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[Salaadin]

Is there a gaf thread for PC tech support or is this it? I have an issue with Dragon Age but Im not sure its directly Dragon Age related. I hope someone can help:

Reposted from the Bioware forums:

I decided to play Dragon Age (steam version) after not touching it in months after I beat it the first time. I started getting an issue telling me that I needed the latest PhysX drivers. I downloaded those. After this, the game would just not boot. Not from Steam, a direct link, or the DA Launcher.

Some suggested that I needed the Microsoft C++ downloads so I got those and that didnt help at all. My next step was to delete and redownload the entire game. That didnt help at all either.

However, after doing that, I tried using the direct link to the DA Launcher. It loaded and then I hit play and it ran thru a quick basic setup and scanned my hardware and then I was hit with this error: "The procedure entry point NxGetUtilLib could not be located in the dynamic link library physxloader.dll". Now I am at a standstill and have no idea where to go from here.

I used Driver Sweeper and removed everything Nvidia PhysX related and then reinstalled. Still no go.

This is all so frustrating since I dont even have an Nvidia card and ant use PhysX yet the game is forcing me to download it anyways. Here are my specs:

Intel i5 750
ATI Radeon 5850
4GBs RAM
WIndows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

 

[Minsc]

My guess is you need to re-run the specific physX from the DA:O folder if you didn't. You'll find it in the Steam\steamapps\common\dragon age origins\redist\PhysX_9.09.0408_SystemSoftware\ folder.

Run that, and then you actually need to restart your computer even if it doesn't say you need to.

Then it should work (if it doesn't sorry, that's my only guess!). That's basically what I needed to do to get Metro 2033 to work.

 

[Salaadin]

My guess is you need to re-run the specific physX from the DA:O folder if you didn't. You'll find it in the Steam\steamapps\common\dragon age origins\redist\PhysX_9.09.0408_SystemSoftware\ folder.

Run that, and then you actually need to restart your computer even if it doesn't say you need to.

Then it should work (if it doesn't sorry, that's my only guess!). That's basically what I needed to do to get Metro 2033 to work.

Still not working. It actually wont even let me re0run that PhysX in the DA folder. I get a message saying that the version I already have is newer than the version Im trying to install and then it aborts.

I tried Driver Sweeper and removed the PhysX drivers and everything Nvidia on this PC and then tried reinstalling PhysX from the DA folder again and got the same message...almost like Driver Sweeper didnt completely remove them or something.

EDIT: Nevermind, you were right. I driver swept them but never unistalled from Add/Remove programs like an idiot. Once I did that, the one in the DA folder installed and the game is running fine now. Thanks a lot.

 

[georgc]

Hi guys and gals. I just bought this laptop and was wondering if it was a good but for the price.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+...lack/9741729.p?id=1218165344675&skuId=9741729

 

[Lkr]

is a GeForce GTX 465 a good upgrade from a GTS 250 for $220?

 

[yamo]

Need some quick help gaf, my dad is about to buy a notebook in 30 min or so!!

These are the 2 notebooks he is chosing between:

Acer Aspire 5740G i3
Core i3, 330M
4 GB, 2x2048MB
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650, 1024 MB

HP PAVILION DV6-2120
AMD Turion II Dual-Core M520 2,3 GHz
4 GB, 2x2048MB
ATi Radeon HD 4530, 512 MB

The Acer one is about $100 more than the HP, which one would you recommend him to buy?

cheers!

 

[Inkwell]

I'm looking into getting a new video card and monitor. I'm still using a 17 in. CRT with an 8800GT.

I'm not sure what the state of LCDs are now, but I don't want anything with input lag or motion blur. I'm not sure what size to look for either.

I'm still not sure how much I would like to spend, so I'm wondering what would be the best monitor, and what would be the best monitor for a cheaper price.

I'm not too worried about what video card to get. Any input would be cool, but there's a lot of discussion about video cards in the thread that I can reference already. I just need a card to run everything silky smooth at whatever the monitor's native res is.

 

[Extollere]

Ok, I gotta question here. My main laptop stopped working today. When I power it up, it almost immediately shuts off again (and reboots itself). It doesn't even get the starting windows portion of the boot. It shuts itself off right when it gives you the manufacture's logo where it says you can press F10 for bios, ect. Booting from CD won't work. Can't run diagnostics.

So what is this, some kind of hardware failure? I took the whole thing apart to check for any dust covered fans, unplugged cables, fried pieces ect... Should I take it in to get looked at, or should I just try buying a new hard drive? Don't have a lot of money but need to get it working again...

 

[Sysgen]

Ok, I gotta question here. My main laptop stopped working today. When I power it up, it almost immediately shuts off again (and reboots itself). It doesn't even get the starting windows portion of the boot. It shuts itself off right when it gives you the manufacture's logo where it says you can press F10 for bios, ect. Booting from CD won't work. Can't run diagnostics.

So what is this, some kind of hardware failure? I took the whole thing apart to check for any dust covered fans, unplugged cables, fried pieces ect... Should I take it in to get looked at, or should I just try buying a new hard drive? Don't have a lot of money but need to get it working again...

I had a similar issue except mine said it couldn't find Windows. Turned out to be a bad hd controller.

 

[Sysgen]

I'm looking into getting a new video card and monitor. I'm still using a 17 in. CRT with an 8800GT.

I'm not sure what the state of LCDs are now, but I don't want anything with input lag or motion blur. I'm not sure what size to look for either.

I'm still not sure how much I would like to spend, so I'm wondering what would be the best monitor, and what would be the best monitor for a cheaper price.

I'm not too worried about what video card to get. Any input would be cool, but there's a lot of discussion about video cards in the thread that I can reference already. I just need a card to run everything silky smooth at whatever the monitor's native res is.

I bought last years version of this monitor and I've been very happy. No ghosting or lag. The speakers suck just so you know. If you want native 1080 get a bigger screen. Last year I bought a 4890, also very happy but if I was on the same budget I'd get a 5830 for $200 though I would probably spend the extra dollars and get a 5850.

 

[Inkwell]

I bought last years version of this monitor and I've been very happy. No ghosting or lag. The speakers suck just so you know. If you want native 1080 get a bigger screen. Last year I bought a 4890, also very happy but if I was on the same budget I'd get a 5830 for $200 though I would probably spend the extra dollars and get a 5850.

I was actually looking at this monitor earlier today. It would be nice to have native 1080 and an HDMI input, but it might be kind of big.

 

[LowParry]

I was actually looking at this monitor earlier today. It would be nice to have native 1080 and an HDMI input, but it might be kind of big.

That's the monitor I upgraded to about 4 or so months ago. Used to have the 4870HD. Now I got me a Toxic 5850 card. Monitor is absolutely great. I highly recommend it.

 

[Lkr]

should I go for a 5830 or 5850 for 1360x768? I play mostly bfbc2 that is recent apart from FSX which I don't think anything can run at 60fps although i could be wrong. i would like to get a new 1080p monitor but i'd have to get a new desk so i could move my TV and shit

 

[rohlfinator]

should I go for a 5830 or 5850 for 1360x768? I play mostly bfbc2 that is recent apart from FSX which I don't think anything can run at 60fps although i could be wrong. i would like to get a new 1080p monitor but i'd have to get a new desk so i could move my TV and shit

At that res the 5830 should be fine. You could probably get by with a 5770 even.

 

[WEGGLES]

Other than the stuff in the OP, where are some good places to watch for deals on stuff?

Building in late August, but keeping an eye out for deals (my PSU was $60 off so I picked it up)

I'm subscribed to the newegg and ncix news letters but don't wanna be missing out on other good stuff.

American and Canadian websites, ether or (Canadian with a US shipping address)

 

[Fitz]

At that res the 5830 should be fine. You could probably get by with a 5770 even.

Hell, you could more than get by even, I'm running a 5770 and I get minimum 40, average mid 50's FPS in BC2 with a 5770 running at 1920x1080. Though I guess that's partly due to my processor not getting in the way of performance.

 

[mattiewheels]

I'm kind of disappointed in the Viewsonic 24" I just picked up (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116439), mainly in the flimsy base. Whenever I jostle my desk with the mouse or start typing, the damn thing starts to wobble around. I'm not really in love with the picture either, would everyone recommend that asus for a replacement as far as solid build quality and picture, or maybe another brand is better for a couple hundred?

 

[Zeouterlimits]

Asus ENGTX260 or PowerColour HD5770 PCS+ ?

Now that I have the money.

 

[kagete]

I'm kind of disappointed in the Viewsonic 24" I just picked up (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116439), mainly in the flimsy base. Whenever I jostle my desk with the mouse or start typing, the damn thing starts to wobble around. I'm not really in love with the picture either, would everyone recommend that asus for a replacement as far as solid build quality and picture, or maybe another brand is better for a couple hundred?

This Asus is a little smaller but it has height and swivel adjustment on a good circular base that is surprisingly heavy and rock solid. I have had mine for the past 6 months or so and I'm completely in love with it. The height/swivel adjusts are so nice for when you watch certain content standing up or across the room doing something else. It has the same fast panel as the Asus vw24 mentioned by 2 other posters in this same page. Viewing angles could be better, as the convenience in adjusting makes you able to notice how lighting and contrast changes easily once you tilt or move it up/down even an inch.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236065&Tpk=asus vh236 hl p

 

[Lkr]

Hell, you could more than get by even, I'm running a 5770 and I get minimum 40, average mid 50's FPS in BC2 with a 5770 running at 1920x1080. Though I guess that's partly due to my processor not getting in the way of performance.

My CPU shouldn't be bottlenecking either. Are you running DX11? I get similar performance with my GTS 250 with DX10/2x AA, 16x AF, high settings except for explosions and shadows at 1360x768

To be honest though, I'm sick of my low res

 

[Fitz]

I think I'm running DX10, didn't really notice much of a visual difference in DX11.

 

[Lkr]

I don't think the 5770 is much of an upgrade over the GTS 250. I want to use the HBAO in game, but I probably need a 5850 for that

 

[Fitz]

Oh I completely agree, I wouldn't get anything less than a 5850 or equivalent going from a 250.

 

[Lkr]

has anyone ever successfully sold PC parts before on ebay or craigslist? i'm looking to move my GTS 250 for around $70

 

[Complex Shadow]

Asus ENGTX260 or PowerColour HD5770 PCS+ ?

Now that I have the money.

i'd go with gtx260....mainly because i like nvidia better.

 

[Hazaro]

has anyone ever successfully sold PC parts before on ebay or craigslist? i'm looking to move my GTS 250 for around $70

I use online forums, but have had friends who used eBay or CL.
Anandtech would be a good place but you would probably need to ship first.

 

[Toki767]

I was just wondering if anyone's used AVADirect to custom build a PC. Their prices don't seem too bad and I think I could get a pretty decent computer build there for a decent price. Just wondering if they were a good choice since I don't really have the time to sit down and build a computer myself at the moment.

 

[MidgarBlowedUp]

OK guys I think I've answered this question for myself but, I want to ask here anyway.

I'm on a budget, like $125-150ish tops to spend.

I have a single slot PCI-E motherboard, 8GB ram, OC'd AMD X4-620 at 3.2Ghz, and a 4770.
I keep my monitor resolution around 1920x1200 for nearly everything now including photoshop/maya/etc and, I will be getting the new Final Fantasy Online when it comes out. I can get excellent scores when running the benchmark in 720p but I'd like to be able to run it at the 1920x1200 res I keep my monitor at so I'm wondering if a 5770 would be a nice upgrade from my 4770 or will I see a difference in frame-rates with my processor?

If so can you recommend one that allows me HDMI and VGA out, also are there any issues with HDMI audio as this PC is an HTPC.

Power supply is an Earthwatts 380... I think.

 

[nextgeneration]

So I got Dirt 2 off of Steam and ran the in game benchmark on the following set up:

i7-975 3.33GHZ overclocked to ~4.0GHZ
Radeon 5970
graphic settings at ultra
4x msaa
1680 x 1050 resolution
12 gigs kingston hyper ddr3/1600 MHz RAM
vsync set to off
catalyst 10.6

and I'm only averaging around 55 fps. There's something seriously wrong here, as I see other people with a less powerful setup than this one, yet are able to achieve much higher frame rates that what I'm seeing here.

Anyone have any ideas what's going on here?

 

[AkIRA_22]

So I got Dirt 2 off of Steam and ran the in game benchmark on the following set up:

i7-975 3.33GHZ overclocked to ~4.0GHZ
Radeon 5970
graphic settings at ultra
4x msaa
1680 x 1050 resolution
12 gigs kingston hyper ddr3/1600 MHz RAM
vsync set to off
catalyst 10.6

and I'm only averaging around 55 fps. There's something seriously wrong here, as I see other people with a less powerful setup than this one, yet are able to achieve much higher frame rates that what I'm seeing here.

Anyone have any ideas what's going on here?

V-Sync?

 

[nextgeneration]

V-Sync?

V sync is set to off. I've set it to on also, and it makes no difference.

 

[Façade]

I've just received a new 5850, thinking that it would rid me of the stuttering I get in games, yet it hasn't. I would really appreciate some help because I've been getting the issue for about 4 months.

Basically the stuttering is like I'm missing a few frames and occurs every second or so. Running a game in windowed mode can get rid of the stutter and so can turning of vsync. Also, whenever I record the game with fraps the stuttering seems to go, which seems really strange.

At least now I have ruled out the gpu as the root cause for the issue, but now I'm a bit stuck for ideas as to what it could be now, so any help would be great.

Intel i5
Asus P7P55D
ATI 5850
4gb Kingston RAM
Corsair 650W PSU

 

[Shai-Tan]

So I got Dirt 2 off of Steam and ran the in game benchmark on the following set up:

i7-975 3.33GHZ overclocked to ~4.0GHZ
Radeon 5970
graphic settings at ultra
4x msaa
1680 x 1050 resolution
12 gigs kingston hyper ddr3/1600 MHz RAM
vsync set to off
catalyst 10.6

and I'm only averaging around 55 fps. There's something seriously wrong here, as I see other people with a less powerful setup than this one, yet are able to achieve much higher frame rates that what I'm seeing here.

Anyone have any ideas what's going on here?

I've read about Crossfire performance tanking in 10.6. You could try rolling back to 10.5

 

[Façade]

I've read about Crossfire performance tanking in 10.6. You could try rolling back to 10.5

Just running the single 5850, so this isn't the problem. I've also tried a clean driver sweep and that didn't work either.

 

[gregor7777]

Anyone have a COOLER MASTER HAF 922 case?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

I think I want it.

 

[mattiewheels]

I got this case for even cheaper, and I like how understatedly cool it looks, well designed.

http://tinyurl.com/28fs6l4

 

[gregor7777]

I got this case for even cheaper, and I like how understatedly cool it looks, well designed.

http://tinyurl.com/28fs6l4

Saw that one at the store and was considering it. The CM case is bigger and seems to have better cooling as well. Cooling is my major issue at the moment.

 

[snack]

Anyone have a COOLER MASTER HAF 922 case?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

I think I want it.

I got one. It's a beauty!

 

[SUPREME1]

Is this a good value at $775 for a pre-assembled computer/monitor combo?



Processor & Memory:
AMD® Phenom™ II X4 Quad CoreProcessor 820 (2.80GHz)
512K x4 L2 cache
6GB DDR3 1333MHz

Drives:
640GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
16X DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Drive

Graphics & Video:
Integrated ATI Radeon Graphics 4250
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader

Communications:
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Audio:
High-Definition Audio with 5.1 Surround Sound Support

Keyboard:
Multimedia Keyboard
Optical Mouse

Expandability:
1x - PCI
2x - PCI-E x1
1x - PCI-E x16
2x 3.5 HDD
1x 5.25 ODD

Ports:
10x - USB 2.0 ports (4-in front, 6-in rear)
2x - PS/2 Ports (Keyboard and Mouse)
3x - Audio
1x - RJ-45 Ethernet Port
1x - HDMI™
1x - VGA Port
1x - High Definition Headphone Jack
1x - Microphone
1x - Photo Frame Button

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium - 64-bit

Additional Information:
Dimensions: 16" H x 7.09" W x 16.27" D
Weight: 25 lbs.

Display:
Screen Size: 23" Wide Color TFT Active Matrix LCD
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Response time: 5ms
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 Typical
Viewing Angle: 160° H/160° V

Display Input:
1x VGA
1x DVI (w/HDCP)
1x HDMI (w/HDCP)
1x PC Audio

Additional Display Informtaion:
2x Integrated speakers (2 watt)
VESA mounting compliant
Dimensions: with stand 23.62"W x 17.72"H x 5.12"D

________________________________

I know it's lacking in certain areas (integrated graphics and audio, 640GB HDD) but it's for my in-laws who probably wouldn't make use of enhanced video/audio capabilites. It's also replacing an old machine which hadn't even come close to maxing out a 160GB HDD in the span of 6 of years, so the HDD is more than enough.

That said, is it a good deal? I could always upgrade as necessary, maybe go ahead and buy a budget video card, etc.

 

[dr3upmushroom]

Desperately need help!!!!

I just purchased a 5670 and can't get it to work. I'm hoping the card isn't broken or anything because when I install it the computer switches off the integrated graphics and the cards fan runs, but I'm not getting any signal to my monitor through DVI.

Like I said, I'm coming from integrated graphics if that makes any difference. I installed the card once, saw that it didn't work, took it out and installed the latest drivers, installed it again, now I'm not sure what to do.

 

[mattiewheels]

Does anyone know why my new PC would be making a big CLICK noise every now and then? I'm not really sure what would be making that noise.

 

[Husker86]

Does anyone know why my new PC would be making a big CLICK noise every now and then? I'm not really sure what would be making that noise.

Hard drive coming back on after going to power save mode? My external does it all the time; I don't know what else could click.

 

[bigboss370]

I'm hoping someone can help me out here. I am a complete noob to PC gaming, never really had one but really want one to get into pc gaming. I want something very high end and future proof. I hear it is best to build a customized one. I live in Canada and my budget is $3000 including taxes. Monitor not needed. What is the best I can do?

Thanks

 

[dr3upmushroom]

Desperately need help!!!!

I just purchased a 5670 and can't get it to work. I'm hoping the card isn't broken or anything because when I install it the computer switches off the integrated graphics and the cards fan runs, but I'm not getting any signal to my monitor through DVI.

Like I said, I'm coming from integrated graphics if that makes any difference. I installed the card once, saw that it didn't work, took it out and installed the latest drivers, installed it again, now I'm not sure what to do.

I updated my monitor's drivers and that didn't help either. HP w2207 if that is any use. Everything I'm reading elsewhere says RMA the card or get a new monitor. I've been waiting a long to get the card, so I'd really rather not have to do either, and since, like I said, the fan is working and the mobo shuts off the integrated graphics, I'm hoping there's just some obvious thing I'm overlooking or am unaware of. Anyway, if anyway can offer any insight I'd be extremely grateful, it was a huge bummer finally getting the card just to have this happen.

 

[·feist·]

Anyone have a COOLER MASTER HAF 922 case?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

I think I want it.

Great case and that's a pretty good price.

The CM Storm Scout is nice as well and cost the same, but its fans aren't as large as the ones in the HAF.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9196&cm_re=storm_scout-_-11-119-196-_-Product

Saw that one at the store and was considering it. The CM case is bigger and seems to have better cooling as well. Cooling is my major issue at the moment.

The HAF has better cooling, airflow and cable management than that other case.

If you wanted to save some money and still get a solid case, I'd recommend something like an Antec 300 intead of the V3. Newegg currently has the Illusion Black version for $60 with free shipping and an additional $10 promo code on top:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...129066&cm_re=antec_300-_-11-129-066-_-Product


It comes with two 120mm intake fans (whereas the standard 300 has no intake fans) along with a 120mm rear exhaust and a 140mm top exhaust. So, after the promo code it's the same price as the standard 300. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the type of cable management or tool-less drives that you'll find in the HAF and newer cases, but at $50, it's hard to beat.

 

[Husker86]

I updated my monitor's drivers and that didn't help either. HP w2207 if that is any use. Everything I'm reading elsewhere says RMA the card or get a new monitor. I've been waiting a long to get the card, so I'd really rather not have to do either, and since, like I said, the fan is working and the mobo shuts off the integrated graphics, I'm hoping there's just some obvious thing I'm overlooking or am unaware of. Anyway, if anyway can offer any insight I'd be extremely grateful, it was a huge bummer finally getting the card just to have this happen.

Does that card have the extra 4 pin power plug on it? Might be an obvious thing but I can't think of anything else if the card is functioning properly.

 

[dr3upmushroom]

Does that card have the extra 4 pin power plug on it? Might be an obvious thing but I can't think of anything else if the card is functioning properly.

I don't think so, it's not supposed to require any other power besides what it gets from the motherboard.

I'm not sure if it is this or not, but after reading some other boards I think their may be a slim chance that the card is trying to display a resolution that my monitor doesn't support. Does this sound like something that could happen to anyone? The problem is that as soon as I plug the card in the integrated graphics shut off and the card won't send video to my monitor (or my monitor won't receive it) so there's no way for me to check this or fix it as far as I can see.

 

[Hazaro]

I'm hoping someone can help me out here. I am a complete noob to PC gaming, never really had one but really want one to get into pc gaming. I want something very high end and future proof. I hear it is best to build a customized one. I live in Canada and my budget is $3000 including taxes. Monitor not needed. What is the best I can do?

Thanks

No such thing as future proof, especially when Intel is going to switch sockets soon.

You can however get an extremely nice rig for only $1,500. Any more than that is overkill unless you want 16xAA, 16xAF, max settings, 60fps on everything... which may be what you want. What do you want? What do you use your computer for? Are you interested in 3D? How important is a fast OS/Storage to you, etc.


1)Basic Desktop Questions

Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Gaming, Video editing, or just general usage
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory

Is this a good value at $775 for a pre-assembled computer/monitor combo?

I know it's lacking in certain areas (integrated graphics and audio, 640GB HDD) but it's for my in-laws who probably wouldn't make use of enhanced video/audio capabilites. It's also replacing an old machine which hadn't even come close to maxing out a 160GB HDD in the span of 6 of years, so the HDD is more than enough.

That said, is it a good deal? I could always upgrade as necessary, maybe go ahead and buy a budget video card, etc.

You probably could trim down to a Dual-Core like an 240/250/260 or maybe a Core i3.
Dell has some decent deals occasionally for low end systems like that.

 

[Romance Pie]

I don't think so, it's not supposed to require any other power besides what it gets from the motherboard.

I'm not sure if it is this or not, but after reading some other boards I think their may be a slim chance that the card is trying to display a resolution that my monitor doesn't support. Does this sound like something that could happen to anyone? The problem is that as soon as I plug the card in the integrated graphics shut off and the card won't send video to my monitor (or my monitor won't receive it) so there's no way for me to check this or fix it as far as I can see.

So you don't even get a bios screen to appear? that should appear regardless of the resolution of your monitor.

Silly question, but what Dvi plug are you using? the one on your motherboard, or on your 5670?

 

[dr3upmushroom]

So you don't even get a bios screen to appear? that should appear regardless of the resolution of your monitor.

Silly question, but what Dvi plug are you using? the one on your motherboard, or on your 5670?

The one on the card. It's not a computer that I built I'm installing the card into, it's an HP, so I won't get a bios, right? Or would I? I'm not sure what's supposed to happen if everything works right, I assumed my computer would just start like it always has with the integrated graphics.