Support NeoGAF

[Hazaro]

NEW THREAD
The 2014 Thread is up! - http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=745567
NEW THREAD

Laptop-GAF and TechSupportGAF - Visit our friends here
120/144Hz LightBoost thread - For all your low frametime (High FPS) needs
2013 High-res PC screenshot thread + PC Down / Super Sampling Thread + PC Bullshot Thread (Amazing) - Beautiful candy for your pupils
Race (and Overclock) your PC Thread - Benchmark and Overclock (With Guides) your new or old PC here
Mechanical Keyboard Talk - Talk about buying expensive and loud clacky things here
Online Security Thread - Surf safe

This OP is a constant work in progress. If you have something to correct, add, or critique please PM me or msg @HazardVG on Twitter.

01/04/2014: Spreadsheets updated and new 2014 thread created!
10/23/2013: AMD 290X launch!
10/22/2013: Some games running under Win 8.1 have mouse lag (See links for fix)
10/18/2013: nVidia announces G-SYNC, variable refresh rates on displays (This is huge!) [Anand]
09/17/2013: Oh my god the build sheet is updated. Image. (Spreadsheet (bit.ly/GAFPC2013).
04/26/2013: Anandtech new heatsink coolers and AIO water roundup (Featuring actual good charts!)
03/28/2013: Frame times and observable FPS through FCAT will new mark a new era of benchmarking (And why you should avoid CrossFire for now). PCPER (7950 and 660Ti) // TechReport // Anandtech
08/04/2012: Two useful cooling articles: Case Fan Temps and Positioning - (Bit-Tech), 60 Fans Tested (Vortez)

If you want help with a build fill this out AND try making one of your own from the resources in the OP
Use PCPartPickerhttp://pcpartpicker.com/ to find the best prices and have a nice list of parts (Check if items are in stock!). I highly recommend Amazon, Newegg, and NCIXUS in North America.

[Basic Desktop Questions]

• Your Current Specs: CPU / RAM / Motherboard / GPU (Graphics) / PSU (Power Supply) / Case / HDD (Hard Drive)
• Budget: Price Range + Country
• Main Use: Rate 1-5. 5 being Highest: Light Gaming, Gaming, Emulation (PS2/Wii), Video Editing, Streaming games in HD, 3D/Model work (and what program), General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback).
• Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later? Are you buying a new monitor?
• List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Is 30FPS acceptable? 60? 120? How important is PhysX / SuperSampling / CUDA to you?
• Looking to reuse any parts?: List make and model (e.g. Corsair 520HX, 640GB SATA HDD, Antec 900)
• When will you build?: Do you have a deadline?
• Will you be overclocking?: Yes, No, Maybe (This means yes!)

PICKING YOUR PARTS

Anandtech's 'Bench' CPU and GPU Benchmarks - A great resource. Helpful for getting a general idea of performance or comparing hardware.


NeoGAF PC Builds

Mkenyon's Small Form Factor Build Sheet - http://bit.ly/GAFBox1



Haz's PC Build Sheet - http://bit.ly/GAFPC2014

[QUIET OPTIONS]

$60 - BitFenix Shinobi .

$80 - NZXT H230 . . . . .

$100 - Define R4 . . . . . . . .

$130 - Fractal Define XL R2​

[BUDGET]

$40 - NZXT Source 210

$45 - Enermax Ostrog

$50 - CM N400 . . . . . . . . . .

$60 - Corsair 200R​

[ENHANCED]

$100 - CM 690 III . . . . . . .

$100 - CM Scout II . . . .

$110 - Lian Li PC-7HWX

$110 - Fractal Arc Midi R2​

[ENTHUSIAST]

$150 Corsair Air 540 . . . .

$150 - NZXT H630 . . .

$240 - Phanteks Primo . . .

$400 - CaseLabs SM8​

[Micro ATX]

​

$75 - Silverstone PS07 . .

$100 - Corsair 350D . . .

$100 - Define Mini . . . . . . .

$120 - Silverstone SG10​

• For audio equipment, also check out Headphone GAF
• Mad Lust Envy's Gaming Headphone Guide

These headphones are mainly chosen for positional quality. No budget headsets since most are poor. I suggest going with a Xonar DGX and a 3.5mm mic instead.

[HEADSETS]

$70 - SteelSeries Flux

$250/300 - Sennheiser 350 SE / 363D - 363D are open ear, include virtual 7.1 DAC, and are USB.

[HEADPHONES]

$45 - Superlux HD668B

$75 - Creative Aurvana Live!

$150 - BD DT990 250 Ohm Pro

$250 - AKG Q701

[MICS]

$35 - ModMic 2.3 or 4.0

$3 - DX Clip-on mic (2-6 Week shipping)

[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. Cooler Master University.

$15 - Rosewill RIKB . . .

$15 - MS Keyboard 200. .

$50 - Corsair K30

$90 - CM Quickfire Rapid

$70 - Logitech K750 . . .

$65-110 - Rosewill RK-9000's

$90 CM Quickfire Stealth

$100 - Noppoo Choc . . . .

$110 Vortex KBT Race

[PERFORMANCE MICE]

These are intended for competitive gamers. Speed, accuracy, and sensor customization is valued above all.

Spawn is an amazing value designed for claw and hybrid grips. If you absolutely love the MX518 shape, then the G400S is a good choice at $45, but is outperformed by the Rival at $60. The Rival has zero acceleration and interpolation, which are native to all laser mice. Sensei for its ambidexterous (Left and Right hand) shape, and customization on the good sensor.

$30 - CM Storm Spawn

$45 - Logitech G400S

$60 - SS Sensei Raw (Ambi)

$60 - SteelSeries Rival

[ERGONOMIC AND MMO MICE]

For those that value comfort and extra buttons over a precise sensor.

The Recon has the best sensor and firmware here, and is a great value. The M65 has good build quality and an aluminum frame, a great choice if you have larger hands. The M95's side button layout is the best of the MMO oriented mice. G700s is the only wireless mouse listed here.

$35 - CM Storm Recon . .

$60 - Corsair M65 . . . . .

$80 - Corsair M95 . . .

$90 - Logitech G700s

[PADS]

For most people, any cheap cloth pad will be fine. These are some other options.

The Ripper XXL is massive, allowing a seamless mousing surface.The CM Storm Control RX is a thicker hybrid design with a lycra surface allowing for easier gliding movements, and is best suited for low CPI/DPI. The CM Storm Power RX is a large textured surface allowing for good control without destroying mouse feet. The Artisan Shiden is a glass coated cloth pad that defies the typical trade-off between textured and smooth surfaces, as it has great control and allows for smooth whips.

$20 - XTrac Ripper XXL

$30 - CM Control-RX . . . .

$35 - CM Power-RX . .

$40-50 - Artisan Shiden L or XL

• What the hell does TN, VA, e-IPS, IPS, and PVA mean?
• Scogoth lays out different display connectors. DVI, Dual Link DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), VGA
• NeoGAF Cheap/Korean 1440p monitor thread
• NeoGAF 120Hz/144Hz monitor thread

[BUDGET]

$140 - ASUS VS229H-P
And any $100-$120 monitor that has decent reviews and is not an lesser brand. Many of the higher monitors also go on steep discounts.

[STANDARD]

$155 - ASUS VS247H-P . .

$170 - ASUS VS239H-P

[ENHANCED]

$200 - ASUS VG23AH . . . . .

$270 - Dell U2412M (16:10, no 1:1 scaling)

ASUS VG23AH if you don't wear glasses or glasses with any sort of filters/polarizers. It might be IPS/PLS but it has great 60hz performance and can be driven to run at 72hz or 75hz with this program and these settings. Go for the Dell if you want 16:10 and super crisp colors.

[120Hz+ @ 1080p]

$270 - ASUS VG248QE. . . . .

$600 - Eizo Foris FG2421

Get the ASUS VG248QE for G-Sync Module compatibility, but it still works great with AMD cards and ToastyX's Lightboost hack. The Eizo is a VA panel with native strobing which allows for very impressive colors with near zero blur.

[2560x1440 IPS]

$400 - QNIX QX2710 . . . . . . . .

$800 - Viewsonic VP2770-LED

The QNIX can be overclocked to 120Hz, though not guaranteed. Motion blur is significantly reduced compared to any 1440p 60Hz panel because of this. The Viewsonic is a near-professional grade IPS screen with amazing colors, though not as good of a gaming monitor.

Amazon (Parts)
Newegg (Parts)
NCIX.US (Parts)
Performance-PCs (Cases, Fans Acessories)
Micro Center (Parts and great IN STORE deals)

NCIX (Parts, Assembly, Price Match)
Amazon.CA (Parts)
Canada Computers (Parts) - Eastern Regional
Memory Express (Parts, Assembly, Price Match) - Western Regional
Newegg.CA (Parts, Ships from US)

Novatech (Parts)
Overclockers UK (Parts)
Amazon UK (Parts)
Aria PC (Parts)
Ebuyer (Parts, Custom Built)
Microdirect (Parts)
HardwareVersand (Parts)
Misco (Parts)
Scan (Parts)
Dino PC (Custom Built)
YoYoTech (Custom Built)

PC Case Gear (Parts, Best Online Retailer)
PCDIY (Parts)
CPL (Parts)
Umart (Parts, Cheaper Shipping Outside Victoria)
Scorpion Technology (Parts)
MSY (Parts)
staticICE (Product Finder)

AnandTech
The Tech Report
TechPowerUp
X-bit labs
HardOCP
Hardware Canucks
Jonnyguru + HardwareSecrets = Legit PSU reviews
Silent PC Review = The quiet side of computing

Ninite A batch downloader and installer for popular programs. A fantastic time saver for any new PC build.
Steam Mover tool for moving Steam games to a different HDD/SSD
Steam Tool Another tool for moving steam games.

MSI Afterburner (aka RivaTuner) allows you to manage GPU overclocking, fan speed/profiles and chart many aspects of your GPU.
CPU-Z - gathers information on your Motherboard, BIOS, CPU, FSB, VCORE voltage and memory timings.
GPU-Z gathers information (Speed, architecture, temps) on your video card and GPU.
Real Temp allows you to monitor the temperature of your CPU core(s).
HWMonitor allows you to monitor fan speed, temperature, voltage, etc.
CrystalDiskMark Tests read and write speed of your hard drives.

nVidia Inspector allows you to optimize the display, improve the performance and fully utilize your NVIDIA graphics card.
Radeon Pro allows you to optimize the display, improve the performance and fully utilize your AMD graphics card.
Dxtory / nVidia driver options allows you to limit the frame rate on most games. Excellent for older games or just getting a locked framerate.
Fraps allows you to record real time video, take screen captures and display your FPS.
Open Broadcast Software a streaming and recording program for things like Twitch.TV A free and better competitor to XSplit.

OCCT allows you to stress test your CPU and GPU, along with GPU memory.
Prime95 allows you to stress test your CPU and RAM for stability.
FURMark allows you to stress test your video card.
Memtest86+ allows you to run a full memory scan to deal with the blue screen of death and system errors.

 

[Hazaro]

[Video Build Guides]

The Tech Report - A nicely laid out and compact build guide

TTL OC3D - A more enthusiast build guide that covers some extra things you can do along with cable management

Thermal Paste: Apply as a ~4mm ball to the CPU. Press the heatsink down and tighten. Line method is ok. Application matters way less than you think. If you take the heatsink off, clean it with alcohol and reapply or you will trap air.

[Overclocking Guides]

Socket 1155 Overclocking Guide (Sandy, Ivy, 2500K, 3570K, 3770K, all motherboards)
Socket 1150 (Haswell) OC Guide (4670K, 4770K)
3 step guide to overclocking Haswell (Socket 1150, Z87, 4670K, 4770K)
SSD Setup and Tweaking
Video Card Cooler Guide by mkenyon(ZFZ)

[Help! My PC won't turn on/POST/Boot]

• Check your manual for beep codes or debug LED display codes
• Shutoff your PC, switch off the PSU, and unplug the power cable. Wait 10s and hold the power button to drain the remaining power out of the system
• Check your power is on I and the correct Voltage (120V/240V)
• Check that you plugged in the extra motherboard power (4 or 8 pin)
• Reconnect all your cables (Data and Power)
• Try a single stick of memory in the first RAM slot (read your manual), then try the other
• Check for any loose screws or bits in the case and behind the motherboard
• Check that you installed the motherboard standoff screws (Some cases have these pre-installed)
• Remount the GPU on another PCI-E slot, or try no GPU
• As a last step assemble the bare minimum outside the case (PSU, CPU, Heatsink, 1 stick of RAM, nothing else)

[SSD Tip and Tools]

SSD Setup and tweak guide [SSDReview]

Disable defragmentation
Description: Defragmenting a hard disk's used space is only useful on mechanical disks with multi-millisecond latencies. Free-space defragmentation may be useful to SSDs, but this feature is not available in the default Windows Defragmenter.
Instructions: Start Menu -> Right-Click Computer -> Manage -> Services and Applications -> Services - > Right-Click Disk Defragmenter -> Startup type: Disabled -> OK

Disable Hibernate
Description: You may free up 1GB of space on the SSD if you have 1GB of memory, 2GB of space if you have 2GB memory. You will lose the hibernation feature which allows the equivalent of quick boots and shutdowns.
Instructions: Start Menu -> Type cmd -> Right-Click the cmd Icon -> Run as Administrator -> Type powercfg -h off -> Type exit

Links to useful SSD tools:
Crystal Mark Bench + NFO Tool
AS-SSD TOOL
Steam Mover Tool

2014 Thread Part 1
2013 Thread Part 1 + Part 2
2012 Thread Part 1 + Part 2
2011 Thread Part 1 + Part 2
2010 Thread / 2009 Thread / 2008 Thread

 

[mkenyon]

Small Form Factor Build Guide
Or, how to build the GAF Box One

Quick note, these builds will be updated in a few weeks with AMD's Kaveri APUs releasing soon. They might shake up a bit more than budget HTPCs.

One of the main factors that one faces when dealing with SFF builds is ensuring that heatsinks and parts fit in the tiny spaces provided. The parts in these build sheets are far less loose in terms of picking out something slightly different. I can only ensure proper clearances on the items that are in the build sheet.

In terms of being able to hold the most powerful hardware, only the CM 120 Elite is limited. So if you want to pack a 280x, 780, or Titan in an ITX enclosure, then you'll want to skip that. From there it's mostly a choice of aesthetics, though the Prodigy/Phenom is the most capable in terms of moving heat.

The AMD APU builds are perfectly good gaming machines if you aren't planning on running anything graphically intensive. Indie games, Source, older titles, and even some newer ones like Dirt will run wonderfully on these systems. You do get what you pay for in terms of performance when you upgrade to the A8 or A10, though the A6 will certainly be able to handle HTPC tasks and light gaming. If you are just looking for an inexpensive computer that will handle browsing, 1080p video, and light gaming, then it's definitely the way to go. The HTPC builds will fit in all of the cases, but I only included them in the two cases that would look acceptable in a media center. That's a subjective call on my part, so if you are smitten with another case design, feel free to apply the HTPC column to any of the other cases.

Also, none of these cases will fit GPUs that are larger than two slots. This means stuff like the Tri-Frozr, Gainward Phantom, ASUS DCuII, and the like. If you have questions about a card in specific, please ask.​

 

[Durante]

Heh, if I had a twitter account I'd tweet #IntelnoTIM.

 

[Hazaro]

Change List off the top of my head:

• Monoprice Monitor
• Stealth Keyboard
• Monoprice DJ Headphones
• PC 350SE / 363D
• More mice will be coming
• Enthusiast Cases -> mATX
• Separate SFF section
• Updated Build sheets (Less ASRock now)

An overhauled second post (Images / Banners -> Links) with expansion of some technical stuff like power used, 80+, lying fans, frame latency is up next.
Trimming of excess in the OP is also on the list. Oh, and getting my lazy butt to get this on an external website so I can make some money since I need income.
*Mouse Pads in accessories too.
*LGA 2011 build

 

[Slayer-33]

Nerd power thread, my kinda thread.

 

[Addnan]

@neogafnewthread is not working with the updated site, so the #intelnotim won't show up. Nooo.

 

[GHG]

Who here will be 1st to buy this bad boy?:

http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/new-asus-4k-computer-monitor-to-debut-in-june-1156105

Q3 2013 is when the 4k sickness will start to spread.

 

[Hazaro]

As usual now is a good time to point out things (Typos, feedback, volunteering to do some graphic design, interesting articles or summaries, etc.)

Heh, if I had a twitter account I'd tweet #IntelnoTIM.

@neogafnewthread is not working with the updated site, so the #intelnotim won't show up. Nooo.

It's such a good hashtag too.

For fun (bit.ly link clicks):

 

[bodyboarder]

i3-2130 and 6970.

Is it a good combo gaming wise, will either part bottleneck the other significantly?

 

[Hazaro]

i3-2130 and 6970.

Is it a good combo gaming wise, will either part bottleneck the other significantly?

Very solid. There are a few games that you might run into a CPU limitation with, but overall you should basically be set.

 

[bodyboarder]

Very solid. There are a few games that you might run into a CPU limitation with, but overall you should basically be set.

That is good news. Not playing anything too intensive (mainly bf3/4).

 

[Felix Lighter]

My favorite thread.

 

[Shadowhaxor]

Heads up gang, just wanted to share an experience I just went through. So the past few days I wanted to build a HTPC to replace my WDTV box, just got tired of converting 10-bit encoded media. Anyway I picked up a MSI A55 FM2 mobo with a A6-6400k, nothing to heavy but will do 1080p like a boss and some medium res gaming on the plasma.

Built the PC and got a black screen. After an hour or testing I took it back to the store and had them put it on their tech bench, same result.

Ended up swapping all mobo and went home only to get the same result. As it turns out the current FM2 boards need a bios / UEFI upgrade but the only way to do the upgrade is if you have a older Trinity APU! So I ended up exchanging the A6-6400K with a A8-5400K, which is a dual core to a quad core for 13 bucks more. Now that my bios is upgraded I thought about taking the processor back but it's a quad-core.... no reason.

FYI this issue with with every existing A55 & A75. If you're in the market for a Richland APU, please check the site for the mobo you're interesting in. If you see something like this "Please use Trinity CPU to update BIOS before changing to Richland CPU." you may want to think again.

 

[Hazaro]

I just realized I totally blanked on LGA 2011 builds.
Maaaaaaaaaaaan

 

[Addnan]

I am liking that there are MSI boards in most of the builds. I like MSI boards.

Under UK there are already a lot of stores, but it would be great to have Amazon there. Everyone should buy from Amazon if the options is there. So much easier to deal with than any smaller tech websites.

edit: Overclockers also do custom builds as well as parts.

 

[Spookie]

As someone who is thinking of possibly going over to watercooling in my next build. How much more expensive is it than air? Also does anyone know were you could buy pre built kits in the UK?

 

[n0n44m]

subbed ! best thread on GAF? best thread on GAF!

for those who have an Asus Xonar card with Dolby Headphone, do the following to get great virtual surround sound over your headphones !

to summarize :
1. Install Xonar Unified drivers (better control panel, totally stable, fixes all the issues that the official drivers have).
2. In the C-Media control panel, set system input to 6 channels, turn on headphone mode and enable Dolby Headphone & 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter.
3. Place the virtual speakers according to this picture (those are my personal preferences together with the "Cinema" type Dolby Headphone Reverb; you can play around with it of course, but the wider and closer placement of the rear speakers is most important here !).
4. In game, always adjust the sound settings like if you have a 5.1 surround sound setup. Use settings like "5.1 surround / Home Cinema / Large Dynamic Range" and so on. Do not use the ingame headphone modes, the Dolby Headphone already gives you a better virtualization than those !


Now unfortunately the headphone amp on my Xonar DGX blew for some reason (never remove the headphone plug while the PC is powered on I guess). Luckily I do have an external-USB-DAC-Headphone-AMP combo, and I can get the Xonar Dolby Headphone over this USB "soundcard" using the following trick. This outputs all sounds from the Xonar to my USB DAC (also, because the Xonar output is only 2 channel when in headphone mode, I don't have to use the "Stereo Mix" recording option).

This does supposedly introduce a delay, but I've tested it by outputting to my receiver over an optical cable simultaneously, and when listening to my headphones with 1 ear while having my other near the speaker, the delay was absolutely minimal. In game I noticed no issues either (e.g. the sound when shooting your own gun doesn't seem to be any different / more laggy).

Still, if you have an (headphone) amplifier with an optical (toslink) input you could always just enable the PCM s/pdif output in the Xonar panel, as the Xonar will also output Dolby Headphone over the optical cable without any delay ! I personally just think it's wasteful to have my home theater amplifier using all this power just to power my headphones


anyway I hope this helps you guys. I'm really able to pinpoint enemies behind me in a game like Red Orchestra 2 / Rising Storm. Unfortunately certain games still have a sound mix where foot steps are completely drowned in all the gunfire around you, so don't expect wonders from Dolby Headphone in every game.

If you are looking to buy a new sound card, I can definitely recommend an Asus Dolby Headphone enabled card. The Xonar DGX is a very simple and cheap card that is perfect for gaming with headphones. The better Xonar cards offer more options to connect your speakers as well, just make sure you can connect all your gear at the same time (usually not an issue if your speakers have an amp with optical input, though cards with both Dolby Digital Live AND Dolby Digital Headphone are more expensive!).
Creative does not have the Dolby Headphone, but on their more expensive cards they do have a technique called CMSS-3D which works the same basically (it used to be superior due to some extra features like height, but support for those in modern game engines is no where to be found unfortunately...).

 

[Shadowhaxor]

As someone who is thinking of possibly going over to watercooling in my next build. How much more expensive is it than air? Also does anyone know were you could buy pre built kits in the UK?

What type of water cooling? Are you looking for a full blown kit or a self contained kit like the Corsair water cooler kits; http://www.corsair.com/cpu-cooling-kits/hydro-series-water-cooling-cpu-cooler.html

 

[CoG]

Thinking about rebuilding my HTPC which is now dual boot Linux/MythTV and Windows 7 to a Linux hypervisor running Myth and Windows in VMs. Anyone ever try anything like this?

 

[Spookie]

What type of water cooling? Are you looking for a full blown kit or a self contained kit like the Corsair water cooler kits; http://www.corsair.com/cpu-cooling-kits/hydro-series-water-cooling-cpu-cooler.html

I was thinking CPU/GPU loop.

 

[Osiris]

I am liking that there are MSI boards in most of the builds. I like MSI boards.

Under UK there are already a lot of stores, but it would be great to have Amazon there. Everyone should buy from Amazon if the options is there. So much easier to deal with than any smaller tech websites.

edit: Overclockers also do custom builds as well as parts.

Agreed, Amazon UK really needs to be added, the free delivery (for goods supplied or fulfilled by Amazon) really puts them over the top of a lot of other suppliers.

And Overclockers custom builds are annoying and expensive, for one they only allow limited customization of each build (Different, limited options available for each base built chosen, no "fully custom" option that I can see) and after pricing up a build there you end up paying well over the odds especially as they charge a silly amount for cable management (which should be a standard build feature for a PC in 2013!)

 

[n0n44m]

I was thinking CPU/GPU loop.

It's much more expensive than air

Also much more fun. Especially when you mix and match all the components yourself, so don't get a kit unless it's great value

you'll need a reservoir, pump, radiator, CPU & GPU block, fittings & tubing, radiator fans.

It can potentially be much more quiet compared to air cooling, especially when you have multiple graphics cards, but don't expect the increase in silence and cooling performance to be worth the money. Just do it because you like to build and tweak PCs.

 

[Addnan]

Agreed, Amazon UK really needs to be added, the free delivery (for goods supplied or fulfilled by Amazon) really puts them over the top of a lot of other suppliers.

And Overclockers custom builds are annoying and expensive, for one they only allow limited customization of each build (Different, limited options available for each base built chosen, no "fully custom" option that I can see) and after pricing up a build there you end up paying well over the odds especially as they charge a silly amount for cable management (which should be a standard build feature for a PC in 2013!)

Ah, I don't really look at custom builds. Didn't know about the price hikes.

Another good thing about Amazon is that you can just return stuff to them without any hassle. Just tell them its not working, they won't care.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Thread 2 already? This is a record. Well done

 

[RSTEIN]

On new computer!

Here's a screenshot from GPUZ

Why does the memory size say 2990MB when its a 4gb card? Unless I'm reading it wrong?

 

[n0n44m]

On new computer!

Here's a screenshot from GPUZ

Why does the memory size say 2990MB when its a 4gb card? Unless I'm reading it wrong?

looks like you don't have any drivers installed ?

 

[RSTEIN]

Oh OK

 

[LiquidMetal14]

On new computer!

Here's a screenshot from GPUZ

Why does the memory size say 2990MB when its a 4gb card? Unless I'm reading it wrong?

You better get some drivers and EVGA Precision or MSI Afterburner installed as well. Make sure you don't DL the newer nvidia drivers. Get the 320.14 as the others have been causing issues. Namely 320.18 and 320.22.

 

[woo and indeed hoo]

Thread 2 already? This is a record. Well done

Indeed.

Also, I have been remiss in not thanking the original thread for holding my hand and giving me the moral support to venture into the world of pc specing!

I'm still getting used to Win 7 after using XP for a decade but my pc is an absolute joy. So quiet, so fast, so big and sexy *ahem*. PC gaming is a very pleasant surprise too. All my consoles and handhelds are gathering dust. Given the decades long backlog of pc games I'd like to play I am going to have to find some way of adding more hours into the day I think.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks :wub:.

 

[n0n44m]

You better get some drivers and EVGA Precision or MSI Afterburner installed as well. Make sure you don't DL the newer nvidia drivers. Get the 320.14 as the others have been causing issues. Namely 320.18 and 320.22.

if that is a 770 I think you can only get the 320.18 officialy

to install the GeForce 314.22 Driver WHQL you have to edit a .inf file to get the installer to recognize the 770

 

[LiquidMetal14]

if that is a 770 I think you can only get the 320.18 officialy

to install the GeForce 314.22 Driver WHQL you have to edit a .inf file to get the installer to recognize the 770

Good call. I've been holding off on updating but if he has a 770 then he best get 320.18 then. The newer driver has been causing many issues.

 

[Addnan]

Has anyone with a 7xx had any issues with 320.18? I've been running it and so have a few people I know.

 

[Wolf Akela]

Are SteelSeries Sensei mice all the same? I can only get the Frost Blue edition.

 

[RSTEIN]

Boom!

I have to run, I have a lot more questions. Everything seems to be working tho!

 

[vic2020]

Will the Standard build in OP last me through the next gen console to PC ports if I'm only ever going to run games in 1280x1024 and I'm ok with 30fps?

 

[FLAguy954]

I feel this thread has a severe lack of AMD FX processor information.

 

[Loris146]

Guys i have a question. Is it possible that the Motherboard has an influence on performance ? I have a Asroc Z77 Pro 4 and i have problems in some games like Swtor, with huge frame drops and low use of GPU ( GTX 670) . But for example in The Witcher 2 i have amazing performance with an high usage of my GPU. ( I have clean and reinstall gpu drivers and update the bios of Motherboard).

Do you have some ideas?

 

[Addnan]

Will the Standard build in OP last me through the next gen console to PC ports if I'm only ever going to run games in 1280x1024 and I'm ok with 30fps?

Can't make any promises, but at that low res you should be okay.

I feel this thread has a severe lack of AMD FX processor information.

For gaming Intel right now is just a lot more ahead of anything AMD offers.

 

[diaspora]

I feel this thread has a severe lack of AMD FX processor information.

The 8350 is the only one that matters imo.

For gaming Intel right now is just a lot more ahead of anything AMD offers.

Not at $200.

 

[Cuban Legend]

loving this thread. I always point my friends to it when they want to buy a gaming PC to join me in the Steam-Powered "mustard race".

(searching google for a pic of mustard jars being powered by actual steam, lol)

 

[Flaxh]

Boom!

I have to run, I have a lot more questions. Everything seems to be working tho![/IMG]

Did you end up buying a new display?

The OP states that the ASUS VG23AH is a good option "if you don't wear glasses or glasses with any sort of filters/polarizers.". Is this why a lot of people complain about the grey lines running across it?
Anyone with the MX239H here? I'd like to get some feedback because there's only a couple of reviews of the display.

 

[TheSeks]

So, question: Should I wait for the new consoles to launch before buying parts to build a PC to carry me into the "new generation" or should I buy parts and build now? I'm not sure which way to go but I'm thinking of jumping ship from consoles finally (the only thing tying me to consoles now is FFvs13/15 and MGS5 which apparently is getting a PC port anyway) but I'm not sure if I buy parts now is a smart idea.

 

[Addnan]

The 8350 is the only one that matters imo.



Not at $200.

and the 3570K is only $20 more with a lot better performance in most games.

So, question: Should I wait for the new consoles to launch before buying parts to build a PC to carry me into the "new generation" or should I buy parts and build now? I'm not sure which way to go but I'm thinking of jumping ship from consoles finally (the only thing tying me to consoles now is FFvs13/15 and MGS5 which apparently is getting a PC port anyway) but I'm not sure if I buy parts now is a smart idea.

Its not a bad time to build, not much new is coming out soon. New AMD cards later in the year, but thats about it.

 

[RSTEIN]

Did you end up buying a new display?

The OP states that the ASUS VG23AH is a good option "if you don't wear glasses or glasses with any sort of filters/polarizers.". Is this why a lot of people complain about the grey lines running across it?
Anyone with the MX239H here? I'd like to get some feedback because there's only a couple of reviews of the display.

I just went with the 24" ASUS VS247. Will upgrade later.

 

[kharma45]

New thread eh?

The 8350 is the only one that matters imo.



Not at $200.

I would argue for a 6300 over the i3 now, and the FM2 Athlon's over the Pentiums.

 

[kennah]

Oh me oh my. New thread time!

Water cooling seems to be coming up more often. Should a tiny section with links to guides be added to the op?

 

[Shadowhaxor]

So, question: Should I wait for the new consoles to launch before buying parts to build a PC to carry me into the "new generation" or should I buy parts and build now? I'm not sure which way to go but I'm thinking of jumping ship from consoles finally (the only thing tying me to consoles now is FFvs13/15 and MGS5 which apparently is getting a PC port anyway) but I'm not sure if I buy parts now is a smart idea.

Not seeing why you would wait for the new consoles to drop, its not like they have any impact on the pricing of PC parts. Best time to buy parts is when new revisions come out and pricing on older tech drops, if it drops.

Has anyone with a 7xx had any issues with 320.18? I've been running it and so have a few people I know.

I was running those drivers and I got artifacts all over place, had to mod the 320.11 drivers. Did take a performance hit.

 

[RibbedHero]

Great OP Hazaro and Mkenyon! Subscribing.

 

[j0hnny_385]

As promised in Part 1, here's my Core 2 Duo -> Haswell upgrade:

Upgrades are in bold.

ASUS P5B Deluxe
---> Asus Z87-Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHz OCed to 3.2GHz
---> Intel Core i5 4670K
Scythe Ninja SCNJ-1000 + 120mm fan
---> Noctua NH-D14
4x2GB Kingmax DDR2
---> 2x4GB G.Skill Sniper DDR3, 1600MHz
XFX Radeon 7850 2GB Black Edition
Corsair HX520, 520W PSU
Seagate Baracuda 320GB, SATA-II
Seagate Baracuda 160GB, SATA-II
Samsung DVD-RW
Dell U2412M, 24” LED 1920x1200
Microsoft Ergo 4000 Natural Keyboard
Logitech G400
Antec P183
Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64

Components at a glance:

The first order of business was to remove the old parts.

The patient on the table ready to be gutted:

Antec P183 which I bought a couple of years ago proved itself yet again as a top notch case that can handle anything, even the notorious Noctua NH-D14 cooler.
Installing Noctua itself was pretty much straightforward. Amazing build quality.

Noctua pics:

And here's how it's looking finally assembled and on the floor:

After powering it on, I had no picture on the screen and I got A2 or AE Qcode messages on the board and the VGA LED light was on indicating a problem with the VGA (ASUS LED and Qcodes are amazing).

I removed the GPU, booted with iGPU, I got the picture.

Since I know that my GPU is fine and working, I updated the BIOS to 1007 (from 0804 I believe) and voila, the GPU was working fine.

I fined tuned the BIOS settings to my liking, installed Windows, SP1, patches, software, etc. I'm now downloading games.

I did a simple torture test with OCCT yesterday, I'm happy how it's holding out (ambient temp was ~29C):

Idle temps are around 25-30C.

I don't plan to OC since this is a noticeable step change from my Core 2 Duo.

I can wholeheartedly recommend all the components.

Hope you like it!

- Ivan