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Post by ibenam on Apr 21, 2022 12:42:43 GMT
... we kind of have to ask. That sounds janky as fuck.  ill go through my setup as there is probably a better way to achieve what i need... I have a Thinkpad T540p with 4 USB slots and a display port. I also have a brand new EliteBook which has USB c. I use both laptops interchangeably via VGA to the same monitor but every time i swap them round i have to transfer the kb/mouse & VGA wire. I have a USB C hub which came with the elitebook where i can hook up the USB peripherals and the VGA wire however the thinkpad has no USB c slots - only USB A & a display port. I purchased a USB c to USB A adapter cable so that every time i swap laptops i only have to remove/add the adapter cable. When i try to this setup with the thinkpad however the monitor does not display the video output. The thinkpad recognises the USB hub (as the Kb/Mouse connect) however no display. I know the monitor has also recognised 'some' sort of signal as it shows a black screen as opposed to the 'no signal detected' when I pull the VGA cable out. In the settings only the laptop display shows. I have tried all 4 usb slots but to no avail. Im pretty sure USB A can stream video so im unsure as to why its not working? Will l a USB c to display port adapter wire work? Can i output from a Mini DP source through USB C & then through VGA? Or is there a different (& likely less mental) solution to what im trying to do. Thanks! |
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Post by 😎 on Apr 21, 2022 14:22:02 GMT
Sounds like you should probably look at upgrading your monitor. Does it really only have one VGA in?
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Post by ibenam on Apr 21, 2022 17:13:02 GMT
Sounds like you should probably look at upgrading your monitor. Does it really only have one VGA in? It has DVI & VGA...I dont use it for gaming - its just for office use. |
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deebs
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Post by deebs on Apr 23, 2022 3:03:37 GMT
USB A can stream video, but not through a USB C hub. Just get a new monitor.
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Post by BeetrootBertie on Apr 23, 2022 8:45:10 GMT
I'm using a 4-port USB 3 hub with a switch to help with both a PC and Mac Mini that are hooked up to a single monitor and share a mouse, keyboard and graphics tablet. It works well enough - has 2 usb A outputs, and you just press a button to swap between them. I'd imagine something like that with a VGA switch box might work for you (if you've got VGA working fine from both devices anyway) unless I've missed something.
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crashV👀d👀
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Post by crashV👀d👀 on May 13, 2022 11:54:52 GMT
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Post by OnlyJoeKing on Jun 24, 2022 18:26:53 GMT
Evidently I can't resist new shiny things, as I have bought one of the new Alienware OLED monitors (the AW3423DW). Upgraded from a very similar older LCD Alienware (AW3420DW). Set it up last night. In case anyone else is thinking about getting one...
Pros:
- Colours are gorgeous, vibrant, blacks perfect, as you'd expect from an OLED
- HDR is lovely
Cons:
- The text fringing issue is noticeable. I use my gaming monitor for everyday office work too, so it's mildly annoying. Looks a bit like you're trying to upscale a lower res retro game to a higher screen and have applied a scaler, test is just ever so slightly fuzzy.
- The biggest annoyance - the screen is shiny, reflective as fuck. In a reasonably lit room, the blacks are look slightly pinkish grey. In a totally dark room I get reflections from things like my keyboard, mouse, etc. Had to turn them down a bit.
Verdict?
- Tricky one... it does look lovely. Really fucking lovely. I've been waiting for an OLED screen, my last monitor was only supposed to be a stopgap. But it's interesting that the old screen did have some advantages - better for work, better in bright environments.
- If I needed a new screen, it's a no brainer. But if I weren't desperate, I'd be tempted to wait for the next gen or two, see if they can sort out the bright room performance and screen reflectivity. But now I've got one here.... might just keep it. Would be hard to go back now. Will see how it goes over the weekend. After all, why not.... why shouldn't I just sit in a pitch black room all the time
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Post by salaman on Jun 26, 2022 20:45:49 GMT
Hi everyone, my stepson is saving up for a gaming PC and has 950-ish euro saved up.
I had a quick go at a possible build in his budget through a local online vendor based on a i5 cpu, 32GB ram and a RTX1050 with an SSD and 1TB HDD.
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 6 Core i5-10400F (2,9 GHz) 12 MB cache
Motherboard
GIGABYTE H410M H V3: Micro-ATX, DDR4, USB 3.2, SATA 6GBs
RAM
16 GB PCS PRO DDR4 2666 MHz (1 x 16 GB)
Grafic card
8 GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3050 - HDMI, DP, LHR
Storage
M.2 SSD-station - 512 GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (max 2200 MB/R, 1500 MB/W)
1 TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3,5" HDD, 6 GB/s, 7200 RPM, 64 MB CACHE
PSU
CORSAIR 550W CX-M Series™ SEMI-MODULAIR 80 PLUS® BRONZE (Speciale aanbieding)
This ended up being: €1.033,00
I'd need to downgrade a few things still.
I assume self building isn't a great cost saver these days?
edit: just noticed I added 2 SSDs. Fixed.
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Frog
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Post by Frog on Jun 26, 2022 20:54:26 GMT
Buying a pre built can actually work out cheaper nowadays. In all honesty he should keep saving until he can afford a 3060, I know that won't be what he wants to hear but it will be worth it.
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Post by grey_matters on Jun 26, 2022 21:46:58 GMT
Buying a pre built can actually work out cheaper nowadays. In all honesty he should keep saving until he can afford a 3060, I know that won't be what he wants to hear but it will be worth it. Yeah, this sounds right. You could chop out the 1TB hard drive for now to get it down a bit. You'll need it (or something like it, or better) later though. |
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Post by Blackmarsh63 on Jun 27, 2022 8:46:22 GMT
Self build isn't for everyone but its quite satisfying. I'd agree with GPU comments but depends on what resolution you're going for. Have you already got a monitor and the other bits and bobs ? (keyboard etc)
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Post by dfunked on Jun 27, 2022 8:49:45 GMT
32GB is probably overkill too unless he has a specific use case. I'd get 2x 8GB to start with and you can always throw in a matching kit a bit later.
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Fake_Blood
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Post by Fake_Blood on Jun 27, 2022 8:53:41 GMT
32GB is probably overkill too unless he has a specific use case. I'd get 2x 8GB to start with and you can always throw in a matching kit a bit later. He has selected 1x16GB, which is good, because the mini ITX board only has 2 slots anyway. |
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Post by dfunked on Jun 27, 2022 9:00:58 GMT
Ah, didn't see mitx. He mentions 32GB at the start of the post though. Might as well get a matching pair and go dual channel regardless of the amount IMO.
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Post by brokenkey on Jun 27, 2022 11:37:41 GMT
Don't get the barracuda 7200rpm HDD. You're paying for a small speed uplift, which will be out performed by any SSD.
Can you edit your post to include prices?
Doesn't include a case.
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Fake_Blood
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Post by Fake_Blood on Jun 27, 2022 11:54:46 GMT
Or Windows.
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Buu
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Post by Buu on Jun 27, 2022 14:27:03 GMT
16GB is cutting it quite fine these days I think. I only have 16GB and sometimes after playing a game if I check task manager I can see I'm using 90% of it and I'm not someone who has tonnes of chrome tabs or applications running in the background.
I just can't be bothered to buy new RAM as it's not a sexy upgrade. So I'm in the unusual position of having substantially more VRAM than actual RAM!
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Post by Vandelay on Jun 27, 2022 14:56:46 GMT
He might be better off going down the pre-build route. I've not looked in a while, but it seems that is the better bet nowadays. If he just wants something to play games on, then I would even say that a console would be better. I certainly wouldn't have said that a few years ago, but the PC parts are just so expensive now. Pick up an Xbox/PS5 and use the savings for the subscription from the chosen platform.
Of course, if he is wanting to do it for the experience of putting a PC together then that advice can all be ignored.
A 1050 seems pretty underpowered. I'm assuming we are looking at using a 1080p monitor, so he might be alright getting something like a 1070 or 2060, if they can be found cheap. A friend of mine still uses my old 1070 and doesn't have any complaints at HD resolution.
I was under the impression that 16gb of RAM is adequate for now, so think you should be fine on that account.
Perhaps consider AMD for processor. Don't think the price is as different nowadays, but will likely get slightly better performance for similar price. That would also require a different mobo, which might be a bit more expensive though, but worth doing a comparison.
As others mentioned, don't forget case, Windows, monitor and other peripherals in your pricing.
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Post by brokenkey on Jun 27, 2022 20:11:52 GMT
Nobody need budget more than £10 for Windows
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Post by Blackmarsh63 on Jun 27, 2022 20:18:39 GMT
If you're on a very tight budget Windows will work without activation.
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Post by salaman on Jun 28, 2022 7:17:53 GMT
Thanks for the input everyone. For context.
He has a Playstation 4 and Nintendo WiiU, which are used frequently for Fortnite and Rocket League.
He uses my gaming PC for PC exclusives (like fall guys when it came out) and started playing Fortnite on there because he enjoyed the kb+mouse more.
These days, he mostly plays Valorant, Fortnite and Apex Legends. He's 11, so no budget for Tripple AAA €60 new games on the regular.
My PC hasn't been updated in ages. It still has a 750TI GPU. So a new build is going to be a massive improvement.
The build above was straight from a local Belgian site which didn't give individual part prices.
It did include a case and Windows but no peripherals.
To get started with, we have a spare keyboard and, thanks to WFH, an extra decent monitor from his mom's work.
He can buy peripherals over time.
I was thinking 32GB of RAM initially since it's not massively expensive and he'll be good for a few years. But I had to try and bring the price down, so I decided to use 1x16GB, thinking he can double it later on if needed.
One of the most expensive parts naturally is the GPU but I don't think his first gaming PC needs a €500 card. If he can last a few years on a €300 card, he can upgrade it when he is 15 or so. :-)
I looked up the parts for the PC I specced above and came up with €744, which leaves him money for a monitor, keyboard, mouse and a gaming mat.
Case - Inter-Tech B-49: €34.99
GIGABYTE H410M H V3: €62.94
i5-10400F (2,9 GHz) 12 MB cache: €133.85
16 GB PCS PRO DDR4 2666 MHz €59.59
8 GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3050: €349
512 M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 €63.85
1 TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA HDD€ 39.95
CORSAIR 550W €59.59
TOTAL: 744.17
+ BenQ GL2780 (9H.LJ6LB.QBE): €117 = €861.17
+ Fury Brawler mouse: €11,21 = €872.38
+ Corsair Raptor K55: €59.90 = €932.28
Mousemat Havit HV-MP861: €11.95 = €944.23
Someone mentioned AMD. I wasn't sure how the AMD CPUs are tiered, so I wasn't sure how to pick a similar one.
Just had a quick google. Would the Ryzen 5000 be equivalent to an i5?
Also, on the Baraccuda. I was just thinking to take a 512GB SSD and then add a 1TB HDD.
The per-build site I used only had 1 option for a 1TB HDD, so I ended up with that.
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Post by salaman on Jun 28, 2022 7:21:38 GMT
Oh yeah, I mentioned to his mother that I checked for a PC and it will be 1000+ without peripherals but I can build one from scratch, together with him for cheaper and she looked at me as if I told her I'm having a go at open heart surgery.
She was worried we'll misconnect some wires and the thing will catch flame and burn down the house. So there might not be a build option at all. I'd have to overcome some skepticism and try to explain the 'lego with more expensive parts' concept.
Right now, it's seen more as an 'way over your head, are you nuts?' thing.
:-D
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Post by Vandelay on Jun 28, 2022 7:27:56 GMT
Having a quick look (I haven't looked into these for a while) a similar priced Ryzen would be the 5500. That is a pretty new chip too and gives a bit of a bump on what you are looking at. cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-10400F-vs-AMD-Ryzen-5-5500/4079vsm1820844As I said before though, the mobos are a bit more expensive for AMD (at least, they were when I got one about a year a go), so might push the budget up for not much of a gain. Worth checking into though, I think. Edit: if I can put one together, any one can  . Hardest part is probably connecting the case LEDs and power buttons, but pretty much everything else can only go in one way. |
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Buu
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Post by Buu on Jun 28, 2022 8:00:31 GMT
Have you really built a PC if you haven't had a POST 'disaster' when it turns out you just haven't switched the PSU on or connected it to the motherboard
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Post by dfunked on Jun 28, 2022 8:39:51 GMT
Just got a used 5950x from cex online at a relatively decent price. Some absolute donut put it the wrong way up in the plastic shell after testing so it arrived with all of the corner pins bent.
Pins on a CPU are such a horrible design. Although easier to replace than I motherboard I guess...
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Post by salaman on Jun 30, 2022 12:12:45 GMT
Having a quick look (I haven't looked into these for a while) a similar priced Ryzen would be the 5500. That is a pretty new chip too and gives a bit of a bump on what you are looking at. cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i5-10400F-vs-AMD-Ryzen-5-5500/4079vsm1820844As I said before though, the mobos are a bit more expensive for AMD (at least, they were when I got one about a year a go), so might push the budget up for not much of a gain. Worth checking into though, I think. Edit: if I can put one together, any one can :). Hardest part is probably connecting the case LEDs and power buttons, but pretty much everything else can only go in one way. I had a look at the 5500 but it seems to be slightly more expensive. Thanks for the input everyone. I think I have somewhat of an idea of what to go for. |
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Blue_Mike
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Post by Blue_Mike on Jun 30, 2022 18:31:53 GMT
Gonna give a recommendation to the Kraken Z63 because it is blissfully quiet. (Or Z73 if you feel like going bigger.)
And while on the subject of silence, I can't say enough good things about BeQuiet! fans either.
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Frog
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Post by Frog on Jun 30, 2022 20:01:57 GMT
I have one of those and it's far from quiet, I am using it on a high end Ryzen though. I wish I had gone with a noctua tbh as I have one on my second system and it's far quieter. The noctua has a range of 19 to 25db compared to the 22 to 40db on the kraken.
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malek86
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Post by malek86 on Jul 2, 2022 8:25:48 GMT
So I was thinking, are there any games today that would actually max out 16GB of RAM? Getting a vague mind about adding an extra 8GB to my computer, but admittedly it seems more like a whim, because I can't think of anything that requires that much memory right now, unless maybe you play something like Cities Skyline with a massive map or something.
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Fake_Blood
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Post by Fake_Blood on Jul 2, 2022 8:41:25 GMT
Flight Sim 2020 does, besides that, probably not. The consoles have 16GB shared right?
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