FAQ Guide: Table of Contents - Feedback Wanted

PC FAQ GUIDE

By G013M, KRALL, nutDAVE3, DIRKVDV01 & GOG

INTRODUCTION

Welcome fellow Gamespot forumites to the PC FAQ Guide! Hopefully this guide helps solve your questions, or help fill in any gaps in your knowledge of PC Hardware and Software!

CONTRIBUTERS

While there may only be four names under the title, those alone could not have made this guide into what it currently is; and here is a list of everyone who contributed in someway to this FAQ.

Gregoroth, gouldguitarist, Larrymon2000, 9mmSpliff, LordEC911, Wesker776, _christoph, The_WestSider, Drunkentig3r, Generalkill8888, Yahiko182, theragu40, Mar044, brooklotzkar, MrWizard8800, GTR2addict, subrosian, __JMAR_

So a large thank you to the group of them, and don't forget to spam their inboxes with messages of thanks and marriage proposals. Also heading their way is a large complementary box of homemade cookies!
Mmm... Gotta love that.

CONTENTS

HARDWARE

1. Hardware - Inner : Section 1
1.1 CPU - Ranking Chart
1.2 Video Card- Ranking Chart
1.3 RAM (Memory)
1.4 Motherboard
1.5 Soundcard
1.6 Physics Accelerator
1.7 BIOS

2. Hardware - Inner : Section 2
2.1 Hard-Drive
2.2 CD/DVD Driver/Burner

3. Hardware - Inner : Section 3
3.1 PSU
3.2 Cooling
3.3 Lighting
3.4 Other Case Mods

4. Hardware - External
4.1 Monitor
4.2 Casing
4.3 Mouse and Keyboard
4.4 Speakers
4.5 Rig Ratings, Specs & Pictures

5. Hardware - Purchasing
5.1 Where to Buy - N. America
5.2 Where to Buy - S. America
5.3 Where to Buy - Europe
5.4 Where to Buy - Africa
5.5 Where to Buy - Asia
5.6 Where to Buy - Oceania

6. Hardware - Parts Search Engines

7. Hardware - Deal/Coupon Sites

5. Hardware - Other
5.1 Overclocking - CPU
5.2 Overclocking - GPU
5.3 How to Build a PC
5.4 Brand Vs. Pre-Built
5.5 RAID
5.6 Hardware Life Spans (Estimates)

SOFTWARE

1. Software - OS
1.1 Which OS?
1.2 Vista Vs. XP

2. Software - Drivers
2.1. Video Card Drivers
2.2 Soundcard Drivers

3. Software - Technology
3.1 DirectX 10

4. Software - Applications
3.1 Overclocking (CPU/GPU Testing)
3.2 Optimization (Disk/Registry/Starup Cleanup)
3.3 Harddrive Maintenance (Partition/Cloning)
3.4 Must Have Apps (Music/Desktop/ETC)
3.5 Antivirus & Spyware Removal Tools & Sites
3.6 Benchmark Thread

GLOSSARY

1. Glossary

The guide is approximately 40% done and at this point we would like to see if there is any other topics you guys would like to see covered and if you have any other feedback you'd like to offer.

I don't think we need any new helpers at this point, but if you're interested please say so here and I'll contact you about it if the need arises.

Thank you :)

Well, what do you guys have left to do? I could try to bang up something if it's an area I feel comfortable lecturing on.

Edit: You can probably send me a note to help keep this clean. For that matter, I probably should have done the same to you. Also, you'll delete this post before the guide goes official, right?

Hmmm... maybe it is the lack of sleep but I am extremely confused...
Can you explain to me how I was reading through the FAQ/Help build a FAQ and I randomly appeared in the HitchHiker's Guide forum?

Edit- It must have been Krall's magic Mod magic!!!

Anyways, good work, I haven't really been helping much but I will definitely try to add/update with any info I can when I get some time.

Well if anyone needs to know what is left to be done, I could reply to anything like that.

But really what we need is links for each section -

Here's an example of what it needs to look like :

LINKS

Manufacturers
Nvidia
ATI
Intel

Model Comparisons
Nvidia
ATI

Benchmarks
HotHardware
AnandTech

Wikipedia
Graphics Processing Unit

Thanks again.

Hmmm... maybe it is the lack of sleep but I am extremely confused...
Can you explain to me how I was reading through the FAQ/Help build a FAQ and I randomly appeared in the HitchHiker's Guide forum?

Edit- It must have been Krall's magic Mod magic!!!

Anyways, good work, I haven't really been helping much but I will definitely try to add/update with any info I can when I get some time.

LordEC911

I moved it there :) It's a place where stickies are made from the best stuff on earth ;) I just moved it there for safe keeping...

Well, what do you guys have left to do? I could try to bang up something if it's an area I feel comfortable lecturing on.

Edit: You can probably send me a note to help keep this clean. For that matter, I probably should have done the same to you. Also, you'll delete this post before the guide goes official, right?

RayvinAzn

No worries, there is another forum with a copy of everything along with another copy on the hard drive. You won't mess anything up by posting here :)

what sections are incomplete so far? I could research and I have good grammar etc. so I could put something together.
kruesader

As of now, we do not need any more helpers, but thank you foryour interest in the FAQ, and as Krall has said, we'll rembember you if the need arises :)

Also, if you did end up contributing to the last "Help Build an FAQ Thread" or PM'ed Krall with information, and your name is not the in the contributers list; make sure you announce it here, as I'm sure neither myself, Krall, Gog or Dirk would like angry PM's from people when the FAQ goes up, and they aren't in there ;)

Don't announce your name if you didn't contribute (unless it was via PM to Krall) as we'll check through the thread and if your name doesn't appear, and you haven't sent a PM to Krall, we, I'll get really annoyed at you :P

Cheers.

Laptops, mobile CPU/GPU comparisons/guides, DIY notebooks (barebones), things of that nature. Benchies are always fun to look at as well.Staryoshi87

We will link up to current benchmarks for both CPUs & GPUs as well as last gen stuff as well. I think getting in-depth with processors and video cards will be beyond the depth of the guide. Those 2 items really need their own thread which one does but in sore need up updating.

The guide looks really good. Something I had in mind though would be maybe a section on IE and Firefox (Differences, other random things you can think of), and maybe one on videos and video playback. I know many users have trouble when watching GS videos and stuff, and maybe links to proper codecs could help out, suggestions for alternatives to Windows Media Player, and things like that.cell_dweller

Not a bad idea, we did plan to cover some software in the form of aps so we can add that.

Codecs I'm personally not familiar with on a deep level, but if that's something you are familiar with we would be glad to publish a write up if you could do one ;)

[QUOTE="Staryoshi87"]Laptops, mobile CPU/GPU comparisons/guides, DIY notebooks (barebones), things of that nature. Benchies are always fun to look at as well.Krall

We will link up to current benchmarks for both CPUs & GPUs as well as last gen stuff as well. I think getting in-depth with processors and video cards will be beyond the depth of the guide. Those 2 items really need their own thread which one does but in sore need up updating.

The guide looks really good. Something I had in mind though would be maybe a section on IE and Firefox (Differences, other random things you can think of), and maybe one on videos and video playback. I know many users have trouble when watching GS videos and stuff, and maybe links to proper codecs could help out, suggestions for alternatives to Windows Media Player, and things like that.cell_dweller

Not a bad idea, we did plan to cover some software in the form of aps so we can add that.

Codecs I'm personally not familiar with on a deep level, but if that's something you are familiar with we would be glad to publish a write up if you could do one ;)

I can't edit posts here (sigh :P), but I've added in IE vs. Firefox, and a section for sound and video codecs :)

[QUOTE="Krall"]

[QUOTE="Staryoshi87"]Laptops, mobile CPU/GPU comparisons/guides, DIY notebooks (barebones), things of that nature. Benchies are always fun to look at as well.G013M

We will link up to current benchmarks for both CPUs & GPUs as well as last gen stuff as well. I think getting in-depth with processors and video cards will be beyond the depth of the guide. Those 2 items really need their own thread which one does but in sore need up updating.

The guide looks really good. Something I had in mind though would be maybe a section on IE and Firefox (Differences, other random things you can think of), and maybe one on videos and video playback. I know many users have trouble when watching GS videos and stuff, and maybe links to proper codecs could help out, suggestions for alternatives to Windows Media Player, and things like that.cell_dweller

Not a bad idea, we did plan to cover some software in the form of aps so we can add that.

Codecs I'm personally not familiar with on a deep level, but if that's something you are familiar with we would be glad to publish a write up if you could do one ;)

I can't edit posts here (sigh :P), but I've added in IE vs. Firefox, and a section for sound and video codecs :)

Yes but who shall put that section together my good man? :)

Cnet.com typically has a lot of software guides like that we could possible borrow from or link to...

Yes but who shall put that section together my good man? :)

Cnet.com typically has a lot of software guides like that we could possible borrow from or link to...

Krall

Well I'm sure that someone out there has done IE vs Firefox, as can't be a new idea to pit the two together :P

EDIT: Ok, I just found a good CNET link - http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6656808-1.html

New thread is pretty coolLahiruD

Yeah G013M did a hell of a job with the layout on that post and the one a few down. His input on design is going to make the final product very appealing to the eye :)

[QUOTE="LahiruD"]New thread is pretty coolKrall

Yeah G013M did a hell of a job with the layout on that post and the one a few down. His input on design is going to make the final product very appealing to the eye :)

Blushes... aww shucks :P

But Krall had to redirect me a couple of times as well, so I can't take all the credit :P.

[QUOTE="Krall"]

[QUOTE="LahiruD"]New thread is pretty coolG013M

Yeah G013M did a hell of a job with the layout on that post and the one a few down. His input on design is going to make the final product very appealing to the eye :)

Blushes... aww shucks :P

But Krall had to redirect me a couple of times as well, so I can't take all the credit :P.

Then credit goes to both :)

I posted this on the wrong forum earlier so I apologize if that caused any problems.

Here's a list of custom PC manufacturers and my opinions about each of them. Not sure if you already have this covered, but I hope it helps.

Here's my list of some of my favorite sites:

1. AvaDirect.com:

This is probably my favorite site to buy a gaming PC. I bought my current gaming PC from these guys. They have more parts to choose from than any other site I've seen and their prices are almost as low as building it yourself. Their customer support was beyond excellent and all their PCs come with a very good warrenty. They're customer satisfaction rating at resellerratings.com is currently 9.63/10, which is better than almost any other custom PC manufacturer out there.

2. ABS.com:

Another good place to get a gaming PC. I've never purchased anything from them but I've heard they have pretty good prices and customer service. Supposedly it's run by the same people who own Newegg.com.

3. VelocityMicro.com:

This site has been one of the best for several years before AvaDirect.com came along and surpassed them. The only reason they're 3rd place and not 2nd on my list is because I've been hearing that their customer service has had a few problems recently and that some of their customers have ended up with dead PCs. Still, if you aren't too worried about a few recent rumors then they're still a good choice.

Here's a list of sites that I would never buy from and I recommend avoiding them:

CyberPowerPC.com and IBuyPower.com:

Their prices may look good but these people are simply terrible when it comes to quality and customer service. I've heard manystories of dead PCs and crappy service about these two sites. I'm listing them together because their sites are so much alike except for their appearance that I'm almost sure they are owned by the same people. Only buy from these sites if your willing to take a risk, otherwise your better off looking elsewhere.

Aaron's Video Card Buying Guide:

$600 8800 Ultra

$500 8800GTX

$370 8800GTS 640MB or $390 HD 2900XT if your PSU can handle it.

$290 8800GTS 320MB

$138 X1950PRO

$115 8600GT if you're into overclocking and/or oblivion, $115 X1950GT if not.

Best non-gaming video card

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

G013M

[QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

mbukste

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

[QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

G013M

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

[QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

mbukste

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

Considering the fact that I just checked an Australian site, and the list would go roughly like that, its not like they suddenly start throwing out random prices for products you know...

But anyway, like I said, I'll check with Krall beforewe make a final decision.

I'm not trying to throw out your contribution, I'm just suggesting that it might be more useful if there weren't any prices, as then non-American's would be able to more easily use them.

[QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

G013M

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

Considering the fact that I just checked an Australian site, and the list would go roughly like that, its not like they suddenly start throwing out random prices for products you know...

But anyway, like I said, I'll check with Krall beforewe make a final decision.

I'm not trying to throw out your contribution, I'm just suggesting that it might be more useful if there weren't any prices, as then non-American's would be able to more easily use them.

[QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

mbukste

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

Considering the fact that I just checked an Australian site, and the list would go roughly like that, its not like they suddenly start throwing out random prices for products you know...

But anyway, like I said, I'll check with Krall beforewe make a final decision.

I'm not trying to throw out your contribution, I'm just suggesting that it might be more useful if there weren't any prices, as then non-American's would be able to more easily use them.

No, just wait till I get a chance to talk to Krall.

Thank you for contributing though :).

[QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"][QUOTE="mbukste"][QUOTE="G013M"]

Just for future reference for everyone, don't include prices, (unless of course you've got a reason :)) as not everyone lives in America.

Just a friendly reminder ;).

G013M

Prices are pretty much relative, as far as I know, so the list would go something like that for most other places.

But it's just a suggestion on my part, and I'll have to talk to Krall about it as well.

Considering the fact that I just checked an Australian site, and the list would go roughly like that, its not like they suddenly start throwing out random prices for products you know...

But anyway, like I said, I'll check with Krall beforewe make a final decision.

I'm not trying to throw out your contribution, I'm just suggesting that it might be more useful if there weren't any prices, as then non-American's would be able to more easily use them.

No, just wait till I get a chance to talk to Krall.

Thank you for contributing though :).

[QUOTE="kruesader"]what sections are incomplete so far? I could research and I have good grammar etc. so I could put something together.
G013M

As of now, we do not need any more helpers, but thank you foryour interest in the FAQ, and as Krall has said, we'll rembember you if the need arises :)

sure, chuck a PM my way if im needed,

here's my OC guide if you want any materials...

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=25430644

here's my OC guide if you want any materials...

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=25430644

Baselerd

Sorry for the late reply (been busy), but thanks for the contribution and I'll remember that thread.

Update on the FAQ front.

The team has decided to split the FAQ in two, and hence release it in two parts.

What that essentially means, is due to the fact that we pretty much run through the sections in order, you're going to see the Hardware section in the near future.

No promises of course, but it's going to be arriving a lot sooner then otherwise.

sorry to ask but at what date do you expect to finish the FAQ?stefanlek

Um... Look over there! [runs away].

But seriously, we are making some pretty fast progress on it lately, and Krall (who at the moment is extremely busy) will have more time on his hands very soon to finish his parts.

I won't set down a definitive date, as we can't be sure that other events (we are all doing this in our spare time for you all;))will come up.

But I will say that there is a 99% chance that it will come before the end of this year (and sorry, that's as close as I'll get to putting down a date), barring some cataclysmic event or forum collapse.

Oh and no need to feel sorry, it's just a question :).

[QUOTE="stefanlek"]sorry to ask but at what date do you expect to finish the FAQ?G013M

Um... Look over there! [runs away].

But seriously, we are making some pretty fast progress on it lately, and Krall (who at the moment is extremely busy) will have more time on his hands very soon to finish his parts.

I won't set down a definitive date, as we can't be sure that other events (we are all doing this in our spare time for you all;))will come up.

But I will say that there is a 99% chance that it will come before the end of this year (and sorry, that's as close as I'll get to putting down a date), barring some cataclysmic event or forum collapse.

Oh and no need to feel sorry, it's just a question :).

thats cool thanks for the reply, it seems like you could actually sell this encyclopedic FAQ....

cant wait to read it :)

you should a section on Temp of cores and temps of Video cards.....

Also maybe something in the PSU section on Mod Cables

Also Ram Timings/cooling solutions

Software Anti virus (free and pay ones)

i feel bad that i havent come here much now that i have built my pc.... lol

Also heres a good temp reader for duos n quads.

http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

Check the first page :P.

A hello again, and just telling everyone that we're back on track now that the editing glitch has been resolved. :)

Also, if you wouldn't mind, tell me what you think of this as a heading.

I made it in around an hour in photoshop, and yes, I know I'm pretty bad at photoshop, but it's the best I could do :P.

However, no promises if this will end up being in the final product, but it is a idea.

Thanks, G013M.

That would be becuase it isn't released yet :P

But we are getting very very close to releasing the hardware section.

A hello again, and just telling everyone that we're back on track now that the editing glitch has been resolved. :)

Also, if you wouldn't mind, tell me what you think of this as a heading.

I made it in around an hour in photoshop, and yes, I know I'm pretty bad at photoshop, but it's the best I could do :P.

However, no promises if this will end up being in the final product, but it is a idea.

Thanks, G013M.

G013M

cool heading although a watery effect rather then the fire effects you have going on would be cooler :D

Would convey PCs as sleek, streamline machines with no limits. Wow im good :o

[QUOTE="G013M"]

A hello again, and just telling everyone that we're back on track now that the editing glitch has been resolved. :)

Also, if you wouldn't mind, tell me what you think of this as a heading.

I made it in around an hour in photoshop, and yes, I know I'm pretty bad at photoshop, but it's the best I could do :P.

However, no promises if this will end up being in the final product, but it is a idea.

Thanks, G013M.

stefanlek

cool heading although a watery effect rather then the fire effects you have going on would be cooler :D

Would convey PCs as sleek, streamline machines with no limits. Wow im good :o

I've actually done up another version, which I have uploaded yet, but I done a couple of small changes.

But this is pretty much the max of my abilities :P

Watery effect will probably exceed my capabilities, although if I find time, I'll give it a shot.

[QUOTE="stefanlek"][QUOTE="G013M"]

A hello again, and just telling everyone that we're back on track now that the editing glitch has been resolved. :)

Also, if you wouldn't mind, tell me what you think of this as a heading.

I made it in around an hour in photoshop, and yes, I know I'm pretty bad at photoshop, but it's the best I could do :P.

However, no promises if this will end up being in the final product, but it is a idea.

Thanks, G013M.

G013M

cool heading although a watery effect rather then the fire effects you have going on would be cooler :D

Would convey PCs as sleek, streamline machines with no limits. Wow im good :o

I've actually done up another version, which I have uploaded yet, but I done a couple of small changes.

But this is pretty much the max of my abilities :P

Watery effect will probably exceed my capabilities, although if I find time, I'll give it a shot.

haha that made me lol. goodluck with the quest

video tutorial on how to build a pc. ive seen a couple on the net and they work too fast with no explanations whatsoever and no close ups on which socket and what things to insert where so its hard to learn it when its from a far view. THAT WOULD REALLY HELP. some people are visual learners