StarCraft 2 is upon us, so I am building [Archive]

MiamiHeat

07-23-2010, 06:00 PM

a gaming PC rig for $500.

got a few questions though, spent a lot of time on google, couldn't really find an answer, so I'll ask on forums -

1) What is the best way to pick a great VGA cable for PC to HDTV while keeping great performance?

I plan to use a Proscan 32" HDTV as my monitor. It has a VGA PC outlet on the back of the TV, so I figure all I need is a regular VGA coaxial cable to run from PC--->TV.

But.... I was reading product reviews and people complain about some VGA cables saying that some do not support higher resolutions, even though your TV is capable of it... or don't auto-detect the type of TV you have....

2) What's the best UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for a HDTV + PC Gaming rig + Internet Modem?

My PC will run at about 250W (peak load)
Not sure how much power the modem and HDTV will need?

As long as the UPS can support 1 HDTV, the PC, and 1 cable modem, and give me power for about 10 minutes, I am good to go.

Any recommendations?? I want to spend under $110 for it.

For anyone curious, my $500 cheap gamer rig will still be able to play whatever I want on max settings.

4 GB RAM
2.9ghz triple core CPU AMD Athlon
radeon hd 5750 1gb video card

I'm building this just for StarCraft 2, but I guess I will try WoW's Wrath of Lich King since I never played it, and Cataclysm I guess....and BioWare's The Old Republic when it comes out

any help thanks.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-23-2010, 06:38 PM

I'm pretty sure you can't run anything you want on max settings on that rig. It'll run you Starcraft 2 no problem though

MiamiHeat

07-23-2010, 07:11 PM

do you know how to pick a good VGA cable to use for PC-->HDTV and not lose performance??

google isnt helping

phyzik

07-23-2010, 07:45 PM

do you know how to pick a good VGA cable to use for PC-->HDTV and not lose performance??

google isnt helping

Im not sure what your asking as far as performance. Are you talking visual quality or actual frame rate?

If your talking frame rates.... there's a reason google isnt helping. The video cable isnt going to effect your frame rates... thats all on the video card.

MiamiHeat

07-23-2010, 08:13 PM

I'm talking video resolution

apparently, some cables don't allow the HDTV to operate on higher resolutions even though it's capable of it.....

have no idea how to pick the right one

MannyIsGod

07-23-2010, 09:02 PM

That makes no sense to me. How would a VGA cable affect the resolution?

ElNono

07-23-2010, 10:05 PM

ChumpDumper

07-23-2010, 10:37 PM

Buy a cheap cable and see if it works. If it doesn't, get something else. I can't imagine a VGA cable that couldn't do 1920x1080 (I assume that's what your TV is, that's as high as pretty much any tv is going to display) -- it isn't a super high resolution, but I guess anything's possible.

MiamiHeat

07-23-2010, 11:20 PM

You're probably better off using HDMI or DVI if it's available both on your card and your TV. VGA is an analog signal, prone to interference, which can degrade the quality of the video. Those two connection types will identify the available resolutions from the TV to the video card.

That said, VGA should be able to do that too if the TV supports sending DDC data, which most every device since pretty much the 90's does.

If the card is not letting you select a higher resolution that the TV supports, then it's the TV that doesn't want to support that resolution through VGA (or is not sending DDC data), not the cable.

Buy a cheap cable and see if it works. If it doesn't, get something else. I can't imagine a VGA cable that couldn't do 1920x1080 (I assume that's what your TV is, that's as high as pretty much any tv is going to display) -- it isn't a super high resolution, but I guess anything's possible.

i'm going with this then. i'll buy a cheap one and see what happens.

ChumpDumper

07-24-2010, 01:56 AM

And check the owner's manual if you have it or it's available online. They usually list the computer resolutions that the tv will display. It usually isn't a big deal on 1080p televisions, but many times on 720p sets the actual native resolution is 1366x768, so setting a computer to the usual 1280x720 will result in the picture's being noticeably smaller than the available screen.

MannyIsGod

07-24-2010, 02:29 AM

It just makes no sense that VGA cable would be able to transmit one analog signal but not another.

scottspurs

07-26-2010, 10:43 PM

Starcraft is the truth

MiamiHeat

07-26-2010, 11:08 PM

well, i already ordered everything earlier today and it's all shipped

ended up buying a 600 watt UPS backup for my HDTV/PC/Modem setup

though ChumpDumper hit the nail on the head. the hdtv i got to use as a monitor is 720p/1080i, so the resolution will be 1360x768, which is plenty good enough.

Wild Cobra

07-26-2010, 11:43 PM

I'm talking video resolution

apparently, some cables don't allow the HDTV to operate on higher resolutions even though it's capable of it.....

have no idea how to pick the right one
Well, very few 32" HDTV's are better than 720P (1280 x 720). If you want a gaming machine you need a monitor. At least a 1280 x 1024.

I just gave away two monitors last week. A 1280 x 1024 and a 1600 x 1200.

You are wasting that cards capability on a TV. Then i wonder... Will that 250 watt power supply support the cards peak power demands of over 100 watts...

That card has HDMI output. Why not use it?

TheSullyMonster

07-27-2010, 07:30 AM

I'm pretty sure you can't run anything you want on max settings on that rig. It'll run you Starcraft 2 no problem though

SC2 requirements are pretty damned low, as are WoW's. He might.

I'm using SC2 as an excuse for a new rig too.:ihit

Good luck with a 250w power supply...I went with a 550.

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 09:58 AM

where the hell did I say i bought a 250w power supply????

I said my PC would consume 250w of power at peak load, not that I bought a 250w power supply.

I bought an antec 500watt 80 plus certified power supply. and I was wrong earlier, my PC will run at about 320w, not 250w.

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:04 AM

Well, very few 32" HDTV's are better than 720P (1280 x 720). If you want a gaming machine you need a monitor. At least a 1280 x 1024.

I just gave away two monitors last week. A 1280 x 1024 and a 1600 x 1200.

You are wasting that cards capability on a TV.

That card has HDMI output. Why not use it?

interesting. so the HDTV will actually be inferior to a monitor, unless i upgrade to top of the line HDTV 1080p??

Ryvin1

07-27-2010, 01:21 PM

Really liking the single player mode, the story and game are very well done. I'm liking this much better then the beta.

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 01:31 PM

interesting. so the HDTV will actually be inferior to a monitor, unless i upgrade to top of the line HDTV 1080p??

Is your TV a 720p or 1080i (or "p")?

If its 720p, yes, youre wasting your VGAs capability.

If its 1080, no.

Moreover, any video card worth its weight has a DVI or HDMI hook-up (or both). If your card only has a VGA output, its shit and its time for a new one.

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 01:33 PM

I realize this card is manufactured by Sapphire, but I would have to think the outputs are the same across the spectrum.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859

It has 2 DVI outputs and one HDMI output.

DMX7

07-27-2010, 01:44 PM

So who bought the game, and how is it so far?

cool cat

07-27-2010, 02:11 PM

So who bought the game, and how is it so far?

I bought it this morning but I won't be able to play in until tonight.

Ryvin1

07-27-2010, 02:14 PM

So who bought the game, and how is it so far?

Game is very nice! I'm really enjoying it.

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 02:22 PM

starcraft is the truth in S.Korea

fify

Wild Cobra

07-27-2010, 02:39 PM

Is your TV a 720p or 1080i (or "p")?

If its 720p, yes, youre wasting your VGAs capability.

If its 1080, no.

Moreover, any video card worth its weight has a DVI or HDMI hook-up (or both). If your card only has a VGA output, its shit and its time for a new one.
Well, considering I have a 24" 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) monitor, I personally disagree. I would never limit my computer resolution to a TV. These babies are $400+ with only a few under $400.

My card will go the next higher standard. I've been thinking of getting a 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) monitor. Haven't priced many yet. I know they are spendy. Cheapest 30" I've seen is $1200, and I've seen them past $2000.

xellos88330

07-27-2010, 05:29 PM

I am in Starcraft heaven right now. Can't speak no more.

Must... killl more zeeeerrrrggggg!!!

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 05:57 PM

fffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

now i'm going to have to buy an expensive monitor to really use my video card capabilities?? i thought hdtv was gonna make this baby complete.

i am disappoint. i wanted a huge screen to play games on... not a small 22 inch lcd monitor =(

well, im going to run with my measley 720p/1080i HDTV for now,

and then i'll save up some more money and buy meself a badass monitor next.

leemajors

07-27-2010, 07:01 PM

It just makes no sense that VGA cable would be able to transmit one analog signal but not another.

it makes no sense to buy a new gaming comp and use a VGA cable

phyzik

07-27-2010, 09:31 PM

it makes no sense to buy a new gaming comp for $500 and talk about using it on a $1200 screen

fify

Miamiheat, do you drive an $800 car with $2000 rims?

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 10:14 PM

Well, considering I have a 24" 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) monitor, I personally disagree. I would never limit my computer resolution to a TV. These babies are $400+ with only a few under $400.

My card will go the next higher standard. I've been thinking of getting a 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) monitor. Haven't priced many yet. I know they are spendy. Cheapest 30" I've seen is $1200, and I've seen them past $2000.

I hear you, trust me.

But he doesnt have a card capable of puching past the limit, thus he isnt wasting his VGA on a TV.

I am strictly monitor, too. BUt the question was "Am I wasting it?"

In his case, no, IMO, he isnt.

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:20 PM

fify

Miamiheat, do you drive an $800 car with $2000 rims?

whaaat, the pc i built might have cost $500 bucks, but it's a powerful gaming build capable of playing any game made, and a lot (not all) of them on max settings.

3.0 ghz triple core amd athlon processor
4 gb ram
radeon hd 5750 1gb video card
500gb hdd

thats more than enough. you cant compare that to a shitty car LOL. you can build good gaming pc's for less nowadays.

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 10:20 PM

So who bought the game, and how is it so far?

I watched a Stream on justintv.

Obviously, I havent played it.

To me, it looks like SC with a facelift. Blizzard took no risks, it seems. Even the "hub" you tool around in between missions is janky. Its like a Dungeon Quest point and click affair.

5+ years of development for....I dont know what.

I would assume the game is balanced as all hell, since MP is really the only reason to play the game.

But there were some nice touches, like Research and Tech buying that sort-of customize your army to your playstyle. Its just to me, having played DoW and DoW2, Ive seen all of that before, at length.

This might be the first game I pirate. I am seriously skeptical of SC2, so much so I dont want to pay for it without playing it first.

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:24 PM

it makes no sense to buy a new gaming comp and use a VGA cable

apparently VGA cables work well and should be fine.

there can be issues when using DVI (from reading other forums) so w/e

i'll just save up another few hundred bucks and eventually buy a better HDTV that has 1080p

fuck monitors. i want a big desktop screen

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:26 PM

I watched a Stream on justintv.

Obviously, I havent played it.

To me, it looks like SC with a facelift. Blizzard took no risks, it seems. Even the "hub" you tool around in between missions is janky. Its like a Dungeon Quest point and click affair.

5+ years of development for....I dont know what.

I would assume the game is balanced as all hell, since MP is really the only reason to play the game.

But there were some nice touches, like Research and Tech buying that sort-of customize your army to your playstyle. Its just to me, having played DoW and DoW2, Ive seen all of that before, at length.

This might be the first game I pirate. I am seriously skeptical of SC2, so much so I dont want to pay for it without playing it first.

the Use Map Settings community alone is worth the price of the game

I must have gotten 1981392748347 hours of fun gameplay from playing user custom maps on StarCraft Broodwar

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:27 PM

i cant wait to play the new Marine Special Forces on this game :)

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 10:28 PM

DarkReign

07-27-2010, 10:29 PM

apparently VGA cables work well and should be fine.

there can be issues when using DVI (from reading other forums) so w/e

i'll just save up another few hundred bucks and eventually buy a better HDTV that has 1080p

fuck monitors. i want a big desktop screen

No, no, no.

Dont listen to that bullshit.

You should be using a DVI or HDMI cord, period.

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:31 PM

No, no, no.

Dont listen to that bullshit.

You should be using a DVI or HDMI cord, period.

well, i have a spare HDMI cable, so fuck it ill just use that

MiamiHeat

07-27-2010, 10:36 PM

True, true.

But you should consider 8gb of RAM and two VGAs, instead of a sick monitor.

Games like Bad Company 2 are going to kick your machine's ass, nevermind Crysis (or Crysis 2).

could you explain why??

i'm looking at the sysreq's of BC2 and it says for Recommended :

quadcore cpu (minimum is dual core 2ghz)
2GB RAM
512MB radeon hd 4870 vid card

doesnt seem like its that tough on the pc? what did I overlook??

Heath Ledger

07-27-2010, 10:37 PM

Ive got mine hooked up to my 40" samsung via hdmi and it is insane. I have never played the first starcraft what kind of game is it?

phyzik

07-27-2010, 11:51 PM

whaaat, the pc i built might have cost $500 bucks, but it's a powerful gaming build capable of playing any game made, and a lot (not all) of them on max settings.

3.0 ghz triple core amd athlon processor
4 gb ram
radeon hd 5750 1gb video card
500gb hdd

thats more than enough. you cant compare that to a shitty car LOL. you can build good gaming pc's for less nowadays.

Not at max settings. No way. Not with todays games.

Your building a mediocre gaming PC.

I am a HARDCORE PC gamer. I update my PC every year or so, but I go top of the line.

I DARE you to run a game like Singularity at max graphics. Wont happen.

x0KFJlLaxjI

And thats not even a "pushing the limits" game.

Dont get me wrong, for what you are building it for (Starcraft 2) it will run it..... but dont kid yourself into thinking its going to run the latest and greatest at max settings. It wont.

To compare, this is what I have in my gaming rig and Im considering upgrading soon.....

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor

8gb of RAM

2 Nvidia Gefore 250 cards (running SLI) each with 1GB of video ram

150GB 15000RPM HD that does 6gb/sec

a Second 2TB drive for basic data storage

THATS a gaming computer that will last for maybe another year or 2 with games at max settings.... And Im already looking at upgrading.

Seriously, Im not trying to dog on you. What you are building will get you through games for maybe 6 months. In the gaming world, thats a waste of money.

If it works for what you want, great, but I have been doing this for YEARS and what you are building is like buying a beat up car off of an untrustworthy dealer..... dont expect it to keep up for long when it comes to gaming.

Then again, Im a hardcore gamer... you may not be.

Im just giving a mutual gamers warning, dont expect that PC to hold up to the games coming out.

DarkReign

07-28-2010, 08:22 AM

could you explain why??

i'm looking at the sysreq's of BC2 and it says for Recommended :

quadcore cpu (minimum is dual core 2ghz)
2GB RAM
512MB radeon hd 4870 vid card

doesnt seem like its that tough on the pc? what did I overlook??

Yeah, thats BC2 in 1020 x 768 resolution (or maybe even worse, 800 x 600).

But if you want to run all the particle effects, anti-aliasing at 1920 x 1200, your machine wont handle it, dude, trust me.

Ive got a killer rig, one of the best, and at max settings (8x AA, 1920 x 1200, all the bells and whistles on) my rig sounds like a jet plane after about an hour of gameplay (the extra fans kick on after the box reaches a certain temperature).

After I am done playing, I have leave my PC on for about 5-10 minutes while it continues to cool. Its a demanding game.

Point is this, Miami.

Screw the monitor.

Upgrade your RAM to 8gb and get (2) video cards that can run in Crossfire/SLi. You'll thank me (us) later, trust me.

StarCraft2 is, graphically speaking, weak-sauce. Any modern FPS burns that game up. Even Modern Warfare, a 2 year old game, will eat that system alive at max settings.

And really, there are only two things you need to prevent that. More RAM and two VGAs. Your processor is more than enough. So long as you have the proper power supply (500w is more than enough, depending on how many rails it has), a decent mobo (anything nVidia, ASUS, etc), youll be good to go on any game. Maybe not at max settings, but certainly above minimum specs.

DarkReign

07-28-2010, 08:34 AM

Ive got mine hooked up to my 40" samsung via hdmi and it is insane. I have never played the first starcraft what kind of game is it?

Real-Time Strategy (or RTS for short).

Along the lines of Dawn of War, Age of Empires, Supreme Commander, Warcraft 2/3, Rise of Nations and the Command & Conquer series.

Only, StarCraft is a legend in the genre. So much so that to this day, S.Korea actually has multiple television stations dedicated to tournament play of StarCraft 1. Extremely deep (but subtle) strategy and competition.

z0sa could explain further as he claims to actually have been good at SC1, whereas I admit I sucked (bad).

Nearly all the games follow a similar pattern of gameplay.

Base-building, scouting, resource aquisition, skirmishing, army-building, total war, someone wins.

You have to be fast (like, lightning fast, keyboard shortcuts are a MUST) and know your units to even compete in MP. What is the enemy bringing to the fight and how to counter it most effectively? What research path to follow? Build orders (HQ is usually pre-built, power stations, mining stations, infantry barracks, special barracks, air barracks), unit pattern (two workers, 2 infantry, etc), etc.

Its a very specialized, streamlined genre that doesnt lend itself well to deviation from winning patterns. Is Starcraft2 different in that sense? I have no idea, but seeing as it was in development for 5+ years and cost over $100 million dollars to make, judging by the grpahics, I assume that time was spent balancing the game so multiple strategies could be employed to reduce the cookie-cutter "auto-win" strats in other, similar games.

I certainly hope so.

Like I said, it might be first game I pirate before buying, but I have no clue how to pirate anything, much less a game.

ChumpDumper

07-28-2010, 08:59 AM

well, i have a spare HDMI cable, so fuck it ill just use that:lol Here I was assuming you didn't have an open HDMI on your tv.

My bad.

redzero

07-28-2010, 09:13 AM

How long 'til some Korean dude gets a heart attack from playing this 72 hours straight?

DarkReign

07-28-2010, 01:32 PM

How long 'til some Korean dude gets a heart attack from playing this 72 hours straight?

If you had the under, youd have already won.

I know what story youre referencing and I am pretty sure the young man was playing SC1 in some cafe.

Cry Havoc

07-28-2010, 01:49 PM

could you explain why??

i'm looking at the sysreq's of BC2 and it says for Recommended :

quadcore cpu (minimum is dual core 2ghz)
2GB RAM
512MB radeon hd 4870 vid card

doesnt seem like its that tough on the pc? what did I overlook??

Recommended doesn't mean "to play on max settings"

Recommended statistic are listed to ensure you can play the game at a comfortable frame rate with moderately high settings.

I have a quad core with 4 gigs of ram and a 4870 with 512 mb of ram (actually a better card than the 5770 at medium resolutions) and there is no way I can push the settings even close to maximum. Medium high is what I run. The game still looks phenomenal, but you'd need a SERIOUS rig to push BC2 to it's max. Budget systems won't do it.

MiamiHeat

07-28-2010, 01:51 PM

Recommended doesn't mean "to play on max settings"

Recommended statistic are listed to ensure you can play the game at a comfortable frame rate with moderately high settings.

I have a quad core with 4 gigs of ram and a 4870 with 512 mb of ram (actually a better card than the 5770 at medium resolutions) and there is no way I can push the settings even close to maximum. Medium high is what I run. The game still looks phenomenal, but you'd need a SERIOUS rig to push BC2 to it's max. Budget systems won't do it.

ah ok

Cane

07-28-2010, 01:53 PM

So who bought the game, and how is it so far?

Pretty bad ass and exceeded my high expectations. SC 1 was the best RTS ever made imo and I was a god damn Westwood studios fan; and this looks to be even better. Blizzard has yet to disappoint when it comes to their games imo.

Didn't expect SC2 to be anywhere near as cinematic and immersive as it has been which was an unexpected surprise (although Blizzard games usually have been pretty awesome when it comes to storytelling, just didn't expect this much!). The gameplay's damn fun as well and multiplayer-wise it seems pretty balanced.

cool cat

07-28-2010, 05:09 PM

I have everything running on ultra and it's nice. As for the game it's great, I started playing it and it felt amazingly natural to get back into StarCraft, but I don't play RTS online, I’m afraid I would get owned.

DarkReign

07-28-2010, 05:52 PM

Heath Ledger

07-28-2010, 06:36 PM

I have an 8600 gts with decent quad core computer with 6 gigs would the 8600gts run this game decently? what about mw2?

DarkReign

07-28-2010, 09:18 PM

I have an 8600 gts with decent quad core computer with 6 gigs would the 8600gts run this game decently? what about mw2?

Yes on SC2

Kind of for MW2.

You could get a second card cheap seeing as that card is 1-2 years old. Run in SLi, bam, problem solved.

resistanze

07-28-2010, 09:38 PM

Drachen

07-28-2010, 10:53 PM

is there a demo I can play? I was always a huge warcraft RTS fan, but have never played starcraft.

Heath Ledger

07-29-2010, 01:22 AM

If I wanted to upgrade my graphics card with a budget of say $250 what would you reccomend? Ive never done SLI not sure if I have another pci express slot open.

ElNono

07-29-2010, 07:30 AM

Just took the plunge last night and bought the digital version. Played until you're on the spaceship (3 or so missions). Enjoying it quite a bit so far.

DarkReign

07-29-2010, 08:30 AM

If I wanted to upgrade my graphics card with a budget of say $250 what would you reccomend? Ive never done SLI not sure if I have another pci express slot open.

If you an open pci slot, you'll spend much less on a VGA to match yours. I just checked NewEgg and the card is (obviously) discontinued.

You can probably find one on Ebay or the like to exactly match yours.

You have two scenarios:

1. You have two available PCI slots: Match the card you own, buy one really good one or two mid-level cards (see link, good damn card, cheap too).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339

2. You DO NOT have two available PCI slots: Then youre limited to buying one really good card for less than $250, or upgrading your mobo for more PCI slots and going to option 1.

This is one good/great card for around $200 bucks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127464)

DarkReign

07-29-2010, 08:31 AM

is there a demo I can play? I was always a huge warcraft RTS fan, but have never played starcraft.

No, not yet anyway. Probably never will, tbh.

Buy or pirate.

DarkReign

07-29-2010, 08:35 AM

I have a Radeon 4850 which I never really intended for gaming. Actually, I haven't gamed consistently on the PC since 2007ish, so I'm out of the loop in terms of gaming cards.

But I'm guessing it should still be good for SC2? I can play CS:S on max settings 1920 X 1080! :lol

Oh yeah, youre good to go with SC2 on that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102747

512mb of RAM, 256-bit transfer

Above average cards these days have 1gb of RAM and a 360ish-bit transfer, for comparison.

The "Killer Cards" can go up to 2GB with a 1MB transfer rate! Shit! I havent looked at cards in some time....just wow.

Drachen

07-29-2010, 09:00 AM

No, not yet anyway. Probably never will, tbh.

Buy or pirate.

That sucks, I don't want to buy it if I am not going to enjoy it, and the only reason I would get the game would be to play multiplayer through battlenet, so no pirate.

Cry Havoc

07-29-2010, 09:08 AM

If I wanted to upgrade my graphics card with a budget of say $250 what would you reccomend? Ive never done SLI not sure if I have another pci express slot open.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125327&cm_re=5770-_-14-125-327-_-Product

This is the best card for the money in the world right now. Plus, if you buy that, you can SLI it for $300 bucks (280 after rebate!) with another 5770. That would set you up very nicely for any modern game.

DarkReign

07-29-2010, 11:00 AM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125327&cm_re=5770-_-14-125-327-_-Product

This is the best card for the money in the world right now. Plus, if you buy that, you can SLI it for $300 bucks (280 after rebate!) with another 5770. That would set you up very nicely for any modern game.

Bam. Should have left the advice to people (CH) who are still wandering the landscape.

I tricked my PC out a little over ayear ago and havent looked at hardware since.

Better price, too!

ElNono

07-29-2010, 11:30 AM

I thought the NVidia GTX260 blew the 5770 out of the water for about the same price?

I was looking at 5770 comparisons at Tom's Hardware today, and noticed that.

Thoughts?

ElNono

07-29-2010, 11:34 AM

Nevermind actually. They're basically comparable, but the 5770 is actually DX11 compatible.

Carry on... :hat

Cry Havoc

07-29-2010, 11:51 AM

Nevermind actually. They're basically comparable, but the 5770 is actually DX11 compatible.

Carry on... :hat

Yeah, that's the main difference. If you're only looking to go DX10, I'd probably recommend the 260.

However, I believe the 5770 runs a lot cooler as well. I haven't compared the power consumption, but the DX11 is really what makes the 5770 shine. $280 to run any game on max settings? Yes please. :hat

MiamiHeat

07-29-2010, 01:20 PM

teh 5770 is $155 on newegg, and it's ready for overclocking which makes it 13% better than standard 5770

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125327&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

Cry Havoc

07-29-2010, 01:44 PM

resistanze

07-29-2010, 02:07 PM

Good thing you're bringing so much new information to the thread.

:lmao

MiamiHeat

07-29-2010, 02:43 PM

[QUOTE=Cry Havoc;4547315]Good thing you're bringing so much new information to the thread.[/QUOTE

:lmao

MiamiHeat

07-31-2010, 02:24 AM

fuccck
now i have a problem.

all of my pc parts got here, everything brand new. so I build it, and use the HDMI port on the radeon hd 5750 to my hdtv HDMI port.

when i boot up the computer for the first time, no signal??

do i have to install windows and shit and then install gfx card so that it will work?

the mobo I bought does not bring a graphics outlet at all this is the mobo i bought (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=)

so i entirely depend on the radeon gfx card for video out....

should the card be working on bootup or do i have to install windows first, then install gfx card for it to work?

Cry Havoc

07-31-2010, 02:46 AM

MiamiHeat

07-31-2010, 02:48 AM

ok it works now thanks

MiamiHeat

08-01-2010, 03:35 PM

this game is great

no let down at all so far.

i also noticed the single player is a huge focus this time around, fun to play. even has storyline choices that affect your gameplay

BlackSwordsMan

08-01-2010, 03:46 PM

It's a shame I can only find one cutscene from SC2 and that's the ending of terran

scottspurs

08-01-2010, 08:03 PM

Cinematics on this game are choice

ElNono

08-04-2010, 09:22 PM

I just played my first MP game since StarCraft I....

I got my ass kicked...

Could only win the third game against another n00b like me...

Cry Havoc

08-04-2010, 10:57 PM

I'm picking this up in the next couple of days. Maybe Saturday. Can't wait!

MannyIsGod

08-05-2010, 12:14 AM

I'm tempted.

TDMVPDPOY

08-05-2010, 01:09 AM

I thought the NVidia GTX260 blew the 5770 out of the water for about the same price?

I was looking at 5770 comparisons at Tom's Hardware today, and noticed that.

Thoughts?

not reliable source man, some sites get paid to write homerism articles...

ElNono

08-05-2010, 08:57 AM

not reliable source man, some sites get paid to write homerism articles...

That's most of the hardware review sites these days...

MaNuMaNiAc

08-05-2010, 09:58 AM

I just found out the Latin American box version of Starcraft 2 can only be played for 6 months and then you have to pay a monthly subscription after that. Not only that, but I'm not sure if you can play it in english...

Blizzard can't REALLY be this fucking stupid, can they???

Anyone know if I buy the Latin American online version, I'll be able to play the game in english?

MannyIsGod

08-05-2010, 11:29 AM

LOL damn you're getting hosed.

MannyIsGod

08-05-2010, 11:29 AM

Can't you just buy an American version off ebay or something?

Cane

08-05-2010, 11:55 AM

velik_m

08-05-2010, 12:24 PM

Can't you just buy an American version off ebay or something?

But then he can only play on american servers with people who have american version.

Got a link for this? Sounds too crazy but after merging with Activision they did make some shitty moves like not originally designing chatrooms on bnet.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/05/cheaper-time-limited-starcraft-ii-solid-in-mexico-south-america/

I think Blizzard saw how long the players played starcraft 1 and thought: if all those players would be paying subscription all this time like in WoW :greedy

Cane

08-05-2010, 01:15 PM

Been having a blast with SC2. Also recently came across some interesting potential for use map settings maps but some of these vids are old, however can't wait to try out some of these triggers once I put some time into the map editor - third person view :wow

xR6U4SI0O6A

UqQSyd0UaWc

FYQTFq4N9rs

Stuff from a year ago:

joNPrnY4K_4

The map editor is almost like a game engine in itself. One of the best things about PC gaming is the unlimited potential if the user community's harnessed by providing tools and support such as a great map editor.

But then he can only play on american servers with people who have american version.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/05/cheaper-time-limited-starcraft-ii-solid-in-mexico-south-america/

I think Blizzard saw how long the players played starcraft 1 and thought: if all those players would be paying subscription all this time like in WoW :greedy

:depressed

MaNuMaNiAc

08-05-2010, 01:16 PM

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/05/cheaper-time-limited-starcraft-ii-solid-in-mexico-south-america/

from that same link

Players in these countries will also be able to purchase an unlimited access version of the game directly from Blizzard for a price comparable to the US price of $59.99.

That doesn't sound so bad. Now, all I've got to find out is weather purchasing the LA version will let me download it in english. I'll be fucking damned if I'll play it in its crap spanish translated version.

ElNono

08-05-2010, 01:55 PM

Right... the limited version only costs $30.00 :wow

velik_m

08-05-2010, 02:24 PM

Been having a blast with SC2. Also recently came across some interesting potential for use map settings maps but some of these vids are old, however can't wait to try out some of these triggers once I put some time into the map editor - third person view :wow

World of Starcraft :greed

The map editor is almost like a game engine in itself. One of the best things about PC gaming is the unlimited potential if the user community's harnessed by providing tools and support such as a great map editor.

Yeah, but: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=139745

TDMVPDPOY

08-05-2010, 03:35 PM

most of my mates have it, i cbf purchasing this bs since im not into these type of strategy games

MaNuMaNiAc

08-05-2010, 03:59 PM

So I just confirmed that the LA version of the game is only in Spanish. In other words, either I play it laggy as all hell on North American servers or play it translated in spanish, which to be honest is worst than lag.

I just want to know who the fuck was the genius that thought that would be a good idea...

Cane

08-08-2010, 12:31 PM

Metal Slug Starcraft 2!!!

d1M9EMEBUTU

No other RTS comes close to the complete package that SC2 is. NONE :D

World of Starcraft :greed

Yeah, but: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=139745

Yea there's definitely some issues to work out. I especially hate Activision and what they did to the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 by taking away standard features such as dedicated servers and the console.

It shows a huge disconnect between the accountant and the gamer :bang

z0sa

08-08-2010, 06:29 PM

No other RTS comes close to the complete package that SC2 is. NONE :D

It was the same shit when SC came out. Their map editor made essentially everything RTS related in 98/99 obsolete, or at least out dated. I could UMS all night without even a single traditional SC match mixed in.

MiamiHeat

08-09-2010, 01:32 AM

It was the same shit when SC came out. Their map editor made essentially everything RTS related in 98/99 obsolete, or at least out dated. I could UMS all night without even a single traditional SC match mixed in.

I played maybe less than 20 melee competitive matches vs humans in my entire 12 years of playing Starcraft 1.

but I probably have over 10,000 games played in Use Map Settings.

Siege of Gondor
Marine Special Forces
Normandy SE2

holy fuck this is the main reason I even built a computer for SC2

because of UMS.

my main problem is this - the "Popularity" thing is garbage. how the fuck do you introduce a new map and get it popular??

i think the days of someone hosting a new map they just made and perfected are gone. Now your new map gets lost at the WAAAAAY bottom of the list and you have to keep pressing "Show More Games" ... who the fuck is gonna do that? how will you even get full games?

kinda sucks.

oh and RealID is fail, and the new BNET lacks as many options of the old BNET.

cant even create your own game with custom title and rules.... no chat rooms...'

and how the fuck are we supposed to play Multiplayer if we werent shown or taught the new fucking Zerg and Protoss units and changes in SC2? trial and error ?

Starcraft is not meant to be dividing campaigns like this. It's a shitty idea and its quite clear activision has their hands on this.

but w/e. I suspect Blizzard will be fixing stuff....

Cry Havoc

08-09-2010, 03:50 PM

Well, I picked up Starcraft II yesterday.

Then I was walking around Best Buy, and decided to take the plunge and buy a new laptop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/whisperingstorm/AlienwareM11xBlack.jpg?t=1281386950

I absolutely love this thing. Starcraft II already installed. I was using it for about an hour last night, and didn't realize it was unplugged... had 5:00 hours of battery left on it! Can't wait to see how it runs on this Nvidia 335 GTS with 1 gig of memory. :hungry:

z0sa

08-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Nice Havoc.

MiamiHeat, I definitely played more melee matches (i had thousands, lost at least 2/3 of em lol) but UMSing added a lot of variety to the gameplay and could be just as consistently diverse and fun, if not more fun. It was also entertaining making your own campaigns and multiplayer maps - I loved making Lost Temple-esque maps, one entrance, a nice starting spot, and lots of resources and chokepoints.

WC3 expanded on those concepts even further and now you have some of the most popular RTS mods of all-time (and even full blown games). I'm upgrading my PC's gfx card soon and SC2 is the first game I'm buying afterwards.

Cry Havoc

08-09-2010, 04:09 PM

Heat, you got your rig together yet? I threw my pic up, let's see some of yours.

DarkReign

08-09-2010, 05:51 PM

...richer...

MiamiHeat

08-09-2010, 07:12 PM

Heat, you got your rig together yet? I threw my pic up, let's see some of yours.

just took pic 2 minutes ago, but phone cam is mega blurry apparently. SC2 box is bottom center of monitor

Cry Havoc

08-09-2010, 08:00 PM

Damn, that's the blurriest photo I've ever seen. :lol

Anyway, just got done playing a skirmish against the computer. Wow, they changed a lot about how the Zerg operates. This little laptop handles the game beautifully... everything runs on high or ultra settings with no slowdown. :tu

Cry Havoc

08-09-2010, 08:01 PM

...richer...

Your mom.

TacoCabanaFajitas

08-24-2010, 09:08 AM

Anybody playing lately? I'm in platinum league for 3v3s and almost platinum for 1v1s

Cry Havoc

08-24-2010, 10:58 AM

Anybody playing lately? I'm in platinum league for 3v3s and almost platinum for 1v1s

I'm playing almost daily. I suck (no, really, I still am getting used to the units and how they all work with each other), although I did hold my own against a platinum last night. I just need to get better with my micro in battles.

If anyone wants, ask for it here and I'll PM you my battle.net email address and we can rumble. You'll probably kick my ass, but I'll learn quickly. :hat

I was never very good at SC1 because I didn't devote much time to learning it. This game might be a little different though. I intend to actually get good at it.

Cry Havoc

08-24-2010, 11:26 AM

I'm tempted.

This will do more than tempt you. Look at how powerful and flexible the Starcraft II custom game editor/engine is.

http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/30/game-bending-starcraft-ii-mods-and-custom-maps/

4>0rings

08-24-2010, 11:49 AM

Will an old Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT be enough? That's all I got for now. :(

Cry Havoc

08-24-2010, 12:31 PM

Will an old Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT be enough? That's all I got for now. :(

As long as it's 128mb+ you should be able to run it fine.

The Geforce 240 GT is $49 right now after rebate on newegg, if you're interested in a pretty decent upgrade.

4>0rings

08-24-2010, 06:44 PM

As long as it's 128mb+ you should be able to run it fine.

The Geforce 240 GT is $49 right now after rebate on newegg, if you're interested in a pretty decent upgrade.
Yeah I believe it's 512mb. I don't think I have enough power supply to support any of the new cards though.

Cry Havoc

08-24-2010, 07:08 PM

Yeah I believe it's 512mb. I don't think I have enough power supply to support any of the new cards though.

The 240 is super low power consumption, but the 7600 should be fine for SCII on medium-low settings.

Cry Havoc

09-17-2010, 08:42 PM

Played in my first placement match tonight... and won it! Toss vs toss, he rushed, and I had just enough units to hold him off. Literally 1 zealot left after his initial push.

But at the same time he was rushing, I was defending and teching. I got 4 void rays, a handful of stalkers, and some zealots (2 stargates and 3 gateways fed by 2 Nexuses), and by the time his 3rd/4th wave hit, he couldn't even slow my units down, as he went all zealots and had nothing but a couple of cannons (cannons while rushing!?) to slow down my void rays. 12 minutes in, and I'm 1-0 in placement. :tu

Cry Havoc

09-22-2010, 09:27 AM

This game is phenomenal. Just phenomenal. I can't believe how much I've improved in just 5-6 days.

Last night one of my games was actually webcast via www.livestream.com/screddit

I played another bronze player and got wiped, but then watched as he humiliated the other people he played against as well, and he even beat a gold, I think.

For those that don't know, or are scared to try SC for fear of being destroyed, there is a very intelligent head-to-head progression that allows you to ease into the game.

You get 50 practice matches to warm your SC chops up with, which also slows the game down to a more manageable level and gives you rocks to defend your base from early rushes.

After the 50 games, or whenever you opt out, you get 5 placement matches, against people of varying skill levels.

After that, it places you in a group and division (think sports divisions with 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, and so forth) that is roughly representative of your skill level.

Copper/Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum/Diamond, in order of skill from the least experienced to the most.

This allows a relatively smooth progression into more advanced strategies and tactics while at the same time pushing you to be better. Bronze players like myself might suck now, but the meta-game has evolved so far that even some average bronze players today would have absolutely destroyed some of the best veterans 10 years ago.

Last night I lost two matches, but then finally started to get the hang of unit progression, base expansion, etc., and dominated my third match. I'm 28/100 in my bronze league, so maybe I'll be moving up to silver in a couple of days.

Still, it's very humbling when you see how efficient even silver and gold players are at this game, to say nothing of the ridiculous multitasking that some of my diamond-level friends are capable of.

DarkReign

09-22-2010, 01:04 PM

Cry Havoc

09-22-2010, 01:16 PM

Hotkeys are key.

Thus, the reason I never could excel at RTS games. I dont type.

What are some of those uber-players hitting these days, anyway? 200 actions-per-minute? 300 APM?

Un-Godly, I am sure.

It varies, but yes it's pretty insanely high. I don't know the highest right now, but I know upper-tier diamond players are averaging 160 or so. Some people are in the 200 range. I don't know of anyone that's approaching 300, though. On the other hand, I know a (650) diamond who doesn't go much about 80 except in rare circumstances.

Right now I'm averaging about 60. :lol

Cry Havoc

09-27-2010, 09:26 AM

I am officially getting the hang of this game.

After starting 11-14, I am now on a 5 game winning streak, and none of the games were really close. I have beaten three opponents who are "favored" over myself, and at no point in the past 5 matches has my base even been threatened. In fact, the last game I played against a Zerg, the final unit kill count was 107 to 6, in my favor. He attempted to Nydus me, and when it failed he had nothing but zerglings and a few roaches against a huge group of my stalkers, colossi, and void rays.

I now have around 60 matches under my belt, if you include practice, and I would say that I'm just now getting out of complete noobdom. But oh man, is this game amazing when you really get used to the multitasking and consistent unit production. There's so much control over what you can do, and how you can hit your opponent in ways he doesn't expect.

Strangely, the "highs" of this game aren't as overpowering as LoL, but they are much more consistent. With LoL, there is a pretty big delay between starting the game up and when you really start to play... much less of that here. Only in the first two minutes when your probes/drones/scvs are getting the basic minerals out is there a lull. After that, it's build a gateway/rax/spawning pool, make another probe, build a pylon, make another probe, build an vespene harvester, tech up, start rolling your army out, etc.

The progression is starting to feel natural, and it's very addictive.

For those that know a little about Starcraft or RTS games in general... you can appreciate how good this game is. Not the best I've seen, but it's really, really freaking entertaining. These are two Korean diamond players going at it, and I recommend it to anyone who wonders if they'd like SC. If this replay blows your mind, you need to start playing this game:

woQfQuNrCaE

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6YfmZSCEsE&feature=watch_response

Part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUJ5YEq2K5M

As a warning, if you've never played an RTS before, SCII will be the hardest game you've ever played. But the challenge is one to be savored.

Cry Havoc

09-29-2010, 11:35 AM

I have won 11 of my last 12 games, and all of them have been blowouts, with the exception of the loss, where I was 6 pooled and barely missed out on having an extra zealot there to contain the rush.

This game is absolutely amazing.

If you're really interested in improving, I HIGHLY recommend this video series, particularly this video to start off with:

http://day9tv.blip.tv/file/3732340/

It's excellent. It's interesting because his thoughts on this mirror exactly what I have been doing since I started to rapidly improve. Day9 phrases it extremely well and tells you why you should be issuing a lot of commands.

z0sa

09-29-2010, 11:40 AM

Cry Havoc

09-29-2010, 12:34 PM

Use your workers to murder a 6 pool rush. Put half into harvesting still, which turns their threat to nil, while the other half attack move the zerglings. Keep pulling workers off the line as necessary. Workers will pwn an equal number of zerglings up to about 12-14, imo. Nice job on the win streak.

The same thing for proxy gate/cannon pushes near/in your base. Get workers to take down stuff as you build units. His economy is suffering too.

Yeah, I contained the first wave without much of a problem, but then he hit me with 8 more and I couldn't keep enough workers alive. It was my own fault and I congratulated him on a well timed rush. Meh. I can afford losing to rushes once in a while if I am developing my macro. Right now I'm thinking I may go from bronze straight to gold. Would be pretty cool, but from what I've heard you can macro your way to diamond.

Cry Havoc

09-29-2010, 12:47 PM

One thing I've noticed a lot of players doing at my level is sitting around waiting for minerals to build an army with.

This should NEVER happen.

After the 4 minute mark of a game or so, I am never not doing 2-3 things at once, and that's at a minimum.

My thought train always goes, "Okay I need more workers. Now I need to warp another pylon in. While that's going on I have enough mins for another gateway, so I'll throw that down. Now I need another worker, chronoboosted. Micro my probe to scout around his base... is he rushing? Nope, he's teching to siege tanks or air. Great, don't need to worry about an early push, I can tech against him with Colossus or more stalkers and maybe some phoenix/void rays. Okay my cyb core is done time to start researching warp gate. Okay that's started, now I'll make some stalkers and crhonoboost them. Okay, need more workers. Another pylon. Gotta move my units out of my base to do some local scouting, and while that's happening I have 520 minerals so it's time to expand to a second base. More workers, chronoboost. Another stalker. Warp gate is done, time to put that down for my gateways. More workers for the new Nexus. Time to throw down a Robotics Bay. Check to make sure that I've got saturation at my first base -- yep, it's oversaturated so I can take some workers to my new Nexus. More stalkers and maybe an extra zealot. Okay now I have the nexus in and can start mining my second base. My robotics bay is in, let's make an observer. Need another pylon, so I'll warp in two. More stalkers, chronoboost them."

It's this kind of constant doing that has taken me from struggling to win every game to blowing out my competition. Day9 keeps it basic, but to a newbie to Starcraft, it may not seem natural, necessary, or even possible to co-ordinate commands and unit building while in battles that well. But as you learn, you realize how valuable even a few seconds are. Indeed, that's how I lost my game against the early Zerg rush... I messed up my build order by a few seconds, but it was the difference between having 8/10ths of my first zealot being made when he hit me, and being nearly done with my second. Two zealots would have one that game for me. Just barely getting one in lost it. But once you commit to learning a solid build strategy, it's AMAZING how quickly it becomes natural to just take action. Build a building, scout, more workers, more units, pylons, etc.

Cry Havoc

09-29-2010, 03:55 PM

:lol

Looks like I spoke too early, DR. There are people who do average around 400 APM. Unbelievable. Some of that is spamming, especially at the beginning of the match, though.

z0sa

09-29-2010, 06:04 PM

Yeah, I actually enjoy players who cheese with zerglings when they only send their first 6 or at most, 8. You lose maybe 3 workers and have soldiers pouring out to counter the next attack. Usually a quick expo follow up puts you miles ahead economically, or even a counter assault with your own basic units. If you're teching and hold em off, one usually has the game won at tier 2 units.

4>0rings

09-29-2010, 07:52 PM

Hotkeys are key.

Thus, the reason I never could excel at RTS games. I dont type.

This. If you want to be good at RTS, hotkey everything. I could never get good but I wasn't crap either. I just never bothered to hotkey anything. This is probably the number one thing that seperates a great player vs a poor player.

TDMVPDPOY

09-30-2010, 02:05 AM

pc players/console

any of you guys game on a +50inch lcd or plasma?

i got a ps3 thinkn of whether i should hook it up to the plasma, or just buy a 24inch pc monitor use it for both pc and ps3

Cry Havoc

09-30-2010, 09:12 AM

pc players/console

any of you guys game on a +50inch lcd or plasma?

i got a ps3 thinkn of whether i should hook it up to the plasma, or just buy a 24inch pc monitor use it for both pc and ps3

Ps3 and computer both look great on a big TV, provided you can handle the resolution.

Cry Havoc

10-08-2010, 10:03 AM

I am officially silver level, after beating gold/silver opponents for a solid week, they've promoted me.

Game still improving. My goal now is to stay busy making units and building all the time, and to micro in battle a little better. Gotta learn the stalker blink, damnit!

z0sa

10-08-2010, 11:53 AM

Damn, nice. I am 3 in Bronze, have been top 10, even 5 for quite a while. Perhaps soon I'll move up (if I have time - school and work getting intense).

Cry Havoc

10-08-2010, 01:07 PM

Damn, nice. I am 3 in Bronze, have been top 10, even 5 for quite a while. Perhaps soon I'll move up (if I have time - school and work getting intense).

Go back and check the ranks of players you've been playing lately. If you're playing and beating silver/gold players, you'll get promoed soon.

Cry Havoc

10-19-2010, 02:40 PM

Bump.

This game has taken over my gaming life. I play it now more than everything else combined.

Hope I make gold by the end of this week. :tu

Cant_Be_Faded

10-20-2010, 12:52 AM

Wish I was rich enough to have a bad ass gaming comp

i used to play starcraft 1 on the reg

TacoCabanaFajitas

10-20-2010, 03:59 AM

Was #3 in Platinum 1's until I lost 4 straight
#1 in Platinum 3's random, sorry ass teams a lot but 3 wins in a row should put me in diamond

Cry Havoc

10-20-2010, 08:16 AM

Wish I was rich enough to have a bad ass gaming comp

i used to play starcraft 1 on the reg

If you have a monitor already, a $350-400 rig will run Starcraft 2 with no problems.

thispego

12-01-2010, 01:50 AM

how much $ for the game and battlenet account?

z0sa

12-01-2010, 02:46 AM

b.net is free with the $60 purchase

Cry Havoc

12-01-2010, 10:15 AM

Cry Havoc

12-01-2010, 03:04 PM

For anyone curious about how powerful the Starcraft 2 map creator is:

bBbVqR3Euf4

Amazing. I cannot WAIT to play this map.

MiamiHeat

12-01-2010, 03:25 PM

Wish I was rich enough to have a bad ass gaming comp

i used to play starcraft 1 on the reg

you can build a PC that can run any game for only $500

lil'mo

12-03-2010, 11:19 PM

Man, this game is awesome.

I got my 100th league win last night, and should be promoted to gold within a couple days. I've been playing only against golds lately, and have won 3/4ths of them so far.

Nice to be moving up in the world, but sad that diamond seems so far away.
Dude this game is fuckin lame so far, the graphics
aren't any better than original Starcraft, and there is no base defense, it's all mass air ships. There used to be strategy involved in orginal SC and it took longer to accrue more minerals and you had to attack with lesser offensive weapons before you got to the carriers andstar ships and shit. SC 2 is LAME!

vander

12-05-2010, 03:34 AM

well I'm an idiot

I'm trying to build a somewhat powerful PC in a nice and small mini ITX case, the SUGO case I bought said it could handle full size video cards, so I didn't even look at the dimensions of the Asus EAH5850 TOP video card I bought.

it's 10" long, and the case is 10" long, so I can't plug the power cables into to the back of the card :bang:bang

and it turns out the return policy on the Card is Replacement only :bang:bang:bang:bang

fucking idiot, and I really want to keep and use this card, it's a damn good card...

what do

:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang

god dammit

Cry Havoc

12-05-2010, 08:09 AM

Dude this game is fuckin lame so far, the graphics
aren't any better than original Starcraft, and there is no base defense, it's all mass air ships. There used to be strategy involved in orginal SC and it took longer to accrue more minerals and you had to attack with lesser offensive weapons before you got to the carriers andstar ships and shit. SC 2 is LAME!

Well, you're probably in bronze league if you're massing air. Most of the fighting in SC2 is done on the ground, unless a Zerg player is going all mutalisks.

Not sure what you mean by "no base defense". Should I even point to the fact that there is a narrow ramp at most people's base that's easy to wall off or forcefield units away from? How about the natural expansions that usually have a decent choke point? SC2 doesn't encourage turtling as much as SC1 because you can easily lose map control, so static defenses actually hurt you if you abuse them.

Carriers suck, by the way, if you can't beat them you had very little concept of how to play the original SC. If you let someone get mass carriers before attacking them, you deserve to lose.

I'm not sure why "taking longer to accrue minerals" is something that makes SC2 less fun, in fact that's precisely why they made mineral collection faster, so you could play 3-4 games in an hour, rather than 2 at most.

If you don't believe me about massing air, give me your SCII name and character code, and we'll play a few games. I'll show you how unfeasible it is against someone who stays aggressive and takes map control.

It's my firm belief that Starcraft 2 will go down as one of the greatest games of all time, and the greatest eSport to date for gaming. To say it sucks, well... to each his own, man, but you obviously haven't played the game much if that's how you feel.

well I'm an idiot

I'm trying to build a somewhat powerful PC in a nice and small mini ITX case, the SUGO case I bought said it could handle full size video cards, so I didn't even look at the dimensions of the Asus EAH5850 TOP video card I bought.

it's 10" long, and the case is 10" long, so I can't plug the power cables into to the back of the card :bang:bang

and it turns out the return policy on the Card is Replacement only :bang:bang:bang:bang

fucking idiot, and I really want to keep and use this card, it's a damn good card...

what do

:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang:bang

god dammit

Buy a new case? There are several mid-towers that will accommodate a large card.

vander

12-05-2010, 03:48 PM

Buy a new case? There are several mid-towers that will accommodate a large card.

only one I know of is the silverstone SG07, which is much to big and hideous

anyone in the market for a video card?

Cry Havoc

12-05-2010, 05:03 PM

only one I know of is the silverstone SG07, which is much to big and hideous

anyone in the market for a video card?

What are you talking about? There are tons of mid-towers that accommodate large GPUs.

Check out the Corsair Graphite Series 600T.

Cant_Be_Faded

12-05-2010, 05:22 PM

i built a PC that can run any game in existence, and most of them on max settings, for only $500

I am computer retarded. I do not understand. Please explain.

Cry Havoc

12-05-2010, 06:18 PM

I am computer retarded. I do not understand. Please explain.

He's talking about going to newegg.com or a similar site, buying the parts separately, then building the entire PC when it arrives in the mail.

It's not nearly as hard as it sounds, and it saves you lot of money.

vander

12-05-2010, 10:23 PM

What are you talking about? There are tons of mid-towers that accommodate large GPUs.

Check out the Corsair Graphite Series 600T.

:lol

small form factor is most important factor to me, this Sugo SG05 is 11x9x8 or something, I couldn't imagine using anything bigger

TheSullyMonster

12-06-2010, 01:42 AM

Cry Havoc

12-06-2010, 09:41 AM

:lol

small form factor is most important factor to me, this Sugo SG05 is 11x9x8 or something, I couldn't imagine using anything bigger

If you use a box that small, I hope you have a killer liquid cooling set up. Small boxes are notorious for nuking parts, especially given the heat that today's GPUs produce.

Cry Havoc

12-06-2010, 09:46 AM

You're a blind idiot.:lol

Nah, I don't think he's an idiot, it just sounds like he hasn't spent much time with the game yet.

And he does have a point about positioning. Starcraft II is much more frenetic and tactical, whereas Brood War was a drawn out strategic battle. I can see why some pros would stay with BW, as it's a completely different feel.

However, his comment about the graphics is pretty off though, as SCII looks far and away better in every respect than BW, especially with regard to the explosions and the use of weapons in battle. I thought Brood War aged extremely well for an RTS (or any genre for that matter), but now it's hard to look at how flat and lifeless everything is in that game by comparison.

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080502235441/starcraft/images/2/20/Dragoon_SC1_Game1.jpg

http://soso.woueb.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/starcraft-2-001-gd.jpg

I really don't know how you can say that those graphics look the same.

I think what really sets SCII apart, and how it will distinguish itself in the long run, is how incredibly easy it is for a non-gamer to watch and still get an idea of what's happening. My g/f went to the MLG Championships in D.C. with me, and even though she'd never played a game of SC, she could still definitively tell at almost any point who was ahead in a match, who was doing positive things, and what the general flow of action was. That was almost impossible with Brood War, even with good commentary. I think Blizzard put a lot of thought into making SCII an actual spectators sport, rather than one that only gamers can really understand or enjoy.

I also find the more intuitive building structures and unit AI makes SCII much more of a joy to play than BW does. It's not a struggle to do everything anymore. Everything feels relatively seamless.

vander

12-06-2010, 12:13 PM

If you use a box that small, I hope you have a killer liquid cooling set up. Small boxes are notorious for nuking parts, especially given the heat that today's GPUs produce.

eh, I don't plan on pushing it very hard, if at all, no overclocking or anything, the GPU is right up against the side of the case which is completely holey on that side, there's got to be a better word than holey...

also, decided to get a 6850, which apparently supposedly uses much less power than most other mid/high end cards, less power should translate to less heat, I would assume...

also I thought ATI's were almost impervious to overheating

Cry Havoc

12-06-2010, 02:03 PM

eh, I don't plan on pushing it very hard, if at all, no overclocking or anything, the GPU is right up against the side of the case which is completely holey on that side, there's got to be a better word than holey...

also, decided to get a 6850, which apparently supposedly uses much less power than most other mid/high end cards, less power should translate to less heat, I would assume...

also I thought ATI's were almost impervious to overheating

The card will probably be fine. It's your other components you should probably worry about. And in a small enough space, a heat sink can't operate properly, either.

lil'mo

12-09-2010, 12:44 AM

Hey cryhavoc you bitch let's play some fuckin Starcraft!

Cry Havoc

12-09-2010, 10:34 AM

Hey cryhavoc you bitch let's play some fuckin Starcraft!

Name: CryHavoc
character code: 345

Bring it. :toast

Cant_Be_Faded

12-11-2010, 04:00 PM

lil'mo used to be a bad ass at SC. He owned our school. Until I bought the game :)

z0sa

12-13-2010, 03:28 PM

I have no clue how anyone can even compare the two games' graphics (SC vs SC2). b.net was down for an hour or so early this morning and I played a couple games of SC1 for shits and giggles and goddamn that was an eyesore.

Cant_Be_Faded

12-15-2010, 12:03 AM

How does the population on battle.net look these days for SC 1?

TheSullyMonster

12-18-2010, 05:10 PM

Nah, I don't think he's an idiot, it just sounds like he hasn't spent much time with the game yet. Yeah okay, I guess I'll buy that.

And he does have a point about positioning. Starcraft II is much more frenetic and tactical, whereas Brood War was a drawn out strategic battle. I can see why some pros would stay with BW, as it's a completely different feel.

But SC1 was always tactical. It's just so much easier to micro effectively now.

I think what really sets SCII apart, and how it will distinguish itself in the long run, is how incredibly easy it is for a non-gamer to watch and still get an idea of what's happening. My g/f went to the MLG Championships in D.C. with me, and even though she'd never played a game of SC, she could still definitively tell at almost any point who was ahead in a match, who was doing positive things, and what the general flow of action was. That was almost impossible with Brood War, even with good commentary. I think Blizzard put a lot of thought into making SCII an actual spectators sport, rather than one that only gamers can really understand or enjoy.
:toast

I also find the more intuitive building structures and unit AI makes SCII much more of a joy to play than BW does. It's not a struggle to do everything anymore. Everything feels relatively seamless.

Oh God. I would've paid $120 for SC1 with this engine happily, no joke. I'm actually very surprised that there isn't a SC:BW BGH map in the top 10 custom games.

I knew a lot of people who were pissed that SC2 wasn't just a patch for SC1. I wonder how many of them have come around to appreciating SC2?

Cry Havoc

12-19-2010, 12:17 AM

Yeah okay, I guess I'll buy that.

But SC1 was always tactical. It's just so much easier to micro effectively now.

:toast

Oh God. I would've paid $120 for SC1 with this engine happily, no joke. I'm actually very surprised that there isn't a SC:BW BGH map in the top 10 custom games.

I knew a lot of people who were pissed that SC2 wasn't just a patch for SC1. I wonder how many of them have come around to appreciating SC2?

Honestly, I feel like the improvements they made to the game engine is going to prove out to be the thing that sustains Starcraft II in the long run. People have been complaining about balance, but Blizzard is simply THE best gaming company on the planet when it comes to making it's gamers happy. They are not going to stop tweaking SCII for the next decade. To say nothing of the possible changes/improvements HotS or LotV can potentially bring to this game.

One thing I would to see is larger 1 v 1 maps with slightly more constricted areas. It would give it a feel similar to BW. The only problem with that is that certain units are SO fast. The larger the map, the more dominant mutalisks and by extension the Zerg become. I think if Protoss can possibly get any viable air units, it would change things though, but as it is muties just rule the air.

Having said that, I'm starting to make Phoenixes now and I can say that in limited numbers they are quite lethal. Their ability to just completely remove a particular enemy during combat is insanely valuable, and they dominate everything in air except maybe vikings.

I've also started to play Terran in 2 v 2. I'm going to play Zerg in 3 v 3 just so I can become accustomed to both races and possibly change over in the future.

For now though, hanging on to my #2 gold rank. From here, I've just got to improve my scouting/general awareness, and then I think I'm ready for Platinum status.

thispego

12-27-2010, 05:28 PM

cry havoc definitely belongs in this forum :lol

TheSullyMonster

12-27-2010, 05:51 PM

Honestly, I feel like the improvements they made to the game engine is going to prove out to be the thing that sustains Starcraft II in the long run. People have been complaining about balance, but Blizzard is simply THE best gaming company on the planet when it comes to making it's gamers happy. They are not going to stop tweaking SCII for the next decade. To say nothing of the possible changes/improvements HotS or LotV can potentially bring to this game.

One thing I would to see is larger 1 v 1 maps with slightly more constricted areas. It would give it a feel similar to BW. The only problem with that is that certain units are SO fast. The larger the map, the more dominant mutalisks and by extension the Zerg become. I think if Protoss can possibly get any viable air units, it would change things though, but as it is muties just rule the air.

Having said that, I'm starting to make Phoenixes now and I can say that in limited numbers they are quite lethal. Their ability to just completely remove a particular enemy during combat is insanely valuable, and they dominate everything in air except maybe vikings.

I've also started to play Terran in 2 v 2. I'm going to play Zerg in 3 v 3 just so I can become accustomed to both races and possibly change over in the future.

For now though, hanging on to my #2 gold rank. From here, I've just got to improve my scouting/general awareness, and then I think I'm ready for Platinum status.

I think my scouting and general awareness is fine, just flub 1/4 of my openings.:lol I do go random however. I still don't have a zerg or terran opening down.:downspin: Haven't played ladder in a couple weeks however, my rank has fallen from gold #1 to 7, I think.

I always feel cheated when I get some phoenix. I run into masses of infantry with no big units, or it's colossus/thor/ultra + infantry.:bang

Fun to snipe queens or harass expansions though!

Cry Havoc

01-31-2011, 09:39 PM

Annnnnd finally. After a long stay at #1 rank in my Gold division, I finally got the pop-up:

You have been promoted to Platinum.

:tu :tu :tu

So psyched. It's nothing special, but I am still proud of the accomplishment. I am now in the top 20% of all Starcraft players. :hat

Ranked 3rd, too, so perhaps I will be heading to diamond very shortly.

I. Hustle

01-31-2011, 10:28 PM

All I read was something about vagina cables.

z0sa

02-01-2011, 02:05 PM

I've been platinum 2v2 for a bit. I actually beat a top200 2v2 player with the help of a diamond.

Cry Havoc

02-01-2011, 02:09 PM

I've been platinum 2v2 for a bit. I actually beat a top200 2v2 player with the help of a diamond.

Get to plat 1v1 then, noob. :hat

J/k

MiamiHeat

02-01-2011, 02:25 PM

damn already so high CryHavoc? thats nice.... you should enter the online tournaments they got.... some of them offer decent prizes :P

i havent touched SC2 much... logged in maybe once or twice since October.... the UMS community is not as interesting now. i liked the old system better.

league of legends has taken up 90% of all my gaming time. the other 10% was fallout new vegas which i finally completed on Sunday and dead rising 2 which i am not even halfway done

z0sa

02-01-2011, 03:45 PM

i've played maybe 3 1v1 games in my last 25. I got my xbox repaired finally and its taking my extra time right now.

The Reckoning

02-01-2011, 08:18 PM

i have a shitload of research projects im doing this semester, so i cant touch anything until august :depressed

z0sa

02-13-2011, 03:47 PM

Promoted to Platinum 1v1 last night after I beat a diamond. I've been using a 3 roach/lots of spedling rush vs. P that's almost like the Zerg 4gate. Nearly impossible for P to stop that early - they usually have maybe 1 zealot and 1 stalker at the most when 3 roaches, my spotting overlord, and the lings start arriving. I win about 9/10 times against toss using this rush on small maps; unlless they scout it, they have to pull workers to defend always, and even if they scout it, they might have to do a hard wall off or at least get photons. If I see they're transitioning to a defensive game, I quickly expand and contain with the units I already have.

Some Master-level P are saying this build is overpowered. It even worked flawlessly in a FFA on Lost Temple against a diamond while still allowing me to transition to a decent midgame and defend myself from a humongous army some turtle on the other side of the map had been 2basing to build.

I'm so tired of Terran, though. Like everything else, it's just so hard to pull off anythign easy against them. This rush ALMOST works on Terran every time, but it's always too hard smashing the wall and killing enough SCV's to finish the job and put yourself considerably ahead. They always just MULE their right back into the game while my eco has suffered terribly just to basically harass.

Terran is just a tad bit OP IMO. They need to make Hellions cost gas and increase some of their structure's build times so they can't tech so quick. Lowering the Thor's damage vs. ground would be an awesome bonus, too, since the Siege tank already does ridiculous damage against armored and they have marauders.

Cry Havoc

02-13-2011, 06:05 PM

Terrans just have too many good units, that's as simple as it gets.

z0sa

02-15-2011, 02:44 PM

Yeah. I've been playing FFA as random so I can get a break from zerg without losing points, regain some perspective on the races, and just fuck around. Terran just seems so much ... easier for some reason. Mass marine and marauder works decent against everything in the first 10 minutes of play. Expanding is easy usually, but if you are getting pressured you can simply get a planetary fortress at your natural which, combined with a few units and SCV's repairing, will allow you to hold your expansion essentially every time.

As a zerg player, I can tell you it jsut requires more actions per minute for both protoss and zerg to pull the same shit off. Terran is basically the attack-move and expand/turtle race. Too easy for Terran to hold off pushes early and micro huge forces late.

But, it's only a tad bit unbalanced. Definitely not something diamonds would probably be affected by most games.

Cry Havoc

04-06-2011, 11:29 AM

Gratz to z0sa for making diamond.

I'm still in plat, as a result of only playing maybe ~20 games over the past month. Very busy with moving and such. But my push to diamond will start today! I'm going to be playing a lot more and trying to get a bit more experience and feel.

And z0sa, I want a rematch against you. F your mutas. :P

z0sa

04-06-2011, 09:48 PM

Thx havoc. Funny you mention the mutas; I just played a diamond Protoss who called that same army comp I used vs. you (muta/ling/bling/infestor @ 15-16 minute mark w/ lots of muta harass on their probes all the way til) cheesy and that its imba with the new infestors. :lol Every protoss I play who doesn't 4gate hates that build. Ty Blizzard for the Infestor buff. fungal growth on workers + a few mutas = a lot of dead probes.

Cry Havoc

04-06-2011, 11:43 PM

That's pretty tech heavy (for zerg). I think you'd be vulnerable to early pressure with lots of stalkers/sentries.

Cry Havoc

04-06-2011, 11:43 PM

Of course, that's assuming that the Toss scouts well. I scout horribly, one of the main reasons I'm in plat.

z0sa

04-07-2011, 01:16 AM

Cry Havoc

04-07-2011, 07:46 AM

Taking a third ~10 minutes (as Z) will allow you plenty of gas. It's an ultra fast 3rd but it takes an a near all-in from protoss to actually GG the zerg player that early.

Lings are a total mineral dump, mutas are only 100 gas each (6 geysers can technically support 100 of them + 200 banelings total given enough time), and you only need 2-3 infestors with the upgrade, so thats approximately 600 gas; which usually means they pop latest of all your attack units.

Depends on the map though, of course. It's a tougher build on a few maps where the 3rd is either tough to hold (Scrap Station) or is non-existent (IE, shared by another spawn location, such as Slag Pits or ST). When we played on Kulas Ravine, I managed 4 bases pretty easily due to the side of that map being easily defended when spawned at cross positions. You got three easily, too, which is more than enough for a P. So it all depends on the map.

I don't scout and I'm far too defensive. That's a bad combination. Basically I wait for a deathball but I don't develop counters to what my opponent is doing. Plus, any Zerg worth his salt will destroy you if you let him just drone up.

I will say that focusing on powering as a Toss, even if you lose games, will give you a better handle on macro. I can 3 base fairly easy now while keeping my resources low.