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[FunkyMunkey]

For that crucial mx100, is it worth going with just a 128GB and using it for only primary OS stuff? And continuing to keep games and other files/etc on a HDD. $63 is tempting, but I notice the write speeds increase as the SSD size increases (but read stay the same).

 

[Mairu]

More Newegg deals http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemai...-PromoWord&et_cid=13421&et_rid=1261137&et_p1=

4790k just $10 less than its been all week, nowhere close to microcenter's $250

 

[paolo11]

Ok, I finally completed and tested my build. I just found out that AC Unity is rising my GPU 1 85 degrees on SLI but on Witcher 2 all maxed out with 100 FPS Ubersampling enabled 1080p, My GPU 1 is below 80 degrees. My temps are normal.

Anyway... This is the build

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Paolo11/saved/7K62FT

And these are the pics. Credits to LilJoka and the rest of you guys for answering my questions:

This is my first build. I got to ask you this. If I use fan curve on MSI Afterburner, will it shorten the fan lifespan of my GPU?

 

[Femmeworth]

4790k just $10 less than its been all week, nowhere close to microcenter's $250

The VISA checkout promo should knock it down another $25.

 

[hooijdonk17]

Guys, now that Zalman went under I can find some of their cases for pretty cheap; before I bite the bullet and ditch my $20 shitty ATX case, could anyone let me know if the Zalman Z3 Plus is a decent case?

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

I guess that explains why it's so cheap, thank you for the info.

so something like these? also would i be able to keep everything in the motherboard i linked earlier in the new one or would i have to upgrade those too?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...48819&cm_re=crucial_mx-_-20-148-819-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130679

What kind of CPU do you intend to buy? That board will only support AMD cpu. But yeah that combination will do the trick regarding the SSD speed.

Ok, I finally completed and tested my build. I just found out that AC Unity is rising my GPU 1 85 degrees on SLI but on Witcher 2 all maxed out with 100 FPS Ubersampling enabled 1080p, My GPU 1 is below 80 degrees. My temps are normal.

Anyway... This is the build

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Paolo11/saved/7K62FT

And these are the pics. Credits to LilJoka and the rest of you guys for answering my questions:

This is my first build. I got to ask you this. If I use fan curve on MSI Afterburner, will it shorten the fan lifespan of my GPU?

Your cables are blocking the airflow, your cards are way too hot. Setting the fan curve higher than default will shorten the lifespan of the HSF, but will keep your cards' longer. You can replace the HSF though.

For that crucial mx100, is it worth going with just a 128GB and using it for only primary OS stuff? And continuing to keep games and other files/etc on a HDD. $63 is tempting, but I notice the write speeds increase as the SSD size increases (but read stay the same).

My OS and programs take up about 95GBs, so you are probably fine.

 

[Helmholtz]

So, with a Z series mobo and a 4790 cpu, should I be looking at 1866 RAM as per the OP, or is 1600 okay as well?

 

[gabrielt16]

Hey guys,

Im looking for recommendations for a good CPU cooler thats affordable. It's not dire since my computer doesnt get too hot but since Black Friday is on might be worth to look for some deals.

Here is my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/gabrielt16/saved/RLgCmG
Thanks in advance.

 

[Vulcano's assistant]

Hey guys,

Im looking for recommendations for a good CPU cooler thats affordable. It's not dire since my computer doesnt get too hot but since Black Friday is on might be worth to look for some deals.

Here is my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/gabrielt16/saved/RLgCmG
Thanks in advance.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

 

[RGM79]

For that crucial mx100, is it worth going with just a 128GB and using it for only primary OS stuff? And continuing to keep games and other files/etc on a HDD. $63 is tempting, but I notice the write speeds increase as the SSD size increases (but read stay the same).

Read speeds are the main benefit - boot times, fast loading of OS and programs, etc. How much it's worth is up to how much you spend.

There's the 840 Evo for $60.

Guys, now that Zalman went under I can find some of their cases for pretty cheap; before I bite the bullet and ditch my $20 shitty ATX case, could anyone let me know if the Zalman Z3 Plus is a decent case?

How much? I see it for $65 $87 via US PCPartPicker which is MSRP, no discount. Looks like a decent mid-size tower. Only caveat is the lack of support for 240mm radiator cooling which other $60 cases like the Corsair 300R can (barely) fit.

So, with a Z series mobo and a 4790 cpu, should I be looking at 1866 RAM as per the OP, or is 1600 okay as well?

Depends on prices. It's been easy to find decently priced high speed RAM recently. If within budget and for a good price, there's little reason not to go with higher speed RAM.

8GB A-Data XPG V1 DDR3-1866 for $65
16GB Patriot Viper 3 low profile DDR3-2133 for $137

A few days ago, there was 16GB of DDR3-2400 for just $130.

Hey guys,

Im looking for recommendations for a good CPU cooler thats affordable. It's not dire since my computer doesnt get too hot but since Black Friday is on might be worth to look for some deals.

Here is my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/gabrielt16/saved/RLgCmG
Thanks in advance.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

I second the Evo. Best $30 you can spend on your system.

 

[Femmeworth]

Blargh, the VISA checkout promo doesn't work with the i7.

ERROR The promo code NAFVC25 cannot be combined with combo deals or gift items attached to products.

It comes with a stupid World of Tanks thing. :|

 

[hooijdonk17]

How much? I see it for $65 via US PCPartPicker which is MSRP, no discount. Looks like a decent mid-size tower. Only caveat is the lack of support for 240mm radiator cooling which other $60 cases like the Corsair 300R can (barely) fit.

Can get it locally for around $49+tax. Good value then? I don't use or plan to use water cooling.

 

[Mairu]

Seems like Amazon matched a bunch of Newegg's sale prices if anyone would prefer to buy there. I picked up the Hyper 212 EVO on Amazon even though there's no rebate (I hate mail in rebates, and it's only $5)

 

[hateradio]

It seems like 4TB drives are not reaching the $100 price I've been looking for.

 

[kamakazi5]

Depends on the prices. Do you have a budget in mind? A GTX 970 is going to be about $350, while i5 4690k and motherboard another $300. You can reuse the existing 4GB RAM, a total of 8GB should do you fine.



Looks like a solid set of parts. You've done your research. Plan on reusing anything from the old 920 system? The RAM from that should be compatible. You could drop the DVD drive, you may use it less than you think. The new Fractal R5 will be available at NCIX around Christmas time and is a substantial development, lots of new features.



Sorry, I don't know of any in-store US deals. There's a better version of the EVGA card you chose for $110 after mail in rebate. Better cooler, slightly faster, cheaper by a bit. Other than that, the parts look fine.



Yeah, that should still work.

Sounds good, thanks. I think I'll switch the card out and also get a little better motherboard.

 

[RGM79]

Can get it locally for around $49+tax. Good value then? I don't use or plan to use water cooling.

Found some reviews, and it seems like it'd be alright for $50. It's a bit small, so CPU cooler options are a bit limited. No 212 Evo here, it's limited to 150mm height coolers.

Discounted to $50 it's a solid buy. Few other cases have as much value in that price range. Fan controller is kinda basic, only has connections for two fans. It has that Zalman unique gimmick of a removable plastic rail that runs along the case from top to bottom, mounted in the middle. You can mount fans on it or use the plastic tabs to prop up sagging video cards.

 

[squared]

I have a dilemma.. I've sold my current setup (though waiting to handing it over until my new build arrives) so I need to buy the new stuff today.

Old/current setup is a 2600k @ 4.5Ghz (watercooled H100i), 16 Gb RAM and a GTX 680 2Gb.

New setup will be a Asus Z97-AR Black, 16 GB BallistiX, 4790k and.. yeah, and what? First I thought 970. Then 970 Strix/G1. Then a 980. Then a 980 G1.. or 970 SLI? I mean the 980 G1 is about 50 EUR more than the standard 980. But 970 SLI is 50 EUR more than the G1.

Dafuq should I do? I'm buying a 144Hz monitor at the same time (already have a very good 29" LG IPS for photo editing etc), so I'm not sure if I'm going with a BenQ XL2411Z, or Asus VG248QE.. thoughts?

Help me GAF, pls

 

[Iacobellis]

I have a dilemma.. I've sold my current setup (though waiting to handing it over until my new build arrives) so I need to buy the new stuff today.

Old/current setup is a 2600k @ 4.5Ghz (watercooled H100i), 16 Gb RAM and a GTX 680 2Gb.

New setup will be a Asus Z97-AR Black, 16 GB BallistiX, 4790k and.. yeah, and what? First I thought 970. Then 970 Strix/G1. Then a 980. Then a 980 G1.. or 970 SLI? I mean the 980 G1 is about 50 EUR more than the standard 980. But 970 SLI is 50 EUR more than the G1.

Dafuq should I do? I'm buying a 144Hz monitor at the same time (already have a very good 29" LG IPS for photo editing etc), so I'm not sure if I'm going with a BenQ XL2411Z, or Asus VG248QE.. thoughts?

Help me GAF, pls

970's in SLI will outperform a single 980. Some games will see almost a double in framerate and will help you hit that 144 number a lot easier.

 

[Pakoe]

Finally built it after an overdose of Turkey today. Really like how it came together with the color scheme.

http://i.imgur.com/xS16b78.jpg?2[IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/9RdLf5Z.jpg?1[IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/2OPYaeD.jpg?3[IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/0vqBEBs.jpg?3[IMG][/QUOTE]

That's hot

 

[squared]

970's in SLI will outperform a single 980. Some games will see almost a double in framerate and will help you hit that 144 number a lot easier.

Shit, I just found a small Black friday sale (I'm in Europe, our black friday sales are a joke compared to the US) on Gigabytes' Windforce OC'd 970. Might grab two of those!

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

I have a dilemma.. I've sold my current setup (though waiting to handing it over until my new build arrives) so I need to buy the new stuff today.

Old/current setup is a 2600k @ 4.5Ghz (watercooled H100i), 16 Gb RAM and a GTX 680 2Gb.

New setup will be a Asus Z97-AR Black, 16 GB BallistiX, 4790k and.. yeah, and what? First I thought 970. Then 970 Strix/G1. Then a 980. Then a 980 G1.. or 970 SLI? I mean the 980 G1 is about 50 EUR more than the standard 980. But 970 SLI is 50 EUR more than the G1.

Dafuq should I do? I'm buying a 144Hz monitor at the same time (already have a very good 29" LG IPS for photo editing etc), so I'm not sure if I'm going with a BenQ XL2411Z, or Asus VG248QE.. thoughts?

Help me GAF, pls

Go with SLI 970s.

 

[squared]

Go with SLI 970s.

Yep, 970 Windforce OC in SLI is what I'm 99% is going for.

Now, there's a deal on the Corsair RM 1000W 80+ Gold, which is built by CWM apparently..
Is it decent? I know I need a 700W+ PSU for OC'd 970s in SLI.

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

Yep, 970 Windforce OC in SLI is what I'm 99% is going for.

Now, there's a deal on the Corsair RM 1000W 80+ Gold, which is built by CWM apparently..
Is it decent? I know I need a 700W+ PSU for OC'd 970s in SLI.

At first glance, it seems that the Corsair RM line uses lower quality capacitors, so that is not a good sign.

Browse for something made by seasonic, they are good. XFX products are all made by seasonic if you can see a deal.

 

[squared]

At first glance, it seems that the Corsair RM line uses lower quality capacitors, so that is not a good sign.

Browse for something made by seasonic, they are good. XFX products are all made by seasonic if you can see a deal.

I've been informed by others now, that a EVGA G2 750W is a good one, and is enough for my setup. The Seasonic PSUs I've found are incredibly expensive here :/ And I'm already outside my initial budget by going 970 SLI And I know that I should never skimp on the PSU, but the G2 seems to be good.

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

I've been informed by others now, that a EVGA G2 750W is a good one, and is enough for my setup. The Seasonic PSUs I've found are incredibly expensive here :/ And I'm already outside my initial budget by going 970 SLI And I know that I should never skimp on the PSU, but the G2 seems to be good.

Yep, that's a good one.

 

[squared]

Yep, that's a good one.

Great, thank you.

Now the final component - Benq XL2411Z or the Asus VG248QE..

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

Great, thank you.

Now the final component - Benq XL2411Z or the Asus VG248QE..

I am not well-versed in monitor, but out of those 2 I will buy the Asus, cheaper and with gsync upgradability.

Someone else more experienced may chime in here.

 

[squared]

I am not well-versed in monitor, but out of those 2 I will buy the Asus, cheaper and with gsync upgradability.

Someone else more experienced may chime in here.

Well with todays deals, they cost the same

 

[BrettWeir]

Anyone know of any 27" 1440p, 120hz monitors on sale? I was looking at the BenQ XL2720Z, but keep hearing bad things about 1080p on a 27" scale.

 

[Cesky]

1080p on a 27" scale.

Why would you want the same definition you can get on a 21" , but on a 27"?

 

[BrettWeir]

Why would you want the same definition you can get on a 21" , but on a 27"?

That's why I'm asking about 1440p, 120hz at 27". I'm currently running 1080p on a 25" Asus, and want to go larger.

 

[mrklaw]

Overclockers.co.uk have some decent deals with bundles - eg 4690k, 850W PSU, 8Gb ram, Z97 motherboard, 780Ti - £687

 

[kharma45]

They've the black edition of the GALAX 970 for £260 too, it does tempt me but my 7850 is still just about meeting my needs.

 

[redlegs87]

Looks like you left the plastic wrap stuff on your gpu's. That or its just the picture quality messing with my eyes.

Either way awesome build.

 

[yatesl]

Hey GAF. Any input on these monitors? Ordered both on Amazon Black Friday, and will probably send one back.

My desk isn't big enough for whynotboth.gif

Bearing in mind I only have a single GTX 770 2GB. 4k is so pretty, though.

BenQ 144hz 1080p
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HZF2JWA/

ViewSonic 4k
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LJVMOEY/

 

[M.D]

Anyone familiar with Killer NIC on GIGABYTE motherboards?

I have a 100mbps connection and whenever I download a game on Steam, I can barely browse webpages and everything is slow as hell

I'm pretty sure its the driver for this thing that limits my bandwidth while downloading anything, but I can't figure out how to stop it from doing so

 

[Atlas157]

Is a 650w PSU enough for a Strix 980?

 

[JoJo UK]

So gaf tell me if I did good, my son want’s to get into PC gaming and I would like to get back to my roots so I decided to get a PC for him for his birthday, specs below;

• i5 4670 (not k as I couldn't get one as part of the bundle)
• Geforce GTX 970 4GB
• 8GB RAM DDR3 1600Mhz (not the best but which I could afford)
• Asus H81M-K Micro ATX Mobo
• 1TB HDD (no SSD... yet)
• BenQ 21’5” monitor (again not the best but what I could afford)
• I went for a smaller case, the BitFenix Phenom MATX Cube

I'll not be going ove 1080p so I hope the above should be pretty good for the next while!

 

[coopolon]

Nevermind

 

[squared]

Now everything is ordered, I just want to share my final setup.

• i7 4790k
• Asus Z97-AR Black
• 16Gb Crucial BallistiX 1600Mhz
• 2x Gigabyte GTX 970 Windforce OC SLI
• EVGA G2 750W 80+ Gold
• Franctal Define R4
• BenQ XL2411Z 144hz

And my system drive is already a Samsung EVO 250Gb.

I should be good for a while..

 

[RGM79]

Anyone familiar with Killer NIC on GIGABYTE motherboards?

I have a 100mbps connection and whenever I download a game on Steam, I can barely browse webpages and everything is slow as hell

I'm pretty sure its the driver for this thing that limits my bandwidth while downloading anything, but I can't figure out how to stop it from doing so

Was there a motherboard utility for the LAN chipset? Try older drivers?

Is a 650w PSU enough for a Strix 980?

It'll be fine, no problem. Reviews indicate that it'll use up to 200 watts by itself. If it's a quality power supply, it could even power two of them, depending on the rest of your hardware.

So gaf tell me if I did good, my son want’s to get into PC gaming and I would like to get back to my roots so I decided to get a PC for him for his birthday, specs below;

• i5 4670 (not k as I couldn't get one as part of the bundle)
• Geforce GTX 970 4GB
• 8GB RAM DDR3 1600Mhz (not the best but which I could afford)
• Asus H81M-K Micro ATX Mobo
• 1TB HDD (no SSD... yet)
• BenQ 21’5” monitor (again not the best but what I could afford)
• I went for a smaller case, the BitFenix Phenom MATX Cube

I'll not be going ove 1080p so I hope the above should be pretty good for the next while!

In terms of performance, it's absolutely good. Not sure if you were on a budget, but for the purpose they're decent choices. Newer motherboards have technologies like SATA express and M2, which aren't really needed in a system like yours.

A great starting point sure to last him a couple of years.

 

[JoJo UK]

In terms of performance, it's absolutely good. Not sure if you were on a budget, but for the purpose they're decent choices. Newer motherboards have technologies like SATA express and M2, which aren't really needed in a system like yours.

A great starting point sure to last him a couple of years.

Thanks mate, I had a budget of about £750 ish (went over slightly but not by a lot). I'm looking forward to both of us getting into PC gaming, it's been tool long for me and it will be good for him to 'learn the ropes'!

 

[RGM79]

Thanks mate, I had a budget of about £750 ish (went over slightly but not by a lot). I'm looking forward to both of us getting into PC gaming, it's been tool long for me and it will be good for him to 'learn the ropes'!

Yeah, the case looks better than I thought at first. Some cheap upgrades I can recommend later on in the future are a decent heatsink like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo for £24 to eventually replace the noisy and not-so-cool stock cooler, and I agree that a cheap SSD will do nicely, either solely to store games on or use for the OS, up to you.

I assume you have a power supply that you just forgot to list. Any 400 watt or higher power supply will do, but some brands are better than others.

 

[LilJoka]

So gaf tell me if I did good, my son want’s to get into PC gaming and I would like to get back to my roots so I decided to get a PC for him for his birthday, specs below;

• i5 4670 (not k as I couldn't get one as part of the bundle)
• Geforce GTX 970 4GB
• 8GB RAM DDR3 1600Mhz (not the best but which I could afford)
• Asus H81M-K Micro ATX Mobo
• 1TB HDD (no SSD... yet)
• BenQ 21’5” monitor (again not the best but what I could afford)
• I went for a smaller case, the BitFenix Phenom MATX Cube

I'll not be going ove 1080p so I hope the above should be pretty good for the next while!

Very nice rig!

 

[garath]

Anyone familiar with Killer NIC on GIGABYTE motherboards?

I have a 100mbps connection and whenever I download a game on Steam, I can barely browse webpages and everything is slow as hell

I'm pretty sure its the driver for this thing that limits my bandwidth while downloading anything, but I can't figure out how to stop it from doing so

Check the actual network card properties in control panel. Find where is specifies full duplex, half or auto. Make sure it is set to full.

 

[Shantom]

So I'm going to build my new PC soon, does this look fine? http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/Shantom/saved/8HFYcf
I'm not sure if the case is ok, and I have no idea what I'm doing with PSUs.
Edit: Some input on a motherboard would be much appreciated as well

 

[Atlas157]

It'll be fine, no problem. Reviews indicate that it'll use up to 200 watts by itself. If it's a quality power supply, it could even power two of them, depending on the rest of your hardware.

Thank you.

 

[LilJoka]

Anyone familiar with Killer NIC on GIGABYTE motherboards?

I have a 100mbps connection and whenever I download a game on Steam, I can barely browse webpages and everything is slow as hell

I'm pretty sure its the driver for this thing that limits my bandwidth while downloading anything, but I can't figure out how to stop it from doing so

Might need to install the utility and then set a profile that doesn't effect packet priority.
This is the only thing I hate about these boards! Intel NIC is just better in every way.

 

[JoJo UK]

Yeah, the case looks better than I thought at first. Some cheap upgrades I can recommend later on in the future are a decent heatsink like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo for £24 to eventually replace the noisy and not-so-cool stock cooler, and I agree that a cheap SSD will do nicely, either solely to store games on or use for the OS, up to you.

I assume you have a power supply that you just forgot to list. Any 400 watt or higher power supply will do, but some brands are better than others.

Sorry it's a 450 watt supply, so I should be good.

Very nice rig!

Cheers mate, it's my sons birthday in 2 weeks, I want to get everything set up for him and surprise him (he only stays with me every other weekend and ever Monday and Wednesday), his mum isn't very technicaly so he only has my laptop to play with which is really no good. Also I miss Day of Defeat so... .

 

[neorej]

What are people's experiences with mechanical keyboards in general and the Razer DeathStalker Stealth in particular? I'm looking to replace my currently dying keyboard.