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"I Need a New PC!" 2014 Part 2. Read OP, your 2500K will run Witcher 3. MX100s! 970!

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squared

Member
What are people's experiences with mechanical keyboards in general and the Razer DeathStalker Stealth in particular? I'm looking to replace my currently dying keyboard.

Don't have a Razer, but I do have a Ducky Shine2, and I absolutely love it. So much better than standard keyboards.
 

Diablos

Member
So I sent my GPU to MSI because it was overheating. I now have a tracking number with the latest status update being "Sales/RMA NG buffer for repair run" -- I am assuming this means they fixed or replaced it?
 

Salaadin

Member
Some weirdness overclocking my MSI 970. It seems that No matter what I do, it'll always throttle down 13 MHz about a minute into testing. Is this something I should be worried about? Temps are only hitting 68c
 
J

JoJo UK

Unconfirmed Member
What are people's experiences with mechanical keyboards in general and the Razer DeathStalker Stealth in particular? I'm looking to replace my currently dying keyboard.
My brother actually has the Razer Blackwidow keyboard and swears by it, if the DeathStalker is the same (but with a trackpad) then you should love it.
 

M.D

Member
Was there a motherboard utility for the LAN chipset? Try older drivers?

Might need to install the utility and then set a profile that doesn't effect packet priority.
This is the only thing I hate about these boards! Intel NIC is just better in every way.

I downloaded the Killer NIC driver through the webpage for my motherboard, and its the same one that is installed if you download it through that motherboard all in one software package that comes with with the MB

There's a newer version, guess I should install it.. tho I'm thinking this is more about settings

What do you mean install the utility and change the profile? What utility software are we talking about?

Check the actual network card properties in control panel. Find where is specifies full duplex, half or auto. Make sure it is set to full.

Changed it to Full, it was set on Auto Negotiation
I think its actually slightly better right now but still really slow
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
Hey GAF. Any input on these monitors? Ordered both on Amazon Black Friday, and will probably send one back.

My desk isn't big enough for whynotboth.gif

Bearing in mind I only have a single GTX 770 2GB. 4k is so pretty, though.

BenQ 144hz 1080p
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HZF2JWA/

ViewSonic 4k
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LJVMOEY/


That viewsonic is apparently limite to 30Hz in 4k mode. Don't know if if can do 60Hz in 1080p but I would hope so.
 

RGM79

Member
So I'm going to build my new PC soon, does this look fine? http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/Shantom/saved/8HFYcf
I'm not sure if the case is ok, and I have no idea what I'm doing with PSUs.
Edit: Some input on a motherboard would be much appreciated as well :)
The Bitfenix Neos is an alright budget case. Alternatively I'd suggest the Corsair 200R and 300R, but those seem to cost quite a lot more.

You don't need 650 watts unless you plan to run dual graphics cards in the future. I recommend this XFX 550 Watt model.
 

neorej

ERMYGERD!
My brother actually has the Razer Blackwidow keyboard and swears by it, if the DeathStalker is the same (but with a trackpad) then you should love it.

I meant the Blackwidow, the Deathstalker doesn't come in Stealth (and I don't think it's mechanical).
 

RGM79

Member
What are people's experiences with mechanical keyboards in general and the Razer DeathStalker Stealth in particular? I'm looking to replace my currently dying keyboard.
The Deathstalker isn't mechanical, it's a rubber membrane keyboard. I personally don't like Razer because of their cloud settings software that's required. That and the Blackwidow switched over to some green switch type that might not be as good as Cherry MX. Really though, mechanical keyboards are kind of a subjective thing. Maybe go to a store and see how they feel differently. Some are hard, others tactile, some softer. Generally people feel that rubber keyboards don't have as good a response and feel, and that rubber membranes have a "mushy" feel afafter getting accustomed to mechanical key switches.
 

ricki42

Member
To give you an idea of how much cheaper it is to build your own, here's an example $1000 build. Good processor and RAM, but better CPU cooler, SSD, motherboard, video card, and power supply than the CyberPowerPC for much less.

I don't know about that build.
The RAM is 1 x 8GB, should be 2 x 4 GB.
People here have advised against the Corsair CX PSUs, saying you can get better (and more reliable) for a similar price.
I'd also be hesitant to recommend Zotac. They seem to have slightly more problems than others, and their customer service seems to be pretty bad.
 

RGM79

Member
I don't know about that build.
The RAM is 1 x 8GB, should be 2 x 4 GB.
People here have advised against the Corsair CX PSUs, saying you can get better (and more reliable) for a similar price.
I'd also be hesitant to recommend Zotac. They seem to have slightly more problems than others, and their customer service seems to be pretty bad.
It's the example $1000 build from the front page of the pcpartpicker.com website. I wasn't suggesting that he actually buy it, just that even a (halfhearted) custom build would be cheaper and better than the CyberPowerPC prebuilt computer.
 

garath

Member
Damn. Just not seeing any great 256gig SSD deals today :(

Was really hoping to grab a good one for 80 or so. Doesn't seem like it will be happening though. Really want to jump in the SSD revolution :)
 

neorej

ERMYGERD!
The Deathstalker isn't mechanical, it's a rubber membrane keyboard. I personally don't like Razer because of their cloud settings software that's required. That and the Blackwidow switched over to some green switch type that might not be as good as Cherry MX. Really though, mechanical keyboards are kind of a subjective thing. Maybe go to a store and see how they feel differently. Some are hard, others tactile, some softer. Generally people feel that rubber keyboards don't have as good a response and feel, and that rubber membranes have a "mushy" feel afafter getting accustomed to mechanical key switches.

Yeah, I noticed I posted the wrong model. I'm heading to the stores tonight to get a feel, but I thought I'd ask here to get a general idea whether they're useful or not. There's a big gap between pushing some buttons in the store and actually playing a game / working on them.
 

paolo11

Member
What kind of CPU do you intend to buy? That board will only support AMD cpu. But yeah that combination will do the trick regarding the SSD speed.



Your cables are blocking the airflow, your cards are way too hot. Setting the fan curve higher than default will shorten the lifespan of the HSF, but will keep your cards' longer. You can replace the HSF though.



My OS and programs take up about 95GBs, so you are probably fine.

What's HSF? Also, that's the unfinished build. I tidy up the cables.
 
Focus on more core clock, 4000Mhz memory is more than enough (1ghz over stock).

My memory clock is actually 4085.

But yeah I ran the test again and...it's higher than ever before. I got 57.7fps. A new record!

The GPU clock said 1489 MHZ but bumped between that and 1461 depending on the temperature. If it got passed 70 it would bounce between 1461 and 1489 regularly with leaning toward 1461 most of the time.

I still wonder about the difference in scores. I think maybe it's a driver issue or are GPUs really this inconsistent? Can I do something like have my fan speed always on or is that a bad thing to do?
 

Bunta

Fujiwara Tofu Shop
The i7 4790k is currently $289.99 on Amazon. Does anyone think it will be any cheaper on cyber monday? I'm thinking no.
 
My memory clock is actually 4085.

But yeah I ran the test again and...it's higher than ever before. I got 57.7fps. A new record!

The GPU clock said 1489 MHZ but bumped between that and 1461 depending on the temperature. If it got passed 70 it would bounce between 1461 and 1489 regularly with leaning toward 1461 most of the time.

I still wonder about the difference in scores. I think maybe it's a driver issue or are GPUs really this inconsistent?

Mem clock wont give you perf gain as much as core clock. Better to lower mem's and increase core's.
 
Hi guys, I have an Intel Core i5 2500K which I fear is dying on me.

My motherboard is the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4-B3 which appears to be a socket LGA 1155.

If I were to buy a Intel Core i5 4690K am I right in thinking my motherboard is incompatible and that I will need to buy a new motherboard?
 

Gluka

Member
I've been pretty impressed with the Rosewill Blackhawk case for a recent build. I generally hate LEDs anywhere, but the mesh obscures them enough so that they aren't obnoxious at all. The preinstalled fans are pretty quiet too. I'm not too keen on the panel window though. It doesn't really fit the flow of the design and scratches very easily. I also wish it had came with a GPU support bracket. Overall it's a great case for the price and an excellent knockoff of the Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced. Would recommend.
 

Sykotik

Member
Hi guys, I have an Intel Core i5 2500K which I fear is dying on me.

My motherboard is the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4-B3 which appears to be a socket LGA 1155.

If I were to buy a Intel Core i5 4690K am I right in thinking my motherboard is incompatible and that I will need to buy a new motherboard?

You're correct. Your current board only supports up to 3770k.
 

LilJoka

Member
Hi guys, I have an Intel Core i5 2500K which I fear is dying on me.

My motherboard is the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4-B3 which appears to be a socket LGA 1155.

If I were to buy a Intel Core i5 4690K am I right in thinking my motherboard is incompatible and that I will need to buy a new motherboard?

How have you tested to see if a CPU is dying on you? What are the symptoms?
Its extremely rare for a CPU to just die, and its even more rare for a CPU to be partially dying. Considering your PC boots up its very likely your issue is elsewhere.
 

LilJoka

Member
My memory clock is actually 4085.

But yeah I ran the test again and...it's higher than ever before. I got 57.7fps. A new record!

The GPU clock said 1489 MHZ but bumped between that and 1461 depending on the temperature. If it got passed 70 it would bounce between 1461 and 1489 regularly with leaning toward 1461 most of the time.

I still wonder about the difference in scores. I think maybe it's a driver issue or are GPUs really this inconsistent? Can I do something like have my fan speed always on or is that a bad thing to do?

Difference in scores compared to me?
I ran like this 1080p Ultra HD preset. 1530/4000Mhz, nVidia Control Panel Quality -> Performance. Windows Aero off. 63fps.
I also have custom bios to reduce throttling, my clocks are literally static whilst benching, and it also increases some internal bus clocks.

Heres my Firestrike score http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/4652633? 3DMark Score 11134 Graphics Score 13317 Physics Score 11434 Combined Score 4909 Graphics Test 164.1 fps Graphics Test 252.8 fps Physics Test 36.3 fps Combined Test 22.83 fps
970 @ ~1530Mhz/8000Mhz and i7 3770 @ 4.21Ghz.

You can use MSI Afterburner or similar to set the fans to manual percentage, or a custom curve. I tend to just use stock curve for my MSI Gamer 970, works fine for games. For benches i use static fan of about 80% to stop throttling, temps get to about 65c this way.
 
You're correct. Your current board only supports up to 3770k.

Thanks.

How have you tested to see if a CPU is dying on you? What are the symptoms?
Its extremely rare for a CPU to just die, and its even more rare for a CPU to be partially dying. Considering your PC boots up its very likely your issue is elsewhere.

Ok so what's been happening this past week is that my computer has been randomly switching off with zero warning. Sometimes when I reboot it powers off and reboots in an endless cycle. I've seen this behaviour before when I've fucked up an overclock.

However I now have my machine running at stock clock/voltages and it's still doing random shut downs (such that Windows doesn't even recognise its happened when I manage to restart the computer properly). I tried a Prime95 test at stock settings and it crashed after about 40 minutes.

What else could it be apart from maybe my PSU? My PSU is a very new 1000W EVGA btw.
 

LilJoka

Member
Thanks.



Ok so what's been happening this past week is that my computer has been randomly switching off with zero warning. Sometimes when I reboot it powers off and reboots in an endless cycle. I've seen this behaviour before when I've fucked up an overclock.

However I now have my machine running at stock clock/voltages and it's still doing random shut downs (such that Windows doesn't even recognise its happened when I manage to restart the computer properly). I tried a Prime95 test at stock settings and it crashed after about 40 minutes.

What else could it be apart from maybe my PSU? My PSU is a very new 1000W EVGA btw.

Whats the Vcore in CPUz under Prime95 load?
Whats the temperatures whilst running Prime95?
Exactly which Prime95 test?

Have you tried a CMOS reset and BIOS update?

In all the CPUs ive ever had my hands on (100s) only one system ever had a problem of random shutdown on idle load, which was finally traced to the CPU.
 
Difference in scores compared to me?.
I meant my scores yesterday. I don't recall the score now but yesterday I got 49 fps max, yet today I get nearly 58fps.

I ran like this 1080p Ultra HD preset. 1530/4000Mhz, nVidia Control Panel Quality -> Performance. Windows Aero off. 63fps.
I also have custom bios to reduce throttling, my clocks are literally static whilst benching, and it also increases some internal bus clocks.

You can use MSI Afterburner or similar to set the fans to manual percentage, or a custom curve. I tend to just use stock curve for my MSI Gamer 970, works fine for games. For benches i use static fan of about 80% to stop throttling, temps get to about 65c this way.
So I should customize my bios and set my stock fan speed on my video card to stop throttling?


EDIT - Holy fuck those fans are loud!
 

LilJoka

Member
I meant my scores yesterday. I don't recall the score now but yesterday I got 49 fps max, yet today I get nearly 58fps.


So I should customize my bios and set my stock fan speed on my video card to stop throttling?

Yes definatly for benching you should just use a manual fan percent, no point in a fan curve. Fan curve is only good if you dont mind a little more aggressive fan speeds and noise whilst gaming. But generally its not needed. Youll see in games the clocks tend not to drop as much.

Customizing the BIOS is pretty risky so no need to go there just yet, but gives a some reason to why your score is a little behind mine.

You may of got a bad benchmark score because when the driver crashes the clocks return to stock. And if you continue to bench they will be stuck at stock until you re-adjust the clocks or reboot. The scores at the same clock speeds on your PC should be within 1-2fps each time.
 
Thanks.



Ok so what's been happening this past week is that my computer has been randomly switching off with zero warning. Sometimes when I reboot it powers off and reboots in an endless cycle. I've seen this behaviour before when I've fucked up an overclock.

However I now have my machine running at stock clock/voltages and it's still doing random shut downs (such that Windows doesn't even recognise its happened when I manage to restart the computer properly). I tried a Prime95 test at stock settings and it crashed after about 40 minutes.

What else could it be apart from maybe my PSU? My PSU is a very new 1000W EVGA btw.

Could be your memory. Try running memtest.
 
You may of got a bad benchmark score because when the driver crashes the clocks return to stock. And if you continue to bench they will be stuck at stock until you re-adjust the clocks or reboot. The scores at the same clock speeds on your PC should be within 1-2fps each time.

Yesterday I did with and without Precision running and it still didn't get over 50fps.

Idk I'm just worried that my video card is defective.
 

LilJoka

Member
Yesterday I did with and without Precision running and it still didn't get over 50fps.

Idk I'm just worried that my video card is defective.

Very much doubt it. Just run it stock a few times and see the results. Should be very consistent, unless there is some sort of background process hogging the GPU (bitcoin miner!).
 
Whats the Vcore in CPUz under Prime95 load?
Whats the temperatures whilst running Prime95?
Exactly which Prime95 test?

Have you tried a CMOS reset and BIOS update?

In all the CPUs ive ever had my hands on (100s) only one system ever had a problem of random shutdown on idle load, which was finally traced to the CPU.

1. CPU-Z says Vcore is 1.200 (which is running at default BIOS settings and no overclock)
2. 55 degrees celsius on average
3. Using the 64 bit version and doing the test it does automatically when you load it.

I have just done a BIOS update just now (should've done this ages ago) using @BIOS updater and it appears to have done a CMOS reset to default upon updating.

I'll see if this improves things.

Could be your memory. Try running memtest.

Will try.
 
I need to buy an entry-level gaming PC for a twelve year old, and price is a huge factor here. I'm thinking $500 tops.

He currently 'games' on a $200 laptop my folks bought him about two years ago. He punishes himself, playing games like Borderlands 2, windowed, lowest possible settings and getting <10 FPS.

Certainly anything would be better than this, but I can't go overboard either. I'm thinking an AMD processor (I've never understood the hate... they've always been a bit underperforming compared to the Intel chips, but for the price, they're pretty good), with an entry level graphics card and 8gigs of RAM, and a standard HDD.

I would build this myself based on the 'budget' build in the OP, but I don't really have the time over the next couple of weeks.

Does anyone have any familiarity with Cyberpower PCs? I was thinking something like this, but I'm open to other suggestions for pre-built PCs if anyone can help.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229618
 
Very much doubt it. Just run it stock a few times and see the results. Should be very consistent, unless there is some sort of background process hogging the GPU (bitcoin miner!).

Well I tested it at stock in Heaven a few times.

The first time my computer crashed...never did that before.

After that I ran Heaven a few times and consistently got 53 fps.

That seems about right.
 

dareacher

Banned
hey all, thanks for the help so far, looking to buy this monitor : samsung LS24D590PL/ZC
but shoulf i be worried it has 5ms if i want to run 1080p games?
 

Costia

Member
Are there any good wireless keyboards? The one I have is slim (shallow keys) and it's annoying.
I looked at the Xarmor U9W, but it's quite heavy and people have complained about its wireless reception. And since i would have to import it, it wont have my local language on it.
So, are there any non-slim wireless keyboards, preferably from one of the big companies like MS,Logitech etc.?
 

garath

Member
Damn. Now I'm torn.

OCZ VTX460

$80
OCZ's budget line it looks like. 3 yr warranty supported by Toshiba. Average read/write. Not as long lifespan?

Samsung EVO 840

Great drive. $110, however comes with a Far Cry 4 code. I already have Far Cry 4 so could probably sell for $30 give or take. That rounds it out to the $80 price point as well.

Sandisk Ultra II

$85. Don't know a lot about this drive.

Which one guys? Samsung is probably my first choice but it's a little more money out the door. No guarantee I'd be able to sell the Far Cry.

edit: or just wait it out to "cyber monday". I don't really NEED a SSD. This is kind of a fluff purchase.
 

Octavia

Unconfirmed Member
Oh damn. I overlooked this one. Nice!! Time to do some quick research and see if it holds up to the corsair and Samsung drives.

Edit: what do you guys think? Good drive? Longevity doesn't seem to be as good as the competitors unfortunately.

I've had awful luck with lower price SSDs that I'd say just pay the extra to make sure you get a drive with a great reputation. I absolutely do not like ocz. Maybe I just won the unlucky lottery, but RMAing 3 drives in succession from them and losing a various amount of data each time was not fun.
 

Bunta

Fujiwara Tofu Shop
I still don't know if I should jump on the 4790k for $289. Does anyone think it would be cheaper on cyber monday?
 

Leckan

Member
G502 vs G400s mice.

What say you GAF?

I can get the G502 for the same price as the G400 but I really dislike the 'Xtreme Gamer' aesthetic to be honest.
 

garath

Member
I've had awful luck with lower price SSDs that I'd say just pay the extra to make sure you get a drive with a great reputation. I absolutely do not like ocz. Maybe I just won the unlucky lottery, but RMAing 3 drives in succession from them and losing a various amount of data each time was not fun.

Thanks. Maybe I should just keep an eye out for a premium brand. Crucial, Intel or Samsung. In fact I may just jump on the evo with far cry 4 code. Hmm
 

lordy88

Member
Hey guys,

Tempted to pull the trigger on this build. I already have a Video Card + PSU + CD/DVD drive.

Any thoughts?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($102.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg) (I get $13.00 off in a combo with the i7)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg) (Comes with Farcry 4 for free)
Storage: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $764.92
 
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