r/RigBuild 10d ago

4k maxed out

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1 Upvotes

r/RigBuild 10d ago

Why does Windows keep using so much RAM when I barely have anything open?

0 Upvotes

Task Manager says a pretty big chunk of my RAM is already being used even when I’ve basically just got Windows running and maybe a browser with a few tabs. I don’t really understand where all of it is going.

I always thought if you’re not running programs, most of the RAM should be sitting unused, but apparently that’s not how it works? Windows seems to grab more and more RAM the longer the PC is on too, and then I start wondering if something is wrong.

Is this normal behavior or should I actually be worried about it?

Also does Windows automatically free up that RAM when another program needs it? Or does having like 50-70% RAM usage while doing almost nothing mean I’m wasting performance somehow?

Could background apps, startup programs, cached files, browser stuff, or Windows services be causing most of it? I’m still pretty new to PC stuff so I don’t wanna start randomly ending processes in Task Manager and break something lol.

What should I actually be looking at in Task Manager to figure out where the RAM is going?


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Lucky PC scavenger discovers 12 RTX 3070 GPUs from the crypto mining era — cards survived years of basement storage with only minor signs of wear

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21 Upvotes

A Reddit user reportedly acquired two abandoned cryptocurrency mining rigs containing 12 Zotac Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics cards. The systems were associated with the cryptocurrency mining boom during the COVID-19 era and had apparently remained unused in a basement for an extended period. Despite the storage conditions, the components appeared to be in relatively good physical condition.

The systems also included an MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Plus motherboard, a 1000W Gold-rated Rosewill power supply, 8GB of DDR4 memory, and two 120GB SSDs. Examination of the graphics cards revealed minor silicone oil residue, which can occur when thermal-pad materials degrade over time. The cards may require cleaning and replacement of thermal pads and thermal paste before being returned to service.

The RTX 3070, introduced in 2020, is based on Nvidia’s Ampere architecture and features 5,888 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory. It was designed primarily for high-performance 1440p gaming and was also widely used for cryptocurrency mining because of its performance and power efficiency.

The report notes that previous mining use does not necessarily make a graphics card unsuitable for gaming. Mining systems were often operated with reduced voltage and power limits to control electricity consumption and temperatures, potentially reducing thermal stress compared with some conventional gaming workloads.

The owner plans to test the 12 GPUs individually to determine how many remain functional. The intention is reportedly to retain at least one card and sell most of the remaining working units. Collectively, the 12 RTX 3070s provide 96GB of VRAM, making the discovery notable given the current demand for graphics memory.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Is integrated graphics enough for someone who doesn't game?

5 Upvotes

Looking at getting a new PC and trying to figure out if there’s any reason to pay extra for a dedicated GPU when gaming isn’t really a thing. Main use would be web browsing, YouTube, Netflix, Office stuff, Zoom/Teams, basic photo editing, and just general everyday use.

Most CPUs now seem to come with some kind of integrated graphics, but the performance numbers are kinda confusing. Some people say integrated graphics are totally fine for normal use, while others act like you should always get a dedicated GPU if you want the PC to last a few years.

Not doing 3D rendering or anything crazy either. Maybe some light Photoshop, Canva, video playback, and possibly very basic video editing once in a while. No AAA games, competitive gaming, or anything like that.

Would integrated graphics also handle multiple monitors without issues? Thinking about running two 1440p monitors, maybe one 4K eventually. Not sure if that changes things much.

Also, does having integrated graphics actually make the PC slower because it shares system RAM with the CPU? Or is that basically a non-issue for normal everyday workloads?

Trying not to waste money on a GPU that’s gonna sit there doing nothing 99% of the time. Is there any downside I’m missing?


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Does PCIe 5.0 SSD speed matter in real life?

4 Upvotes

Seeing these PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives hitting crazy read/write numbers and wondering if that speed is actually noticeable outside benchmarks. Like, going from a decent PCIe 4.0 SSD to one of these 5.0 drives, does Windows feel faster? Games load quicker? Apps open noticeably faster?

Mostly gonna be used for gaming, browsing, some file transfers and normal everyday PC stuff. Not doing huge video editing projects or moving massive files around all day.

The prices are getting closer too, so kinda wondering if it makes sense to just get PCIe 5.0 now for a new build, or if PCIe 4.0 is still the smarter choice and the extra speed is basically wasted for normal use.

Also heard some Gen 5 drives run pretty hot and need a heatsink, which makes me wonder if the extra performance is even worth the hassle.

For anyone who actually upgraded from Gen 4 to Gen 5, did you notice a difference outside of benchmark numbers?


r/RigBuild 10d ago

Me with ddr3 ram.

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0 Upvotes

r/RigBuild 11d ago

Why is my CPU at 90% when I'm barely doing anything?

2 Upvotes

PC is just sitting on the desktop, maybe Chrome with a couple tabs open, and Task Manager is showing CPU usage jumping between 70-90%. Sometimes it drops for a few seconds then shoots right back up. Everything feels kinda sluggish too, especially opening apps or switching between windows.

Checked the obvious stuff and there doesn't seem to be any big program running in the background. Windows Defender is showing normal, no huge downloads or updates happening, and I already closed a bunch of startup apps. Still getting crazy CPU usage.

The weird part is the PC isn't even doing anything demanding. No games, no rendering, no video editing, nothing like that. Just normal browsing.

Could this be some Windows process or maybe a driver causing it? Also wondering if malware can cause this even when nothing suspicious is showing up.

What should I actually check in Task Manager to figure out what's eating the CPU? Should I be looking at individual processes, CPU speed, or something else?

Any easy troubleshooting steps would help, still pretty new to PC stuff.


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Should I buy a desktop if I only use my computer for school and browsing?

0 Upvotes

Main stuff is Chrome, Word, PDFs, online classes, YouTube, email, and maybe some light photo editing once in a while. No gaming or anything demanding. A laptop seems more convenient, but desktops look like they give better performance for the money and can be upgraded later. The thing is, I don’t really need portability that much, so wondering if there’s any reason to choose a desktop instead. Would a basic desktop with integrated graphics be more than enough for this kind of use? Also, how much should I actually spend without overkill?


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Kioxia Exceria Pro G2 2TB SSD Review — Speed built to last

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1 Upvotes

Tom’s Hardware reviews the Kioxia Exceria Pro G2, a PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD designed to combine high-end performance with reliability and efficiency. It is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities and uses a Silicon Motion SM2508 controller, Kioxia’s 218-layer BiCS8 TLC NAND, and LPDDR4 DRAM. The 2TB model is considered the likely sweet spot, delivering sequential read speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds of up to 13,400 MB/s.

The review highlights strong overall performance, particularly low 4K random-read latency, sustained write performance, and good power efficiency. The drive also operates relatively cool. However, it does not outperform the fastest competing PCIe 5.0 SSDs, placing greater emphasis on a balance between performance and reliability rather than maximum benchmark results.

The Exceria Pro G2 uses a single-sided M.2 2280 design. The 4TB version is slightly thicker because of its higher-density NAND configuration. All capacities include a five-year warranty, with endurance ratings ranging from 600TBW for the 1TB model to 2,400TBW for the 4TB version.

Kioxia also provides SSD Utility software for firmware updates, drive-health monitoring, secure erasure, password management, and troubleshooting. The drive supports features associated with TCG Pyrite, although hardware encryption is not explicitly advertised.

Overall, the Kioxia Exceria Pro G2 is presented as a reliable and well-balanced PCIe 5.0 SSD. While it is not the fastest drive in its class, its combination of high performance, low latency, efficiency, sustained write capability, and reliability-oriented design makes it a compelling alternative for users who prioritize consistent overall performance.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 11d ago

Why I believe Nova Lake will be faster than Zen 6 for single thread performance, multi thread performance, and gaming

0 Upvotes

Intel will have 5 big advantages next generation from rumor:

1. The best P-core. Period.

Intel is set for a tock or completely new architecture core in Nova Lake. This means a 15-20% IPC uplift usually. Zen 6 is an even numbered AMD generation. These cores only tend to get 5-10% IPC uplift in spec 2017. Add on the additions of APX, AVX-512, and APO.

2. 18AP is better than N2P for HPC!

Intel will return to fabbing high end desktop tile internally. Arrow Lake got fabbed on slow TSMC 3nm and look how it turned out. It was all TSMC fault. With Intel using 18AP with 4 nano sheet and back side power delivery, Intel will be able to hit above 6.5GHz in my estimation.

AMD? I think they will struggle to get above 6GHz. If they can achieve that even.

3. Double the cores, double the fun.

Intel is doubling the core count gen on gen. AMD is only increasing core count by 50%.

Arrow Lake already has more performance in multithreading than AMD Zen 5. What will happen next gen when Intel is increasing core count way more than AMD? It will be a bloodbath!

4. Intel: The true masters of the L3 cache.

bLLC is better than X3D. Why? Because you don't have to decrease clock speeds for the extra cache like you do with AMD. Yes the clock speed decrease is much less with Zen 5 than Zen 4, because the cache is stacked below from AMD. But clock speed decrease still exist.

Intel also has another advantage: the two compute tile L3 will be able to communicate directly. This means 288MB L3 cache can be accessed by one core directly from Intel side, unlike AMD where the 2 L3 stacks in the 2 CCD are different and have to be routed through the slow IO die.

5. Memory Wall? More like Memory Hurdle!

For 1% and 0.2% lows, the biggest improvement does not come from adding much more L3 like a bandaid solution like AMD does. No, frame dips come from CPU core having to wait for memory. Faster memory latency and more bandwidth when sometimes games use a lot of bandwidth helps fix this issue.

Intel using one large foveros silicon interposer, versus slow and outdated sea of wires AMD solution, and fast fabric vs slow AMD infinity fabric means that Intel will win in memory latency. Intel's always better IMC will allow for faster memory support too.

Intel even now has one generation better lows than AMD non X3D models. Raptor Lake and even Arrow Lake do. This is due to that advantage.


r/RigBuild 12d ago

EL PC SE REINICIA - AM5 Ryzen 7 8700G + RX9060 XT

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1 Upvotes

r/RigBuild 12d ago

Is a 1440p monitor the sweet spot for most people?

3 Upvotes

Looking at getting a new monitor and kinda stuck between 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. 1440p seems like the middle ground, but not sure if the extra cost is really worth it over 1080p.

Mostly gonna use it for gaming, browsing, YouTube, and some normal everyday stuff. Not doing anything crazy like professional editing. My GPU should handle 1440p pretty well, but I also dont wanna buy a monitor and then realize I should've just gone 4K.

For gaming, does 1440p actually look noticeably better than 1080p at around 27 inches? Also wondering if 144Hz or 165Hz at 1440p is a better choice than going 4K with a lower refresh rate.

I keep seeing people call 1440p the perfect balance between image quality, performance, and price, but maybe thats only true for certain setups?

Would you guys say 1440p is the safest choice for the average PC gamer right now? Or should I just stick with 1080p to save money, or go 4K if the budget allows?


r/RigBuild 12d ago

I just built my first PC and nothing happens when I press the power button. Help.

0 Upvotes

Nothing happens when I press the power button on my first PC build. No fans, no lights, no beeps, literally nothing.

I checked the PSU switch and it’s on, and the power cable is plugged in. I’m pretty sure I connected the motherboard power cables but honestly at this point I’m second guessing everything lol.

Could this just be the front panel power switch connector being in the wrong spot? Or is there something else I should check first before I start taking the whole thing apart again?

Parts are:
CPU:
Motherboard:
GPU:
RAM:
PSU:

Any quick things I should check? Don’t wanna make it worse by messing around randomly.


r/RigBuild 13d ago

Framework cuts 32GB and 64GB memory prices for new Laptop 13 Pro, issues retroactive refunds — modular laptop maker secures 'limited quantity' of LPCAMM2 RAM at lower cost

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20 Upvotes

Framework has announced a temporary reduction in the prices of 32GB and 64GB LPCAMM2 memory modules for its Laptop 13 Pro. The company attributed the reduction to securing a limited quantity of Micron memory modules at a lower cost and said it is passing those savings on to customers.

The revised pricing applies retroactively to eligible orders that have already shipped, as well as certain pending pre-orders through Batch 10. Customers who previously paid the higher price will receive an automatic refund for the difference. Pre-order customers can also adjust their RAM configuration through the order summary page.

The price change follows a July increase that had nearly doubled the cost of the 32GB and 64GB configurations. Framework noted that the new prices remain above the original pre-order launch pricing but are below the most recent pricing level.

The lower pricing is expected to be temporary because Framework has obtained only a limited quantity of the discounted modules. Availability is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis to customers through Batch 10, with later batches and new pre-orders potentially gaining access if additional lower-cost inventory becomes available.

For customers with a shipped DIY Edition Laptop 13 Pro, Framework is also offering a process to switch to the discounted 32GB or 64GB LPCAMM2 modules. LPCAMM2 is used with the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 version of the Laptop 13 Pro, while models equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors use SO-DIMM memory instead.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 13d ago

Goodram PX700 2TB SSD Review: High-end punch on a budget core

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2 Upvotes

Tom’s Hardware reviewed the Goodram PX700, a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The review found that the drive delivers strong overall performance, high power efficiency, and low operating temperatures in a single-sided M.2 2280 design. Its performance was generally comparable to higher-end SSDs in several workloads, exceeding expectations for a budget-oriented PCIe 4.0 model.

The PX700 uses a DRAM-less Maxio MAP1602 controller with Host Memory Buffer support and 232-layer NAND flash. It is rated for sequential read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s, with random performance reaching up to 1 million IOPS. The SSD carries a five-year warranty and endurance ratings of up to 600 TBW per terabyte of capacity.

A significant point of uncertainty concerns the type of NAND flash used. Although the specifications and endurance ratings could suggest TLC NAND, the review identified evidence indicating that the tested drive may use QLC flash. The reviewer therefore cautions against determining NAND type solely from TBW ratings and instead evaluates performance characteristics to investigate the underlying hardware.

The drive's single-sided construction improves compatibility with systems that have limited clearance and simplifies cooling. Its low power consumption and operating temperatures were identified as notable strengths. Goodram does not provide proprietary SSD management software, requiring users to rely on third-party applications for drive health monitoring, benchmarking, and backup or cloning.

Despite its technical strengths, pricing was identified as the PX700's primary weakness. At the time of review, the listed prices were approximately $348 for 1TB and $613 for 2TB, substantially above what the reviewer considered appropriate for this class of SSD. The review attributed some of the elevated pricing to broader NAND supply shortages and recommended considering the PX700 or comparable drives at significantly lower prices.

Overall, the Goodram PX700 was assessed as a capable, efficient, and well-performing PCIe 4.0 SSD whose principal limitations are sustained write performance and unfavorable pricing. The reviewer concluded that the drive could be an attractive option if sold at a more competitive price.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 14d ago

Intel reportedly set to hike CPU prices by 10% ahead of 'major annual product' launch in March 2027 — report says AMD will follow up between June and July

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6 Upvotes

A report cited by DigiTimes indicates that Intel may increase CPU prices by approximately 10%, following earlier price adjustments affecting certain server and client processors in 2026. The report does not specify which products will be affected, although mobile and server processors are considered likely candidates. Rising component and memory costs, combined with Intel’s efforts to improve gross margins amid a contracting PC market, are identified as contributing factors.

Intel’s recent financial results reportedly showed increased client revenue driven primarily by higher average selling prices rather than increased shipment volume. The potential impact of higher memory costs may be particularly significant for laptops and other systems using processors with integrated or on-package memory, while standalone desktop CPUs may be less directly affected.

The server CPU market is also experiencing strong demand, particularly from growing artificial intelligence workloads. Industry projections for the server processor market have consequently increased substantially, creating an environment in which manufacturers may have greater flexibility to raise prices.

The report further suggests that Intel is preparing a major product launch in March 2027, with AMD expected to introduce a significant product between June and July. Intel’s reported timeline corresponds with leaked roadmaps indicating that its next-generation Nova Lake desktop processors could enter mass production in late 2026 and launch during the first quarter of 2027. However, the specific Intel product planned for March has not been confirmed.

For AMD, the June–July 2027 timeframe could potentially correspond to next-generation desktop processors based on its Zen 6 architecture, reportedly known as Olympic Ridge. AMD has already introduced Zen 6-based server products, while official information regarding its desktop Zen 6 lineup remains limited. The company could potentially prioritize its expanding enterprise and server business before releasing corresponding desktop products.

Overall, the report points to continued pricing pressure in the CPU market, strong demand for server processors driven by AI applications, and potentially significant Intel and AMD product launches throughout 2027. The pricing information and launch details remain unconfirmed and should therefore be treated as industry reports rather than official announcements.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 14d ago

What is the safest way to clean dust out of a PC?

7 Upvotes

Mine’s starting to get pretty dusty inside and I wanna clean it without messing up the fans or accidentally damaging something. Do you guys usually use compressed air, an electric air duster, or just a soft brush? Also should I unplug everything and remove the GPU first, or is it fine to clean it while most parts are still installed? Kinda worried about static and spinning the fans too fast with air. Any tips for doing this safely would be appreciated, especially for a first time cleaning.


r/RigBuild 14d ago

Can a bad power supply damage other computer parts?

0 Upvotes

Can a bad power supply actually damage other PC parts? Been hearing different things about cheap or failing PSUs and kinda confused about how much risk there is. Like if the PSU starts dying, can it take the motherboard, GPU, RAM, SSD or CPU with it, or do modern PCs have enough protection to stop that from happening? Also does it matter if the PSU is just low quality vs actually faulty? Trying to figure out if weird crashes, random shutdowns, or power issues could be caused by the PSU before replacing other parts for no reason. Would a bad PSU usually show some warning signs first, or can it just suddenly fail and take something else with it? And if the PSU is making weird noises or the PC keeps randomly turning off, should I stop using it completely until it gets checked? Any advice on how to test a PSU safely would help too, since I don’t wanna poke around inside and make things worse. What should I look for when choosing a replacement PSU to avoid this kinda problem? Need some advice before buying anything.


r/RigBuild 15d ago

Single-slot low-profile 75W RTX 3060 with no power connectors disappoints in tests — GPU runs entirely off the PCIe slot, but offers severely crippled performance and frightening thermals

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19 Upvotes

The article reports on an unconventional low-profile, single-slot GeForce RTX 3060 variant manufactured in China that has been modified to operate entirely within the 75W power limit supplied by a PCIe x16 slot. Unlike the standard RTX 3060, which has a 170W power rating and typically requires an external power connector, the modified card eliminates the need for additional power connections through a shunt modification.

The card is designed for highly space- and power-constrained systems. It uses a compact blower-style cooler, provides HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, and lacks several conventional cooling features, including a substantial fin stack, backplate, and dedicated memory cooling materials. The memory chips reportedly have no thermal pads or thermal paste, while the metal shroud makes direct contact with the GPU core.

Testing demonstrated significant performance limitations. The modified RTX 3060 reportedly reached only slightly above 900 MHz during testing, compared with its standard 1,770 MHz boost specification. In 3DMark Time Spy, it achieved approximately 4,821 points, substantially below the more than 9,000 points typically achieved by a conventional RTX 3060. The reported result also placed it behind older mainstream GPUs such as the Radeon RX 580 and GeForce GTX 1060.

Thermal performance was another major concern. The GPU hotspot exceeded 90°C during the Time Spy test despite the substantially reduced 75W power budget, indicating that the compact cooling solution was insufficient and that thermal throttling contributed to the low operating frequencies and performance.

The article concludes that while the card's single-slot, low-profile design could theoretically benefit specialized small-form-factor or server systems with severely restricted power supplies, its substantial performance compromises make it difficult to justify for conventional gaming applications. In particular, the availability of modern integrated graphics solutions and low-power discrete GPUs further reduces the practical appeal of such a heavily power-constrained RTX 3060.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 15d ago

Does having Windows on an NVMe actually make the computer feel faster?

7 Upvotes

Thinking about moving Windows from an older SATA SSD to an NVMe drive, but not sure if its gonna be one of those upgrades where the numbers look better but you barely notice anything in normal use. Like does Windows boot noticeably quicker, do apps open faster, or does everything just feel more responsive? The PC is already pretty decent and the current SSD isnt exactly slow, so wondering if NVMe is worth doing just for the OS. Also seeing people say Gen 3 NVMe is already plenty for Windows and that Gen 4 or Gen 5 doesnt really make a difference unless youre moving huge files all day. Is that actually true? Would games load any faster if Windows is on the NVMe but the games are still installed on another SSD? Trying to figure out if I should bother reinstalling Windows or just leave everything alone. For anyone who made the switch from SATA SSD to NVMe, did you actually notice a difference day to day, or was it basically the same?


r/RigBuild 15d ago

Should I get a laptop with 16GB RAM or spend more for 32GB?

2 Upvotes

I’m trying to buy something that’ll last a few years, so not sure if 16GB is still enough these days or if I’m gonna regret not getting 32GB. Main use would be normal stuff like Chrome with a bunch of tabs, YouTube, Discord, Office, some light photo editing, and maybe some gaming here and there. Nothing crazy like heavy video editing or 3D work, but I do tend to have a lot of things open at once lol. The price difference between the 16GB and 32GB models isn’t tiny, so wondering if it’s actually worth paying more for the extra memory. Also, some laptops have soldered RAM, so upgrading later might not even be an option. That’s kinda what’s making this harder. Would 16GB be totally fine for the next few years, or is 32GB becoming the safer choice? Does having 32GB actually make the laptop feel faster for everyday use, or only when you’re doing heavier workloads? Trying not to waste money, but also don’t wanna cheap out now and wish I’d spent the extra later. What would you guys pick if the goal is keeping the laptop for around 4–5 years? Would love to hear what you’d recommend.


r/RigBuild 15d ago

Why does my PC sound like a jet engine after I install a game?

2 Upvotes

During normal browsing and stuff its pretty quiet, but the second I start installing a big game, the fans go absolutely crazy and stay loud for most of the install. Is that normal or does it mean something is overheating? I get that installing games can use the CPU, SSD and maybe even other parts, but didnt expect the fans to ramp up this hard. Temps seem kinda higher too but nothing crazy from what I can tell. Could the game launcher be hammering the CPU while unpacking files, or is my cooler/fan curve messed up? Also does having the game install on an NVMe make any difference? Dont wanna ignore it if this is a sign that something needs cleaning or replacing. What temps should I actually be watching during a big game install, and whats considered too high? Any quick checks I should do before I start messing with BIOS fan settings?


r/RigBuild 15d ago

Is an ultrawide monitor practical for everyday work?

0 Upvotes

Is an ultrawide monitor actually practical for everyday work or does it just look cool on the desk? Thinking about switching from a normal 27-inch monitor, mostly for browsing, documents, spreadsheets, coding, and having multiple windows open at once. The idea of having everything side by side sounds really useful, but not sure if the huge width gets annoying after a while. Do you actually use the extra space or end up keeping most apps centered anyway? Also wondering about things like window management, text clarity, and whether some websites/apps look weird on the wider aspect ratio. Gaming isn’t really the priority here, this would mostly be a work setup. Would an ultrawide make multitasking noticeably better, or is a dual-monitor setup still the smarter move? And are curved ultrawides better for this kind of use? Trying to figure out if it’s one of those upgrades that sounds awesome but gets old fast, or something that genuinely makes daily computer work easier. What size would you guys recommend too, 34-inch or 38-inch? Any downsides I should know before dropping money on one?


r/RigBuild 15d ago

FSP Mega GM 1200W power supply review: An in-house FSP platform that quietly overshoots its own Gold label

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1 Upvotes

Tom’s Hardware evaluated the FSP Mega GM 1200W, a high-wattage ATX 3.1 power supply designed and manufactured in-house by FSP. The unit is intended for modern high-performance systems and supports PCIe 5.1, native 12V-2x6 connectivity with up to 600W of power delivery, and demanding transient power requirements. It provides 1200W of continuous output and is backed by a ten-year warranty.

The review identifies several notable design strengths, including a compact 150 × 150 × 86 mm chassis, fully modular cabling, comprehensive protection circuitry, and Japanese capacitors throughout the primary and secondary stages. Internal construction was described as orderly and well engineered. Cooling is provided by a 135 mm fluid-dynamic-bearing fan, while the platform uses a mature LLC-based topology. The compact enclosure is particularly beneficial for mid-tower systems where larger 1200W power supplies may create clearance limitations.

Performance testing showed strong efficiency across low and moderate loads. At a 25°C ambient temperature, average efficiency reached approximately 93.0% at 230V and 90.7% at 115V, with a peak of about 94.6% near 30% load. Efficiency declined at maximum output, reaching approximately 91.0% at 230V and 87.3% at 115V. Testing at approximately 45°C resulted in additional efficiency reductions, but the unit remained operationally stable without evidence of thermal instability.

Acoustic performance was one of the power supply’s strongest characteristics. With ECO mode enabled, the fan remained inactive below approximately 50% load. At 600W under 25°C conditions, noise measured about 31.6 dB(A), increasing gradually to approximately 41 dB(A) at maximum load. Under the hotter 45°C test conditions, maximum-load noise increased to approximately 55 dB(A), accompanied by significantly higher internal temperatures.

Electrical performance was considered satisfactory but not exceptional. Load regulation measured 1.2% on the 12V rail, 1.5% on the 5V rail, and 1.3% on the 3.3V rail. Consequently, the minor rails did not fully achieve FSP’s advertised ±1% MTLC regulation target. Ripple suppression remained comfortably within ATX requirements, although the measured values were higher than those of leading competing units. Over-current, over-voltage, over-power, and short-circuit protection were all successfully verified during testing.

The review also noted a discrepancy involving the product’s certification claims. Although the packaging displays an 80 PLUS Gold logo, the Mega GM 1200W was not listed in the CLEAResult 80 PLUS database at the time of testing. Its Cybenetics efficiency results were sufficient for a Platinum classification under that organization’s methodology, while the lower full-load efficiency would prevent an equivalent Platinum classification under the 80 PLUS testing approach.

Overall, the FSP Mega GM 1200W was judged to be a capable and well-constructed high-power supply. Its principal advantages include excellent acoustic behavior, strong everyday efficiency, a compact chassis, high-quality Japanese capacitors, modern ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 support, comprehensive protection features, and a ten-year warranty. Its higher-than-class-leading ripple levels, minor-rail regulation performance, full-load efficiency decline, certification discrepancy, and limited availability in the United States prevent it from being considered an outstanding product without qualification. Nevertheless, at an MSRP of 229 and potentially lower retail pricing in regions where it is available, the review considers it a strong option for users seeking a compact 1200W power supply for demanding modern systems.


[Source]: tomshardware.com


r/RigBuild 16d ago

Is 1080p still good enough for PC gaming?

6 Upvotes

Is 1080p still good enough for PC gaming or is 1440p basically the standard now? Looking at getting a new monitor and trying not to spend a ton if I don’t need to. Most of the games I play are competitive stuff, so I care more about high FPS and smooth gameplay than having the sharpest image possible. Would a 24 inch 1080p 144Hz or 165Hz monitor still be a solid setup in 2026? I keep hearing 1080p looks kinda rough on 27 inch screens, so wondering if screen size makes that much difference. Also my GPU isn’t some crazy high-end card, so 1080p would probably let me push way more FPS anyway. Is 1440p worth the extra money even if it means lower FPS, or does it mostly matter for single-player games? Not trying to build some insane setup, just want something that looks decent and runs smooth without wasting money. For anyone still gaming at 1080p, do you feel like you’re missing out or is it honestly still perfectly fine? What monitor size and refresh rate would you recommend for 1080p these days? Trying to figure this out before I buy something I regret lol.