PC build/upgrade thread

[Bones]

@Stockcar86 I've had it running full time for the last 3-4 years on this, so not sure I'm in your league but it's suited me perfectly fine! Have been able to stream all around the world and used by family all over. Pretty sure what you're getting set up will cope...

Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 Ultra Small Form Factor Desktop PC - (Silver/Black) (Intel Celeron 1017U 1.6GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, LAN, WLAN, Integrated Graphics, Windows https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DPJZQBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p3ypCbAB3Z2M4

[Paekakboyz]

and the new PC runs like a rocket ship. Stoked with it. Got a couple of my fav games on the ssd and the rest will go on the hdd. Need a different dvi plug for one monitor but loving it so far. Still gotta transfer over a bunch of content but it's good to review your digital hoarding and cull some shit!

[Machpants]

No idea where I'll get my decent reviews from now, for new PC parts - gutted

Paul Lilly  /  Mar 19, 2019  /  Processors

HardOCP is getting 'mothballed' as Kyle Bennett leaves to join Intel

End of an era.

[Tim]

[Kirwan]

It’s a shame they use that image because that was an epic entrance.

[Paekakboyz]

aw hells yeah!! 20sec in and I was invested and hooked!

[Tim]

Am I going to have to buy a new GPU?

[JC]

Tangential to the topic, I'm installing a copy of Windows 10 in a virtual machine. I haven't used Windows for years, so can anybody recommend some decent antivirus software that will run happily in the VM without grinding my machine to a halt?

[Rembrandt]

@JC To be honest I've found Avast superior to most paid alternatives over the years. I used to manage IT for a couple of engineering firms that were doing it tough budget wise, moved all there devices across from Trend to the free Avast Business with pretty significant performance improvements on ageing computers and they also seemed better at detections. Haven't tried it in a virtual environment but for free its worth a crack.

[Machpants]

Windows built in Defender is now good enough, esp on a virtual machine

[JC]

Thanks guys, I'll use the Defender and move to Avast if there are any issues.

[antipodean]

@antipodean said in PC build/upgrade thread:

@paekakboyz said in PC build/upgrade thread:

For #1 has anyone run into any must-have tech for a mid-range gaming rig? I'll def be going SSD for OS, maybe even having a second SSD for high use games too. Will be sinking most of the $ into a solid graphics card - yet to do an exhaustive search but know a few sites to check out benchmarks etc. Don't need screens etc so that'll be a tricky way to spend more on the pc he he

It's almost always cheaper to buy a larger capacity SSD than to get two of half the size. E.g. a 500GB Samsung is cheaper than 2 x 250GB

For graphics cards, it's hard to go past a 1080ti at the moment.

For #2 does anyone run a pc as their main entertainment hub?

Yes. I used to have a dedicated HTPC, but there's no need for that these days. I simply run a HDMI 2.1 cable into my smart TV and run Kodi from my main PC. Can control it from my phone or tablet.

Made it easier on myself and built a Raspberry Pi to run Kodi. And by built I mean bought one and installed libreelec (https://libreelec.tv). Something I've been meaning to do for a few years which means it's always on if the wife wants to watch something and freed up a display port on my PC.

[Blackeyeagain]

I don't even bother with cases, just screw the motherboard to a wall, awesome airflow and reduction in dust to clog fins/fans