"I Need a New PC!" 2015 Part 1. Read the OP and RISE ABOVE FORGED PRECISION SCIENCE

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What exactly is m.2... Is it for sound cards, SSDs or wifi? Can a normal ssd work with it?

m.2 SSD:

m2-ssd.jpg

how they get plugged in:

Where do you guys go online if you have a problem with an ethernet connection that you just can't solve? Is there a good forum/site for solving those problems? My ethernet has been cutting out constantly for a few months now and it's only just started to really bug me as I'm playing DOTA and getting an abandon or two. Wifi on other devices work fine 24/7, but for some reason, 2-3 times each day, my ethernet cuts out for ~5 minutes. Sucks.
As in like the actual hardline connection? Or are you connected via wifi?
 
I think I'm close to pulling the trigger on buying a gaming PC. I could wait for R3XX series and GTX10XX series and skylake, but I've already waited six months since the GTX970 came out hoping prices on various parts would come down, but nothing have!

Uses: GTA V, Assetto Corsa, Racing Sims, Strategy titles like Civ V, Cities Skylines,

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HGMFMp
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HGMFMp/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($123.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($123.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($126.00 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.49 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($322.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($61.49 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN721N 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($10.99 @ Directron)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1292.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-24 11:49 EDT-0400

Monitor: I'm thinking about getting the Acer XB270HU but it may be difficult to get in Malaysia and I may need to get it delivered from Amazon. Perhaps I could just get a 1080p 144z panel? If I keep my framerate up above 60fps, there's less need for G-Sync?

Questions

1. Any difference between the ASUS z97m-plus and the Gigabyte Z97m-D3H? The Gigabyte is $20 cheaper.
2. The Gigabyte GTX 970 G1 gaming is about $395 (Base Clock 1178 / Boost 1329 Mhz) while the Leadtek Winfast GTX 970 OC is $325 (Base Clock 1076Mz / 1216 Mhz). Which one should I get?
3. Does the Hyper Evo come with thermal compound or do I need to buy some?
4. So I've asked this before around GAF but do you think GTX 970 is enough for 1440p gaming for the next couple of years. If not will 1080p look ok on the 1440p screen? I think i'm ok to game at 'high' settings but Id like to keep the frame rate up.

Thanks!

I do the same with my PC and have an i7 3770, MSI GTX 970, 8GB Ram, Node 304 ITX build, so heres an alternative ITX build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($123.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($326.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1269.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-24 15:11 EDT-0400

And dont worry about GTX 970 clock speeds, the MSI and Gigabyte should have no issues hitting 1500Mhz Core and close to 8000Mhz Memory, matching/beating a stock 980. I prefer the MSI since its quieter.

GTX 970 will do 1440p pretty well, i mean i didnt even notice a difference in Dying light running 1440p DSR. Some games itll suffer and may have to tone a few settings down. Even FC4 was ok 45-60fps at 1440p. It only tanks at 4K hitting 30fps in both Dying Light and FC4 at my clocks of 1530Mhz Core, 7900Mhz Memory.
 
On older computers going into the control panel and turning off the visual effects (all the Aero stuff) makes a massive difference. is it worth doing this on newer builds? would it help with FPS at all?
 
On older computers going into the control panel and turning off the visual effects (all the Aero stuff) makes a massive difference. is it worth doing this on newer builds? would it help with FPS at all?

Not really, only useful if wanting to extract the maximum from benchmarks.
 
On older computers going into the control panel and turning off the visual effects (all the Aero stuff) makes a massive difference. is it worth doing this on newer builds? would it help with FPS at all?

No reason to do this on new builds

At least not for performance reasons, I turn off certain effects just because I don't like how they look
 
I had to do sort of a sudden upgrade a couple of months ago and had to cut a couple of corners including storage so I'm still on an HDD. I'd like to put in an SSD soon.

Right now I can get a Samsung 850 Evo 250 GB for $100 (Newegg via eBay) or a Crucial BX100 250 GB for $86 (Newegg).

I've looked at the benchmarks and the Samsung beats the Crucial in most areas. The Crucial is right there with the Samsung in read speeds though. However, I don't care much about benchmarks. Am I going to notice much real world difference on these? I'm coming from an HDD so both will be a huge improvement.
 
I had to do sort of a sudden upgrade a couple of months ago and had to cut a couple of corners including storage so I'm still on an HDD. I'd like to put in an SSD soon.

Right now I can get a Samsung 850 Evo 250 GB for $100 (Newegg via eBay) or a Crucial BX100 250 GB for $86 (Newegg).

I've looked at the benchmarks and the Samsung beats the Crucial in most areas. The Crucial is right there with the Samsung in read speeds though. However, I don't care much about benchmarks. Am I going to notice much real world difference on these? I'm coming from an HDD so both will be a huge improvement.

4K random is what really matters for Windows files and small files which is where the HDD actually struggles. Sequential speeds SSD vs HDD are about 5 times faster, but random 4K is around 500x faster. Thats where the difference you feel arises from.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/8747/samsung-ssd-850-evo-review/8
 
4K random is what really matters for Windows files and small files which is where the HDD actually struggles. Sequential speeds SSD vs HDD are about 5 times faster, but random 4K is around 500x faster. Thats where the difference you feel arises from.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/8747/samsung-ssd-850-evo-review/8

Thanks. I understand all of that. I'm more wondering if the difference in those two SSDs though will actually be perceptible in my every day use on an average home computer. It's really just Google Chrome and games.

There's the obvious 4k random difference between them, I'm just not sure if it matters like the difference between any SSD and my HDD. My electric kettle boils faster than a stovetop one, but if I'm still looking for matching socks in the bedroom while both come to a boil, does it matter?

edit: There's also the worry about Samsung's performance down the road if issues crop up similar to the ones the 840 had.
 
Thanks. I understand all of that. I'm more wondering if the difference in those two SSDs though will actually be perceptible in my every day use on an average home computer. It's really just Google Chrome and games.

There's the obvious 4k random difference between them, I'm just not sure if it matters like the difference between any SSD and my HDD. My electric kettle boils faster than a stovetop one, but if I'm still looking for matching socks in the bedroom while both come to a boil, does it matter?

It wont matter, when you are comparing something that is 500x faster vs 400x faster, its still very fast, so you shouldnt notice it at all.

From my own point of view, i wont be buying a Samsung SSD for a while due to the ongoing 840 drive issues. I still hold Crucial and Intel as the best options.

BX100 is bit more budget than the MX100 however.
 
It wont matter, when you are comparing something that is 500x faster vs 400x faster, its still very fast, so you shouldnt notice it at all.

From my own point of view, i wont be buying a Samsung SSD for a while due to the ongoing 840 drive issues. I still hold Crucial and Intel as the best options.

BX100 is bit more budget than the MX100 however.

Thanks. I think I will go for the BX100. It's the right price and time for me and I'm long overdue for an SSD.
 
I had to do sort of a sudden upgrade a couple of months ago and had to cut a couple of corners including storage so I'm still on an HDD. I'd like to put in an SSD soon.

Right now I can get a Samsung 850 Evo 250 GB for $100 (Newegg via eBay) or a Crucial BX100 250 GB for $86 (Newegg).

I've looked at the benchmarks and the Samsung beats the Crucial in most areas. The Crucial is right there with the Samsung in read speeds though. However, I don't care much about benchmarks. Am I going to notice much real world difference on these? I'm coming from an HDD so both will be a huge improvement.

I'd be wary of the 850 Evo after the performance deg we've seen in the 840 and 840 Evo. It's not certain that it will but so far Samsung are 2 for 2 on their TLC drives with slow downs.
 
Likely going to buy a 970 tomorrow

Question tho

Is it a better idea to buy the evga 970 ftw with the possibility of stepping up in 90 days

Or buying the MSI 970
 
Likely going to buy a 970 tomorrow

Question tho

Is it a better idea to buy the evga 970 ftw with the possibility of stepping up in 90 days

Or buying the MSI 970

If you can afford the step up considering the prices today then go for the EVGA, since i dont see prices moving in 90 days much at all.
 
So I need to buy a new PSU, what is the minimum wattage I'd need for a standard enough gaming setup? I have a 580GTW and a Core i7 that's overclocked a bit, along with a water cooler. Is 600W enough?
 
if i buy a ssd, would i need to reinstall windows on it or can i just move some files over
You would greatly benefit from reinstalling Windows. Then you just add your old HDD through disk manager, and can bring over whatever files you want. You can even just drag and drop steam, and it will automatically integrate itself once you execute the exe.
 
if i buy a ssd, would i need to reinstall windows on it or can i just move some files over

It definitely is better to get yourself a fresh windows install, but if you would really benefit from not having to you can use a disk clone utility (still make sure everything you care about is backed up) to move your current installation to a new drive.
 
It definitely is better to get yourself a fresh windows install, but if you would really benefit from not having to you can use a disk clone utility (still make sure everything you care about is backed up) to move your current installation to a new drive.

A lot of clone software won't align the sectors properly and will cause excessive degradation to the SSD. Plus windows won't be fully optimised for running on an SSD, it detects an SSD on installation.
 
- Don't buy that SSD, it's junky. Get a Crucial MX100/BX100 instead.
- No big differences in motherboard IIRC, I have the Z97M-D3H and it's been solid for me. Some people don't like Asus' customer service.
- Change your PSU if you can, look for a Cooler Master V550S or a Seasonic G-Series in the 500-600W range. The Corsair CX/RM series are not great.
- 212 Evo comes with thermal paste.
- Love the 350D case. It's big, but beautiful.
- Be aware you can get Windows 8.1 from r/MicrosoftSoftwareSwap
- I would get the Gigabyte 970.
- Nobody really knows whether or not the 970 will be enough for 1440p gaming for x amount of time, unfortunately.

Thanks for your suggestions and will make most of the above changes.

Yes, I wasn't sure what PSU to get beyond getting 80 plus Bronze. I'll see if I can get one of the two you mentioned.

I'll probably play it safe and get a Windows 8.1 from a shop.

I do the same with my PC and have an i7 3770, MSI GTX 970, 8GB Ram, Node 304 ITX build, so heres an alternative ITX build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($123.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($326.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1269.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-24 15:11 EDT-0400

And dont worry about GTX 970 clock speeds, the MSI and Gigabyte should have no issues hitting 1500Mhz Core and close to 8000Mhz Memory, matching/beating a stock 980. I prefer the MSI since its quieter.

GTX 970 will do 1440p pretty well, i mean i didnt even notice a difference in Dying light running 1440p DSR. Some games itll suffer and may have to tone a few settings down. Even FC4 was ok 45-60fps at 1440p. It only tanks at 4K hitting 30fps in both Dying Light and FC4 at my clocks of 1530Mhz Core, 7900Mhz Memory.

Yes I was thinking about doing an ITX build but was concerned I had to get the GTX 970 ITX build which was a lot shorter and had only one fan. I suppose as long as the card can physically fit into the case then the ITX motherboard can still handle normal size graphics cards?

I will probably go for an ITX build given I can put it in my luggage a little easier. I'll probably need to go for a smaller case than the Fractal Node 304....
 
Thanks for your suggestions and will make most of the above changes.

Yes, I wasn't sure what PSU to get beyond getting 80 plus Bronze. I'll see if I can get one of the two you mentioned.

I'll probably play it safe and get a Windows 8.1 from a shop.

Yes I was thinking about doing an ITX build but was concerned I had to get the GTX 970 ITX build which was a lot shorter and had only one fan. I suppose as long as the card can physically fit into the case then the ITX motherboard can still handle normal size graphics cards?

I will probably go for an ITX build given I can put it in my luggage a little easier. I'll probably need to go for a smaller case than the Fractal Node 304....

The Node 304 can fit graphics cards up to 310mm long (almost any graphics card as long as it isn't a Gigabyte Windforce model) as long as the power supply isn't too long and two hard drive mounts are taken out.

There isn't a lot that smaller than the Fractal Node 304.. If you want something that fits easily into a luggage case, then you'd be looking at something like a Silverstone ML07 or RVZ01 super compact case which is a bit larger than a game console but is very cramped to build in, more expensive, and has limited expansion for the future.

Nope, not at all! Single GPU, nothing too nuts. Just figured it was a solid price for a 4yr old 650W Corsair replacement!

Go with this EVGA Supernova B2 750 watt model for $60 after 20 rebate instead, it's less than half the price, still has more wattage than you'll need, and comes highly reviewed.
 
Still overpriced. This has same processor and graphics, better RAM, storage drives, cooler, and power supply, etc, and comes in cheaper even if you buy a retail copy of Windows.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-E ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.00 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Toshiba Product Series:DT01ACA 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($72.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card ($542.90 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1449.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-24 00:29 EDT-0400

All this tells me is that for a $100 premium he can get a pre-built machine, and not have to deal with building his own PC or RMA'ing individual parts. Better storage and 16gb ram, sure. When I was in his shoes and did not want to build my own PC (believe it or not, not everyone likes to tinker, they just want something powerful), every pre-built was marked up $6-900 on the low end.

I just ended up building my own PC for huge savings, but for $100 difference, I'd get the pre-built. I *still* don't like to tinker.
 
The Node 304 can fit graphics cards up to 310mm long (almost any graphics card as long as it isn't a Gigabyte Windforce model) as long as the power supply isn't too long and two hard drive mounts are taken out.

There isn't a lot that smaller than the Fractal Node 304.. If you want something that fits easily into a luggage case, then you'd be looking at something like a Silverstone ML07 or RVZ01 super compact case which is a bit larger than a game console but is very cramped to build in, more expensive, and has limited expansion for the future.

I looked at ITX builds again, and the cases are probably not small enough to bother, and when they are small, they are too cramped to fit in stuff. So I'll probably just forget about bringing it with me I suppose...

A couple more questions have popped up.

1. Is the Crucial M500 ok, the shop I'm likely to buy at doesn't have the 256gb MX100...

2. The shop also only stocks Hyper 212X, is that ok?
 
All this tells me is that for a $100 premium he can get a pre-built machine, and not have to deal with building his own PC or RMA'ing individual parts. Better storage and 16gb ram, sure. When I was in his shoes and did not want to build my own PC (believe it or not, not everyone likes to tinker, they just want something powerful), every pre-built was marked up $6-900 on the low end.

I just ended up building my own PC for huge savings, but for $100 difference, I'd get the pre-built. I *still* don't like to tinker.

I don't trust those gaming PC companies because they don't have very good deals and make the PC gaudy looking to make up for the fact that they tend to use some cheap components. I don't even know what 600 watt power supply that thing has. A PC identical in specs to the one he mentioned from that site (same RAM, hard drive and SSD, etc) would be $1300 or less so it's really more of a $200+ premium. And that doesn't take into account the mandatory $75 minimum shipping fee that iBUYPOWER charges on every PC order, whereas most retail PC parts store will offer discounted or free shipping from them if your parts order exceeds $50~100.

I know that you preferred the ease of prebuilt PCs, but he seemed comfortable with the parts list I gave him. Also, there's a nice middle ground in between our points - NCIXUS offers PC assembly services including 1 year warranty for $50. Pick the parts you want and someone else builds and tests it for you.

I looked at ITX builds again, and the cases are probably not small enough to bother, and when they are small, they are too cramped to fit in stuff. So I'll probably just forget about bringing it with me I suppose...

A couple more questions have popped up.

1. Is the Crucial M500 ok, the shop I'm likely to buy at doesn't have the 256gb MX100...

2. The shop also only stocks Hyper 212X, is that ok?

What stores are you looking at? The M500 is kinda old..
 
Monitor reccommendations in the price range between 150 and 200€? I'll mainly use it for my PS4. The ASUS VS239H-P from the OT seems not to be avaible anymore :/ I rate colors above reaction time, as I'm used playing on a 5ms monitor, so I think IPS it is.

edit: forgot to mention: I'm looking for a 24 inch monitor.

anyone? :)
 

I'm no monitor expert, but there are similar Asus IPS monitors on Amazon.de.

Asus VS239H 23" IPS monitor for 130€

Asus VX239H 23" IPS monitor for 159€
Asus PB238Q 23" IPS monitor for 209€

The first two appear to be very similar except for different outward design and stand. The third one is a higher end model with more connectivity and features like USB 2.0 hub, speakers, displayport support, a stand with wide range of motion, etc. I'm not sure if you need any of that, but you probably don't and it's a bit out of your budget range. I'd personally go for the 130€ model.
 
What stores are you looking at? The M500 is kinda old..

I'm looking at online shops in Malaysia... I live quite far from the capital Kuala Lumpur so either I drive in (6 hours each way) or buy everything online. I've only got a limited range to choose from, but I can get all the parts I listed above.

There's another seller that sells the 256gb MX100 so I can try them if its worth the trouble getting that over the M500.

So is there any difference between the Hyper 212X and the Hyper 212 Evo?
 
I'm looking at online shops in Malaysia... I live quite far from the capital Kuala Lumpur so either I drive in (6 hours each way) or buy everything online. I've only got a limited range to choose from, but I can get all the parts I listed above.

There's another seller that sells the 256gb MX100 so I can try them if its worth the trouble getting that over the M500.

So is there any difference between the Hyper 212X and the Hyper 212 Evo?

Ah, right, sorry about that, I forgot your situation after a couple of days. My bad.

I'd go for the MX100 and BX100 if it's not much more expensive. The M500 is about two years old and while not bad, the technical improvements in the newer Crucial SSDs are worth it. The MX100 has already been around for some time, it should be available, but I'm not sure about the newer BX100.

The Hyper 212X is a design change of the Hyper 212 Evo heatsink for improved airflow. At least in North America it wasn't very popular for some reason and did not replace the 212 Evo, and also appears to be discontinued. Can't find many reviews on it, but it is very similar to the 212 Evo. It should be fine.
 
Hi everyone, I want to change out my 2 ssd, and was wondering if I can do any other upgrades to hold me over till end of next year, when I'm planning new build. My specs are;

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K (Sandy Bridge-E, C2)
3200 MHz (32.00x100.0) @ 1200 MHz (12.00x100.1)
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 PRO
Chipset: Intel C600/X79 (Patsburg)
Memory: 32768 MBytes @ 800 MHz, 11.0-11-11-28
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
Graphics: ASUS HD7970
ATI/AMD Radeon HD 7970/R9 280X, 3072 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: OCZ-VERTEX4, 250.1 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: OCZ-VERTEX4, 125.0 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: WDC WD5002AALX-00J37A0, 488.4 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NS90, DVD+R DL
Drive: Marvell 91xx Config, Processor
Sound: Intel Patsburg PCH - High Definition Audio Controller [C0]
Sound: ATI/AMD Tahiti - High Definition Audio Controller
Network: Intel 82579V (Lewisville) Gigabit Network Connection
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (x64) Build 7601
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W 80plus Gold
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14

I'm basically using the computer for gaming and photo editing, any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

p.s. If it can play Witcher 3 in the higher settings, I will be very happy
 
Hi everyone, I want to change out my 2 ssd, and was wondering if I can do any other upgrades to hold me over till end of next year, when I'm planning new build. My specs are;

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K (Sandy Bridge-E, C2)
3200 MHz (32.00x100.0) @ 1200 MHz (12.00x100.1)
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 PRO
Chipset: Intel C600/X79 (Patsburg)
Memory: 32768 MBytes @ 800 MHz, 11.0-11-11-28
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
- 4096 MB PC12800 DDR3 SDRAM - G Skill F3-12800CL9-4GBZL
Graphics: ASUS HD7970
ATI/AMD Radeon HD 7970/R9 280X, 3072 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: OCZ-VERTEX4, 250.1 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: OCZ-VERTEX4, 125.0 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: WDC WD5002AALX-00J37A0, 488.4 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s @ 6Gb/s
Drive: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NS90, DVD+R DL
Drive: Marvell 91xx Config, Processor
Sound: Intel Patsburg PCH - High Definition Audio Controller [C0]
Sound: ATI/AMD Tahiti - High Definition Audio Controller
Network: Intel 82579V (Lewisville) Gigabit Network Connection
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (x64) Build 7601
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W 80plus Gold
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14

I'm basically using the computer for gaming and photo editing, any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

p.s. If it can play Witcher 3 in the higher settings, I will be very happy

You will need more RAM.
Yes yes kidding :P

Are you overclocking your CPU? If not do it, you have a good cooler.

The only thing I think can bring new life to your computer is a new gpu. A 980 perhaps. Or a 970 for better perf/price ratio.

Cdpr said that a 980 will be able to play tw3 at 60fps, ultra settings. But the 970 is not far off at all. I would go for the 970 if you plan to build new next year.
 
Ah, right, sorry about that, I forgot your situation after a couple of days. My bad.

I'd go for the MX100 and BX100 if it's not much more expensive. The M500 is about two years old and while not bad, the technical improvements in the newer Crucial SSDs are worth it. The MX100 has already been around for some time, it should be available, but I'm not sure about the newer BX100.

The Hyper 212X is a design change of the Hyper 212 Evo heatsink for improved airflow. At least in North America it wasn't very popular for some reason and did not replace the 212 Evo, and also appears to be discontinued. Can't find many reviews on it, but it is very similar to the 212 Evo. It should be fine.

Don't mention it, thanks for giving your time to help newbs like me.

I haven't been able to find the BX100, but I have found the MX100.

The Hyper 212X and the Evo looked exactly the same (to me) so just needed to double check I'm getting the 'right' one.
 
You will need more RAM.
Yes yes kidding :P

Are you overclocking your CPU? If not do it, you have a good cooler.

The only thing I think can bring new life to your computer is a new gpu. A 980 perhaps. Or a 970 for better perf/price ratio.

Cdpr said that a 980 will be able to play tw3 at 60fps, ultra settings. But the 970 is not far off at all. I would go for the 970 if you plan to build new next year.

Lol, yeah, I know the ram is overkill, I got them free along with the ssd and just threw everything in, thanks for the quick reply
 
Can someone recommend a few decent budget IPS monitors for work for my wife? There's an overwhelming amount of choices at the budget end.

Something that's 1080p, 22-24". Thanks! Between $100-150.
 
Can someone recommend a few decent budget IPS monitors for work for my wife? There's an overwhelming amount of choices at the budget end.

Something that's 1080p, 22-24". Thanks! Between $100-150.
Think I'm going to go with the Acer G227HQL. Its IPS, 21.5", 1080p and has good reviews on Amazon and only $120.

If you do want something slightly larger and with a IPS panel, there's this Acer H236HLbid 23.6" monitor for $130 from Best Buy. Large numbers of user reviews on both Newegg and Amazon are consistently excellent (4 or more stars out of 5), although I couldn't find any professional reviews, not a lot of professional reviews exist for low priced monitors in the first place.
 
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