The.Solitaire

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I truly appreciate the information. Let me make sure that I am clear on everything. (Goodbytes, thank you for the long post, I promise I did read it all. Your correct in that I never touched Windows 8.) To question 1) (Are there adds on the screen?) Yes, there will be adds in the live-tiles (certain ones) but you can turn them off by uninstalling. To question 2) (Downgrade possible?) Yes, if I dislike Windows 10 I can delete it and install Windows 7, my original product key still working (Single copy, single machine, no Windows 10).

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone knows the answers to the following two questions. 1) Advertisement on the 'start' menu? Every image I have seen of the new Windows 10 start menu seems to have advertisements for Trip Adviser, Netflix, Mint or the like. Given Microsoft's track record with the Xbox 360 (probably the XbOne as well, but I don't own that) with add's for Doritos and the like, I have some concerns about add's being present on the start menu. Has anyone got any information about this? 2) Downgrading back to Windows 7/8? My understanding is that Windows 10 will be a free upgrade, if you upgrade from Win 7/8 within the first year. That's all well and good (uncharacteristically so for Microsoft), but has there been any word of a method for returning to Windows 7/8 should someone not like 10? My concern is that my product key for Windows 7 will become linked to Windows 10 and as such, will become a Windows 10 product key. Does anyone know if this is indeed the case? Thanks for your time, -Solly

Hi, Firstly thanks for taking the time to look over this. I've been having some issues lately with applications randomly crashing out, things run fine then (BOOM) desktop. I've even had Blue-Screen-o-Death once or twice. I downloaded occt and ran a couple of the recommended 30 min test. Overclocked with 90% Ram ----- I got an error on Core 0 or on Core 1. No Overclock with 90% Ram -------- same sort of error Weird thing is that when I reduce Ram to 10% or so I pass test with no issues (overclocked and not) Heat on CPU never gets above 60~ (O/C) (85 is the theoretical max safe) Anyone have a suggestion on my next step? I'm getting a little confused as Ram seems to be what causes the error, but the error is in the cpu.... Rough stats of system: Cpu = I7 990x Ram = 24gb Kingston 1600 Liquid cooled (h110) SSD Crucial 256gb (new) 590gtx GPU Corsair 950-Watt PCU Any other info I could post to help you, help me? Thanks again

I have 6 ram sticks, 4gb each, all the Kingston 1600. If the 8XX series is out in a couple of months I may as well wait. I think I shall proceed with the SSD (Though I am tempted to get two now, O/S and a Game drive) Thank you to everyone for all the input, It's really helped me confirms some things, and work my way through others.

No, never got into the Pretty colors, glowing fluids etc. Don't get me wrong, they look awesome. I've just never focused on them.

That's a pretty slick case. Very usable. Thank!

In regards to games, I play FPS/RTS/Space Sims and MMo's Examples being Doom 3. Payday 2, Star Citizen, Star Wars TOR. In regards to a complete swap out, I am either way. That's was one of my questions "Is it worth a complete upgrade" I'm getting the feeling that the 990X is still good. So I would say that I'm good with the chip and motherboard. (Given Intel's love of changing sockets, I doubt I could find a new one for my Chip anyway) So far I'm thinking that I'll do the following SSD: the Crucial MX100 looks good. Video Card: I'm going to have to read up on the AMD r9 290. It sounds interesting, but the "Half price of Nvidia" thing sends up warning flags for me. Case: The one I have is old, and I know it doesn't have jack related to SSD fixtures. On another note: In regards to overclocking the chip I have an after market heat-sink that looks exactly like the "Noctua NH-D15" someone mentioned (two fan's two blocks etc) Though I doubt it's the same thing given the age. That being said under load my CPU temps are sitting between 21C (69f) Min and 38C (99F) Max. Taking the highest and lowest values from CPUID HWMonitor. I can overclock more you think?

Less is always better That being said, as long as I'm under $2000 It should be fine. ( I don't mind spending a bit more as it's been a few years) As for the SSD any recommendation on brand and size/cost ratio? I've been reading that 200-240gb is about the sweet spot. Thanks again for the reply's (Posted before Kemoka's) reply I had an Ati (Amd now Really? wow) before I switched to Nvidia, around the time of Call of Duty 2 Modern Warfare (in fact the card came with it) To be frank, that card was crap.. I had constant issues. When Rage/Skyrim came around I switched to Nvidia, and everything (barring some Ubisoft titles) has been gold. If AMD has fixed some of the issues I might consider them. Though I'd ask why the "R9 290" is so cheap in comparison. (not being sarcastic, I really don't know) The SSD = Crucial's SSD MX100 (about $120 Yay Canada) This a good one?

Firstly, Hello. This is my first post. I'm looking to upgrade my machine, but haven't been "in the know" with new computer tech for the last couple of years. I've watched some videos, and done some research but advice (especially from people smarter than I) is always good. Currently this is what I'm running: Core = Intel Extreme 990x @3.47GHz (overclocked by about 7%) Motherboard = Asustek P6X58-E Pro (X58 Chipset) Ram = Kingston 1600 KHX1600C9D3/4GX (24Gb on 4Gb Sticks) Graphics = Nvidia GeForce GTX 590 (Manuf by ASUSTek) Power Supply = Corsair 950 Watt Case = Astec Given that this is a gaming rig, I'm trying to figure out if, 1) Is this a good time to upgrade? 2) What's the smartest upgrades in terms of dollars. Some notes of my preferences: I prefer Nvidia over Ati (at least until they give each other a very special hug and make a video-card with it all) I also tend to stick with Intel. Not much into water-cooling I will be grabbing a SSD for the O/S. For the video card I was thinking Titan Black, but I keep seeing people recommend the 780 and the 780 ti. Are these the same thing? I might consider Windows 8.1 (If I can find a way to bury that awful "Metro") Thanks in advance for any advice, also I'm trying to keep any upgrading under $2000 Thanks!