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Desktop Hardware Q&A


Veilshatter

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have to get a new computer so i can play and im not sure what is better

a quad core 2.2 ghz with 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz

 

or a quad core 3.2 ghz with 6GB Triple Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz

 

not sure if the higher ghz processor is better with the lower Fsb or if i should get the lower smaller one with a higher fsb

 

.....

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Hello everyone, and belated Merry Christmas.

 

I have a question on my current desktop hardware:

AMD Phenom 9750 QuadCore ~2.4ghz

ATI 5750 ~1gb Vram

 

So with these specs, I assumed I would be able to run the game with relatively no trouble. However, after turning ALL settings low, shadows off, and windowed mode with a low resolution, I still only pull 25~35 fps in towns/PVE environments. Which is fine, tbh. But then in warzones, I drop to 10-20 fps. One warzone in particular is the one where you take control of the 3 turrets. For some reason I can only pull a constant ~12 fps there. I've honestly already ordered a rig that will certainly run the game no problem, but I'm just curious as to why my desktop had so much trouble? My only guess is that my processor is a fairly old one.

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Right, here are my current specs in the spoiler:

 

 

 

 

Processors Information

 

Processor 1 ID = 0

Number of cores 4 (max 4)

Number of threads 4 (max 4)

Name AMD Phenom X4 9650

Codename Agena

Specification AMD Phenom 9650 Quad-Core Processor

Package Socket AM2+ (940)

CPUID F.2.3

Extended CPUID 10.2

Brand ID 11

Core Stepping DR-B3

Technology 65 nm

TDP Limit 96 Watts

Core Speed 2310.5 MHz

Multiplier x FSB 11.5 x 200.9 MHz

HT Link speed 1004.6 MHz

Stock frequency 2300 MHz

 

Chipset

 

Northbridge NVIDIA MCP61 rev. A3

Southbridge NVIDIA MCP61 rev. A2

Graphic Interface PCI-Express

PCI-E Link Width x16

PCI-E Max Link Width x16

Memory Type DDR2

Memory Size 4096 MBytes

Channels Dual, (Ganged)

Memory Frequency 401.8 MHz (1:2)

CAS# latency (CL) 6.0

RAS# to CAS# delay (tRCD) 6

RAS# Precharge (tRP) 6

Cycle Time (tRAS) 18

Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 24

Command Rate (CR) 2T

Uncore Frequency 1808.2 MHz

 

Memory SPD

 

DIMM # 1

SMBus address 0x50

Memory type DDR2

Module format Regular UDIMM

Manufacturer (ID) Kingston (7F98000000000000)

Size 2048 MBytes

Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)

Part number HP5189-2180-ELC

Serial number A8CCEBB4

Manufacturing date Week 23/Year 09

Number of banks 2

Data width 64 bits

Correction None

Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts

EPP no

XMP no

JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency

JEDEC #1 4.0-4-4-12-16 @ 266 MHz

JEDEC #2 5.0-5-5-15-20 @ 333 MHz

JEDEC #3 6.0-6-6-18-24 @ 400 MHz

 

DIMM # 2

SMBus address 0x51

Memory type DDR2

Module format Regular UDIMM

Manufacturer (ID) Kingston (7F98000000000000)

Size 2048 MBytes

Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)

Part number HP5189-2180-ELC

Serial number A9CCEAB4

Manufacturing date Week 23/Year 09

Number of banks 2

Data width 64 bits

Correction None

Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts

EPP no

XMP no

JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency

JEDEC #1 4.0-4-4-12-16 @ 266 MHz

JEDEC #2 5.0-5-5-15-20 @ 333 MHz

JEDEC #3 6.0-6-6-18-24 @ 400 MHz

 

Monitoring

 

Mainboard Model NARRA5 (0x000001A9 - 0x0061A8A0)

 

Display Adapters

 

Display adapter 0

Name Radeon HD 5770

Codename RV840

Technology 40 nm

Memory size 1024 MB

GPU ref clock 27000

PCI device bus 2 (0x2), device 0 (0x0), function 0 (0x0)

Vendor ID 0x1002 (0x174B)

Model ID 0x68B8 (0xE147)

Performance Level 0

Core clock 157.0 MHz

Memory clock 300.0 MHz

 

 

 

 

Now this has served me fine over the past few years but I want a gaming experience that I'm going to enjoy on the PC, even though it'll be mainly TOR for now even though I've got about 60 games on Steam waiting to be finished or started lol.

 

I was thinking on getting an Intel i5:

 

 

Of course it comes with it's own motherboard and cooling system and that's not a bad price, cheaper than overclockers.co.uk.

 

Then I was thinking GPU. Should I buy another HD5770 which I could get for around £120 and crossfire it with my current HD5770 or should I get the HD6950 1GB (second one is cheaper but same):

 

 

This would cost almost double for this 1 card alone even though I can sell my old card to friend. I'm sure the single HD6950 would be more powerful than 2 crossfired HD5770's but by how much? Enough to get he more expensive card? Although with selling my current card might work out the same.

 

Then it's down to power supply. I currently have a Atrix SLI 80 Plus (720w) which I know isn't powerful enough to support the rig in mind. PSU are my weak point and I know Atrix are terrible but I'll need help on suggestion a cheap one for the rig above that won't cause problems performance wise.

 

I appreciate the fact that you've read and replied for whoever helps me and I'm in your debt!

Edited by Preykousis
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So heres what i got

 

Asus Motherboard - P5KC http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5KC/#specifications

Power Supply - 550 Watts

Intel® Core Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66 GHz 2.66 GHZ

Installed memory (RAM) 4.0 GB(3.25GB usable)

System Type 32-Bit Operating System(Will be upgrading to Win 7 64 bit)

 

I have no idea what the difference is between these types;This is a comparison of 3 types of ram

 

Memory Module Specifications

Memory Category Desktop Desktop Desktop

Memory Type DDR3 DDR3 DDR3

Memory Speed PC10600 PC3-10666 PC10600

Memory Speed MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz

Memory Size 2 x 2048MB 2048MB

Total Memory Size 4GB 4GB 4GB

Memory Modules 2 2 2

Memory Channels Dual

Memory Socket DIMM DIMM DIMM

Memory CAS Latency 7 9-9-9-24 7

Memory Timing 7-7-7-20 7-7-7-24

Pins 240 240

Voltage 1.65V 1.65V 1.65V

ECC No

 

I know it looks messed up, my main question is, what does "Memory Speed" & "Memory CAS Latency" & "Memory Timing"

 

As far as i know, as long as the ram says DDR3 1333 and 2 x 2gig sticks, is what i want. But not sure on those other specs they give.

Edited by NickWillJenkins
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So heres what i got

 

Asus Motherboard - P5KC http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5KC/#specifications

Power Supply - 550 Watts

Intel® Core Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66 GHz 2.66 GHZ

Installed memory (RAM) 4.0 GB(3.25GB usable)

System Type 32-Bit Operating System(Will be upgrading to Win 7 64 bit)

 

I have no idea what the difference is between these types;This is a comparison of 3 types of ram

 

Memory Module Specifications

Memory Category Desktop Desktop Desktop

Memory Type DDR3 DDR3 DDR3

Memory Speed PC10600 PC3-10666 PC10600

Memory Speed MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz

Memory Size 2 x 2048MB 2048MB

Total Memory Size 4GB 4GB 4GB

Memory Modules 2 2 2

Memory Channels Dual

Memory Socket DIMM DIMM DIMM

Memory CAS Latency 7 9-9-9-24 7

Memory Timing 7-7-7-20 7-7-7-24

Pins 240 240

Voltage 1.65V 1.65V 1.65V

ECC No

 

I know it looks messed up, my main question is, what does "Memory Speed" & "Memory CAS Latency" & "Memory Timing"

 

As far as i know, as long as the ram says DDR3 1333 and 2 x 2gig sticks, is what i want. But not sure on those other specs they give.

 

up cause i need help

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Lower CAS timings/latency are better, but please note that the actual difference in performance will be negligible in real life. You will not be able to tell any difference in performance, when the sticks are used in otherwise identical machines.

 

If the price difference is more than $50, go with the slower timings. If they are the same price, than go for the lower timing memory.

 

EDIT: As for the memory speeds, they are one in the same.

Edited by IndoJabijin
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Right, here are my current specs in the spoiler:

 

 

 

 

Processors Information

 

Processor 1 ID = 0

Number of cores 4 (max 4)

Number of threads 4 (max 4)

Name AMD Phenom X4 9650

Codename Agena

Specification AMD Phenom 9650 Quad-Core Processor

Package Socket AM2+ (940)

CPUID F.2.3

Extended CPUID 10.2

Brand ID 11

Core Stepping DR-B3

Technology 65 nm

TDP Limit 96 Watts

Core Speed 2310.5 MHz

Multiplier x FSB 11.5 x 200.9 MHz

HT Link speed 1004.6 MHz

Stock frequency 2300 MHz

 

Chipset

 

Northbridge NVIDIA MCP61 rev. A3

Southbridge NVIDIA MCP61 rev. A2

Graphic Interface PCI-Express

PCI-E Link Width x16

PCI-E Max Link Width x16

Memory Type DDR2

Memory Size 4096 MBytes

Channels Dual, (Ganged)

Memory Frequency 401.8 MHz (1:2)

CAS# latency (CL) 6.0

RAS# to CAS# delay (tRCD) 6

RAS# Precharge (tRP) 6

Cycle Time (tRAS) 18

Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 24

Command Rate (CR) 2T

Uncore Frequency 1808.2 MHz

 

Memory SPD

 

DIMM # 1

SMBus address 0x50

Memory type DDR2

Module format Regular UDIMM

Manufacturer (ID) Kingston (7F98000000000000)

Size 2048 MBytes

Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)

Part number HP5189-2180-ELC

Serial number A8CCEBB4

Manufacturing date Week 23/Year 09

Number of banks 2

Data width 64 bits

Correction None

Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts

EPP no

XMP no

JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency

JEDEC #1 4.0-4-4-12-16 @ 266 MHz

JEDEC #2 5.0-5-5-15-20 @ 333 MHz

JEDEC #3 6.0-6-6-18-24 @ 400 MHz

 

DIMM # 2

SMBus address 0x51

Memory type DDR2

Module format Regular UDIMM

Manufacturer (ID) Kingston (7F98000000000000)

Size 2048 MBytes

Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)

Part number HP5189-2180-ELC

Serial number A9CCEAB4

Manufacturing date Week 23/Year 09

Number of banks 2

Data width 64 bits

Correction None

Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts

EPP no

XMP no

JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency

JEDEC #1 4.0-4-4-12-16 @ 266 MHz

JEDEC #2 5.0-5-5-15-20 @ 333 MHz

JEDEC #3 6.0-6-6-18-24 @ 400 MHz

 

Monitoring

 

Mainboard Model NARRA5 (0x000001A9 - 0x0061A8A0)

 

Display Adapters

 

Display adapter 0

Name Radeon HD 5770

Codename RV840

Technology 40 nm

Memory size 1024 MB

GPU ref clock 27000

PCI device bus 2 (0x2), device 0 (0x0), function 0 (0x0)

Vendor ID 0x1002 (0x174B)

Model ID 0x68B8 (0xE147)

Performance Level 0

Core clock 157.0 MHz

Memory clock 300.0 MHz

 

 

 

 

Now this has served me fine over the past few years but I want a gaming experience that I'm going to enjoy on the PC, even though it'll be mainly TOR for now even though I've got about 60 games on Steam waiting to be finished or started lol.

 

I was thinking on getting an Intel i5:

 

 

Of course it comes with it's own motherboard and cooling system and that's not a bad price, cheaper than overclockers.co.uk.

 

Then I was thinking GPU. Should I buy another HD5770 which I could get for around £120 and crossfire it with my current HD5770 or should I get the HD6950 1GB (second one is cheaper but same):

 

 

This would cost almost double for this 1 card alone even though I can sell my old card to friend. I'm sure the single HD6950 would be more powerful than 2 crossfired HD5770's but by how much? Enough to get he more expensive card? Although with selling my current card might work out the same.

 

Then it's down to power supply. I currently have a Atrix SLI 80 Plus (720w) which I know isn't powerful enough to support the rig in mind. PSU are my weak point and I know Atrix are terrible but I'll need help on suggestion a cheap one for the rig above that won't cause problems performance wise.

 

I appreciate the fact that you've read and replied for whoever helps me and I'm in your debt!

 

An 15-2500k (especially overclocked) will destroy the game. I will not comment on your GPU as I'm not familiar with with anything other then NVIDIA cards. As for your PSU, nominal wattage means nothing. Power supplies are all about what brands/company makes them. Corsair brand power supplies are amazing quality and anything at the 700 range is fine (and would probably even be overkill).

Edited by IndoJabijin
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Hey guys I hope I get a fast answer and thank you already for helping. SWTOR has been running very poorly on my PC and now after 4 days it is just impossible to keep on playing as it ruins the fantastic gameplay. So here is what i'm asking: What should I change from my Hardware ?

 

My Specs:

 

Processor: Intel® Core2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz

 

RAM: 4GB

 

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS

_______

 

If you need any more details please tell me. I thought these were the most important ones. My internet conection is always on full bars.

 

Thank you,

 

Filip

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So heres what i got

 

Asus Motherboard - P5KC http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5KC/#specifications

Power Supply - 550 Watts

Intel® Core Duo CPU E6750 @ 2.66 GHz 2.66 GHZ

Installed memory (RAM) 4.0 GB(3.25GB usable)

System Type 32-Bit Operating System(Will be upgrading to Win 7 64 bit)

 

I have no idea what the difference is between these types;This is a comparison of 3 types of ram

 

Memory Module Specifications

Memory Category Desktop Desktop Desktop

Memory Type DDR3 DDR3 DDR3

Memory Speed PC10600 PC3-10666 PC10600

Memory Speed MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz 1333MHz

Memory Size 2 x 2048MB 2048MB

Total Memory Size 4GB 4GB 4GB

Memory Modules 2 2 2

Memory Channels Dual

Memory Socket DIMM DIMM DIMM

Memory CAS Latency 7 9-9-9-24 7

Memory Timing 7-7-7-20 7-7-7-24

Pins 240 240

Voltage 1.65V 1.65V 1.65V

ECC No

 

I know it looks messed up, my main question is, what does "Memory Speed" & "Memory CAS Latency" & "Memory Timing"

 

As far as i know, as long as the ram says DDR3 1333 and 2 x 2gig sticks, is what i want. But not sure on those other specs they give.

 

Will this work for my computer?

 

 

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6753739&CatId=4524

Crucial Ballisitx 4GB Kit (2x2GB) DDR3-1333 w/XMP

Memory Category: Desktop

 

Memory Type: DDR3

 

Memory Speed: PC10600

 

Memory Speed MHz: 1333MHz

 

Memory Size: 2048MB

 

Total Memory Size: 4GB

 

Memory Modules: 2

 

Memory Channels: Dual

 

Memory Socket: DIMM

 

Memory CAS Latency: 7

 

Memory Timing: 7-7-7-24

 

Pins: 240

 

Voltage: 1.65V

 

ECC: No

 

Memory Buffer: Unbuffered

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DEP is a function built into Windows to prevent a program overflowing its memory and putting executable code into places where it's not supposed to be. It's not a matter of how much memory you have. Try turning it off for all programs and see what that does.

 

I have had this same problem and tried to disable DEP and still will not load the game.

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I was wondering if you had any luck in fixing this problem with the DEP. If so how did you do it, I am having the same issue.

 

 

 

 

Hey All,

 

I have a question for you, maybe someone can help. I meet all the minimum req for game, and exceed the minimum on processor and vid card. However, I think I might have a memory issue even though I meet the minimum req. What I am referring to is a program on Windows PC'S called DEP, and or Data Execution Prevention.

 

Whenever I open SW TOR, I get past the opening movie, I am able to login, and then all the sudden SW:TOR has stopped working, Windows will notify you of a solution. After playing with this error for a while, I was able to assertain that my DEP keeps coming on and closing the program. For some reason DEP is saying that SW:TOR is using the memory in an irregular way?? I have tried to disable DEP for this exe files, launcher, swtor and ect, however it will not let me disable DEP for this game...

 

Is there a way to get around this and if I added memory to the PC would that help?

 

I am on a HP/Compaq Pavillion Slimline S3300f.

 

Let me know, and thanks for the help.

 

Aldatur

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I too work in IT, but I'm having an issue that has me stumped, I recently started noticing a problem with my PC not being able to reboot (about a week or so now). It boots fine from a cold start, and it runs great but it just will not reboot. I have tried everything I can think of from system restore, Windows Updates, Bios updates, rolling back drivers of recently installed hardware, checked system settings and nothing seems to jump out at me as a possible problem. My next conclusion is that it is my MoBo. I have read on several forums that people with the same MoBo are experiencing boot up problems, and that their MoBos will not boot past POST or that they wind up in an endless boot cycle but I have not come across anyone experiencing an issue with rebooting.

 

What happens is I will go to reboot and it will initialize the shutdown phase, but then it will just hang. The only way to get out of it is to either hit the reset button or hard shut it down. Like I said it will boot up fine and the reset button works, and my comp runs amazingly, it just will not boot up. If anyone has any advice or a solution please let me know and thank you for starting this thread.

 

System Setup:

MoBo: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge

RAM: G.Skill RipJaws X Series 8GB DDR3

Graphics: EVGA Nvidia GTX 560 2GB DDR5

Edited by Kingstonian
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I need advice on a video card/graphics card.

My specs:

Dual core-Intel inspiron @2.5ghz

2.5 gigs of RAM

Vista-32bit (If that means anything)

Mobile intel 965 Express Chipset Family (Yes, that is a graphics card, believe it or not.)

 

As you can see, my graphics card is a piece of junk and i seriously need an upgrade.

Is there a card that any of you would recommened, for around $100?

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is that a laptop minstrel?

 

Yes, it is a laptop. I know that it has kind of weird specs. About a year ago i had a very good graphics card (can't remember the name), but unfortunately, it got fried :/. All i had at the time was the 965 express family chipset, so i had to install that.

Edited by Jediminstrel
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To cut to the facts this will run it very well $472 after the $40 rebates if you can count on that. Use your monitor or hd tv and a copy of windows 7 not going to say how to do that but.

Everything works and at a budget with good performance.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138329 it works

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131374 i use these

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886 use the stock cooler no overclocking.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

Edited by blowmedown
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My question is this. Why do myself and many others experience severe FPS loss with high-end gaming machines? At times I will have over 100 FPS, at other times such as in IF or WZ's, I'll drop to an average of 15 FPS. This is gamebreaking. How can a server side issue cause frame-rate loss?
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My question is this. Why do myself and many others experience severe FPS loss with high-end gaming machines? At times I will have over 100 FPS, at other times such as in IF or WZ's, I'll drop to an average of 15 FPS. This is gamebreaking. How can a server side issue cause frame-rate loss?

When in instances server lag is a issue with the game servers not being able to keep up with the demand of players/amount of players running on the hardware it's their problem from a hardware issue or lack of hardware.

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I have 2 systems to work with

 

1st is a mid-range laptop a couple of years old (Win7 64, 4 gig RAM, Core 2 Duo 2.1ghz, NVidia 8600 2gig). It still works fine for WoW and a few other new-ish games.

 

2nd is newer business-class box (Win7 64, 6 gig RAM, AMD Phenom Quad 2.9, crap-for-video).

 

Playing on system 1, I'm getting really bad frame-chop, even on low graphics. Changing from one area to another with dramatic texture changes (such as walking into a building from a forest) really butchers my FPS until I force a reload (changing resolution, etc.)

 

Will increasing the RAM on system 1 to 8 gig help significantly, or do I really need to invest in a PS & video card for box 2? I'd prefer to update the laptop, as I sometimes take long trips for work.

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I got swtor for xmas hard disc copy and i installed it and it ran fine , until i tried to open my map/take a taxi/ and instant teleport somewhere. it freezes completely and now it wont even load up i get to the character select screen it loads about 50% and freezes. im thinking it might have to do with my system but would like another opinion

 

im currently running a Toshiba Satellite Pro-100 laptop

 

this is what it says when i click on my system in control panel under system, computer

 

intel® core2 CPU

 

T5500@ 1.66 GHZ

 

1.66GHZ , 2.00 GB of RAM

 

and under system it says

 

Microsoft Windows XP

Professional

Version 2002

Service Pack 3

 

 

CAN SOME1 PLZ HELP ME

 

i was a part of beta and i did have the same problems but it wasn't as intense as it is now.

 

Character Name: Zachimai

City: Kass Expanse

Server: Twin Spears

Level: 12

 

also on it says im running intel centrino duo processor and im running NVIDA Geforce Go 7600 graphics card

 

im prepared to get a new Laptop but would rather avoid it if necessary

 

any help or advice would be greatly appreciated THANKS in advance.

Edited by Zachimai
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