Recommended upgrades for my PC?

[DarklordKyo]

Water cooling isn't really necessary for an enthusiast tier PC. People who have no limit to their budget tend to buy into water cooling for aesthetic reasons, or to reduce fan noise, or simply for bragging rights. Overclocking enthusiasts (people who compete to get higher benchmarks scores) may have some practical use for water cooling, but it's fairly pointless if you are only interested in high-end gaming.

Water-cooled GPUs are generally able to overclock further than their air-cooled counterparts, but they are quite a bit more expensive. Sometimes they might be worth the extra cash, sometimes not, it usually depends on the card.

Not that I'm planning to (since my motherboard probably can't handle it), but what about NVIDIA SLI or AMD Crossfire? Would I need liquid cooling for either of those?

No, a well ventilated case is probably all you need for SLI or Crossfire. Both SLI and Crossfire have significant drawbacks that NVIDIA and AMD can't seem to fix (micro-stuttering is a big one). Also, it isn't like adding a second GPU gives you an additional 100% GPU power either - excellent SLI or Crossfire scaling is like 85% at best and is highly dependent on the game engine as well as drivers.

When you consider the extra costs of adding a decent SLI or Crossfire compatible motherboard, a high rated/high wattage PSU, a second GPU, a powerful enough CPU to drive two GPUs, and most likely additional case fans to keep temperatures down...I would almost always opt in favour of buying a single more powerful GPU.

The video below shows how well a FX4300 can run the Witcher 3 at Ultra Settings when paired with a GTX 980Ti...the RX480 won't beat a a 980Ti but it will at least match a 980, so you will still get very decent framerates (45-50 FPS+) at high to ultra settings. I have a hard time seeing much visual difference between 45 to 60 FPS and IMO for a RPG like Witcher 3, you really don't need perfect 60 FPS. Also, there are a lot of Ultra settings in the Witcher 3 that eat into FPS, but will provide little to no visual improvement (especially at 1080p resolution).

FX 4300 w/ GTX 980ti - W3 at Ultra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIdRaox8UJ4

Graphical guide to Witcher 3 (shows how lackluster many ultra settings are when directly compared to the high setting):
http://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-graphics-performance-and-tweaking-guide

I have a problem, the power supply I chose lacks a JPWR2 connector, and my mobo''s JPWR2 port was one of the ports that was connected. I currently have 4 of it''s 6 ports connected, will I need to exchange the psu?, or will 2/3 of that plug be enough?

 

[TotalerKrieger]

The JPWR2 connection is required, but the port on the motherboard should have eight pins not six. You can use either 2 separate 4-pin plugs or one that splits into two 4-pin plugs at the end or one that has a single 8-pin plug. Here's a diagram that might be helpful:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Jlio01/Capture_zpswjeamvhj.png

What PSU did you end up getting?

 

[DarklordKyo]

The JPWR2 connection is required, but the port on the motherboard should have eight pins not six. You can plug either 2 separate 4-pin connectors or one connector that splits into two 4-pin connectors at the end. Here's a diagram that might be helpful:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Jlio01/Capture_zpswjeamvhj.png

What PSU did you end up getting?

A TS 650, the one that was recommended in this forum thread

 

[TotalerKrieger]

The JPWR2 connection is required, but the port on the motherboard should have eight pins not six. You can plug either 2 separate 4-pin connectors or one connector that splits into two 4-pin connectors at the end. Here's a diagram that might be helpful:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Jlio01/Capture_zpswjeamvhj.png

What PSU did you end up getting?

A TS 650, the one that was recommended in this forum thread

JPWR3 and JPWR4 are optional (3 provides extra power to the CPU and 4 provides extra power to the GPU, ideally they should be connected but if you don have enough plugs). The big JPWR1 and JPWR2 8-pin are required though.

 

[TotalerKrieger]

The JPWR2 connection is required, but the port on the motherboard should have eight pins not six. You can plug either 2 separate 4-pin connectors or one connector that splits into two 4-pin connectors at the end. Here's a diagram that might be helpful:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f233/Jlio01/Capture_zpswjeamvhj.png

What PSU did you end up getting?

A TS 650, the one that was recommended in this forum thread

In this photo of the TS 650W, I can see the 8-pin connector you need for JPWR2 and obviously the big 20-pin for JPWR1. You also appear to have many 4-pin connectors that could be used for the JPWR3. Just leave the 6-pin JPWR4 port unplugged as it it generally for multi-GPU setups.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/17-207-034-06.jpg

EDIT: You said you had the MSI G70A-G43, right? Looking at photos of it, I can only see JPWR1 and JPWR2 ports. You should have more than enough connectors with a TS 650. Let me know how things turn out.

Does this look like your motherboard:
https://asset.msi.com/resize/image/global/product/five_pictures2_2743_20140408171856.png62405b38c58fe0f07fcef2367d8a9ba1/600.png

 

[DarklordKyo]

In this photo of the TS 650W, I can see the 8-pin connector you need for JPWR2 and obviously the big 20-pin for JPWR1. You also appear to have many 4-pin connectors that could be used for the JPWR3. Just leave the 6-pin JPWR4 port unplugged as it it generally for multi-GPU setups.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/17-207-034-06.jpg

EDIT: You said you had the MSI G70A-G43, right? Looking at photos of it, I can only see JPWR1 and JPWR2 ports. You should have more than enough connectors with a TS 650. Let me know how things turn out.

Does this look like your motherboard:
https://asset.msi.com/resize/image/global/product/five_pictures2_2743_20140408171856.png62405b38c58fe0f07fcef2367d8a9ba1/600.png

Don't worry about it, I found the 4-4 connector that I needed. The problem was that I was trying to fit a 6-2 when I needed that 4-4 that I later found.

 

[DarklordKyo]

In this photo of the TS 650W, I can see the 8-pin connector you need for JPWR2 and obviously the big 20-pin for JPWR1. You also appear to have many 4-pin connectors that could be used for the JPWR3. Just leave the 6-pin JPWR4 port unplugged as it it generally for multi-GPU setups.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/17-207-034-06.jpg

EDIT: You said you had the MSI G70A-G43, right? Looking at photos of it, I can only see JPWR1 and JPWR2 ports. You should have more than enough connectors with a TS 650. Let me know how things turn out.

Does this look like your motherboard:
https://asset.msi.com/resize/image/global/product/five_pictures2_2743_20140408171856.png62405b38c58fe0f07fcef2367d8a9ba1/600.png

and...the clicking is still there despite the fact that I installed an entirely new CPU...

Since I used Hand of Fate as my test monkey, what do you think could be the cause?, the CPU or GPU?

 

[TotalerKrieger]

You installed a new CPU? as well as a new PSU?

The clicking could be a case fan, I have one in my PC that clicks constantly. You could try disconnecting each case fan one at a time then run the PC for a short time to see if you can isolate the source of the sound.

The GPU fan is another possibility or it may be some sort of GPU coil whine. The CPU cooler might make some noise too, particularly if it has a lot of dust built up on it. In any case, you needed a new PSU to upgrade your GPU.

 

[DarklordKyo]

You installed a new CPU? as well as a new PSU?

The clicking could be a case fan, I have one in my PC that clicks constantly. You could try disconnecting each case fan one at a time then run the PC for a short time to see if you can isolate the source of the sound.

The GPU fan is another possibility or it may be some sort of GPU coil whine. The CPU cooler might make some noise too, particularly if it has a lot of dust built up on it. In any case, you needed a new PSU to upgrade your GPU.

The only thing I changed was the PSU. Either way, the clicks only happen when I'm playing a game that's newer than the PS2.

 

[TotalerKrieger]

It is most likely the GPU. If not that, then it must be the CPU cooler. Neither are a major cause for concern compared to a PSU making a clicking noise. Congrats on replacing your PSU, not always an easy task on your first try.

 

[DarklordKyo]

It is most likely the GPU. If not that, then it must be the CPU cooler. Neither are a major cause for concern compared to a PSU making a clicking noise. Congrats on replacing your PSU, not always an easy task on your first try.

It wasn't my first time, it was my second (also helps that I watch a couple of videos on how). Either way, how to do recommend I solve this? Can I just clean them?, or do I have to replace either? If the former, how do you recommend I go about it? (I use an electric duster, just FYI).

 

[TotalerKrieger]

If you are planning to upgrade your GPU soon, I'd just leave it. The RX 480 4GB is priced at $200 USD (8GB will $229) and will be available in early July. I remember that you had mentioned wanting a Nvidia card but I don't think the GTX 1060 will be available for another six months at least. It doesn't really make sense to buy something a GTX 1070 or 1080 to go with a FX 4300 and the prices are insane right now due to low supply. If you could find a GTX 970 for less than $200 it might be a decent buy, but I would personally go for the RX 480 as it is looking like it may outpace a 980 just slightly.

 

[DarklordKyo]

If you are planning to upgrade your GPU soon, I'd just leave it. The RX 480 4GB is priced at $200 USD (8GB will $229) and will be available in early July. I remember that you had mentioned wanting a Nvidia card but I don't think the GTX 1060 will be available for another six months at least. It doesn't really make sense to buy something a GTX 1070 or 1080 to go with a FX 4300 and the prices are insane right now due to low supply. If you could find a GTX 970 for less than $200 it might be a decent buy, but I would personally go for the RX 480 as it is looking like it may outpace a 980 just slightly.

Well, how do you recommend I clean either for now?

 

[TotalerKrieger]

I wouldn't bother - you quickly could wipe off any large clumps of dust that are visible on the fan blades or exterior of the GPU and CPU cooler. Cleaning may not even fix the clicking noise. The bearings in the fan may be the cause in which case there isn't any way to fix the issue. Based on your description, I would bet that once you replace the GPU, the clicking noise disappears.

 

[DarklordKyo]

I wouldn't bother - you quickly could wipe off any large clumps of dust that are visible on the fan blades or exterior of the GPU and CPU cooler. Cleaning may not even fix the clicking noise. The bearings in the fan may be the cause in which case there isn't any way to fix the issue. Based on your description, I would bet that once you replace the GPU, the clicking noise disappears.

So...should I just ignore it? I dunno, my PC powered itself down when I played South Park: The Stick of Truth a while back.

 

[TotalerKrieger]

I wouldn't bother - you quickly could wipe off any large clumps of dust that are visible on the fan blades or exterior of the GPU and CPU cooler. Cleaning may not even fix the clicking noise. The bearings in the fan may be the cause in which case there isn't any way to fix the issue. Based on your description, I would bet that once you replace the GPU, the clicking noise disappears.

So...should I just ignore it? I dunno, my PC powered itself down when I played South Park: The Stick of Truth a while back.

I would just ignore it until you get a new GPU, if the noise persists after that then it may be worth investigating further. You could download HWMonitor to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. If the the temps are fine, then the fans are working as they should.

The PC powered itself down because your old PSU was not able to reliably deliver sufficient power to the PC components. I'm surprised that an ULTRA PSU actually has this safety feature. With your new, reliable XFX TS, you shouldn't run into any trouble.

 

[DarklordKyo]

I would just ignore it until you get a new GPU, if the noise persists after that then it may be worth investigating further. You could download HWMonitor to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. If the the temps are fine, then the fans are working as they should.

The PC powered itself down because your old PSU was not able to reliably deliver sufficient power to the PC components. I'm surprised that an ULTRA PSU actually has this safety feature. With your new, reliable XFX TS, you shouldn't run into any trouble.

Guess I have to get used to it for now. When it comes to checking temperatures, I have Speccy for that (it's like dxdiag, but more detailed, and shows temperatures).

 

[DarklordKyo]

I would just ignore it until you get a new GPU, if the noise persists after that then it may be worth investigating further. You could download HWMonitor to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. If the the temps are fine, then the fans are working as they should.

The PC powered itself down because your old PSU was not able to reliably deliver sufficient power to the PC components. I'm surprised that an ULTRA PSU actually has this safety feature. With your new, reliable XFX TS, you shouldn't run into any trouble.

In a related note, where can I find info on whether or not a graphics card is compatible with a motherboard's PCI-Express slot?

 

[TotalerKrieger]

I would just ignore it until you get a new GPU, if the noise persists after that then it may be worth investigating further. You could download HWMonitor to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. If the the temps are fine, then the fans are working as they should.

The PC powered itself down because your old PSU was not able to reliably deliver sufficient power to the PC components. I'm surprised that an ULTRA PSU actually has this safety feature. With your new, reliable XFX TS, you shouldn't run into any trouble.

In a related note, where can I find info on whether or not a graphics card is compatible with a motherboard's PCI-Express slot?

Your motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot so it is compatible with all the new cards. PCIe 3.0 is ideal, but the performance difference isn't really significant. Only thing to consider is whether the size dimensions of the card will fit into your case. For something like a GTX 970 or RX 480 you probably don't need to worry too much, but it is always good to check before buying.

Edit:
Also make sure your PSU has enough 6+2 PCIe connectors available. Some cards only use 1 6-pin connector, others use 1 8-pin connector, other have a 6pin + 8pin setup and others use 2 8-pin connectors.

 

[DarklordKyo]

If you are planning to upgrade your GPU soon, I'd just leave it. The RX 480 4GB is priced at $200 USD (8GB will $229) and will be available in early July. I remember that you had mentioned wanting a Nvidia card but I don't think the GTX 1060 will be available for another six months at least. It doesn't really make sense to buy something a GTX 1070 or 1080 to go with a FX 4300 and the prices are insane right now due to low supply. If you could find a GTX 970 for less than $200 it might be a decent buy, but I would personally go for the RX 480 as it is looking like it may outpace a 980 just slightly.

Assuming a bunch of scalpers don't try buying all the RX 480s to sell at insanely-high prices, should I just save for the 8gb model if it's compatible?, or would that bottleneck my rig too much?