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[rogue74]

Guys, I don't know if this is the right place or not, but I'm confused about CPU/GPU utilization.
As I understand it, if you are getting sub optimal frame rates and your GPU utilization is at 99%, then your GPU can't keep up. If you are getting 99% CPU utilization and the GPU utilization is far lower, then the CPU can't feed the video card information fast enough in that game and you have a CPU bottleneck.

What the hell is this then:

Neither my CPU nor GPU is maxed out, yet I'm only at 48 FPS in that shot. Highest CPU core is at 83.9%. GPU at 69%.

That is Witcher 2 BTW, at the inn in Vergen.

I'm on a Phenom II X4 965 @3.8 Ghz, 8GB RAM, EVGA Nvidia 960 4GB with latest drivers. Running fullscreen in a borderless window with vsync off. Ultra settings (no Ubersampling).

 

[finalflame]

Guys, I don't know if this is the right place or not, but I'm confused about CPU/GPU utilization.
As I understand it, if you are getting sub optimal frame rates and your GPU utilization is at 99%, then your GPU can't keep up. If you are getting 99% CPU utilization and the GPU utilization is far lower, then the CPU can't feed the video card information fast enough in that game and you have a CPU bottleneck.

What the is this then:

Neither my CPU nor GPU is maxed out, yet I'm only at 48 FPS in that shot.

That is Witcher 2 BTW, at the inn in Vergen.

I'm on a Phenom II X4 965 @3.8 Ghz, 8GB RAM, EVGA Nvidia 960 4GB with latest drivers. Running fullscreen in a borderless window with vsync off. Ultra settings (no Ubersampling).

Have you tried running full-screen proper, not borderless? It murders framerate for me, not sure why.

Also, it's possible for CPU utilization to be < 100% but still be constrained by IPC performance. I am not familiar with your CPU, so can't speak to whether it would be a bottleneck or not, but hopefully someone else more familiar with AMD CPUs can chime in.

 

[NoRéN]

Just upgraded to an i7 4790 and a Gigabyte Z97X-SLI motherboard. Is there a good tool I can use for testing SSD speeds?

In the OP under Utilities.

 

[Vance]

I put together a system not too long ago with the help of this thread. I have never overclocked before and I would like to start with my video card. Anyone have any tips or a good guide? Want to start playing some Witcher 3.

i54670k
16GB Ram
970 MSI Golden Edition

 

[MisterM]

Does anyone know why doing an AMD uninstall, installing my GTX 970 and installing nVidia's latest drivers has done this to my desktop? Icons are too big, the taskbar icons have shrunk. Window text is slightly blurry. Check scaling options in Nvidia CP, checked Windows 8.1 dpi settings. All seems ok there =/

 

[Confusion Illusion]

I have currently have 2 7200RPM hard drives in my PC (WD Blue 500GB and Black 640GB). They are mainly used for storage and games installation. I want reduce them to one drive ( I can used my external ones for storage and media stuff). So I was wondering if you good folks here can provide some recommendations for 1 to 2TB hard drives.

Lastly, how would you guys go about destroying old hard drives? I was doing some spring cleaning I found I still have some old IDE and SATA 1 drives.

Please and thanks,

 

[turbocat]

Okay, so...I'm very new at this. I'm a reasonably tech savvy guy, but I've never done a full build from scratch before. My apologies if this isn't the kind of thing that should be posted here, but I'm sure that it happens all the time.

I'm a designer and animator by trade. I want a machine that's powerful for running 3D applications (Cinema 4D, 3DS Max), editing 1080p video, and performing other general creative tasks. I also want to be able to play new, current games, and to be able to capture 1080p/60FPS footage as often as I can (not necessarily on something like...The Witcher 3). I've had a friend help me out with a build, and I wanted to post it and see if there's anything that we're missing.

Case - Corsair CC 9011023-WW
Power supply - Corsair CS650 M 650 Watt
CPU - Intel Core i7-4790K (4.40 GHz)
Motherboard - MSI ATX DDR3 2600 LGA1150 Z97-G45
RAM - Kingston HyperX FURY 16GB Kit (2x8GB)
SSD - Kingston 240GB V300 SATA 3 2.5in
HDD - WD Blue 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 7200rpm
Optical drive - Asus 24x DVD-RW SATA
Cooling - Corsair Hydro H55 Quiet
Graphics card - EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti SC 2GB GDDR5

Will this be powerful enough to do what I'm looking to do? Is there anything that I'm missing, other than a monitor?

 

[oxidax]

What are the advantages of a 5820k over a 4790k ? Im about to cross over to the blue team but I don't know anything about intel processors or specifically what im buying for the extra $50 bucks. Will I also need an specific set of ram and mobo?

 

[Gambit61]

Guys, I don't know if this is the right place or not, but I'm confused about CPU/GPU utilization.
As I understand it, if you are getting sub optimal frame rates and your GPU utilization is at 99%, then your GPU can't keep up. If you are getting 99% CPU utilization and the GPU utilization is far lower, then the CPU can't feed the video card information fast enough in that game and you have a CPU bottleneck.

What the hell is this then:

Neither my CPU nor GPU is maxed out, yet I'm only at 48 FPS in that shot. Highest CPU core is at 83.9%. GPU at 69%.

That is Witcher 2 BTW, at the inn in Vergen.

I'm on a Phenom II X4 965 @3.8 Ghz, 8GB RAM, EVGA Nvidia 960 4GB with latest drivers. Running fullscreen in a borderless window with vsync off. Ultra settings (no Ubersampling).

I think it's the CPU, I had a Phenom II X4 955 and couldn't get 60fps either. It wasn't until I got an i5 4690k that I could hit 60fps.

 

[kennah]

What are the advantages of a 5820k over a 4790k ? Im about to cross over to the blue team but I don't know anything about intel processors or specifically what im buying for the extra $50 bucks. Will I also need an specific set of ram and mobo?

This has been covered in depth recently, back up a few pages, maybe someone not on mobile will link a relevant post

 

[rogue74]

Have you tried running full-screen proper, not borderless? It murders framerate for me, not sure why.

Also, it's possible for CPU utilization to be < 100% but still be constrained by IPC performance. I am not familiar with your CPU, so can't speak to whether it would be a bottleneck or not, but hopefully someone else more familiar with AMD CPUs can chime in.

Just tried full screen with vsync off. Same CPU/GPU utilization. Also checked the clocks to make sure some power saving feature wasn't holding my CPU back, but no.

 

[rogue74]

I think it's the CPU, I had a Phenom II X4 955 and couldn't get 60fps either. It wasn't until I got an i5 4690k that I could hit 60fps.

My first thought...but wouldn't the CPU utilization near 100%?

Also, according to Durante, my CPU is more than enough for Witcher 3. I guess Witcher 3 is better optimized for low end CPUs that Witcher 2 is. The whole thing just seems odd.

 

[Dead_Pixel]

Hi all,

So, I'm building my PC, and I connected the stock Intel CPU cooler to the CPU. After doing this, I realised I needed to remove it to do something and I took it off again. I instantly regretted this as the thermal paste had started to spread and I pulled it apart unwittingly. I quickly put the heat sync back on again, but I hear that doing this can cause air to become trapped between the cooler and CPU. So, am I screwed here? Will I need to buy some thermal paste and re-apply? I don't intend to overclock anytime soon, so am I safe to continue using the machine? Thank you!

 

[comrade]

Hi all,

So, I'm building my PC, and I connected the stock Intel CPU cooler to the CPU. After doing this, I realised I needed to remove it to do something and I took it off again. I instantly regretted this as the thermal paste had started to spread and I pulled it apart unwittingly. I quickly put the heat sync back on again, but I hear that doing this can cause air to become trapped between the cooler and CPU. So, am I screwed here? Will I need to buy some thermal paste and re-apply? I don't intend to overclock anytime soon, so am I safe to continue using the machine? Thank you!

Monitor your cpu temps. If the temps are too high then you need to clean and reapply new thermal paste.

 

[Kayant]

I could use a bit of help. I have everything working except my GPU.

What cable(s) is needed, and how do I connect them, to get my EVGA GTX 970 working with my Corsair CX600M?

Ha my former PSU. You need two 6 pins and you connect them to the peripheral and sata section. One of the cables is a 8 pin but it can break out to a 6+2pin.

The C labelled ones on the PSU box.

 

[Dead_Pixel]

Monitor your cpu temps. If the temps are too high then you need to clean and reapply new thermal paste.

Thanks for the reply What are acceptable COU temperatures? Both when idle and when under load?

 

[TronLight]

Thanks for the reply What are acceptable COU temperatures? Both when idle and when under load?

I don't think it'll be a problem... I removed and reseated my cooler without changing thermal paste a few times (sure, I wouldn't suggest that people start doing this, but I didn't have any thermal paste with me at the time).

Anyway, what CPU is it? With the stock cooler idle temps should be around 40°C, and for load they should be around 70°C, but they could go up to 80°C even with correctly applied thermal paste... The stock cooler it's just shit if you have to do heavy work, you should change it anyway...

 

[Melhisedek]

Guys I have been playing Witcher 3 on my PC but damn does my GTX 770 sounds like an airplane. It is really killing my immersion.

I have and old Antec 1200 and Corsair H80 for my 3570k but the 770 is MSI Lightning and with their custom cooler.

So are there any GPU water coolers that are worth the money (no need for crazy oc just quiet)?

Or perhaps go with all in one solution if it is worth it

 

[TronLight]

Guys I have been playing Witcher 3 on my PC but damn does my GTX 770 sounds like an airplane. It is really killing my immersion.

I have and old Antec 1200 and Corsair H80 for my 3570k but the 770 is MSI Lightning and with their custom cooler.

So are there any GPU water coolers that are worth the money (no need for crazy oc just quiet)?

Or perhaps go with all in one solution if it is worth it

Have you dusted it yet? How's your PC's airflow? The Lightning has a really good cooler already.

 

[NeOak]

So looking at that R9 390X water cooled. Are there cases that would allow me to have 2 120mm radiators installed?I

I have a Corsair H75 for my i5 (overkill maybe, but i wanted something silent) and I'm looking at that 390X to replace my 7970 Ghz Jet engine reference cooler edition.

Too bad i can't watercool the 7970 on the cheap, or i would do so

 

[Melhisedek]

Have you dusted it yet? How's your PC's airflow? The Lightning has a really good cooler already.

Sorry I didn't mention that before. Antec case has dust filters so there is almost no dust in my case. Airflow should be quite well with like 3 intake fans and 2 blowing out (one is really big).

Temps go up to 78C when playing Witcher

 

[NeOak]

Sorry I didn't mention that before. Antec case has dust filters so there is almost no dust in my case. Airflow should be quite well with like 3 intake fans and 2 blowing out (one is really big).

Temps go up to 78C when playing Witcher

Maybe you are having negative airflow (more air is being taken out than it is taken in)

Have you tried having one of the fans that are blowing out air atm as the 4th intake?

 

[Dead_Pixel]

I don't think it'll be a problem... I removed and reseated my cooler without changing thermal paste a few times (sure, I wouldn't suggest that people start doing this, but I didn't have any thermal paste with me at the time).

Anyway, what CPU is it? With the stock cooler idle temps should be around 40°C, and for load they should be around 70°C, but they could go up to 80°C even with correctly applied thermal paste... The stock cooler it's just shit if you have to do heavy work, you should change it anyway...

That's encouraging. Thanks. CPU is a 5690k. I'll keep an eye on temps.

 

[j0hnny_385]

cross post from HeadphoneGAF, since it's very PC focused request:

I'm thinking of upping my PC sound since the crap coming out of my Sony TV ain't cutting it. :/

Here's the rig:

ASUS Z87-PRO
Intel Core i5-4670K
Noctua NH-D14
G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR, 2x4GB
Gigabyte GV-N970-G1 GAMING-4GD
Coolermaster V850 RS-850-AFBA-G1
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD, MZ-7PD256BW
Western Digital WD10EZEX, 1TB SATA-III
DVD±RW SAMSUNG SH-S224DB
Dell U2412M, 24” LED 1920x1200
Antec P183 Case
Windows 8.1 Pro N x64

I don't have a dedicated sound card.
The MBO has this:

Realtek® ALC1150 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at rear) and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in)
Audio Feature :
- Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
- DTS Ultra PC II
- DTS Connect
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- BD Audio Layer Content Protection

1. Should I buy a dedicated sound card? If yes, which one do you recommend?

2. I need good, quality headphones (mic is not important). Would be nice to have 5.1./7.1. Surround sound.
I'm not that big of an audophile so something in the line of Wireless Gold Headset for PS4 but made for PC would be ideal in terms of price/performance.

 

[I'm an expert]

Okay, so...I'm very new at this. I'm a reasonably tech savvy guy, but I've never done a full build from scratch before. My apologies if this isn't the kind of thing that should be posted here, but I'm sure that it happens all the time.

I'm a designer and animator by trade. I want a machine that's powerful for running 3D applications (Cinema 4D, 3DS Max), editing 1080p video, and performing other general creative tasks. I also want to be able to play new, current games, and to be able to capture 1080p/60FPS footage as often as I can (not necessarily on something like...The Witcher 3). I've had a friend help me out with a build, and I wanted to post it and see if there's anything that we're missing.

Case - Corsair CC 9011023-WW
Power supply - Corsair CS650 M 650 Watt
CPU - Intel Core i7-4790K (4.40 GHz)
Motherboard - MSI ATX DDR3 2600 LGA1150 Z97-G45
RAM - Kingston HyperX FURY 16GB Kit (2x8GB)
SSD - Kingston 240GB V300 SATA 3 2.5in
HDD - WD Blue 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 7200rpm
Optical drive - Asus 24x DVD-RW SATA
Cooling - Corsair Hydro H55 Quiet
Graphics card - EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti SC 2GB GDDR5

Will this be powerful enough to do what I'm looking to do? Is there anything that I'm missing, other than a monitor?

The 750ti is a great budget card, it can run a lot of stuff well.. but for the stuff you wrote you want to do, it's going to be the obvious weakpoint of your build. If you get a 970, or even a 960 for like $50, the difference will be obvious.

 

[comrade]

That's encouraging. Thanks. CPU is a 5690k. I'll keep an eye on temps.

Do you mean a 4690k? I googled load temps for the 4690k and it looks like 60's to low 70s is normal depending on your ambient temperature.

 

[harSon]

Ha my former PSU. You need two 6 pins and you connect them to the peripheral and sata section. One of the cables is a 8 pin but it can break out to a 6+2pin.

The C labelled ones on the PSU box.

So then I only attach one of the 6 pin connectors to the GPU?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[SarBear]

So then I only attach one of the 6 pin connectors to the GPU?

Thanks ahead of time!

Both

 

[Fat4all]

OK, so... I'm super afraid of building a PC.

I want something I can hook to my TV in my living room and use for web, watching twitch, Youtube and the like.

When it comes to gaming I'm not looking to future proof. I just want something stable for today. I don't need a Witcher 3 machine or anything like that, but just 'good' is good enough for me.

I wouldn't mind a bit of power for applications like Photoshop. I use it heavily at work and would like to use it at home.

I have a $100 Dell giftcard, and I've been eyeballing the Alienware Alpha which would be $500 after the giftcard.

Is there a better option? Are there other TV-friendly like setups? How much cheaper would it be to build something similar? I don't really like the idea of building a PC, I'm super afraid I'll screw stuff up.

 

[NeOak]

OK, so... I'm super afraid of building a PC.

I want something I can hook to my TV in my living room and use for web, watching twitch, Youtube and the like.

When it comes to gaming I'm not looking to future proof. I just want something stable for today. I don't need a Witcher 3 machine or anything like that, but just 'good' is good enough for me.

I wouldn't mind a bit of power for applications like Photoshop. I use it heavily at work and would like to use it at home.

I have a $100 Dell giftcard, and I've been eyeballing the Alienware Alpha which would be $500 after the giftcard.

Is there a better option? Are there other TV-friendly like setups? How much cheaper would it be to build something similar? I don't really like the idea of building a PC, I'm super afraid I'll screw stuff up.

Go for the Alpha. It is a good machine for the size.

 

[rtcn63]

The Alpha has been going on sale a lot recently, so if you wait a bit, you could get a better deal. (Can you stack coupon codes + gift cards on Dell.com?)

 

[Fat4all]

The Alpha has been going on sale a lot recently, so if you wait a bit, you could get a better deal. (Can you stack coupon codes + gift cards on Dell.com?)

I think so, as the giftcard is just a payment option and not an offer code or anything like that.

I was hoping it would get a bit cheaper this weekend due to memorial day, but it's hovering around $500 for the lower end (which only has 4gb of ram).

I remember seeing it once for $399, though.

 

[DodgyGeezerFella]

I could use a bit of help. I have everything working except my GPU.

What cable(s) is needed, and how do I connect them, to get my EVGA GTX 970 working with my Corsair CX600M?

GPU needs 2x6 pin PCI-e connectors. PSU provides 1x8 pin PCI-e connector, but 2 pins split away so you can plug it in with just the 6. What you will need is another 6 pin PCI-e connector, so a converter like this will be needed to convert molex to PCI-e -

I think you can get SATA to PCI-e too but not to sure on it.

 

[Kayant]

So then I only attach one of the 6 pin connectors to the GPU?

Thanks ahead of time!

Sorry didnt explain better but u get a 6 pin and 8 pin cable. The 8 pin is actually 6+2 so u can also use that cable. As sarbear said u need both.

 

[tomwhite2004]

Hi all! Need some advice / help having never bought a pc before. Looking at buying an nuc style mini pc as space in my setup is minimal, been looking at mac minis, hp pavillion mini, nuc and brix models but end up more confused than ever!
I need somthing that can confortably run windows 8.1 with office applications such as excel (which i imagine would need around 8gb of ram for more intensive tasks), word, outlook etc. Would be nice to run psx emulation at 60fps but other than that no real gaming needs. It would also be used for day to day web browsing and streaming some sports, 1080p not essential in that regard.
Seems that an i5 would be overkill but no idea what i should be aiming for, am based in the uk and my budget is £500 max, but of course would like to be able to spend less if possible!
Thanks in advance.......

 

[turbocat]

The 750ti is a great budget card, it can run a lot of stuff well.. but for the stuff you wrote you want to do, it's going to be the obvious weakpoint of your build. If you get a 970, or even a 960 for like $50, the difference will be obvious.

Thanks for your help. If anyone else sees any flaws in the build, I'm all ears. I want to make something that will last for at least a while.

 

[Engell]

Hi all! Need some advice / help having never bought a pc before. Looking at buying an nuc style mini pc as space in my setup is minimal, been looking at mac minis, hp pavillion mini, nuc and brix models but end up more confused than ever!
I need somthing that can confortably run windows 8.1 with office applications such as excel (which i imagine would need around 8gb of ram for more intensive tasks), word, outlook etc. Would be nice to run psx emulation at 60fps but other than that no real gaming needs. It would also be used for day to day web browsing and streaming some sports, 1080p not essential in that regard.
Seems that an i5 would be overkill but no idea what i should be aiming for, am based in the uk and my budget is £500 max, but of course would like to be able to spend less if possible!
Thanks in advance.......

maybe the alienware alpha for you aswell? was mentioned on the previous page. (cost more than 500 with 8gb)
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd

 

[Ibuki]

I need help with a new machine I just built yesterday.

I am getting random blue screens while playing games. I was able to use it yesterday without any issues, and it happens randomly. Here are my specs:

Intel Core i5 4690k @ 3.50GHz
8 GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 800MHz
MSI H97 Gaming 3 (MS-7918)
4095MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 (EVGA)
119GB SAMSUNG SSD PM830 2.5" 7mm 128GB ATA Device (SSD)
1863GB Western Digital WDC WD20EZRX-00D8PB0 ATA Device (SATA)

I'm not sure what to do, pretty sure I installed everything right since the machine is working aside from the blue screens. I appreciate your time and help guys.

 

[tomwhite2004]

maybe the alienware alpha for you aswell? was mentioned on the previous page. (cost a little more than 500)
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd

Looks great and i had been looking at them but not sure I really need the gpu (would only make me spend more cash on steam!), would still need to buy the office license too.
Wish the mac minis were in their 2012 form with the ability to upgrade ram and memory, not to mention no more quad core cpu options.

 

[NeOak]

Looks great and i had been looking at them but not sure I really need the gpu (would only make me spend more cash on steam!), would still need to buy the office license too.
Wish the mac minis were in their 2012 form with the ability to upgrade ram and memory, not to mention no more quad core cpu options.

You will be hard pressed to find a cheaper option tbh. Unless you can get the Intel Compute Stick, but that is an atom after all.

 

[harSon]

GPU needs 2x6 pin PCI-e connectors. PSU provides 1x8 pin PCI-e connector, but 2 pins split away so you can plug it in with just the 6. What you will need is another 6 pin PCI-e connector, so a converter like this will be needed to convert molex to PCI-e -

I think you can get SATA to PCI-e too but not to sure on it.

I'm sorry, I'm confused Could you walk me through this? I honestly haven't done anything like this in damn near a decade, and I walked into this build completely clueless. So all of these terms are flying over my head at the moment.

So the PSU comes with a cable that is PCI-e connector with 8 pins on one side, and split between to two 6+2 pins on the other side.

I have the PSU with these connectors:

And a GPU with these connectors:

I got the computer computer/GPU running by plugging in the 8 pin into the 6+2 pin slot, and then the two 6 pin connectors on the other end of the cable into the two 6 pin slots on the GPU. Is that not right? Is it being underpowered or something? I'm not understanding why I'd need any Molex cables, considering my PSU doesn't have any Molex ports? Sorry for all of the questions. Assume I'm 100% clueless when answering this (because I am ) This is the only damn thing holding me back from fully utilizing my new computer Lol.

 

[Demigod Mac]

And, done! So you can indeed remove the shroud and get to the heatsink without having to remove the whole cooler. Have to undo the tiny Torx screws along the sides and top, then pry the shroud off and unscrew the big 4 philips head screws on the bottom to release the heatsink. NewerTech's kit didn't have a small enough Torx but I had a multitool that had the correct size.

I'd give the factory guys a C- on their thermal compound application. Not good, but not as horrible as some I've seen before (look for Macbook Pro thermal compound pictures if you want to see a real abomination). Cleaned off that stuff and replaced with Arctic MX-4.

No difference in full load temps, still tops out around 82-85&#730;C but I think that's GPU Boost doing its thing. No shut off issues even after putting it through the Furmark gauntlet (was kind of worried the lower temps would make it get more ambitious on the TDP, but it wasn't so).

HUGE difference in idle-midrange temps... Idle got as low as 33&#730;C (was idling around 45&#730;C previously). So yeah, big success here.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[DodgyGeezerFella]

I'm sorry, I'm confused Could you walk me through this? I honestly haven't done anything like this in damn near a decade, and I walked into this build completely clueless. So all of these terms are flying over my head at the moment.

So the PSU comes with a cable that is PCI-e connector with 8 pins on one side, and split between to two 6+2 pins on the other side.

I have the PSU with these connectors:


And a GPU with these connectors:


I got the computer computer/GPU running by plugging in the 8 pin into the 6+2 pin slot, and then the two 6 pin connectors on the other end of the cable into the two 6 pin slots on the GPU. Is that not right? Is it being underpowered or something? I'm not understanding why I'd need any Molex cables, considering my PSU doesn't have any Molex ports? Sorry for all of the questions. Assume I'm 100% clueless when answering this (because I am ) This is the only damn thing holding me back from fully utilizing my new computer Lol.

My bad, just checked how your PSU goes about the modular design, and it sounds like you've got it working perfectly. Didn't realise it has a single cable for PCI-e power, that splits into 2 connectors.

Your good to go

 

[KillerAJD]

So, here's the scoop. I have been wanting to upgrade my gpu for awhile now. I've currently got a 7850. I want to upgrade partly because I'm tired of turning stuff down, partly because I've been getting more and more crashes/BSOD's/Driver issues (may be the gpu going out?), and mainly because I want something that will work well enough with VR HMDs. I know the advice is to wait for AMD and maybe even Nvidia's new stuff to be announced/released, and also to not buy GPU's now for HMD's tomorrow, but I hate waiting. I've got around $550 cash alone from tax returns to put towards an upgrade, and I recently got a $200 BestBuy gc. I would obviously like to use the GC to save a bit of actual cash, but I can cover the rest if need be. So here's my options:

1: Wait for next month to see what AMD does, maybe prices will go down?
2: Buy a 980 from Best Buy. They have a few online that I can use the gc with, dropping the price for me to around $300+ instead of closer to $600. Here's what they have, not sure what card would be the best bet performance/price wise. Also, it looks like they are only giving you Batman, not that and The Witcher 3. Kind of a bummer.
3: Get something like this from Newegg. Looks like it'd be around $510 after rebate + tax, but with this one I get The Witcher 3 and Batman.

On top of that, I'll probably need to upgrade my powersupply, so throw in another $40-$80 depending on deals I can find (sometimes stuff pops up on Slickdeals that is really good. Anything decent online right now?)

Any advice? I can wait if absolutely need be, and the sooner I wait until around the middle of June, the better, since I'll be gone on a week long vacation anyways, haha.

 

[cyborg009]

So I'm setting up my PC since all the parts came in but my backplate for it can't fit my case well. I tried putting it on my motherboard but that's not working. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong since? this is my first attempt at building a new PC.

 

[Flandy]

Is getting 60fps in GTA 4 (not 5) nearly impossible or something?
GTX 970 and an i7 2600k and I still can't get a steady 60? What the hell?

 

[Dartastic]

Hooray! Everything is plugged in and turns on. Except there's one problem. Windows 8 can't locate my SSD. I'm thinking it's because there's a problem with me connecting my SATA cable. Do I only need one? It may not be plugged into the correct SATA port, but I'm kinda confused as to what I need to plug in with this thing. HELP PLEASE.

Edit: Might not have given it power. That would be a problem, wouldn't it? Let's open this thing up and try again.

 

[Skyfireblaze]

Okay I decided to upgrade my case budget a bit, what is the verdict on the Cooler Master N600 vs the Fractal Design Define R4? I know on paper the R4 should win this one but atleast as far as the front IO goes I prefer the N600 with its meshed design yet the R4 has this sound-damper system.

Also wouldn't the sound dampening foam actually make the PC harder to cool?

 

[rtcn63]

Okay I decided to upgrade my case budget a bit, what is the verdict on the Cooler Master N600 vs the Fractal Design Define R4? I know on paper the R4 should win this one but atleast as far as the front IO goes I prefer the N600 with its meshed design yet the R4 has this sound-damper system.

Also wouldn't the sound dampening foam actually make the PC harder to cool?

I have the R4. Moderately silent, cool enough if you're not doing serious overclocks or in perpetually hot weather (I have an i5 at 4.0ghz and a GTX 670). Cons? It's inexpensive because it's cheap. The USB 3.0 case ports became faulty after six months and the side panel developed an intermittent buzzing. And for some reason, the holes used to mount the motherboard don't always align with the motherboard itself. This... can be very bad. I was honestly afraid of snapping my motherboard in two during installation.

 

[Dartastic]

IT'S ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE