Personal computing discussed

Search found 138 matches

by UltimateImperative
Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:57 pm
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: So what are you using for computer audio?
Replies: 156
Views: 41580

Re: So what are you using for computer audio?

I'm using the Audioengine A2+ and love them. Built in USB-DAC and plenty of power (and bass) for listening at the computer desk. I'm actually thinking about picking up a pair for my work machine (rMBP+Thunderbolt Display). Good to know. They are fairly directional, but that's a given at their size....
by UltimateImperative
Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:46 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: New Appliances for New Home
Replies: 26
Views: 3760

Re: New Appliances for New Home

So we're talking tropical climate here? Similar to, say, Miami, or even hotter/wetter? What kind of construction? In the US and Canada we're used to wood-frame, but in other countries masonry and concrete are more common. How is the insulation? Are high-performance windows available? What works in t...
by UltimateImperative
Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:16 pm
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: So what are you using for computer audio?
Replies: 156
Views: 41580

Re: So what are you using for computer audio?

I have two Yorkville YSM1p powered monitors speakers (6½" woofers + tweeter, integrated amplifiers) hooked to the main output of an Allen & Heath Zed-10 mixer (4 mono channels, 2 stereo channels, 2-channels USB in/out), with the audio coming into the mixer by USB; My TV-box and PS3 are also...
by UltimateImperative
Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:17 pm
Forum: The Back Porch
Topic: Canageek tries to build a computer using a very old case.
Replies: 35
Views: 7301

Re: Canageek tries to build a computer using a very old case

I assume you live in Canada. Where are you located?
by UltimateImperative
Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:39 pm
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: Windows Digital Mixer Board
Replies: 8
Views: 2810

Re: Windows Digital Mixer Board

I think what you want isn't a mixer, but rather a controller. Probably something with MIDI, which you would then hook up with a MIDI interface; an example would be the Behringer BFC2000. You could then control the Windows mixer through a hack using autohotkey.
by UltimateImperative
Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:49 am
Forum: General Hardware
Topic: Share Your Thoughts about Onboard Audio
Replies: 195
Views: 30141

Re: Share Your Thoughts about Onboard Audio

Given Intel's love for new sockets, LGA 2011 may not be long for this world.

And if you look at the mainstream LGA 1150, Asus put PCI slots on only 5 of its 18 Z87 boards. Other makers are more conservative, but both Gigabyte and AsRock offer PCI-less boards in Z87.
by UltimateImperative
Sun Jun 09, 2013 9:14 am
Forum: General Hardware
Topic: Share Your Thoughts about Onboard Audio
Replies: 195
Views: 30141

Re: Share Your Thoughts about Onboard Audio

Unlike the CPU/GPU performance chain, every step along the audio path degrades the signal so it's important for every single step to be at least of decent enough quality. If the ALC892 datasheet is correct, it should be decent enough: THD+N is at approx. 0.006% (-84 dB), vs. 0.003 % (-90 dB) for th...
by UltimateImperative
Mon May 06, 2013 5:09 pm
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: Using double subwoofer hook-up to bypass crossover
Replies: 20
Views: 8292

Re: Using double subwoofer hook-up to bypass crossover

Actually, looking at the manual for the sub, it's very doubtful that the sub includes a low-cut filter on its high-level speaker outputs (in all likelihood the terminals are just paralleled) . So the OP would be running his mains without a low-cut filter, which may not be the end of the world.
by UltimateImperative
Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:00 pm
Forum: Echo Vale
Topic: Help me choose a subwoofer!
Replies: 39
Views: 11971

Re: Help me choose a subwoofer!

It depends on the design, really, but 250 W could be plenty for a reasonably sensitive subwoofer (large cabinet, properly chosen woofer for the design).
by UltimateImperative
Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:32 am
Forum: Graphics
Topic: Tools used to determine the frame timing
Replies: 16
Views: 7313

Re: Tools used to determine the frame timing

This looks like the appropriate thread: After reading one of the recent inside the second reviews (I think it was the last one that showed up on Ars), I did some research to see how you could measure what gets outputted to the screen with good accuracy. At first I was thinking of using a high-speed ...
by UltimateImperative
Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:10 pm
Forum: Processors
Topic: New CPU cooler question
Replies: 13
Views: 3585

Re: New CPU cooler question

The 212+ does indeed require installing a backplate on 1155/1156.

And +1 for the TX3 on ease of installation and relative quietness.
by UltimateImperative
Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:16 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: First Build, looking for advice on parts
Replies: 9
Views: 2920

Re: First Build, looking for advice on parts

Re: case, you want an ATX or bigger case, with a good build quality, convenience features, a good airflow/noise compromise (depending on your preference) and looks that you like. In the $50-100 range, the Bitfenix Shinobi, Corsair 200R-300R-400R, the Antec 302, the NZXT Source (which unfortunately w...
by UltimateImperative
Tue Nov 20, 2012 7:51 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: First Build, looking for advice on parts
Replies: 9
Views: 2920

Re: First Build, looking for advice on parts

Possibly: if you have a store close to where you live, consider the price of getting your case there, vs. having it shipped. If you have a Canada Computers near you, you would only pay $5 more after MIR than at NCIX, and possibly save shipping. Cases are really a personal taste thing, but consider t...
by UltimateImperative
Mon Nov 19, 2012 11:50 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: First Build, looking for advice on parts
Replies: 9
Views: 2920

Re: First Build, looking for advice on parts

The i7-3770 won't overclock, so the high-end motherboard and 1200 W power supply will be lost on it. If you want to overclock, you need an unlocked "k" part, like the i7-3770k. In fact, the 1200 W power supply is way, way too much. If you're spending this much, you want an SSD. Are you sur...
by UltimateImperative
Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:37 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: $1100 High End Build
Replies: 23
Views: 7844

Re: $1100 High End Build

Have you already bought the OCZ power supply? Given OCZ's financial troubles, you might want to stay away from them unless you have a really good discount. You could get a really nice Seasonic or Corsair for that kind of money. Where do you see that the Chaser includes a heatsink? It has fans, but a...
by UltimateImperative
Fri Nov 02, 2012 7:55 pm
Forum: Cases and Power Supplies
Topic: Short depth, Full-height HTPC case
Replies: 25
Views: 16519

Re: Short depth, Full-height HTPC case

A little late, and pretty expensive ($140 at NCIX), but the new Fractal Design Node 605 might fit the bill.
by UltimateImperative
Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:16 am
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: Arctic SGP Build, how does it look?
Replies: 13
Views: 3704

Re: Arctic SGP Build, how does it look?

I think you'll find that once you add SLI, your GPU fans will rev way up; at least that's what I found with CrossFired 6950s in an FT-02. My solution was a bit extreme: a triple 180 mm radiator + full-cover waterblocks for the 6950s, a CPU waterblock, a Laing D5 pump and the necessary bits and piece...
by UltimateImperative
Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:50 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: First time builder, is this a decent setup?
Replies: 11
Views: 2528

Re: First time builder, is this a decent setup?

That seems reasonable to me. You could save a bit on the power supply by going for This XFX unit ; The case is very nice, but it's on the expensive side (but not overpriced). It's your call, but you could go with an Antec 302 or a Bitfenix Shinobi on the ATX side, or, since your motherboard is micro...
by UltimateImperative
Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:39 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: New PC need some help.
Replies: 9
Views: 2394

Re: New PC need some help.

This XFX 450 W (made by Seasonic) for $53+5 would be a pretty good deal, and amply sufficient for an i3 + a 550 Ti. Is there a big reason you're going with the Antec 1200? It's a huge case to put a micro-ATX board in. You already have a mouse + keyboard + monitor... could you reuse the optical drive...
by UltimateImperative
Wed Aug 22, 2012 10:24 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: 670 SLI in an R4 , daydream or might actually work?
Replies: 9
Views: 4315

Re: 670 SLI in an R4 , daydream or might actually work?

It can certainly work; I was running 2x6950 in my p183, with some additional fans. Will you have the HD cages in? They will most definitely restrict airflow to your cards, which is your #1 goal if you don't want your system to be noisier than it would be in an open-style case.
by UltimateImperative
Wed Aug 08, 2012 5:48 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: Battlestation finished, ready for OC and Upgrades?
Replies: 127
Views: 26764

Re: Building my own Gaming PC, $1.8K Budget need advice

You could save a good bit on the PSU. The HX's nice, and modular PSUs are cool, but with a fairly large case that mounts the PSU in the bottom (like the Phantom 410), you can easily tuck the cables away. The SeaSonic S12ii 520 is just $60 with promo code SSPSU15 right now. Also, a funny thing about ...
by UltimateImperative
Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:19 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: Advice & Suggestions on first build under $3k budget
Replies: 16
Views: 3016

Re: Advice & Suggestions on first build under $3k budget

Yup, it is. You'll only be able to run two cards, and not three or four like you would with a SB-E mobo, though. But then who would spend $1500-2000 just on videocards? Also, you 670 will likely be good enough to run almost anything this side of the more tech-demoish features in games like Battlefie...
by UltimateImperative
Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:26 am
Forum: Cases and Power Supplies
Topic: Small/cool PSU for SFF build
Replies: 7
Views: 3496

Re: Small/cool PSU for SFF build

The X-series Seasonic are definitely very good, but they're 160 mm long. The lower power S12ii (non-modular) are 140 mm long (like the Silverstone) and the M12ii 520 W and 620 W are 150 mm long. Unless you're using tons of HDD, 450 W should be fine -- you'd just need an adapter plate (which the Silv...
by UltimateImperative
Sun Jun 17, 2012 7:55 am
Forum: Cases and Power Supplies
Topic: Small/cool PSU for SFF build
Replies: 7
Views: 3496

Re: Small/cool PSU for SFF build

Possibly the Silverstone ST50F-P (140 mm) combined with their PP05 set of shorter modular cables?
by UltimateImperative
Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:01 pm
Forum: Graphics
Topic: Anybody watercooling their GPU?
Replies: 45
Views: 10626

Re: Anybody watercooling their GPU?

Actually, I don't believe in optical drives :P -- that's a 3.5" hot swap bay. I have a project to add a 120 mm thick radiator on the exhaust, some sensors, and to replace that tubing. Maybe this summer. The foam under the pump is memory foam from a mattress that an upholsterer gave me.
by UltimateImperative
Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:44 pm
Forum: Graphics
Topic: Anybody watercooling their GPU?
Replies: 45
Views: 10626

Re: Anybody watercooling their GPU?

Indeed, XSPC stuff tends to have a really good price/performance ratio. My clouded tubing is Primochill Primoflex 3/8" ID - 5/8" OD.
by UltimateImperative
Sat Jun 16, 2012 5:35 pm
Forum: Graphics
Topic: Anybody watercooling their GPU?
Replies: 45
Views: 10626

Re: Anybody watercooling their GPU?

Here's mine: http://imgur.com/M8IoH.jpg It's in a FT-02B. The rad is at the bottom; it's a Magicool 3 x 180 mm. I'm using XSPC full-cover blocks on 6950s (flashed to 6970s), and an XSPC Rasa on my i5-750. The tubing and fluid are not supposed to be white: it's a known issue with the stuff I'm using....
by UltimateImperative
Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:41 pm
Forum: Graphics
Topic: Anybody watercooling their GPU?
Replies: 45
Views: 10626

Re: Anybody watercooling their GPU?

edit: I knew I should have bought a bigger case (800D?)


One possibility: put the Phobya 200 mm rad in front, like this guy. There's also a Magicool 180 mm rad that would fit.
by UltimateImperative
Tue May 29, 2012 5:12 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: Help on building small foot print gaming PC
Replies: 54
Views: 17188

Re: Help on building small foot print gaming PC

A Shuttle barebones is indeed an option, but the one you've linked to has a 2011 socket, which is a bit excessive for your uses. Their Z77 barebones would be a good option, I think. Another option would be the Bitfenix Prodigy you linked to, with a modest ~500W power supply, a Z77/H77 mini ITX mothe...
by UltimateImperative
Mon May 28, 2012 1:53 pm
Forum: System Builders Anonymous
Topic: New Builder Needs Help!
Replies: 42
Views: 7617

Re: New Builder Needs Help!

GZIP: On