brightspark101

Thanks for all your replies! I think the simplest course of action would be to do a fresh install, to avoid any driver issues and what have you. I use my PC to run FSX and the thought of re-installing that along with all the mods and tweaks I have makes me feel sick. I'm going to wait until I absolutely have to build a new system. Once again thank you all for your comments! This forum is the best. B)

Hello Everyone, I'm in the process of upgrading my rig and need some advice. I'm more or less building a brand new system however I'm using my existing HDD and SSD. As far as I understand it there shouldn't be any problems involved with doing this (such as reformatting my SSD etc). I'm confident when it comes to hardware and building but I'm extremely terrified of losing my data (my previous SSD corrupted my Windows install and I lost everything!). I'm aware that Windows will need to re-verify my OS install because of changing more than five components, but other than that is there anything I need to think about? To summarize, will changing all my hardware except for my HDD and SSD give me any nasty surprises? Or am I just making something out of nothing? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I can personally recommend the Mionix Naos 5000, very comfortable indeed. Linus has unboxed quite a few of their products.

For mechanical keyboards I would recommend either the SteelSeries 7G (no back light and Cherry MX black switches) or the Ducky Shine 2 (mine has pink back light and Cherry MX blue switches). The 7G has a USB and audio pass through, the Ducky does not. In terms of Mice I have had experience with the R.A.T 3 from Cyborg and the Naos 5000 from Mionix. Both mice and very comfortable however the R.A.T 3 is much more affordable, but lacks features the Naos 5000 has such as user removable weights and different colour LED's. These are the only gaming grade peripherals I have used, however I love all of them. I can't really slate any thing about them they just have different features. It all depends on your budget really. A quick note on Cherry MX Switches, I have used both black and blue. The blacks are much heavier than the blues but they are significantly quieter than the blues. My brother claims he can hear me typing from his room when I'm using blues (he likes to be over dramatic!). I would also say the blacks are better for gaming on, as the blues are too light to game with in my opinion. I also love the sound the blues make. But switch choice is something to consider.

Hey Samdb, I have a Shine 2 with pink back lighting. I don't know if the Shine 3 will have this colour choice but here's some pictures, they don't show the colour exactly but its pretty accurate.

Thanks Dixon, I have the Phobya pin extractor tools but I found that the one for PCIe, EPS and ATX connectors were to thin to work effectively. This is why I ended up using BIG staples. I've heard good things about the MDPC-X tool though, plus everyone should support Nils! :D

Hello everyone, I thought some of you might find this video I made handy. This is not a how to, this is just the best way I've found to remove pins from their connector blocks in order to start sleeving. I'm quite aggressive with some of the pins in this video and I would advise you to take it easy if your trying this for the first time. I hope you find this guide useful and happy sleeving! :)

This is a great looking build MK7 go click that buy button! :D

Yeah you should be fine with that build and a 650 Watt PSU. Most PC components these days are much more power effcient than their last generation counterparts so larger power supplies aren't as necessary any more. My system is running a 2500K at 4.6Ghz and a GTX 560Ti at 1Ghz and I only have a 750W PSU.

RealTemp is the most commonly used one it would seem. It has a clear and concise layout and is accurate. LINK

This is a question really only you can answer Jordy. However I'll give you my two cents. If you have the money spare and really want to move your build into a prodigy then go for it. If you can't afford it then obviously stick with the Shinobi.

I would suggest getting a descent monitor, if you spend a reasonable amount of money on this now you won't have to buy another monitor for at lease a few years. An SSD would give you a greater performance increase but like the other guys have said it sounds like you might not benefit due to the age of your motherboard. SSD's are also constantly falling in price, so by the time you've saved enough to upgrade again you won't have to spend as much! Its not an easy choice to make but that is what I would do.

Hey ShaunW500, Your second build list is much closer to the mark. Andi is right too, spending a little more on the power supply now will save you money in the future. Try to get a modular one as well, that will help tidy up the inside of your case and improve airflow. I would suggest something from Corsair, Silverstone or Seasonic. Other than that though the rest of your build is solid :).

Hi ThaGamer, Sleeving is a very labour and time intensive task but the results are fully worth the effort. I use to use MDPC Sleeve and heat shrink, it is the best available nylon sleeve. I then saw you could use paracord instead. People on YouTube and some forums claim that it is harder to work with, but in my experience that is not the case. Paracord is much cheaper that nylon sleeving (you can pick up 100 feet on eBay for £6.80). Paracords low price makes it perfect for practising with as it doesn't really matter if you cock it up. It is also very easy to use paracord without having to use heat shrink, this makes the cables look much smarter. The only tools you will need to sleeve are some masking tape, razor blade, a lighter, pen, ruler, long nose pliers and some patience. I suggest you watch some how to YouTube videos, Check these ones out: http://youtu.be/Fz7J_0fS2KU http://youtu.be/tFUDqEvhmho http://youtu.be/x5_58o0WaTM Check out this YouTube Channel too its very handy indeed. If you need any more help on the matter send me a PM. I'm a sleeving addict! and am always happy to help a fellow sleever :D.

We need to know what your total budget is for these upgrades, we also need to know what you intend to use it for (light gaming/heavy rendering or visa versa) in order to advise on anything. Once we have that info we will be able to help you much more easily.