• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

"I need a New PC!" 2013 Part 2. Haswell = #IntelnoTIM, but free online. READ THE OP.

Status
Not open for further replies.

coughlanio

Member
Quick and simple question regarding laptops:

AMD A10-5750M & 8970M or Intel i7-4700MQ & 765M.

Can get either for about the same price. Both would be gaming at 1080p.
 

Danj

Member
So I've been looking at mkenyon's SFF build guide as a possible alternative to getting a gaming laptop - any idea if the Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI would be an acceptable substitute for the Maximus VI Impact? The Impact doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK yet.

Also, is there any particular reason that the Samsung 840 SSD has been chosen in favour of the Intel 520 series?
 

AndyBNV

Nvidia

Rockstar job posting looking for people to help develop PC games: http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/07/09/rockstar-job-listing-hints-at-possible-gta-5-pc-release/

“Rockstar Leeds are currently looking for a talented graphics programmer to help bring our latest titles to the PC platform. Working together with the other Rockstar studios, you will be responsible for maintaining the studio’s uncompromising quality bar, delivering the highest quality PC experience possible.”
 

kennah

Member
So I've been looking at mkenyon's SFF build guide as a possible alternative to getting a gaming laptop - any idea if the Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI would be an acceptable substitute for the Maximus VI Impact? The Impact doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK yet.

Also, is there any particular reason that the Samsung 840 SSD has been chosen in favour of the Intel 520 series?

Should be fine.

Cheaper and easier to find.
 

Danj

Member
Oh the other question which has just occurred to me is if I build an SFF gaming PC, what's the best way to transport it? I'd need to be able to take it on the train, for example when going up to my parents' house for Christmas. Will it fit in a suitcase? Or is there a dedicated bag or carrying case that it would be best to use? The specific case I'm looking at out of the SFF ones is the Fractal Design Node 304.
 

kennah

Member
Oh the other question which has just occurred to me is if I build an SFF gaming PC, what's the best way to transport it? I'd need to be able to take it on the train, for example when going up to my parents' house for Christmas. Will it fit in a suitcase? Or is there a dedicated bag or carrying case that it would be best to use? The specific case I'm looking at out of the SFF ones is the Fractal Design Node 304.

I carry mine in a reusable shopping bag.
 

iavi

Member
Could someone point me towards a program that'd test my HDD's stability? Or, the best way to see if it's dying?
 

mkenyon

Banned
So I've been looking at mkenyon's SFF build guide as a possible alternative to getting a gaming laptop - any idea if the Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI would be an acceptable substitute for the Maximus VI Impact? The Impact doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK yet.

Also, is there any particular reason that the Samsung 840 SSD has been chosen in favour of the Intel 520 series?
The reason I don't include a cheaper Z87 board is because for the price, you should probably just be getting the socket 1155/Ivy stuff.

*edit*

Also, I'm not sure whether the Z87N is even a worthwhile part. the Ivy version of it is best suited for non-K processors. Given the fact that it's still at the $135 price point with 4 phase power and no passive cooling on said power tells me that this one is a pass.

*edit 2*

The Samsung 840 is recommended over the Intel because you get more space for money while retaining the same or better reliability. Just don't go for a 120GB Samsung 840 unless it's the Pro. 240GB Standard 840 is fine.
 

Salaadin

Member
Just got my Razer Destructor 2 mouse pad in. Holy crap is this thing slick. I might have to lower my dpi if I dont adjust to this. Very different feel from my Steelseries QCK+.

I have no idea why it comes with a carrying case. Just another thing to add to my junk pile.
 

mkenyon

Banned
That's made for low sens and arm movement. If you are a claw grip with high CPI type person, you might want to look at something with a bit more control.
 

Akuun

Looking for meaning in GAF
The Samsung 840 is recommended over the Intel because you get more space for money while retaining the same or better reliability. Just don't go for a 120GB Samsung 840 unless it's the Pro. 240GB Standard 840 is fine.
Why not the 120GB standard 840? Less value?
 

mkenyon

Banned
The type of memory it uses means a 3-5 year lifespan depending on usage levels. The 240 is 7+ years.

Basically, the more it gets written to, the harder it is to write to that same block again.
 
Fuck.

I went a picked up an extra SATA cable for my disc drive. I came home and hooked it up and plugged in a mouse/keyboard. Press power and.... nothing.

I don't remember doing anything that would affect the power switch. It was working fine last night.
 

Tensketch

Member
Fuck.

I went a picked up an extra SATA cable for my disc drive. I came home and hooked it up and plugged in a mouse/keyboard. Press power and.... nothing.

I don't remember doing anything that would affect the power switch. It was working fine last night.

general consensus when that happens is take everything apart, put them all back one by one and turn it on again. It could be a loose connection, I find that I've knocked my power button cable loose from my MB a number of times when putting new parts in. So if in doubt, reassemble it.
 

kharma45

Member
The type of memory it uses means a 3-5 year lifespan depending on usage levels. The 240 is 7+ years.

Basically, the more it gets written to, the harder it is to write to that same block again.

If we're going by Anand's original calculations they may be off, these guys properly tested the 250GB and got some great life expectancy results. I would imagine the 120GB is a safe enough buy going by this.

FX9xAQ1.png


http://us.hardware.info/reviews/417...-with-final-conclusion-final-update-20-6-2013
 
general consensus when that happens is take everything apart, put them all back one by one and turn it on again. It could be a loose connection, I find that I've knocked my power button cable loose from my MB a number of times when putting new parts in. So if in doubt, reassemble it.

I'm looking at the motherboard, and everything appears to be in place. The only thing I can think of is that when I tried to plug a mouse into the USB on the front panel of the case, it didn't fit right away, and I kind of wiggled it around. I'm wondering if I somehow knocked something loose with the switch itself. That would really suck, because I have no idea how I would check or fix that.

Edit: Removed the front panel and checked around the button, making sure wires looked secure and everything. Still nothing. : (

I was so fucking happy last night when I got to the BIOS screen. I just feel completely defeated right now.
 

HoodWinked

Member
Why not the 120GB standard 840? Less value?

uses different memory 840 uses TLC, while 840 pro uses MLC.

they're pretty similar in real world performance but MLC has ~2.5x more life span and even with TLC i doubt you'll run into any problems as a consumer user. reliability only becomes an issue if youre using it for enterprise/server setups where you're writing to drives a tremendous amount.
 

Dawg

Member
I got a non-HDD (SSD only) pc with a very silent case (Corsair 550D) but it still makes a lot of noise when I'm gaming.

I think it's the EVGA GTX 670 FTW. Weird though, because it only has like one fan and it's quite small. It can't be anything else since the case fans are silent and I only have a stock intel fan left.

Is EVGA supposed to be loud? I've been looking to upgrade to a GTX 770/780 so I don't want to take EVGA again if they're this loud.
 

Seanspeed

Banned
I got a non-HDD (SSD only) pc with a very silent case (Corsair 550D) but it still makes a lot of noise when I'm gaming.

I think it's the EVGA GTX 670 FTW. Weird though, because it only has like one fan and it's quite small. It can't be anything else since the case fans are silent and I only have a stock intel fan left.

Is EVGA supposed to be loud? I've been looking to upgrade to a GTX 770/780 so I don't want to take EVGA again if they're this loud.
Couldn't tell about your specific circumstance, but a single fan may be louder simply because its having to work harder as it has no help and is small.
 

iavi

Member
I got a non-HDD (SSD only) pc with a very silent case (Corsair 550D) but it still makes a lot of noise when I'm gaming.

I think it's the EVGA GTX 670 FTW. Weird though, because it only has like one fan and it's quite small. It can't be anything else since the case fans are silent and I only have a stock intel fan left.

Is EVGA supposed to be loud? I've been looking to upgrade to a GTX 770/780 so I don't want to take EVGA again if they're this loud.

I've got only SSDs in my 550d and it's also plenty loud when gaming too. pretty sure it's the GPU fan rearing up to make up for that OC.

Really want to get a water loop set up here soon.
 

Dawg

Member
Couldn't tell about your specific circumstance, but a single fan may be louder simply because its having to work harder as it has no help and is small.

I've got only SSDs in my 550d and it's also plenty loud when gaming too. pretty sure it's the GPU fan rearing up to make up for that OC.

Really want to get a water loop set up here soon.

I see. Well, it does suck :p Everything is VERY silent, but this one fan ruins it all.
 

knitoe

Member
I got a non-HDD (SSD only) pc with a very silent case (Corsair 550D) but it still makes a lot of noise when I'm gaming.

I think it's the EVGA GTX 670 FTW. Weird though, because it only has like one fan and it's quite small. It can't be anything else since the case fans are silent and I only have a stock intel fan left.

Is EVGA supposed to be loud? I've been looking to upgrade to a GTX 770/780 so I don't want to take EVGA again if they're this loud.

Under load, usually, the video card fan can become very loud, especially reference design setup. The stock CPU coolers can aslo be loud. First, test the CPU fan by running Prime95. Then, stress the video card by running something graphically taxing. Testing should tell you whether one or both are the problem.
 

clav

Member
I got a non-HDD (SSD only) pc with a very silent case (Corsair 550D) but it still makes a lot of noise when I'm gaming.

I think it's the EVGA GTX 670 FTW. Weird though, because it only has like one fan and it's quite small. It can't be anything else since the case fans are silent and I only have a stock intel fan left.

Is EVGA supposed to be loud? I've been looking to upgrade to a GTX 770/780 so I don't want to take EVGA again if they're this loud.

Does your card have a cooler that places a single fan on the far right hand side?

Those coolers suck.
 

TheD

The Detective
If we're going by Anand's original calculations they may be off, these guys properly tested the 250GB and got some great life expectancy results. I would imagine the 120GB is a safe enough buy going by this.

FX9xAQ1.png


http://us.hardware.info/reviews/417...-with-final-conclusion-final-update-20-6-2013

What about the speed?

I remember seeing some tests that showed that both the 840 and 840 Pro slowed down badly after having a lot of data written to them, even after the data was deleted and TRIMed.
 
I tried "shorting" the power switch pins with a screwdriver, as I saw recommended on Google. Absolutely nothing. Agh. Could it really be the motherboard? Why the fuck would it work so perfectly last night and then just stop?
 

Roland1979

Junior Member
I tried "shorting" the power switch pins with a screwdriver, as I saw recommended on Google. Absolutely nothing. Agh. Could it really be the motherboard? Why the fuck would it work so perfectly last night and then just stop?

You did not forget to (English?) discharge (?) any static electricity right? Probably not it, don't know how dangerous that could be, just throwing it out here.
 

Roland1979

Junior Member
If you're going to overclock is it best to turn off any turbo modes, or is it easier to have it on and start from there. I also thought turbo mode will only use the full speed when it is asked for it, in other words when under heavy load. If you overclock will it be on full speed all the time or will it use less energy and run at lower speeds when it's not under stress?
 
What do you guys recommend between the SteelSeries Sensei RAW mouse and the Corsair M65?

Honestly, I value comfort and performance equally and I'm worried that the corsair might be too big for gaming. I'm currently using a G500 that is broken but its alright, the side buttons get a bit irritating.
 

Roland1979

Junior Member
What do you guys recommend between the SteelSeries Sensei RAW mouse and the Corsair M65?

Honestly, I value comfort and performance equally and I'm worried that the corsair might be too big for gaming. I'm currently using a G500 that is broken but its alright, the side buttons get a bit irritating.

Logitech G400 if you don't mind optical. Is going from 60,- for 30,- since they're being replaced by the G400s.
 
Picked up a Logitech m950, which arrived in the post today. It really feels like the inheritor of the MX1000 design, which served me faithfully for 4 years or so but eventually wore out in the ol' scroll wheel. Aesthetics are similar, ergonomics are very similar, is a laser, has roughly the same number of buttons etc. I have been using a generic MS mouse for the last couple of years, so this is a fairly big step up in price bracket.

4374805l4sp5.jpg


Liking it so far, although the sensitivity and weight are a bit of a change from the mouse I was using until now, so it'll take some time to adjust.
 
Logitech G400 if you don't mind optical. Is going from 60,- for 30,- since they're being replaced by the G400s.

Mmm, nah I have the G500 that one seems very similar and sort of a downgrade. I want something different since I've been using a Logitech mouse for close to a decade. Also is there a noticable difference between optical and laser? Actually on that topic, I would prefer to have the laser near the back of the mouse as opposed to the front like my G500.
 

ExMachina

Unconfirmed Member
Putting together a build for my brother since I'm visiting him in a few weeks... He'll be going from my hand-me-down q6600 + 9800gt PC, the jump's gonna be huge for him. :D

Budget: $800 / USA
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Witcher 2, Skyrim, Bioshock Infinite, Guild Wars 2
Looking to reuse any parts?: OS - Windows 7 Pro OEM, 600w PSU, HDD, Optical Drive, Mouse
When will you build?: The last week of July.
Will you be overclocking?: Yep.

Here's my initial list, just going by Haz's "great" build in the OP and price comparisons. I haven't been keeping up with parts recently, so please let me know if this is alright...

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1f2Yn
 

kennah

Member
Bumping since it was ignored.

http://bit.ly/1dgGwen

Depends on the fans and the motherboard and a lot of other information. GPU Fans can be controlled with MSI Afterburner and other software, but for the most part case fans run at the speed they run. You might have options in your bios to slow them down. Your motherboard might have come with software that does the same thing.

You weren't ignored, there just isn't much we can do for you without more information.
 
What's the best program to check for hard drive health? When my faulty drive died all but one program said everything was fine even though the drive was clearly dying, but it was so long ago I don't remember which program it was at all :(
 

EatChildren

Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
Pehaps an GTX 880 next year ? :)

GTX 780 oced is more a less a Titan. Believe.

Definitely considering an 800-series card next year if my 670 gets hit hard. The X80 variants are still so expensive though. Cheapest here is ~AU$759, and I expect the 880 to be at least that when it launches :/.
 

Roland1979

Junior Member
Mmm, nah I have the G500 that one seems very similar and sort of a downgrade. I want something different since I've been using a Logitech mouse for close to a decade. Also is there a noticable difference between optical and laser? Actually on that topic, I would prefer to have the laser near the back of the mouse as opposed to the front like my G500.

Yes there is a difference. Not very big though. Optical supposedly track better, so more precise (fps). Laser probably gives better speeds (rts).
http://www.sk-gaming.com/forum/18-Hardware/1534163-Mouse_Optical_or_Laser Probably personal as well.
But if you have a good mouse I don't see the point of buying another one honestly.
And just because one is a lower number doesn't mean it's a downgrade. Or do you believe higher DPI is better, as in, above 3000/4000?
It's just a different mouse, but i really doubt it's better.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/124679-13-logitech-g500-g400
http://www.overclock.net/t/1283577/replacing-g400-with-g500-a-mistake

By the way the G400 no longer has prediction (for a while now) and standard acceleration is OFF (though it might be ON in your Windows settings, so check that).
 

Danj

Member
The reason I don't include a cheaper Z87 board is because for the price, you should probably just be getting the socket 1155/Ivy stuff.

*edit*

Also, I'm not sure whether the Z87N is even a worthwhile part. the Ivy version of it is best suited for non-K processors. Given the fact that it's still at the $135 price point with 4 phase power and no passive cooling on said power tells me that this one is a pass.

*edit 2*

The Samsung 840 is recommended over the Intel because you get more space for money while retaining the same or better reliability. Just don't go for a 120GB Samsung 840 unless it's the Pro. 240GB Standard 840 is fine.

Thanks for the replies. If the Z87N is no good, is there any acceptable substitute for the Maximus VI Impact? I can't find it anywhere in the UK, and it's not listed on Newegg in the USA either.
 

sirap

Member
Thinking of getting a second Titan for SLI. How does it scale? Before the Titan I had 2x7950's. Ran into a few problems here and there but I heard SLI is better?
 
Bought a new Geforce 660 2Gb GC for my PC, also a new PSU. But my Bios is still giving me errors. I replaced the battery and sometimes the PC wont turn on. Have to switch the PSU off then on and push the on switch. And it takes me to the Bios screen with the Following errors:

CMOS Setting Wrong
CMOS Date/Time not Set
CMOS Checksum Bad

Fuck! Any help here?
Already reseted to factory settings and nothing. Heres hoping its not the MOBO.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom