PC Gaming

[bsmaff]

EPIC FREE GAME:-

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Would maybe wait till tomorrow as EPIC Store has crashed again.

 

[Placebo]

Working fine this morning, bought it on both my accounts

 

[bsmaff]

I am sure that most people have seen the PS5 tech demo video over the past week.
The PS5 demo was running at 1440 resolution and locked to 30FPS.

It has been confirmed the demo will run exactly the same on a PC providing the owner has a 2060 or above. and the PC must have an NVMe SSD, it will not work using a normal SATA SSD.

 

[Placebo]

Well I have the NVMe SSD, not the Nvidia card though, never will!

 

[*aLe]

EPIC FREE GAME:-
Sid Meier's Civilization VI

How could I miss this one?
If anyone is still interested: apparently the "vault" was closed for me and it looked like the game couldn't be redeemed anymore... But I could still redeem it for free by searching for it in the store.
Strange. 🤔

 

[Placebo]

How could I miss this one?
If anyone is still interested: apparently the "vault" was closed for me and it looked like the game couldn't be redeemed anymore... But I could still redeem it for free by searching for it in the store.
Strange. 🤔

It's free until 5pm tomorrow.

I'd suggest considering how high profile the last couple of games are the thread for the game (assuming there is on) get bumped with the news it's free, that's what I've been doing on other forums even if someone got the hump I bumped a 2 year old Civ thread

Edit:

BTW This leak has been on the money so far:

 

[bsmaff]

Nvidia RTX 3080 Reference Card has been leaked:-
Most people online belief it to be genuine - With a September 2020 release.

https://hexus.net/tech/news/graphics/143263-alleged-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3080-poses-photos/

 

[bsmaff]

Other news:-

In the PC builders market - AMD are outselling Intel 87% - 13% (Sales figures from a German company - But fully expect this to be true across the globe)
This is a massive swing, and seems that despite what Intel claim that everyone will still buy their CPU's due to it's pure gaming performance, the reality is everyone is now buying Ryzen's, due to the massive performance gap in everything else.

I will certainly be jumping ship at the end of the year when the new AMD chips are released.

 

[bsmaff]

Does anyone have an opinion on monitors?

For the past 2 years, I have owned a 4K 60Hz Freesync monitor.

However recently I have been thinking to ditch the 4K monitor and get a 1440p monitor with 240Hz, as although I can tell the difference in 4K gaming there isn't that much when compared to 1440p.

I recently watched a video showing the difference between FPS, and they stated that it makes a massive difference to have higher FPS in games that I play.

So I want to know from the guys who have a 144Hz monitor or above, does it make that much difference to you?
Would you rather have a 144Hz 1440p monitor of 60Hz 4K monitor?

The monitor I am thinking of purchasing is this one:-

But I am unsure whether to get the 27" or 32" as believe 32" would be too big./

 

[majuh]

Other news:-

In the PC builders market - AMD are outselling Intel 87% - 13% (Sales figures from a German company - But fully expect this to be true across the globe)
This is a massive swing, and seems that despite what Intel claim that everyone will still buy their CPU's due to it's pure gaming performance, the reality is everyone is now buying Ryzen's, due to the massive performance gap in everything else.

I will certainly be jumping ship at the end of the year when the new AMD chips are released.

Nah, Mindfactory has always been heavily skewed towards AMD. Apart from that, the 10th Gen Intel CPUs with a new socket have just been released, so there was no point in buying the older Intel CPUs in the past few months.

"Massive performance gap in everything else" - what are these people doing all the time? Zipping and unzipping 500GB archives? Only a tiny percentage of PC users actually need the multithreading performance.

 

[bsmaff]

Does anyone have an opinion on monitors?

For the past 2 years, I have owned a 4K 60Hz Freesync monitor.

However recently I have been thinking to ditch the 4K monitor and get a 1440p monitor with 240Hz, as although I can tell the difference in 4K gaming there isn't that much when compared to 1440p.

I recently watched a video showing the difference between FPS, and they stated that it makes a massive difference to have higher FPS in games that I play.

So I want to know from the guys who have a 144Hz monitor or above, does it make that much difference to you?
Would you rather have a 144Hz 1440p monitor of 60Hz 4K monitor?

The monitor I am thinking of purchasing is this one:-

But I am unsure whether to get the 27" or 32" as believe 32" would be too big./

@Chuny

 

[Chuny]

Does anyone have an opinion on monitors?

For the past 2 years, I have owned a 4K 60Hz Freesync monitor.

However recently I have been thinking to ditch the 4K monitor and get a 1440p monitor with 240Hz, as although I can tell the difference in 4K gaming there isn't that much when compared to 1440p.

I recently watched a video showing the difference between FPS, and they stated that it makes a massive difference to have higher FPS in games that I play.

So I want to know from the guys who have a 144Hz monitor or above, does it make that much difference to you?
Would you rather have a 144Hz 1440p monitor of 60Hz 4K monitor?

The monitor I am thinking of purchasing is this one:-

But I am unsure whether to get the 27" or 32" as believe 32" would be too big./

I can't see the link mate. It comes up white in here.

In my expierence, with the monitor I've had for the past 3 or 4 years, I wouldn't go back to 60hz.
I don't play FPS shooters, but I did play games like Detroit Become Human and Batman Arkham Knight and the difference with a 60hz monitor is absolutely there, undoubtedly.

Now, believe it or not, even with my GPU, I haven't been able to get a fine performance when upscaling to 4K resolutions. It's sort of crazy. I've fiddled around with any possible settings, but games (like FIFA and PES) don't play as smoothly as on my monitor's native resolution.

Just yesterday I've come across a few other monitors that would be worth checking out.

-

-

Those are FreeSync.

-
This one is GSync

Obviously, if you have an NVidia GPU like me, you'll want to go with a GSync one. So I'd highly recommend the same monitor I have.
I know another member of Evo-Web who bought the same one after consulting with me about my experience with the Dell DG27, and he was very happy when he got it too!

Oh and also, I think 32'' is a bit too big to use as computer monitor. If you use your PC for more than just gaming, that is.
But if you use it mainly to play games, then it might be too small! lel

And if you got the extra money and you can afford it, these seem to be the absolute best options in 2020: 4K + HDR + 144hz

-
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Predator-Monitor-Quantum-Adjustable/dp/B07VPBDGJ2

And... FINALLY, if I were you, I'd definitely check this out: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-usage/gaming

 

[Cesc Fabregas]

Does anyone have an opinion on monitors?

For the past 2 years, I have owned a 4K 60Hz Freesync monitor.

However recently I have been thinking to ditch the 4K monitor and get a 1440p monitor with 240Hz, as although I can tell the difference in 4K gaming there isn't that much when compared to 1440p.

I recently watched a video showing the difference between FPS, and they stated that it makes a massive difference to have higher FPS in games that I play.

So I want to know from the guys who have a 144Hz monitor or above, does it make that much difference to you?
Would you rather have a 144Hz 1440p monitor of 60Hz 4K monitor?

The monitor I am thinking of purchasing is this one:-

But I am unsure whether to get the 27" or 32" as believe 32" would be too big./

144 Hz is a Gamebreaker for me, I would never ever go back to 60hz. It's such a big difference, everything is so much smoother with 144hz & Gsync. I'm having the same Dell Monitor as @Chuny (I suggested it to him in the past). I would prefer this 1440p144hz Monitor over 4k60 every day.

 

[Chuny]

144 Hz is a Gamebreaker for me, I would never ever go back to 60hz. It's such a big difference, everything is so much smoother with 144hz & Gsync. I'm having the same Dell Monitor as @Chuny (I suggested it to him the past). I would prefer this 1440p144hz Monitor over 4k60 every day.

Thank you for that by the way!

 

[bsmaff]

Comment

Thanks Chuny, I know you had a 144HZ monitor, so thought you would be a good person to ask.

I mainly play games and currently have a 28" screen, so still debating the 32" model as when your thinking of spending £450 what is an extra £50.

The monitor I am thinking is the new Samsung Gaming monitors:-
https://hexus.net/tech/news/monitors/143080-samsung-odyssey-g7-gaming-monitors-release-month/

240Hz 27 or 32", Gsync...
I was just starting to think although I like having a 4K monitor 60FPS locked isn't really that great.

 

[Chuny]

Thanks Chuny, I know you had a 144HZ monitor, so thought you would be a good person to ask.

I mainly play games and currently have a 28" screen, so still debating the 32" model as when your thinking of spending £450 what is an extra £50.

The monitor I am thinking is the new Samsung Gaming monitors:-
https://hexus.net/tech/news/monitors/143080-samsung-odyssey-g7-gaming-monitors-release-month/

240Hz 27 or 32", Gsync...
I was just starting to think although I like having a 4K monitor 60FPS locked isn't really that great.

That one looks fantastic mate!
I was just watching some videos of it on Youtube and reading all about it on different websites and... I'd say go for it!

I wonder why my monitor, which came out in 2017 if I remember correctly, is still more expensive than that beast you posted though.

 

[Tom]

Thanks Chuny, I know you had a 144HZ monitor, so thought you would be a good person to ask.

I mainly play games and currently have a 28" screen, so still debating the 32" model as when your thinking of spending £450 what is an extra £50.

The monitor I am thinking is the new Samsung Gaming monitors:-
https://hexus.net/tech/news/monitors/143080-samsung-odyssey-g7-gaming-monitors-release-month/

240Hz 27 or 32", Gsync...
I was just starting to think although I like having a 4K monitor 60FPS locked isn't really that great.

I've got one of its predecessors, the CRG9 (32:9, 5120x1440, 120Mhz). 1440p is the absolute sweet spot for PC gaming when it comes to image quality versus performance. Go for it, high refresh rates are a revelation you wouldn't want to miss out on.

 

[bsmaff]

I have pre-ordered the 32" version..

That way can tell if it is too big or not, as the monitor is curved and online people have stated that with the monitor being curved would look smaller.

 

[Chuny]

I have pre-ordered the 32" version..

That way can tell if it is too big or not, as the monitor is curved and online people have stated that with the monitor being curved would look smaller.

You pre-ordered the G7?

 

[bsmaff]

You pre-ordered the G7?

Yes, pre-ordered should arrive beginning of July.
Thought it be best to get the monitor now, might be a mistake as it is brand new and no reviews available.
But given the specs of the monitor it sounds very impressive and even more so for the money.

 

[Chuny]

Yes, pre-ordered should arrive beginning of July.
Thought it be best to get the monitor now, might be a mistake as it is brand new and no reviews available.
But given the specs of the monitor it sounds very impressive and even more so for the money.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I'd like to check out some reviews before thinking about getting it.

I was thinking of either getting the new RTX 2080 + new monitor
OR... a PS5.

 

[bsmaff]

RTX 3080 is due around September time, around the same time as Cyber Punk.

I will be getting a PS5 this year, although it does seem pointless.
The games will just be PS4 games with better graphics, with what some developers are saying and other rumours the PS5 is roughly the same power as a PC with an RTX 2060 with NVMe SSD.
And quite a bit short of the Xbox.

But the PS5 has the games, multi format games I will always use my PC.
Better graphics, higher frames, faster loading.
But I also feel I have to buy a PS5, as you cant get the naughty dog games on PC and some other exclusives which make the PS a worthy buy.

In your situation, I would probably upgrade the GFX card Nvidia are stating a massive performance increase and they said the 3060 will outperform the 2080 in RTX performance.
You got a decent enough monitor so probably not worth the upgrade.

The only reason I am doing my monitor is because I cant believe how much money I am saving at the moment being stuck at home.

 

[Chuny]

RTX 3080 is due around September time, around the same time as Cyber Punk.

I will be getting a PS5 this year, although it does seem pointless.
The games will just be PS4 games with better graphics, with what some developers are saying and other rumours the PS5 is roughly the same power as a PC with an RTX 2060 with NVMe SSD.
And quite a bit short of the Xbox.

But the PS5 has the games, multi format games I will always use my PC.
Better graphics, higher frames, faster loading.
But I also feel I have to buy a PS5, as you cant get the naughty dog games on PC and some other exclusives which make the PS a worthy buy.

In your situation, I would probably upgrade the GFX card Nvidia are stating a massive performance increase and they said the 3060 will outperform the 2080 in RTX performance.
You got a decent enough monitor so probably not worth the upgrade.

The only reason I am doing my monitor is because I cant believe how much money I am saving at the moment being stuck at home.

The reason I'm thinking about upgrading my monitor is because I'd like a 4K HDR one.
Although I don't think those features can be appreciated as much on a 27'' screen.

 

[Tom]

The reason I'm thinking about upgrading my monitor is because I'd like a 4K HDR one.
Although I don't think those features can be appreciated as much on a 27'' screen.

HDR on Windows is still a huge clusterfuck with abysmal support. Don't let it be a priority when deciding on a new display anytime soon.

 

[Chuny]

Well... I guess that solves it then.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I'd like to check out some reviews before thinking about getting it.

I was thinking of either getting the new RTX 2080 + new monitor
OR... a PS5.

RTX + New Monitor it is!

 

[bsmaff]

Found a pretty good article in regards to 4K vs 144Hz:- (Although the article is a couple of years old)

Productivity
Given I write a lot of reviews here at KitGuru, as part of that I spend a lot of time in Photoshop editing the photos I take myself. Because of that, having an IPS monitor has always been a ‘must’ for me, as I simply need the enhanced colour accuracy and viewing angles. In that regard, both monitors I’ve been using have been excellent, but it is definitely here that I miss the 4K monitor most. Not because of the colours – but because of the detail.

After all, 4K is 3840×2160 (a total of over 8 million pixels), while 1440p is 2560×1440 (3.6 million pixels). With my DSLR taking photos at 6000×4000 (24MP), dropping down to the 1440p monitor has meant I do lose out on quite a lot of detail from my photos. Part of that is negated by the fact that our review photos are not uploaded at native resolution (we downsize them to a more workable 2048px width) but even so, general photo viewing is noticeably better on a 4K monitor.

The same can be said for 4K video. When I watch some of my favourite YouTubers, for instance, a lot of them now upload videos in 4K – detail I can’t fully take advantage of with my 1440p monitor.

Therefore, I present my first mini-conclusion: for those purely interested in content-creation, photography or photo editing, I would definitely recommend the increased pixel count of a 4K monitor. The extra sharpness is just vital for those tasks, and it is definitely something that I miss.

Gaming
However, productivity is only half the story, and when it comes to gaming there is a different outcome. My AGON AG271QG sports an overclockable refresh-rate of up to 165Hz which crushes the standard 60Hz of the older 4K ASUS panel.

When gaming, the difference really is night and day. Everything is just so much smoother at the higher refresh-rate, and G-Sync also keeps things nice and tear-free. I did notice tearing previously in the few instances where I managed over 60FPS at 4K, as I would never use V-sync due to the stuttering that occurs when the frame-rate drops below 60.

There are two points to mention about gaming, though, and the first does come back to loss of detail. I do notice the lessened detail at 1440p, compared against the 4K monitor, though I notice it far less while gaming than when photo editing. The picture is still nice and sharp, though, and I definitely prefer having slightly less detail but a much higher refresh-rate as the overall experience is simply more satisfying.

For those who are keen FPS gamers, the higher refresh-rate is far more important than the higher resolution, too, as it makes fast-paced aiming and firing much more manageable. The loss of detail won’t hurt your gaming performance, whereas 165Hz vs 60Hz does bring tangible performance improvements.

Matthew Wilson, our Senior News Editor, concurs. He tells me that he previously gamed at 4K/60, but eventually dropped the cash on a 1440p/144Hz ASUS ROG Swift. In his words, ‘it was a step forward for me. The picture isn’t quite as finely detailed but the difference in how smooth everything is, is a game-changer’.

Now, the second thing to mention when gaming is what system you have. Personally, I am lucky enough to have an i7-5820K, 16GB DDR4 and a GTX 1080 Ti so I have been able to hit both 4K/60 and 1440p/144+ frame-rates. However, for those with older rigs, there is a good chance that both 4K/60 and 1440p/144+ will be out-of-reach, so bear that in-mind. Even then, though, the G-Sync feature of my new AGON helps keep things smooth even when the frame-rate does dip, so that is something to consider.

Conclusion
So, in a nutshell, the battle between the monitors looks like a draw – 4K is best for productivity, but high refresh-rate 1440p gaming is definitely superior to 4K/60FPS. It does come down to personal preference when deciding which to go for – but personally, I don’t regret making the switch one bit. My AG271QG still has great colour accuracy for my work, while gaming at 1440p/144hz (144fps with G-Sync, too) is simply a fantastic experience. I do miss the extra detail that a 4K monitor provides, particularly when watching videos, but for me the improved gaming experience outweighs that by far.

That being said, the days of 4K being limited to just 60Hz are now over. Launching later this year, we will see two new monitors from ASUS and Acer which will be 4K/144Hz, and that would be a truly phenomenal gaming experience – I can only imagine how immersive it would be to game with the detail of 4K coupled with the smoothness of a high refresh-rate monitor.

However, that brings us back to hardware limitations – not only will users have to shell out around $2000 for those monitors, but you would need a monster of a gaming rig to push 4K games at 144 frames per second. For the latest AAA titles, users would probably want to be looking at 2X GTX 1080s – at least – and ideally 2x GTX 1080 Tis. Two of those graphics cards alone will set you back another £1400+, so if you want to have 4K/144Hz, you will need very deep pockets indeed.

But, to conclude this article, I have opted for a high refresh-rate 1440p display over the extra detail that 4K provides. The good news is that 4K/144Hz monitors, for the ultimate gaming and productivity experience, are very nearly here. It will take time for the prices to come down to reasonable levels, but eventually we will get there. Until then, I’ll be very happy with my shiny new AGON AG271QG.

 

[wolly1979]

BEST software for update drivers?

 

[Thespeedster84]

I wonder how many people use TV as their monitor, i heard that latest sony x900h does very well for gaming.. not sure if they support 1440p though.. samsung qled does.

This tv can go bright above 600 nits.. you can burn your eyes in HDR..

HDR on Windows is still a huge clusterfuck with abysmal support. Don't let it be a priority when deciding on a new display anytime soon.

I wonder how many people use tv as their display i read that lg's oled, sony x900h, or samsung qled does very good job for gaming @120hz and talk about >600 nits for HDR to burn some eyes..

 

[superleeds1]

BEST software for update drivers?

Would not trust any software to decide on drivers for My PC, Graphic drivers especially are always direct from My card manufacturers site.

Other than that, random driver updates through the Windows10 Device Manager seem pretty reliable and function well.

 

[bsmaff]

I wonder how many people use TV as their monitor, i heard that latest sony x900h does very well for gaming.. not sure if they support 1440p though.. samsung qled does.

This tv can go bright above 600 nits.. you can burn your eyes in HDR..


I wonder how many people use tv as their display i read that lg's oled, sony x900h, or samsung qled does very good job for gaming @120hz and talk about >600 nits for HDR to burn some eyes..

It is not just about Hz, TVs do not have the right response times and ghosting can appear when your using a PC on a TV.
Yes TV's are getting better for gaming, but they are still not on par with monitor.