FFXIV Hardware Requirements

[Karinastar]

I'm a noob to overclocking - does anyone have any recommendations for a good overclocking program to use?

Also; what's the program people use to see their cpu/gpu activity/temperature etc. in-game? The only thing I know how to do is fps, not temperature etc.

There are a few software overclocking programs, but unless you have a locked BIOS (store bought computers almost always do), you should really overclock via the BIOS. You have far more control and it's more accurate. If you do have a locked bios, which likely means you have a store bought computer... you need to be VERY careful, as they generally are not designed to operate out of spec at all, and anything beyond a very mild overclock could cause problems. If you still want to try, there's a program called SetFSB that allows you to OC via the FSB. If you have a Nvidia chipset, there's a program on their website called Nvidia performance (formerly Ntune) that has some OCing options depending on your board.

For the video card, if you have an ATI card, Catalyst has an "Auto Tune" option that will apply a mild, usually very safe OC to your card. It also has limited manual OCing options. If you want to get serious or have a Nvidia card (I'm not sure if they offer OCing in the Nvidia control panel or not), you want a program called MSI Afterburner. Even if you're not going to OC, this is a great program for keeping an eye on what your video card is doing.

Before you do any of that though, you definitely need to get the following programs: CPU-Z, GPU-Z, and Realtemp. They'll allow you to get information on your CPU, GPU, and keep an eye on temperatures which is vital when overclocking. You'll also want to get a program called Prime95 if you overclock. Run the Torture Test for at least a half hour or so after you OC to make sure your system is stable. Be sure and google for guides on OCing, unless you just randomly mess with settings the chances of bricking your CPU/RAM are low but they're still there.

[Metafox]

Since the subject seems to be on overclocking, I've got a few questions:

I overclocked my cpu (i7 930) for the first time, and it mostly worked out. However, the clock speed that I've set doesn't match the speed reported by windows. According to the bios and cpu-z, it's running at about 4.05 Ghz, but according to windows, it's running at 3.86 Ghz. Why is that?

Also, I set the core voltage to around 1.3+ V, but cpu-z reports that the core voltage is around 1.25 V. The cpu becomes unstable when I drop the voltage in the bios, but raising the voltage doesn't seem to add any more stability. Is it normal for cpu-z to report a core voltage that doesn't match the bios setting? And is it normal for the cpu's maximum stability to "cap" like that? (I thought you could clock the cpu as high as you want as long as you can mitigate the heat)

Finally, when overclocking a 470, what's a good safe temperature to aim for in furmark?

[Karinastar]

Since the subject seems to be on overclocking, I've got a few questions:

I overclocked my cpu (i7 930) for the first time, and it mostly worked out. However, the clock speed that I've set doesn't match the speed reported by windows. According to the bios and cpu-z, it's running at about 4.05 Ghz, but according to windows, it's running at 3.86 Ghz. Why is that?

Also, I set the core voltage to around 1.3+ V, but cpu-z reports that the core voltage is around 1.25 V. The cpu becomes unstable when I drop the voltage in the bios, but raising the voltage doesn't seem to add any more stability. Is it normal for cpu-z to report a core voltage that doesn't match the bios setting? And is it normal for the cpu's maximum stability to "cap" like that? (I thought you could clock the cpu as high as you want as long as you can mitigate the heat)

Finally, when overclocking a 470, what's a good safe temperature to aim for in furmark?

Does your CPU have anything called something like Speedstep? Basically, when the CPU is idle it lowers the core voltage and clock speed so it draws less power. Windows reads my CPU speed wrong as well, as long as everything else agrees your CPU is where it should be I wouldn't worry too much about it. And yeah, every CPU has a maximum threshold for stability regardless of the heat generation.

Can't really help you with the 470 specifically, but I'd imagine you wouldn't want it to go above 90 for sure, though I have heard those cards can safely run hotter than most.

[Metafox]

Does your CPU have anything called something like Speedstep? Basically, when the CPU is idle it lowers the core voltage and clock speed so it draws less power. Windows reads my CPU speed wrong as well, as long as everything else agrees your CPU is where it should be I wouldn't worry too much about it. And yeah, every CPU has a maximum threshold for stability regardless of the heat generation.

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I had disabled all of the power-saving features that I could find in the bios. I guess it'll just remain a mystery.

[Heslon]

so there will be no way to "gimp" the game settings graphic etc. enough to play it with a old system like 2GHz processor and 256MB graphic card?

[TStupified]

so there will be no way to "gimp" the game settings graphic etc. enough to play it with a old system like 2GHz processor and 256MB graphic card?

Most likely not. I couldn't even run good FPS in FFXI on above average settings with 2,4GHz CPU and 512mb GPU.

[Heslon]

Most likely not. I couldn't even run good FPS in FFXI on above average settings with 2,4GHz CPU and 512mb GPU.

well i played ffxi too i used low settings well it didnt look good but i was able to play it
but i dont think that we can make the ffxiv settings low enough to play it with gimp graphic again? idc if the game looks bad i just want to be able to play it xD do you guys think there will be enough options in the full game?
i would play it on my pc with N64 graphic np but i dont want to buy a new system just to play 1 game because i only use it for internet etc i play all other games on xbox >_>

[TStupified]

well i played ffxi too i used low settings well it didnt look good but i was able to play it
but i dont think that we can make the ffxiv settings low enough to play it with gimp graphic again? idc if the game looks bad i just want to be able to play it xD do you guys think there will be enough options in the full game?
i would play it on my pc with N64 graphic np but i dont want to buy a new system just to play 1 game because i only use it for internet etc i play all other games on xbox >_>

Well FFXI is what, 8 years old game now.. so it's really hard to even compare it to what FFXIV will require from your computer. Sure you'll be able to tune the graphics to your own preference, but I doubt that you'll be able to tune them down THAT much, if you already had to play FFXI on low settings to run it smoothly, I can pretty surely say that your computer wont be able to run FFXIV at all.

If you check the minimum system requirements for the game, you see that they recommend at least 2.0GHz dual core CPU and 512MB GPU (that being GF9600/Radeon2900 or better).. and with similar setup I wasn't even able to run the official benchmark program, at all. And even if you'd be able to run the game with your system, I highly doubt that it would be an enjoyable experience by any means.

The rough truth is, that FFXIV is and will be a rather heavy game for PCs to run and I wouldn't recommend for anyone to try to run it with the absolute minimum requirement PCs. If I were you I'd try to build a new PC or wait for PS3 release.. you'll be able to save money enough for either one in few months I'm sure.

[jPuff]

Any compatibility issues with this setup? (my first build) Just want to know if anything is hugely wrong. I plan on trying SLI later when I can afford a second card. I plan on OC'ing the CPU a bit if it matters.

MoBo:
EVGA P55 FTW 200 SLI 141-LF-E658-KR LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188057

CPU:
Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115067

GPU:
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125333

Memory:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311

[TStupified]

Any compatibility issues with this setup? (my first build) Just want to know if anything is hugely wrong. I plan on trying SLI later when I can afford a second card. I plan on OC'ing the CPU a bit if it matters.

MoBo:
EVGA P55 FTW 200 SLI 141-LF-E658-KR LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188057

CPU:
Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115067

GPU:
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125333

Memory:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311

I'm not entirely sure if that memory is compatible with that motherboard, other parts are good to go though. Anyways the reason why I'm unsure about the memory compatibility is that I couldn't find that specific memory on this list: http://www.evga.com/support/motherboard/ (you can check it from the P55/H57/H55 Motherboard Memory Support list).

The thing here is though, that motherboard manufacturers do not usually test every single type of every memory producer, so even it's not on that list it might still work just fine, or in the worst case scenario there might be some issues. The best way to find out if the memory works with that mobo or not, is probably to call/email or w/e to Evga customer support or find out someone who has tried that memory with that motherboard.

Edit: Forgot to add, that if you're planning to overclock your CPU you should definitely replace the stock CPU cooler with something better, like Scythe Mugen 2 Rev B.

[jPuff]

I'm not entirely sure if that memory is compatible with that motherboard, other parts are good to go though. Anyways the reason why I'm unsure about the memory compatibility is that I couldn't find that specific memory on this list: http://www.evga.com/support/motherboard/ (you can check it from the P55/H57/H55 Motherboard Memory Support list).

The thing here is though, that motherboard manufacturers do not usually test every single type of every memory producer, so even it's not on that list it might still work just fine, or in the worst case scenario there might be some issues. The best way to find out if the memory works with that mobo or not, is probably to call/email or w/e to Evga customer support or find out someone who has tried that memory with that motherboard.

Edit: Forgot to add, that if you're planning to overclock your CPU you should definitely replace the stock CPU cooler with something better, like Scythe Mugen 2 Rev B.

Thanks very much for the input. I totally forgot about checking the MoBo manufacturer's website; that is definitely helpful. I stepped the RAM down to 4GB of DDR3 1600 that the EVGA website listed (saved about $80)-- I feel more confident now. Thanks again!

Edit:
Re: overclocking CPU-- yeah, I wasn't planning on going full bore right away until I can afford a better cooling solution. Will definitely check out the Scythe Mugen.

[TStupified]

Thanks very much for the input. I totally forgot about checking the MoBo manufacturer's website; that is definitely helpful. I stepped the RAM down to 4GB of DDR3 1600 that the EVGA website listed (saved about $80)-- I feel more confident now. Thanks again!

No problem, glad you found it helpful.

[Elites]

I dont get the purpose of oc'ing the processor though, the game so far uses only about 65-70% of the processing power, wouldn't oc'ing the gpu be more beneficial to an fps increase?

[TStupified]

I dont get the purpose of oc'ing the processor though, the game so far uses only about 65-70% of the processing power, wouldn't oc'ing the gpu be more beneficial to an fps increase?

That's mostly true, yes, but it must be taken into consideration that s/he might have some other games and/or applications where overclocking the CPU might have a bigger impact that it will have on FFXIV. And even it would be just a minimal FPS increase for FFXIV, it wouldn't hurt, right? And to be honest even if I wouldn't OC the CPU I would replace the stock cooler anyway, mostly because lower temperature also gives your CPU a longer lifespan and those stock coolers tend to be loud as hell.

And yeah, overclocking the GPU probably isn't a bad idea either, even though I personally do not have much experience of that. Gladly that particular GTX460 model does have a rather good cooling system (as it's already slightly o-clocked by the manufacturers), so you can probably "safely" experiment with it a bit.

[haowai]

That's mostly true, yes, but it must be taken into consideration that s/he might have some other games and/or applications where overclocking the CPU might have a bigger impact that it will have on FFXIV. And even it would be just a minimal FPS increase for FFXIV, it wouldn't hurt, right? And to be honest even if I wouldn't OC the CPU I would replace the stock cooler anyway, mostly because lower temperature also gives your CPU a longer lifespan and those stock coolers tend to be loud as hell.

And yeah, overclocking the GPU probably isn't a bad idea either, even though I personally do not have much experience of that. Gladly that particular GTX460 model does have a rather good cooling system (as it's already slightly o-clocked by the manufacturers), so you can probably "safely" experiment with it a bit.

The ASUS 5850 direct CU i just got can is great for overclocking, the benchmark score managed to jump from 4100 to 5068,so i guess if you know what you are doing, overclocking could save you some money for better performance.

[haowai]

I'm a noob to overclocking - does anyone have any recommendations for a good overclocking program to use?

Also; what's the program people use to see their cpu/gpu activity/temperature etc. in-game? The only thing I know how to do is fps, not temperature etc.

Certain motherboard models do provide automatic overclock function by pushing a single button, and they usually also have overclocking software included ( like TurboV etc..) . You could overclocks with those function but doing it through BIOS is just better.

[Lyle]

I'm more curious about the bandwith limit more than graphics. Please tell me they aren't sticking with 56k standard again.... XD

[shaddix]

I dont get the purpose of oc'ing the processor though, the game so far uses only about 65-70% of the processing power, wouldn't oc'ing the gpu be more beneficial to an fps increase?

Depends on your gpu really. It only uses 65-70% because it isn't utilizing entire cpu in most cases. Or I guess you could say it can't use more than that, so OCing cpu makes the parts of the cpu it can use run faster so better performance. You can still have cpu bottleneck(meaning OC will help) because of how it's coded even if it isnt using 100% cpu. Of course it all depends on how good your gpu is, better your gpu the more likely it's cpu bottleneck.

For example on my quad core Q6600 and gtx460, it only uses 30% gpu in some places and 70% cpu. In my case OC my cpu will help.

Sorru for bad typing my fingertips are all blistered from working on pc for past 2 days.

[Lyle]

The system is only as fast as its slowest component.

Unless you truly know what you are doing leave it at factory settings.

[Asgon]

* AMD64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Processor
* 2GB Dual Channel DDR2-800
* Western Digital 250GB SATA-II Hard Drive
* 20X DVD-RW w/Lightscribe Technology
* Hybrid CrossfireX Technology
* ATI Radeon 3200 512MB Onboard Video
* ATI Radeon 3650 512MB Discrete Video
* Both ATI cards combined in Crossfire
* 22-in-1 Flash Media Reader
* RAID 0/1 Capable
* Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN
* 1 x 1394a Firewire Port
* 1 x eSATA Port
* 4 x USB 2.0 Ports (Expandable to 12)
* (1) x16 PCI-e / (1) x1 PCI-e / (2) PCI
* Supports ATI Hybrid Crossfire
* 7.1 Channel High Definition Audio
* HDMI or DVI Output Supported
* HDCP Compliant
* Standard VGA Output
* S/PDIF Optical Audio Output
* Dual BIOS Technology
* Secret Overclocking BIOS (Ctrl + F1)
* 585 Watt Orion Power Supply
Total cost : 550$

Can it play 14? And if it can, how do you think it will run? I am solely looking for a cheep pc that will only be used to play this game. Anyone got any ideas if this isn't that great?