PC Build Advice/Review Thread

[Adajer]

Which is why I never buy reference GPUs.

[DrClout]

AMD and Intel have binned their CPU's forever. When a finished CPU comes off the production line, it's not actually given a model name/number until after it is tested. Some CPU's have flawed cores and won't work correctly with all cores enabled, so the defective core(s) is disabled and the CPU is sold as a lesser model (for example, remember AMD's triple-core CPU's? Those were just quad-core CPU's with a defective core that had some connections physically cut). Intel uses this idea when they produce their "K" enthusiast CPU's because those are typically bought for overclocking.

When yields are good (that is to say, when a higher percentage of the CPU's/GPU's coming off the production line are able to reach higher clock speeds within a given thermal envelope), you end up with CPU's/GPU's that are capable of more than their model leads you to believe. This results in some chips overclocking well.

Not gonna lie. Had no idea this was even a thing. So the companies knowingly sell defective equipment and pass it off as a lesser model. And overclocking the "lesser" model is less likely to be effective since it's pre-determined to be faulty. Well shit, that explains why I've never had great overclocking results lol.

[Boyiee]

Which is why I never buy reference GPUs.

A lot of pre overclocked cards are at or near their ceilings while cheaper reference ones are able to reach the same numbers or higher typically. Some don't, most do.

[Arkanna]

Not gonna lie. Had no idea this was even a thing. So the companies knowingly sell defective equipment and pass it off as a lesser model. And overclocking the "lesser" model is less likely to be effective since it's pre-determined to be faulty. Well shit, that explains why I've never had great overclocking results lol.

I don't really look at it that way.

Overclocking has really always been a luck of the draw thing. The best way to get a good overclocking CPU is to #1, read a lot of accounts of overclocking and #2, pick a CPU from a "mature" architecture. The longer a CPU architecture is produced, the better the yields will be through natural refinement of the process. Consider this: say Intel produces 10,000 CPU's at a cost of $200 each, that are capable of being their top, $1,000 model (that is to say, will reach a certain clock speed at a certain voltage while not going above a certain temperature). If there's enough market demand to badge and sell all 10,000 of those CPU's as the top-end model, Intel will do it and make $800 profit on each; but most people won't spend $1,000 on a single CPU when there's a $300 model with slightly lesser performance. So usually, market demand will cause a percentage of those CPU's to be badged and sold as the $300 model, if only to move CPU's. Intel still profits $100 per CPU sale. It's also a function of a CPU's remaining lifetime on the market and when the next big thing is supposed to be introduced.

As far as defective CPU's being sold as lesser models, as long as the CPU/GPU manufacturers are producing chips that meet the performance of the model they are sold as, it's not really a problem. Contradictory to what you're saying, when yields are good, a lesser CPU is more likely to overclock well (since as I showed above, that CPU may be capable of what the $1,000 model can do, but the market demanded it be sold as the $300 model). If yields aren't good (immature process, or who knows why else), then yes, a lesser chip is less likely to overclock well, since there won't be as many of those CPU's capable of $1,000 model performance.

Lastly, the CPU is not defective if it is badged as a triple-core CPU and has three functioning cores. The defective core will not hinder the CPU's performance in any way, it's simply physically cut apart from the other three functioning cores. It's a way for manufacturers to reduce the negative effect of bad yields and defective CPU's. If 25% of the quad-core CPU's your company produces end up having one defective core, you could either throw them out in the trash, or find a way to make something off them (sever the defective core and make a 3-core SKU). I'm alright with that tactic, since it will keep costs lower on CPU's all around, but that's not to say I'd ever buy a 3-core CPU, ya know?

[Enkidu]

Overclocking depends on the manufacture as well. Intel cuts corners with some CPU's and uses thermal paste (not even good stuff) on the IHS instead of solder. Sandy bridge is mostly solder, Ivy/Haswell were mostly paste iirc. You can replace it yourself if you're okay with the possibility of ruining your CPU, it can drastically improve temps and allow you to overclock much easier. I'm hoping skylake is soldered from the start though.

[Nuriko]

Any other suggestions for a gaming laptop? Looking in that $1500-$1800 price range. Key things if possible are light weight (not much more than 5-6lbs), only needs 1 SSD and doesn't need to be more than 128GB. Obviously good graphics card (970M?) and screen doesn't need to be bigger than 15.6". Not picky on brand but would like it to be a company that has reputable support. Would like to be able to play games like Tera and FFXIV smoothly (even if not at max settings). Was looking at the Origin EVO15-S models, obviously top of the line and overkill for what I'm looking for, but really liked the look and I know they're a reliable company. I realize good gaming + lightweight = huge price jump usually, but hoping there's a good compromise out there somewhere.

[Arkanna]

Any other suggestions for a gaming laptop? Looking in that $1500-$1800 price range. Key things if possible are light weight (not much more than 5-6lbs), only needs 1 SSD and doesn't need to be more than 128GB. Obviously good graphics card (970M?) and screen doesn't need to be bigger than 15.6". Not picky on brand but would like it to be a company that has reputable support. Would like to be able to play games like Tera and FFXIV smoothly (even if not at max settings). Was looking at the Origin EVO15-S models, obviously top of the line and overkill for what I'm looking for, but really liked the look and I know they're a reliable company. I realize good gaming + lightweight = huge price jump usually, but hoping there's a good compromise out there somewhere.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834152686

I picked one with a 1TB HDD for bulk storage. You'd end up hating yourself for not getting that in the long run, trust me.

[6souls]

http://www.kitguru.net/components/an...evices-source/

It's rumored that Microsoft is in talks to purchase AMD.

[Enkidu]

Would Intel even allow that? Not sure they'd want a company that relies on x86 architecture to have an x86 license. Maybe they'd revoke AMD's x86 license and give it to Nvidia instead just to keep away anti-trust lawsuits.

[Krandor]

How would Intel have any say in the matter?

[Adajer]

That sounds like it would be good for amd and xbox. But bad for nvidia. Dint see them messing with intel's performance, but they will probably try and fuck nvidia through windows software.

[Krandor]

Considering Nvidia consistently tries to fuck AMD via Gameworks or previous "The way it's meant to be played" games I see nothing wrong with that.

[Enkidu]

How would Intel have any say in the matter?

Intel owns x86. Nobody knows exactly what their 2009 agreement entails, but there's a good chance AMD stands to lose MUCH more then Intel. Under the old deal, if AMD was sold they would lose the x86 license AND Intel would retain the right to use all AMD IP. It's assumed that's still part of the deal.

Basically any company that buys AMD needs to have a very good relationship with Intel and likely make sure that they'll renegotiate an x86 deal after the buyout. Because if they don't, purchasing AMD is basically a waste of money.

[Krandor]

If Intel tried some shit to get the x86 license away from AMD good luck to them since AMD is responsible for most of the current 64 bit implementation and could easily pull the same shit right back. They would both be fucked if they tried to get licenses taken away from each other.

[Enkidu]

If Intel tried some shit to get the x86 license away from AMD good luck to them since AMD is responsible for most of the current 64 bit implementation and could easily pull the same shit right back. They would both be fucked if they tried to get licenses taken away from each other.

It wouldn't be Intel taking the license away, it would AMD voiding the contract with Intel. In that case, Intel would retain all rights to AMD IP's (including x86-64) while the buyer loses x86 completely. At least that's how most experts think their contract is written.

Whether or not Intel would renegotiate is the question. They probably have little incentive to do so, and if forced by threats of anti-trust they could go to Nvidia if they really don't want strong competition.

It's more likely this is just corporate chess between AMD and Intel in negotiating a new deal between the companies. The contract ends this year, after all. Indeed if AMD and Intel don't come to a deal, they would basically both lose x86... Which I doubt will happen.

[Elizara]

So okay. I've been saving money for a PS4..and a new HDD before I upgrade to Windows 10. Since the FFXIII games are like 20 gigs each, I think i need a hdd upgrade before I dare. (Didn't have the dinero when they first showed up, glad I waited since I think there's been some bug fixes since then?)

Just asking. On 2-3 tera hdds, what are the most reliable brands now a days? I used to like WD, but I heard some of their higher capacity hdds kinda suck. I'd rather have a hdd that has a good chance of not being DOA or die too soon (tho I recognize some hdds do die too soon). Also any ideas on good prices when I look for that?

[Kalmado]

So okay. I've been saving money for a PS4..and a new HDD before I upgrade to Windows 10. Since the FFXIII games are like 20 gigs each, I think i need a hdd upgrade before I dare. (Didn't have the dinero when they first showed up, glad I waited since I think there's been some bug fixes since then?)

Just asking. On 2-3 tera hdds, what are the most reliable brands now a days? I used to like WD, but I heard some of their higher capacity hdds kinda suck. I'd rather have a hdd that has a good chance of not being DOA or die too soon (tho I recognize some hdds do die too soon). Also any ideas on good prices when I look for that?

I've been using a 3tb Seagate Barracuda 7200 rpm for over a year and haven't had issue. Paid around $70 after rebate. Other options are Toshiba, Hitachi, WD Red, WD Black. You could go WD Green, but 7200rpm > 5400rpm Green.

[Elizara]

I'll look into that Kal. Thanks. My current is a Seagate as it is, tho yeah, if people got reviews somewhere, I'd like to see them.

Just got a little backup drive b/c I've been neglecting to back up b/c my network drive won't recognize anymore. Got me a 2 tera My Passport just now, which should back up my data no problem. But internals are another kettle of fish and I'd rather be careful, especially when I'm entrusting my operating system to it. ^^

[Kalmado]

For some reviews I would suggest going to Newegg and looking up various models of 2-3tb drives. I know a lot of people dislike Seagate, but I haven't had issue. For me, it's all about the cost. I would also like to suggest going to slickdeals.net and searching daily for hard drive deals. I hope this helps.

[Jaybar]

Just wanted to say thanks to those that aided me in building my PC. I've officially joined the PC master race.