Tech General Chat

[yoječ]

It should do the job.

[AzO]

550W will be plenty.

Edited November 6, 2014 by AzO

[TheMcSame]

Later today I receive my new AMD Sapphire R9 290 4GB GDDR5, i'm wondering if my 550W PSU can handle it, it's a Cooler Master GX RS-550-ACAA-E3

 

Rest of my pc:

Intel Core i5 3570K

MSI Z77A-G43 (Motherboard)

Kingston HyperX Beast 2 x 8GB

Gelid Tranquillo Rev.2 (CPU cooler)

Plextor SSD M5Pro Series 128GB (SSD)

Western Digital Blue 1TB

 

Nothing is overclocked.

 

550w SHOULD be fine. Just be aware that you'll need to upgrade it if you want to do a multi GPU setup, especially if you do XFire.

[Flachbau]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4TkhYJ

 

Thoughts on this build?

[yoječ]

I think you'd be better off with i3, at least for gaming.

[Flachbau]

I wont be using it much for gaming, anyways. Is there anything else I could change?

[TheMcSame]

I wont be using it much for gaming, anyways. Is there anything else I could change?

I'd recommend this PSU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550bbefx

 

Corsair's budget PSUs are low quality and made by unreliable OEMs (CWT and great wall). Corsair's high end PSUs are high quality but they are extremely overpriced so I'd recommend staying away from Corsair's supplies all together.

[SpooferJahk]

In terms of PC tech, I am looking into starting the planning phase for building a legacy Windows 98 rig for older games but do not know where to start to get older parts outside of eBay and the like. Need a general idea of where to get parts or a used PC from the early 2000's to gut out and replace components with. Anyone here know where to look online for older parts?

In terms of other stuff... I am modding an old GBA to have the SP's lit screen and I can't wait to get the parts to do it. Good enough for general tech chat?

[GG14876]

In terms of PC tech, I am looking into starting the planning phase for building a legacy Windows 98 rig for older games but do not know where to start to get older parts outside of eBay and the like. Need a general idea of where to get parts or a used PC from the early 2000's to gut out and replace components with. Anyone here know where to look online for older parts?

 

In terms of other stuff... I am modding an old GBA to have the SP's lit screen and I can't wait to get the parts to do it. Good enough for general tech chat?

I guess my question back to you would be, why not use Wine/ a Windows emulator on your current machine? Saves you the hassle of getting working legacy parts.

 

If you're still looking for parts, I would suggest a junkyard. A tad dangerous if you aren't aware of your surroundings and the parts you get might not be perfect, but it should be cheaper than eBay and the like. Also, possibly local schools and libraries will have the stuff you want when they do inventory and clear out older stuff. I've gotten computers from both places and, while they weren't "top of the line machines", they handled pretty well for a few years each.

[yoječ]

Corsair's budget PSUs are low quality and made by unreliable OEMs (CWT and great wall).

Since when CWT is an "unreliable OEM"?

It's also debatable with Great Wall. OCZ used this OEM in ZT/ZX series and AFAIK there were no issues.

[TheMcSame]

 

Corsair's budget PSUs are low quality and made by unreliable OEMs (CWT and great wall).

Since when CWT is an "unreliable OEM"?

It's also debatable with Great Wall. OCZ used this OEM in ZT/ZX series and AFAIK there were no issues.

 

Since when? I don't know and I don't care. I just know that CWT is known for producing low quality, unreliable power supplies.

 

As for great wall, those could be one off occasions. I'm not saying they are as bad as CWT but I never see anyone recommend a PSU made by great wall so I assume they must make bad supplies.

 

 

Lets just say I haven't seen a tier 1 power supply from either company.

 

Not to mention I'd rather go with an OEM I'm confident with (Superflower (specific models), Seasonic and Enermax (Platimax only)) rather than OEMs I don't feel confident with (CWT, Great Wall and HEC for example).

[yoječ]

CWT produces PSUs for every segment of the market, from the cheapest of the cheap to the top-end PSUs with DSG. There's nothing wrong with the DSAII platform that the Corsair CX series uses.

 

PS. Enermax is no longer an OEM, their factories closed down a while ago. In fact, Platimax series is produced by CWT...

http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showpost.php?p=105001&postcount=15

Edited November 7, 2014 by yojo2

[TheMcSame]

CWT produces PSUs for every segment of the market, from the cheapest of the cheap to the top-end PSUs with DSG. There's nothing wrong with the DSAII platform that the Corsair CX series uses.

 

PS. Enermax is no longer an OEM, their factories closed down a while ago. In fact, Platimax series is produced by CWT...

http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showpost.php?p=105001&postcount=15

Honestly I doubt that, he doesn't state any sources, he's just some random ass guy on a forum and it's near impossible to find info on the OEM for the platimax series. The only site I found that has info about the OEM says that enermax is the manufacturer.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Enermax_Platimax_600W

 

Whereas it says brand on other supplies like the CX400.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Corsair_CX400W

[yoječ]

https://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.computerbase.de%2F2014-04%2Fenermax-laesst-alle-netzteile-fremdfertigen%2F&edit-text=

Google botches the translation quite a bit, but it should be understandable.

Edited November 8, 2014 by yojo2

[TheMcSame]

https://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.computerbase.de%2F2014-04%2Fenermax-laesst-alle-netzteile-fremdfertigen%2F&edit-text=

Google butchers the translation quite a bit, but it should be understandable.

Hmm... Interesting.

[Hit by Lightning]

I dunno where does this belongs, but I will tell it anyway!

Last night while I was drunk, I turned off the wireless in my laptop, and had no clue how to turn it on back. Instead of waiting till I get sober, I re-installed Ubuntu from scratch and lost all my files.

Today, I discovered it was only a button in the laptop that I needed to press in order to restore the wireless connection

[DeafMetal]

I'm going to be done with a very stressful part of my life in a couple of months, and I want to pamper myself with a powerful new PC setup, but I'm completely out of the loop in terms of newer PC equipment. The only thing I am aware of is that DDR4 RAM just came out, 4k TVs are finally starting to settle down, and SSD/HDD hybrids are increasing in popularity.

 

So, considering that the PC will be mainly for gaming and watching TV, and keeping in mind that money isn't much of an issue (but let's not go overboard - let's say max USD$2k per PC component, and USD$4k max for the TV - with a USD$500 margin of error on both):

• What's the best gaming-centric GPU out right now?
• Are the i7s better built for gaming now? Which one's the best for my needs? Preferably with a high clockrate by default and/or a high overclock "cap."
• Who's the best 4k TV manufacturer? What's the best (non-3D) model? Is there any noticeable advantage between curved and regular?
• What are the best SSD/HDD hybrid drives these days?
• Who's making the most reliable DDR4 RAM?

[yoječ]

1) GTX980 is the fastest, GTX970 is the best value from the high-end.

2) i7-4790k is the way to go. Well, technically you could go for a hexa-core i7-5820k since money isn't an issue, but I fail to see the point.

 

4) I'd ditch the idea of buying a hybrid and stick to SSD + HDD combo. Especially since Intel Z/H chipsets let you create your own hybrid from such a combo.

5) The DDR4 RM has been just recently released, it's too soon to talk about reliability.

Edited November 9, 2014 by yojo2

[TheMcSame]

• What's the best gaming-centric GPU out right now?
• Are the i7s better built for gaming now? Which one's the best for my needs? Preferably with a high clockrate by default and/or a high overclock "cap."
• Who's the best 4k TV manufacturer? What's the best (non-3D) model? Is there any noticeable advantage between curved and regular?
• What are the best SSD/HDD hybrid drives these days?
• Who's making the most reliable DDR4 RAM?

1. Like Yojo said, the 980 is the fastest but the 970 is cheaper.

2. Q1: I wouldn't say they're any different. Q2: For you needs the 4790k is the one to go for. That being said, an i5 would be a good choice but seeing as money isn't a problem it wont hurt to go with an i7.

3. I wouldn't recommend a TV for gaming, generally the input lag and response times are higher on TVs compared to a monitor. It wont effect you when you're watching TV but it could be a problem when playing games, especially if you play competitive games.

4. Don't bother with hybrid drives, you might as well go with an SSD/HDD combo.

5. RAM is RAM, most chips are made in the same factory so a cheap ass kit is just as reliable as an overpriced kit from Corsair. That being said it's probably too soon to say if DDR4 is reliable. Not to mention you wont find a mainstream board that supports DDR4, currently the enthusiast boards (X99 chipset) are the only ones that support it.

Edited November 9, 2014 by TheMcSame

[DeafMetal]

Thanks for the help, fellas.

 

In regards to 2), what's a good clock rate to oc the 4790 to? Any recommended CPU fans? I may go for a hex or octo core since I'll be doing pretty intensive programming, probably on virtual machines. I looked at this one but it has a low clock rate and, according to reviews, it's a stripped Xeon 12-core and it doesn't like being overclocked. Any alternative suggestions?

 

In regards to 4), how should I divide it up? I'm guessing OS should be on SSD? How does the Intel hybrid thing work? I've got about 2tb worth of games (likely increasing to 3tb by the end of next year), 2-3tb worth of software, 500gb worth of personal data, and 50gb worth of work stuff (code, usable coding tools, projects, etc.).

 

3. I wouldn't recommend a TV for gaming, generally the input lag and refresh rates are higher on TVs compared to a monitor. It wont effect you when you're watching TV but it could be a problem when playing games, especially if you play competitive games.

I'll be moving to a new place soon and this will be my living room setup: the TV will also be connected to my consoles, cable box, etc. so I have to go for a TV. I'll be doing most of my competitive gaming on consoles since that's where my friends are at, so no biggie.

[TheMcSame]

1. In regards to 2), what's a good clock rate to oc the 4790 to?

2. Any recommended CPU fans? I may go for a hex or octo core since I'll be doing pretty intensive programming, probably on virtual machines.

3. I looked at this one but it has a low clock rate and, according to reviews, it's a stripped Xeon 12-core and it doesn't like being overclocked. Any alternative suggestions?

4. I'm guessing OS should be on SSD?

1. A high 4 would be a good clock rate.

2. That depends really, if you want something that can cope with an overclock then a hyper 212 EVO. However, if you're going for one of the x99 CPUs then I'd recommend a higher end air cooler or AIO water cooler. Those things can throw off some heat, especially when they're being put to heavy use.

3. There's always the 5930k if you're going with x99.

4. Yes, having programs that you use a lot on it will also help as well. Just make sure those programs aren't constantly writing to the drive, don't defrag it either.

Edited November 9, 2014 by TheMcSame

[sivispacem]

If you're running multiple VMs simultaneously I'd want lots of real cores. Something like an E5-2600 series (Xeon) if you can push the boat out. They're arguably better VFM than the multicore extreme series for workstation style workloads.

 

Also, all the RAM you can muster. 32GB should be a good starting point.

[El Oso Blanco]

Finally ordered the parts for my first ever build last night. After doing 2 or 3 mocks over the past few months, I was debating on my budget. W/out peripherals I could have spent $900 on the rig itself but I really wanted a good monitor, and some unforeseen expenses came up. I decided I'd go with entry level build. went with i3 over fx 6300 for the upgrade path. AM heatsink incase I hate stock, r9 270 gpu (Probably shouldve went with 270x but oh well) 8gb RAM, 500w PSU. All i'm worried about now is how well I'll do with cable and heat management, but overall I'm really excited.

[AZAZEL]

Finally ordered the parts for my first ever build last night. After doing 2 or 3 mocks over the past few months, I was debating on my budget. W/out peripherals I could have spent $900 on the rig itself but I really wanted a good monitor, and some unforeseen expenses came up. I decided I'd go with entry level build. went with i3 over fx 6300 for the upgrade path. AM heatsink incase I hate stock, r9 270 gpu (Probably shouldve went with 270x but oh well) 8gb RAM, 500w PSU. All i'm worried about now is how well I'll do with cable and heat management, but overall I'm really excited.

Good move to go with the i3, definitely. As long as you make sure that most of your cables are tucked away behind the mobo tray, or wherever you might fit them, you should be golden.

[Flachbau]

My brother is really into the OnePlus One and he wants one. Can anyone send me an invite so I can help him out? He has all the cash for it and he's really hyped up.. I saved him from buying a $700 Note 3 unlocked..

 

Also, I'll be getting this cool 8 inch Windows 8.1 tablet soon. Here's the specs:

 

Intel Atom" Processor Z3735G (2M Cache, up to 1.83 GHz)

1GB DDR3L of system memory

8.0" touchscreen, 1280 x 800 resolution

Built-in 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth v4.0

Back 2MP webcam and front 0.3MP webcam

microHDMI port, headphone/microphone combo port

16GB onboard storage memory, Micro SD card slot supports up to 64GB Additional

4,000mAh internal rechargeable battery

It'll be sold at Walmart for $100.

[El Oso Blanco]

I still need to tuck the front power/audio/usb case connectors behind the mobo, along with SATA power and data cables but other than that, a clean system and it's running flawlessly! Using Skyrim as my test game to start out. Anyway I have a couple of questions that I could probably post in the question topic but I'd rather do it in one post.

After I installed my graphics card's latest drivers, about an inch of my display got cut off around the edges so my full screen isn't being used. I searched through the driver program and I've yet to find a solution if anyone can help with that. Number two, I was wondering what is a good way to monitor computer performance? L:ike GPU + CPU fan speed+temps and the like without going through the Bios.

[TheMcSame]

an inch of my display got cut off around the edges so my full screen isn't being used.

 

Number two, I was wondering what is a good way to monitor computer performance? L:ike GPU + CPU fan speed+temps and the like without going through the Bios.

 

1. Hmmm, are the display settings set to the recommended resolution of the monitor? If so I'd contact the manufacturer of the monitor to make sure it's not supposed to be like that.

 

2. HWMonitor can do that, I'm not sure if it monitors the GPU fan(s) but it does monitor the fan speeds as well as temps. For the GPU you'd be better off setting up a fan curve.

[El Oso Blanco]

Ok so actually resolved them the other day and as it turns out I found a nifty feature in catalyst control center that allows me to adjust the screen use. I've been using MSI Afterburner to check temps and the gpu fans.

So far system is running Skyrim and Saints Row IV 60 frames with ease. Although after about 20 minutes you can really start to hear the fans (I'd assume the GPU's). My fan curve is set to reach as high as 55 or 60 percent once temps start getting in the high 60s. I heard that anything above 70 C isn't very safe, although that's only happened on the gpu with a skyrim enb installed (No longer using it.)

Will 55-60% fan speed significantly decrease their lifespan? From anyones personal experience? I only plan on using the card another 3 or 4 months before an upgrade but just curious. I can deal with the noise thanks to the headphones.

[yoječ]

IMHO you are safe up to circa 80C, and even 80-90C isn't that devastating providing that the card doesn't stay in such temp for a prolonged period of time.

 

My old GTX470 pretty much always had 92C temp in games (that's how nVidia designed it, beyond 92C the fan ramped up significantly), and even though it had an intermittent fault from the very beginning (weak solder joints possibly), it still managed to survive for more than 2 years. I'd suggest to stop worrying about temps, you're well within a safe zone.

 

Some people make it seem like a card will melt or explode when it hits ~90C, which is far from truth... I'm not saying you shouldn't care about temps at all, but GPUs are designed to handle much higher temps than CPUs for example.

Edited November 21, 2014 by yojo2

[TheMcSame]

Ok so actually resolved them the other day and as it turns out I found a nifty feature in catalyst control center that allows me to adjust the screen use. I've been using MSI Afterburner to check temps and the gpu fans.

So far system is running Skyrim and Saints Row IV 60 frames with ease. Although after about 20 minutes you can really start to hear the fans (I'd assume the GPU's). My fan curve is set to reach as high as 55 or 60 percent once temps start getting in the high 60s. I heard that anything above 70 C isn't very safe, although that's only happened on the gpu with a skyrim enb installed (No longer using it.)

Will 55-60% fan speed significantly decrease their lifespan? From anyones personal experience? I only plan on using the card another 3 or 4 months before an upgrade but just curious. I can deal with the noise thanks to the headphones.

70 is a very normal and safe temp for a graphics card that's being worked. GPUs can function properly at temps over 90 and they should throttle (underclock) themselves before the components can reach an unsafe temp so technically you can't hit an unsafe temp with a GPU unless you somehow prevent the card from throttling. That doesn't mean you should let it hit the 90's for the sake of a quite rig though.

 

As for the fan speed, it's not going significantly decrease it but it will shorten the life span of the fan compared to a fan running at 20% but it's nothing to worry about, I've yet to see a fan that has a MTBF time below 100000 hours (which is more than 11 years) so I'd assume the same applies to GPU fans.