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[GMM]

Looking to build a new workstation for RAW 2.5k video editing, game development and some light gaming.

The rig so far:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2 Ghz Hexa-Core
CPU Cooler: Intel Thermal Solution Liquid
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-X79-UD5
Memory: 2 x 32GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-19200 2400MHz Trident X Series CL10
OS Storage: Intel 520 Series Solid-State Drive 120 GB SATA
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 680 FTW 4096MB GDDR5
Case: Cooler Master HAF X
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX 750

I already have a smaller 60gb OCZ SSD and 2 x 1 tb HDD's to throw into it. 64 gb of memory might seem overkill, but i imagine once i go about editing RAW video when i get my Cinema Camera and RAID scratch discs set up, it should be worth the added cost.

 

[mkenyon]

Could drop that PSU to something much smaller and modular. That system will only be drawing about 320ish watts even if you're encoding with the GPU and CPU at the same time.

HAF X huge, unnecessary. If you like the aesthetic, check out the HAF XM.

Get a quieter/cooler 680 like the ASUS or Gigabyte.

The Gigabyte X79 motherboards have some notable issues as well, this is coming from a Gigabyte X79 owner. They have some pretty serious vdroop, which means if you're overclocking that, then you are going to have to pour on the voltage to get decent clocks. I'd recommend most of the ASUS and ASRock boards over them. Maybe even the Rampage IV Gene if you aren't planning on adding a ton of expansion cards.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Consider the MSI Lightning 680 with Twin Frozr IV design. Lots of reviews say it's one of the coolest (air cooled) cards.

Here's a comparison on Twin Frozr IV cooling vs DIRECTCU II.. I know it's only one link but it gives you a start on doing some research.

Also, that EVGA is 60USD more than the (in my opinion) better TFIV cooled Lightning 680. Another thing to note is that thermal cap on the backside of the MSI card. It's supposed to enable slightly better power for higher OC's. Every little bit helps.

 

[GMM]

I really want the 4 gb of video RAM the EVGA card gives me, but i would love to see a similar card with a better cooling system.

In terms of power supply i am all open to suggestions, the one i picked was just recommended by someone building a similar system.

The GIGABYTE X79 board is staying, i need the 8 RAM sockets and its one of the best high end LGA2011 boards for Hackintosh builds.

The case i really want to change, but i think for my own sake i should go with a big case, since i plan on expanding it to around 6-7 drives in total when i buy my recording camera. I really wanted a Fractal Design case, but their lack of USB 3.0 ports on the front is a pretty major dealbreaker for me.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

I really want the 4 gb of video RAM the EVGA card gives me, but i would love to see a similar card with a better cooling system.

In terms of power supply i am all open to suggestions, the one i picked was just recommended by someone building a similar system.

The GIGABYTE X79 board is staying, i need the 8 RAM sockets and its one of the best high end LGA2011 boards for Hackintosh builds.

The case i really want to change, but i think for my own sake i should go with a big case, since i plan on expanding it to around 6-7 drives in total when i buy my recording camera. I really wanted a Fractal Design case, but their lack of USB 3.0 ports on the front is a pretty major dealbreaker for me.

Most x79 boards have 8 dimms so keep that in mind. I would also push you towards an Asus or ASRock MB's.

As mkenyon noted, if you aren't planning on SLI or fancy add ons, the ASUS Rampage Gene may be a good option. Play your options! Don't just settle in on something without doing some research.

 

[mkenyon]

I really want the 4 gb of video RAM the EVGA card gives me, but i would love to see a similar card with a better cooling system.

In terms of power supply i am all open to suggestions, the one i picked was just recommended by someone building a similar system.

The GIGABYTE X79 board is staying, i need the 8 RAM sockets and its one of the best high end LGA2011 boards for Hackintosh builds.

The case i really want to change, but i think for my own sake i should go with a big case, since i plan on expanding it to around 6-7 drives in total when i buy my recording camera. I really wanted a Fractal Design case, but their lack of USB 3.0 ports on the front is a pretty major dealbreaker for me.

The ASUS and Gigabyte 680s come in 4GB variants.

The Define R4 and Arc Midi (and recently released Arc Midi R2) have USB 3.0 on the front.

*edit*

Check out the M12II Seasonic 650. Will suit you perfectly.

 

[GMM]

Most x79 boards have 8 dimms so keep that in mind. I would also push you towards an Asus or ASRock MB's.

As mkenyon noted, if you aren't planning on SLI or fancy add ons, the ASUS Rampage Gene may be a good option. Play your options! Don't just settle in on something without doing some research.

I need to build a Hackintosh compatible system, the X79 boards that Gigabyte offer are according to most people the best ones to use for the type of setup i need.

As far as i can tell then Fractal Design doesn't offer any E-ATX compatible cases with USB 3.0, but i might be wrong on this. Will definetly try to check out some other GPU's.

 

[JustProgress]

Is it possible to run certain game sound through my headset but other programs through my speaker? Have a USB Siberia.

Specifically looking to do this with LoL

 

[mkenyon]

I need to build a Hackintosh compatible system, the X79 boards that Gigabyte offer are according to most people the best ones to use for the type of setup i need.

As far as i can tell then Fractal Design doesn't offer any E-ATX compatible cases with USB 3.0, but i might be wrong on this. Will definetly try to check out some other GPU's.

They are indeed EATX compatible. Most mid towers are, they just don't list it. It might partially cover some of the routing holes, but that's about it.

 

[GMM]

They are indeed EATX compatible. Most mid towers are, they just don't list it. It might partially cover some of the routing holes, but that's about it.

Oh, that's worth checking out then, i do not want to build a computer that looks like a gaming rig (95% of all cases looks like that to me).

I looked around for a different graphics card and found this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-GTX680-DC2-4GD5-Geforce-GTX680-PCIe3/dp/B00ASHQ4F0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359141694&sr=1-2&keywords=GTX680-DC2-4GD5

Should offer the same as the EVGA with better cooling right? Weird thing is that the card is much more expensive compared to the EVGA one on Amazon, but at the retailer i will buy from here in Denmark, it's actually cheaper then the EVGA card.

 

[Astra]

Well, it's been a week or so and my PC has been running quite nicely. Glad to report no issues at all thus far.
Been playing New Vegas so I can finally play the DLC (had it for PS3). I've got about 15 hours in, and I haven't even really started the game. Been spending all my time playing with mods.
I didn't realize how much I missed PC gaming, with all the flexibility it offers.

My hard drive is loud though. Got a WD Caviar Black. I guess when people said it was a loud drive, they weren't kidding.

 

[DietRob]

Watts dissipated is watts dissipated. The efficiency just means it is more efficiently moved from the GPU to the air around the heatsink.

You're not going to have any temperature problems with the card, but if you can quickly get fresh air in and expel the hot stuff, then the fans on your card won't have to spin as high which means a more quiet build.

Ah I get it.. thanks for explaining it a bit more.

 

[mkenyon]

Well, it's been a week or so and my PC has been running quite nicely. Glad to report no issues at all thus far.
Been playing New Vegas so I can finally play the DLC (had it for PS3). I've got about 15 hours in, and I haven't even really started the game. Been spending all my time playing with mods.
I didn't realize how much I missed PC gaming, with all the flexibility it offers.

The Yukiko laughing fit avatar is appropriate for your level of delight!

Glad you're enjoying it. Might I suggest you next try out Mount and Blade with the Diplomacy Mod. Might be my #1 SP game of all time.

 

[garath]

Oh, that's worth checking out then, i do not want to build a computer that looks like a gaming rig (95% of all cases looks like that to me).

I looked around for a different graphics card and found this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-GTX680-DC2-4GD5-Geforce-GTX680-PCIe3/dp/B00ASHQ4F0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359141694&sr=1-2&keywords=GTX680-DC2-4GD5

Should offer the same as the EVGA with better cooling right? Weird thing is that the card is much more expensive compared to the EVGA one on Amazon, but at the retailer i will buy from here in Denmark, it's actually cheaper then the EVGA card.

EVGA just stuck with the reference design from what I've seen. The ASUS and MSI coolers will blow it out of the water. I have the ASUS 660ti DirectCU II card and the cooling is phenomenal.

 

[Colin.]

Was thinking about upgrading my graphics card. My current card (GT 430) isn't cutting it any more and struggles to stay below 60c when idle. Any recommendations for cards in the £200 range? Also, would that amount of money be enough? Since I would like it to be capable of running the "next gen" of games when that time comes.

 

[sorijealut]

I think I hear something in my case rattling, pretty sure it's my af120 quiets

Granted, it's VERY subtle and can only be heard when I put my ear to the case.

Another noise is a rhythmic churning sound from my 7950 when running game apps.

Not sure what to think of these.

 

[Astra]

The Yukiko laughing fit avatar is appropriate for your level of delight!

Glad you're enjoying it. Might I suggest you next try out Mount and Blade with the Diplomacy Mod. Might be my #1 SP game of all time.

*snrk*
Oh there were great laughs to be had with some friends using the sex mod. With the animations, and the hilariously bad dialogue, it was great. Then I blew them up with a Megaton Bomb bullet from my Anti-Materiel Rifle while dressed as Yoko from Gurren Lagann.

Being able to mod really opens the game up to lots of fun and hilarity.

I'll definitely be checking out Mount and Blade. I have so much PC gaming to catch up on, being out of it for the last 7 years or so.

 

[Lkr]

is there a quick/easy way to backup data files in win7? i don't want to save system files or anything, so i wasn't looking to use the windows backup feature.

 

[mkenyon]

For folks interested, Kudochop will be streaming some awesome LAN action at my place on his twitch channel.

Twitch.tv/kudochop

Probably some intense Warsow, Firefall, PS2, who knows what else. Starting tonight around 10-11 PST.

 

[plasticpassion]

Well, just dropped $1600 on my new build. Can't wait til it comes in!

 

[RedBullEnergy]

Amazing thread! Can I just ask...... would upgrading from an i7 920 to an i7 3770k be worth it? I only do 3D visual effects work but looking for ways to improve my current machine or build a new one.

 

[140.85]

Welp, my turn to finally get some feedback...

Please, please check out my list let me know what you think. I'm trying to build something that can last a little while, run new games, handle emulation and tear through my After Effects projects.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=26569267

If anyone has any advice on cutting some corners price-wise please let me know. $2500 is fine but sub-$2000 would be awesome.

 

[kharma45]

Welp, my turn to finally get some feedback...

Please, please check out my list let me know what you think. I'm trying to build something that can last a little while, run new games and tear through my After Effects projects.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=26569267

If anyone has any advice on counting some corners price-wise please let me know. $2500 is fine but sub-$2000 would be awesome.

Change your RAM to two lots of this stuff http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00592002W/?tag=neogaf0e-20

You probably don't need thermal paste, it comes pre-applied to your cooler, unless that is you really to remove the pre-applied stuff.

Also I'm not sure what they're like for rebates but the Seasonic X850 is available for the same price if it works out ok http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151102 It's fully modular, although that Corsair is still Seasonic made and is a good unit, I would just prefer the fully modular X850.

PSU wise you might even get away with this 660w Seasonic Platinum OK I'd imagine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151121, but if you're OCing it might push it a bit, maybe stick to a higher wattage to be 100% safe.

 

[rohlfinator]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fx-8350-core-i7-3770k-gaming-bottleneck,3407-6.html

Well toms has beat me to the punch for my CPU analysis of BF3 but they tested single player. However at 5760x1080 it seems that BF3 eats CPU cycles for breakfast brunch lunch dinner supper and even afternoon tea. Great overall article showing that at stupid high resolutions and graphics settings neither intel or AMD is good enough.

Also 3770k still better at 1080p. Who knew.

And yes mkenyon they are using frame times for analysis

I'm not sure I understand their methodology -- wouldn't most of the frame latency at super high resolutions be due to the GPU and not the CPU? I assume that's why the results are fairly similar across CPUs at that resolution. Really all of those graphs look GPU-limited to me, as opposed to Skyrim where there is a very noticeable difference between processors.

I'd be interested in seeing how their BF3 results look on a Tech Report-style "99th percentile frame latency" graph.

Edit: Rereading it, it wouldn't make any sense for the game to be GPU-limited at 1080p/Medium with Crossfired 7970s. There is something weird going on with their high-resolution results though. Why are the frame times oscillating between 2.5ms and 10-25ms when they didn't consistently hit 2.5ms at lower resolutions? Is that a side effect of Crossfire?

 

[140.85]

Cool. Thanks kharma.

 

[Dennis]

The best and most useful OP (and first post) in NeoGAF history.

 

[Keyouta]

Can't wait for later this year. Looking to build a new system from scratch. (Well, aside from the SSD and HDDs.)

I'm planning to go with some variant of an i5 Haswell plus a 780 series GPU if they're out by then, if not I'll wait. I'm currently running on an AMD Phenom with a GeForce GTX9800, 6GB RAM. Are there any real good benefits from going with 32GB over 16 for RAM?

For the CPU, I've read that the i7s do not really have any benefit for running games over the i5, is that true?

 

[kharma45]

Cool. Thanks kharma.

No problem.

Can't wait for later this year. Looking to build a new system from scratch. (Well, aside from the SSD and HDDs.)

I'm planning to go with some variant of an i5 Haswell plus a 780 series GPU if they're out by then, if not I'll wait. I'm currently running on an AMD Phenom with a GeForce GTX9800, 6GB RAM. Are there any real good benefits from going with 32GB over 16 for RAM?

For the CPU, I've read that the i7s do not really have any benefit for running games over the i5, is that true?

For gaming even 16GB is overkill.

 

[Colin.]

I'm still deciding which card to pick. The Sapphire 7950 seems to be a good choice at its price point. This one to be exact: http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphi...-pci-express-3-0-hdmi-8H31.html?q=7950&src=16

Would this be a good choice, or would any of you recommend a different card at this price point?

 

[metalshade]

Looking for some keyboard advice guys.
The ones in the OP aren't really suitable for my needs.
Looking for a wired compact keyboard. No larger than 33cm wide, hopefully with chiclet keys but not necessary. It needs to be gaming suitable though, ie ghosting tech. In the UK.
I have done quite a lot of shopping around, and there are many that seem to fit my size requirements, but I have no idea of their reliability or gaming capability. Comfy couch isn't as easy as it seems lol.

 

[sorijealut]

I'm still deciding which card to pick. The Sapphire 7950 seems to be a good choice at its price point. This one to be exact: http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphi...-pci-express-3-0-hdmi-8H31.html?q=7950&src=16

Would this be a good choice, or would any of you recommend a different card at this price point?

Well, if you're going Sapphire 7950, why not go with this dual-fan design?
This is my current card!
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0091MER16/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1359159241&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

Runs very very quiet, minus a slight churning noise I'm investigating right now.

 

[kharma45]

I'm still deciding which card to pick. The Sapphire 7950 seems to be a good choice at its price point. This one to be exact: http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphi...-pci-express-3-0-hdmi-8H31.html?q=7950&src=16

Would this be a good choice, or would any of you recommend a different card at this price point?

Well, if you're going Sapphire 7950, why not go with this dual-fan design?
This is my current card!
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0091MER16/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1359159241&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

There is the 7870 XT too

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-312-SP

 

[Colin.]

Well, if you're going Sapphire 7950, why not go with this dual-fan design?
This is my current card!
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0091MER16/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1359159241&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

Runs very very quiet, minus a slight churning noise I'm investigating right now.

Good point. Judging from the reviews it seems to do fine temperature wise, but since I'm leaving everything stock I wouldn't want to take the risk of high temps. This seems like a good double fan card, and it still comes with the free games: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/3gb-...dr5-gpu-800mhz-1792-cores-dvi-hdmi-mini-dport

There is the 7870 XT too

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-312-SP

It is a decent card. But I think the 7950 will be worth the extra money.

 

[kharma45]

Yeah if you can afford it go for a proper 7950 rather than the 7870XT.

 

[scogoth]

I'm not sure I understand their methodology -- wouldn't most of the frame latency at super high resolutions be due to the GPU and not the CPU? I assume that's why the results are fairly similar across CPUs at that resolution. Really all of those graphs look GPU-limited to me, as opposed to Skyrim where there is a very noticeable difference between processors.

I'd be interested in seeing how their BF3 results look on a Tech Report-style "99th percentile frame latency" graph.

Edit: Rereading it, it wouldn't make any sense for the game to be GPU-limited at 1080p/Medium with Crossfired 7970s. There is something weird going on with their high-resolution results though. Why are the frame times oscillating between 2.5ms and 10-25ms when they didn't consistently hit 2.5ms at lower resolutions? Is that a side effect of Crossfire?

I've been doing my own benchmarking with two 680s at 5760x1080 and I can say that 1) Even if GPUs are not running at 100%, CPU speed still has an effect on frame time and 2) logical assumptions of how performance should be is often not the case. It seems that pushing the hardware to the limit in conjunction with the nuance of SLI/crossfire drivers creates some very weird results. Ill have more info after I finish my analysis of BF3

 

[sorijealut]

Good point. Judging from the reviews it seems to do fine temperature wise, but since I'm leaving everything stock I wouldn't want to take the risk of high temps. This seems like a good double fan card, and it still comes with the free games: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/3gb-...dr5-gpu-800mhz-1792-cores-dvi-hdmi-mini-dport



It is a decent card. But I think the 7950 will be worth the extra money.

That is the very card I wanted to get myself but I was on a budget. Amazing card, I want to get the twin frozr cooler cards someday too.
Plus, with that Never Settle bundle, that is an excellent deal.

Anyway, here is a reading you may find interesting regarding 7950s.
http://techreport.com/review/24218/a-driver-update-to-reduce-radeon-frame-times
Coincidentally, they use the card you're looking into!

 

[Colin.]

That is the very card I wanted to get myself but I was on a budget. Amazing card, I want to get the twin frozr cooler cards someday too.
Plus, with that Never Settle bundle, that is an excellent deal.

Anyway, here is a reading you may find interesting regarding 7950s.
http://techreport.com/review/24218/a-driver-update-to-reduce-radeon-frame-times
Coincidentally, they use the card you're looking into!

I would of rather waited until later in the year when I plan on upgrading my whole system, but with my current card basically on the way out, I have little choice. But I'm sure it will be competent for the next 2 years at least. Looking more into it, for the little extra I will be paying, this model of 7950 seems like the best choice in its price range. I will be ordering it tomorrow. Thanks for your help!

 

[bryan12112]

I have a couple of questions. If I don't build my own PC, my options will be somewhat limited, so I would like to know: How much of a drop off is there from the i5 3570k to the i5 3330? I will not be overclocking, if that makes any difference. Also, I might be stuck with a more basic graphics card for the time being. How capable is the NVIDIA GeForce GT 640? Not very, I'm sure, but if I can get by using that for 6-12 months while I save up for something better (7850 or 660 Ti), that would be nice.

And I take it NCIX doesn't assemble PCs for US customers? I was really excited about just picking out the parts I wanted and having them put it together for me. Now I'm reluctantly looking at ibuypower and Alienware. Anyway, thanks. This thread has been extremely helpful. I really don't know what I'm going to do yet. Just tossing some ideas around.

 

[Riggs]

Strangest issue here guys ..................

My friend has just gotten a GTX 690, his power supply is 835 Watts. He had it connected via one 8 pin connector, and one 6pin-8pin adapter. Everything ran great.

He found out there was a hidden cable on his PSU for another 8 pin connector. He took his card and connected it with the original 8 pin connector, and the other 8 pin connector he did not see before.

Now his games run horrible, like 7 fps - 10 fps .... BF3 / Benchmarks / Basically anything intensive. I pretty much nailed the issue immediately, I had him download EVGA Precision. The max graphics clock on one 690 GPU is 915mhz, he loaded up BF3 and EVGA Precision is showing his clock speeds at like 300 mhz .... the same exact speed he gets at the desktop.

Basically the card is not "clocking up" like it should. He reseated the card back to the 8pin and 6pin - 8pin adapter, and still has the same problem. Also formatted.

Any idea's if his card is some how physically damaged at this point? Games that do not require a great card such as Diablo 3 run fine fps wise (60fps + easy), but anything heavy like benchmarks, BF3, etc, run very very low ... since the card is not "clocking up" like it should.

I advised him to uninstall all drivers, clean with driver sweeper via safe mode, and then shut down his system. Reseat the card, and connect the card to the PSU with the 8 pin connector, and the 6pin - 8 pin adapter, turn on system, install current drivers. He will do this soon.

Any advice would be appreciated, I have a feeling the card could be damaged but I just wanted to ask here. Thanks guys.

 

[Varna]

So what exactly would be the benefits in choosing manual vcore VS offset mode overclocking? From what I have read...

Offset provides better temps, lower power usage and less strain on the CPU. I can't really find any benefit to manual vcore.

Also what would be the best way to figure out a proper offset number? Could you use the best stable vcore to narrow it down?

 

[Koroviev]

I have a couple of questions. If I don't build my own PC, my options will be somewhat limited, so I would like to know: How much of a drop off is there from the i5 3570k to the i5 3330? I will not be overclocking, if that makes any difference. Also, I might be stuck with a more basic graphics card for the time being. How capable is the NVIDIA GeForce GT 640? Not very, I'm sure, but if I can get by using that for 6-12 months while I save up for something better (7850 or 660 Ti), that would be nice.

And I take it NCIX doesn't assemble PCs for US customers? I was really excited about just picking out the parts I wanted and having them put it together for me. Now I'm reluctantly looking at ibuypower and Alienware. Anyway, thanks. This thread has been extremely helpful. I really don't know what I'm going to do yet. Just tossing some ideas around.

Please don't buy a pre-built PC. Please?

Building a PC really isn't very difficult at all. Can you work a screwdriver and match connectors? Congratulations, you can build a PC! If you were to need any help during the process, I'm sure most people here would be more than happy to provide guidance, myself included. Just don't pay double or more for comparatively crap parts. Don't!

 

[catmincer]

Hi there,

I am looking at a new build because my current build is ~4 years old and is struggling with new games now.

I've been looking at the following build but no idea if it's good or not.

GA-990FXA-UD3 AMD 990FX SB950 mobo
FX8350
Mushkin Blackline frostbyte 16GB 2x8GB (Can also fit as 4x4GB)
Intel 330 series 120GB SSD SSDSC2CT120A3K5
Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB 64MB 6Gb/s SATA3
Sapphire Radeon HD7970 Ghz Vapor-X 3GB GRRR5

Would this be a decent basis for a PC for gaming, generally FPS (Left 4 Dead) and RPGs (Mass Effect) as well as emulators (Dolphin and possibly Dreamcast for the new 2-3 years? I'd be running 2 monitors at 1080p.

The shop I am looking at purchasing from includes overclocking in the price.

I am obviously willing to consider other parts but I would prefer a Radeon GPU.

 

[Zeth]

Sounds like good case.

I was going to get the Xornet but just went higher and got the Storm. Both mice seem really good compared to your normal mice. I guess some would consider the wired nature to be a negative but the performance is great and ergonomics are as well.

The Storm Spawn? I'll look into it.

 

[rohlfinator]

I've been doing my own benchmarking with two 680s at 5760x1080 and I can say that 1) Even if GPUs are not running at 100%, CPU speed still has an effect on frame time and 2) logical assumptions of how performance should be is often not the case. It seems that pushing the hardware to the limit in conjunction with the nuance of SLI/crossfire drivers creates some very weird results. Ill have more info after I finish my analysis of BF3

Cool, I'll be interested to see what you find. I agree that Crossfire/SLI seem to be doing some weird things, especially when you start looking at frame times.

 

[sorijealut]

I would of rather waited until later in the year when I plan on upgrading my whole system, but with my current card basically on the way out, I have little choice. But I'm sure it will be competent for the next 2 years at least. Looking more into it, for the little extra I will be paying, this model of 7950 seems like the best choice in its price range. I will be ordering it tomorrow. Thanks for your help!

Of course! Good decision!

 

[CharpyImpact]

Hi All,

So I am in the process of setting up my PC so I can use it to play it both on a computer screen with 5.1 headphones using optical audio and use it with my TV as the screen and an Xbox controller using optical audio. I don't want to manually keep changing cables from the PC screen to the TV screen and from my mixer to my TV's audio system. What is the best way to switch back and forth? I haven't found a good switch to do this. Anyone have any suggestions or know of a better way to do this?

Thanks.

 

[Colin.]

Of course! Good decision!

Upon further research, I once again changed my mind and went for the Gigabyte 7950. With its 3 fans, I definitely wont have to worry about temperatures and Gigabyte are an easy company to deal with. Ended up costing the same as well with the use of the coupon "JAN10"

http://www.dabs.com/products/gigaby...rce=td&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=TB00

Its one of the better performing 7950's as well. Infact, here it is compared to the other card I was going to get:http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...orce-msi-hd-7950-twin-frozr-iii-review-7.html Not a great deal of difference, but still a pinch extra.

 

[DTKT]

try turning power management mode to prefer maximum performance in nvidia control panel

Is that something you should do with any card even if you don't have any issues?

 

[LiquidMetal14]

All this planning on my push/pull config for the h100i fans is really making me think about layout and cable management. I went looking for a Y fan splitter cable which would basically let me set up push/pull with 4 fans. Turns out I bought the same black cable 2 years ago for my current build so I only need one more. 7 dollars saved. Ordered the other one just now so I will be all set for push/pull.

 

[Varna]

Is that something you should do with any card even if you don't have any issues?

I have never personally had any issues with the adaptive mode and I have a 690GTX myself. Actually, I don't notice anything difference in my clock speeds with it on or off.