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[Dinokill]

And what about watching blu rays?

Im about to buy a card right now.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150506

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150515

 

[TouchMyBox]

Any Canadians who want an IPS panel for less than $250, jump on this.http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=320-9270&dgc=SS&cid=38279&lid=1533102

 

[Ecto311]

Here's a question: what is the most reliable SSD on the market right now? Does something like that exist or does it matter?

 

[CrankyJay]

Still need a video card.

Still want an SSD for my OS drive.

Thinking of just buying my boss's 4870 Radeon for $50 to tide me over.

 

[Mudkips]

Ah day 0.
The only day the desk is clean.

 

[CrankyJay]

Ah day 0.
The only day the desk is clean.

Haha, so true. The desk is new too.

 

[mkenyon]

May I suggest this

Pretty awesome design, just bought one for an itx build. Thing stays super cool and very quiet. Worth the extra $20, IMO.

 

[Raistlin]

LOL nice presentation.

 

[sk3tch]

Can't you OC the i5 2500k pretty damn well with the stock retail fan/heatsink?

 

[Ultrabum]

Can't you OC the i5 2500k pretty damn well with the stock retail fan/heatsink?

I got to 4GHz really easy, pretty sure I could go higher. I also didn't know anything about overclocking before I started.

 

[The Big Rig]

I got that discount on all quad core amd processors through newegg. I've got an athlon II X4. Would I see any noticeable difference that and my phenom II X4? Would it be worth it at all for games?

 

[Dynamic3]

Im using Speedfan to check temps.

Ive been running Dolphin for the past hour + and been monitoring cpu usage and temps. Very scientific testing so Im sure PC-GAF will be impressed. It only runs on two cores but they get bounced up to 100% usage pretty consistently and my temps for those cores are around 35C with Dolphin running.

Take it for what its worth (very little), but at the moment this is the hardest I will be taxing my system. Maybe Ill let Prime 95 run overnight if Im bored. Is there a way to log the temps so I can review them in the morning?

Dynamic- I was reading this review of the GD55 and it says the case fans 3-4 on the mb are not controllable by software. Dont know if you already figured that out but there you go.

That explains a lot, thank you.

 

[mkenyon]

I got that discount on all quad core amd processors through newegg. I've got an athlon II X4. Would I see any noticeable difference that and my phenom II X4? Would it be worth it at all for games?

Yes.

 

[iNvid02]

if anyone wants a "turbo charged extreme" cpu

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-TURBOCHAR...34?pt=CPUs&hash=item3cb5fe0d6a#ht_8323wt_1137

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-TURBOCHAR...CPU-/250787469580?pt=CPUs&hash=item3a6419190c

 

[RiverBed]

I have a question that may be unusual, but I just moved to LA and in the next few months and even years, I'll be re-locating a lot. I want to build a kickass new PC (with the best CPU and GPU money can buy for starters), but I don't know how to move it around. So what options do I have? Can I safely ship it to my next address? I fear it will reach the destination damaged. I don't have a car nor friends with cars to do it manually and I certainly won't be allowed to carry three big boxes (the monitor, case and accessories) with me in a bus or a plane....
I can't stuff it in my bags either because the boxes would be too big. Besides, my PS3 plus accessories are keeping those busy.


How would I go on about that?

No help to my predicament?

 

[MacAttack]

How intel tries fooling you and takes money out of your pocket

I need some extreme turbocharging...



Anyway, heres the update on my OCing experience with the 2500K and MSI GD55.

After using the on board "OC Genie" and getting higher voltages and temps with a 4.2Ghz OC I decided to see what I could do manually. Was able to easily get to 4.2Ghz with 1.25v core and 55-60C under load. Im running on 4.3Ghz right now but crashed Prime 95 at that voltage with a x44 multi.

Bottom line is Im getting the same/better results manually overclocking with significantly less voltage and temps than what the OC Genie offers. I still think the OC Genie has some use for users who dont care to go "under the hood" of their pc's and offers a stable but not perfect overclock setup.

 

[MacAttack]

No help to my predicament?

Somebody already mentioned you should remove the gpu and aftermarket cooler (if you get one) before you ship it. Also keep the original box + packing supplies your case comes in and use that to pack it up when you decide to ship/move it. If it is a heavy beast I recommend double boxing it.

Follow this advise and you shouldnt have any trouble.

 

[Misanthropy]

I know this is purely speculation but I don't know where else to ask this. Based on what's been seen in the trailer and screenshots, will a single GTX 560Ti be able to handle max settings (Possibly with the exception of AA) at 1920x1600 for TESV: Skyrim? I'm not talking about like 70 fps I just need it to be 30-40. Also consider there's no bottleneck. If the answer is no, then what about a 570?

 

[BloodySinner]

Not sure if this will be a new Cooler Master Silencio when released, but this "Project Silent M" sample they showed could be a good option in the ~$100 case range. Looks to be more Fractal Design Define R3, than Antec Sonata.

Hot swap external SSD/HDD dock, card reader, USB3.0, foam and 800rpm fans.

http://i.imgur.com/355UV.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/hMIq2.jpg/IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/2gdnI.jpg[/IM][IMG]http://i.imgur.com/QkUeb.jpg/IMG][/QUOTE]

LOL @ CoolMaster. Pretty much their reply to the Fractal Design R3.

Anyhow, the build was highly successful...Except I damaged the Phenom 955 Quad Core that I was trying to remove from my old build. I called and asked the tech rep at Memory Express to see if they had anymore in stock. I was unfortunate, so I ran out and bought the Phenom II X6 Processor as a replacement. I LOVE my Corsair 600T. Wicked case it is.

I'll post pics later.

 

[luiztfc]

So I ended up choosing the following:

Intel Core i7-2600K
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000
ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0)
2x HD 6970 Sapphiretech
CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-950TX (I couldn't find a SeaSonic X Series X-850 in Brazil)
Corsair Nova Series CSSD-V128GB2-BRKT 2.5" 128GB
Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB
CM 690 II Advanced

What do you guys think? Any incompatibility?

 

[Somnid]

Quick crossfire question: Do the bridge cables usually come with cards or do I need to buy one?

 

[Aquavelvaman]

I ended up ordering a 6870. I got to apply some Amazon credit so I only had to pay like $41 of actual money. Should be here tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to it.

 

[matmanx1]

So I ended up choosing the following:

Intel Core i7-2600K
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000
ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0)
2x HD 6970 Sapphiretech
CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-950TX (I couldn't find a SeaSonic X Series X-850 in Brazil)
Corsair Nova Series CSSD-V128GB2-BRKT 2.5" 128GB
Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB
CM 690 II Advanced

What do you guys think? Any incompatibility?

That's a sick build! Should have you running circles around most anything for months (if not years) to come. I'm not a fan of SLI or Crossfire but otherwise I love it. I'm running a single 6970 in my rig right now and I am very highly impressed with it and the last few real (not beta) AMD driver releases have only made it faster. Morphological AA is a great feature on that card and I find that sometimes it gives better IQ than the in game AA option (like in The Dragon Knight Saga, which I am now playing).

 

[luiztfc]

That's a sick build! Should have you running circles around most anything for months (if not years) to come. I'm not a fan of SLI or Crossfire but otherwise I love it. I'm running a single 6970 in my rig right now and I am very highly impressed with it and the last few real (not beta) AMD driver releases have only made it faster. Morphological AA is a great feature on that card and I find that sometimes it gives better IQ than the in game AA option (like in The Dragon Knight Saga, which I am now playing).

Thanks, I wish it were for me, but I'm just helping a friend.

Good to know about the 6970, I plan to buy one as well;

 

[The Big Rig]

Quick crossfire question: Do the bridge cables usually come with cards or do I need to buy one?

They should be in the box. You can never be sure, however, but most companies will send the crossfire cables out if they're missing.

 

[RiverBed]

Somebody already mentioned you should remove the gpu and aftermarket cooler (if you get one) before you ship it. Also keep the original box + packing supplies your case comes in and use that to pack it up when you decide to ship/move it. If it is a heavy beast I recommend double boxing it.

Follow this advise and you shouldnt have any trouble.

So actually shipping my case and monitor via postal mail should be okay with extra packaging?

 

[Deadstar]

So what's the deal with 64 bit computer gaming vs 32 bit? I'm on windows 7 running 32 bit now. When I get my new system I'm going to reinstall windows. Should I go 64 bit? What are the pro's and con's? Do older games have problems running on 64 bit? I heard there can be crashes or incompatibility problems.

 

[knitoe]

So what's the deal with 64 bit computer gaming vs 32 bit? I'm on windows 7 running 32 bit now. When I get my new system I'm going to reinstall windows. Should I go 64 bit? What are the pro's and con's? Do older games have problems running on 64 bit? I heard there can be crashes or incompatibility problems.

If you want to run >3.5GB of ram, you will need to run 64bit version of Windows. Windows 7 runs 32bit apps pretty well, and if it still fails, you can try compatibility mode. I don't run old games so I couldn't really tell you.

 

[Meeru]

So what's the deal with 64 bit computer gaming vs 32 bit? I'm on windows 7 running 32 bit now. When I get my new system I'm going to reinstall windows. Should I go 64 bit? What are the pro's and con's? Do older games have problems running on 64 bit? I heard there can be crashes or incompatibility problems.

my goodness stop living in the old and make the freaking switch jesus christ.

 

[Cetra]

Just installed an SSD. I have Windows set to NOT defrag that drive, as well as not index, or use it for Virtual Memory. Is there anything else Windows needs to NOT do with regard to the SSD?

 

[knitoe]

Just installed an SSD. I have Windows set to NOT defrag that drive, as well as not index, or use it for Virtual Memory. Is there anything else Windows needs to NOT do with regard to the SSD?

What version of Windows? Did you installed Windows on it? If no, you might have to check TRIMM is enable and it's fragmented correctly. There are other minor tweaks. Google for them.

 

[Somnid]

Just installed an SSD. I have Windows set to NOT defrag that drive, as well as not index, or use it for Virtual Memory. Is there anything else Windows needs to NOT do with regard to the SSD?

Defrag I can see because it doesn't matter, but why no virtual memory or indexing?

 

[knitoe]

Defrag I can see because it doesn't matter, but why no virtual memory or indexing?

With SSD, the less you write to the drive the longer it will last. You can move virtual memory to another drive and it will save space. And, indexing doesn't really do anything on a SSD since their read speeds are fast.

 

[scoobs]

Still need a video card.

Still want an SSD for my OS drive.

Thinking of just buying my boss's 4870 Radeon for $50 to tide me over.

ha, i have the same monitors

 

[MacAttack]

So actually shipping my case and monitor via postal mail should be okay with extra packaging?

I use UPS for higher end items but whatever your own preference is. There is always a slim chance something could happen to your package no matter who you ship it with.

I would also recommend getting insurance and signature confirmation even if you are sending it to yourself or someone you know. That way they cant leave the package on the front step if no one is home. (I have never had a package left at my front door but better to be safe than sorry.)

 

[EatChildren]

I'm pretty certain I'm going to order this build that was recommended earlier.

I just need to make sure my case will fit it all, and add on a custom CPU fan. Any specific recommendations there?

I looked up some benchies for the GPU, and it seems to perform very well, and should last me quite awhile maxing out at 1920x1080.

I assume that PSU is of an adequet voltage?

 

[mkenyon]

I know this is purely speculation but I don't know where else to ask this. Based on what's been seen in the trailer and screenshots, will a single GTX 560Ti be able to handle max settings (Possibly with the exception of AA) at 1920x1600 for TESV: Skyrim? I'm not talking about like 70 fps I just need it to be 30-40. Also consider there's no bottleneck. If the answer is no, then what about a 570?

Nope, and maybe possibly, but probably not. I might eat those words, but buying a mid-range card now probably wont play a non-optimized (its bethesda, it will not be optimized) high end game that comes out in 6 months won't cut it.

Don't buy parts for games that aren't out. You'll regret it, unless you have an unlimited budget. Doing something like 2x580s or a 6990 will do you well probably.

 

[InertiaXr]

I just need to make sure my case will fit it all, and add on a custom CPU fan. Any specific recommendations there?

I personally recommend a CM Hyper 212+. I have one and it keeps my 2500k at 4.5GHz at full load under 60c and barely audible outside of my case. By the way, where do you live? $270 is an awful lot for a 2500k, if you live anywhere near a Microcenter they have 2500k's for $180. I have a Corsair TX650W PSU and it cost me I believe $90-$20 mail-in rebate. If you live anywhere outside of the US then most likely disregard the price discrepancies, lol.

 

[momolicious]

Can't you OC the i5 2500k pretty damn well with the stock retail fan/heatsink?

How far can you OC the i5 2500k with the cooler master fan/heatsink thats in the OP?

 

[InertiaXr]

How far can you OC the i5 2500k with the cooler master fan/heatsink thats in the OP?

Would most likely depend on what kind of chip you get, and how much voltage both you personally and the chip itself is able to handle. I've heard anything over 1.5V for Sandy Bridge is pretty ill-advised, and I have mine at 4.5GHz @ 1.3V without any issues to speak of.

 

[ExMachina]

How far can you OC the i5 2500k with the cooler master fan/heatsink thats in the OP?

I, and a couple of other Gaffers in this thread, have my 2500k OCed to 4.5 GHz easily with the 212+.

 

[Hazaro]

I got that discount on all quad core amd processors through newegg. I've got an athlon II X4. Would I see any noticeable difference that and my phenom II X4? Would it be worth it at all for games?

Yes.

?
Phenom is not a large different above Athlon and certainly not worth upgrading just for games.

Unless I'm missing something

 

[Deadstar]

Still need a video card.

Still want an SSD for my OS drive.

Thinking of just buying my boss's 4870 Radeon for $50 to tide me over.

Hey, nice setup, just wondering. Why did you choose to go with the P8P67 Evo vs the P8P67 Pro? I'm trying to decide between those two.

 

[Fredescu]

I just need to make sure my case will fit it all, and add on a custom CPU fan. Any specific recommendations there?

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_23_845&products_id=12544 is a popular one, but make sure your case can fit it. The case looks kinda skinny. If it can't, something like this might be better: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_23_845&products_id=14686 . With the latter, I guess read some reviews and impressions and make sure it's not likely to be blocked by anything on your motherboard, like RAM sticks or chipset heatsinks. Whichever you decide, find out whether it comes with thermal compound, as you may have to pick it up separately if it doesn't: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_163&products_id=16442

I assume that PSU is of an adequet voltage?

Yep. Guru3D recommend 600w for a GTX570, which is probably conservative: http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-review/8

The other thing I was thinking for your system was, since you want to keep it for a long time, perhaps it's worth getting 8GB of RAM. For gaming it's not much use now and probably won't be for a while, but it's only an extra $65 or so and could save you future hassle: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_913&products_id=16510

By the way, where do you live? $270 is an awful lot for a 2500k

These are Australian prices.

 

[OG_Original Gamer]

Are you guys using SSD's for gaming or something else?

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

Gaf, which monitor is better?

SAMSUNG B2230 - $149.99 on NewEgg

or


Acer S211HLbd - $139.99 on NewEgg

 

[EatChildren]

stuff

Amazing dude. You've been a great help.

As I said, I really just want the security of being able to crank games at 1920x1080 with solid performance. I want to hit DX11 stuff like tessellation, which I assume will be in quite a few games, without too much of a performance hit. It's sad to see stuff like Metro 2033, in the Guru3D review, still drop below 30fps when maxed out, but I've heard the game is a huge performance hog anyway.

Assuming all goes smoothly and I'm happy with the build, I'll probably order it next week.

 

[nib95]

Using Windows 7 here. How do I turn off defragging for SSD's, and is there anything else I need to turn off?

EDIT: NVM, checked Defrag scheduler and the SSD is missing from the selections. Assuming Windows 7 has already recognised it's an SSD and done the relevant configuration.

 

[Hawk269]

Yet another...Need advice request!!!!

Well, I have planning on two upgrade paths to my fairly new build that I put together (well a friend did it for me) last August or so. Main reason is that I want to play everything I own at max/ultra/divine settings at 60fps at 1920x1080 on my 60" big screen. While most games I get very close or I am hitting it, but games like Metro 2033 DX11, Rift and a few others I am not getting what I want as stated above...so I want to do one of the two now and do the second later down the road.

Option 1: Upgrade the Motherboard and Processor to Sandy Bridge I72600K
Option 2: Add a 2nd 580 in SLI

Which would net the most improvement based on my current configuration listed below? I plan in the future to do both of them, but for the next 6 months or so I can only do 1 of the 2 above. Option 2 will also need to have me updrade my PSU as my 850 I dont think will be enough unless some of you "more in the know" think my current PSU is fine to SLI 580's.

In addition, my rig is strictly for gaming. I do all other computer type stuff on my laptop, this rig sits next to my entertainment system and was built to game only, nothing else.

Current System Specs:
AMD Phenom II Black Edition 965 4x@3.4 (OC to 3.8)
Evga GTX - 580 OC to 900mhz on the core
Evga Super Clocked 460/dedicated to Physics
8 Gigs of Ram
Windows 64Bit
Asus MN475ND Motherboard SLI Ready Motherboard
1TB Seagate HDD
Corsair 850W PSU Model 850TX
Asus 24xDVD Drive

 

[Hazaro]

Are you guys using SSD's for gaming or something else?

General use. For games they aren't that much of a benefit, especially considering how much space they take up. Unless you have a game or MMO you play a ton of I wouldn't install any on there.

Yet another...Need advice request!!!!

Well, I have planning on two upgrade paths to my fairly new build that I put together (well a friend did it for me) last August or so. Main reason is that I want to play everything I own at max/ultra/divine settings at 60fps at 1920x1080 on my 60" big screen. While most games I get very close or I am hitting it, but games like Metro 2033 DX11, Rift and a few others I am not getting what I want as stated above...so I want to do one of the two now and do the second later down the road.

Option 1: Upgrade the Motherboard and Processor to Sandy Bridge I72600K
Option 2: Add a 2nd 580 in SLI

Which would net the most improvement based on my current configuration listed below? I plan in the future to do both of them, but for the next 6 months or so I can only do 1 of the 2 above. Option 2 will also need to have me updrade my PSU as my 850 I dont think will be enough unless some of you "more in the know" think my current PSU is fine to SLI 580's.

In addition, my rig is strictly for gaming. I do all other computer type stuff on my laptop, this rig sits next to my entertainment system and was built to game only, nothing else.

Current System Specs:
AMD Phenom II Black Edition 965 4x@3.4 (OC to 3.8)
Evga GTX - 580 OC to 900mhz on the core
Evga Super Clocked 460/dedicated to Physics
8 Gigs of Ram
Windows 64Bit
Asus MN475ND Motherboard SLI Ready Motherboard
1TB Seagate HDD
Corsair 850W PSU
Asus 24xDVD Drive

Add a 580 now. Bulldozer will be out and Ivy Bridge will hopefully have more info in 6 months.
PSU should be fine for gaming. Just don't run FURMARK with both cards overclocked!