Support NeoGAF

[panda21]

My 5770 has started making a lot of noise, and I've already replaced the thermal paste once, I think games are also crashing because of overheating. I've had it for a year and a half so I think perhaps I should just replace it.

Would I be getting a good upgrade buying something like a 560 or a 6950? Ideally I want to spend less than £200 but get something that will serve me well for another year or two, for stuff like skyrim and BF3. I'm not too worried about maxxing things out, just want to play at decent settings without it making a sound like a vacuum cleaner, which is what my 5770 does at the moment.

Also if I choose a 6950 should I go with the 2gb or 1gb? I wonder if 1gb will be enough in the future?

 

[reptilescorpio]

Alright. Logitech G930. Can't get the G keys to work with Winamp. Work okay with other programs but I can't get them to Play/Pause, Next Track, Prev Track. Tried reinstalling Winamp to the same drive folder as the headphones, no dice. Tried downloading and running the custom keyboard .dll so it uses the keyboard shortcuts (which work fine) but no dice on that working either.

Any ideas or does Logitech just really hate Winamp?

 

[JayDub]

I just built a new PC, my first build ever. Read manuals front to back, but in the end youtube was my most useful resource. Took me (try no to laugh), 5 hours.

Anyways, the wires the fans my case came with only has 2 pins, when my motherboad only has 3 pin connections for fans. Any ideas what I should do, what I should buy? Im going nuts, thinking my PC will melt any second using only the CPU cooler's fan and the back case fan.

 

[n0n44m]

I just built a new PC, my first build ever. Read manuals front to back, but in the end youtube was my most useful resource. Took me (try no to laugh), 5 hours.

Anyways, the wires the fans my case came with only has 2 pins, when my motherboad only has 3 pin connections for fans. Any ideas what I should do, what I should buy? Im going nuts, thinking my PC will melt any second using only the CPU cooler's fan and the back case fan.

but they should still fit right? the 3 pins are +12volt , ground and RPM. When a fan has only 2 wires it doesn't support RPM monitoring, but it should still fit a 3-pin fan connector. Or it has one of those bigger 4 pin molex connectors, then you should directly connect it to your PSU

can you post a pic of the fan connector?

 

[Chinner]

just a comparison to the sli/crossfire setups posted last page.

 

[Dennis]

just a comparison to the sli/crossfire setups posted last page.

So 29 fps for a single GTX580 and 55 for two GTX580s.

I am feeling good about that SLI scaling right now!

 

[JayDub]

but they should still fit right? the 3 pins are +12volt , ground and RPM. When a fan has only 2 wires it doesn't support RPM monitoring, but it should still fit a 3-pin fan connector. Or it has one of those bigger 4 pin molex connectors, then you should directly connect it to your PSU

can you post a pic of the fan connector?

Dammit I just closed off the PC. I'll try to take pics tomorrow. I'll try to describe it. The connection on the mobo has a "ridge." Meaning I can't force in the 2 pin connections. Also, I got the AT1200, and it doesn't have molex cables. Atleast, no male molex cables.

 

[kagete]

Alright. Logitech G930. Can't get the G keys to work with Winamp. Work okay with other programs but I can't get them to Play/Pause, Next Track, Prev Track. Tried reinstalling Winamp to the same drive folder as the headphones, no dice. Tried downloading and running the custom keyboard .dll so it uses the keyboard shortcuts (which work fine) but no dice on that working either.

Any ideas or does Logitech just really hate Winamp?

I have the same problem with them and the Zune player. I stopped trying, and thankfully my keyboard has media controls which are more convenient to use. I still love the convenience of going wireless so it's still a solid 9/10 for me

 

[TGMIII]

My 5770 has started making a lot of noise, and I've already replaced the thermal paste once, I think games are also crashing because of overheating. I've had it for a year and a half so I think perhaps I should just replace it.

Would I be getting a good upgrade buying something like a 560 or a 6950? Ideally I want to spend less than £200 but get something that will serve me well for another year or two, for stuff like skyrim and BF3. I'm not too worried about maxxing things out, just want to play at decent settings without it making a sound like a vacuum cleaner, which is what my 5770 does at the moment.

Also if I choose a 6950 should I go with the 2gb or 1gb? I wonder if 1gb will be enough in the future?

I bought a 6950 2GB twin frozr last month and have had no problems with it, on load it's super quiet. I was in the BF3 alpha and the card handled the game perfectly at 1080p, granted that alpha didn't have full effects on.

 

[n0n44m]

Dammit I just closed off the PC. I'll try to take pics tomorrow. I'll try to describe it. The connection on the mobo has a "ridge." Meaning I can't force in the 2 pin connections. Also, I got the AT1200, and it doesn't have molex cables. Atleast, no male molex cables.

well the only "accepted" connectors for a case fan are (imho) a 3 pin connector (with either the full 3 cables or only 2 cables inserted, as I said earlier the RPM pin/wire is optional) or a 4 pin male molex (with only 2 pins/cables attached)

so if the fan you have really has a 2 pin connector and not a 3-pin-with-2-wires-connected one, it's some sort of weird custom connector I guess that needs to be plugged in some sort of extension wire (some oooold Yate-Loons had those I believe)

umm, I got a stupid question.

Im playing fifa, and if I use v-Sync the game will only render 60fps, stable and such. But if I turn off v-sync, it will render around 150fps, which is of no use because of my shitty monitor.

Will the graphics card work harder with v-sync disabled? I guess it does as it should work 100% to show as much fps as possible but maybe not.

Just trying to conserve my gpu to last longer, one step at a time.

yes it will be more stressed when you disable V-Sync

but Fifa(11) is just so stupidly simple (PES12 as well) , my GTX480 plays those at 60 fps 1080p maxed with all the AA it supports while running at a lower power state level ... (ie downclocked to save energy)

 

[garath]

I just built a new PC, my first build ever. Read manuals front to back, but in the end youtube was my most useful resource. Took me (try no to laugh), 5 hours.

Anyways, the wires the fans my case came with only has 2 pins, when my motherboad only has 3 pin connections for fans. Any ideas what I should do, what I should buy? Im going nuts, thinking my PC will melt any second using only the CPU cooler's fan and the back case fan.

Congrats

5 hours isn't bad. I've built dozens of PCs and I still prefer to take my time and make sure I'm doing everything right. I average 3 hours for a ground up build.

 

[taoofjord]

I'm loving my new PC. Thanks for the feedback everyone. It blazes through every game I've played.

I need to figure out what to do with my old speakers though. I think I'd like a decent, affordable 2.1 setup (hovering around $100) and a decent pair of headphones with a microphone attached. Anyone have any recommendations? I've been looking at the following:

Corsaid HS1 Headphones

Logitech Z623 2.1 Speakers

Creative GigaWorks T40 2.0 Speakers

One more thing of note: Whenever I use my current headphones (connected to my mono, didn't buy a sound card ) I get a buzzing sound when I move my headphones. Is this because I'm using cheap headphones or because I'm connected to my mobo? Is there a way to fix this without buying a sound card?

This is my motherboard by the way.

My apologies for quoting myself but I just wanted to give this one more chance at getting a response and then I'll go elsewhere.

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

So 29 fps for a single GTX580 and 55 for two GTX580s.

I am feeling good about that SLI scaling right now!

extreme

no overclock on cpu yet

 

[Magicked]

Hey guys. First, thanks for the great information in the OP. I've put together a very nice build.

The only question I have is about SSDs. Is there one brand or product that stands out among the rest in terms of quality, drivers, etc.? My initial thoughts were to go with something like the Crucial RealSSD C300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148348). Is there a better option?

Thanks!

 

[Chinner]

Why put tesselation on extreme?

Normal looks fine and gets me pretty good score.
http://i53.tinypic.com/2posarq.jpg[/IM
no overclock on cpu yet[/QUOTE]
it's a benchmark, ramp everything up bro so we can see how a 570 compares to a single and sli 580.

edit: also its worth mentioning my gpu has a slight overclock to 800mhz.

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

it's a benchmark, ramp everything up bro so we can see how a 570 compares to a single and sli 580.

edited

 

[Firestorm]

Hey guys. First, thanks for the great information in the OP. I've put together a very nice build.

The only question I have is about SSDs. Is there one brand or product that stands out among the rest in terms of quality, drivers, etc.? My initial thoughts were to go with something like the Crucial RealSSD C300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148348). Is there a better option?

Thanks!

The update is the M4. Seems to be the one to go for and currently on sale: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441

That or the Intel ones.

 

[pirata]

Alright, I'm not sure if anyone is familiar with my PC drama from a few weeks back, but my PC bit the dust again, and it happened, once again, after it had installed updates to Windows against my will. So, yeah, I'm pretty sure the Windows student disc that Microsoft sent me must be fucked up (since it keeps committing suicide after a few days using System Update). I need to buy a new copy of Windows, but this time I'm NOT springing for the student edition.


Which box should I buy to get Windows 7 64-bit for a clean install? Would this work, or is it just a copy of the service pack?

Anyone?

 

[Magicked]

The update is the M4. Seems to be the one to go for and currently on sale: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441

That or the Intel ones.

Ah, perfect! Thanks!

 

[chaosblade]

Anyone?

The service pack is free for anybody who bought Windows, so that would be the whole thing. SP1 just indicates that it's included so you won't have to download it.

 

[ACE 1991]

Posting from the new PC! (I'll post a formal thank you to the great people of this thread with pics later today!) Quick question: Where do I start to overclock my CPU? I'm rocking an i5 2500K a Biostar Mobo, and the Hyper 212+ cooler. In addition, should I be screwing with overclocking the GPU? I don't have an aftermarket cooler on it. Thank you!

 

[chaosblade]

Posting from the new PC! (I'll post a formal thank you to the great people of this thread with pics later today!) Quick question: Where do I start to overclock my CPU? I'm rocking an i5 2500K a Biostar Mobo, and the Hyper 212+ cooler. In addition, should I be screwing with overclocking the GPU? I don't have an aftermarket cooler on it. Thank you!

You'll OC it in the bios and run Prime 95 or OCCT in Windows to check stability. There is a guide in the OP, you may have already found it.

http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overclocking/39184-p67-sandy-bridge-overclocking-guide-beginners.html

 

[zephervack]

Posting from the new PC! (I'll post a formal thank you to the great people of this thread with pics later today!) Quick question: Where do I start to overclock my CPU? I'm rocking an i5 2500K a Biostar Mobo, and the Hyper 212+ cooler. In addition, should I be screwing with overclocking the GPU? I don't have an aftermarket cooler on it. Thank you!

In my opinion, OC your CPU but not your GPU, GPU overclocking doesn't give you that much difference performance wise, i dont think its worth the time and effort, just my opinion.

 

[sestrugen]

GTX570 vs GTX560ti

having some trouble deciding which one is right for me, planning to play @1080p, for graphic intensive games I plan to use my 720p TV

 

[Chinner]

1080p on a 720p screen is a bit pointless, innit?

edit: nvm you'll be using a different monitor for more intensive games.

 

[sestrugen]

1080p on a 720p screen is a bit pointless, innit?

edit: nvm you'll be using a different monitor for more intensive games.

yeah I have a 1080p monitor and a 720p tv

 

[Chinner]

might be worth getting a 560 ti now, and then when the next wave of gpus come out sell and upgrade.

 

[chaosblade]

560 Ti will be more than enough for 720p, I don't see any reason to go with a 570 unless you want absurd amounts of AA at 60FPS.

 

[Tallshortman]

My 5770 has started making a lot of noise, and I've already replaced the thermal paste once, I think games are also crashing because of overheating. I've had it for a year and a half so I think perhaps I should just replace it.

Would I be getting a good upgrade buying something like a 560 or a 6950? Ideally I want to spend less than £200 but get something that will serve me well for another year or two, for stuff like skyrim and BF3. I'm not too worried about maxxing things out, just want to play at decent settings without it making a sound like a vacuum cleaner, which is what my 5770 does at the moment.

Also if I choose a 6950 should I go with the 2gb or 1gb? I wonder if 1gb will be enough in the future?

It depends. Right now you'll rarely see any difference whatsoever at any resolution 1080p or below. It's only when you start ramping up to higher resolutions where you may see the extra VRAM make a difference. Some games currently like shogun 2 do give a small (2-3 fps) boost because they're VRAM hogs but they're pretty rare. I currently use 1GB just because I don't plan on gaming on anything above 1080p in the foreseeable future.

 

[sestrugen]

might be worth getting a 560 ti now, and then when the next wave of gpus come out sell and upgrade.

560 Ti will be more than enough for 720p, I don't see any reason to go with a 570 unless you want absurd amounts of AA at 60FPS.

I'll ge the GTX560ti then, thanks for your help guys

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

560 Ti will be more than enough for 720p, I don't see any reason to go with a 570 unless you want absurd amounts of AA at 60FPS.

Cant tell the difference between the 560ti I had, and the 570 I have now with the current selection of games Im using. Really hoping some newer games will wow me.

 

[ACE 1991]

Build fucking complete! I am now a member of the master race! Crappy iPhone pics:

Thank you very, very much for all the help I received from everyone here. I really do appreciate it!

Here are the specifications of my build for those who are interested:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($190 @ MicroCenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master RR-B10-212P-G1 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar TZ68A+ ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6950 1GB Video Card ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (64-bit) ($29.9 @ Microsoft Student Discount)
Total: $723.91

 

[mkenyon]

Grats on the build man! Piece of advice though:

You see those holes in your motherboard tray? Take all your cables, and route them behind it, there should be a hole right near your psu. Then they come out the holes closest to where they get plugged in. If you switch your HDD orientation, then you can plug them in from the opposite side. These steps will make it easier to work on your system in the future, as well as increase airflow, lower temps, and decrease the amount of dust that gets collected. For reference.

 

[black_vegeta]

Congrats Ace!

Dem wires

 

[Chinner]

the wiring in that case is sexy bro; it turns me on.

 

[ACE 1991]

Yeah, my cable management is pretty piss poor. I'll work on it, thank you!

 

[TheExodu5]

God damn that's a sexy 600T build.

 

[TommyT]

Build fucking complete! I am now a member of the master race! Crappy iPhone pics:

I believe you need to switch the side your fan is on on your Hyper212+.

 

[black_vegeta]

I believe you need to switch the side your fan is on on your Hyper212+.

That he does.

Should be on the other side.

 

[TheExodu5]

I believe you need to switch the side your fan is on on your Hyper212+.

If he has it pulling air through, it's okay. He may have put it on that side because the RAM was in the way.

@Ace: what slots are your RAM sticks in? Can't tell from the shot.

 

[TommyT]

If he has it pulling air through, it's okay. He may have put it on that side because the RAM was in the way.

@Ace: what slots are your RAM sticks in? Can't tell from the shot.

True. But by default I think the fan pushes. So unknown if he changed it purposely. Looks like the ram is on the far right 2 slots.

 

[ACE 1991]

If he has it pulling air through, it's okay. He may have put it on that side because the RAM was in the way.

@Ace: what slots are your RAM sticks in? Can't tell from the shot.

Yeah, ram is in the way. It's pulling air through the 212+ and then out through the rear exhaust.

 

[TheExodu5]

True. But by default I think the fan pushes. So unknown if he changed it purposely. Looks like the ram is on the far right 2 slots.

There is no default. You have to clip the fan on yourself. It just depends which way the concave of the blades are facing.

Yeah, ram is in the way. It's pulling air through the 212+ and then out through the rear exhaust.

That's fine, then. Your sticks are either in 1,3 or 2,4 right? Just want to make sure you have the sticks working in dual-channel mode.

The RAM sinks getting in the way is one reason I'm starting to recommend sinkless RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

This RAM shouldn't interfere with any heatsink, and it has a black PCB, so it should still look nice in any build.

 

[th3dude]

Grats on the build man! Piece of advice though:

You see those holes in your motherboard tray? Take all your cables, and route them behind it, there should be a hole right near your psu. Then they come out the holes closest to where they get plugged in. If you switch your HDD orientation, then you can plug them in from the opposite side. These steps will make it easier to work on your system in the future, as well as increase airflow, lower temps, and decrease the amount of dust that gets collected. For reference.

TehSecksy.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

Just want you to know that your build inspired mine (got the white 600T). I should post pics of the completed build to add to the cable management porn we have here :)

 

[TheExodu5]

Cable management porn is always welcome.

 

[Chinner]

That's fine, then. Your sticks are either in 1,3 or 2,4 right? Just want to make sure you have the sticks working in dual-channel mode.

is that generally the case? ive got the mobo in the OP (asrock exxtreme 4) and I don't think I've done that. i suppose they should be plugged in the blue slots, right?

if so, derp on my behalf.

 

[TommyT]

There is no default. You have to clip the fan on yourself. It just depends which way the concave of the blades are facing.

Whatchu talkin' bout Willis?! Mine came with the fan already on it :O!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebBjZob_Jwo (4:10)

Edit: But yeah, the tag is in a different spot so it's been adjusted. Either way, grats on the build and enjoy.

 

[chaosblade]

is that generally the case? ive got the mobo in the OP (asrock exxtreme 4) and I don't think I've done that. i suppose they should be plugged in the blue slots, right?

if so, derp on my behalf.

It depends on the board, some alternate slots, others are side by side. It will be in the manual.

 

[th3dude]

There is no default. You have to clip the fan on yourself. It just depends which way the concave of the blades are facing.



That's fine, then. Your sticks are either in 1,3 or 2,4 right? Just want to make sure you have the sticks working in dual-channel mode.

The RAM sinks getting in the way is one reason I'm starting to recommend sinkless RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

This RAM shouldn't interfere with any heatsink, and it has a black PCB, so it should still look nice in any build.

Question: I'm using an H60 to cool my CPU. I hooked the radiator and fan up to where the rear exhaust is. Should I be pushing or pulling and how do I know which is which? The direction of fans always confused me.

On that note, whichever way I have it hooked up, I was running Black Ops via the free weekend on Steam for like an hour and my CPU never went higher than 41C, and it's quite warm in the room where I have my PC.

 

[Chinner]

It depends on the board, some alternate slots, others are side by side. It will be in the manual.

yeah 1&3 and 2&4. currently my ram is 1&2.

gonna fix that now. will there be any performance loss because of that?