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[GHG]

Brand new build. My system includes:
i5 3570K
8gig Corsair Ram (big heat spreaders)
Asus Sabertooth z77 mobo
750 Corsair TXM PSU
Corsair R300 Case
Samsung DVD Player
Seagate 3TB USB 3.0 external drive

Quite similar to my new build. Something definitely wasn't right with those temperatures and the graphical issues you mentioned, difficult to pinpoint what the problem was without doing some troubleshooting. Did you try any benchmarks like Unigine Heaven and 3D Mark to check everything was functioning as it should and that you were getting scores in the right ballpark? That should always be the 1st port of call when you get a new system up and running, before you even try to run any games or anything, run a selection of benchmarks and check everything is functioning as it should in terms of performance, noise and temperatures and then go from there.

Thats the thing with SLI though, on certain system configurations it will run fine, on others you will run into problems for no obvious reason. Did you try doing a quick Google against your motherboards and SLI problems? Based on what you've said, I'd say its either the GPU themselves or the motherboard causing the problems. It will be interesting to see how your new card gets on in terms of temperatures. Even if its fine I'd be tempted to borrow another 670 from somewhere to check that it was the 660's causing the problem and that you don't have a motherboard that doesn't function correctly in SLI.

What temps are you getting on your i5?

 

[bro1]

Quite similar to my new build. Something definitely wasn't right with those temperatures and the graphical issues you mentioned, difficult to pinpoint what the problem was without doing some troubleshooting. Did you try any benchmarks like Unigine Heaven and 3D Mark to check everything was functioning as it should and that you were getting scores in the right ballpark? That should always be the 1st port of call when you get a new system up and running, before you even try to run any games or anything, run a selection of benchmarks and check everything is functioning as it should in terms of performance, noise and temperatures and then go from there.

Thats the thing with SLI though, on certain system configurations it will run fine, on others you will run into problems for no obvious reason. Did you try doing a quick Google against your motherboards and SLI problems? Based on what you've said, I'd say its either the GPU themselves or the motherboard causing the problems. It will be interesting to see how your new card gets on in terms of temperatures. Even if its fine I'd be tempted to borrow another 670 from somewhere to check that it was the 660's causing the problem and that you don't have a motherboard that doesn't function correctly in SLI.

What temps are you getting on your i5?

Yes, I ran Prime95 after the BIOS flash yesterday to make sure that my mobo/chip/ram were up to snuff. Ran for 4 hours and no problem. Ran Unigine and that's where I saw graphical issues. Rolling lines, artifacts, and a bit of geometry issues.

Temps aren't crazy high compared to others on the internet and when I called EVGA, they said that they were in spec.

Since this is only a gaming machine and there is nothing critical on it, I'm going to do a clean install on it. Have to nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

 

[javac]

The folks at Laptop GAF will have a much better idea of what you've got there. Though part names can be similar on Laptops and Desktops, they are pretty different. So most here are clueless.

I'm really sorry about that! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Maybe one day when I build a PC I'l come back to this thread for help! Thanks again.

 

[MrCunningham]

Quick question....

I am looking for a second cheap harddrive to put into my PC. But I was wondering what the differences are between the WD 1TB Blue and WD 1TB Red? Besides the red being $10.00 more.

 

[drhankmccoyphd]

Saitek Eclipse? I think you can get the older model around that much.

Thanks, I've gotten a few recommendations for the Eclipse. I was also looking at the Sidewinder X4. They're both the same price but the X4 has programmable buttons. Anyone want to chime in on either?

 

[GHG]

Yes, I ran Prime95 after the BIOS flash yesterday to make sure that my mobo/chip/ram were up to snuff. Ran for 4 hours and no problem. Ran Unigine and that's where I saw graphical issues. Rolling lines, artifacts, and a bit of geometry issues.

Temps aren't crazy high compared to others on the internet and when I called EVGA, they said that they were in spec.

Since this is only a gaming machine and there is nothing critical on it, I'm going to do a clean install on it. Have to nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

Sounds to me like one or both of your GPU's were borked.

Those temps are definately too high IMO. Yes EVGA will say they are in spec (because they are... just), but the reality is that in a case like yours the temps should have been hovering between 70-75 or so as a maximum. http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-ti-sli-performance-analysis/temperature-power-consumption-results-3 Those are the Ti versions, so if anything your temps should be lower.

Yeh, just do a clean install since it wont have much on it anyway, that way you can be sure.

 

[NobleTalal]

Hello GAF, I'm building a new gaming rig and I've already chose the parts. I just want some final thoughts before ordering it.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K ($224)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo ($30)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V ($170)
Graphics Card: MSI GTX 660 Ti OC ($310)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB ($57)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series SSD 128GB ($144)
Storage: WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache ($95)
Power Supply: Corsair HX750 ($150) (I might get another GC running on SLI)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 ($102)
Optical Drive: Asus Blu-ray drive ($56)
Operating System: Windows 8 ($96)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 ($65)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Elite ($120)

Total: $1619

I'm ordering all of my parts from Amazon since I have the Prime membership. However, I've seen sites like Microcenter.com that sell some parts way cheaper, but I've read a lot of complaints about the site. So if there is any site that is cheaper, please let me know. I live in the United States.

Okay GAF, here is my updated rig:


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K ($224)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo ($30)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V ($170)
Graphics Card: GTX 670 EVGA FTW Sig. 2 ($420)
Memory: Samsung 8GB ($47)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series SSD 128GB ($144)
Storage: WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache ($95)
Power Supply: Corsair HX750 ($150)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 ($102)
Optical Drive: Lite-On ($18)
Operating System: Windows 8 ($96)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 ($65)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Elite ($120)

Total: $1700

Any other thoughts?

 

[mkenyon]

Quick question....

I am looking for a second cheap harddrive to put into my PC. But I was wondering what the differences are between the WD 1TB Blue and WD 1TB Red? Besides the red being $10.00 more.

Reds are for NAS/Fileservers only.

Okay GAF, here is my updated rig:


CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K ($224)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo ($30)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V ($170)
Graphics Card: GTX 670 EVGA FTW Sig. 2 ($420)
Memory: Samsung 8GB ($47)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series SSD 128GB ($144)
Storage: WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache ($95)
Power Supply: Corsair HX750 ($150)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 ($102)
Optical Drive: Lite-On ($18)
Operating System: Windows 8 ($96)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder 2013 ($65)
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Elite ($120)

Total: $1700

Any other thoughts?

Swap EVGA 670 for ASUS or Gigabyte. Swap Razer DeathAdder for Steelseries Sensei. Swap Blackwidow Ultimate for Ducky Shine II if you want backlights, or a Vortex KBT Race if you don't need a numpad. Noppoo Choc Mini if you don't need backlights.

 

[Lkr]

hey guys i need a microphone or headset and i need it today, so i am limited to getting ripped off at a store. does anyone have suggestions? i need it mainly for homework, but i plan on using it for games at some point. i have a good pair of headphones so mic only would work

 

[Hazaro]

Thanks, I've gotten a few recommendations for the Eclipse. I was also looking at the Sidewinder X4. They're both the same price but the X4 has programmable buttons. Anyone want to chime in on either?

I've used both and don't like the keys as much on the X4, though I think for many they are better than the Eclipse.
I couldn't get used to it anyway due to my desk, the left macro keys shifted the keyboard over too far and I was mistyping just about everything. Oh and I hated the thin F-keys.

 

[Hazaro]

hey guys i need a microphone or headset and i need it today, so i am limited to getting ripped off at a store. does anyone have suggestions? i need it mainly for homework, but i plan on using it for games at some point. i have a good pair of headphones so mic only would work

Logitech USB Microphone.

Should be able to find one at Staples/Bestbuy/Wal-Mart/Office Depot or Max

 

[MrCunningham]

Reds are for NAS/Fileservers only.

So Blue it is then. Thanks

 

[Lkr]

Logitech USB Microphone.

Should be able to find one at Staples/Bestbuy/Wal-Mart/Office Depot or Max

no one seems to sell the usb one, only the logitech 600. i assume it is just as good.

nvm i found the usb one at staples for $30. gonna go for it

 

[daoster]

This is my PC Build, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Based off the Enhanced Build (and not looking to overclock):

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=16290689

Already bought the Case, Memory, and SSD though, so can't change that!

 

[mkenyon]

If you can squeeze it in there, bump up the i5 to a 3570K.

Even though you say it now, you will eventually want to overclock. Additionally, it dramatically increases the resale value.

 

[TerryLee81]

Will a 550W power supply be enough for the following components?

- i5 3570
- GTX 660
- 2 normal HDD
- 1 SSD
- 1 Optical drive

And while I'm at it, should I go with ATX or mATX?

 

[bro1]

Will a 550W power supply be enough for the following components?

- i5 3570
- GTX 660
- 2 normal HDD
- 1 SSD
- 1 Optical drive

Depends on the quality of the PSU. Can you afford a 650? Also, why 2 HDD?

 

[TerryLee81]

Depends on the quality of the PSU. Can you afford a 650? Also, why 2 HDD?

Hmm I plan to use one of them for photos only, one for movies and music. And the SSD for applications. Bad idea?

I used an iMac for the last 6 years, so I'm not really up to date.

 

[mkenyon]

Will a 550W power supply be enough for the following components?

- i5 3570
- GTX 660
- 2 normal HDD
- 1 SSD
- 1 Optical drive

And while I'm at it, should I go with ATX or mATX?

Totally fine on the OP's BP550. mATX vs. ATX is your call on what form factor and case you want.

 

[bro1]

Hmm I plan to use one of them for photos only, one for movies and music. And the SSD for applications. Bad idea?

I used an iMac for the last 6 years, so I'm not really up to date.

Maybe better off running the 2 normal drives in a RAID Mirror Array.

 

[GHG]

Will a 550W power supply be enough for the following components?

- i5 3570
- GTX 660
- 2 normal HDD
- 1 SSD
- 1 Optical drive

And while I'm at it, should I go with ATX or mATX?

550 will be fine as long as its good quality.

If you want to go ATX or mATX is up to you essentially. This mostly depends on what size case you want. Unless space is at a premium, then I'd suggest going with a decent mid tower case so that your components are sure to get decent airflow.

Having said that, the case size is not always what should determine whether you go ATX or mATX. I have an mATX board in a case that supports ATX because the motherboard I've got is far superior to full ATX boards I could have got for the same price based on what I needed (it has an onboard sound blaster Core3D chip which I wanted as I'll be setting up 5.1 audio over the next 6 months and it supports SLI). Plus I didn't need loads of SATA ports.

 

[TerryLee81]

Thanks guys for your quick answers.

I have one more question for now: Can I use the heatsink included with the i5 or should I not even bother installing it?

 

[kennah]

Thanks guys for your quick answers.

I have one more question for now: Can I use the heatsink included with the i5 or should I not even bother installing it?

Get a Hyper 212. They're cheap, quiet, and will keep your processor better cooled than the stock one.

 

[derder]

Thanks guys for your quick answers.

I have one more question for now: Can I use the heatsink included with the i5 or should I not even bother installing it?

You should be able to OC your cpu to a higher speed and keep the operating temp at the same level as if it were using stock clock with the stock cooler.

 

[Chili]

What process did you use to downgrade the BIOS? Flashing the bios on this board makes me very nervous

I didn't do anything particularly special. Downloaded the 1504 BIOS, renamed it to Z77ST.CAP (there is a utility that will rename it for you on the Asus website if you don't want to do it yourself). Put it on a FAT32 USB drive (needs to be FAT32, won't work on NTFS), then I just put it in a USB 2.0 port and selected the update facility from the tools menu in the BIOS.

Having said all that, I think I'm having the same problem with the 1504 BIOS. My Vcore doesn't seem to be changing from the settings I choose :/

 

[Astra]

Put my pc together. Took way longer than it should have.
Turned it in and nothing blew up, so I guess I put everything in right. All the lights seem to be working too. That was a bit of a pain, wondering if I got Power LED positive and negative right.

Installing windows 7 now.

 

[Chittagong]

So who in GAF has the most ridiculously over the top gaming rig capable of running all games maxed out in unnecessarily high resolutions and framerates?

 

[kharma45]

Am I mad to be considering this AMD Athlon II 750K?

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-...o-quad-core-s-fm2-34ghz-4mb-cache-100w-retail

Appears to be just the A10 5800K sans the GPU, which seems reasonably promising for that price, same money as a Pentium.

 

[kpjolee]

Am I mad to be considering this AMD Athlon II 750K?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009O412AU/

Appears to be just the A10 5800K sans the GPU, which seems reasonably promising for that price, same money as a Pentium.

What are you upgrading from?

 

[MotherFan]

Thanks guys for your quick answers.

I have one more question for now: Can I use the heatsink included with the i5 or should I not even bother installing it?

You should be fine as long as you do not mess with the voltage. I got mine up to 4.2ghz just using the multiplier and it did not go over 63 C (5 hours in prime95). Make sure you get the k version as it comes unlocked.

If you plan on upping the voltage, then my suggestion would be to get an aftermarket cooling solution.

 

[kharma45]

What are you upgrading from?

A blank canvas, just fancy a budget gaming rig to use at uni and I can't be arsed waiting for Haswell Pentium's release, so I've been umming and aahhing between that, the i3, Phenom II 965 and FX 4300.

I know I shouldn't go AMD but I can't help myself.

 

[SoulClap]

So who in GAF has the most ridiculously over the top gaming rig capable of running all games maxed out in unnecessarily high resolutions and framerates?

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454318

 

[bodine1231]

Decided to bite the bullet and upgrade my 955 BE rig. Debated about just buying another GTX 680 and go the SLI route but decided to just do a barebones upgrade and pick another 680 up later on when they are cheaper.


1 of: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3

1 of: Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 -

1 of: AS Rock LGA1155 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Quad CrossFireX and Quad SLI A GbE ATX Motherboard Z77 EXTREME4 [Personal Computers]

1 of: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2) [Personal Computers]

 

[kpjolee]

A blank canvas, just fancy a budget gaming rig to use at uni and I can't be arsed waiting for Haswell Pentium's release, so I've been umming and aahhing between that, the i3, Phenom II 965 and FX 4300.

I know I shouldn't go AMD but I can't help myself.

I would prefer Intel but AMD is good cheaper alternative. If you are going to save some money by going with AMD on CPU+Mobo and spend more on graphic card, go for it.

 

[kharma45]

I would prefer Intel but AMD is good cheaper alternative. If you are going to save some money by going with AMD on CPU+Mobo and spend more on graphic card, go for it.

Already got a GPU that I won in a competition so that's already sorted, plus if I went AMD my brother said he'd get me a cooler for it to OC.

It's always easy to recommend when someone else is buying, I just can't fucking decide when I'm doing it myself lol

 

[kpjolee]

Already got a GPU that I won in a competition so that's already sorted, plus if I went AMD my brother said he'd get me a cooler for it to OC.

It's always easy to recommend when someone else is buying, I just can't fucking decide when I'm doing it myself lol

If you are thinking about upgrading CPU in the future, AMD would be better lol. 1155 is going to be replaced when Haswell comes out.

 

[mkenyon]

So who in GAF has the most ridiculously over the top gaming rig capable of running all games maxed out in unnecessarily high resolutions and framerates?

That thread hasn't been updated in awhile, so off the top of my head I'd say - Arken, Sethos, n0n44m, Scogoth, myself, Akira_22, and Colonial Raptor.

sk3tch sold off his cards, and Smokey went down to 580s.

 

[Stubo]

A blank canvas, just fancy a budget gaming rig to use at uni and I can't be arsed waiting for Haswell Pentium's release, so I've been umming and aahhing between that, the i3, Phenom II 965 and FX 4300.

I know I shouldn't go AMD but I can't help myself.

I implore you to reconsider.

Spoiler

Kudos to anyone who actually gets this reference

 

[kharma45]

If you are thinking about upgrading CPU in the future, AMD would be better lol. 1155 is going to be replaced when Haswell comes out.

Na I won't be, but I know AMD is sticking with both their sockets for one more generation so at least there is the option if Steamroller somehow became amazing.

I implore you to reconsider.

Spoiler

Kudos to anyone who actually gets this reference

I know, but you know when you've just got a hankering to do something you know you shouldn't?

 

[mkenyon]

Na I won't be, but I know AMD is sticking with both their sockets for one more generation so at least there is the option if Steamroller somehow became amazing.

Been there man. It's a trap.

 

[kharma45]

Been there man. It's a trap.

I'll try to stay strong but I'm promising nothing.

 

[drhankmccoyphd]

Any opinions on the Logitech G15 keyboard? I found a guy selling one used for around $40.

 

[CharpyImpact]

Hi All,

I took a look at the OP, but I still don't necessarily know what I should be doing with regards to a keyboard and mouse. All I know is, I am done with wireless. Mine eats batteries and has horrible performance degradation as the battery dies.

So what is currently the best value keyboard and mouse? Is it even worth looking into mechanical keyboards? Also, should I be looking into gaming mousepad, or is a mousepad a mousepad?

I know part of this was talked about in the thread, but I can't find it now.

Thanks.

Any other opinions on this? Thanks.

 

[NoRéN]

Any other opinions on this? Thanks.

What's your budget? All the recommendations in the OP are good. It all depends on your budget.

 

[CharpyImpact]

What's your budget? All the recommendations in the OP are good. It all depends on your budget.

Well, I can really spend as much as needed. I just don't want to buy the most expensive stuff for the sake of buying the most expensive stuff. I just don't know even how to really differentiate products. Any good resources for an intro to these keyboards and mice?

 

[mkenyon]

Well, I can really spend as much as needed. I just don't want to buy the most expensive stuff for the sake of buying the most expensive stuff. I just don't know even how to really differentiate products. Any good resources for an intro to these keyboards and mice?

Sensei RAW, but the Spawn is really good if you claw grip. Spawn has a slightly better sensor, Sensei has tons of sensor adjustments to really nail down the perfect settings.

Here's what the section will look like for the 2013 OP

For audio equipment, also check out Headphone GAF, and Mad Lust Envy's Gaming Headphone Guide. These headphones are chosen for positional quality. A budget headset has been omitted because they're all pretty much garbage. Don't buy the Zalman clip on mic because it's also garbage.

[HEADSETS]

$100 - SteelSeries Flux .

$150/225 - Sennheiser PC350/360 - 360s have better speakers and are open ear.

[HEADPHONES]

$20 - Sennheiser HD201

$100 - AT AD700

$250 - AKG Q701

[MICS]

$33 - ModMic (Preorder) . .

$15 Logitech USB

$3 - Clip-on mic

[KEYBOARDS]

Mechanical switches are referred to Cherry MX switches. MX Brown = Quiet tactile, MX Blue = loud tactile, MX Black = stiff linear, MX Red = soft linear

$10 - Rosewill RIKB . . .

$25 - Logitech K200 . . .

$44 - Razer Arctosa

$80 - CM Quickfire Rapid

$65 - Logitech K750 . . .

$50-100 - Rosewill Mech

$100 - Noppoo Choc . . . .

$110 Vortex KBT Race

$344 - Happy Hacking Pro

[MICE]

Xornet is great for the price, but the Spawn has a better sensor. Customization on Sensei is unparalleled.

$30 - CM Storm Xornet . . .

$40 - CM Storm Spawn

$60 - SteelSeries Sensei RAW

 

[NoRéN]

Well, I can really spend as much as needed. I just don't want to buy the most expensive stuff for the sake of buying the most expensive stuff. I just don't know even how to really differentiate products. Any good resources for an intro to these keyboards and mice?

Here's some very useful info. provided by mkenyon.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=46017836&postcount=8661

 

[CharpyImpact]

Here's some very useful info. provided by mkenyon.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=46017836&postcount=8661

Awesome. Thanks. I will read up on mechanical keyboards.

 

[CharpyImpact]

Sensei RAW, but the Spawn is really good if you claw grip. Spawn has a slightly better sensor, Sensei has tons of sensor adjustments to really nail down the perfect settings.

Here's what the section will look like for the 2013 OP

Thanks. What do you mean by claw grip?

 

[ebullientprism]

So I am thinking of upgrading my PC to something Medium spec level sometime next month. I was looking at a i5, GTX 660 and 16GB of RAM.

Assuming the leaked specs we are seeing of the PS4/Xbox 720 are reasonably close to the final specs, my question is will that rig of mine be good enough sometime till mid next gen (2015ish)?

Or should I wait a while longer?

Edit Worth mentioning, I dont really need 1080p60FPS on ultra for my gaming. Quite happy with 1080p30FPS on something like Med-high for most games.