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"I need a New PC!" 2011 Edition of SSD's for everyone! |OT|

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C

Curufinwe

Member
ribbonlace said:
Is it worth upgrading my GTX 460SE for about $100 to a GTX 560 ti (EVGA buyback 90 day program)? Or, should I hold onto my cash and just SLI two GTX 460SE's for another $150?
Click to expand...

I'd go for the Ti. The 460 SE is limited in performance even compared to the regular 1GB GTX 460.
 
F

filipe

Member
ShdwDrake said:
So I keep having this problem with my 4870 512MB and it'll say "Display Driver has stopped working and has recovered" (or something along those lines. I googled it and found some work arounds but not a real fix.

I'm thinking about just getting a new card (even though my rig plays everything i want and I would rather not tbh). But if I where what would be the best card for around $150-$200?

Also, I'm thinking about getting an Nvidia card. Do they play nice with AMD processors?
Click to expand...

Yup, doesn't matter the processor, it'll be fine.

Are you sure it's not a driver issue? Have you tried reinstalling the drivers? Do a complete driver wipe and then reinstall, see if that helps.

Can't suggest a video card though. I know some of the higher end ones, not ones that go for 150-200. Sowwi.
 
S

ShdwDrake

Banned
filipe said:
Yup, doesn't matter the processor, it'll be fine.

Are you sure it's not a driver issue? Have you tried reinstalling the drivers? Do a complete driver wipe and then reinstall, see if that helps.

Can't suggest a video card though. I know some of the higher end ones, not ones that go for 150-200. Sowwi.
Click to expand...

Did that, even fresh installed windows. What I had to do is under clock my card slightly and set manual fan settings. It helped, I don't really get the error but its not a real solution. ATI cards just seemingly don't like Windows 7.
 
F

filipe

Member
ShdwDrake said:
Did that, even fresh installed windows. What I had to do is under clock my card slightly and set manual fan settings. It helped, I don't really get the error but its not a real solution. ATI cards just seemingly don't like Windows 7.
Click to expand...

I haven't had a single issue with my 5870, so I don't know if it has anything to do with Windows 7 not getting along with ATI Cards, lol.

Best bet, before spending money on a video card, open it up. Or maybe add an aftermarket cooler to the card itself, as it appears to be a heat issue.
 
S

Smokey

Member
crysis 2 has almost killed my will to build a pc...i put off building my computer for c2. when it got delayed, i delayed my pc purchase (maybe some of you remember me in here last summer).

now i dunno...maybe i'll wait for BF3 :(
 
S

ShdwDrake

Banned
filipe said:
I haven't had a single issue with my 5870, so I don't know if it has anything to do with Windows 7 not getting along with ATI Cards, lol.

Best bet, before spending money on a video card, open it up. Or maybe add an aftermarket cooler to the card itself, as it appears to be a heat issue.
Click to expand...

I think I found the answer. There are two instances where its because of the Gigabyte mobo not getting along with the phenom II black ed. processors. Its fixed problems with others.

I already tried an after market cooling; a coworker of mine thought that was the problem also.
 
Ecto311

Ecto311

Member
teh_pwn said:
I just ordered one before they sold out. I'm thinking I'll get another "RMA" tomorrow because newegg likes to charge money without ensuring they have stuff in stock.
Click to expand...

Did you check your info on newegg.com? I got the same emails but when I go check it says RMA approved for $0.00 and the board says shipped but with no tracking number. Hard to say wtf is going on with them.

Checked out the page with the RMA status and it says "Newegg Comment: Not available for sale"

Im not expecting it to come in but it sucks that they take the cash before they have shit to send out if that is the case.
 
K

Kadey

Mrs. Harvey
ShdwDrake said:
So I keep having this problem with my 4870 512MB and it'll say "Display Driver has stopped working and has recovered" (or something along those lines. I googled it and found some work arounds but not a real fix.

I'm thinking about just getting a new card (even though my rig plays everything i want and I would rather not tbh). But if I where what would be the best card for around $150-$200?

Also, I'm thinking about getting an Nvidia card. Do they play nice with AMD processors?
Click to expand...

I've been having the same type of problem with my 4870X2. Mainly happens when I play video on like VLC, WMP, etc. Can't wait to upgrade to a high end Nvidia card!
I think it may because the ATI card and driver is having issues with some hardware in your and my own configuration.
 
T

teh_pwn

"Saturated fat causes heart disease as much as Brawndo is what plants crave."
Ecto311 said:
Did you check your info on newegg.com? I got the same emails but when I go check it says RMA approved for $0.00 and the board says shipped but with no tracking number. Hard to say wtf is going on with them.

Checked out the page with the RMA status and it says "Newegg Comment: Not available for sale"

Im not expecting it to come in but it sucks that they take the cash before they have shit to send out if that is the case.
Click to expand...

Still processing. But the ASUS I tried to buy yesterday was "processing" for 12 hours before I got the ship/RMA.
 
Stuggernaut

Stuggernaut

Grandma's Chippy
I usually build a new system from ground up every 4 years or so, mainly because it is fun. But this time I think I may try to get more bang for my buck with spendy upgrades as opposed to middle of the road new stuff.

I'd post my current stuff now, but I am at work....likely won't get to it until my next days off (Friday) or so.

If I post my current rig, could people suggest my upgrade options?
 
S

Salaadin

Member
Ive been trying to figure this out for a while but keep coming up empty handed.
Is Windows Live glitchy as hell for anyone else? Every Windows Live related program I install has some odd glitchiness. The menus are all flashy and black and the programs are impossible to use. I have some screens:

Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Movie Maker
http://i52.tinypic.com/2wrqf12.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/15wf4pe.jpg

The big black boxes in the middle will flash as I move my mouse around. I cant get them to ever look right. Ive reinstalled the programs as well as java and flash even though Im not even sure if Windows Live uses them. Any ideas?
 
M

Mr Nightman

Banned
Salaadin said:
Ive been trying to figure this out for a while but keep coming up empty handed.
Is Windows Live glitchy as hell for anyone else? Every Windows Live related program I install has some odd glitchiness. The menus are all flashy and black and the programs are impossible to use. I have some screens:

Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Movie Maker
http://i52.tinypic.com/2wrqf12.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/15wf4pe.jpg

The big black boxes in the middle will flash as I move my mouse around. I cant get them to ever look right. Ive reinstalled the programs as well as java and flash even though Im not even sure if Windows Live uses them. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
try installing silver light, maybe they also need that to run. I would also try installing the most recent 2010 distro of Microsoft visual c++
 
R

Red

Member
I'm looking for a new drive for my notebook. I'm using a 500GB Scorpio Blue right now, and while it's great for a 5400 rpm HDD, it's slowing down my productivity. An SSD right now is out of the question -- I don't have the budget, and they don't have the capacity. I've been looking at the Seagate Momentus line. I see these two products on Newegg.

They appear to be identical to me spec-wise. Why then does the first say "Up to 50% faster boot-up over 5400-RPM drives!" and the second "80% faster than traditional 7200 RPM drives"? That's a huge difference. Is it correct? If so, the extra $50 looks to be well worth it.
 
Z

ZZMitch

Member
Would this be a good card to purchase right now, or should I wait? It is a right on the edge of my budget.

Sapphire 6950 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102914

How does it compare to a GTX 460 1GB? I am guessing it is better, but what kind of performance increase would I be getting? My 460 isn't working properly and an RMA didn't help so I am just giving up and going ATI and am hoping I could at least get a good upgrade out of it!
 
R

Red

Member
ZZMitch said:
Would this be a good card to purchase right now, or should I wait? It is a right on the edge of my budget.

Sapphire 6950 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102914

How does it compare to a GTX 460 1GB? I am guessing it is better, but what kind of performance increase would I be getting? My 460 isn't working properly and an RMA didn't help so I am just giving up and going ATI and am hoping I could at least get a good upgrade out of it!
Click to expand...
The 6950 is a beast of a card. If you can afford it I say get it.

Here is a review.
 
Z

ZZMitch

Member
Crunched said:
The 6950 is a beast of a card. If you can afford it I say get it.

Here is a review.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link.

I have heard this card was pretty big and runs pretty hot though, my case is an Antec 300 and my GTX 460 ran at 62C under load... think I will be ok?

Oh, and I have a 650W PSU, that should be enough right?
 
S

Saige

I must do better.
Well my video card just died so I’m also looking to get a new one.

My current setup: Core 2 Quad Q6600 / 6GB DDR2 / Asus P5K / 8800 GT
Running Windows 7 64bit at 1680 x 1050, with a 650W psu

Going by the guide in the OP I’m currently looking at these for my price range (250-350 Canadian): 560 Ti / 6950 / 570 / 6970

I just need to know stuff like if any of those cards work with my motherboard, or if there is a big difference in Nvidia vs Radeon driver support. I’m hoping whatever card I get can handle The Witcher 2 well.
 
M

Mr Nightman

Banned
Saige said:
Well my video card just died so I’m also looking to get a new one.

My current setup: Core 2 Quad Q6600 / 6GB DDR2 / Asus P5K / 8800 GT
Running Windows 7 64bit at 1680 x 1050, with a 650W psu

Going by the guide in the OP I’m currently looking at these for my price range (250-350 Canadian): 560 Ti / 6950 / 570 / 6970

I just need to know stuff like if any of those cards work with my motherboard, or if there is a big difference in Nvidia vs Radeon driver support. I’m hoping whatever card I get can handle The Witcher 2 well.
Click to expand...
Well your motherboard is most certainly compatible, since there really only is pci-e x16 slots that video cards use now. As for which card would be the best, I don't really know lol. Not too aware of benchmarks and such
 
W

winnarps

Member
Another random question: Better to get a 6970 or crossfire 2x 6850?

Not sure what the pros and cons are with 2 GPUs - never done it before.
 
J

Johnny2Bags

Member
winnarps said:
Another random question: Better to get a 6970 or crossfire 2x 6850?

Not sure what the pros and cons are with 2 GPUs - never done it before.
Click to expand...

Well I have twin 5850's, in crossfire, and am very satisfied so far! However make sure your motherboard has at least 8X on the second pcie slot.

With the new drivers that have been released by AMD, I get no microstuttering at all in my games; but i overclock each card to the exact same speed. I'd say go for it! and that way if you want to upgrade you can sell both cards or give one to your friend or girlfriend when you get the inevitable single GPU in the future.
 
R

Red

Member
Saige said:
Well my video card just died so I’m also looking to get a new one.

My current setup: Core 2 Quad Q6600 / 6GB DDR2 / Asus P5K / 8800 GT
Running Windows 7 64bit at 1680 x 1050, with a 650W psu

Going by the guide in the OP I’m currently looking at these for my price range (250-350 Canadian): 560 Ti / 6950 / 570 / 6970

I just need to know stuff like if any of those cards work with my motherboard, or if there is a big difference in Nvidia vs Radeon driver support. I’m hoping whatever card I get can handle The Witcher 2 well.
Click to expand...
Go 6970. Really the only thing that beats that is the GTX580 or 5970.
 
S

Saige

I must do better.
Crunched said:
Go 6970. Really the only thing that beats that is the GTX580 or 5970.
Click to expand...

Damn after looking up some prices for the 6970 it will be close to 400$ since all the local places that price match are out of stock. I think I can get a 6950 2GB for almost 100$ less, but will I see that much of a performance drop between the two?
 
H

Hazaro

relies on auto-aim
Saige said:
Damn after looking up some prices for the 6970 it will be close to 400$ since all the local places that price match are out of stock. I think I can get a 6950 2GB for almost 100$ less, but will I see that much of a performance drop between the two?
Click to expand...
For me, no. The 6950 is a fine card.
winnarps said:
Blah, was about to pull the trigger on this list this week, but I guess I'll have to wait for the fixed mobos to come in.

Any glaring issues (or suggestions) with the above? I plan on overclocking to 'reasonable' numbers, nothing fancy.

I've already got a few 500GB-1TB drives sitting around to store other stuff, as well as a spare DVDRW drive.
Click to expand...
Just swap in a 750W and buy some 1333 RAM that is $80.
Laekon said:
From OP

Basic Desktop Questions
Your Current Specs: C2D E6600 2.4GHz / 2GB DDR2 / MSI P965 Platinum LGA 775 / 8800GTS 640MB
Budget: As low as possible / USA
If I can get a performance increase from just a new GPU is it worth it to spend the extra $ on a 560/6950 over the 460/6850?
Click to expand...
How low is low? Low low is 768MB 460 + overclock to 3.2Ghz. :p
 
R

Red

Member
Saige said:
Damn after looking up some prices for the 6970 it will be close to 400$ since all the local places that price match are out of stock. I think I can get a 6950 2GB for almost 100$ less, but will I see that much of a performance drop between the two?
Click to expand...
From a few posts above. 6950+6970 review.
 
M

MacAttack

Member
Built my new gaming PC last night. Went much smoother than expected for my first build.

Heres the proof:
(Before)
pc1.jpg


(After)
pc2.jpg
 
L

Laekon

Member
Hazaro said:
How low is low? Low low is 768MB 460 + overclock to 3.2Ghz. :p
Click to expand...

I guess I'm trying to figure out if my just my GPU is holding me back from going up to 1920x1080 or if my CPU is holding me back to. If I have to upgrade my CPU to play Fallout NV or Deus Ex: HR at 1920x1080 that I'm going to just drop the money for an i-5 2400 and all the rest and be done with it. I really don't want to spend that money though.

Specs again are: C2D E6600 2.4GHz / 2GB DDR2 / MSI P965 Platinum LGA 775 / 8800GTS 640MB
 
H

Hazaro

relies on auto-aim
A 3Ghz core2 at 1080 will chug along frames pretty nicely.
If you want to save some cash, picking up a 460 for cheap wouldn't be a bad upgrade from that G80.
 
N

Negator

Member
Outdoor Miner said:
The MSI one some consider the best P67 board out there.
Click to expand...

I can't find any info on the web, does the PCI-X go 8x 8x in crossfire? Also how does OCing to 1600 on the ram work?
 
W

WEGGLES

Member
Stupid question, I know (I'm on my laptop, can't check)... Can you use any resolution with ATI drivers? Like something like 1024 x 576?
 
M

MacAttack

Member
The MSI p67A-GD55 is the board I used in the pictures above.

Yes, it does 8x/8x in CF/SLI.

The RAM I have is rated @ 1600. It auto-detected @ 1033 and I just went into the bios and set the voltage and frequency to the advertised settings and it worked. No problems at all.

FYI the GD55 only has two SATA 3 ports. the GD65 has four.
 
M

MacAttack

Member
I got it on sale plus a rebate, the difference between this and some of the lower watt psu were not that big of a deal.

This keeps my options open for sli if I decide to add a second 560, I wont have to go out and pay for another psu on top of the extra card. Lets chalk it up to future proofing.
 
N

Negator

Member
MacAttack said:
The MSI p67A-GD55 is the board I used in the pictures above.

Yes, it does 8x/8x in CF/SLI.

The RAM I have is rated @ 1600. It auto-detected @ 1033 and I just went into the bios and set the voltage and frequency to the advertised settings and it worked. No problems at all.

FYI the GD55 only has two SATA 3 ports. the GD65 has four.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. Now I have to kick myself for not being fast enough to buy it.
 
N

Negator

Member
Oh, I have some more questions. What do you guys use to control case fan speed? Can it be controlled through software? Can you set the fans to automatically speed up when the computer runs hot?
 
T

TOAO_Cyrus

Member
MisterAnderson said:
Is this the norm? I use 2 DVI ports for my dual monitor setup... my 4890 has two of them. What is "miniDisplayPort"?
Click to expand...

Most high end AMD cards have 5 outputs, usually two DVI, one HDMI and two miniDP. They also only have a half slot sized exhaust opening so there is enough room on the back panel to fit that many. Looks like they had to go with a full slot opening for the dual GPU version so the only way to fit 5 outputs was to go with one DVI and 4 miniDP. DisplayPort is the next gen computer monitor interface thats set to replace HDMI and DVI, miniDP is a smaller form factor version of it.
 
M

MisterAnderson

Member
TOAO_Cyrus said:
Most high end AMD cards have 5 outputs, usually two DVI, one HDMI and two miniDP. They also only have a half slot sized exhaust opening so there is enough room on the back panel to fit that many. Looks like they had to go with a full slot opening for the dual GPU version so the only way to fit 5 outputs was to go with one DVI and 4 miniDP. DisplayPort is the next gen computer monitor interface thats set to replace HDMI and DVI, miniDP is a smaller form factor version of it.
Click to expand...

So does the other end of a miniDP cable have a DVI plug?
 
K

KPJZKC

Member
ShdwDrake said:
So I keep having this problem with my 4870 512MB and it'll say "Display Driver has stopped working and has recovered" (or something along those lines. I googled it and found some work arounds but not a real fix.

I'm thinking about just getting a new card (even though my rig plays everything i want and I would rather not tbh). But if I where what would be the best card for around $150-$200?

Also, I'm thinking about getting an Nvidia card. Do they play nice with AMD processors?
Click to expand...

Interestingly enough I had the EXACT same problem with my HD 4870 512 too...
It only got worse for me though, the critical core power error LED started coming on all the time and games would crash.

I figured, fuck it, I'll need to get a new card anyway. Strangely the card only actually works if I rub it just before turning the computer on (stupid thing to do, but I was going to throw it out anyway).
 
R

RedSwirl

Junior Member
Guys I'm still deciding on that HD 6850 upgrade. I know that's probably the best one for me right now for the price, but I'm trying to decide between the different brands of that card that come up when you search on Newegg. Is it true that all of them are mostly the same except for the fan? In that case should I just get the cheapest one listed (around $180)?

What's the difference between these three?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161348&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-161-348-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131374&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-131-374-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150505&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-150-505-_-Product

I'm also having a hard time telling the difference between PSUs, which vary much more wildly in price. I know I want a standard ATX PSU (probably 12V) with at least 550w and I probably shouldn't pay more than around $80, but are those $20 PSU's any good?

Once again, Current System:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (can't overclock)
8800GT 512MB
3GB RAM
1440 x 900 monitor
425w PSU

Most Intense Games:
ArmA II
Bad Company 2
Crysis
 
V

Velion

Member
RedSwirl said:
Guys I'm still deciding on that HD 6850 upgrade. I know that's probably the best one for me right now for the price, but I'm trying to decide between the different brands of that card that come up when you search on Newegg. Is it true that all of them are mostly the same except for the fan? In that case should I just get the cheapest one listed (around $180)?

What's the difference between these three?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161348&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-161-348-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131374&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-131-374-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150505&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-150-505-_-Product

I'm also having a hard time telling the difference between PSUs, which vary much more wildly in price. I know I want a standard ATX PSU (probably 12V) with at least 550w and I probably shouldn't pay more than around $80, but are those $20 PSU's any good?

Once again, Current System:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (can't overclock)
8800GT 512MB
3GB RAM
1440 x 900 monitor
425w PSU

Most Intense Games:
ArmA II
Bad Company 2
Crysis
Click to expand...
Manufacturer is only thing different. And I think all of those $20 psus aren't even 80+
 
S

SpudBud

Member
I'm sure if this is the right place to ask but whats the final word on flashing the bios on the 6950? What kind of performance increase would I see and is it safe?
 
M

MedIC86

Member
SpudBud said:
I'm sure if this is the right place to ask but whats the final word on flashing the bios on the 6950? What kind of performance increase would I see and is it safe?
Click to expand...

There is always risk involved, but if you do it properly and read everything well there shouldnt be any real danger.

Also i dont know if they changed the 6950, the first shipments had the other card segments locked on bios level.
It could be that the newer versions have other hardware, in other words missing the parts on the card for the same speeds as the 6970.
 
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