MAINGEAR Forums http://maingearforums.com/ MAINGEAR Custom Computers discussion forum and community. en Thu, 17 May 2012 18:19:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://maingearforums.com/images/styles/DarkCore/misc/rss.png MAINGEAR Forums http://maingearforums.com/ Diablo III Maingear http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5588-Diablo-III-Maingear&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 01:00:18 GMT I want to win the MAINGEAR Diablo III machine because I want to be the devils avenger I want to win the MAINGEAR Diablo III machine because I want to be the devils avenger ]]> The Lounge Stand189 http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5588-Diablo-III-Maingear I now own an Alt-15 http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5586-I-now-own-an-Alt-15&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 22:11:04 GMT I was searching around for a new laptop for work/school when I wandered across Maingear after extensive searching and comparinig different companies.... I was searching around for a new laptop for work/school when I wandered across Maingear after extensive searching and comparinig different companies. From the start I was assured it would be a safe purchase after reading some of the many positive reviews in these forums, (I scoured about 250 reviews from different sites and didn't find a single legitimate negative review).

Speccing it out was no nonsense and simple, as was the ordering process. Timely emails, keeping me up to date on everything were nice, and it was shipped out and delivered as expected. It showed up at my door in perfect condition and I was surprised after I unboxed it that included were a toolkit and mousepad in the personal binder. Bonus points right there.

After the initial examination, I plugged it in and fired it up. No problems whatsoever. Windows rating of 6.7/7.9 (based on graphics) beating my current desktop. Let's just say I love it and will be buying from them again to replace my desktop, and I built my last 2 desktops so it's not like I need to. I just really appreciate the work they put into their systems, taking all the hassle out of it, and delivering an amazing product.

Thank you. :D

R. Reedy

Alt-15
1080p glossy display
i7-2670 2.2
8G Corsair DDR3 1600
180G Corsair Force SSD
My own external HD ]]> Customer Reviews doubleR http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5586-I-now-own-an-Alt-15 Laptop for Microsoft FSX order information http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5584-Laptop-for-Microsoft-FSX-order-information&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 02:16:56 GMT Hi,

I've noticed that the CTO replies to this forum and I've read good reviews from MaximumPC so I registered here.

I'd like to know the specs and recommendation for a laptop that will play Microsoft FSX with photoreal scenery without stutters or any other issues. Specifically, the processor and video card. I am not sold on SSD's so will go with 750GB drives unless you offer 1TB drives. If you have a processor or GPU upgrade that is almost through the pipeline, please make me aware of that. I'm not critical on screen size. If it looks great on your upcoming 11" or anything other than the 17", I'm fine with that. I just want something to run FSX without any bottlenecks.

I know I can simply order a laptop with all the most expensive parts but I have to eat also :)

All I want is something that will run FSX with all the sliders maxed out. I know a desktop is better but it needs to be a laptop. It will be plugged in so I'm not concerned about battery life.

Thank you for your time.

Bobby ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice Bobby1 http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5584-Laptop-for-Microsoft-FSX-order-information Available optical drives on F131? http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5583-Available-optical-drives-on-F131&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 22:45:14 GMT Hi,

I'm looking to configure my first Maingear. I noticed that the Tech Specs for F131 lists the 12X LG SuperMulti Blu-ray/DVD Burner with Software as an option for one of the optical drives. But when configuring the system, this option is no longer there. Is it out of stock? I know there is an option for the external Blu-ray burner, but I'm looking to not have any external parts as that's just another item in an already busy office.

Thanks. ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice theiangelo http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5583-Available-optical-drives-on-F131 Upgrading System SSD: Questions and Advice http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5582-Upgrading-System-SSD-Questions-and-Advice&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 15:33:59 GMT The SSD I use as my system drive is becoming dangerously full (I have cleaned and removed as much bloat as I can). I want to buy a larger SSD... The SSD I use as my system drive is becoming dangerously full (I have cleaned and removed as much bloat as I can).

I want to buy a larger SSD drive and (I believe) do a clean install of Windows. Do you guys have any recommendations in regard to a clean install vs. a complete system transfer to the new drive?

Likewise, is it good/possible to buy an SSD that will fit in the Front-mounted 3 Drive SATA Hotswap on my Shift? I would like to keep my current drive, just use the new one for my system folder.

I appreciate any guidance. ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice Dragonmaw http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5582-Upgrading-System-SSD-Questions-and-Advice <![CDATA[Assassin's Creed III]]> http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5580-Assassin-s-Creed-III&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 18:33:38 GMT "On this land, I am torn. Part of me wants to fight, and repel all outsiders. The other part of me, is the outsider. In the name of liberty, I will fight the enemy, regardless of their alligence. While men of courage write history of this day, the future of our land depends on those who are truly free."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ke_1...feature=colike


Mother of Altair... ]]> PC and Console Gaming MnemonicSyntax http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5580-Assassin-s-Creed-III Ex-L15 Laptop http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5578-Ex-L15-Laptop&goto=newpost Fri, 04 May 2012 04:37:25 GMT So im planning to get a laptop for college. So far im looking at the Ex-L15 but im debating about getting the 670 or the 675 with it, would it really... So im planning to get a laptop for college. So far im looking at the Ex-L15 but im debating about getting the 670 or the 675 with it, would it really make a difference? Im also wondering why it cost $100 more for the super stock :(. ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice Inspector http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5578-Ex-L15-Laptop Swapping out liquid-cooled CPUs http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5577-Swapping-out-liquid-cooled-CPUs&goto=newpost Tue, 01 May 2012 19:37:57 GMT I have never had a system with liquid cooling before, so I'm trying to get educated.

What is involved in changing a CPU that has a liquid cooling system on it? Are special adhesives involved to keep the water block attached to the CPU? Any special tools or knowledge required? Does MainGear do anything different from other companies in this respect, that may make it easier or harder to perform this? ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice ChrisM http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5577-Swapping-out-liquid-cooled-CPUs Future CPU upgrade http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5576-Future-CPU-upgrade&goto=newpost Tue, 01 May 2012 19:31:04 GMT Intel's next "tock" forward, i.e. "Haswell", is due around June next year. It is going to use an entirely new socket type - LGA 1150. So if buying a new computer now, either LGA 1155 (SandyBridge/IvyBridge) or LGA 2011 (SandyBridge-E), it would mean that future processors will not fit either of the current sockets.

I haven't monitored this transition in the past, so I'm curious if other people will know. How long after a new line of processors and new socket is released until Intel is no longer making upgrades for the previous sockets? In other words, if buying a new computer right now, is it safe to assume that there will be no processor worth upgrading to in the next 3 years that would still fit on the same motherboard? ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice ChrisM http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5576-Future-CPU-upgrade I7 2700k vs i7 3770K http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5575-I7-2700k-vs-i7-3770K&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:45:24 GMT Hey Guys after a long wait im pretty much ready to order my next gaming pc after a very long hiatus from pc gaming in general. With Ivy Bridge just... Hey Guys after a long wait im pretty much ready to order my next gaming pc after a very long hiatus from pc gaming in general. With Ivy Bridge just released this week I am torn between an I7 2700k and a I7 3770K, I have been reading reviews on Ivy Bridge and the reviewers have noted the heat generated by the Ivy Bridge CPU is pretty high, any thoughts? ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice ace4209 http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5575-I7-2700k-vs-i7-3770K The Potenza - Yes, 450W 80 Plus Bronze is more than enough. ;) http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5574-The-Potenza-Yes-450W-80-Plus-Bronze-is-more-than-enough-)&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:29:09 GMT Had to field this question a couple of times today. I wanted to share with you some of our findings while validating the GTX 680.

If you'll notice, the driving force behind going to mATX and mini-ITX was the dramatic decrease in power consumption that modern day lithography processes affords us.

This means that conventional wisdom regarding PSU requirements (yes, you can run dual GTX 680's in SLI on a Seasonic X-660W) needs to be rethought.

So, here are some things we found in regards to the Potenza Super Stock:

With a Core i7 3770K at 4.6GHz AND a GTX 680, running Unigine's Heaven 2.5 benchmark which is a feature rich DX11 benchmark that can really load down a GPU, we are pulling 275 watts from the wall. That means about 15% less is actually being required by the system from the power supply, if you factor in inefficiencies.

To further push this configuration, we started up Prime95, which places the Potenza Super Stock in a highly unrealistic situation where both the CPU and GPU are under nearly 100% load (in gaming you're either going to be CPU or GPU limited, so getting them both to peg at 100% is very difficult with modern multi-core CPUs.) This setup peaked at 350W from the wall, 100W less than even the rated DC power of the power supply.

And finally, I wanted to show you a screenshot of the system running Heaven with EVGA's Precision X utility that also shows how GPU Boost is not being limited, either. The GTX 680 has a minimum GPU Boost clock of 1058MHz. Anything after that is going to vary chip to chip and game to game. This screenshot shows a frequency of 1084MHz.

WP_000034.jpg

Also, note that the fan speed is at 59%. The GTX 680 doesn't become borderline "loud" until 70-75% load.

So I hope this answers some of your questions, please feel free to ask more!
Attached Images
]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice ChrisMorley http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5574-The-Potenza-Yes-450W-80-Plus-Bronze-is-more-than-enough-) Which case? http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5573-Which-case&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:23:17 GMT Ok guys. I will be placing my order in the next couple of weeks. I've been looking at the shft all along, but looked at the F131 today and I'm liking the pricing. I love the size of the shift, but what I'm seeing now may change my decision. The shift setup I was looking at was approximately $3800. I looked at a similar setup on the F131 and saw a huge price difference, so I upgraded it to a bigger OS SSD and a 2TB 2nd drive as opposed to a 1TB. Also added a 2nd 680 to go SLI. There are a few other differences due to allowed options. On the shift I had planned to do the HD hot swaps and I was going to go with the 1000 watt PSU. The F131 does not have the option of hot swaps and only offers up to 850 watt PSU. Will that power 2 680's and over clocked components? Also the F131 will have a 3770K as opposed to a 2600K. With those changes the F131 is still several hundred dollars cheaper. What are your thoughts guys? I have read up a lot on hardware, but this will be my first power pc. Tell me if I'm missing something important, or if you have any suggestions. ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice Stumpy McNubbins http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5573-Which-case Computer Desk advice http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5571-Computer-Desk-advice&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:39:42 GMT I'm new to the forums, but I placed an order for a SS Shift about a week ago. Reading all of the reviews on the forum has me stoked. But while I wait on the system build process, I need to find a home for this bad boy, and my current computer desk isn't going to cut it.

Does anyone know of a desk manufacturer who specializes in large CPU tower designs? I have two kids, and I'm a little weary putting the PC on the floor where it can be kicked, spilled on, etc. Yet it seems that every desk I look at is built to house a mid-size tower. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, on a side note, I talked to someone on the phone who said getting part of the hard drive partitioned for a Kubuntu install isn't a problem, but that the builder won't install the Linux OS on site. Is there any way around that?

Thanks in advance, and I'm looking forward to getting that beast in the door. ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice Talm http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5571-Computer-Desk-advice Guild Wars 2 http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5570-Guild-Wars-2&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:11 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OyHwqokkKk I will be playing Beta in 4 hours. They warn it will be CPU limited, with a 3960x SBe at 4.7, I... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OyHwqokkKk

I will be playing Beta in 4 hours.

They warn it will be CPU limited, with a 3960x SBe at 4.7, I think I'll be okay. ]]> PC and Console Gaming Andy Hilton http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5570-Guild-Wars-2 New Desktop Line? http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5569-New-Desktop-Line&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:25:53 GMT So I noticed the new desktop line, and while I'm sure you guys don't want to release anything yet, are these two new smaller ones to be like mini-Shifts or something?

Secondly, what does this mean for the Shift itself? I know many companies are going smaller since HP did it with the Firebird system (blah) and Alienware has as well, but they also lost out on their larger, beefier systems. Please tell me you guys plan on continuing to offer those too. :( ]]> Configuration Discussions and Advice MnemonicSyntax http://maingearforums.com/showthread.php?5569-New-Desktop-Line