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[Hazaro]

What are the steps I should take if I want to hit 1080p 60fps on most games? In the case of a new GPU, what would you recommend? I'm sure I'd also need a better power source and cooling solution as well, but for gaming would the rest be okay? Or are the returns I'm seeking impossible with that CPU?


Edit - Jesus that's a lot of question marks. I'm sorry if I'm being annoying or anything, I've never built a PC before haha.

The best thing you could do is drop in a $150-$170 GPU (See OP), if your PSU can't handle it pickup at a budget PSU from the OP. 650Ti Boost 2GB is a great card.
Cooling is fine. CPU you can upgrade to an AMD FX8--- if/when you want to, or go Intel, but you'll get a great boost from a new GPU/PSU.
*Specs say 480W PSU so youl should be okay, probably will need some 4pin molex to 6 pin PCI-E adapters though

 

[Barkley's Justice]

Is this a good rig? Should I wait for the next Nvidia card refresh?

 

[chaosblade]

Is this a good rig? Should I wait for the next Nvidia card refresh?

For someone that knows for sure they don't want to OC, it's a decent rig, but not for that price. You could probably build that for $400-$500 less I'd guess.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

For someone that knows for sure they don't want to OC, it's a decent rig, but not for that price. You could probably build that for $400-$500 less I'd guess.

Wow, really? Is there a tool online I could build a PC with and see price comparisons?

 

[moho-foe]

Wow, really? Is there a tool online I could build a PC with and see price comparisons?

http://pcpartpicker.com/

 

[Megasoum]

What's the best "gaming" keyboard nowadays?

I bought a Logitech G510s during the holidays and I like it overall but it has a weird defect with the space bar. Sometime it misses key strokes and sometimes it will double it. Not gamebreaking per say but really annoying.

My windows to return it is closing fast (on the 31st) and I'm not sure I want to pick up another 510s. First of all, according to google, it looks like it's a widespread problem and anyway the keyboard is out of stock at the store where I bought it.

The most important part is that I need it to have a backlight. I really like the lcd screen too but it looks like only the Logitech keyboards have those.

Any of the razor products maybe?

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Locked in for early Feb for my 780ti's. It's almost happening.

 

[IllumiNate]

Locked in for early Feb for my 780ti's. It's almost happening.

Planning on joining the 4k gamers club?

 

[hipbabboom]

Q3 for Haswell-E.

NVIDIA 800 series will likely launch with the Gwhatever104 variant as the top dog, with the Gwhatever110 variant coming out a year later, like they did with Kepler.

Any chance these will launch alongside a ddr4 chipset?

 

[Chris R]

Just ordered a 600W PSU, going down from a 750W PSU.

Currently have a i7-3770k, 16GB ram, 256GB SSD, 1TB HD and a 670 GPU. I didn't make a mistake right? I don't have a kill a watt or whatever the draw tool is to see what I was currently running.

 

[Chocobro]

I recently replaced my Mid-2010 Macbook Pro's 2.5" HDD with an SSD. Is there a USB external enclosure you guys would recommend?

 

[Bboy AJ]

Does no one read the OP? Heh

 

[kennah]

Just ordered a 600W PSU, going down from a 750W PSU.

Currently have a i7-3770k, 16GB ram, 256GB SSD, 1TB HD and a 670 GPU. I didn't make a mistake right? I don't have a kill a watt or whatever the draw tool is to see what I was currently running.

That would run fine on a good 450W. What did you order exactly?

I recently replaced my Mid-2010 Macbook Pro's 2.5" HDD with an SSD. Is there a USB external enclosure you guys would recommend?

Get something cheap and local. Which model exactly? Does it have FireWire? That would be your best bet as that year doesn't have thunderbolt or usb3.

Any chance these will launch alongside a ddr4 chipset?

There's always a chance. We don't know for sure.

Does no one read the OP? Heh

Some do.

 

[Chris R]

That would run fine on a good 450W. What did you order exactly?

Modular Corsair (CX) 600W.

I have a Corsair 700W now but it isn't modular. Cleaning up the case a bit.

 

[Hazaro]

I recently replaced my Mid-2010 Macbook Pro's 2.5" HDD with an SSD. Is there a USB external enclosure you guys would recommend?

If there's a good one someone should let me know (and doesnt cost $60)

 

[AJLma]

Alright, it's about time to ditch this AMD processor. It's done me well and allowed me to get up and running, but it's time to upgrade both my case and processor.

I think I'm going to sell my FX-6350 and upgrade to an i7-3770K or something similar.

Now my questions to you guys are:

1. Is a 3770K a wise investment at this point? I chose it because I already have this motherboard sitting around.

2. What would be the smallest case that I could fit these components into?

Motherboard: BIOSTAR TZ77A - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138353
CPU: i7-3770K
GPU: Vapor-X 7970 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001
HDD: Seagate 3.5" 2TB Hybrid Drive
PSU: 650W Corsair TX650 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
1x Wireless Adapter Card
No disc drives

 

[DarkFlow]

If there's a good one someone should let me know (and doesnt cost $60)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E362W9O/?tag=neogaf0e-20

$12.99 for USB 3.0, or $6.99 for 2.0. Seems to have good ratings.

 

[LordAlu]

Alright, it's about time to ditch this AMD processor. It's done me well and allowed me to get up and running, but it's time to upgrade both my case and processor.

I think I'm going to sell my FX-6350 and upgrade to an i7-3770K or something similar.

Now my questions to you guys are:

1. Is a 3770K a wise investment at this point? I chose it because I already have this motherboard sitting around.

2. What would be the smallest case that I could fit these components into?

Motherboard: BIOSTAR TZ77A - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138353
CPU: i7-3770K
GPU: Vapor-X 7970 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001
HDD: Seagate 3.5" 2TB Hybrid Drive
PSU: 650W Corsair TX650 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
1x Wireless Adapter Card
No disc drives

Since you've got an ATX motherboard and a large graphics card, you'd likely be looking at a good quality mid-tower like the Cooler Master N400 or the Corsair 200R to fit them in.

 

[ezekial45]

Guys, I have an important question.

Is it a bad sign that if your HDD is making audible (not loud, but noticeable) loading noises? It kinda sounds like a console loading a game or something. It's not grinding or crunching, but it's make somewhat a buzz noise, i guess.

I just bought this HDD last month, and it just started doing this in the last week.

 

[Hazaro]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E362W9O/?tag=neogaf0e-20

$12.99 for USB 3.0, or $6.99 for 2.0. Seems to have good ratings.

Those aren't for full size (3.5") drives.

Guys, I have an important question.

Is it a bad sign that if your HDD is making audible (not loud, but noticeable) loading noises? It kinda sounds like a console loading a game or something. It's not grinding or crunching, but it's make somewhat a buzz noise, i guess.

I just bought this HDD last month, and it just started doing this in the last week.

Seagates click more, but more noise is never good. Get SMART data and run an HDD diagnostic from your manufacturer website.

 

[DarkFlow]

Alright, it's about time to ditch this AMD processor. It's done me well and allowed me to get up and running, but it's time to upgrade both my case and processor.

I think I'm going to sell my FX-6350 and upgrade to an i7-3770K or something similar.

Now my questions to you guys are:

1. Is a 3770K a wise investment at this point? I chose it because I already have this motherboard sitting around.

2. What would be the smallest case that I could fit these components into?

Motherboard: BIOSTAR TZ77A - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138353
CPU: i7-3770K
GPU: Vapor-X 7970 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001
HDD: Seagate 3.5" 2TB Hybrid Drive
PSU: 650W Corsair TX650 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
1x Wireless Adapter Card
No disc drives

You could go the route i'm going if you want to save money. Put a Xeon E3-1245 in there. You already have a GPU, so lack of onboard video is moot.

Those aren't for full size (3.5") drives.

Seagates click more, but more noise is never good. Get SMART data and run an HDD diagnostic from your manufacturer website.

No, but it is the size he wanted.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ASY5ZY/?tag=neogaf0e-20 3.5 inch for $19.99 but only 2.0.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00APP6694/?tag=neogaf0e-20 USB 3.0 for $29.95 and fits both 3.5 and 2.5.

 

[kennah]

You could go the route i'm going if you want to save money. Put a Xeon E3-1245 in there. You already have a GPU, so lack of onboard video is moot.

He has a Z board. He'll be better off with the 3770K.

 

[Hazaro]

No, but it is the size he wanted.

Oh I can't read.
Yeah anything recent on USB 3 is fine really, even direct USBx2 power to SATA works fine.

 

[kiyomi]

Hey guys, first time poster here. For about the past week or two I've started to get serious about buying a new PC, since it's been about 5 years since we had a new computer and the Mac I'm using for everything is really showing its' age. Barely able to run the OS we upgraded to.

It's also been about 10 years since I regularly used a desktop PC running Windows, so it's going to be a new experience for me in a way.. and to top it off, I want to build the thing myself. I'm really throwing myself in the deep end as I know next to nothing.

Anyway, some basic conclusions have arrived and here's a very early list of what I might be aiming at using PC Part Picker;

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£167.99 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£58.62 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£59.98 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£43.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card (£151.97 @ Dabs)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case (£38.64 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£53.54 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) (£72.59 @ Ebuyer)
Monitor: Hannspree HE225DPB 21.5" Monitor (£89.98 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £737.30

We would be using it for daily HD streaming and daily gaming mostly, as well as some work in GIMP/Photoshop. I'd like to be able to have a good gaming experience, capable of running PS360-gen games comfortably, as well as be able to play some next-gen games at a reasonable level. Will this be enough? I don't really want to be spending a whole lot more unless necessary. And yeah, I picked the cheapest 1080 monitor I could find.

I have some other questions too, but I didn't want to make the post too long. Thanks!

 

[jonno394]

My Gigabyte 280x just turned up and it's rev 2 so it has the black PCB, very happy

Took a gamble with ordering from Pixmania but their customer service and turn around times were great, the packaging was done well and the cost was a bargain (£230), just hope there's no issues with it now (i'll find out at the end of the month)

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

So what's with the lack of 802.11ac parts for desktops? Particularly PCI-e add-on cards, rather than POS USB wireless adapters with .5" antennas?

 

[nicjac]

Any opinion on wired vs wireless keyboards/mice? The latter is obviously more practical but what about input lag, security and battery life concerns? I would rather go wireless unless there are significant downsides.

 

[HoosTrax]

So what's with the lack of 802.11ac parts for desktops? Particularly PCI-e add-on cards, rather than POS USB wireless adapters with .5" antennas?

Not sure what you mean -- my motherboard has it built-in (ASUS Maximus VI Impact).

Personally, I'm quite happy to be done with expansion cards and USB dongles for simple things like wireless and bluetooth. It's ridiculous to have an entire slot dedicated to it, where you see this almost blank PCB with a chip on it and a few traces.

 

[scottzorus]

Would having a native 1440p monitor be less taxing on a gpu than downsampling 1440 to 1080?

 

[Rufus]

Can't imagine the scaling adds much to the overhead. The difference would probably be negligible, since your machine would still be pushing the same amount of pixels.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Planning on joining the 4k gamers club?

Soon enough. I want to be able ti run games well for a long while and next year will be all Haswell-E so I need to spend money on great GPU's this year.

 

[OminoMichelin]

Finally! all the pieces are here!
Any hint before I start? I'm thinking to go get a rubber band just to be sure (unless a rubber elastic is enough lol)

 

[Dr Dogg]

Guys, I have an important question.

Is it a bad sign that if your HDD is making audible (not loud, but noticeable) loading noises? It kinda sounds like a console loading a game or something. It's not grinding or crunching, but it's make somewhat a buzz noise, i guess.

I just bought this HDD last month, and it just started doing this in the last week.

I've got an old Samsung F3 that about a month after buying it started to making a whirring sound as it was spinning up. Kind of sounded like the Millennium Falcon trying to go into hyperdrive when it finally settled. Despite all this after 3 years it's still going strong. Some drives do make some funny noises after they've bed in for a while (I've found Seagate ones seam to pulse which you can feel on the side of the case).

I'd put it through a test with something like Crystal Disc or HD Tune to check if everything is ok and just see how you go. Though if you're having actual access or storage issues and within a time frame to get a quick return from what ever retailer you bought it from is something to keep in mind.

 

[Smokey]

Locked in for early Feb for my 780ti's. It's almost happening.

I live through you

 

[Coldsnap]

What's the best mini itx case for basic computer function? Was thinking nice mini itx motherboard + cpu + ssd + fanless power supply. Just need something for work in my office.

 

[bigkrev]

So, I built my computer yesterday!

The only issue it's having is that it was making a lot of noise- which Google told me could either be coil whine or a bad HDD. I disconnected the HDD and the noise didn't go away, which told me that it is probably the GPU (a Gigabyte gtx 770 2gb). I stopped the fans with my fingers and the noise did not go away, which confirmed it was coil whine. I comes regardless of the load on the system (no noise whatsoever while playing games some times, consistent and annoying when the only program running is iTunes).

I really don't want to RMA this. Some people said it just goes away after some time. How long should I wait to see if the problem goes away? Or is this a real issue?

 

[bro1]

Just ordered a 600W PSU, going down from a 750W PSU.

Currently have a i7-3770k, 16GB ram, 256GB SSD, 1TB HD and a 670 GPU. I didn't make a mistake right? I don't have a kill a watt or whatever the draw tool is to see what I was currently running.

That will be fine. Can I ask why, and what PSU you got? I bought a 600W Silverstone Strider that is SIlver/Gold rated and it runs the same thing almost with a MSI 770 Lightning that requires two 8pin adapters without a problem.

 

[HoosTrax]

So, I built my computer yesterday!

The only issue it's having is that it was making a lot of noise- which Google told me could either be coil whine or a bad HDD. I disconnected the HDD and the noise didn't go away, which told me that it is probably the GPU (a Gigabyte gtx 770 2gb). I stopped the fans with my fingers and the noise did not go away, which confirmed it was coil whine. I comes regardless of the load on the system (no noise whatsoever while playing games some times, consistent and annoying when the only program running is iTunes).

I really don't want to RMA this. Some people said it just goes away after some time. How long should I wait to see if the problem goes away? Or is this a real issue?

Coil whine sounds like a high-pitched squealing noise. It's more of an annoying sound than it is loud. Personally, the one and only time I've heard coil whine is when I ran Folding on my old GTX570. I've never heard coil whine on an idling video card.

These days, unless the video card is working hard, I find that the most noticeable source of noise is usually the optical drive(s). Moreso if there's a disc inside. I've also had a dying case fan make a lot of noise.

 

[bigkrev]

Coil whine sounds like a high-pitched squealing noise. It's more of an annoying sound than it is loud. Personally, the one and only time I've heard coil whine is when I ran Folding on my old GTX570. I've never heard coil whine on an idling video card.

These days, unless the video card is working hard, I find that the most noticeable source of noise is usually the optical drive(s). Moreso if there's a disc inside. I've also had a dying case fan make a lot of noise.

My optical drive isn't connected right now (only ended up with 2 SATA cables, used for the SSD and HDD. and it isn't a squealing noise, its more of a buzzing noise. So it might not be coil whine?

 

[Danj]

Anyone have any ideas what might be causing the recent spate of STOP 0x0000001A MEMORY_MANAGEMENT blue screens I've been having lately?

Here's the most recent ones:

012014-6193-01.dmp 20/01/2014 16:59:04 MEMORY_MANAGEMENT 0x0000001a 00000000`00000403 fffff680`0004c4a0 80b00002`d0aa886f fffff680`0084c4a0 nvlddmkm.sys nvlddmkm.sys+1ec1ff x64 ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 C:\Windows\Minidump\012014-6193-01.dmp 8 15 7601 292,984 20/01/2014 16:59:32
012014-6598-01.dmp 20/01/2014 06:53:46 MEMORY_MANAGEMENT 0x0000001a 00000000`00000403 fffff680`000f1cd0 f0800002`d0aa8867 fffff680`008f1cd0 ntoskrnl.exe ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 NT Kernel & System Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Microsoft Corporation 6.1.7601.18247 (win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532) x64 ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 C:\Windows\Minidump\012014-6598-01.dmp 8 15 7601 293,032 20/01/2014 06:54:15
010414-5850-01.dmp 04/01/2014 16:01:09 MEMORY_MANAGEMENT 0x0000001a 00000000`00000403 fffff680`000332a8 b3900002`d0aa8867 fffff680`008332a8 ntoskrnl.exe ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 NT Kernel & System Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Microsoft Corporation 6.1.7601.18247 (win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532) x64 ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 C:\Windows\Minidump\010414-5850-01.dmp 8 15 7601 292,384 04/01/2014 16:01:32
010414-6115-01.dmp 04/01/2014 15:59:49 MEMORY_MANAGEMENT 0x0000001a 00000000`00000403 fffff680`001bb4b0 d0600002`d0aa8867 fffff680`009bb4b0 ntoskrnl.exe ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 NT Kernel & System Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Microsoft Corporation 6.1.7601.18247 (win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532) x64 ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 C:\Windows\Minidump\010414-6115-01.dmp 8 15 7601 292,472 04/01/2014 16:00:19
122713-5678-01.dmp 27/12/2013 14:27:19 MEMORY_MANAGEMENT 0x0000001a 00000000`00000783 fffff880`0c3b73f0 fffff980`2a140000 fffff8a0`0c4abb70 ntoskrnl.exe ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 NT Kernel & System Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Microsoft Corporation 6.1.7601.18247 (win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532) x64 ntoskrnl.exe+75bc0 C:\Windows\Minidump\122713-5678-01.dmp 8 15 7601 292,576 27/12/2013 14:27:40

That latest one seems like it's nVidia's fault, but I already have the latest non-beta driver, should I be using a beta driver?

It's also been suggested to me that this might be a result of wrong RAM timings. I know that I'd need to go into the BIOS to change those, but what should I change if that's the case?

 

[AJLma]

Since you've got an ATX motherboard and a large graphics card, you'd likely be looking at a good quality mid-tower like the Cooler Master N400 or the Corsair 200R to fit them in.

Disappointing, but a quick look inside my current tower should have told me that this was the case. I guess if I upgrade my case it'll be for less noise and better cooling.

You could go the route i'm going if you want to save money. Put a Xeon E3-1245 in there. You already have a GPU, so lack of onboard video is moot.

That's an option I hadn't considered, I'll probably stick with the i7 series though. What about a 2600K or 2700K? Would these be good choices?

Just trying to keep my options open since I'll be bargain hunting for the best deal anyway.

 

[mkenyon]

Any chance these will launch alongside a ddr4 chipset?

They most definitely will. X99 chipset with DDR4. The least expensive proc will be $330-350, and entry-level motherboards will be $250-300.

Any opinion on wired vs wireless keyboards/mice? The latter is obviously more practical but what about input lag, security and battery life concerns? I would rather go wireless unless there are significant downsides.

You pretty much nailed the concerns. Get zip ties and you won't have to worry about wires anymore.

 

[LiquidMetal14]

I live through you

Don't you have SLI GPU's? I actually want to mod Skyrim here today and see how it runs on my 670.

Going from a reference 670 to a Gigabyte 780ti GHZ (windforce) should be quite the increment jump with 1 GPU, let alone 2.

 

[mkenyon]

Don't you have SLI GPU's? I actually want to mod Skyrim here today and see how it runs on my 670.

Going from a reference 670 to a Gigabyte 780ti GHZ (windforce) should be quite the increment jump with 1 GPU, let alone 2.

Already have a home for the 670?

 

[Sourtreats]

So I've got a HDD with all my steam games saved on from a previous install of windows. Am i going to experience problems if I just open them on a fresh install of windows?

 

[kennah]

That's an option I hadn't considered, I'll probably stick with the i7 series though. What about a 2600K or 2700K? Would these be good choices?

Just trying to keep my options open since I'll be bargain hunting for the best deal anyway.

Those're fine too. Only 10-15% slower than a 3770K clock for clock, but will make up for it with a better over clock.

 

[Sami+]

The best thing you could do is drop in a $150-$170 GPU (See OP), if your PSU can't handle it pickup at a budget PSU from the OP. 650Ti Boost 2GB is a great card.
Cooling is fine. CPU you can upgrade to an AMD FX8--- if/when you want to, or go Intel, but you'll get a great boost from a new GPU/PSU.
*Specs say 480W PSU so youl should be okay, probably will need some 4pin molex to 6 pin PCI-E adapters though

So I could get a new CPU and GPU without having to replace the motherboard?

 

[Smokey]

Don't you have SLI GPU's? I actually want to mod Skyrim here today and see how it runs on my 670.

Going from a reference 670 to a Gigabyte 780ti GHZ (windforce) should be quite the increment jump with 1 GPU, let alone 2.

I had 2 titans in a past life. Now I'm stuck with only one

And I said I wouldn't buy any new parts this year

 

[Adry9]

Hi Gaf, a friend of mine is looking to build his first gaming PC and he is looking for something like this.

Budget: 1000€, Spain (I could ship from anywhere in Europe if the product is much cheaper).
Main Use: Gaming.
Monitor Resolution: He'll get it later.
Looking to reuse any parts?: No
When will you build?: February
Will you be overclocking?: No.

We're just looking for the computer now, no mouse, monitor or external components.

Thanks.

 

[Foxyone]

I've wanted to build a PC for over a year, but my mate keeps insisting I wait for 6-12 months until I move to the UK, so I don't have to ship a whole PC there. Is it really the right decision to hold off getting a PC in the US for that reason? Parts are more expensive in the UK, and even with the price of shipping, I'd probably have spent less money buying here and sending it over there.