[CGUYS] Family Project
I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. We have Comcast Cable as an ISP. I have built a computer before (for the office) but the details of a gaming computer needs are a bit arcane for me. We think that we can keep the monitor (LCD) she has. I am under the impression that we start with a case and a power supply (400W or better). After that, I think that the component parts of MoBo, CPU, hard drive, graphics card and operating system need to be picked as to best compatibility. This is where my knowledge begins to lack. Can anyone give me a flowchart process for picking the parts and assembly that would be a good jumping off point for this project? I know that you can always spend more money but I would like to see options and places that we can cut corners. I work in the entertainment business(on the audio side) and often have to suggest upgrades to PA systems for musicians to get the most bang for their buck. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best equipment you can afford that is the human contact point (Best microphones, best speaker cabinets). Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? Tracy Foust **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
I can see how building such a gaming computer would be an interesting project in itself but my advice to you is that you should just buy one but Dell Surplus in the next two weeks... before Jan 31st when their business quarter concludes. (They always dump product via the surplus warehouse just prior to quarter's end) You can't buy the components and OS and put it together for the price Dell or anyone else... would normally charge you for a full priced massed produced gaming computer... not to speak of the warranty they provide ...because of the IMMENSE economies of scale advantage they have. (And they deliver in 5 days!) Secondly, a flow chart isn't going to save you from the very substantial chipsets and component compatibility research task building such a glitch free machine is going to entail. MB's, chips, chipsets, video cards, OS's etc are not PP. Your best bet there would be to follow some tech sites build a gaming computer yourself instructions... if you can find a current one. And you will spend substantially more doing so than buying a pre-manufactured outlet Dell and end up with no warranty and a noisy machine since quiet systems technology isn't available piecemeal unless you go with expensive water cooled tech. Doesn't mean you wouldn't have fun doing it... :) db trac...@aol.com wrote: I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. We have Comcast Cable as an ISP. I have built a computer before (for the office) but the details of a gaming computer needs are a bit arcane for me. We think that we can keep the monitor (LCD) she has. I am under the impression that we start with a case and a power supply (400W or better). After that, I think that the component parts of MoBo, CPU, hard drive, graphics card and operating system need to be picked as to best compatibility. This is where my knowledge begins to lack. Can anyone give me a flowchart process for picking the parts and assembly that would be a good jumping off point for this project? I know that you can always spend more money but I would like to see options and places that we can cut corners. I work in the entertainment business(on the audio side) and often have to suggest upgrades to PA systems for musicians to get the most bang for their buck. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best equipment you can afford that is the human contact point (Best microphones, best speaker cabinets). Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? Tracy Foust **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
The only way to build a game machine yourself these days is to go buy an issue of PC Gamer magazine and turn to the Hard Stuff section. There, you'll find cheap, medium, and dream system components listed. You usually can't go wrong building their medium system. Sometimes you may want to get the video card listed in the Dream system, but only get one of them - not the two card SLI config they usually list. The reason I can't just tell you what it says is because of the video cards, which are your primary concern for gaming. The models change all the time, and the model numbers mean absolutely nothing (higher numbers are sometimes inferior cards). I can't disagree with db that economically it would be cheaper to find a good system on sale. But building your own custom system has many advantages, not the least of which is gaining a familiarity with (and losing one's fear of) computer components. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 9:05 AM, trac...@aol.com wrote: I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. We have Comcast Cable as an ISP. I have built a computer before (for the office) but the details of a gaming computer needs are a bit arcane for me. We think that we can keep the monitor (LCD) she has. I am under the impression that we start with a case and a power supply (400W or better). After that, I think that the component parts of MoBo, CPU, hard drive, graphics card and operating system need to be picked as to best compatibility. This is where my knowledge begins to lack. Can anyone give me a flowchart process for picking the parts and assembly that would be a good jumping off point for this project? I know that you can always spend more money but I would like to see options and places that we can cut corners. I work in the entertainment business(on the audio side) and often have to suggest upgrades to PA systems for musicians to get the most bang for their buck. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best equipment you can afford that is the human contact point (Best microphones, best speaker cabinets). Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
if AMD' and dual core are ok for online gaming, the Compaqs from office depot are extremely inexpensive, and a very good start point. an upgrade video card may be necessary. the very nice price units do not pop up on line, but they are there when called by part number and only for the week the brochure is valid. the brochure can be found online. they deliver(at least to my house) for no charge. i do pay sales tax. these guys have a lot of components, and pretty good descriptions. http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp over 200 mb, over 200video cards. regards jer At 09:05 AM 1/14/2009, you wrote: I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. We have Comcast Cable as an ISP. I have built a computer before (for the office) but the details of a gaming computer needs are a bit arcane for me. We think that we can keep the monitor (LCD) she has. I am under the impression that we start with a case and a power supply (400W or better). After that, I think that the component parts of MoBo, CPU, hard drive, graphics card and operating system need to be picked as to best compatibility. This is where my knowledge begins to lack. Can anyone give me a flowchart process for picking the parts and assembly that would be a good jumping off point for this project? I know that you can always spend more money but I would like to see options and places that we can cut corners. I work in the entertainment business(on the audio side) and often have to suggest upgrades to PA systems for musicians to get the most bang for their buck. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best equipment you can afford that is the human contact point (Best microphones, best speaker cabinets). Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? Tracy Foust **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. Looks like a fine family project. Since you are doing professional audio you probably have seen all kinds of simple electronics put into a snazzy box and sold to musicians for way too much money. To a large extent I suspect that gamers are like musicians. Vendors take advantage of their lack of technical knowledge and overcharge. I also agree with the other posters that a ready-built system is going to cost a lot less than one you build from scratch. I would go for a good ready-built system followed by a systems analysis to identify the parts that would benefit the most from modding. First question is what kind of online games? Is this female going to be more interested in first-person shooters or in social MUD games? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
Actually, I think these are about the same now. The #1 video game today is clearly World of Warcraft (WOW) with some 10-12 million players. It's the old text MUD with graphics, which makes it an FPS. Social text MUDs have, by these standards, virtually disappeared. First question is what kind of online games? Is this female going to be more interested in first-person shooters or in social MUD games? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
I can't say I agree. You may get a cheaper system, but in the end not a better built system. There is also the warranty, buy any computer and you'll get a 1 year warranty, or if you pay quite a lot extra a 3 year. Some companies have longer warranties like cyberypower (haven't checked lately but used to have 3 year warranties). If you get your hard drive(s), I suggest two any way you build it, but if you get your hard drives soon, you can find 5 year warranties on them currently. Last three times I bought motherboards for home built systems for others, I bought the extended warranty from Fry's electronics which put 3 years instant exchange on the board for 30 extra dollars. Keep with known brands for motherboards like asus, gigabyte...even ECS has some good midrange to low end boards that do just fine for most gaming. Check out reviews on newegg.com for other parts like video cards etc. Couple of a days ago there were terabyte seagates on at fry.com for 109, 5 year warranty. Now I check they are 104sheesh I wish I had a couple hundred and I would buy two for a good data mirror for my computers to back up to. http://www.frys.com/product/5478279?site=frysecampaign Mike On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:32 AM, db db...@att.net wrote: I can see how building such a gaming computer would be an interesting project in itself but my advice to you is that you should just buy one but Dell Surplus in the next two weeks... before Jan 31st when their business quarter concludes. (They always dump product via the surplus warehouse just prior to quarter's end) You can't buy the components and OS and put it together for the price Dell or anyone else... would normally charge you for a full priced massed produced gaming computer... not to speak of the warranty they provide ...because of the IMMENSE economies of scale advantage they have. (And they deliver in 5 days!) Secondly, a flow chart isn't going to save you from the very substantial chipsets and component compatibility research task building such a glitch free machine is going to entail. MB's, chips, chipsets, video cards, OS's etc are not PP. Your best bet there would be to follow some tech sites build a gaming computer yourself instructions... if you can find a current one. And you will spend substantially more doing so than buying a pre-manufactured outlet Dell and end up with no warranty and a noisy machine since quiet systems technology isn't available piecemeal unless you go with expensive water cooled tech. Doesn't mean you wouldn't have fun doing it... :) db trac...@aol.com wrote: I have a daughter that has become intrigued by online gaming. In order to further her interest, bond with her and (hopefully) to save some money, we want to make a family project of building a gaming computer for her. We have Comcast Cable as an ISP. I have built a computer before (for the office) but the details of a gaming computer needs are a bit arcane for me. We think that we can keep the monitor (LCD) she has. I am under the impression that we start with a case and a power supply (400W or better). After that, I think that the component parts of MoBo, CPU, hard drive, graphics card and operating system need to be picked as to best compatibility. This is where my knowledge begins to lack. Can anyone give me a flowchart process for picking the parts and assembly that would be a good jumping off point for this project?I know that you can always spend more money but I would like to see options and places that we can cut corners. I work in the entertainment business(on the audio side) and often have to suggest upgrades to PA systems for musicians to get the most bang for their buck. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best equipment you can afford that is the human contact point (Best microphones, best speaker cabinets). Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? Tracy Foust **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! ( http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- Make sure you support your local CarbonONset programs!
[CGUYS] Creative ASIO device error message
My question is: can I make the following changes to the registry of Windows XP Home without fear of creating a big problem? I purchased the latest version of a PC movie maker program (Pinnacle Studio 12) and every time I start the program I receive 5 error messages saying: The Creative ASIO devices have changed. You may need to restart this program before using Creative ASIO devices. I googled this message and found the following advice: == This message is reported by the Creative ASIO drivers. The problem appears that the Creative installer does not clean up the entries in the registry when installing new drivers. Locate this key in your registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ASIO You will find a number of entries in here depending on your system. Locate any entry that says Creative or Audigy. You should only have one entry for the Creative soundcard. If you have more than one, you will have to locate the entries for these labeled: CLSID -Rename one of these to xCLSID -Start your program -If you get the error message, then you may have renamed the wrong one. Go back and rename another CLSID, and name the previously renamed CLSID back to its original name. Go through the list until you find the culprit CLSID. = In fact, I found three CLSID entries in the registry. Do I have to reboot after renaming each? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
Mostly correct, although when gaming...or at the movies or anywhere else where 5.1+ is in use, you don't move your head. Most of us can pick up the sounds coming from different directions without moving...remind me not to sit behind Tom at any movies. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 4:50 PM, Tom Piwowar t...@tjpa.com wrote: Let's not forget, for a gaming system you need 5.1 sound. Not only 5.1 speakers, but a good 5.1 headset too. I use one of the Turtle Beach models. 5.1 headsets? Ho ho ho. I think this is a great example of a fool and his money are soon parted. Exactly what you are goping to need to watch out for. Fact: Most of us (except for the Martians directing Windows 7) have 2 ears. Fact: Headphones inject sound directly into each of our 2 ears. Fact: When the head moves the ears move too and so do the headphones. Fact: The sound field experienced by a headphone wearer does not change as they move their heads. The idea behind 5.1 is to create a complex sound field around the listener to simulate three dimensions. The listener perceives the three dimensions by _moving their heads_. Headphones are 2.0. When you move your head the 2.0 moves with your head. Thus you will not percieve any change in what you hear and therefore no simulated three dimensions. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- Make sure you support your local CarbonONset programs! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
Oh and aside from not wanting to sit behind Tom at the movies: http://www.jr.com/akr8-surround-pc-headphone/pe/TBS_AKR8/#productTabDetails Some argue the merits of such headphones, others hear a considerable difference between these and regular headphones. Fact: Tom should stop calling people fools every time he disagrees with someone, his opinion is not fact no matter how much he wants to to be. Mike On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 5:11 PM, mike xha...@gmail.com wrote: Mostly correct, although when gaming...or at the movies or anywhere else where 5.1+ is in use, you don't move your head. Most of us can pick up the sounds coming from different directions without moving...remind me not to sit behind Tom at any movies. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 4:50 PM, Tom Piwowar t...@tjpa.com wrote: Let's not forget, for a gaming system you need 5.1 sound. Not only 5.1 speakers, but a good 5.1 headset too. I use one of the Turtle Beach models. 5.1 headsets? Ho ho ho. I think this is a great example of a fool and his money are soon parted. Exactly what you are goping to need to watch out for. Fact: Most of us (except for the Martians directing Windows 7) have 2 ears. Fact: Headphones inject sound directly into each of our 2 ears. Fact: When the head moves the ears move too and so do the headphones. Fact: The sound field experienced by a headphone wearer does not change as they move their heads. The idea behind 5.1 is to create a complex sound field around the listener to simulate three dimensions. The listener perceives the three dimensions by _moving their heads_. Headphones are 2.0. When you move your head the 2.0 moves with your head. Thus you will not percieve any change in what you hear and therefore no simulated three dimensions. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- Make sure you support your local CarbonONset programs! -- Make sure you support your local CarbonONset programs! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] ? about download speeds
I don't really understand how to interpret the speed I get on the speed test sites. This is what I got tonight on Speakeasy Download Speed: 16523 kbps (2065.4 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 3077 kbps (384.6 KB/sec transfer rate) I'm on cable. Is this considered a fast download speed? I ask because actual downloads I've been doing tonight are incredibly SLOW. Paula US/IN raven880atindy.net I'm now at the age where I've got to prove that I'm just as good as I never was.Rex Harrison * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] ? about download speeds
2m/380k isn't bad. It's certainly broadband (as defined in the US, anyway). So you're doing fine with downloads from THAT site. Presumably you noticed a problem from another site? If you gave us a link, we could try it. It could be a problem with their server, or any server between you and them. Try a tracert. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 9:39 PM, Paula Minor raven...@gmail.com wrote: I don't really understand how to interpret the speed I get on the speed test sites. This is what I got tonight on Speakeasy Download Speed: 16523 kbps (2065.4 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 3077 kbps (384.6 KB/sec transfer rate) I'm on cable. Is this considered a fast download speed? I ask because actual downloads I've been doing tonight are incredibly SLOW. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
Is there such a rule of thumb in the gaming computer world? Yes. Your graphics subsystem and power supply are the places to spend the bucks. 400W is not nearly enough to run a modern graphics card and processor, plus at a minimum one optical and two or three hard drives, plus other stuff. I had the PS issue on my last build: http://esande.net/features/conroe.html Not exactly professional photography but it gives the idea. This is a fairly old machine but it still rocks, and contrary to opinion it cost less than the equivalent Dell when I built it. Much less. Most folks don't seem to get that you need a LOT of graphics horsepower when gaming. This is completely at variance with what you need for a general purpose office computer. In my experience, that is. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Family Project
Let's not forget, for a gaming system you need 5.1 sound. Not only 5.1 speakers, but a good 5.1 headset too. I use one of the Turtle Beach models. This is news to me. I run the digital stream over an optical cable to a DAC which can feed either my headphones or my main power amp over balanced cables. The DAC functions as the preamp, in other words. I have no use for surround sound at this time. Not that there's anything wrong with surround, but it isn't a make or break issue for gaming. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
