technology So.....I might have gotten robbed on my $2000 rig......System faulty

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Right now I'm not in a great mood. I'm actually mad because my PC build has been a terrible one year. Now I would have built a rig myself and saved money. But my parents decided to have someone build it for me. The company charged almost 2000 dollars and I got a PC that could play games like Far Cry 3 on ultra at about 45 fps. I will lay out my specs 

 

Nvidia GTX 660 SLI 2GB

i5 Ivy Bridge 3570k

16 GB corsair RAM DDR3

asus motherboard lga 1155

forgot power supply, but it can handle my rig for hours on end

Windows 7 Home Premium 

Blu Ray drive 

 

Now I let my cousin take a look at it. He's far better at computer handling. His friend is even better than him. 

Now I did everything I knew I could before I sent it to him.

 

I updated the NVIDIA drivers, didn't install the PhySx legacy drive

Java and Adobe reader are fully up to date

I cleaned and defragged my system 

Get the catch. My computer crashes and I'm only outputting a maximum of 21% of my CPU usage.

It's IMPOSSIBLE for me to have these issues when my CPU isn't even stressed out

It has to be the video card.

 

My cousin thinks it;s the entire build

His friend thinks it's just the video card

 

 

=/ I'm really not happy right now

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

Well, if it's only using 21% of the CPU, it's the video card. You'll need to get that replaced. 

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHW4HXY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1WZZBX22TD2PK1E57CJJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

 

I need help. Someone tell me if this card will comply with my motherboard and overall hardware?

[Clover Heart 978]

I know jack all about computers, but I know about getting stiffed. If they made you pay out the ass for a computer and it doesn't even work right, I'd have the mind to have them reimburse you for the cost of the parts. Maybe even labor since you have to fix their mistake. I dunno your situation, but it may be worth looking into. Cuz that's not a small amount to sink into a computer.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Clover Heart

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I know jack all about computers, but I know about getting stiffed. If they made you pay out the ass for a computer and it doesn't even work right, I'd have the mind to have them reimburse you for the cost of the parts. I dunno your situation, but it may be working into. Cuz that's not a small amount to sink into a computer.

is the GTX 760 compatible with the LGA 1155? Because it's obvious the card is the issue. 

[Clover Heart 978]

is the GTX 760 compatible with the LGA 1155? Because it's obvious the card is the issue. 

 

I have no idea. Like I said, I know next to nothing about computers. Whatever parts you do end up needing, though, I'd look into being reimbursed for them. Either that or getting some sort of rebate for shoddy service.

[GrimCW 658]

Whoa.. $2k for that? USD?

 

..... How much did they charge in service fee's?

 

Of everything in it though, the video card is definitely the weakest link if there is any, and normally I'd question an i5 CPU too, but some of their newer ones are pretty well up there making my i7 look bad. 

 

But please tell me it at least came with a new monitor or something at that price.. My last build 4 years ago was cheaper than that... Even after upgrades over the past years (new memory, HDD, and 2 video card changes) it barely hits $1500 counting the old parts.... hell.. add on my $300 120hz 3D monitor and its still less than $2k...

 

45 FPS though isn't to bad when maxed out, and assuming that your on 1920x1080 resolution or better.

Half  bet it was built on "can it play on xx settings" vs "can it play at xx fps on these settings"

I.E. based on basic benchmarks instead of more advanced and the assumption no one would notice.

 

 

is the GTX 760 compatible with the LGA 1155? Because it's obvious the card is the issue. 

 

the video card doesn't really have compatibility issues with the CPU's socket type.. thats just a matter of optimization on the mobo's part as to how well it'll perform beyond the basics.

Being an Intel based mobo though, its probably good to go.

 

If you do upgrade your video card, and have an extra PCI-E slot, keep and use the 660 as a PhysX card. This'll improve GFX and FPS in games that support the actual PhysX processes (Like the Batman Arkham games)

Edited January 16, 2014 by GrimCW

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Whoa.. $2k for that? USD?

 

..... How much did they charge in service fee's?

 

Of everything in it though, the video card is definitely the weakest link if there is any, and normally I'd question an i5 CPU too, but some of their newer ones are pretty well up there making my i7 look bad. 

 

But please tell me it at least came with a new monitor or something at that price.. My last build 4 years ago was cheaper than that... Even after upgrades over the past years (new memory, HDD, and 2 video card changes) it barely hits $1500 counting the old parts....

 

45 FPS though isn't to bad when maxed out, and assuming that your on 1920x1080 resolution or better.

Half  bet it was built on "can it play on xx settings" vs "can it play at xx fps on these settings"

I.E. based on basic benchmarks instead of more advanced and the assumption no one would notice.

 

 

 

the video card doesn't really have compatibility issues with the CPU's socket type.. thats just a matter of optimization on the mobo's part as to how well it'll perform beyond the basics.

Being an Intel based mobo though, its probably good to go.

 

If you do upgrade your video card, and have an extra PCI-E slot, SLI them and use the 660 as a PhysX card. This'll improve GFX and FPS in games that support the actual PhysX processes (Like the Batman Arkham games)

I only know what I know based on common sense and my limited PC knowledge. People on this forum know more than me. I'm only running a 60hz LED 1920x1080p native on DVI for the monitor. I also have it connected to my 40' LED via HDMI 1920x1080p.

 

Some games might push 1440p. Don't know.

 

I know it;s not the PSU. Because I would have either blown a fuse, or my dad would get mad over the electric bill. I maxed out Tomb Raider last year and played it for 5 hours on end. No system crash!

 

So I might just buy a new card sometime this week and open it myself. I am not going to get reimbursed by the store that built my drive. There is actually no legal reason(sarcasm) for them to give me money and actually do more than Geek-Squad/Jiffy Lube clean ups. Get the thing right here....It crashes....When I'm not playing a game. This makes no sense!

 

 

1.) in early 2013, the first 660 I got was a dud, so it wasn't their fault

2.) they charged me 50 dollars for alleged "software" complications. They made me wait a week 

3.) last check was free. Nothing changed. They said I was fine

 

EDIT: I believe the additional 500 USD was labor cost. Because my build currently is worth 1200-1300 USD. 

 

If the card is ok, can I cross fire the 660 and 760? I'd rather not. Because I have no need to.

Edited January 16, 2014 by TheMarkz0ne

[GrimCW 658]

If the card is ok, can I cross fire the 660 and 760? I'd rather not. Because I have no need to.

 

Not crossfire (thats AMD) and not SLI (Nvidia's version) 

 

And its actually not really much, but it can be used for a PhysX processor. This means it'll dedicate itself to running PhysX in games that support it. Like, as I said, the Batman Arkham games have.

If you haven't seen what PhysX can do, you should take a peak

 

 

 

 

It'll also increase performance in other games that use PhysX by taking the load off your main card.

Edited January 16, 2014 by GrimCW

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Not crossfire (thats AMD) and not SLI (Nvidia's version) 

 

And its actually not really much, but it can be used for a PhysX processor. This means it'll dedicate itself to running PhysX in games that support it. Like, as I said, the Batman Arkham games have.

If you haven't seen what PhysX can do, you should take a peak

 

 

 

 

It'll also increase performance in other games that use PhysX by taking the load off your main card.

I found out that you need PhysX legacy to get the games fully working again. Without the older version of PhysX the games cannot be stable

[GrimCW 658]

I found out that you need PhysX legacy to get the games fully working again. Without the older version of PhysX the games cannot be stable

 

 

Where'd you see this? For old games that use the classic PhysX PPU before Nvidia bought them out (though there was only like 3 that actually existed) maybe.. But anything newer (such as games that use the UE3) shouldn't have that issue...

I've used PhysX since they were a stand alone PPU, and I can't say I've ever seen that mentioned anywhere. The newer Nvidia drivers come with the PhysX drivers, and they should actually work on legacy titles (at least they do on Ghost Recon AW And it was fixed in Cryostasis years ago)

Edited January 16, 2014 by GrimCW

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Where'd you see this? For old games that use the classic PhysX PPU before Nvidia bought them out (though there was only like 3 that actually existed) maybe.. But anything newer (such as games that use the UE3) shouldn't have that issue...

I've used PhysX since they were a stand alone PPU, and I can't say I've ever seen that mentioned anywhere. The newer Nvidia drivers come with the PhysX drivers, and they should actually work on legacy titles (at least they do on Ghost Recon AW And it was fixed in Cryostasis years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehalGxl8rRo

It could be a different issue. But as far as I'm concerned this guy was only having problems 5 months ago. The newer ones could have been fixed

Edited January 16, 2014 by TheMarkz0ne

[GrimCW 658]

His first problem.. Assuming that turning the PhysX off "fixed" the problem... PhysX is VERY demanding to begin with. Turning it off will give massive improvements REGARDLESS of any possible issues that might be had with FPS...

If anything he was having issues with the drivers themselves and needed to "clean install" them..

 

He mentions rolling back his drivers, but never removing them completely.

99% of the time if there is a driver problem, a CLEAN install is necessary. And thats basically all he did. But in doing so he also lost the updated processes that Nvidia had included. He finally uninstalled them FIRST, and then installed the new/old drivers.

 

TBH any time you install new drivers you should first FULLY uninstall old ones to begin with. The amount of old trash that gets left behind by the "express setup" has been known to cause problems. I actually went through this only last month when Nvidia Experience updated my drivers for me and was causing my GPU to go crazy.

 

To boot atop it all, I recall something about this awhile ago, but Nvidia released a quick fix for it a ways back. That was only needed due to a bork in the new drivers of the time.

 

Edit: yeah did some looking into. The issue that was had back then was the installer wasn't installing the PhysX drivers properly over original installs. I recall this issue actually.

What it did was, during an express setup, uninstalled the old stuff to the minor extent it does, and then tried to install the new. But it was failing to install the new drivers.

The problems faced in that video (and by many at the time) was that the PhysX processes in games then defaulted to generic processing. Which IIRC basically puts the entire load on the CPU instead of the GPU. Making games FPS nose dive as a result.

 

It can still happen from time to time, but again, its just a matter of uninstalling ALL old drivers BEFORE installing new ones.

Edited January 16, 2014 by GrimCW

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I will take my computer back tonight and see what the issue. I'm trying to NOT buy a new card because if I can get the GTX660 functioning right. I will be set. I wasn't going to upgrade until the 800 or 900 series came out. Upgrading to the next series right away for a 50 dollar margin over the 660 right now. Is not worth it.

[GrimCW 658]

@@TheMarkz0ne,

 

Have you at least tried a clean driver install? Uninstalling them manually, reboot, and reinstall to see if it goes?

 

TBH I'm not sure how well that card would do in Farcry 3 anyways, I just tried my 760 in Blood Dragon (I don't have FC3 installed atm) and I was getting generally 60, but it dipped to 40 at times during high action or area's with extremely distant viewing. 

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

How do I do a clean driver install? Do I got back to the original cd drivers that came with the card? Far Cry 3 on my PC destroyed the console version. But I cannot do 60fps on ultra. I simply will never be able to afford that. Tomb Raider is the most beautiful game on my rig and I never get any drops or tares on ultra

[GrimCW 658]

I doubt you'll get FC3 at the full 60 steady, even my card doesn't do that. It bounces between 70 and 45 depending on whats going on screen. Your card just isn't that good.

 

As for the drivers.

Like I said above. Dload the latest ones and set them aside.

then manually uninstall the old drivers (just like you'd uninstall any program, just remove all Nvidia items from the programs list) REBOOT, and then install the new ones. Reboot again, and enjoy.

 

If theres anything actually wrong that should fix it. But TBH I think your expecting to much from that card.  Just be happy your not at the locked 30 FPS that the consolers get in most games with no AA at all!

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I doubt you'll get FC3 at the full 60 steady, even my card doesn't do that. It bounces between 70 and 45 depending on whats going on screen. Your card just isn't that good.

 

As for the drivers.

Like I said above. Dload the latest ones and set them aside.

then manually uninstall the old drivers (just like you'd uninstall any program, just remove all Nvidia items from the programs list) REBOOT, and then install the new ones. Reboot again, and enjoy.

 

If theres anything actually wrong that should fix it. But TBH I think your expecting to much from that card.  Just be happy your not at the locked 30 FPS that the consolers get in most games with no AA at all!

I guess you're right. Games like Tomb Raider I can max out on 40fps and that's it. I really want performance over visuals anyways. But if the card can be fixed, then I will obviously not upgrade. I'm more concerned about salvaging than the card, instead of just up-and getting a new one.

[Freewave 1,145]

Take your pc back to the shop to get taken care of. Bringing the issues to us when we didnt build the $2k craptop is not the way to get your issues fixed. Good luck.

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

Take your pc back to the shop to get taken care of. Bringing the issues to us when we didnt build the $2k craptop is not the way to get your issues fixed. Good luck.

I'm only asking for advice. The store will not do anything advanced with PC. I'm only asking about my graphics card having issues.

[GrimCW 658]

 

 

Bringing the issues to us when we didnt build the $2k craptop is not the way to get your issues fixed.

 

But it is a cheaper option if someone does know something, and not in any way warranting hostility.... 

[TorqueEffect 112]

For $2k I would expect allot more too.

 

You got taken to the cleaners with that. God I would feel bad charging someone anymore than $100 to build them a computer.

 

about a year ago I built a desktop for a friend. The whole computer came out to be a little less than $1k

 

It had the following

 

i7 3770 3.4ghz

2GB AMD 7870 GHz Edition

120GB SSD

1.5TB HDD

8GB of DDR3

 

That alone is already better than what you have listed, with the exception of half the RAM. (16GB is pointless for gaming)

 

For $2k I would have built a really badass rig. Sure it wouldn't be running Titans, but those are so over-priced that they are nothing more than "show-off how much money I have" cards, but still at $2k it would piss all over that rig they built you.

Edited January 17, 2014 by TorqueEffect

[Katana 298]

Honestly, while I'd avoid buying a prebuilt computer myself (because I can build and fix computers) there is one major benefit to buying it wholesale, prebuilt, from someone else: It's now their problem. I know you want the quickest fix you can, but at least you can make yourself less of an "easy sell" to these people by pointing out issues and demanding they be fixed.