Support NeoGAF

[BrokenEchelon]

Hooooboy! It's finally time!

My goal is to play games at 2048x1152 @ 60 FPS on a 60Hz monitor on max settings.

My long-term plan is to build a rig that will support a stronger card once Pascal comes out two years from now on, at which time I'll upgrade my monitor and resolution as well, but that's not relevant right now.

Build comes out to be $1200~

Any suggestions? Particularly, is there a consensus on the best 970 non-ref card yet?

 

[Kilrogg]

What's a good run-of-the-mill webcam to get these days?

 

[Windom Earle]

Updated build:

 

[BrokenEchelon]

What's a good run-of-the-mill webcam to get these days?

I bought a generic 1080p HP webcam about five years ago that's worked out fine for me. Has a decent microphone on it too.

 

[fluffydelusions]

Hooooboy! It's finally time!

My goal is to play games at 2048x1152 @ 60 FPS on a 60Hz monitor on max settings.

My long-term plan is to build a rig that will support a stronger card once Pascal comes out two years from now on, at which time I'll upgrade my monitor and resolution as well, but that's not relevant right now.

Build comes out to be $1200~

Any suggestions? Particularly, is there a consensus on the best 970 non-ref card yet?

Nearly the same config as mine that I built just last week lol. I have that same mobo. Update the bios when you set it up. I was getting higher than normal CPU temps then updated the bios and it was fine.

 

[ricki42]

I have been researching which motherboards support the i5-4690K. Pretty much any Z97 board is compatible with a BIOS update, but most don't support it out of the box.

I bought an i5-4690K recently, and I just want a motherboard that will work. Why is that so difficult? Why do I have to cross my fingers and hope that Amazon or Newegg ships me a board with a newer BIOS revision? At this point I wonder if I should order an ASRock Z97 Anniversary, just to be safe.

I have a 4790k on a Asus Z97-A and it worked out of the box with an older BIOS (version 0902). The newer BIOS 'enhances compatibility' and 'optimizes performance' according to its description, but the board will recognize the CPU and work. I ran like that for over a month. I decided to finally start looking into overclocking, so I just updated the BIOS this morning using the EZ flash method, no problem there.

 

[Splenivore]

I have a 4790k on a Asus Z97-A and it worked out of the box with an older BIOS (version 0902). The newer BIOS 'enhances compatibility' and 'optimizes performance' according to its description, but the board will recognize the CPU and work. I ran like that for over a month. I decided to finally start looking into overclocking, so I just updated the BIOS this morning using the EZ flash method, no problem there.

Phew, thank you. That's a load off my mind. I thought "unsupported" meant that it wouldn't POST at all.

 

[megateto]

I have been researching which motherboards support the i5-4690K. Pretty much any Z97 board is compatible with a BIOS update, but most don't support it out of the box.

I bought a Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H early September for my brand new 4790k. The thing worked out of the box properly, without any hiccups unless I ran Prime 95, when it would jump close to 100°. I reapplied and reseated my NH-D15 to no avail. I got nervous, asked here, and I was told to update my bios, which took less than 5 minutes and bam, less than 75°C running Prime. It really is a very simple process, don't worry. Or at least not about that.

 

[Superimposer]

Why can't I overclock my GPU memory even 10MHz from stock? Artifacts everywhere, while I can overclock the core quite comfortably.

 

[The Llama]

Why can't I overclock my GPU memory even 10MHz from stock? Artifacts everywhere, while I can overclock the core quite comfortably.

Luck, basically.

That said, with so little headroom I'd be a little concerned. Could potentially have problems in the future.

 

[hypernima]

My computer is taking a ridiculously long time to boot and shut down, especially since its SSD, anyone got any tips to making it back like when I first built my rig?

 

[Felix Lighter]

My computer is taking a ridiculously long time to boot and shut down, especially since its SSD, anyone got any tips to making it back like when I first built my rig?

Out of curiosity, what drive do you have?

 

[- J - D -]

Hi pc gaf, is there any logic in wanting to go from AIO water cooling back to air?

 

[phxxBullet]

Hi pc gaf, is there any logic in wanting to go from AIO water cooling back to air?

Some pumps can get really loud, louder than a good air cooling.
That's one reason.

 

[LilJoka]

Some pumps can get really loud, louder than a good air cooling.
That's one reason.

Yeah id say noise too. Reliability is also a factor but not a huge reason to go back.

 

[Rafy]

Thanks!
I'll save a cart for later and maybe wait for the 960 and see if I have the money then.

Should I get a new case + power supply as well or keep my old one?

Edit: I have a £60 gift card on amazon.co.uk as well.
Edit 2: I also am willing to use cdon, webhallen, netonnet and similar stores as well. If I'm building it myself there is always the option to purchase different part from different suppliers, right?

I say keep the old ones but if you can, get a better power supply, case should be fine.

 

[- J - D -]

Some pumps can get really loud, louder than a good air cooling.
That's one reason.

Yeah id say noise too. Reliability is also a factor but not a huge reason to go back.

Yeah, noise is predominantly the reason I want to go back. I'm on an H100. I suppose I could try getting the Quiet Edition fans, but that'd effect cooling ability.

I've been wanting to pick up the Noctua D14 or D15.

 

[ScribbleD]

I'm planning to finally replace my GTX 480 and my budget is around $200. What's the best I can do in terms of upgrading? I'll be making a purchase probably around December if that helps.

Edit: Preferably other Nvidia cards, but I'm open to an AMD card if it's a significant enough upgrade.

 

[ThisOne]

I keep getting a blank screen for a couple seconds and then the message "display driver stopped responding and has recovered". Is this indicative of the video card crapping out? Seems to happen mostly when I try to watch YouTube videos full screen at 720p or 1080p. The card is a Radeon 6870, I believe. Never really used to have this problem.

 

[LilJoka]

Yeah, noise is predominantly the reason I want to go back. I'm on an H100. I suppose I could try getting the Quiet Edition fans, but that'd effect cooling ability.

I've been wanting to pick up the Noctua D14 or D15.

D14 or Silver Arrow is a great choice. The corsair systems aren't loud due to fans, it's the pump hum. My system was totally silent till I moved to H80i (fans 600rpm) from my Silver Arrow Extreme. At very high loads the corsair can still be kept quiet by limiting to 1200rpm, but it's when idle the difference in noise is largest. It's annoying for me since my PC is a workstation, peace and quiet is greatly appreciated when doing normal work loads.

 

[Fedelias]

Hey PC gaf, in terms of performance what differences would I notice between a 4690k and a 4790k? Is it worth the $100 difference?

 

[xBladeM6x]

Hey PC gaf, in terms of performance what differences would I notice between a 4690k and a 4790k? Is it worth the $100 difference?

For gaming, not really.

 

[kharma45]

Hey PC gaf, in terms of performance what differences would I notice between a 4690k and a 4790k? Is it worth the $100 difference?

Depends what you're doing with it.

 

[- J - D -]

D14 or Silver Arrow is a great choice. The corsair systems aren't loud due to fans, it's the pump hum. My system was totally silent till I moved to H80i (fans 600rpm) from my Silver Arrow Extreme. At very high loads the corsair can still be kept quiet by limiting to 1200rpm, but it's when idle the difference in noise is largest. It's annoying for me since my PC is a workstation, peace and quiet is greatly appreciated when doing normal work loads.

Okay yeah I do notice the hum, and it's noticeable enough even during light browsing when my cpu is barely doing work. Granted, it's still warm here in California so my ambient temps are kind of high. I'll look into the Silver Arrow. Thanks

I keep getting a blank screen for a couple seconds and then the message "display driver stopped responding and has recovered". Is this indicative of the video card crapping out? Seems to happen mostly when I try to watch YouTube videos full screen at 720p or 1080p. The card is a Radeon 6870, I believe. Never really used to have this problem.

New drivers? Or maybe roll back to an old one? I had an issue with that error early this year with AMD driver releases back in January. It caused some issues. Rolling back for a while fixed it.

 

[The Interrobanger]

The builds in the OP are getting pretty outdated now, no?

I just need a solid PC for photo editing and music production as I only play games on consoles.

Could anyone suggest a cheap, efficient build? I imagine it'll be RAM heavy and won't need a super high end GPU. Trying to keep it between $500-750 CND.

 

[kharma45]

The builds in the OP are getting pretty outdated now, no?

I just need a solid PC for photo editing and music production as I only play games on consoles.

Could anyone suggest a cheap, efficient build? I imagine it'll be RAM heavy and won't need a super high end GPU. Trying to keep it between $500-750 CND.

They're still fairly good. New Nvidia GPUs need added as well as Haswell-E ones but bar that it's not bad.

If you're only doing editing like that hmm... what software are you using? If it's highly threaded and you're not gaming on the machine AMD may be an option.

 

[phxxBullet]

Yeah, noise is predominantly the reason I want to go back. I'm on an H100. I suppose I could try getting the Quiet Edition fans, but that'd effect cooling ability.

I've been wanting to pick up the Noctua D14 or D15.

Noctua CPU Coolers are pure sex.
No only do they look absolutely stunning (in my opinion), they're also pretty much silent (at least under 60% useage) and cool down whatever you throw at them (noise might be noticeable then tho)

 

[The Interrobanger]

They're still fairly good. New Nvidia GPUs need added as well as Haswell-E ones but bar that it's not bad.

If you're only doing editing like that hmm... what software are you using? If it's highly threaded and you're not gaming on the machine AMD may be an option.

Just the standard Adobe stuff (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc) and Reason and Ableton.

I don't have any brand preferences, just whatever has the best value and won't chug with big media files.

 

[Kieli]

Are Noctua air coolers worth the premium over, say, Coolermaster 212s?

-----------------

Also slightly disappointed Pascal's hitting in 2016, but I can play the waiting game.

 

[Darkone]

Hey gaf, i need your help.
Found a good deal to replace my i5-2500K to i7-4790K, I need to replace my Board but don`t know what to go for.
I want to have option for SLI in the future, OC is not necessary.

Thanks

 

[ThisOne]

New drivers? Or maybe roll back to an old one? I had an issue with that error early this year with AMD driver releases back in January. It caused some issues. Rolling back for a while fixed it.

Does AMD just suck with drivers then? I feel like I've had driver problems with this card most of the time I've owned it.

 

[Watto]

Hey PC gaf, in terms of performance what differences would I notice between a 4690k and a 4790k? Is it worth the $100 difference?

In terms of gaming, you could spend the $100 elsewhere and find more performance.

 

[kennah]

I'm planning to finally replace my GTX 480 and my budget is around $200. What's the best I can do in terms of upgrading? I'll be making a purchase probably around December if that helps.

Edit: Preferably other Nvidia cards, but I'm open to an AMD card if it's a significant enough upgrade.

Save up a little longer and spend 330 on a 970

 

[Rafy]

I have a question, does this 970 have a reference PCB?

http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog...-GeForce-GTX-970-ACX-4096-MB-DDR5::29144.html

I know it has the custom cooler but I remember the 780 non SC having a reference PCB but just the custom cooler.

 

[Bucket-o-roadkill]

In terms of PSU's, what's the best way to manage this-

I have 6 SATA drives, a modular PSU with 3 chains of 3 Sata power connections

Should I just use 2 chains of cables and use every connector giving a total of 6,

or use all 3 and have a spare sata connector on each chain?

 

[Hesemonni]

Every now and then I get this idea that I need to upgrade my 2500k. I have this article bookmarked and looking at it puts my mind at ease.

 

[Atone13]

Hey PC Gaf, hoping you guys might be able to share a little opinion with me. 30+ years of console gaming, and I finally built my own gaming pc going on three years ago now. I've decided to start setting aside a budget to replace/upgrade certain components, but that got me wondering if it's really just better bang for my buck to start over and build a new machine.

I understand that if I was only going to buy a new vid card, or maybe just add some extra ram a new system would be overkill. But lately I'm thinking a bigger supply, maybe a new cpu and it just seems like at some point it would better to just build a new machine.

 

[Reckoner]

Is the MSI Z97-GD65 still a good motherboard purchase?

 

[Azzurri]

Is eVga the only one who has the X99 in mATX?

 

[Prophet Steve]

Hey PC Gaf, hoping you guys might be able to share a little opinion with me. 30+ years of console gaming, and I finally built my own gaming pc going on three years ago now. I've decided to start setting aside a budget to replace/upgrade certain components, but that got me wondering if it's really just better bang for my buck to start over and build a new machine.

I understand that if I was only going to buy a new vid card, or maybe just add some extra ram a new system would be overkill. But lately I'm thinking a bigger supply, maybe a new cpu and it just seems like at some point it would better to just build a new machine.

Can you list what you currently have?

 

[phxxBullet]

Hey PC Gaf, hoping you guys might be able to share a little opinion with me. 30+ years of console gaming, and I finally built my own gaming pc going on three years ago now. I've decided to start setting aside a budget to replace/upgrade certain components, but that got me wondering if it's really just better bang for my buck to start over and build a new machine.

I understand that if I was only going to buy a new vid card, or maybe just add some extra ram a new system would be overkill. But lately I'm thinking a bigger supply, maybe a new cpu and it just seems like at some point it would better to just build a new machine.

What's your current CPU/Powersupply? Or just post your whole rig.
Easier to tell you that way.

Most likely you'll just need a GPU upgrade.

 

[Rafy]

Is eVga the only one who has the X99 in mATX?

there should be an asrock one. I am pretty sure I saw it somewhere.

 

[Atone13]

Can you list what you currently have?

Sure, it's nothing too fancy but the general list is

decent mid case 3 intake fans two exhaust, the name escapes me.
radeon hd 6800
amd fx 4100 quad processor
8gb ram, two sticks of something. i can't recall right now.
500w corsair power supply, i think 5, possibly 600w, pretty sure it's 5 though.

I'm terrible at this, I know.

and 2 HDs, one 500gb old standard drive for storage/games, and a 120gb sandisk ssd drive that has my windows on it.

Pretty sure that's all the relevant information right? Again, all this was bought new roughly 2 1/2 years ago.

 

[Prophet Steve]

Sure, it's nothing too fancy but the general list is

decent mid case 3 intake fans two exhaust, the name escapes me.
radeon hd 6800
amd fx 4100 quad processor
8gb ram, two sticks of something. i can't recall right now.
500w corsair power supply, i think 5, possibly 600w, pretty sure it's 5 though.

I'm terrible at this, I know.

and 2 HDs, one 500gb old standard drive for storage/games, and a 120gb sandisk ssd drive that has my windows on it.

Pretty sure that's all the relevant information right? Again, all this was bought new roughly 2 1/2 years ago.

Well, if the power supply is good you won't need to replace it, since a new build will very likely demand less power instead of more. You could probably keep the case too, and the RAM too unless you feel like you need more.

I'd upgrade your HDD, but you won't get a big advantage with a new SSD unless you really want the extra capacity.

 

[Atone13]

Well, if the power supply is good you won't need to replace it, since a new build will very likely demand less power instead of more. You could probably keep the case too, and the RAM too unless you feel like you need more.

I'd upgrade your HDD, but you won't get a big advantage with a new SSD unless you really want the extra capacity.

I've been considering a new ssd, really only for more space for some more games I play often. I'm not gonna lie, that standard 500gb hard was not bought new, I lied... that was one piece I reused, it's very old and needs replacing regardless.

Perhaps I should mention my intentions. This machine ran great the last couple of years, and played pretty much everything I threw at it on excellent settings, not everything played on ultra, but some did. I can do 64player on BF4 on mostly high settings.

My thoughts are to the new crop of games coming the next year or so, like witcher 3 and a few others. And I'd like to have a good experience with them, ultra settings aren't necessary, but I would hope for the higher range.

 

[Sini]

fuck wrong thread

 

[Prophet Steve]

I've been considering a new ssd, really only for more space for some more games I play often. I'm not gonna lie, that standard 500gb hard was not bought new, I lied... that was one piece I reused, it's very old and needs replacing regardless.

Perhaps I should mention my intentions. This machine ran great the last couple of years, and played pretty much everything I threw at it on excellent settings, not everything played on ultra, but some did. I can do 64player on BF4 on mostly high settings.

My thoughts are to the new crop of games coming the next year or so, like witcher 3 and a few others. And I'd like to have a good experience with them, ultra settings aren't necessary, but I would hope for the higher range.

A new GPU and also the CPU and Motherboard would be useful, but there are plenty of parts that you might be able to reuse. I don't think you'd benefit from any different RAM, so that is something. And I don't know what your reasoning was for wanting to change the power supply.

 

[Atone13]

A new GPU and also the CPU and Motherboard would be useful, but there are plenty of parts that you might be able to reuse. I don't think you'd benefit from any different RAM, so that is something. And I don't know what your reasoning was for wanting to change the power supply.

Thanks for the advice. As far as the psu, I was just thinking if I upgraded my gpu and it required more juice to run it or something. Like I said, I'm not very good at this. Nice to know I shouldn't need a new one though!

 

[kennah]

Is eVga the only one who has the X99 in mATX?

Gigabyte has one coming "soon"

 

[LilJoka]

Gigabyte has one coming "soon"

mmmm mATX X99