PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Talragan]

Yeah I am, can always throw it in another computer if I get a new one sometime. Thanks

[Dignity]

Question on the GPU train. couple friends were telling me to wait out a bit for next gen(?) GPUs to come out so I can get current cards for a cheaper price. Is this usually what happens every year? When does the price drop usually happen if so?

Right now I own a GTX660 ti with a side of constant artifacting only on ff14. so I was thinking of buying another card but hesitant due to the first question. tl;dr wait for cheaper price drops? Forgot to mention I wanted to upgrade my gpu prior to heavensward etc.

[Fairy-Killer]

Question on the GPU train. couple friends were telling me to wait out a bit for next gen(?) GPUs to come out so I can get current cards for a cheaper price. Is this usually what happens every year? When does the price drop usually happen if so?

Right now I own a GTX660 ti with a side of constant artifacting only on ff14. so I was thinking of buying another card but hesitant due to the first question. tl;dr wait for cheaper price drops? Forgot to mention I wanted to upgrade my gpu prior to heavensward etc.

The GTX 980ti and 300 series of AMD are slated for June, but they have both been delayed before.

Not only will the next series of cards usually drive the current series' price down, but the opposition's performance will also drop prices. For example, the R9 290X originally launched at $500, but was dropped in price to remain relevant as a competitor to the GTX 970 since their performance was similar. This happens pretty much every year and will continue to happen. That said, I think June is a great time to look out for a GPU since we should see some drops.

As for if you should wait... I think AMD's 200 series of cards are terribly unimpressive. However, there might be price drops on the Nvidia 900 series, and I think those would be worth the wait if you want to save <$100 (I'm guessing they won't drop more than $100).

[Dignity]

Sounds good, much obliged. I used to keep up with component specs but I more or less stopped caring since I only used to play ffxi (lol). I was aiming for GTX970 and/or preferrably w Nvidia, as I had bad experience with ATI cards in general.

Right now I want to make a purchase where it would be an upgrade from the 660 and pretty much would last me for the next few years, assuming I'll only play 14 and couple mobas (heroes of the storm mainly). so I guess the question here is, is the GTX970 a good upgrade from the 660 in value/performance? assuming with the price drop in the future.

[Kalmado]

Sounds good, much obliged. I used to keep up with component specs but I more or less stopped caring since I only used to play ffxi (lol). I was aiming for GTX970 and/or preferrably w Nvidia, as I had bad experience with ATI cards in general.

Right now I want to make a purchase where it would be an upgrade from the 660 and pretty much would last me for the next few years, assuming I'll only play 14 and couple mobas (heroes of the storm mainly). so I guess the question here is, is the GTX970 a good upgrade from the 660 in value/performance? assuming with the price drop in the future.

I upgraded from a 770 2gb, but my monitor is 1440p. I first tried a 7990, which I really liked the performance. The problem was it was LOUD and it ran hot. I was pretty dead set on getting an AMD R9 290(x), but a killer deal came up on a Gigabyte GTX 970 G1. I had written down the performance difference from the 770 to the 970, but I don't know where it went. I want to say it was around a 15-20 fps increase on Hitman Absolution, Tomb Raider, and Sleeping Dogs. I was really surprised. The card runs tops 70c and it's quiet for the most part. I'm very happy with the outcome.

For 1080p it's hard to say because I personally think 290(x) or 970 is overkill. But, if the price is right I would definitely go with either. An Asus 290 was as low as $190 November of last year.

[Exander]

I upgraded from a 770 2gb, but my monitor is 1440p. I first tried a 7990, which I really liked the performance. The problem was it was LOUD and it ran hot. I was pretty dead set on getting an AMD R9 290(x), but a killer deal came up on a Gigabyte GTX 970 G1. I had written down the performance difference from the 770 to the 970, but I don't know where it went. I want to say it was around a 15-20 fps increase on Hitman Absolution, Tomb Raider, and Sleeping Dogs. I was really surprised. The card runs tops 70c and it's quiet for the most part. I'm very happy with the outcome.

For 1080p it's hard to say because I personally think 290(x) or 970 is overkill. But, if the price is right I would definitely go with either. An Asus 290 was as low as $190 November of last year.

970 depending on model and company is a solid performing card even with the "Memorygate" issues.

[Kalmado]

970 depending on model and company is a solid performing card even with the "Memorygate" issues.

That's exactly what I said. What's your point?

edit: Nvm you're just spamming posts.

[Exander]

That's exactly what I said. What's your point?

edit: Nvm you're just spamming posts.

Not exactly.. I own 2 970 FTW's. performance of a single 970 FTW is just 5-9FPS difference between a 980 and the heat still does not break 70'C. I ran the benchmark with a 1406 core overclock with temps @ 64'C.

[Kalmado]

Not exactly.. I own 2 970 FTW's. performance of a single 970 FTW is just 5-9FPS difference between a 980 and the heat still does not break 70'C. I ran the benchmark with a 1406 core overclock with temps @ 64'C.

Still, what's your point? I posted saying it's a great performing card. You posted the same thing to an almost month old post. So are you actually trying to contribute or are you just spamming your 10?

[Exander]

Still, what's your point? I posted saying it's a great performing card. You posted the same thing to an almost month old post. So are you actually trying to contribute or are you just spamming your 10?

Contributing. Not the first forum I try and contribute to. Can also be found on EVGA's/Hard OCP forums to. <.< I try and contribute as much as possible when it comes to tech.

[BadKarma]

Im upgrading from a 660 ti to a 970. Perfect timing due to Wild Hunt and Batman being free with the new card. Any particular brand i should look at for the 970?

[Krandor]

A fair number of people here are against EVGA, I personally own one of their 970s and have no complaints with it. Granted I only bought it because I couldn't find an Asus at a decent price at the time. Personally I think you'd be fine with any of the major vendors, or could even spring for the Best Buy exclusive model with the reference cooler (assuming the promo extends there)

[Gilgameshx]

Just upgraded from a 670 to a 970 in preparation of wild hunt. My benchmark score for ffxiv heavensward went from 5500 to a whopping 11600.

My 670 was an asus and was a great card. Went with msi this time around... The newegg reviews had more positives than asus which was the deciding factor for me.

[Kalmado]

I have a Gigabyte G1 Gaming 970 and have been pleased so far, although it occasionally has coil whine. I'm a huge MSI fan and wouldn't hesitate to go with them. I have nothing nice to say about Asus and neither did this guy that RMA'd his 780ti and received a 780 as a replacement.

[DrClout]

Oh wow. Great read to a terrible situation

[jmc]

Looking for a new monitor, and have no idea what to look for.

Would like something 27"+, and higher resolution than 1920×1080.

Is it possible to find for around $300?

[Kalmado]

Looking for a new monitor, and have no idea what to look for.

Would like something 27"+, and higher resolution than 1920×1080.

Is it possible to find for around $300?

Absolutely. QNIX QX2710 can be had for $300 or less. I bought an "off grade" model from Amazon for $210 and love it. There were a few dead pixels but idc because of the savings. Monitor can overclock as well. Mine is an easy 96hz. Can't say enough good things about it. If you would prefer brand new or whatever they're listed as, search Ebay from reputable sellers. They go for around $280 I want to say. I hope this helps!

Overclocking guide
http://www.overclock.net/t/1493929/q...ing-guide-club

[Kalmado]

Oh wow. Great read to a terrible situation

Yes it indeed is a great read for those that will read the entire thing. Guy really got pushed around by Asus until he pushed back. In my opinion Asus has terrible customer service, and I know that first hand from a motherboard RMA. I've also had to RMA a MSI Z87-G45 Gaming motherboard multiple time (known issue) and MSI had catered to me in every instance. I haven't paid for shipping once. I requested this latest time for a different board. We'll see if they comply.

[Gilgameshx]

I love asus products but they do indeed have horrible customer service. If you're fortunate enough to not rma, they do have really good products. Can't say enough good things about my gtx 670 I had from them. I also like asus overclock UI better than msi afterburner but that's just nitpicking.

[Krandor]

Asus is my mobo brand of choice for sure. Probably the only component where I have absolute brand loyalty, along with maybe Corsair PSUs. I've only had to deal with Asus customer service once (when I had a 290x shit the bed) and it was an absolute nightmare.