Need a new Computer

B

Blindy

EGO Is My Life!
=(e)=
Joined
Jan 1, 2010
Messages
8,565
Hey everyone,

I am looking to get a new computer because mine is 3 1/2 years old and is starting to run in to issues with the display drivers crashing repeatedly, and I figure that this one is about to die. I've put in well over $1000 over the last year and it'll work completely fine and then start screwing up.

I reside in Canada so I'll need a company that will ship here.

I am looking for a computer in the price range of $500 that will allow me to play all the top of the line games, such as BF3, CS:GO, and other games that'll be coming out.

I prefer that the computer be built already when it's shipped unless someone is willing to walk me through building it on vent, lol.

Thanks for any help,

Blindy
 
Well, perhaps if you've put money into it, it isnt all that bad. What are the current specs of your PC? Was it custom or prebuilt?

Some of your issues may lie in software too. Reinstalling your OS can work miracles.
 
It was custom built by a company in the local town that I lived in a few years ago.

Specs:

Operating System: Windows 8 Pro 64-bit (6.2, Build 9200)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTS 250

I've reinstalled my operating system, and like I said, whenever I've brought it in to get work done, it's fine but over time, it starts messing up. I can't even play CS:GO without lagging and it's not an issue with my internet connection.
 
You don't need a new one. I run much older than you and run BF3 perfectly.

Your main issue has to be Windows 8. I bet if you went back to Windows 7 your problems will be gone.

Only thing you may need to do is get a good video card. What is you PSU rating?
 
Your CPU isn't bad at all, and you seem to have plenty of RAM. Is it adequately cooled? Download HWMonitor to check the temperatures there.

I can recommend getting a new GPU. Yours wasn't exactly fantastic to begin with.

Take a look at this GPU http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_557_558&item_id=052906

Me and my friend got that GPU, its an absolute tank and the specs are great. Good cooling on it too.

Perhaps also look at new RAM. 6GB is a bit of an odd number. See how many slots are open there. As its a desktop I expect 2-4 slots... so 4 x 2GB sticks would work well, and wouldn't cost much.

Windows 8 may also hate your drivers and configuration. See if Windows 7 reacts the same way.
 
Frank Booth said:
You don't need a new one. I run much older than you and run BF3 perfectly.

Your main issue has to be Windows 8. I bet if you went back to Windows 7 your problems will be gone.

Only thing you may need to do is get a good video card. What is you PSU rating?
Click to expand...

I'm a noob at this stuff, how do you find your PSU rating?

I had these issues before I switched over to Windows 8. They actually seemed to decrease a bit, as in frequency of the game displaying a black screen, or display drivers crashing and so on.

iSimon said:
Your CPU isn't bad at all, and you seem to have plenty of RAM. Is it adequately cooled? Download HWMonitor to check the temperatures there.

I can recommend getting a new GPU. Yours wasn't exactly fantastic to begin with.

Take a look at this GPU http://www.canadacomputers.com/produ...item_id=052906

Me and my friend got that GPU, its an absolute tank and the specs are great. Good cooling on it too.

Perhaps also look at new RAM. 6GB is a bit of an odd number. See how many slots are open there. As its a desktop I expect 2-4 slots... so 4 x 2GB sticks would work well, and wouldn't cost much.

Windows 8 may also hate your drivers and configuration. See if Windows 7 reacts the same way.
Click to expand...

I don't mind having to buy a new graphics card but I want to be 100% sure that it is the problem. I can run DoDS, CSS, etc no problem but I also use EVGA precision to monitor my temperatures and fan speeds, and when it's set at 40% my computer heats up to around 60 degrees celsius.
 
How many watts is your PSU rated for? It should say on it on the side somewhere. If you don't supply enough juice it chokes. Also, if you buy a new video card you need to meet that power rating in wattage.

I would just upgrade the ram to Corsair dominator and a good GPU and you're set for 3 more years. About 400 bucks? That CPU is sweet. I run a quad core, older than yours, at 2.4 ghz with an ATI 6670.

We need to see what it looks like. Show us a picture from the top. As Simon said, six gigs is weird, could be a mismatch in your RAM, or not installed in matching channels.
 
The GTX 660 ti can handle anything you throw at it for 300 dollars, and its power rating is around 200 watts under a FULL 100 percent power usage, in BF3 and such itll be around 115 to 120 watts itll be using up. Your CPU is fine, and for gaming all you need is 6gb ram, anymore than that for just strictly gaming is pointless to have. Just make sure you have a 650w PSU with bronze or higher rating. And upgrade your GPU. other than that, your good. But one thing, what motherboard do you have? Faulty BIOS could be causing issues. You shouldnt lag in CS:GO with your current setup at all.
 
Frank Booth said:
How many watts is your PSU rated for? It should say on it on the side somewhere. If you don't supply enough juice it chokes. Also, if you buy a new video card you need to meet that power rating in wattage.

I would just upgrade the ram to Corsair dominator and a good GPU and you're set for 3 more years. About 400 bucks? That CPU is sweet. I run a quad core, older than yours, at 2.4 ghz with an ATI 6670.

We need to see what it looks like. Show us a picture from the top. As Simon said, six gigs is weird, could be a mismatch in your RAM, or not installed in matching channels.
Click to expand...

I looked inside the side of my case and can't see anything that says watts.

I know it's a bit dusty but:

PC1_zpsa90d428a.jpg

PC_zps13594f01.jpg
 
Last edited:
A few things. The fact that you are saying you have 6.x GB of RAM makes me think of a fairly common issue. When you right click "Computer" and click properties does it say you actually have 8GB but t hat 6.14 are available? if so you need to run MSConfig go to the boot tab -> Advanced Options -> and make sure maximum memory is NOT selected. While you're in there if there is a check box in "Number of Processors" unselect that also. It is set in BIOS and doesn't need to be set here unless you're throttling down, in both cases. Other than that I'd suggest re-installing drivers if you haven't already.

If you're looking to upgrade your graphics card I'd go with something reasonable like: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130841

It'll buy you a few years without breaking you. If you need a new PSU I'd get something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151124

It's plenty of power for your needs and Seasonic is arguably the best in the business at power supplies.

As for your particular crashes, are you getting blue screens, are there any error messages you're seeing? I might be able to help you more if I have more details. Sorry for the wall of text, I just wanted to be thorough.
 
I'd upgrade the PSU first. Corsair and Seasonic make the best PSU's out their for efficiency and warranties, and great customer support. My Corsair 650 watt was 60 bucks brand new.
 
fetterEsel said:
I'd upgrade the PSU first. Corsair and Seasonic make the best PSU's out their for efficiency and warranties, and great customer support. My Corsair 650 watt was 60 bucks brand new.
Click to expand...

He already has a 750W PSU that's fairly good..


We narrowed things down to his GPU. We also found a newer one that should work well.
 
iSimon said:
He already has a 750W PSU that's fairly good..


We narrowed things down to his GPU. We also found a newer one that should work well.
Click to expand...

The PSU has three rails at 19 amps each, thats unsafe. Those three rails can fail, and short out a lot of stuff, causing a house fire. The new PSU's are better. One rail, my PSU has one rail at 54 amps i believe to the 12 volts positive. I just want people to be safe than sorry.... I have had bad experiences with PSU's so i researched them. I just want him to have good luck rather than bad luck is all. :)
 
fetterEsel said:
The PSU has three rails at 19 amps each, thats unsafe. Those three rails can fail, and short out a lot of stuff, causing a house fire. The new PSU's are better. One rail, my PSU has one rail at 54 amps i believe to the 12 volts positive. I just want people to be safe than sorry.... I have had bad experiences with PSU's so i researched them. I just want him to have good luck rather than bad luck is all. :)
Click to expand...

I've been running this 750W power supply for 3 1/2 year and haven't had any issues with it shortening out, or causing other issues. *Knock on wood*

I am going to upgrade my graphics card at the end of this month and see what happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

LukePyro
  • Article Article
Community Thoughts On GTA VI: An Extended Look
Replies
2
Views
170
Sterling
Sterling
frio
  • Article Article
Trouble In Terrorist Town For Dummies: How To Play TTT
Replies
4
Views
136
Vari
Vari
Saf
  • Sticky
Official eGO Minecraft Player Guide
Replies
1
Views
1K
Saf
Saf

Latest posts

Back
Top