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[scogoth]

no there is some chip on the motherboard that has to switch on crossfire and enable it but aperantly that is broken, so im selling my motherboard and buying a new one.
dont know what motherboard yet, might call mis tomorrow and see if they would send me a new one that would be better.

was thinking about one of these 3

http://eu.msi.com/product/mb/P67A-GD65--B3-.html

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Fatal1ty P67 Professional

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=FpufhQASBFHNvccl&templete=2

Switch for crossfire? Interesting.

I vote Asus just cause I love their stuff, yes I'm very biased. Didn't know the Fatal1ty name was still being used for branding.

 

[eznark]

So now I am down to two main questions.

1. Which GTX 570 do I buy?
2. Which case do I buy?

 

[TheExodu5]

Asus DirectCu II GTX 570

Triple slot goodness.

As for case...it depends on what you're looking for. Need a bit of info here.

 

[HarryDemeanor]

So now I am down to two main questions.

1. Which GTX 570 do I buy?
2. Which case do I buy?

1. Asus GeForce 570 DirectCUII As Exodus said it takes up 3 slots and it might bite you in the ass later if you decide to do SLI.
2. I'm in the same boat as you currently in finding a case. Depends if you want it to be quiet, great cooling, neat cable management, etc.

 

[TheExodu5]

1. Asus GeForce 570 DirectCUII As Exodus said it takes up 3 slots and it might bite you in the ass later if you decide to do SLI.

FYI, as long as he's got a Sandy Bridge motherboard, SLI shouldn't be a problem. Sandy Bridge motherboards seem to have their PCI-E slots 3 apart.

 

[eznark]

Asus DirectCu II GTX 570

Triple slot goodness.

As for case...it depends on what you're looking for. Need a bit of info here.

Is that this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...432&cm_re=Asus_GTX_570-_-14-121-432-_-Product

As far as a case goes, not sure. I'd like to keep it around $100-150 I guess and air flow is more important than sound control. I suck at cable management but I am going to make a concerted effort this time, so anything that helps there would be sweet. Also I am getting the P8P67 Pro so I want to be able to use those front USB 3.0's and if at all possible a hot swap dock. I don't know if that's being unreasonable for $100?

I decided on the 850w PSU, that's plenty right?

Oh, also a mid size. I'm looking at the Corsair 650D but I'm not thrilled spending $200 on a case when it is sitting under my desk doing nothing.

 

[HarryDemeanor]

FYI, as long as he's got a Sandy Bridge motherboard, SLI shouldn't be a problem. Sandy Bridge motherboards seem to have their PCI-E slots 3 apart.

Oh okay. That's good to know then. Considering how huge the card is I thought it would be a really tight fit in there.

 

[Omiee]

Switch for crossfire? Interesting.

I vote Asus just cause I love their stuff, yes I'm very biased. Didn't know the Fatal1ty name was still being used for branding.

yeah its not realy a switch more like something automatic within the board.

there is a switch chip to add 8 extra pci-e lanes which aren't nativly active on your motherboard to enable support of 2 high end graphics cards

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/MSI-P55A-GD65-Motherboard/1057/2


is there a big difference between the asus P8P67 deluxe and pro?
keep in mind i have 2 6950's

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Is that this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...432&cm_re=Asus_GTX_570-_-14-121-432-_-Product

As far as a case goes, not sure. I'd like to keep it around $100-150 I guess and air flow is more important than sound control. I suck at cable management but I am going to make a concerted effort this time, so anything that helps there would be sweet. Also I am getting the P8P67 Pro so I want to be able to use those front USB 3.0's and if at all possible a hot swap dock. I don't know if that's being unreasonable for $100?

I decided on the 850w PSU, that's plenty right?

Oh, also a mid size. I'm looking at the Corsair 650D but I'm not thrilled spending $200 on a case when it is sitting under my desk doing nothing.

Check out the Corsair 600T. The look is an acquired taste but I love it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139003&Tpk=corsair 600t

 

[eznark]

Check out the Corsair 600T. The look is an acquired taste but I love it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139003&Tpk=corsair 600t

I love the USB's on top, and it looks super spacious (someone else mentioned it as well) by damn it's ugly. I suppose it's probably worth it though?

What are the biggest pros for you?

 

[Omiee]

I love the USB's on top, and it looks super spacious (someone else mentioned it as well) by damn it's ugly. I suppose it's probably worth it though?

What are the biggest pros for you?

go for the haf x or 922 they have a lot of air flow and are big as hell.
and look good

 

[mkenyon]

Is that this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...432&cm_re=Asus_GTX_570-_-14-121-432-_-Product

As far as a case goes, not sure. I'd like to keep it around $100-150 I guess and air flow is more important than sound control. I suck at cable management but I am going to make a concerted effort this time, so anything that helps there would be sweet. Also I am getting the P8P67 Pro so I want to be able to use those front USB 3.0's and if at all possible a hot swap dock. I don't know if that's being unreasonable for $100?

I decided on the 850w PSU, that's plenty right?

Oh, also a mid size. I'm looking at the Corsair 650D but I'm not thrilled spending $200 on a case when it is sitting under my desk doing nothing.

Yep, that's the right one.

For mid tower cases in that price range, check out the Lian Li Armorsuit, Storm Sniper (if you don't mind the styling, the case is fantastic), Lancool PC-K63, or the HAF 922. The Fractal R3 is also a great case, and can have plenty of airflow if you remove the front door.

 

[scogoth]

yeah its not realy a switch more like something automatic within the board.

there is a switch chip to add 8 extra pci-e lanes which aren't nativly active on your motherboard to enable support of 2 high end graphics cards

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/MSI-P55A-GD65-Motherboard/1057/2


is there a big difference between the asus P8P67 deluxe and pro?
keep in mind i have 2 6950's

Ok thats more normal, I thought is was a physical toggle switch.

Deluxe = 16 phase power vs 8 phase power and 2 LAN ports instead of 1
Really not worth the extra money IMO unless you really want that extra power regulation for extreme overclocking. If you want 2 LAN ports then get the EVO otherwise stick with the pro.

 

[black_vegeta]

I love the USB's on top, and it looks super spacious (someone else mentioned it as well) by damn it's ugly. I suppose it's probably worth it though?

What are the biggest pros for you?

I like the cable management possibilities. You can have clean looking guts inside.

Here's a video were Linus does a video of cable management with this case.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERhxmzQR6xA

 

[knitoe]

FYI, as long as he's got a Sandy Bridge motherboard, SLI shouldn't be a problem. Sandy Bridge motherboards seem to have their PCI-E slots 3 apart.

Make sure the MB has SLI capability. Just being a sandy bridge MB and enough slots are not enough to tell. For example, the Asus P8P67 LE supports crossfire, by not SLI.

 

[eznark]

Wait, so the HAF X is a full size tower but has about the same dimensions as the 600T, which is a mid size. What the heck is the difference?

 

[Outdoor Miner]

I love the USB's on top, and it looks super spacious (someone else mentioned it as well) by damn it's ugly. I suppose it's probably worth it though?

What are the biggest pros for you?

The roominess, layout, and airflow are the biggest pluses for me. Comes with two 200mm fans (top, front) and a rear 120mm.

Like I said looks-wise it is an acquired taste but the Newegg pics really don't do the case any favors. Check out this review for some nicer pics -> http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/corsair_g_series_600t/2.htm

 

[·feist·]

Wait, so the HAF X is a full size tower but has about the same dimensions as the 600T, which is a mid size. What the heck is the difference?

That's because the 600T and 650D are part of a growing trend in midtowers: Height is roughly the same as the larger mids, but width and depth are increasingly inching into fulltower territory.

(L x W x H)
600T - 23.30" x 10.40" x 20.00"

HAF X - 23.20" x 9.10" x 21.70"

Those numbers may not be 100% accurate, though the 600T is huge.

 

[Omiee]

Ok thats more normal, I thought is was a physical toggle switch.

Deluxe = 16 phase power vs 8 phase power and 2 LAN ports instead of 1
Really not worth the extra money IMO unless you really want that extra power regulation for extreme overclocking. If you want 2 LAN ports then get the EVO otherwise stick with the pro.

yeah thanks going with the evo its 60 euro cheaper.

http://tweakers.net/pricewatch/275024/asrock-p67-extreme6.html#tab:info

what about this one though, its 10 euro more than the asus

 

[scogoth]

yeah thanks going with the evo its 60 euro cheaper.

http://tweakers.net/pricewatch/275024/asrock-p67-extreme6.html#tab:info

what about this one though, its 10 euro more than the asus

Looks pretty good spec and feature wise. Read a couple quick review and the asrock is a better deal. Only difference is the asrock was a 2 year warranty vs 3 year from asus but that might have changed so check that out if warranty is something that matters to you. Also the asrock comes with a front USB3.0/SSD holder which is awesome value.

 

[Omiee]

Looks pretty good spec and feature wise. Read a couple quick review and the asrock is a better deal. Only difference is the asrock was a 2 year warranty vs 3 year from asus but that might have changed so check that out if warranty is something that matters to you. Also the asrock comes with a front USB3.0/SSD holder which is awesome value.

what would you choose from those 2 since they are not that far apart price wise.
also what benefits does the asrock have over the asus besides the front 3.0 usb holder.

I cant find a easy oc button on there, i love that on the msi and asus board since im a noob when it comes to oc´ing and sandy bridge is made for oc´ing

 

[Quicksilver4648]

Wow, NewEgg just sent me an e-mail taunting me. Last week I purchased a Corsair TX750 V2 PSU and just now they sent me a thank you e-mail with promotional codes. This is a good thing right? Wrong. On Saturday I ordered the last of my required components so they are already shipped out and I can't cancel.

10% off all desktop RAM? Useless.
10% off all Windows 7 OEM products? Useless.
20% off all cables? Useless.
15% off select Intel Lynnfield processors? Useless.
20% off all hubs? Useless.
10% off select HP LED LCD monitors? Useless.
15% off all LSI RAID cards? Useless.
10% off all Sony VAIO desktp PCs? Useless.

I can't even give the promotional codes away to people on here since they "may only be redeemed using the Newegg account attached to this e-mail address."

But, to keep things on topic, I am hoping to have my PC built by Friday. After I am sure everything it running smoothly, drivers are working properly, and thermal paste has settled I plan on overclocking my i5-2500k CPU. At first I thought I would just sit at 4.0 Ghz since it is a safe level that wont cause too many issues. However, I have been reading lots of comments about many people overclocking to 4.5 Ghz and getting very stable results without too high of temperatures.

Here is my question: I will be using an Asus P8P67 Pro and what values (voltage and etc.) should I enter to overclock the 2500k to 4.0 Ghz and make sure it is stable for everyday use? And what values for 4.5 Ghz if I should ever go that high? Is there a good tutorial/chart/table to reference describing what values should be used depending on the extent of the overclock?

 

[Dynamic3]

Wow, NewEgg just sent me an e-mail taunting me. Last week I purchased a Corsair TX750 V2 PSU and just now they sent me a thank you e-mail with promotional codes. This is a good thing right? Wrong. On Saturday I ordered the last of my required components so they are already shipped out and I can't cancel.

10% off all desktop RAM? Useless.
10% off all Windows 7 OEM products? Useless.
20% off all cables? Useless.
15% off select Intel Lynnfield processors? Useless.
20% off all hubs? Useless.
10% off select HP LED LCD monitors? Useless.
15% off all LSI RAID cards? Useless.
10% off all Sony VAIO desktp PCs? Useless.

I can't even give the promotional codes away to people on here since they "may only be redeemed using the Newegg account attached to this e-mail address."

But, to keep things on topic, I am hoping to have my PC built by Friday. After I am sure everything it running smoothly, drivers are working properly, and thermal paste has settled I plan on overclocking my i5-2500k CPU. At first I thought I would just sit at 4.0 Ghz since it is a safe level that wont cause too many issues. However, I have been reading lots of comments about many people overclocking to 4.5 Ghz and getting very stable results without too high of temperatures.

Here is my question: I will be using an Asus P8P67 Pro and what values (voltage and etc.) should I enter to overclock the 2500k to 4.0 Ghz and make sure it is stable for everyday use? And what values for 4.5 Ghz if I should ever go that high? Is there a good tutorial/chart/table to reference describing what values should be used depending on the extent of the overclock?

Why don't you call Newegg and have them apply the promos historically to your order instead of bitching on GAF.

 

[CrankyJay]

Why don't you call Newegg and have them apply the promos historically to your order instead of bitching on GAF.

Was this necessary?

 

[eznark]

The maximum PC review of the 600 T that says over and over what a joy it is to build with has me sold.

My build is complete! Now to wait a few weeks to order it.

 

[Quicksilver4648]

Why don't you call Newegg and have them apply the promos historically to your order instead of bitching on GAF.

I don't don't consider me bitching, but rather pointing out how it sucks/is funny to get multiple coupons after your big purchase.

 

[CrankyJay]

The maximum PC review of the 600 T that says over and over what a joy it is to build with has me sold.

My build is complete! Now to wait a few weeks to order it.

Case has been sitting up in my office for a month now. Still waiting on the new SSDs supposedly coming out soon (or a good sale).

Check out this preview/review...LOTS of pictures: http://techreport.com/articles.x/19638/1

 

[TheExodu5]

I love the USB's on top, and it looks super spacious (someone else mentioned it as well) by damn it's ugly. I suppose it's probably worth it though?

What are the biggest pros for you?

Spend the extra and get the 650D.



Look at it this way, you saved $150 by going with a GTX 570, and you can now justify getting one of the nicest mid towers around.

And yeah, the 600T is super ugly, especially in person. It's all plastic. The 650D is pretty similar though in terms of features...just a hell of a lot nicer looking (and with an external HDD dock on top).

Spending on a good case is worth it in my opinion, since it will outlast everything else in your build (along with the PSU).

 

[BloodySinner]

And yeah, the 600T is super ugly, especially in person. It's all plastic.

So wrong.

 

[eznark]

Spend the extra and get the 650D.



Look at it this way, you saved $150 by going with a GTX 570, and you can now justify getting one of the nicest mid towers around.

And yeah, the 600T is super ugly, especially in person. It's all plastic. The 650D is pretty similar though in terms of features...just a hell of a lot nicer looking (and with an external HDD dock on top).

Spending on a good case is worth it in my opinion, since it will outlast everything else in your build (along with the PSU).

Sold!

 

[Hazaro]

I could kiss you. Your video finally made me "get it" with the thermal paste application. What I was doing is putting down a pea-sized drop or a line and then spreading it with a business card! The video enlightened me to placing the card on the drop or line and using that to spread the paste.

The point of using a blob or lines, then pressing the HS down on it is so that the pressure forces all the small pockets of air out and provied a good thermal contact. Even spreading it or pressing with a business card can't really do that.
Glad the temps have worked out for you though.

My TRUE120 cools like crap. I'm wondering if it is because of the buildup on it or something.

 

[Vyer]

Wow you guys aren't kidding about that thing being ugly.

The design inside looks outstanding, though.

 

[mambadragon]

Sold!

Only thing to know is that the current batch of 650ds have an issue where the 200mm fans buzz when set to low or medium speed. Corsair will be sending a fix kit for it according to a rep on Hardforum.

Even with this, I agree with Exodus after seeing both at Microcenter that the 650d has much better build quality. The other case I like is the Fractal R3 but I've never seen it in person and dont know how it compares in build quality.

 

[eznark]

Only thing to know is that the current batch of 650ds have an issue where the 200mm fans buzz when set to low or medium speed. Corsair will be sending a fix kit for it according to a rep on Hardforum.

Even with this, I agree with Exodus after seeing both at Microcenter that the 650d has much better build quality. The other case I like is the Fractal R3 but I've never seen it in person and dont know how it compares in build quality.

I'll probably be picking it up at MicroCenter at the end of April, so hopefully they are fixed by then. If not, full speed ahead!

My build (depending on taxes/shipping since newegg doesn't have everything I need, no mobo or RAT 7) will come to $1750 or so.

GTX 570,
i5-2500k,
8 GB ram,
P8P67 Pro
120GB SSD
Corsair 650D
850 W psu

And the other standard stuff; optical drive, existing 2 TB hdd, 212+, Win7 64

I am pumped, too bad I won't have time to get to it for a few weeks.

 

[the_prime_mover]

Case has been sitting up in my office for a month now. Still waiting on the new SSDs supposedly coming out soon (or a good sale).

Check out this preview/review...LOTS of pictures: http://techreport.com/articles.x/19638/1

This is the case I have, but in black. It keeps things so cool and is a joy to work with. There is a tonne of room inside and cable management is no issue. The white glow is aesthetically pleasing as well and the fans are all very quite. It definitely attracts a lot of attention from visitors as I have it set up as my main HTPC.

Edit: I disagree that the 600T is ugly - it isn't a crazy design but it fits into my entertainment setup nicely. Also, it isn't all plastic. The front and top shells are plastic as is the back piece but the sides and interior are metal. The clasps for the sides are a very solid construction and no part of the case seems flimsy.

 

[DodgyGeezerFella]

Been posted ?

 

[the_prime_mover]

Been posted ?

Lol

 

[·feist·]

Poor form.

I'll probably be picking it up at MicroCenter at the end of April, so hopefully they are fixed by then. If not, full speed ahead!

My build (depending on taxes/shipping since newegg doesn't have everything I need, no mobo or RAT 7) will come to $1750 or so.

GTX 570,
i5-2500k,
8 GB ram,
P8P67 Pro
120GB SSD
Corsair 650D
850 W psu

And the other standard stuff; optical drive, existing 2 TB hdd, 212+, Win7 64

I am pumped, too bad I won't have time to get to it for a few weeks.

In the event that Corsair hasn't resolved the issue by then, you may want to bookmark this link just in case:

Obsidian Series® 650D Fan Adapter Kit

SKU# CC650D-FANKIT

http://www.corsair.com/obsidian-series-650d-fan-adapter-kit.html

A limited number of the Obsidian Series 650D chassis may produce a low buzzing noise when the fan controller is used on Medium or Low settings. This kit is designed to address the issue. It is easily installed and comes with instructions.

Note: This product is expected to ship by the begining of April.

Contents:

In-line adapter for fan controller
8x soft rubber fan mounts

 

[sk3tch]

Almost 90 minutes stable in prime 95? That should about do it for a stable day to day use. I don't understand how some people ( not saying you ) insist on doing like 24h prime95 runs.

Well, case in point: why you should run Prime95 and other stability tests for hours (not minutes) - I left for the bar and got back just a bit ago to find that Prime95 had errored out on one core.

Back to the drawing board! No OS crashes or anything but I want full stability. Testing 1.35v now (i5 2500k @ 4.7 GHz).

 

[JDAWGZZZ]

I've got a question for PC GAF.

My buddy has a E2200 Dual Core Intel processor @ 2.20 GHz, GeForce 9500 GT 1GB, and 3 GB of RAM. He's wanting to upgrade his GPU exclusively for Starcraft 2. What would be a good card so he can play 1080p medium settings?

 

[BigBlackGamer]

I have the same M AV40 speakers. Do you notice an audible difference between onboard vs your ASUS card?

I can't go back to on board. especially for music.

 

[mambadragon]

I'll probably be picking it up at MicroCenter at the end of April, so hopefully they are fixed by then. If not, full speed ahead!

My build (depending on taxes/shipping since newegg doesn't have everything I need, no mobo or RAT 7) will come to $1750 or so.

GTX 570,
i5-2500k,
8 GB ram,
P8P67 Pro
120GB SSD
Corsair 650D
850 W psu

And the other standard stuff; optical drive, existing 2 TB hdd, 212+, Win7 64

I am pumped, too bad I won't have time to get to it for a few weeks.

Only possible suggestion to get an as good power supply (the Xfx is rebranded Seasonic) for a better price is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7207001&cm_re=Xfx_850w-_-17-207-001-_-Product. It's super ugly though if you care about that.

 

[Hawk269]

Hey guys...need some immediate feedback as I am on Newegg ready to purchase a HDD.

I am getting a new MB that has Sata 6.0 ports. Is it worth getting a HDD that is also Sata 6? I am a noob, so not sure. I know the the most recommended HDD here is the Samsung one, but that is 3.0.

In looking on newegg alot of the ones that are Sata 6 also have double the cache as the 3.0 ones.

Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks!

 

[comrade]

Well, case in point: why you should run Prime95 and other stability tests for hours (not minutes) - I left for the bar and got back just a bit ago to find that Prime95 had errored out on one core.

Back to the drawing board! No OS crashes or anything but I want full stability. Testing 1.35v now (i5 2500k @ 4.7 GHz).

Manual or Offset?

 

[Chris R]

Hey guys...need some immediate feedback as I am on Newegg ready to purchase a HDD.

I am getting a new MB that has Sata 6.0 ports. Is it worth getting a HDD that is also Sata 6? I am a noob, so not sure. I know the the most recommended HDD here is the Samsung one, but that is 3.0.

In looking on newegg alot of the ones that are Sata 6 also have double the cache as the 3.0 ones.

Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks!

Only matters if you are buying a newer SSD like the Vertex 3 that can fully saturate the pipe. A platter HDD won't matter at all.

 

[Im_Special]

So I ended up buying a few Laptops for my family, and I'm pretty sure they're going to end up becoming desktop replacements and sit on a desk 24/7 but that's ok, my question is does having the laptop stay plugged into an outlet for eternity hurt the battery at all or laptop? Or not a big deal?

 

[scogoth]

I've got a question for PC GAF.

My buddy has a E2200 Dual Core Intel processor @ 2.20 GHz, GeForce 9500 GT 1GB, and 3 GB of RAM. He's wanting to upgrade his GPU exclusively for Starcraft 2. What would be a good card so he can play 1080p medium settings?

GTX460 or a 6850 and he might need a new CPU. SC2 is a pretty CPU intensive game once there are a lot of units on the screen especially for 2v2 3v3 and 4v4

 

[MikeE21286]

What about this HTPC case (has full ATX support --- which is required for me) and is on crazy sale

APEVIA Black SECC Steel / Aluminum X-MASTER-BK/500 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - $24.99 after MIR

4.0/5 stars at Newegg with 232 reviews

fake edit: I just bought it

 

[LegoDad]

How much could I get for a 3 month used GTX 460....

 

[scogoth]

what would you choose from those 2 since they are not that far apart price wise.
also what benefits does the asrock have over the asus besides the front 3.0 usb holder.

I cant find a easy oc button on there, i love that on the msi and asus board since im a noob when it comes to oc´ing and sandy bridge is made for oc´ing

Anandtech review of the asrock board http://www.anandtech.com/show/4080/welcome-to-sandy-bridge-with-the-asrock-p67-extreme4

ASRock Pro
-Front USB 3.0 bracket w/ ssd holder
-16 phase power (more stable at high voltage overclocks)
-xfast usb (makes USB 2 and 3 faster for disk transfers, and apparently actually works)

ASUS Pros
-MemOK (memory recover button for unstable memory settings)
-Bluetooth built in
-On board diagnostic leds
-on board power and rest buttons
-AI charger (fast charging for USB devices)

Other then that they are the pretty much the same, software wise they both offer tuning, power management, etc. Personally I don't use any of the included software because I prefer to do all the tuning and stuff in BIOS.

I personally like ASUS boards because I've never had a problem with them and I like there BIOS tweakability but I've never owned an ASRock so I can't comment on them.

For overclocking thats what GAF is here for, to help you figure it out. The auto overclocks don't always give you the best result.