Computer parts

[eliijah]

Hey,

After browsing the forums, and failing to find a hardware guide, I'm wondering whether people could help me out. I'm thinking of buying some upgrades, only thing I can think off is new Ram.

Is Ram an important factor? I currently have 16 gb worth, I'm thinking of getting 32gb worth.

From what I gather the processor and gtx card are the single most important parts, and that sli is not worth it with wow.

My Processor is a non over clocked 2600k I7. (I'd like to learn how to oc it)
Graphics card is a gtx 580

If there's a breakdown of different computer component parts and how the affect boxing I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Ek

[MiRai]

When I 5-box, I don't even use 8GB of RAM system-wide.

What are you doing that a 2600 and 580 can't handle?

[eliijah]

When I 5-box, I don't even use 8GB of RAM system-wide.

What are you doing that a 2600 and 580 can't handle?

I'm currently running 5 windows ; 5 Shamans. I tend to get freezes when I play on the main screen. Also, when I restart the computer, some info comes up in the BIOS or whatever you call it that my CPU is hot (77 degrees).

I'm a bit of noob with computers to be honest. I'm not sure whether this is relevant, but when i load Isboxer i.e. the software it says I'm only using 1558 worth of MHZ or processing power instead of the full whack.

Thanks,

Ek

[JackBurton]

Is your case closed? If you don't have the case sealed you wont get proper airflow over the CPU. your thermal paste may be getting old and hard. try cleaning off (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100010) and reapplying the thermal paste (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007). the amount you use should be the size of a grain of rice. If that doesn't work consider getting a new CPU fan.

here's a video. Its a bit long though. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9VSDkB-3st4#!)
.

[Pazgaz]

77 is a bit hot. CPUs speed is reduced when it gets hot to prevent damage.
This is probably why you experience freezes.
Are you using the stock CPU cooler that comes with the 2600k? It's not a very good cooler and should be replaced.

[MiRai]

I'm currently running 5 windows ; 5 Shamans. I tend to get freezes when I play on the main screen. Also, when I restart the computer, some info comes up in the BIOS or whatever you call it that my CPU is hot (77 degrees).

I'm a bit of noob with computers to be honest. I'm not sure whether this is relevant, but when i load Isboxer i.e. the software it says I'm only using 1558 worth of MHZ or processing power instead of the full whack.

Thanks,

Ek
Well, it almost sounds like you don't have your CPU cooler seated on your processor correctly. 77 C isn't the worst temperature you could be at and it won't damage the CPU; but, if your BIOS is warning you that your CPU is at a certain temperature, that probably means it's even higher when you're playing and its under load. You need to download Real Temp (http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/) and monitor your CPU. If it's getting too hot (>70C) while playing, you should re-seat your CPU cooler.

Are these specific game windows that are freezing or your entire computer is locking up? If you're trying to play the game with some ridiculously high video settings x5, then your GPU is being stressed out as well and is going to cause certain windows to freeze.

Also, the reason you're seeing that message from ISBoxer is because your computer's power settings in the control panel are set so that the CPU throttles down. You can fix this by changing the power plan to the High Performance preset.

[Ualaa]

I'm using a Corsair A70 (air-based cooler), it was around $40 and most computer things are more expensive in Canada then the USA.

For overclocking I went with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMZoWOpry40 which was designed for overlocking an i5 2500K.
My settings are exactly the same, as in the video.

For temperature comparisons..
While 5-boxing, I get up to almost 60c at times.
This is with a 4.5ghz overclock in a room with a 22c ambient temperature.



*Edit*
Added URL, to the overclock guide I used.

[Invisahealz]

have you changed any of the setting on your video card? if your running stock video setting i highly suggest upping the voltage to at least 1.050v. I was having similar problems but i was 10 boxing at the time, freezes, artifacts flashing on screen and stuff. sucked and i looked everywhere to figure it out. finally got a tip to try and up the voltage. fixed it right away. Im running 2x gtx 580 in SLI now and 15 boxing. but no matter what from what i have read it seems the stock settings are low voltage which leads to some problems like your having. so i would download the MSI Afterburner program and maybe up the voltage to 1.050v. what brand gtx580 do you have? I have the direct cuda II ASUS gtx580 which with just airflow not liquid cooling can handle up to 1.3v without burning up. From what i have heard thats pretty high voltage to run even with liquid cooling but not really sure. Im currently running 1.15v and i have turned up the core clock and memory clock so i can 15 box with no problems.

also make sure all your drivers are up to date that can lead to a few problems but the video card u have, + ram, and processor are perfectly capible of handling what you are doing no problem, you should be able to run all screens at good to best settings as well with no problems. When i 5 box with just a single card i run all on the highest settings and have no problems at all.

i recommend checking out this quick video shows exactly what to do but i suggest just starting with only the voltage and go from there. Very good vid for people new to overclocking gtx 580
http://youtu.be/M5pLU82isFk

[eliijah]

My current system is in my signature but I've got some upgrades that I need to put in:

Corsair Hydro H60 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler (Socket LGA2011/1366/1155/1156/775/AM2/AM3) (CWCH60) (https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-006-CS)
Corsair Obsidian 800D (6GB/s) Full Tower Case - Black (https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-020-CS)

I was also thinking about buying a new motherboard:

Asus Z77 Sabertooth Intel Motherboard.

I think I definitely need to put in the new cpu fan asap! the processor itself is about 7 months old, so will need to check the thermal paste. I'll check in nvid

Once again, thanks for the help,

Ek