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[ACE 1991]

So here are the settings I want to test for i5 2500K

CPU Ratio: 45
Voltage: 1.300V
Vcc SA: 1.105V
Vcc IO: 1.100V
CPU PLL: 1.9V

Does this seem reasonable? However, whenever I boot up CPU-Z to view my CPU settings, it doesn't seem to recognize the changes that I made in the BIOS. I have a Biostar TZ68A+ Mobo. Thanks!

 

[Hazaro]

If its running at 1.6Ghz you need to put a load on it for it to jump up to full speed.
Seems ok. I left other voltages at their set values besides CPU voltage which I used offset for.

Don't be surprised if you only get 4.4 or 4.3 out of it

 

[Cptkrush]

Sounds like someone sold you a bad card on eBay.

Time for Paypal disputes. Hope it works out.

I really hope this isn't the case, I don't want a reason to hate eBay... We'll see if he gets back to me, I made it clear that I don't want a refund unless we can't get xfx to fix it, so hopefully he doesn't freakout and think I'm scamming him.

 

[Hazaro]

I really hope this isn't the case, I don't want a reason to hate eBay... We'll see if he gets back to me, I made it clear that I don't want a refund unless we can't get xfx to fix it, so hopefully he doesn't freakout and think I'm scamming him.

0 feedback you said?

The only computer part I'd buy off eBay is a recent CPU. RAM if it has lifetime warranty and I expect it to arrive DOA and don't mind waiting days.

Everything else is new or tech forum.

 

[ACE 1991]

If its running at 1.6Ghz you need to put a load on it for it to jump up to full speed.
Seems ok. I left other voltages at their set values besides CPU voltage which I used offset for.

Don't be surprised if you only get 4.4 or 4.3 out of it

Okay. I ran Prime95 and according to CPU-Z the frequency never exceeds 3293mhz, which I assume is the stock speed. Why is this?

 

[Cptkrush]

0 feedback you said?

The only computer part I'd buy off eBay is a recent CPU. RAM if it has lifetime warranty and I expect it to arrive DOA and don't mind waiting days.

Everything else is new or tech forum.

Yeah, I'm not gonna play around with pc parts anymore. This is definitely a learning experience.

 

[Hazaro]

Okay. I ran Prime95 and according to CPU-Z the frequency never exceeds 3293mhz, which I assume is the stock speed. Why is this?

Could be double booting instantly because 4.5 is unstable
Maybe you didn't exit and save?

 

[Chinner]

when overclocking will your temps increase even if you keep the volt at 1.3v? i suppose they will?

 

[ACE 1991]

Could be double booting instantly because 4.5 is unstable
Maybe you didn't exit and save?

Nope, my settings definitely saved. When I go into the BIOS it clearly reads that my CPU Ratio is 44, making it an overclock to 4.4GHZ, and my voltage is set to a fixed value of 1.3v. When I boot up my PC and run Prime95 it still reads the maximum frequency as 3395(ish)mhz. What gives?

I have a biostar TZ68A+ mobo, of that helps.

 

[zoku88]

when overclocking will your temps increase even if you keep the volt at 1.3v? i suppose they will?

I'm not sure about the real world answer, but technically yes.

Power draw of the cpu is a function of frequency (power draw of cmos occurs mainly only when switching), area, and voltage.

So yeah, even a multiplier increase will increase power, which will increase heat. What the function actually is, I don't know, so I can't tell you if it's significant.

 

[th3dude]

I promised cable management porn, so here goes:

Also fixed the direction of my fan on the H60.

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

Something just doesnt bid well with me about facing my PSU fan downwards..

 

[TheExodu5]

Something just doesnt bid well with me about facing my PSU fan downwards..

Why's that? It makes the PSU run cooler.

 

[R2D4]

Something just doesnt bid well with me about facing my PSU fan downwards..

It sucks air in from the bottom and shoots it out the back. Would you rather have it suck in cool air from under the case or hot air from inside the case?

 

[iSurvivedTheOutage]

With my case the cutout hole is too small for the psu. Not to mention there isnt much clearance under my case. Continuously having to clean the dust filter. My card doesnt blow any hot air into my case. =/ I just sleep better at night knowing my PSU isnt being strangled. Guess it just depends on the case.

 

[TheDude108]

Ok, pretty set on getting the 6950 2Gb. Found the VTX3D version for £195 or the Sapphire Dual Fan Edition (also called DiRT 3 Edition) for £210.

Both aren't reference, so no unlocking obviously and both come with DiRT3 and Deus Ex:HR. Any reason I should go extra for the Sapphire?

Thanks!

 

[WEGGLES]

I'm moving, should I take the video card out of my PC to move it? Or should it be fine?

 

[Cptkrush]

Just heard back from the seller, he's taking care of getting an account setup on XFX and we're gonna work on getting it RMA'd. I guess he hasn't been using his desktop for months, he said he tested the card before shipping it out, but didnt play any games, just did a boot up. Either way, I don' think he was scamming me as he got back to me same day and was very helpful.

 

[n0n44m]

I'm moving, should I take the video card out of my PC to move it? Or should it be fine?

if you have a large heatsink on the cpu, put the PC on its side so the cpu heatsink is pushing only downwards instead of sidewards like it normally does, as that could cause severe uneven pressure on the motherboard when driving on a bumpy road

just take the videocard out as well, 98% chance it will be fine but it should be very easy to do and there was a guy in this thread before who killed his motherboard driving home his PC from college

 

[WEGGLES]

if you have a large heatsink on the cpu, put the PC on its side so the cpu heatsink is pushing only downwards instead of sidewards like it normally does, as that could cause severe uneven pressure on the motherboard when driving on a bumpy road

just take the videocard out as well, 98% chance it will be fine but it should be very easy to do and there was a guy in this thread before who killed his motherboard driving home his PC from college

I have a Scythe Mugen II Rev B, so probably a good idea. That thing is gargantuan.

I think I'll remove the vid card as well. It's a bit of a pain because of how the power connections are (REALLY hard to remove for what ever reason)... but I'd rather have to remove the vid card than the vidcard, memory, cpu, etc.. when I bust the PCI e slot on my mobo and have to put a new one in

 

[MrKnives]

What's the word with the 600 series? I know it was delayed to Q1 2012.

Is it worth to wait for them to buy / to 580's price to drop.

This component hunting is painful :f I should just randomly order stuff and be happy about the setup I get.

Right now probably going for:

i5 2500k
Asus P8P67 Pro or Asrock Z68 Pro3
Corsair TX V2 750W or 650W
G.Skill 8GB Dual Kit Ripjaws X (2x4GB), DDR3 1600

For GPU it's probably GTX 580 but that's kinda what I came here to ask.

Case + HDD I need to decide later but I have few in mind already.

+ decent cooler. I'm going to oc the 2500k

 

[gatti-man]

What's the word with the 600 series? I know it was delayed to Q1 2012.

Is it worth to wait for them to buy / to 580's price to drop.

This component hunting is painful :f I should just randomly order stuff and be happy about the setup I get.

Right now probably going for:

i5 2500k
Asus P8P67 Pro or Asrock Z68 Pro3
Corsair TX V2 750W or 650W
G.Skill 8GB Dual Kit Ripjaws X (2x4GB), DDR3 1600

For GPU it's probably GTX 580 but that's kinda what I came here to ask.

Case + HDD I need to decide later but I have few in mind already.

If it was me id wait for x79 and 28nm amd. If nvidia kills it then just ebay your card and get the nv.

 

[jett]

Someone tell me if there's anything wrong with this picture plz:

CPU: Core I5 2500k
Motherboard:Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3
Video card: Sapphire HD6950
RAM: G-Skill 4GB DDR3 1600
HDD: 1TB Seagate 600mbps 32MB cache
Case: HAF 912 Coolermaster
Power supply: Coolermaster GX 550
Cpu cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212+

 

[WEGGLES]

Someone tell me if there's anything wrong with this picture plz:

CPU: Core I5 2500k
Motherboard:Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3
Video card: Sapphire HD6950
RAM: G-Skill 4GB DDR3 1600
HDD: 1TB Seagate 600mbps 32MB cache
Case: HAF 912 Coolermaster
Power supply: Coolermaster GX 550
Cpu cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212+

Seems fine to me.

 

[RukusProvider]

Someone tell me if there's anything wrong with this picture plz:

CPU: Core I5 2500k
Motherboard:Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3
Video card: Sapphire HD6950
RAM: G-Skill 4GB DDR3 1600
HDD: 1TB Seagate 600mbps 32MB cache
Case: HAF 912 Coolermaster
Power supply: Coolermaster GX 550
Cpu cooler: Coolermaster Hyper 212+

I've been doing a lot of research on for my own build also.

Look at this mobo als http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157264o PCI-E 3.0. So down the road, you can still get a great GPU and just pop it in or go XFire and ensure you have full PCI bandwidth.

I think the Samsung F4 drives are generally considered the best for 2TB or F3 for 1TB.

Keep an eye on a SSD deal.

 

[jett]

Seems fine to me.

coo'

I've been doing a lot of research on for my own build also.

Look at this mobo als http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157264o PCI-E 3.0. So down the road, you can still get a great GPU and just pop it in or go XFire and ensure you have full PCI bandwidth.

I think the Samsung F4 drives are generally considered the best for 2TB or F3 for 1TB.

Keep an eye on a SSD deal.

I'm pushing my budget as it is already, I guess I'll have to deal with PCI-E 2.0 in the future until once again I bite the bullet and get a new build. Thanks for the advice. I also wanted an F3 but the place I'm buying from didn't have it, the Seagate has the same specs so it should be the same.

I guess that's it, I'm getting mahself a new PC.

 

[ashbash159]

Okay I have a problem with Counter-Strike: Source, and don't really know where to ask. I hope it is okay to ask in this thread.

I earlier today done a fresh install of Windows 7 (x64) and have installed everything, leaving downloading all the games until last. The only games I have installed are Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source and TrackMania 2 (beta).

Everything works perfectly except for one thing--the server browser in Counter-Strike: Source doesn't work.

I can join matches as I have done so by clicking on "join your friend" inside the Steam chat. It is only the server browser that doesn't work.

Please help me and thanks for any help in advance!

Edit: I have tried the things suggested by Ooccoo with no success.

 

[·feist·]

I updated the firmware to 0009 and the problem still persists. My PC does not shutdown when I click on Shutdown in the Start Menue. Instead it restarts. I think I found the problem though, but I want to make sure first. Can anyone go into their registry and see if the following exists:

In my registry, PowerOffAcitve is not shown.

Can you enter sleep, or hibernate without a forced reboot? How about your "wake on," or USB settings? Are you given the option to force shutdown any potentially conflicting programs? Did you check that all of your new devices are recognized, and installed correctly? Have a look in your BIOS, and while you're at it, check out your Device Manager, as well.

 

[Ooccoo]

Okay I have a problem with Counter-Strike: Source, and don't really know where to ask. I hope it is okay to ask in this thread.

I earlier today done a fresh install of Windows 7 (x64) and have installed everything, leaving downloading all the games until last. The only games I have installed are Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source and TrackMania 2 (beta).

Everything works perfectly except for one thing--the server browser in Counter-Strike: Source doesn't work.

I can join matches as I have done so by clicking on "join your friend" inside the Steam chat. It is only the server browser that doesn't work.

Please help me and thanks for any help in advance!

Servers appear in Steam Server Browser but not in Game Server Browser
Question

I can see Servers in the Steam Server Browser but not in the Game Server Browser.
How do I fix this?
Answer

If servers appear in Steam Server Browser but not in the Game Server Browser, the issue may be caused by a firewall that is blocking the game's .exe (hl2.exe, left4dead.exe, etc.) from properly accessing the internet.

You need to remove all permissions for Steam.exe and all of the game .exe's and then, either re-add them or allow the firewall to discover them again when you re-launch the Steam games.

Please also try disabling any programs that may interfere with Steam.

Additionally, make sure all required ports for Steam have been allowed.

In some cases, this issue can be resolved by deleting all files in your Steam installation folder except for Steam.exe and the Steamapps folder.

Client dropped by server and Warning: Connection Problem
Question

I am receiving one of the error messages listed below:

WARNING : Connection Problem
Client dropped by server

Answer

If you are receiving these error messages, it is most likely a network connectivity issue interfering with game traffic between your machine and the server you are playing on.


Thomson / BT Home Hub users

Please use the following process and custom file to troubleshoot the issue:

Exit from Steam completely
Download these custom files: MasterServers.vdf & MasterServers2.vdf - If the files do not download when clicked, please right click this link and select "Save Target As..."
Place it in your \Steam\config\ folder (You will need to overwrite the current file already in place)
Default location: C:\Program Files\Steam\config\
Right click this updated file and select "Properties"
In the General tab, make sure the "Read-only" box is checked and click OK
Re-start Steam and test the issue
If the issue persists, please complete the rest of this article


Common Causes

You are using a wireless connection or a 56K modem (these devices may not be able to accommodate the bandwidth requirements of the game)
There is a virus, a P2P program, or some other background application running on your network or on your machine which is using up the bandwidth needed to maintain your connection to the game server
There are other computers on your local network which are using up the bandwidth needed to maintain your connection to the game server
The network connection for the server you are playing on is overloaded (this may result from having inadequate bandwidth to support the players who are joining the game or from other applications being run on the server)
Your rate, cl_updaterate, or cl_cmdrate settings are not configured correctly for your connection speed
There is a conflict with your router, modem and/or Internet Service Provider and Steam


Troubleshooting

Programs which May Interfere with Steam

Please check this topic and disable any listed programs that could cause this issue.
Spyware, Adware, and Viruses Interfering with Steam

Review this topic for instructions on scanning for viruses and removing malicious software from your computer.
Test your Current Network Connection

Please complete this guide and make sure to bypass any router you currently have to test the connection.
Reduce Network Traffic

Try shutting down any other machines on the network to increase the bandwidth available to the machine you are using.
Change your rate setting

These are the default rates based upon connection speed:
56K Modem: 3500 to 5000
DSL: 7500
Cable/T1: 9999

Use the rate # (where # is the rate setting for your connection) command in the in-game console to change your rate setting. The console can be accessed using the ~ key while in-game.
Change your cl_updaterate setting

The default cl_updaterate is 20, setting the value to a higher number increases the download demand on your connection.

Use the cl_updaterate 20 command in the in-game console (~ key) to change your cl_updaterate setting to 20.
Change your cl_cmdrate setting

The default cl_cmdrate is 30, setting the cale to a higher number increases the upload demoand on your internet connection.

Use the cl_cmdrate 30 command in the in-game console (~ key) to change your cl_cmdrate setting to 30.

from quick google search

 

[Corky]

Tick because same architecture, but new process.

It should be a bigger jump than usual because HOLY SHIT TRI-GATES PLEASE WORK.
Should be interesting to see how effective the first iteration of them is.

Ah yeah I see hmm.
So that means the next tock, i.e new architecture will not be based on these tri-gates? Or will the next line, after Ivy Bridge, be an improvement of that line?

 

[ACE 1991]

Anyone have any ideas on how to approach my overclocking predicament? Really not sure where to go from here...

 

[ashbash159]

from quick google search

I should have said I have tried the things which were a result of a first page of Google responses. Still doesn't change anything.

I even reinstalled Steam and CS:S a second time.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

Alright. I am having a problem with my PC after replacing the card.

Don't know if it's the power supply or the card acting up but at times when my PC is running, everything will go blank i.e. the monitor will get no signal yet the fans will keep on running. Upon pressing the power button, the computer shuts down directly instead of going through the windows shut down process. Either that or it won't shut down at all and I have to force it.

I don't know if the problem is the power supply or the card cause me and my brother have identical PC Setup except for the processor which should have similar voltage requirements.

It's an HD6950 and the power supply is 550W with no overclocking on the processor or the card.

The drivers are up to date (though I don't know if I need to check my BIOS drivers or how to update my card's BIOS).

The ONLY thing I can think of is that the power supply i.e. 550W is not sufficient enough and maybe I need to upgrade.

EDIT: I calculated and 450W should be sufficient enough for my PC... I don't know what am I missing?

Another tidbit: I also get (used to with old card. still do with new card) black screen when I wake my PC up from a long couple hours of sleep.

 

[buhdeh]

Okay I have a problem with Counter-Strike: Source, and don't really know where to ask. I hope it is okay to ask in this thread.

I earlier today done a fresh install of Windows 7 (x64) and have installed everything, leaving downloading all the games until last. The only games I have installed are Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source and TrackMania 2 (beta).

Everything works perfectly except for one thing--the server browser in Counter-Strike: Source doesn't work.

I can join matches as I have done so by clicking on "join your friend" inside the Steam chat. It is only the server browser that doesn't work.

Please help me and thanks for any help in advance!

Edit: I have tried the things suggested by Ooccoo with no success.

This happens to a lot of people. I'm betting your server browser works outside of the game (from the Steam client) so that's one alternative.

 

[ashbash159]

This happens to a lot of people. I'm betting your server browser works outside of the game (from the Steam client) so that's one alternative.

I hadn't heard about an out-of-game server browser. How do I access this?

 

[buhdeh]

I hadn't heard about an out-of-game server browser. How do I access this?

View --> Servers

Then select your filters

 

[ashbash159]

View --> Servers

Then select your filters

Thank you. Works great!

 

[·feist·]

Anyone have any ideas on how to approach my overclocking predicament? Really not sure where to go from here...

Did you follow the one in the OP? While I've never used it, Clunk's beginners' overclocking guides have been among the most popular for at least the last three generations of Intel processors.

Ah yeah I see hmm.
So that means the next tock, i.e new architecture will not be based on these tri-gates? Or will the next line, after Ivy Bridge, be an improvement of that line?

Haswell, mang. Soon enough, they'll be increasing thread count. As for anything being "3D," competitors will soon catch up with FinFET implementations. Hey, didn't you and me go over this tick/tock stuff already, Corky?

 

[Corky]

Haswell, mang. Soon enough, they'll be increasing thread count. As for anything being "3D," competitors will soon catch up with FinFET implementations. Didn't you and me go over this tick/tock already, Corky?

I think we did, but I have the memory of a goldfish '

edit : Nonetheless, Haswell here I come baby, intel better have really ironed out the tri-gate tech by then :3

 

[Ifrit]

Any recommendations for an good sub $50 keyboard?

 

[MarzipaNMOS]

I promised cable management porn, so here goes:

Also fixed the direction of my fan on the H60.

Wow, looks great! Question about the H60 as I just recently got one: My idle CPU temps are in the 60s when they should be around 35-40, correct? Do you think this is a problem with the pump's seating on my CPU or could the fan be being blocked somehow? Is there a specific orientation for the pump on the CPU? I just kinda slapped it on the easiest way.

 

[DMczaf]

I'm beginning to get the new PC build itch. Any idea of the pricing for Bulldozer?

 

[Le-mo]

I'd try these:
Check and verify all connectors are in (mobo 4/8 pin power, GPU power, etc)
Plug and replug all power connectors.
Remove any extra USB devices
Set HDD to ACHI
Set HDD to Compatability or IDE
Run memtest 86+ if possible
Update motherboard BIOS

Now I ran into a new problem. It no longer hangs at the "Starting Windows" screen but instead goes on a restart loop. I just can't seem to catch a break.

 

[TheDude108]

Ok, pretty set on getting the 6950 2Gb. Found the VTX3D version for £195 or the Sapphire Dual Fan Edition (also called DiRT 3 Edition) for £210.

Both aren't reference, so no unlocking obviously and both come with DiRT3 and Deus Ex:HR. Any reason I should go extra for the Sapphire?

Thanks!

Ok so I have found a "B Grade" MSI Geforce 570 for £200. Basically a refurb with 3yr warranty.

Doesn't come with any games, just the card itself, is this any good? Or should I just go for the 6950?

 

[chaosblade]

Alright. I am having a problem with my PC after replacing the card.

Don't know if it's the power supply or the card acting up but at times when my PC is running, everything will go blank i.e. the monitor will get no signal yet the fans will keep on running. Upon pressing the power button, the computer shuts down directly instead of going through the windows shut down process. Either that or it won't shut down at all and I have to force it.

I don't know if the problem is the power supply or the card cause me and my brother have identical PC Setup except for the processor which should have similar voltage requirements.

It's an HD6950 and the power supply is 550W with no overclocking on the processor or the card.

The drivers are up to date (though I don't know if I need to check my BIOS drivers or how to update my card's BIOS).

The ONLY thing I can think of is that the power supply i.e. 550W is not sufficient enough and maybe I need to upgrade.

EDIT: I calculated and 450W should be sufficient enough for my PC... I don't know what am I missing?

Another tidbit: I also get (used to with old card. still do with new card) black screen when I wake my PC up from a long couple hours of sleep.

Assuming you have a decent PSU (forgot which you got, the XFX?) you should be fine in that regard.

Try some older drivers, that's about the only solution I can think of when it comes to most GPU problems like this. If that doesn't help you might have to RMA. Could be bad VRAM or something. I don't know of any good VRAM/GPU tests, maybe the OCCT test (forgot if it has error checking), but that will probably just crash and not really help much. I don't think Furmark will do any good here either, that's just stressing IIRC.

And that's assuming you've tried simple things like making sure all your power cables are plugged in well, and the GPU is fully in the PCIe slot. Never know.



And anybody seen this? Phanteks PH-TC14PE, looks like the challenger has taken the air cooling performance crown. Seems to be consistently around 1C or so faster than the Silver Arrow, but it's not really worth the big premium for that. Especially since the Silver Arrow includes better fans.

 

[NIN90]

My PC kept crashing lately so I started to investigate.
Turns out that my CPU (Phenom II X4 940 with stock cooler) runs pretty hot (55C idle) and my CPU fan runs anywhere between 4000 and 6000 RPM which seems a little high.
Here is a screen shot of my idle temps:

So what should I do? Get a new fan for my CPU? Is a Scythe Katana 3 SCKTN-300 alright?

 

[Guerrillas in the Mist]

I promised cable management porn, so here goes:

Also fixed the direction of my fan on the H60.

Man, I really regret not spending a bit more and getting a much better case.

I got a Antec 300, and even after some jiggery-pokery it still looks pretty messy.

 

[Hawk269]

That's about right. I get 31-32fps with my 580.

Hey Smokey...any more impressions of that new 580 Lightning you got? I would like to here some more feedback from you on it.

Thanks!

 

[LordCanti]

Man, I really regret not spending a bit more and getting a much better case.

I got a Antec 300, and even after some jiggery-pokery it still looks pretty messy.

That's why Antec's models aren't really recommended anymore. Other vendors (Silverstone, NZXT, Cooler Master, etc) have made pretty large advances in terms of cable management in the past couple of years, and Antec hasn't really bothered to keep up.

Years later, and I still regret my purchase of an Antec Twelve Hundred case.

 

[chaosblade]

Man, I really regret not spending a bit more and getting a much better case.

I got a Antec 300, and even after some jiggery-pokery it still looks pretty messy.

I have an Antec 300 from a couple years ago. I can't even put my SSD in without it just dangling somewhere, so I'm holding off until my upgrade next year. I think I'm looking forward to a new case just as much as a new Ivy Bridge CPU. Dat 500r... haven't decided on black or white yet though.

My PC kept crashing lately so I started to investigate.
Turns out that my CPU (Phenom II X4 940 with stock cooler) runs pretty hot (55C idle) and my CPU fan runs anywhere between 4000 and 6000 RPM which seems a little high.
Here is a screen shot of my idle temps:



So what should I do? Get a new fan for my CPU? Is a Scythe Katana 3 SCKTN-300 alright?

55C idle is very bad. This is a recent issue? I'd definitely buy some thermal compound and reseat the heatsink at the very least. Is it an OEM PC or did you build it? The old HP we have sitting around gets awful temps regardless, but not 55C idle bad...