but I bought a multi-purpose component cable for around £15 a few years back which covers the gamecube and the PS2.
The component cable for the Gamecube to do progressive scan was only officially available in Japan and has active hardware in it. A pretty price was paid for the official one.

You maybe thinking of composite, as the ONLY component cable ever made for the Gamecube was the official one, and as mentioned above, requires active hardware in-line.



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 19. May 2014 @ 14:44

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19. May 2014 @ 14:50 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
No, I'm thinking of component. Doing some reading a lot of cables like this were 'fake' i.e. sending a composite signal down the component cables, so not ideal, but that's possibly what I bought. If anything, it's more useful for a number of I/O connectors reason than a picture quality reason.

Point well understood about speaker wattage, but they're not the usual standard 2-5W satellites you get with PC speakers, and they can run up to the 110dB @1m mark without much distortion - as I say, plenty good enough.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
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19. May 2014 @ 20:12 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I've got some Altec Lansing 3.5" drivers with a sub that have a sensitivity of 116db @ 1w/1m, not 2.65mV, and they sound good for what they are, but again they are nothing compared to a real stereo and real drivers, not even close! Small drivers and especially ones that can't reproduce tight, strong, lows, can easily be highly efficient for their optimum range, and again that doesn't make them great either. However efficiency is a important factor in some models but there are other models were less efficiency actually works better as dumb as that sounds. Polk Audio speakers are a prime example, with the right size amp a Polk system can sound fantastic, depending.

I also have some older Logitec's and Cambridge surrounds for my PC's that are decent but not serious speakers.

I'm familiar with your speakers and I haven't misrepresented them even if you think they are better than what I think, as I think they are just OK, definitely not seriously high fidelity speakers, truly....

You put your speakers up against my Klipsch and there will be NO CONTEST, night and day in sound environment, not even close.

But that's OK, if you are happy with them good for you, I've had/have much better and have worked around even better stuff than what I have, if only I could afford really high end gear. To a heavy, my gear would be middle/high-end of the road, but to achieve real high-end that would require 10 times to even 100 times what I've spent for my gear, so it's above my pay grade.

In the audio world, especially high-end, spec's are a minimal point as there are too many thing's spec's just do not cover, and I know you want to wrap your hands around that like it will tell the whole truth, when it is only a starting point even if the numbers aren't fudged, as they so often are.
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25. May 2014 @ 02:32 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Likewise I've been pretty busy figuring my life out so haven't been posting much lately. I haven't posted in the majority of the forums for about a year, but I do keep up with 5 or 6 major threads and post in those when I have valid input.

As far as audio quality, the cheapo Logitech X-530 setup I've had forever is surprisingly good. There is definitely enough quality in the speakers to easily tell the difference between onboard sound and my $150 X-Fi sound card. 70W RMS 7.4 watts x 4, plus 15.5 watt center speaker and 25-watt subwoofer.

The subwoofer is more than enough to rattle windows and have my parents at the other end of the house yelling :) I almost always leave the sub's power knob turned to the minimum setting and the sound card's Bass Redirection at 150-200Hz. Otherwise it's sometimes overwhelming. Not the most responsive bass, but certainly not muddy. The satellites/center are likewise more capable than their wattage would suggest. Quite powerful sound for what they are. Any proper set of stereo equipment is going to whomp them, but they are a standout product in their class. I can't speak for their ability to fill a larger room. Never tried it.



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388
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25. May 2014 @ 06:38 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I can get the neighbors yelling down the block but that's no indicator. There is a kid at work with his smart phone that we yell at when he is playing his RAP (CRAP), I know you like crap. ;P

Jeff if you listen to a decent stereo verses your 530's or Sam's 550's you wouldn't even consider an argument, truly!

This is the point as you stated...
Quote:
Any proper set of stereo equipment is going to whomp them
FYI, if you guys are thinking of a UHD TV Vizio is coming out with a 50", 55", and 65" for a $1000 to $1500 this fall, it is well worth the money at that price.
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25. May 2014 @ 14:15 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I really need a second job again! So I can afford the good toys. My brother is trying to push me into big truck driving for UPS. I'd make a great deal of money, but I hate night time driving :S

I always said I wouldn't work for the money though, unless I enjoyed it. Sitting in a truck driving all the time, isn't my idea of fun. Sitting at a desk employed by a large name like Nvidia or Microsoft sounds appealing though :D Wish in one hand though...

I suppose that money could certainly get me started though. The more toys I own, the more I learn. I have all the time in the world, but no money :(



To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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25. May 2014 @ 17:16 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
I can get the neighbors yelling down the block but that's no indicator. There is a kid at work with his smart phone that we yell at when he is playing his RAP (CRAP), I know you like crap. ;P

Jeff if you listen to a decent stereo verses your 530's or Sam's 550's you wouldn't even consider an argument, truly!

This is the point as you stated...
Quote:
Any proper set of stereo equipment is going to whomp them
FYI, if you guys are thinking of a UHD TV Vizio is coming out with a 50", 55", and 65" for a $1000 to $1500 this fall, it is well worth the money at that price.
Hey I've got a better taste in music than that :P



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13
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25. May 2014 @ 18:07 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by sammorris:
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
I can get the neighbors yelling down the block but that's no indicator. There is a kid at work with his smart phone that we yell at when he is playing his RAP (CRAP), I know you like crap. ;P

Jeff if you listen to a decent stereo verses your 530's or Sam's 550's you wouldn't even consider an argument, truly!

This is the point as you stated...
Quote:
Any proper set of stereo equipment is going to whomp them
FYI, if you guys are thinking of a UHD TV Vizio is coming out with a 50", 55", and 65" for a $1000 to $1500 this fall, it is well worth the money at that price.
Hey I've got a better taste in music than that :P

You have great taste in music Sam, at least from what I'm aware of, now Jeff that's a whole different story.... LOL

Kev, I get it, the money would be great but the job, not so, I'm like you, I want to enjoy what I'm doing too.
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25. May 2014 @ 19:00 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
LOL I think I've got pretty good taste in music. I don't really listen to rap. Lots of older music though. Fleetwood Mac is probably my favorite band :)



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388
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25. May 2014 @ 19:28 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I listen to just about anything. I try to be open. But I must admit, I have not found much rap (at all) that I find agreeable.

80s rock, and modern metal are my more favored, but... I can easily start listening to Enya shortly after xD



To delete, or not to delete. THAT is the question!
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25. May 2014 @ 20:58 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Fleetwood Mac is fantastic! They have 8 new songs and are working together again. The new CD should be out in 2015.

I do like some RAP, very little really, but Kid Rock, Nelly and one or two others is all I can muster. I use to be a Country fan, not so much now. I like Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country Rock, 50's to present, Motown, and even some Swing from the 40's (big band) among many other genre's

Blues is my favorite, Robert Cray, Ana Popovic, Clapton, Jeff Beck, all of the King boys and a ton more.

Ana Popovic


This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 25. May 2014 @ 21:00

sytyguy
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25. May 2014 @ 23:51 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:


FYI, if you guys are thinking of a UHD TV Vizio is coming out with a 50", 55", and 65" for a $1000 to $1500 this fall, it is well worth the money at that price.
But where is the content for UHD? Are there UHD DVD's out there. It seems, if there are any content, it has to be very limited..........so what's the point in purchasing a UHD TV now?
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25. May 2014 @ 23:57 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
UHD/4K/8K is strictly limited to tailor-made content and PC screen realestate/gaming for now.

UHD seems a rather long way off for me personally. I'm still contemplating 2560 x 1440 for my own uses, and really only for the extra size. 1920 x 1200/1080p have always been fantastic resolutions for my needs :)



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388
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26. May 2014 @ 06:45 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by sytyguy:
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:


FYI, if you guys are thinking of a UHD TV Vizio is coming out with a 50", 55", and 65" for a $1000 to $1500 this fall, it is well worth the money at that price.
But where is the content for UHD? Are there UHD DVD's out there. It seems, if there are any content, it has to be very limited..........so what's the point in purchasing a UHD TV now?

Netflix has UHD. There are more then 50 movies right now that are in UHD but you either have to stream them or get them on HDD.

There is no format right now cast in stone for Blu-ray but it is very close and will be released soon. Then the movies will flood the market as directors have been shooting 4K/8K movies for some time now. One of the first to be shot in 4K was the "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2008)", that's 6 years ago.

What Jeff says is not true there is plenty of content out there and now that prices have dropped for the TV's there is a surge for content, by next year you will see a huge jump towards UHD. Vizio will be coming out with UHD 50-65" TV's for $1000-$1500 this fall. My mom has viewed my TV and now she wants one and that is without showing her UHD content, just upscaled 1080i.

Although 1080p is real nice, 4K is 4 times nicer, much! and is most definitely distinguished between the two. Here is another very important point, 4K can viewed very close to the TV unlike 4x less sets like 1080p and the side-to-side and up-down viewing is much better too.

If you need a new TV it's a no brainier to upgrade to a UHD TV like I did.
sytyguy
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26. May 2014 @ 07:57 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I think I will hold off for a while, since I purchased in 2012 a Samsung Plasma PN64D8000 3D TV, and a Samsung 55 LED 3D, plus 2 3D players. I think I'm good to go for sometime now. I must admit I am really disappointed in 3D. I remember many years ago when 3D came out in the movies, objects would actually jump out of the screen heading right at you, and me ducking thinking they were going to hit me. Not so now.

But, thanks for the info.
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26. May 2014 @ 11:02 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Hmmm $1000+ for a TV, or $400 for my current TV... neither of which I'll use much at all.

The only console I play regularly is the N64 at 640 x 480 max for the really impressive games. I just seriously have zero need for such an expensive TV. By the time I've gone to the effort of even plugging in my HDMI cable and switching monitors(which takes all of 30 seconds) I've already decided it's just easier to use my monitors. Also, HD film doesn't really trip my trigger. Of course I have a fine eye for detail, and can easily enjoy HD for what it is, I just don't give a damn. Heck, my parents are still using tube televisions and haven't even thought about an upgrade. It's just that we've had high resolution film for ages, so it has no real novelty for me. A DVD is enough to shut me up.

Also, IMO there is a certainly a point where film is too high of a resolution. 8K approaches that. I don't want to count blackheads and pores, or see how terribly edited the effects are... Many films can suffer horribly from the HD treatment. Star Wars being a good example. Some scenes simply look bad at 1080p due to the low budget of the film, and George Lucas' CGI sodomy didn't help matters much(seriously, it's not even good quality CGI like the other Star Wars films).

Also, have watched Avatar in its original resolution, 2048x1152, upscaled on a 4K television. The biggest thing I noticed? The blocky geometry and limited texture resolution, not to mention some effects did not blend well at all.

Don't get me wrong, 4K and 8K are great. Good to see consumers finally buying things that don't patently suck for once. They do make flaws in filming stick out like a sore thumb though.



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 26. May 2014 @ 11:16

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26. May 2014 @ 11:09 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Recently discovered this subreddit:

http://www.reddit.com/r/battlestations/top/

True ridiculousness, e.g.





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26. May 2014 @ 11:17 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Have seen this one before. I always thought those PCI-E ribbons were neat.



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 26. May 2014 @ 11:17

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26. May 2014 @ 20:49 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by sytyguy:
I think I will hold off for a while, since I purchased in 2012 a Samsung Plasma PN64D8000 3D TV, and a Samsung 55 LED 3D, plus 2 3D players. I think I'm good to go for sometime now. I must admit I am really disappointed in 3D. I remember many years ago when 3D came out in the movies, objects would actually jump out of the screen heading right at you, and me ducking thinking they were going to hit me. Not so now.

But, thanks for the info.

In the 1950's ? or one of the more recent rebakes of 3D. You are right the original 3D some 50+ years ago was better and one of the rebakes in the 70's-80's was too but it isn't so great now. However the new curved screens are much better then a flat screen 3D.

If you don't need a TV right now I'd wait too but I must say this new HU8550 or HU9000 are much better then my Samsung Plasma and of course LED/LCD's 1080p.
sytyguy
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26. May 2014 @ 23:18 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Good to know, thanks.
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27. May 2014 @ 12:41 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
The only 3D I've actually used in someone's home was with a Sony TV and active glasses in a PS3 game designed as a 3D showcase. I thought it was extremely impressive for what it was. The game, Killzone 3, was a really great game too. Had exceptional graphics even without the 3D. Certainly shifted my opinion on 3D somewhat.

Plasma has never impressed me in the slightest. Hot running TVs with a limited lifespan by design and honestly I don't see the image quality or color benefit on even very expensive ones. LED to me is a more pleasing to the eye. I am very much a fan of LED.



AMD Phenom II X6 1100T 4GHz(20 x 200) 1.5v 3000NB 2000HT, Corsair Hydro H110 w/ 4 x 140mm 1500RPM fans Push/Pull, Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5, 8GB(2 x 4GB) G.Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600 @ 1600MHz CL9 1.55v, Gigabyte GTX760 OC 4GB(1170/1700), Corsair 750HX
Detailed PC Specs: http://my.afterdawn.com/estuansis/blog_entry.cfm/11388

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27. May 2014 @ 12:46

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27. May 2014 @ 13:30 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Fleetwood Mac is fantastic! They have 8 new songs and are working together again. The new CD should be out in 2015.

I do like some RAP, very little really, but Kid Rock, Nelly and one or two others is all I can muster. I use to be a Country fan, not so much now. I like Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country Rock, 50's to present, Motown, and even some Swing from the 40's (big band) among many other genre's

Blues is my favorite, Robert Cray, Ana Popovic, Clapton, Jeff Beck, all of the King boys and a ton more.

Ana Popovic

[/quo


Damn had a hell of a time logging in, finally, anyway I didn't think anybody but myself listened to Ana, my wife and I blues, southern rock,and never forget to mention the great Allman Brothers. oldies is our music, please nobody even mention rap, punk or heavy medal in that order, to me thats puke time uuuuugggg!!!!
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27. May 2014 @ 14:39 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
That's funny Fred.... I just love Ana but have never had the opportunity to go see her in concert the few times she has made it across the pound, but hopefully she will be back soon and I'm going to make sure I see her this time around, even if I have to go to NY to see her.

Sorry for not mentioning the Almond Brothers, a slight oversight in my old age! LOL ;P
ddp
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27. May 2014 @ 14:50 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
pond as in water pond not pound as in pound of meat.
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27. May 2014 @ 15:07 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
OK, so I'm looking for a pound of meat... I just checked and she is touring over here right now but I won't make it unless I can get her when she comes back across the pond from the tour she is on now. It's possible I can see her in August.

Not many ponds in Canada Ah! :D

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27. May 2014 @ 15:08

 
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