The 970 is tempting, but I think I want to future proof a bit more this time around, even if the cost runs higher initially. Last time I went with the single 560 ti and it held up well for 3-4 years here. And eventually I could SLI an 80 with another one...or an 80 ti with another 80 ti....I feel so wishy-washy right now.
Last time I also went with a GTX 560 Ti and it served me well from Witcher 2 to just before Witcher 3. I think one GTX 970 should be enough for my gaming needs until Cyberpunk 2077 comes along, or later.
Remember the flashy types of games are designed around the current gen consoles, so chances are graphics technology won't be pushed forward significantly until the next console generation comes along. Unless we're talking about PC-only games, in which case they are usually well designed and run well on decent gaming hardware.
Remember the flashy types of games are designed around the current gen consoles, so chances are graphics technology won't be pushed forward significantly until the next console generation comes along. Unless we're talking about PC-only games, in which case they are usually well designed and run well on decent gaming hardware.
Would really like some advice regarding uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Because I know absolutely nothing about them, but would like to have one for my PC and TV/consoles. How much do you actually need to invest to have a quality unit? Any specific recommendations?
Yep. Even Linus recommended opting for a 2xGTX 970 vs a single 980 in the recent Linus Tech Tips Holiday building guide, despite knowing very well the cons of SLI setups. The 980 is just so criminally overpriced vs the 970.
@slimgrin
HDD: Seagate 1 TB 7200rpm 64MB cache SATA600 Barracuda
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB DDR5 256Bit (1279/7000)
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K /3.5GHz, 6MB, LGA 1150, BOX/
CPU cooler: Thermalright HR-02 Macho Black-White
MoBo: MSI Z97-G43 /intel Z97, LGA 1150/
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 USB 3.0 Black Pearl
PSU: Antec True Power Classic GOLD 550W
RAM: GoodRam 8GB (2x4G B 1866MHz CL9)
ODD: Liteon iHAS122 SATA
My configuration if anyone wants to know. I was suppossed to go with Asus Strix, but they are overpriced here due to demand and so I picked MSI instead.
HDD: Seagate 1 TB 7200rpm 64MB cache SATA600 Barracuda
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB DDR5 256Bit (1279/7000)
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K /3.5GHz, 6MB, LGA 1150, BOX/
CPU cooler: Thermalright HR-02 Macho Black-White
MoBo: MSI Z97-G43 /intel Z97, LGA 1150/
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 USB 3.0 Black Pearl
PSU: Antec True Power Classic GOLD 550W
RAM: GoodRam 8GB (2x4G B 1866MHz CL9)
ODD: Liteon iHAS122 SATA
My configuration if anyone wants to know. I was suppossed to go with Asus Strix, but they are overpriced here due to demand and so I picked MSI instead.
APC. Best brand I know of.
Look for something that gives you enough power for all your devices for the time you need.
I have a 3-4 year old 1300 VA APC and it can power my computer for 25 mins or so at full load (ie gaming). Desktop usage probably 50 mins or so. Most people only need 5 or 10 mins to shut down their computer properly, but I went overboard and I don't regret it. This model gives me lots of useful info.
The good thing about a good UPS is that when it doesn't perform well anymore you can replace the internal battery, which is very much like a car battery, and keep using it. This is a long term investment.
Regarding price, i suppose it varies by region but if you want a really good one you might be looking at least at a $100 purchase, possibly more depending on your needs.
For instance, this is the successor to the one I have and it's currently priced at around $150 with a discount:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101421
Man those things are cheap in the US. O_O
http://www.computeruniverse.net/en/products/90447489/apc-power-saving-back-ups-pro-1500va.asp
300€ discounted. :/
APC's BR1000G (1000 VA / 600W) and BR1500G (1500 VA / 865 W) have replaceable batteries, which is a big advantage over the life of a UPS. The BR1300G doesn't, from the spec sheets I can find. For lesser applications, the BR1000G is a better bargain; for greater, the BR1500G (especially if you get the optional extended-run battery pack) is more effective.
It seems to be almost impossible to buy a 1500va UPS here. Luckily, I brought mine with me from Singapore. The battery's died twice since then, but there are local places that can replace the battery, even though they don't sell them. Between the thunderstorms and power outages, I don't know how anyone here manages without one.
Anyway, my turn for a question. I'm thinking of replacing my case, and I want something with good dust filtering and air flow. The choice seems to be limited, but the Antec 300 is advertised as having "washable air filters". Does anyone have any opinions on that?
http://pcx.com.ph/components/three-hundred.html
If this isn't recommended, I'd appreciate if anyone would look at the site concerned and see if ANYTHING is any good.
(Oh, and if it's taller than around 480mm, I'll need to lie it on its side, I'm not sure if that'll affect airflow.)
Anyway, my turn for a question. I'm thinking of replacing my case, and I want something with good dust filtering and air flow. The choice seems to be limited, but the Antec 300 is advertised as having "washable air filters". Does anyone have any opinions on that?
http://pcx.com.ph/components/three-hundred.html
If this isn't recommended, I'd appreciate if anyone would look at the site concerned and see if ANYTHING is any good.
(Oh, and if it's taller than around 480mm, I'll need to lie it on its side, I'm not sure if that'll affect airflow.)
I've not read the all 27 pages so sorry if the answer is already given.
I'm a Asus-intel-nvidia woman (avoid any criticism, please) from a long long time ago.
I want and will do buy the nvidia's gtx 970 and this is the most expensive hardwareI can pay, so whithc motherboard and processor can you recommend me? Always having in mind that I could buy better after the 2015 spring.
I'm a Asus-intel-nvidia woman (avoid any criticism, please) from a long long time ago.
I want and will do buy the nvidia's gtx 970 and this is the most expensive hardwareI can pay, so whithc motherboard and processor can you recommend me? Always having in mind that I could buy better after the 2015 spring.
Intel, the Core i5 4690K is an excellent CPU.
ASUS motherboards, the Z97-A is their lowest-cost first-class motherboard.
GTX 970's are still in short supply, even in the States. If you get into a situation where you must buy immediately, you may not get your first choice.
ASUS motherboards, the Z97-A is their lowest-cost first-class motherboard.
GTX 970's are still in short supply, even in the States. If you get into a situation where you must buy immediately, you may not get your first choice.
The Witcher 2 @ 60fps is easy. Try running The Witcher 1 @ 60fps throughout the whole game. One 970 will not be enough.
Just ordered mine - delivery by the end of the year
http://www.zotac.com/products/graphics-cards/geforce-900-series/gtx-970/product/gtx-970/detail/geforce-gtx-970-amp-omega-edition.html
I'm thinking to buy GTX 970, But those number didn't impress me much. What kind of CPU u have ?So... I finally got around to installing my new MSI GTX 970 4G. I have been out and came back today.
My expectations about performance increase were conservative considering my old CPU but DAMN! I tried out The Witcher 2 with all possible settings at a ridiculous maximum (with ubersampling). Temps didn't go over 65º C, and FPS were 38 min (large open areas) and 60 max. Mostly 50.
Next I try Metro: Last Light (which I could only play modestly). It ran super smooth with all max but 2x AA. Temps reached 67º C and FPS were between 40-something and 60.
Total system power draw never passed 360 watts and the temps were under the default fan profile, which reached a maximum fan speed of 50%.
Very impressed and very happy that my aging system can put up with this card
That would be one big club, haha. The 970 is definitely selling like hotcakes, and for good reason.We should form GTX 970 owners club
@.Volsung. What program do you use to check out your temps during gaming? Is it some MSI program?
You should look up performance results for those games then. Even a 780 Ti will dip into the 40's on very high Last Light. I tested mine with every single thing maxed, and even the very top cards from the past generation will struggle at 2x SSAA. You normally see averages, but look up how FPS fluctuates over time. Some top cards will even reach the 30s.
Getting 780 Ti performance or better for a fraction of the price and power consumption is fantastic.
My CPU does struggle a bit. It's an old Phenom II x6 1090T OC'ed to 3.8 GHz. It helps having 6 cores. I can sustain 99% GPU utilization but I know I'm missing a few FPS due to crappy AMD instructions per cycle. Still great for an emergency upgrade, I can take care of the rest later.
In Windows MSI Afterburner is easy and powerful. It can monitor everything and works with all cards.
In Linux it's not as fancy but the Nvidia panel shows you the temperature and you can get the same info running "nvidia-smi" in a terminal (allowing you to register temps over time with a script). What Linux gaming needs now are automated monitoring tools like Afterburner.