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Author Topic: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?  (Read 3587 times)

JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #15 on: January 08, 2014, 11:49:06 am »

Actually, I have a question about that Software swap reddit thing. I'm just completely new to this idea, so excuse my ignorance here.

People are selling keys, then I'm guessing I'd DL the actual OS from Microsoft or something? or get an .iso? Then transfer it over to the clean computer with a portable HD or something?
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Tellemurius

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #16 on: January 08, 2014, 12:24:02 pm »

Well no, you would need an ISO of either the Retail or OEM copy. It looks like a Retail key but need confirmation first.

JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #17 on: January 08, 2014, 12:53:21 pm »

Then, uh, how do I tackle this software swap place? The very last thing I want to do is walk into a place where money is changing hands, and be acting like a total nub.
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Tellemurius

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #18 on: January 08, 2014, 12:56:09 pm »

He takes money via paypal so its in a controlled environment. He says the keys are Retail copies which are the nicer ones that get you the activation support unlimited machine uses.

JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #19 on: January 08, 2014, 01:26:35 pm »

Oh crap, I probably want to buy a router too, obv cause the computer won't magically connect to the internet by itself.

I guess I'll just throw this thing ontop of everything else:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127288
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lordcooper

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #20 on: January 08, 2014, 02:51:34 pm »

TN monitors have crappy colours and even worse viewing angles.  It isn't that I dislike that particular monitor, it's that that entire type of panel is shockingly unpretty.

Look here for instructions on how to use a Windows key.

He takes money via paypal so its in a controlled environment. He says the keys are Retail copies which are the nicer ones that get you the activation support unlimited machine uses.

He?  Reddit isn't one person.
« Last Edit: January 08, 2014, 02:54:45 pm by lordcooper »
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Tellemurius

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #21 on: January 08, 2014, 03:36:03 pm »

TN monitors have crappy colours and even worse viewing angles.  It isn't that I dislike that particular monitor, it's that that entire type of panel is shockingly unpretty.

Look here for instructions on how to use a Windows key.

He takes money via paypal so its in a controlled environment. He says the keys are Retail copies which are the nicer ones that get you the activation support unlimited machine uses.

He?  Reddit isn't one person.
Reddit isn't a hivemind either :P

wierd

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #22 on: January 09, 2014, 12:58:41 am »

Are you sure? Sometimes its hard to tell! [/joke]


One thing I would suggest looking into first before going the software swap route is to double check the EULA agreements for the packages you intend to purchase this way. Many software makers have purposefully crippled second hand markets like this one, by forcing you to agree to never exchange the registered key with another person, ever. This makes it impossible to legally obtain support services from second hand software that has been so buggared by the developer OEM.

Depending on your country of origin, such tactics in the EULA may or may not be legally enforcable or applicable.

(Some noteworthy software titles KNOWN to be this way are 3D studio Max, MasterCam(don't ask-- part of the EULA is to not disclose the eula! For real! It's that onerous. Since I didn't agree to the EULA, I can discuss it all I want! :P) Microsoft Windows and office products (to sell a copy of windows, you have to obey their system builders rules. They are quite restrictive. Alternatively you have to be a retailer, and sell at retail prices, using product straight from microsoft. There are of course, others. The enforcability of EULAs is a contested matter. I just want you to make an informed choice.)

You need to make an informed choice, much like choosing to root a phone or tablet, or install a custom firmware on a router. Your choice should be with certain considerations in mind, and should not be taken without those considerations being....well.. considered.

On a personal note, I think such EULAs are damnable things that should be illegal, as they violate the principle of first sale.  My opinion and what the laws in your jurisdiction are, however, are not the same thing.  Self-educate, act accordingly.

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JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #23 on: January 15, 2014, 06:37:34 am »

Alright, I've gotten the majority of my parts and I've begun building.

So far, I have the processor in, paste and heatsink affixed, mobo installed into case along with the psu, hdd and odd are placed into their respective homes, but nothing is hooked up yet.

I got a windows 7 key off some guy on that reddit forum, now I just need to figure out how to install an os with a flashdrive (I already had some spare flash drives) then I think I'll be set to complete this project.

One thing I forgot were speakers, but that's not a huge concern since I have my headphones, but it's a possible thing to look into.
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Tellemurius

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #24 on: January 15, 2014, 02:26:31 pm »

Alright, I've gotten the majority of my parts and I've begun building.

So far, I have the processor in, paste and heatsink affixed, mobo installed into case along with the psu, hdd and odd are placed into their respective homes, but nothing is hooked up yet.

I got a windows 7 key off some guy on that reddit forum, now I just need to figure out how to install an os with a flashdrive (I already had some spare flash drives) then I think I'll be set to complete this project.

One thing I forgot were speakers, but that's not a huge concern since I have my headphones, but it's a possible thing to look into.
LEGAL windows 7 OS downloads http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/604187-legal-download-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1-13-languages.html
usb tool http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool?ClickID=aszvzsaowswwyaytrz50y9ykkvslltr0nllr

JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #25 on: January 16, 2014, 06:25:24 pm »

Hey guys, success! I got everything put together, os in place, all drivers (that I know of) installed, and backup image created on a portable hdd.

I can't wait to get this thing rolling. I'm very excited. I appreciate the help here.
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Moogie

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #26 on: January 16, 2014, 07:21:26 pm »

Congrats! First builds are always scary, but it's a great feeling to finally boot up and see it come to life, this thing you assembled. :)
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JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #27 on: January 16, 2014, 10:09:42 pm »

I'm most excited about trying out my games in better quality than ever before.

I got Steam set up right away, but only had time to DL Magic 2014 (I was going to work early, cutting out potential playtime.) but was surprised to see "You do not meet the minimum requirements"?!

I'm thinking for atleast Magic, my new rig should demolish it, so I'm trying to figure out what part of my rig isn't living up to expectation, or if it's just DotP's shitty programming causing me headaches again.

I can't tinker with it until tomorrow, so I'm gonna be held in a state of curiosity until then.

Otherwise, at first glance, everything seems to be running smooth. Just sitting in front of my new monitor feels luxurious.
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Moogie

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #28 on: January 16, 2014, 11:33:39 pm »

I don't know anything about the game, but it should mention specifically what requirement isn't met.

Have you taken a look in Control Panel to make sure everything's being reported accurately? RAM amounts, etc.
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I once shot a bear in the eye with a bow on the first shot, cut it up, found another one, and shot it in the eye too. The collective pile of meat weighed more than my house.

JoshuaFH

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Re: Want to build a gaming computer. Where do I even start?
« Reply #29 on: January 17, 2014, 12:34:47 am »

I don't know anything about the game, but it should mention specifically what requirement isn't met.

Have you taken a look in Control Panel to make sure everything's being reported accurately? RAM amounts, etc.

No, it just gives me the one single sentence before closing operation.

It's reporting nearly everything correct, as far as I can tell. Computer properties notices the gpu, ram, processor, etc.

I've hadn't had enough time to tinker with it.

But, in honesty, I'm not sure how to tell if anything is malfunctioning, or if I've got all the best drivers. One thing that did happen was that, as I was downloading drivers, the screen resized to 800x600, then the computer crashed. Turning it back on, it was still that tiny resolution, which I changed manually, but I'm not sure what happened or if I should take any certain action.

It doesn't help that the ASUS Driver Website isn't being responsive.
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