[scogoth]

Question about Asus Z77 mobos, they come with Fan Xpert 2 software which lets you set up fan profiles, control their speed, etc. Does that require 4-pin PWM fans to work, or will it also work with older 3-pin fans?

It will work with 3-pin

[jackpottest]

Hi guys, upgrading my computer as it is not performing in the games I play these days. My budget is roughly $600.

My current specs:

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 Dual-Core 6000+ 3.01ghz
RAM: 2gb Corsair
MOBO: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe
GPU: ASUS GeForce 8800GTS
PSU: not sure, something old...

I am thinking of upgrading to this:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz
RAM: 4gb Corsair
MOBO: ASUS AMD M5A97 AM3+
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 560 ti
PSU: CORSAIR HX650 650w

Total around $600.

I am pretty loyal to both ASUS and AMD...

I only have two games that I need to run well, in order of priority:

1) Diablo 3. Currently the beta has a lot of slowdown for me whenever there is a big fight etc.

2) Tribes: Ascend. 120fps would be nice here, even in minimal settings is fine...

Would really like high FPS in both of these games. TA is probably the harder of the two to run.

I would also like to be able to stream both of these games, but if I can get them running with high fps but not be able to stream that is fine as well...

I currently run at 1024x768 on an old 19" CRT (I am a FPS player mostly), but I will be upgrading to a 120hz monitor very soon after doing this computer upgrade.

I will NOT be overclocking.

I need an upgrade before D3 comes out obviously, so I will be placing an order this coming week.

Can anyone advice me as to whether my intended upgrade will run those two games very well? Or am I wasting my time with a $600 budget.

[Hazaro]

Hi guys, upgrading my computer as it is not performing in the games I play these days. My budget is roughly $600. My current specs: CPU: AMD Athlon 64 Dual-Core 6000+ 3.01ghz RAM: 2gb Corsair MOBO: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe GPU: ASUS GeForce 8800GTS PSU: not sure, something old... I am thinking of upgrading to this: CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz RAM: 4gb Corsair MOBO: ASUS AMD M5A97 AM3+ GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 560 ti PSU: CORSAIR HX650 650w Total around $600. I am pretty loyal to both ASUS and AMD... I only have two games that I need to run well, in order of priority: 1) Diablo 3. Currently the beta has a lot of slowdown for me whenever there is a big fight etc. 2) Tribes: Ascend. 120fps would be nice here, even in minimal settings is fine... Would really like high FPS in both of these games. TA is probably the harder of the two to run. I would also like to be able to stream both of these games, but if I can get them running with high fps but not be able to stream that is fine as well... I currently run at 1024x768 on an old 19" CRT (I am a FPS player mostly), but I will be upgrading to a 120hz monitor very soon after doing this computer upgrade. I will NOT be overclocking. I need an upgrade before D3 comes out obviously, so I will be placing an order this coming week. Can anyone advice me as to whether my intended upgrade will run those two games very well? Or am I wasting my time with a $600 budget.

Unfortunately for what you want you need Intel and you need to overclock.

Take the enhanced part list (2500K and overclock to 4.2Ghz stock), get a VP450 PSU, and buy a used GPU.

[Gritesh]

So im on the i5 2500k set up now,

I was BSOD'ing like a mother earlier, but I think i got some steady stable run time now at 4.5 with voltage at 1.30, once I get my other drivers up to date I will stress test and see whats up.

Still left wondering if I will notice a difference over my aging am3 setup with the x6 1055t.

Time will tell.


I got the hyper 212+ with dual fans, holy was I tempted by the H100, but for 120 bucks vs 40 dollars after the second fan, I just couldn't pull the trigger.

Also finally able to make use of my extra RAM i bought, when using it with my am3 board I was forced to lower my Clock speed target on my cpu due to instabilities while trying to support 16gb's of Ram.

Now I finally have 16 gigs running too! Yay, combined with my new 7950 OC'd I think I will be ok for some time to come now.

[Hero_of_the_Day]

There was someone here selling a 560 ti in the buy/sell thread for 150 bucks, which is a pretty awesome price.

[Hazaro]

So im on the i5 2500k set up now, I was BSOD'ing like a mother earlier, but I think i got some steady stable run time now at 4.5 with voltage at 1.30, once I get my other drivers up to date I will stress test and see whats up. Still left wondering if I will notice a difference over my aging am3 setup with the x6 1055t. Time will tell.

You should. That's a real nice boost.

There was someone here selling a 560 ti in the buy/sell thread for 150 bucks, which is a pretty awesome price.

The 560Ti he linked is a really nice cooler, but expensive for what it is. Not even a 448 version.

I'm still selling my 6950 2GB for $200 shipped in original box if anyone is interested:

[mkenyon]

2) Tribes: Ascend. 120fps would be nice here, even in minimal settings is fine... Would really like high FPS in both of these games. TA is probably the harder of the two to run.

PM me if you want more info (working, keeping it short) but:

You need ~4.5ghz 2500K and a 5870/6870/560Ti level of performance to get 120FPS in T:A with a minimal comp config, at least you did as of 1 month ago.

As soon as you stream, the FPS drops to 60-80. We've tested this on a 3930K @ 4.8hz with dual 580s, same deal. The *only* way around this is by using a Black Magic Intensity Pro or similar capture device in a secondary computer. Additionally, it takes a lot of finagling to get both a 120hz/fps display and to duplicate it for a BMIP/Capture card, as they capture over HDMI or breakout component.

Basically, you can't stream from the same computer that you are playing on unless you are okay with 60fps and slightly glitchy play from time to time.

I'm still selling my 6950 2GB for $200 shipped in original box if anyone is interested:

Check the race your pc thread, this 6950 clocks higher than any other 6950 out there, and higher than any I've seen on air. Would do really well with T:A, actually, as it seems to like lots of VRAM. Go for this instead of your 560Ti.

[Hazaro]

-snip-

+1

[jackpottest]

Thanks for the info, guys.

I guess I will scrap the streaming idea and just go for performance...and up my budget slightly. Will post more questions in a bit after I come up with a new parts list.

[mkenyon]

Could always put the BMIP in your current rig. Should have enough gusto for re-rendering.

[Radec]

hey guys, need help here.

planning to build a new rig soon, and the last setup that I did was like 5 years ago (lol) so I'm pretty much clueless on what's the best combination or setup now.

I've read that Intel's Ivy bridge is now available right? I guess I would want that. (not the highest tier, I can even settle for the quad i5.

A maxxed out Diablo III is all I need. And alot of ram since I'm doing some photography and graphics stuff.

Thanks :D

[snack]

hey guys, need help here. planning to build a new rig soon, and the last setup that I did was like 5 years ago (lol) so I'm pretty much clueless on what's the best combination or setup now. I've read that Intel's Ivy bridge is now available right? I guess I would want that. (not the highest tier, I can even settle for the quad i5. A maxxed out Diablo III is all I need. And alot of ram since I'm doing some photography and graphics stuff. Thanks :D

Check out Hazaro's PC builds located on the OP. I think the Enhanced build will suit your needs just fine.

http://bit.ly/Q2_2012_Haz

[Radec]

Check out Hazaro's PC builds located on the OP. I think the Enhanced build will suit your needs just fine. http://bit.ly/Q2_2012_Haz

thanks man, this looks great.

[dwin45]

I'm having a problem with a computer I just built. It was my first time ever building a computer so I'm sorry if I can't make this exactly clear. Everything was working fine for about a week after I finished, but now I am getting weird artifacts flashing on the screen at random times. I've tried to capture what the artifacting looks like by using "print screen" but when I paste the image into Paint, the artifacting is gone. I've checked temperatures in CCC and it doesn't look like anything is too high (around 35 C). I've also opened the case and confirmed that all the fans are spinning and working properly. I'm wondering if the issue is a faulty GPU or weak PSU. Any ideas what the problem could be?

CPU: i5 2500k
GPU: XFX HD Radeon 6870
PSU: Corsair CX500
Motherboard: Biostar TZ68K+ Intel Z68
Connecting to my monitor (ASUS VS228H-P) via DVI

[Mr Swine]

Nobody answered my question in the Ivy Bridge thread. Does the 3570k run hotter or cooler than the equal 2500k at the same stock speeds?

[mkenyon]

Sounds like a faulty GPU. Try rolling back and forward drivers to make sure (use CCleaner or DriverSweeper after uninstalling each set), but only because they're going to ask you to do the same thing in the RMA process probably.

Nobody answered my question in the Ivy Bridge thread. Does the 3570k run hotter or cooler than the equal 2500k at the same stock speeds?

It's all about the wall. It generally runs a bit cooler and with less power than SB up until it hits a wall and skyrockets. Because of this wall, it can't hit the higher clocks that SB can. If you have the cooler to get there, that means it has a lower potential.

[ccbfan]

Nobody answered my question in the Ivy Bridge thread. Does the 3570k run hotter or cooler than the equal 2500k at the same stock speeds?

I don't know for sure since I'm also trying to make the same decision but from everything I've read.

The 3570k will be cooler than the 2500k as long as it is clocked under 4.7.

[Hazaro]

Intel i3 2120 is $115 on amazon and newegg (enter coupon). $10 off if you are buying.

Also eVGA 460 1GB for $110 AR on Amazon. ENDS 4/30.

[brotkasten]

Damn the people selling all their used stuff. Is the Maximus V worth the 60 bucks more compared to a Maximux IV (not the GEN3 version) for 105?

[bomb]

Looking to build a new PC. Took what Hazaro recommended and changed the GPU and SSD. Will a 1000w PSU be enough?

Mobo - ASUS P8Z77-V LE
CPU - 3770K
GPU – GTX690
RAM - 4x4GB 1.5V 1866Mhz - $97
SSD – 512GB, Samsung 830 just jumped like 300 in price to over a grand. Looking to spend 600-700. Maybe I will just go with 2 smaller SSDs.

[scogoth]

Looking to build a new PC. Took what Hazaro recommended and changed the GPU and SSD. Will a 1000w PSU be enough? Mobo - ASUS P8Z77-V LE CPU - 3770K GPU – GTX690 RAM - 4x4GB 1.5V 1866Mhz - $97 SSD – 512GB, Samsung 830 just jumped like 300 in price to over a grand. Looking to spend 600-700. Maybe I will just go with 2 smaller SSDs.

Absolutely. 1000W is enough for everything but the most ludicrous of builds. You have to remember that 1000W PSU is pulling the near full capacity of a 120v 10amp socket.

[Automatisch]

Man, I was sad to put mine back in the box. How is the sound quality for onboard audio? I've been wanting to ditch my DX for a long time, but I just can't seem to do it. Heard good things about the Supreme X-Fi on the MVGene.

Really nice to be honest. It helps a lot because I don't have space for an internal card and I'm kind of sick of using USB headsets due to not having decent integrated sound to begin with (I have a BUNCH of headsets/headphones, and switch around constantly).

Also, wanted to mention that this build has a Killer NIC 1700 inside it. It may sound like a waste of money at $74~, but I am getting slightly better pings and am able to max my bandwidth better on certain programs like Steam and Origin. Not worth it for everyone, but if you game a lot it's worth looking into.

Damn the people selling all their used stuff. Is the Maximus V worth the 60 bucks more compared to a Maximux IV (not the GEN3 version) for 105?

I just bought mine because I wanted some of the smaller changes they made from the IV, even if I ended up with another SB build. If you're okay with a used board just get the old one though, it probably won't make a huge difference.

[bomb]

New egg just had the 3770k in stock. Added to cart, looked at a PSU for 2minutes and they took it out of my cart. Now it is sold out again. So mad.

[ParityBit]

New egg just had the 3770k in stock. Added to cart, looked at a PSU for 2minutes and they took it out of my cart. Now it is sold out again. So mad.

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-377...5799577&sr=8-1

My complete build was done through Amazon this time. (With Amazon Prime of course)

[mkenyon]

Damn the people selling all their used stuff. Is the Maximus V worth the 60 bucks more compared to a Maximux IV (not the GEN3 version) for 105?

Extreme? Gene? Formula?

I don't know for sure since I'm also trying to make the same decision but from everything I've read. The 3570k will be cooler than the 2500k as long as it is clocked under 4.7.

Not necessarily 4.7. Depends on the chip and the motherboard where the wall is at. Seems to be more around volts than it does clocks, which is 1.3 for the wall seemingly.

Also, wanted to mention that this build has a Killer NIC 1700 inside it. It may sound like a waste of money at $74~, but I am getting slightly better pings and am able to max my bandwidth better on certain programs like Steam and Origin. Not worth it for everyone, but if you game a lot it's worth looking into.

If you really want to optimize that, you can actually install a linux router server to it all configured for ultimate ping.

[maks]

I'm loving my system. Thanks to all for the advice. I am now thinking about installing an mini-pcie wireless card into my desktop since my Asus Maximus V supports it. The Intel 6230 wifi/bluetooth combo adapter seems good. It looks like i have to buy an internal laptop antenna as well...but i'm not sure if an internal antenna will work well. Anyone do a similar project? Advice?


Intel 6230 802.11n (draft) Bluetooth 3.0 - Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo $25.70
Tyco Wifi & Bluetooth Antenna $8.49


SYSTEM SPECS
Intel 2600k
Asus Maximus V Gene z77
Radeon 5850
Hyper 212+ Evo
16gb Corsair Vengeance LP
120gb Sandisk Extreme SSD
Silverstone TJ08B

[mkenyon]

My advice is to not go wireless.

[Automatisch]

If you really want to optimize that, you can actually install a linux router server to it all configured for ultimate ping.

For now I'm content because my pings in TF2 on IAD (MD/VA) servers are roughly 9ms, down from about 16ms. There are a lot of things I could do differently, but since I'm using FiOS I can't swap out my Actiontec unless I end up cancelling my TV sub. Either way the Killer is interesting in how it bypasses the Windows stack and gets results, and you can find a lot of reviews online that show at least some improvement.

I'm loving my system. Thanks to all for the advice. I am now thinking about installing an mini-pcie wireless card into my desktop since my Asus Maximus V supports it. The Intel 6230 wifi/bluetooth combo adapter seems good. It looks like i have to buy an internal laptop antenna as well...but i'm not sure if an internal antenna will work well. Anyone do a similar project? Advice?

Also, no I don't work for Bigfoot, but they DO have an mPCI-E WiFi version of the Killer NIC that will fit into the Maximus GENE V. I've heard it's pretty good but I'm sure the Intel board is pretty much the same. I'm thinking of doing the same thing, so I'm really interested in seeing what kind of results you get. Otherwise, you could also just stick with a a USB dongle and put an mSATA drive in there to keep your Sandisk free for other stuff.

[ZetaEpyon]

Did you sleeve the PSU cables yourself or buy them somewhere? I'd like to do something with the cables on my X750; preferably without having to do it all myself.

[mkenyon]

Did you sleeve the PSU cables yourself or buy them somewhere? I'd like to do something with the cables on my X750; preferably without having to do it all myself.

http://www.psychosleeve.com/gallery.html

The MDPC sleeving, while really pretty is *very* inflexible. For instance, my motherboard 24 pin is more or less permanently bent in a U. There's some folks on overclock.net in the 'artisan' sub forum that also do an equally as good of a job, and you can get paracord which is a lot more flexible. In either instance, it's going to be like $300+ for just the EPS 8pin, motherboard 24pin, and both PCI-E cables.

It's actually cheaper to just get the Corsair AX PSU and the kits from their website than it would be to have a sleeving service done. You are limited in color options though.

[ParityBit]

General question when building your rig.

So, I have built rigs many times over the years, but this time I decided I wanted to take it slow, wire manage, etc. Any advice as far as must have utilities/software?

I have seen mention of Rivatuner. Anything else? I plan on building snd setting up the machine, then overclocking (i7 3770k) some with using my motherboards facilities (P8Z77-V DELUXE)

[Hawk269]

http://www.psychosleeve.com/gallery.html The MDPC sleeving, while really pretty is *very* inflexible. For instance, my motherboard 24 pin is more or less permanently bent in a U. There's some folks on overclock.net in the 'artisan' sub forum that also do an equally as good of a job, and you can get paracord which is a lot more flexible. In either instance, it's going to be like $300+ for just the EPS 8pin, motherboard 24pin, and both PCI-E cables. It's actually cheaper to just get the Corsair AX PSU and the kits from their website than it would be to have a sleeving service done. You are limited in color options though.

I decided to go with blue cables from my PSU and just ordered them from Corsair. $99.99 for a complete set of power cables. I beleive they have Red, Blue, Black, White available.

[Hawk269]

General question when building your rig. So, I have built rigs many times over the years, but this time I decided I wanted to take it slow, wire manage, etc. Any advice as far as must have utilities/software? I have seen mention of Rivatuner. Anything else? I plan on building snd setting up the machine, then overclocking (i7 3770k) some with using my motherboards facilities (P8Z77-V DELUXE)

1st page of the thread has links to some good software like CPUZ, Prime95 etc. If you plan to OC your GPU there is Heaven Unigine, 3dMark11 etc. For cable management, just buy alot of Zip Ties. Also depending on your case, home improvement stores sell these adhesive tie down things (cant remember the name of them) that you apply to the case to run zip ties through..again that is if you case does not have enough tie down points on it.

[mkenyon]

General question when building your rig. So, I have built rigs many times over the years, but this time I decided I wanted to take it slow, wire manage, etc. Any advice as far as must have utilities/software? I have seen mention of Rivatuner. Anything else? I plan on building snd setting up the machine, then overclocking (i7 3770k) some with using my motherboards facilities (P8Z77-V DELUXE)

My standard install is: CPU/GPU-Z, HWMonitor, Prime95, MSI Afterburner (nvidia) or Sapphire Trixx (AMD), and 3D Mark 11. Some people use Furmark or Uniengine for GPU testing, but I'd strongly recommend against the former. I like 3D Mark because it both A) stress tests the GPU enough for stability and, B) easy for me to compare to similar systems via Race Your PC thread.

There's a link to a cable management guide in the OP.

[brotkasten]

Alright, I'm upgrading from a

Q6600 @ 3.6 GHz
Gigabyte P35-DS3
4 GB DDR2 RAM
Lian Li PC-71B w/watercooling

to

i7 2600K@ hopefully 4.5 GHz
Asus Maximus V Gene
8 GB DDR3 RAM
Powermac G5 w/uncertain, probably air for now

On one hand I can't wait for it, on the other hand I wish I didn't buy the stuff, because it's going to be so much work. :lol

[Hawk269]

My standard install is: CPU/GPU-Z, HWMonitor, Prime95, MSI Afterburner (nvidia) or Sapphire Trixx (AMD), and 3D Mark 11. Some people use Furmark or Uniengine for GPU testing, but I'd strongly recommend against the former. I like 3D Mark because it both A) stress tests the GPU enough for stability and, B) easy for me to compare to similar systems via Race Your PC thread. There's a link to a cable management guide in the OP.

Mkenyon is correct/wise/etc...lol

I use Unigine/3dmark11 for the same reason to compare with others on this forum and other forums to ensure that my rig is hitting within the same ball park as others with similar systems. There will always be some stuff off, but if my scores, FPS come in within 5 fps of others that have the same exact set up then I know it is running fine..again this is on the GPU side.

For the CPU I generally use Prime95 and also RealTemp so monitor my temps. My general CPU Overclocking testing is havine Prime95, Real Temp, CPU -Z all up on the screen so I can monitor speed, voltages and temps as Prime does it's thing. I mainly look for temps to ensure that they dont go beyond what I prefer and if it does I dial back a bit and of course if it fails you will know it...lol

[Hawk269]

Alright, I'm upgrading from a Q6600 @ 3.6 GHz Gigabyte P35-DS3 4 GB DDR2 RAM Lian Li PC-71B w/watercooling to i7 2600K@ hopefully 4.5 GHz Asus Maximus V Gene 8 GB DDR3 RAM Powermac G5 w/uncertain, probably air for now On one hand I can't wait for it, on the other hand I wish I didn't buy the stuff, because it's going to be so much work. :lol

It's alot of work but in the end worth it. and you should easily hit 4.5 on the 2600k.

[Mr Swine]

Alright, I'm upgrading from a Q6600 @ 3.6 GHz Gigabyte P35-DS3 4 GB DDR2 RAM Lian Li PC-71B w/watercooling to i7 2600K@ hopefully 4.5 GHz Asus Maximus V Gene 8 GB DDR3 RAM Powermac G5 w/uncertain, probably air for now On one hand I can't wait for it, on the other hand I wish I didn't buy the stuff, because it's going to be so much work. :lol

You do know that going with Sandy Bridge you don't get USB3 and PCI-E 3.0 like you get with an Ivy Bridge CPU

[Sethos]

You do know that going with Sandy Bridge you don't get USB3 and PCI-E 3.0 like you get with an Ivy Bridge CPU

Can we stop this nonsense? You CAN get USB 3.0 AND PCI-E Gen 3 without IB.

Yes it's not "native" but USB 3.0 just requires a small controller driver and PCI-E Gen 3 just requires the GPU drivers to certify the board in question, something AMD seems to do and Nvidia just lacking a bit behind ( Their first 300.xx were all certified, then their subsequent releases they suddenly need to certify right and left, yeah right. ) afaik, they need to do the same with Z77 boards.

[scogoth]

Step 1: Build a setup to kill my current machine

Step 2: Build a machine that can actually power 3x 120Hz monitors.

[TheThunder]

Hate do this, but I'm really clueless when it comes to Motherboards and I would appreciate any suggestions.

[Yoritomo]

Step 1: Build a setup to kill my current machine Step 2: Build a machine that can actually power 3x 120Hz monitors.

Where did you find the Asus monitors?

I can't find them anywhere.

Well I guess that's incorrect, I can't find them anywhere without the 3d vision kit included. I think the VG236HE was discontinued (this was the sku without the vision kit).

[brotkasten]

It's alot of work but in the end worth it. and you should easily hit 4.5 on the 2600k.

Building a rig isn't hard for me, it was Part of my job few years ago. I'm mostly talking about getting everything into the PowerMac G5 case.

You do know that going with Sandy Bridge you don't get USB3 and PCI-E 3.0 like you get with an Ivy Bridge CPU

See, this is still confusing. Intel and Asus say USB 3.0 is part of the Z77 chipset and doesn't require IB like PCIe 3.0 does.

Expansion Slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8, red) *2 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 (black) 1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 *3 Note: *2: PCIe3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ Processors. USB Ports Intel® Z77 chipset : 4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board) Intel® Z77 chipset : 8 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black+white, 4 at mid-board) ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller : 2 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue)

[scogoth]

Where did you find the Asus monitors? I can't find them anywhere.

I had one and had to drive to 2 different stores to get them. They were in store only, not available online so i guess nobody wanted to buy them.

[ParityBit]

Mkenyon is correct/wise/etc...lol I use Unigine/3dmark11 for the same reason to compare with others on this forum and other forums to ensure that my rig is hitting within the same ball park as others with similar systems. There will always be some stuff off, but if my scores, FPS come in within 5 fps of others that have the same exact set up then I know it is running fine..again this is on the GPU side. For the CPU I generally use Prime95 and also RealTemp so monitor my temps. My general CPU Overclocking testing is havine Prime95, Real Temp, CPU -Z all up on the screen so I can monitor speed, voltages and temps as Prime does it's thing. I mainly look for temps to ensure that they dont go beyond what I prefer and if it does I dial back a bit and of course if it fails you will know it...lol

Thanks guys! I am really looking forward to building this rig. Last one I built was 2006 right before I started grad school. Heck, that was before I met and married my wife! Haha. Ow, now I feel old.

[Yoritomo]

I had one and had to drive to 2 different stores to get them. They were in store only, not available online so i guess nobody wanted to buy them.

I have 3 but I'm worried that the panel that drives all the 120 hz monitors is no longer being manufactured, which means if I lose a single monitor I'll no longer be able to play 3 x 120hz.

Why should I be worried? I have small children. The 1 year old has discovered that she can reach a monitor and likes to try and hit it with toys...

[scogoth]

I have 3 but I'm worried that the panel that drives all the 120 hz monitors is no longer being manufactured, which means if I lose a single monitor I'll no longer be able to play 3 x 120hz. Why should I be worried? I have small children. The 1 year old has discovered that she can reach a monitor and likes to try and hit it with toys...

Re-purpose them to dual monitor for work setup and buy 3 new ones? Yes its expensive but thats triple monitor gaming I guess

[Karmum]

Also eVGA 460 1GB for $110 AR on Amazon. ENDS 4/30.

Honestly, would have been really, really pissed if it was the 256-bit version. Pretty sure Amazon hasn't had that in stock for months, though.

[Edvardelis]

I've upgraded the rest of my system, but the 6950 I'm using is still a reference design. The thing gets loud when the temperature passes 90 C. Is it worth my time to replace the heatsink/blower fan with a third party option?

[scogoth]

So fraps doesn't like Nvidia Surround, 3D and especially not 3D surround. Any recommendations on other programs to try?