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Computer Build Thread: Old Dead Thread, Read New Thread

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  • GutterkisserGutterkisser Registered User regular
    Reducing the core voltage on a graphics card - how dangerous is this?

    Using MSI Afterburner, I reduced the core voltage on my SLI 580s from 1075mV to 1025mV and got a significant drop in max temperature, with no perceivable loss to performance. I kept all the clock speeds on default values.

    Metro 2033 maxed out used to make my top card peak at 97 degrees, and now it doesn't go past 75 degrees.

    FYI, I'm running two Gigabyte GTX 580 Super Overclocks, and the current settings are:

    Core Voltage (mV) - 1025
    Core Clock (MHz) - 855
    Shader Clock (MHz) - 1710
    Memory Clock (MHz) - 2050

    If voltage is too low, what's the worst that can happen?

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    the worst that happens is system instability

    but if you can get away with undervolting and not losing clockspeed or causing instability/crashing then by all means go for it. less voltage is better all other things being equal.

    Extra bonus you should be drawing less power undervolted, which is especially nice on powerhungry cards like 580s

    Day of the Bear on
    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • emp123emp123 Registered User regular
    Undervolting is almost always fine (I cant think of a scenario where it wouldnt be), you only need to be careful when you start overvolting.

  • GutterkisserGutterkisser Registered User regular
    Cool, that's what I was hoping to hear.

    So if it does start to struggle, am I just likely to see dropped frames / sketchy framerate etc?

  • emp123emp123 Registered User regular
    Youll probably see hangs/crashes.

  • emp123emp123 Registered User regular
    See if Gigabyte has an overclocking utility. I know EVGA does and you should be able to use it with your Gigabyte cards.

  • GutterkisserGutterkisser Registered User regular
    Gigabyte's OC Guru comes with the cards, but it's awful - it doesn't even recognise that I've got two cards.

    I've tried MSI Afterburner and EVGA Precision and they seem identical, went with Afterburner out of UI preference. Looks like that EVGA utility you linked gets a bit deeper than I'm wanting to go right now, but I'll keep it handy cheers.

  • PeenPeen Registered User regular
    Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

  • TheCanManTheCanMan GT: Gasman122009 JerseyRegistered User regular
    The hour is upon me! My new computer parts (chosen with assistance from this thread's previous iteration, thanks) arrive tomorrow. I'm replacing my 4-5 year old CPU/mobo/videocard/case, and keeping my hard drive, which is currently running a retail full install of Windows 7 64-bit.

    I think I'm squared away on assembling this thing, but I'm not really sure what's going to happen once I hit power. My original understanding was that if you replace the mobo you have to reinstall the OS. Fair enough, however I've heard that I "might not have to." I'm not nearly smart enough to make use of that information; what determines whether or not I need to reinstall? Also, are there be activation issues that I should look out for?

    AFAIK, the only time where you can change motherboards and not have to do a complete reinstall is when the boards are very similar. I'm going out on a limb and assuming that your 5yo MoBo isn't anything remotely resembling your new one, which means a clean install.

  • PeenPeen Registered User regular
    One last question, if I were going to mess around with using Linux instead of Windows what's the best free version out now?

  • BurtletoyBurtletoy Registered User regular
    emp123 wrote:
    Burtletoy wrote:
    And now, suddenly the CPUTIN is holding at 5C which I believe is WAY cooler than the room I am sitting in.

    Hmmmm

    Check RealTemp.

    That program only seems to show the core temps, which all agree with HWMonitor's core temps.

    But doesn't seem to have anything that related to CPUTIN. But CPUTIN hasn't gone back above ~10C or so since I made that post so I'm going to just keep on keeping on and assume the 80C wasn't real.

  • The AnonymousThe Anonymous Uh, uh, uhhhhhh... Uh, uh.Registered User regular
    edited October 2011
    Peen wrote:
    One last question, if I were going to mess around with using Linux instead of Windows what's the best free version out now?
    Up to you, really. The vast majority of *nix distros are free (as in free beer), and several of those are free software (as in free speech). Note that "distribution" isn't the same as "version"; the latter refers to the version of either a given distribution, or the Linux kernel itself (and even that has its fair share of forks), while the former is the OS built around Linux.

    Anyway. Two distros frequently recommended to newcomers are Ubuntu and Debian. The main difference is in philosophy: the Debian maintainers favour free software over proprietary stuff, while the Ubuntu maintainers are basically the opposite. If you're dead-set on a totally free system, gNewSense is worth looking into - it's a fork of Ubuntu (the eventual version 3.0 will be based on Debian instead) without the proprietary nonsense, and it's sponsored by the Free Software Foundation themselves. There are literally tons of other distros out there; they generally come in the form of disc images that you burn to a CD or DVD which you can then boot from (i.e. you can run the OS from the disc to try it out, then install it if you're satisfied). So try them out and see which one you like the most (or just settle for something that supports your hardware :P).

    The Anonymous on
  • PeenPeen Registered User regular
    Peen wrote:
    One last question, if I were going to mess around with using Linux instead of Windows what's the best free version out now?
    Up to you, really. The vast majority of *nix distros are free (as in free beer), and several of those are free software (as in free speech). Note that "distribution" isn't the same as "version"; the latter refers to the version of either a given distribution, or the Linux kernel itself (and even that has its fair share of forks), while the former is the OS built around Linux.

    Anyway. Two distros frequently recommended to newcomers are Ubuntu and Debian. The main difference is in philosophy: the Debian maintainers favour free software over proprietary stuff, while the Ubuntu maintainers are basically the opposite. If you're dead-set on a totally free system, gNewSense is worth looking into - it's a fork of Ubuntu (the eventual version 3.0 will be based on Debian instead) without the proprietary nonsense, and it's sponsored by the Free Software Foundation themselves. There are literally tons of other distros out there; they generally come in the form of disc images that you burn to a CD or DVD which you can then boot from (i.e. you can run the OS from the disc to try it out, then install it if you're satisfied). So try them out and see which one you like the most (or just settle for something that supports your hardware :P).

    Thanks!

  • schattenjaegerschattenjaeger Registered User regular
    Hi everybody! Parts are HERE! Assembly has begun...

    First question: Bottom mounted PSU in a cooler-master HAF 912. I am assuming that the fan should point down? There's a vent on the bottom and what appears to be a filter? I'll have the case sitting on carpet, it just makes me paranoid about it getting enough air.... Also the PSU didn't come with a power cord, I'm assuming the one that I'm using on this computer right now (that I'll be yanking the HDDs out of anyways) will do?

    2nd question: Intel i5-2500k, instructions (barren as they are) don't say anything about applying thermal paste. The heat sink has three gray metallic looking stripes going across it that look paste-like. Is that the thermal paste that has been pre-applied? If so, then after I install the CPU in the socket I just need to put the heat sink/fan on top of the CPU, right, and hook it on, right?

  • minor incidentminor incident expert in a dying field njRegistered User regular
    PSU fan faces down, and the thermal paste is pre-applied on the i5 heatsink. It's all ready to just clamp on.

    Ah, it stinks, it sucks, it's anthropologically unjust
  • schattenjaegerschattenjaeger Registered User regular
    Excellent, thanks

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    If your case is sitting on carpet I highly recommend putting something under it, board or even just a flattened cardboard box, to keep it up above and taking in air without as much obstruction

    Day of the Bear on
    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • harvestharvest By birthright, a stupendous badass.Registered User regular
    I put mine up on a couple of bricks.

    B6yM5w2.gif
  • schattenjaegerschattenjaeger Registered User regular
    ok, think I might have messed up, of course.

    http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9858/oopsm.jpg

    I read the instructions, knew what the goal was, but somehow misinterpreted what I was seeing or something. Anyways, the wires have to go across the fan to plug into the cpu fan slot. Am I going to have to pull it off and do that again, or is that fine?

  • minor incidentminor incident expert in a dying field njRegistered User regular
    If your case is sitting on carpet I highly recommend putting something under it, board or even just a flattened cardboard box, to keep it up above and taking in air without as much obstruction

    This is sound advice. You can buy cheap rubber mats at home depot, cut to size. This way it's flat for airflow, and the rubber absorbs case vibrations.

    Ah, it stinks, it sucks, it's anthropologically unjust
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    Ok, I'm seeing a potential problem with my new setup already and I don't even have all the parts.

    Just as a recap I am replacing my old 775 mobo with a new i5 board etc. I'm also upgrading my GTX 460 to a second one.

    The second one is possibly going to be the issue. My PSU, while a perfectly good one only has one "set" of 2x 6pin power connectors. Each 460 takes two.

    Well, I have adapters for two more for a second 460 but here's the problem; and it might not be...that's why I'm posting. The only 4pin power connectors for my PSU are on two "lines". Both of those lines will be needed for the second 460. However, I only need 4 of the 6 4pins to make this work, so in theory there are two left over.

    My question, then, is: Will it be potentially dangerous for my second 460 if I have the same lines they're connected to also powering my case fans? My only other option is no case fans and that's uh...no. I mean I suppose I could break down and buy a new PSU but I'd really rather not for this PC if I didn't have to. Is the pull for powering fans low enough that it shouldn't effect the second GPU if they're pulling power off the same lines?

    EDIT: While I'm asking questions; should the rear case fan on a PC be intake or exhaust?

    The Dude With Herpes on
    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    Ok, I'm seeing a potential problem with my new setup already and I don't even have all the parts.

    Just as a recap I am replacing my old 775 mobo with a new i5 board etc. I'm also upgrading my GTX 460 to a second one.

    The second one is possibly going to be the issue. My PSU, while a perfectly good one only has one "set" of 2x 6pin power connectors. Each 460 takes two.

    Well, I have adapters for two more for a second 460 but here's the problem; and it might not be...that's why I'm posting. The only 4pin power connectors for my PSU are on two "lines". Both of those lines will be needed for the second 460. However, I only need 4 of the 6 4pins to make this work, so in theory there are two left over.

    My question, then, is: Will it be potentially dangerous for my second 460 if I have the same lines they're connected to also powering my case fans? My only other option is no case fans and that's uh...no. I mean I suppose I could break down and buy a new PSU but I'd really rather not for this PC if I didn't have to. Is the pull for powering fans low enough that it shouldn't effect the second GPU if they're pulling power off the same lines?

    EDIT: While I'm asking questions; should the rear case fan on a PC be intake or exhaust?

    Depending on your new motherboard there should be a handful of headers to power fans on the board itself.

    you should also be fine to power a few case fans off the same molex chain that's driving the second card unless you have a bunch of crazy high rpm fans.

    rear fans should be exhaust unless your case is some crazy inverted design

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    Argh...is a new mobo/cpu going to require a new windows install? I'm bluescreening when I try to boot when it starts loading windows

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    Probably, yeah.

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    Argh i'm getting so frustrated. I really thought I could just drop in a new mobo/cpu and be good. In retrospect that was kind of stupid of me to think.

    EDIT: the really bad thing is that I've built probably a dozen or more PC's over the years; I really should know better.

    The Dude With Herpes on
    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • schattenjaegerschattenjaeger Registered User regular
    Used some twisty ties, will this work?

    http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3981/maybebetter.jpg

  • XeddicusXeddicus Registered User regular
    Used some twisty ties, will this work?

    http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3981/maybebetter.jpg

    Should be fine as long as they don't touch any whirling bits.

  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    Awesome. Now I can't get my PC to boot with either motherboard at all.

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • minor incidentminor incident expert in a dying field njRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    Awesome. Now I can't get my PC to boot with either motherboard at all.

    What's it doing? Failing POST? No sign of power at all? Error beeps? Will it boot to your windows install disc?

    minor incident on
    Ah, it stinks, it sucks, it's anthropologically unjust
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    Awesome. Now I can't get my PC to boot with either motherboard at all.

    What's it doing? Failing POST? No sign of power at all? Error beeps? Will it boot to your windows install disc?

    It sounds like it's booting but I get no video. I've tried several video cards.

    It sometimes will do a weird power on, power off, power back on then go thing; but no video at all ever. Either motherboard.

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    It sounds like it is booting fine. The lights on the keyboard come on at the right time to make it look like it's booting to windows. Just no video at all. And the monitor is fine. I've tested it with my 360. I've tried the VGA DVI and HDMI ports.

    EDIT: just got video with one of the cards. Had to use the secondary DVI port on it for some reason.

    EDIT2: the card I got working (via second port) is the card I know is bad and is getting replaced tomorrow. I traded out RAM and blew out ports to get it to boot this time fine. not sure if some of my ram is bad or something.

    Either way I can't get the new mobo to boot but that could be due to using my current windows install.

    The Dude With Herpes on
    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    will the board post at least with that card?

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    I'm not sure what you're asking exactly. I've got my 'old' PC up and running and am backing up some files which is taking fucking forever because my USB ports refuse to run in 2.0 mode.

    After I get everything off it that I want I'll find my 7 disk and try putting the new pc back together and getting it up and running and do a fresh install.

    I was really not intended on doing all of this today. I'm going to be installing shit through the weekend. Guess I'm gonna see if I have a download cap with Comcast redownloading my steam stuff.

    EDIT: So, I'm just trying to "clean" up my PC interior and I'm curious...I have a large front fan and a large back fan. There are also two small side fans on my case. I'd like to remove the side fans for various reasons but I'm wondering if those specific fans are more beneficial than I'm thinking they might be.

    Also it's stupid at this point with my USB controller that burning dvd's is faster than copying to a memory card.

    The Dude With Herpes on
    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    edited October 2011
    Ok. Got everything backed up and my new parts hooked up.

    It won't boot at all. It keeps shutting down/rebooting itself during post. I can't get further than that.

    EDIT: after about the 8th time of that it finally booted. Told me I didn't have a boot drive then proceeded to load windows but gave me some funky error then crashed.

    I'm not sure if I even bothered putting in the Win7 disk it would do a damn thing.

    Something isn't right. Either the mobo or the RAM is bad I think.

    EDIT2: figured out the thing about it telling me I have no boot drive. There's several SATA controllers on the board, it's just cycling through the various ones. I think I have it starting now with the WIn7 Disc. Lets see how this goes.

    The Dude With Herpes on
    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    Windows is reinstalled and I'm starting to load all my crap back on. So far so good. It never did that weird rebooting during post a dozen times after that first time and everything has gone smoothly since.

    Of course I get my new 460(s) tomorrow and I know I'm going to dick something up :lol:

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    Glad to hear it's working out now!

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    So are USB 3.0 slots not backward compatible? None of my stuff works in them making them somewhat pointless as of now.

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    do you have the drivers for them installed?

    I know mine didn't function in any capacity until I installed the drivers

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
  • The Dude With HerpesThe Dude With Herpes Lehi, UTRegistered User regular
    Probably not. I guess I thought windows would just automatically install that stuff but I'm now thinking nope. My bandwidth is currently getting destroyed trying to download a bunch of games; I'll have to check in the morning.

    Steam: Galedrid - XBL: Galedrid - PSN: Galedrid
    Origin: Galedrid - Nintendo: Galedrid/3222-6858-1045
    Blizzard: Galedrid#1367 - FFXIV: Galedrid Kingshand

  • Day of the BearDay of the Bear The Qun demandsRegistered User regular
    Win7 has a lot of stuff that it just gets, but usb 3.0 drivers don't seem to be among them sadly.

    m6eoUgQ.jpg
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