[Karmum]

Just overclocked from 4.1 GHz (highest setting for GIGABYTE's ET6) to manually just OC'ing to 4.4 GHz. Probably could go higher, wonder how much more of a performance I may get out of it.

An hour plus in Prime95 and temps are around 53 C.

[sk3]

These undisclosed launches are dreadful. Will I be able to go to microcenter on sunday and pick up an ivy bridge cpu? Why can't you at least preorder these things? Or are they just going to pop up everywhere online on the 29th? Intel says the 29th, but no retailers are discussing stock.

Pretty much every hardware site reviewed this card last week, but I can't find it listed anywhere for sale and asus isn't saying when it'll be available or for how much. Enough with the teases.

[Smokey]

Great review of GTX 680 Tri-Sli vs 7970 Trifire

DEM Amd drivers

[mkenyon]

There doesn't seem to be that big of a difference between the PS07B and the TJ08B-E... Except for the front fans. The TJ08B-E is shorter and $20 more too, and apparently has a rather loud fan. Anyone had bad experiences with the PS07B?

Have not, but like I said, the cable management in that looks to be a nightmare. The AP181 fans aren't that loud at all, which is what the TJ08 has.

You could check out the Small Form Factor section on overclock.net, chances are someone there has used one.

Need help: Best place to buy RAM in Canada. Preferably a place that has a computer scan feature that can easily tell me what RAM is capable with my rig or a place that can at least let me search by what is best for my MOBO. Thanks

In the OP. NCIX is best.

Is there any disadvantage to putting a SB (2500K) in a Z77 mobo? Would it still be able to use the native USB 3.0?

PCI-E 2.0 instead of 3.0, which isn't a big issue at all. The native USB 3.0 is on the Z77 chipset, not the processor.

[asdad123]

HELP PLEASE :(

Hey guys, my brother is having a problem with his PC.

Whenever it boots up, he gets an error of ""Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause."

First thing we thought was that it was the memory since he switched it out last week, so we ran memory diagnostics and no errors.

It started after he installed the Diablo 3 Beta, so we figured to do a complete format and then reinstall windows completely. Problem still occurs.

Ran memory diagnostic again and then crystaldiskinfo to see if theres any bad HDD sectors, and no problems.

This occurs every time he starts the computer and all he has to do is click "start windows normally" and it boots up fine.

Any idea? We're at a loss.

Specs:
X4 640 3.0ghz, no overclock
Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS Socket AM3+ 760G mATX
Evga 460gtx 768mb
500gb Samsung HDD
XMS3 8gb 1600mhz RAM
500w StealthxStream OCZ Power Supply

Temperatures of key components (e.g., CPU, GPU, northbridge) and/or the inside of the case -- also, whether or not you're overclocking and/or using exotic (i.e. water-) cooling
No overclocking. Temps at about 35C idle. 55C under intelburn test load. GPU at 40C idle.

The voltages everything is running at
Everything stock

How long you've had your computer for
A little over over a year.

Whether or not you've tried diagnosing the problem already (e.g., from software, by finding a solution online), and (if so) what the results were
Reinstalled windows after formatting HDD. Ran Windows Memory Diagnostic, IntelBurn Test and returned no errors. There is no error code when booting up. Just a black screen stating the message "Windows Failed to start" with two options of starting Windows Repair or starting windows normally.

[mkenyon]

Is the HDD that windows is installed to the primary boot device?

[AkIRA_22]

You could just run it at 1.35v on your x58 mobo.

I should have mentioned that, I cranked it down as low as it would go, 1.42v seems OK so far.

[Hero_of_the_Day]

Great review of GTX 680 Tri-Sli vs 7970 Trifire DEM Amd drivers

Most of the Arkham City charts are labled Arkham Asylum, weird. Also, why is everyone not using Witcher 2 in their benchmarks? Witcher 2, Arkham City, and Battlefield 3 are the best looking games around. Those three games should be in every benchmark.

[Iadien]

HELP PLEASE :(

Have you tried using a windows repair disc? Whenever I get this error I use my windows repair disc and let it work it's magic.

[asdad123]

Have you tried using a windows repair disc? Whenever I get this error I use my windows repair disc and let it work it's magic.

That's the first thing we tried and it happened the very next day after running the repair.

And yes the HDD has even the primary boot device ever since the computer was built.

Like I said, it's not like the computer fails to boot completely. It just gives this error and two choices. 1) run windows repair. 2) start windows normally. Repair does nothing, but picking start windows normally boots the computer just fine and everything works.

[mkenyon]

That's the first thing we tried and it happened the very next day after running the repair. And yes the HDD has even the primary boot device ever since the computer was built. Like I said, it's not like the computer fails to boot completely. It just gives this error and two choices. 1) run windows repair. 2) start windows normally. Repair does nothing, but picking start windows normally boots the computer just fine and everything works.

You can't install windows on a formatted drive with it as the primary boot drive, so at some point, it has not been. Double check.

[Iadien]

...

Can you test a different hard drive using his system, or even hook up his hard drive to a different PC and see if the error comes up?

[asdad123]

You can't install windows on a formatted drive with it as the primary boot drive, so at some point, it has not been. Double check.

Will do when I get home from class. When he reinstalled windows, he pressed f8 on boot and chose boot from cd. He didn't change any boot priority.

The drive was formatted right before the installation in the windows install menu.

[outunderthestars]

OK. I have made to decision to jump to PC gaming. :)

For now, I just want to play really old games via steam on my laptop. Is this considered to be a good all around controller for pc gaming?




I loved the feel of the 360 controller, but wonder how it well it is supported and what not. Does the wireless receiver work ok?

[ToyMachine228]

I'm completely ignorant of the hardware side of computers so forgive me...Will any power supply work with any desktop? My parents have an old tower that is randomly resetting on them. Figured I'd try a new power supply first. It's a pretty old PC. 3.0GHz processor, 1GB of RAM. Probably going to add more RAM at the same time. Thanks in advance for the answer!

[Lion Heart]

Are VA monitors shit for gaming? I've been using a 2ms LCD for years and have no idea how an 8ms response time would feel at this point.

The two I'm looking at are Benq VW2420H and the SyncMaster S24A650S (Sammy).

A TN display Im considering is the Asus VS248H-P.

Really though, anything in the $200 range +/- $50 I'll take. There is so many monitors in this range I'm just stepping back for a minute and asking for help.

[faceless007]

OK. I have made to decision to jump to PC gaming. :) For now, I just want to play really old games via steam on my laptop. Is this considered to be a good all around controller for pc gaming? I loved the feel of the 360 controller, but wonder how it well it is supported and what not. Does the wireless receiver work ok?

How old? It works fine in most newer (2006+) games, they'll detect it and use matching button prompts, etc. Older games won't recognize the triggers or won't recognize it at all. You need to use a different gamepad for those.

[Hero_of_the_Day]

OK. I have made to decision to jump to PC gaming. :) For now, I just want to play really old games via steam on my laptop. Is this considered to be a good all around controller for pc gaming? []http://snipsly.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/wirelesscontrollerinpackage1.jpg[/] I loved the feel of the 360 controller, but wonder how it well it is supported and what not. Does the wireless receiver work ok?

Yeah, it's the most supported controller out there. Receiver works perfectly. Should be able to just plug in and go.

How old? It works fine in most newer (2006+) games, they'll detect it and use matching button prompts, etc. Older games won't recognize the triggers or won't recognize it at all. You need to use a different gamepad for those.

This is true also, though. Could have problems with older stuff.

[1-D_FTW]

Are VA monitors shit for gaming? I've been using a 2ms LCD for years and have no idea how an 8ms response time would feel at this point. The two I'm looking at are Benq VW2420H and the SyncMaster S24A650S (Sammy). A TN display Im considering is the Asus VS248H-P. Really though, anything in the $200 range +/- $50 I'll take. There is so many monitors in this range I'm just stepping back for a minute and asking for help.

Does amazon ship to Canada?

Asus VM 236h for 139.99 after MIR or VW246H for 179.99. Both are recognized as good budget gaming monitors.

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VH236H-In...5486990&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-VW246H-24...5486795&sr=8-2

[Lion Heart]

The VW246H sounds interesting, seems pretty similar to the ASUS I mentioned but its not LED backlit. On the other hand its glossy and the VS248H-P is matte....damn it.

I'm going to head to Bestbuy tomorrow and see if I prefer matte or glossy screens.

Btw I am willing to go to 250 if there is a noticeable increase in quality.

edit: forgot to mention there is a used ACER S243HL for ~180 I can grab.

[1-D_FTW]

It's a matte screen. Only the plastic is glossy.

I'd argue ccfl is superior to led, but that's up to you. My calibrated 246h uses 12 watts. So the whole led is more energy efficient is pretty irrelevant.

[CaptainZombie]

OK. I have made to decision to jump to PC gaming. :) For now, I just want to play really old games via steam on my laptop. Is this considered to be a good all around controller for pc gaming? I loved the feel of the 360 controller, but wonder how it well it is supported and what not. Does the wireless receiver work ok?

The best controller imo for PC gaming. My brother tried to get his PS3 controller working and with some headaches, he was able to finally get it working.

[Slayer-33]

The best controller imo for PC gaming. My brother tried to get his PS3 controller working and with some headaches, he was able to finally get it working.

I have a wired black 360 controller for my PC pad needs.

SO good.

[·feist·]

Okay, I was waiting to update this around early summer, but since it's been a minute since the last one, I'm adding some of the non-OP enclosures I've been recommending since the last update, and updating some prices.




//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////




$40-60 $70-$100 $120-$200

$40 - BitFenix Merc Alpha/Beta ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, $80 - Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced ,,,,,, $130 - Cooler Master HAF XM/Corsair 500R/SilverStone RV02 (RV03/FT02)

$40 - NZXT Source 210/210 Elite/220 ,,,,,,,, $100 - Fractal Design Arc/Lian Li PC-K63 ,,,,,,, $150 - BitFenix Shinobi XL/NZXT Switch 810/Corsair 600T

$45 - Diablotek Evo/Rosewill Challenger ,,,, $100 - Antec Eleven Hundred/Corsair 400R ,,,, $180 - Cooler Master HAF X/CM Storm Trooper/Xigmatek Elysium

$60 - Cooler Master HAF 912/922 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, $100 - SilverStone KL04/TJ04-E ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, $ 200 - Lian Li PC-V700/PC-V750/Various Lian Li (~$100-200+)

[QUIET OPTIONS] $60 - BitFenix Shinobi ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, $100 - Fractal Design Define R3/Define XL ,,,, $120 - Anidées AI-6B/Antec P280

[MrOogieBoogie]

I feel like my computer has been running clunkier than normal. It's been like this for a good month or two now. I almost want to blame my ATI video drivers, but I'm not sure.

Playing Battlefield 3 for the first time in a month or so has only reaffirmed my suspicion because the game is running like complete shit for me. It used to run seamlessly, and now bam, it's like wth (same settings and everything). I'm pretty sure my drivers are up to date, but I normally just install new ATI drivers on top of my existing drivers. Could this have possibly caused some complications?

I'm certain it's not a virus or malware as I haven't gotten any notices from my various anti-spyware software. What do you guys think? Should I maybe wipe my current drivers clean with some software and reinstall the latest ATI drivers, or is that pointless? Any other tests I should consider running?

[MrBig]

I feel like my computer has been running clunkier than normal. It's been like this for a good month or two now. I almost want to blame my ATI video drivers, but I'm not sure. Playing Battlefield 3 for the first time in a month or so has only reaffirmed my suspicion because the game is running like complete shit for me. It used to run seamlessly, and now bam, it's like wth (same settings and everything). I'm pretty sure my drivers are up to date, but I normally just install new ATI drivers on top of my existing drivers. Could this have possibly caused some complications? I'm certain it's not a virus or malware as I haven't gotten any notices from my various anti-spyware software. What do you guys think? Should I maybe wipe my current drivers clean with some software and reinstall the latest ATI drivers, or is that pointless? Any other tests I should consider running?

Those things can be a drastic performance drain themselves. If you are competent in using the internet you only "need" to be running MSE, and with only with download and on-demand scanning.

A clean install of windows can do wonders. I do it at least once a year and it brings a general refreshing improvement.

Check processes that are running with a lot of ram or cpu time committed to them.

[XANDER CAGE]

Finally looking to upgrade my video card. It's acting up, and I'm frankly tired of ATI's shitty video drivers and support. I'm looking to move to an nVidia card in the 200 dollar range.

Thing is, what do I order? Is a vanilla 560 better than a 560 "Ti"? Does the Ti come with a little rapper? What's the SE? It's been a while since I shopped for nVidia stuff, so I feel totally lost on this Newegg page.

I'm replacing a Radeon 6850, and putting it into a with 12GB RAM and a Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition. I'm not looking for something incredibly future-proof since I intend to do an entirely new build sometime in the next couple of years, but I would like something to tide me over for a while.


Your Current Specs: Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition / 12GB DDR3 / GA-770TA-UD3 / Radeon 6850
Budget: $150-220 (United States)
Main Use: Gaming, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Battlefield 3 on comparable settings to now (I play on mostly High with some Medium) but hopefully without bullshit stuttering and hitching.
Are reusing any parts?: I just want to upgrade the video card at this point.
When will you build?: Looking to order this week.
Will you be overclocking?: No.

EDIT - is this a decent deal, considering I'm changing from a 1GB Radeon 6850?

[mkenyon]

You guys should seriously consider using drivers from AMD, that ATI stuff has to be pretty outdated by now.

/sarcasm

@MrOogieBoogie

What Mr. Big said. And yeah, you should *not* be installing new right over previous drivers. Always always delete the old ones first. Hell, a friend of mine doesn't update drivers unless he does a clean windows install first.

@BigJiantRobut
The grass isn't greener. You ever hear of an AMD driver that actually killed the card? Been running nvidia in one gaming rig and amd in the other for years. Both sides have problems, and yours may not be the fault of AMD.

560ti and 6870 are the best choices for you.

[MrOogieBoogie]

You guys should seriously consider using drivers from AMD, that ATI stuff has to be pretty outdated by now. /sarcasm @MrOogieBoogie What Mr. Big said. And yeah, you should *not* be installing new right over previous drivers. Always always delete the old ones first. Hell, a friend of mine doesn't update drivers unless he does a clean windows install first. @BigJiantRobut The grass isn't greener. You ever hear of an AMD driver that actually killed the card? Been running nvidia in one gaming rig and amd in the other for years. Both sides have problems, and yours may not be the fault of AMD. 560ti and 6870 are the best choices for you.

Ah, okay. What's the recommended driver removal software?

Short of reinstalling Windows (which I don't feel like doing atm), what's the most I can do to give my system a nice refreshing cleanse?

[mkenyon]

Delete all of your anti spyware stuff, stop surfing questionable porn sites that require them, and use MSE. :P

Driver sweeper.

*edit*

In case this isn't clear. Delete old drivers, restart, driver sweeper, restart, install new drivers.

[MrOogieBoogie]

Delete all of your anti spyware stuff, stop surfing questionable porn sites that require them, and use MSE. :P Driver sweeper.

I should clarify: I only use MSE. And I visit the safest porn site (note: "site," not sites) with Chrome + Adblock and WOT and all that good stuff. I'm good on that, bro.

Hence why the clunkiness is so surprising. Will run Driver Sweeper though and see if it helps. Thanks.

[mkenyon]

So while researching a bit on memory for a new build, I came across this stuff on Overclock.net. 8GB kit, 4GB stick.

It looks lame, but it's on a new 30nm process and apparently it clocks better than most $200+ sets of RAM. Takes tweaking to get there, but the results are pretty outstanding. Just from the reviews on the egg:

Easy to oc to 2133Mhz, 1.5V 9-10-10-24 1T

Super Cheap, OC's like a BEAST. I currently have 4 sticks in my x79 build running @ 2260 Mhz 9-10-10-24

There are not a lot of people who know about this RAM, and many of who do look at the specs and says it's terrible because they see it's horrid timings for the rated speed.

HOWEVER. This RAM overclocks like none other. It is made on the new 30nm technology and thus overclocks better than the previous gen 40nm RAM chips, and even uses less power.

I easily overclocked mine to 2133MHz @ 9-10-10-27 1T at 1.5v This is on the z68 Sandy Bridge platform

Easily OC to 10-10-10-28-1T with 1.5V's at 2133MHz

[black_vegeta]

I reformated my PC and since then I'm having a hell of a time trying to get the screen tearing to stop when I'm gaming. I've been using the NVidia control panel, I turn on V-Sync and Triple Buffering. Is there another program that performs these actions more effectively? Am I missing anything?

I have a GTX570 and have the latest (non-beta) drivers installed.

[MrOogieBoogie]

Delete all of your anti spyware stuff, stop surfing questionable porn sites that require them, and use MSE. :P Driver sweeper. *edit* In case this isn't clear. Delete old drivers, restart, driver sweeper, restart, install new drivers.

Alright, this seemed to do the trick!

Ever since I built this thing eight months ago I've simply been installing drivers on top of drivers, but only in the past month or so have I noticed the clunkyness I mentioned earlier.

Didn't realize how much a clean driver sweep would help. BF3 is running well again! Thanks, man.

[Hero_of_the_Day]

Posted in the 680 thread, but tigerdirect has a couple Geforce 680's in stock if you don't mind paying a slightly jacked up price.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ds=geforce+680

[mkenyon]

Posted in the 680 thread, but tigerdirect has a couple Geforce 680's in stock if you don't mind paying a slightly jacked up price. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ds=geforce+680

Signature edition. Must stay strong for 690. Must not click buy.....

[Takuan]

I managed a 4GHz overclock without much of an issue, but my temps went as high as 73 C doing the Prime95 Blend test. Ambient temperature in my room can't be more than low 20s, and the case was open. Things that matter:

1. Heatsink (212+) is on properly, coated the contact pad with a thin layer of Arctic Alumina and used the line method on the CPU, using the fan that came with it but considering putting the Scythe I was using for my q9550 on there

2. DRAM voltage was set improperly @ 1.7 (it's spec'd for 1.65@1600, but Google told me otherwise)

3. RAM was set @ 1600, XMP not enabled

Currently have the RAM running at 1333/1.5 as spec'd with the 4GHz OC going, didn't notice a decrease in temps. I'm not even going to attempt 4.5GHz until I'm able to get temps down like 10 C on average. What else could I be doing wrong?

[mkenyon]

That is really high. Stock volts?

[vaelic]

is morphological filtering a setting you would want on for games?

[Khrno]

Hey guys, I need some helpful advice.

I have a 460 SLI setup, however one of the 460 is not working properly anymore, basically it's about to die, so now I'm on a single GTX 460.

I do PC gaming mostly for MMOs, so my question is, should I get a new 460 and go back to my SLI setup, or get a new 560 or 570. I don't have enough money right now to go SLI on 560/570, and the 580/680 are just out of the question.

Is it worth it to upgrade in the short term to a 560/570, is it a 460 SLI setup better, or should I wait with a single 460 until the Nvidia releases the 660/670?

Thanks.

[Hero_of_the_Day]

Signature edition. Must stay strong for 690. Must not click buy.....

What's special about the signature edition?

[Suite Pee]

Ugh, I'm super nervous about building my first computer but I pretty much have to do this as I'm about to start on my Master's and I need to get an updated desktop before then. I'm pretty sure everything works together, as I got most of the ideas from the OP. I just wonder if I'm spending a little too much, and I might try to cut 100 or 200 dollars off the price. However, at some point I will hopefully use a Christmas gift for another 7950 for Crossfire (hence the PSU).

link

Thanks for any input. It's tough to drop the money on something I've never done before, but I guess with the guides in the OP and how simple it's been for me to remove and replace parts of my pre-built computer, it shouldn't be too hard.

edit: And I probably will look for a wireless card instead of a usb adapter.

[mkenyon]

Drop RAM to 8GB, swap the Silencio for a Bitfenix Shinobi (assuming you want quiet).

Also, 690II Advanced is $70 until 05.02.2012

[Suite Pee]

Drop RAM to 8GB, swap the Silencio for a Bitfenix Shinobi (assuming you want quiet). Also, 690II Advanced is $70 until 05.02.2012

Well the main reason I went with the Silencio over the HAF 912 was the SD Card reader. But I guess I mostly use wifi file explorer for most transfers anyway. If everything else looks fine, I think I might order this tomorrow.

[abasm]

I've got a HAF 912, Hyper 212+, and seven 120mm fans between them. For airflow, I was going to go with

Intake - 2 front, 1 side
Exhaust - 1 rear, 1 top
Heatsink - 1 (push)

Now, given that the Hyper 212+ needs at least one fan but can accommodate two, do I use the final fan for exhaust at the top? (I think this would create negative air pressure inside of the case, since the graphics card is exhausting air as well.) OR do I add the extra fan to the heatsink in a push-pull configuration?

[MBison]

Hey mkenyon, if I go from the 5850 to the 7950, will my current power supply be fine, ie I assume both cards use about the same? I believe I have a 750W.

Is there any reason I should consider SLI instead?

Sorry I'm such a newb :)

[froliq]

750w is more than you'll ever need for single card setups.

[Hawk269]

Hey guys...

I have a EVGA GTX - 580 1.5 GB Video Card up for sale. The card comes with the Backplate and High Flow Bracket installed on the card. Card is in great condition.

Asking $300.00 + Shipping for it.

If interested, please PM so we can work out the details/payment etc.

[Foliorum Viridum]

Got my i5 2500k, P8Z 68-V LX and Hyper 212 today :D

Farewell, 955, you've done me well. Time to overclock the shit out of this!

[r4z4]

I'm thinking of putting together an mATX gaming pc for Guild Wars 2/Diablo 3. It's based on Haz's 'excellent' build and I'm going to wait for his next update but here's what I have so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor (£161.29 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z/GEN3 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard (£131.62 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£36.65 @ Maplin Electronics)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£65.99 @ Ebuyer)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card (£198.92 @ Scan.co.uk)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Mini MicroATX Mini Tower Case (£54.99 @ Ebuyer)
Power Supply: OCZ 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (£47.55 @ Ebuyer)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7261S-0B DVD/CD Writer (£15.82 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £712.83

Questions:
1. Is it worth waiting for IB and upgrading the motherboard to a Maximus V? It'll cost a bit more to go IB + Maximus V but I'm not sure it's worth it.
2. The Arc Mini is a nice case but I would like to go even smaller if possible, I'm worried that it would give me heating issues when overclocking. Is it safe to go for a smaller case such as the Lian-Li V351?