[Metalic Sand]

I was getting over 60 fps with my i5 and gtx 570.

I have no idea what it could be. Skyrim runs on ultra with FXAA at 60FPS fine.

[MrBig]

Anyone?

It takes up <100mb of vram, otherwise no change in performance.

[faceless007]

If your video card has two outputs, yeah, just plug them both in and configure them in your drivers (should be right click Desktop->Nvidia Control Panel or ATI Control Center).

[Hazaro]

Anyone?

No performance hit and you can just hook it up as a second screen

[demolitio]

It takes up <100mb of vram, otherwise no change in performance.

Thanks. Now I have something to do while I'm dead ingame, lol.

[1-D_FTW]

Looks interesting though. I can't wait for some benchmarks. Wonder how it compares to a 6850. I could see myself switching to a microatx box that is super quiet and takes up no room! :D

You mean AMD's next APU? Because right now neither AMD nor Intel can touch a 6850. Haswell should be an interesting CPU for that very reason. And if AMD keeps their lead in that department, it should be real interesting. Especially if AMD/Nvidia keep half-assing the mid range market. The discrete market's going to be nothing but the posh dudes in this thread who are willing to spend a couple grand on GPUs.

[Fallout-NL]

Nothing else comes close at that range for what it offers. The ASUS LK is also a good buy. Any OC should be easy with stock volts.

Hmm, at the moment I see only the EX4 on offer here in the Netherlands, which is more expensive (140 euro).

Anything wrong with this? Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H

It's hard to gauge what benefits I'd get from the more expensive biostar (or a gigabyte equivalent) exactly.

[Lone_Prodigy]

Is the Dell UltraSharp U2412M acceptable for gaming if you mostly play games like Diablo?

It's an IPS so colours and viewing angle will be better than a TN panel. TN is better for gaming due to faster response rates, but the difference is likely negligible nowadays.

[Hazaro]

Hmm, at the moment I see only the EX4 on offer here in the Netherlands, which is more expensive (140 euro). Anything wrong with this? Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H It's hard to gauge what benefits I'd get from the more expensive biostar (or a gigabyte equivalent) exactly.

I think gigabyte motherboards fixed their boot loop issue but I'm not 100 percent so I'm not recommending them right now.
Biostar has dem power regs. As long as a mobo has all the connectors you need dont worry.

[the_prime_mover]

My 6970 died on the weekend and I decided to stop going with Ati (I have been dissatisfied with the performance of the last 2 cards). I couldn't find a 680 anywhere and will probably hold off on that until I build a whole new PC. But I did pick up a GTX 580 and out of the box it completely destroys my old 6970. I love all of the additional features that the card seems to offer including being able to jack up the resolution to 2960x1655 then play at 1080 for some extra AA.

The only issue I have noticed thus far is that some games lock me into 1080/24p mode. I just create a custom resolution of 1919x1080 and that seems to fix it, but it seems like a weird issue.

I will be moving soon and building a computer dedicated to PC gaming, but I will keep my current PC for couch gaming (surround sound and a 360 controller vs headphones and kb/m) and multiplatform titles. This PC seems to be able to handle these titles very well, but I am only using an i7 930 oc'd to 3.9GHz. Is it worth getting a new processor at this point? Or will this suffice for a while longer?

[Fallout-NL]

I think gigabyte motherboards fixed their boot loop issue but I'm not 100 percent so I'm not recommending them right now.

Right, that doesn't sound like something I would be interested in :P.

[I H8 Memes]

The report also quotes industry analyst Jack Gold, who said that "extreme gamers who want very powerful graphics cards are in a niche market already, and it's shrinking." Gold continued and noted that Nvidia may be in trouble, "because their graphics chip market is falling off faster than their mobile chip market."

Really? Because as a casual observer it seems to me that PC gaming is blowing up. And I dont mean the farmville stuff either. Many people are making the switch from consoles to gaming PC's.

[rhfb]

Are people really buying the $1199 690s on Newegg??? Man.

[Karmum]

Really? Because as a casual observer it seems to me that PC gaming is blowing up. And I dont mean the farmville stuff either. Many people are making the switch from consoles to gaming PC's.

Yeah...I haven't really played much on my Xbox or PS3 since I bought my computer back in August. And I bought my PS3 like a month later. :<

[Mangotron]

Are people really buying the $1199 690s on Newegg??? Man.

If you were going to buy 2 680's anyway, it's basically the same thing except you have the option to SLI them.

[Feep]

Okay. Someone tell me how to overclock this Ivy Bridge.

(I literally can't even find the multiplier in the BIOS? All I see is BCLK.)

Edit: Okay, it's labeled as "One-Core Ratio Limit".

[Zombie James]

Okay. Someone tell me how to overclock this Ivy Bridge. (I literally can't even find the multiplier in the BIOS? All I see is BCLK.)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mkGQhE1o2w
Article: http://www.overclockers.com/forums/s...d.php?t=705818

Check the manual for settings locations, and it has to be a Z77 or Z75 motherboard (not H77).

[faceless007]

Regarding PSUs, is there a significant difference between ATX 2.2 and 2.31? Do I have to 2.31 for a new IB build?

[Spirit of Jazz]

The OC guide doesn't really help with the Asus p8z68-v lx so I've spent the last few hours looking around to try and find out what to do. I think I've manage to get there in the end though I've only just started up prime. If I've got my I5 2500k to:

Core Speed: 4.5
Voltage: 1.288v (jumps to 1.296)
Temp: around 50°C

It it turns out stable it should be safe, right? My main concern is the core speed and voltage jump around a little.

[Slayer-33]

I'm selling my 5750 for $50 to my cousin guys...

Best 7850 for the money?


Sapphire OC ed

or

XFX black edition



I really want a lifetime warranty too, :( $300-+ budget.


Or what card should I go for? I intend to play D3/GW2/BF3/DOTA 2, I need a legit solid midrange+ card.


Any recommendations?

[Hazaro]

Regarding PSUs, is there a significant difference between ATX 2.2 and 2.31? Do I have to 2.31 for a new IB build?

No

The OC guide doesn't really help with the Asus p8z68-v lx so I've spent the last few hours looking around to try and find out what to do. I think I've manage to get there in the end though I've only just started up prime. If I've got my I5 2500k to: Core Speed: 4.5 Voltage: 1.288v (jumps to 1.296) Temp: around 50°C It it turns out stable it should be safe, right? My main concern is the core speed and voltage jump around a little.

Good

[Yusaku]

Damn... I was actually curious about it since I'm planning an ITX build with a 3770k and a 680 so I wanted to know how it was working out for you. Glad you ordered what you meant to though.

This might be of interest to you: http://forums.somethingawful.com/sho...1&userid=42786

[crimzonflame]

Any recommendations for a good headset and gaming mouse? Budget is about $100 and $50 respectively.

[Feep]

So the nice graph in that article lists an approximate optimal voltage of 1.22 V for 4.4 GHz, which is cool, but I kind of want to use the offset voltage feature, so it appropriately scales voltage depending on load? The auto voltage was 0.984V, so I thought I could specify an offset voltage of 1.22 - 0.984 = 0.236 V, but when I enter that value in for offset, the number turns red, which apparently means watch the fuck out. 1.22 V standard voltage only gave me a yellow number.

Anyone know how this works?

[Sblargh]

So, my PS3 is getting murdered by the yellow light and I'm thinking of swtiching to full-time PC experience.
Is the Gtx 550 listed on the OP still a good card or is there some game that will laugh at it?

[ParityBit]

Hi All,

Quick question. I am working on my machine and I just realized the only fan I actually have plugged into the mobo (for monitoring) is the CPU (H100 ones). but all the rest are plugged into the case itself and into the powersupply.

This normal?

[Spirit of Jazz]

Good

Thank God, I was really worrying about the mobo I bought given the guide in the OP wasn't applicable to it. In the end it was just a matter of understanding how to use the voltage offset and then taking that away for the ridiculously high auto-voltage it gives to a turbo ratio of 45.

Anyway thanks for all your help throughout the build.

[abasm]

Hi All, Quick question. I am working on my machine and I just realized the only fan I actually have plugged into the mobo (for monitoring) is the CPU (H100 ones). but all the rest are plugged into the case itself and into the powersupply. This normal?

The only benefit of plugging a fan into the mobo is speed monitoring/throttling. If it's plugged into the power supply, it'll just run at full speed all of the time. I would think that it's only a concern if your fans are noisy and you don't want excess noise when your computer is idling.

[MrBig]

Hi All, Quick question. I am working on my machine and I just realized the only fan I actually have plugged into the mobo (for monitoring) is the CPU (H100 ones). but all the rest are plugged into the case itself and into the powersupply. This normal?

It's fine but you'll want to put them on the mobo to monitor/control them. Otherwise they'll just run at their max rpm.
e: beat

[Feep]

Okay, I think everything with the overclocking went okay. I'm at 4.4 GHz and 1600 MHz memory frequency, 1.200 V.

The only "question mark" I have left is that the CPU is still shown in the UEFI and the OS at 3.5 GHz. The 4.4GHz seems to be for "turbo mode", which I can only assume is kicked up during high load. Is this the way it's supposed to be?

Windows Experience Index CPU performance went from a 7.7 to a 7.8...hooray? = D

[abasm]

Okay, I think everything with the overclocking went okay. I'm at 4.4 GHz and 1600 MHz memory frequency, 1.200 V. The only "question mark" I have left is that the CPU is still shown in the UEFI and the OS at 3.5 GHz. The 4.4GHz seems to be for "turbo mode", which I can only assume is kicked up during high load. Is this the way it's supposed to be? Windows Experience Index CPU performance went from a 7.7 to a 7.8...hooray? = D

Does CPU-Z show your computer at ~4400 MHz under load? If so, you're golden.

[Feep]

Does CPU-Z show your computer at ~4400 MHz under load? If so, you're golden.

What's a good way to get it under load? Transcoding?

Edit: Just grabbed Prime95, core speed ramped to 4.4 GHz no problem. DRAM frequency shows 800 MHz, though, not 1600 MHz? Weird...

More edit: Core 3 just dropped out with an error. Booooooo!

Cores 3 and 4 now out. WHAT DO I DO GAF

[JdFoX187]

I finally got my stereo back from the shop for the first time since I converted my PC into a HTPC with my GTX 680. I have an HDMI cable running to my stereo. Display looks great. Audio is another issue. When I go into my sound settings in the control panel, it shows that I can set up 7.1 speaker audio. But when I try to test that, the audio that should come through the back speakers is all coming from the two front ones. I can't seem to figure it out despite going through and checking the settings to make sure the computer knows it's hooked up to my stereo. Does anyone have any ideas?

[bonesmccoy]

So after reading through this thread at length, I finally made a bunch of purchases and have a new build heading my way. Of course, after ordering, something came up which has forced me to ask the following novice question:

When I made my order, the ASUS P8Z77-V LK wasn't available, so I picked up a LX for roughly $30 less. Now I've tracked down a LK and have the buyer's remorse dilemma.

I'm not an enthusiast - this build will be chiefly for gaming, but I won't be obsessing over running everything at ultra and so forth. Is it worth to grab the LK then? As I understand it, it's real benefit is only for adding a 2nd video card at some point.

I read through Exodus's helpful post, and he mentions that it's not a 'future-proofing' concern - which would pretty much be the only reason I'd be interested.

[Hazaro]

So the nice graph in that article lists an approximate optimal voltage of 1.22 V for 4.4 GHz, which is cool, but I kind of want to use the offset voltage feature, so it appropriately scales voltage depending on load? The auto voltage was 0.984V, so I thought I could specify an offset voltage of 1.22 - 0.984 = 0.236 V, but when I enter that value in for offset, the number turns red, which apparently means watch the fuck out. 1.22 V standard voltage only gave me a yellow number. Anyone know how this works?

Offset already adjusts voltage, so setting it to +0.236 would give it about 1.45V, probably sending it to 130C load and shutting off your computer.

What's a good way to get it under load? Transcoding? Edit: Just grabbed Prime95, core speed ramped to 4.4 GHz no problem. DRAM frequency shows 800 MHz, though, not 1600 MHz? Weird... More edit: Core 3 just dropped out with an error. Booooooo! Cores 3 and 4 now out. WHAT DO I DO GAF

Curse Intel for making Ivy Bridge shit. 800 * DOUBLE DATA RATE = 1600MHz.
Load programs are in the OP.

Use Offset and 4.4Ghz. See what your load voltage is, then make changes to offset based off that load voltage number.

So after reading through this thread at length, I finally made a bunch of purchases and have a new build heading my way. Of course, after ordering, something came up which has forced me to ask the following novice question: When I made my order, the ASUS P8Z77-V LK wasn't available, so I picked up a LX for roughly $30 less. Now I've tracked down a LK and have the buyer's remorse dilemma. I'm not an enthusiast - this build will be chiefly for gaming, but I won't be obsessing over running everything at ultra and so forth. Is it worth to grab the LK then? As I understand it, it's real benefit is only for adding a 2nd video card at some point. I read through Exodus's helpful post, and he mentions that it's not a 'future-proofing' concern - which would pretty much be the only reason I'd be interested.

Yeah, it's just for the second card slot mainly.

Rough comparison:
LK > LX

LK has: Actual 8x/8x PCI-E 3.0 slots
better onboard LAN
better audio
4x USB3.0 ports on back vs 2

That's about it

[Feep]

Okay. Actually got a blue screen when I tried to run Prime95 again at those settings.

Went back into BIOS, chose 0.984 V base (stock setting), but now in Auto Offset mode.

Prime 95 has been going for a few minutes, no core failures. Vcore is at 1.32V (a little higher than I'd like), CPU temp is topping out at 58-59C.

Anything I should do? Maybe gun it back to 4.3 GHz since I may have gotten a shit processor?

[hyduK]

So I just built my PC. Turns on, says CPU Fan Error!

3770k
P8Z77-V Pro
Coolermaster 212+ EVO


The CPU fan is spinning. Thermal paste *should* be good. I can get into BIOS sometimes, but not every time. And it indicates that my CPU is running at 28C with little fluctuation, and the fan at 550RPM.

The first boot I managed to get to the windows installation but my keyboard wasn't responding, so I restarted. Haven't been able to get back there since...it shuts off after about a minute every time...

Any thoughts?

[I H8 Memes]

So I just built my PC. Turns on, says CPU Fan Error! 3770k P8Z77-V Pro Coolermaster 212+ EVO The CPU fan is spinning. Thermal paste *should* be good. I can get into BIOS sometimes, but not every time. And it indicates that my CPU is running at 28C with little fluctuation, and the fan at 550RPM. The first boot I managed to get to the windows installation but my keyboard wasn't responding, so I restarted. Haven't been able to get back there since...it shuts off after about a minute every time... Any thoughts?

Double check those power supply connections. Make sure you are using the right connections especially for the cpu.

[gate777]

So I just built my PC. Turns on, says CPU Fan Error! 3770k P8Z77-V Pro Coolermaster 212+ EVO The CPU fan is spinning. Thermal paste *should* be good. I can get into BIOS sometimes, but not every time. And it indicates that my CPU is running at 28C with little fluctuation, and the fan at 550RPM. The first boot I managed to get to the windows installation but my keyboard wasn't responding, so I restarted. Haven't been able to get back there since...it shuts off after about a minute every time... Any thoughts?

It happened to me as well. It's just your motherboard warning you that your cpu fan is running below 600rpm. Go into the UEFI mode and set the cpu fan warning to 500rpm and below.

It starts around 500ish rpm and goes up to around mid 700. Install the AI suite software and control the fan from there through windows.

[hyduK]

Double check those power supply connections. Make sure you are using the right connections especially for the cpu.

Okay, I'll give that a shot. I should note I'm using a 500W OCZ Modstream, which I feel should be sufficient.

It happened to me as well. It's just your motherboard warning you that your cpu fan is running below 600rpm. Go into the UEFI mode and set the cpu fan warning to 500rpm and below. It starts around 500ish rpm and goes up to around mid 700. Install the AI suite software and control the fan from there through windows.

that's good to hear, thought maybe I installed the fan wrong. thanks!


I still find it odd that I was able to get to windows once, but not again..

[faceless007]

So I just built my PC. Turns on, says CPU Fan Error! 3770k P8Z77-V Pro Coolermaster 212+ EVO The CPU fan is spinning. Thermal paste *should* be good. I can get into BIOS sometimes, but not every time. And it indicates that my CPU is running at 28C with little fluctuation, and the fan at 550RPM. The first boot I managed to get to the windows installation but my keyboard wasn't responding, so I restarted. Haven't been able to get back there since...it shuts off after about a minute every time... Any thoughts?

Can't answer your question, but what RAM are you using, and does it have a heatspreader? That's almost the same build I'm about to get (non-Pro mobo) and I read the heatsink might block a RAM slot.

[hyduK]

Can't answer your question, but what RAM are you using, and does it have a heatspreader? That's almost the same build I'm about to get (non-Pro mobo) and I read the heatsink might block a RAM slot.

Corsair Vengeance. Has a heat spreader but doesn't seem to be any issues.

[CaptainZombie]

So, my PS3 is getting murdered by the yellow light and I'm thinking of swtiching to full-time PC experience. Is the Gtx 550 listed on the OP still a good card or is there some game that will laugh at it?

The 550 TI is not a bad card, but if you can afford it I would go with the 560 2GB or 560 TI. The 560 should last you longer than the 550 TI will since it can run many games at High - Ultra.

[shinobi602]

Any of you guys know why CPU-Z is displaying 405MHz core frequency for my GTX 570?

[hyduK]

So I just built my PC. Turns on, says CPU Fan Error! 3770k P8Z77-V Pro Coolermaster 212+ EVO The CPU fan is spinning. Thermal paste *should* be good. I can get into BIOS sometimes, but not every time. And it indicates that my CPU is running at 28C with little fluctuation, and the fan at 550RPM. The first boot I managed to get to the windows installation but my keyboard wasn't responding, so I restarted. Haven't been able to get back there since...it shuts off after about a minute every time... Any thoughts?

So the computer seems to just freeze randomly. Just happened in BIOS, shuts down ~10 seconds after freezing.

Ugh. There's nothing visibly wrong with the build, everything is connected fine, etc. The power supply is the same one I had been using, and had no issues...so I doubt it's something to do with that.

[I H8 Memes]

So the computer seems to just freeze randomly. Just happened in BIOS, shuts down ~10 seconds after freezing. Ugh. There's nothing visibly wrong with the build, everything is connected fine, etc. The power supply is the same one I had been using, and had no issues...so I doubt it's something to do with that.

Can you take a picture of the motherboard setup and post it for us?

[hyduK]

Can you take a picture of the motherboard setup and post it for us?

Sorry in advance, crappy iPhone pics.






I've disconnected everything but my Crucial M4, which is detected in BIOS fine. I'm installing windows from a USB stick...also detected fine. Doesn't appear to be a memory problem either.

The 8-pin is a bit of a stretch to reach the mobo, but it's connected firmly.

[I H8 Memes]

Pics aren't showing up. Host them at imgur or abload.de

[ParityBit]

So I have a H100 and sometimes the fans stop (not sure if they restart) I added aftermarket fans to the cooler. Is this supposed to happen? As in does the cooler shut them down if the temp is good? Or is something wrong here?

[evil solrac v3.0]

Financial Analysts Say Intel Killed the Discrete Graphics Card Maybe it kills the sub-$79 GPU market, but not the entire discrete market. AMD has better on-die GPUs, too.

well then I guess I'll jsut have to buy four cards to make up the falling difference.