rcald2000

^ Agreed

Any update?

Check CPU temps anyway. It'll only take you 30 seconds to download and run the application. I've seen failures in AIO coolers that aren't apparent. Please check the temps while gaming. I'd be more than happy to be wrong, but could you please check?

Max_Settings Sounds to me like your CPU is experiencing "thermal throttling"; CPU temps are exceeding operational thresholds, resulting in it downclocking itself to prevent damage. Download and run HWMonitor. Open the application, then game for 5 to 10 minutes with the application running. What CPU core temps do you see it rise up to? http://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/hwmonitor_1.31.exe

Download HWMonitor to check CPU temps while gaming: http://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/hwmonitor_1.31.exe Game for 5 minutes then check the CPU temperature and report it back here. I think your CPU might be thermal throttling. Which country do you live? What are the ambient temperatures in the room where you computer is right now?

Your i7-3770K is approximately equivalent to an i5-7500 http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-3770K-vs-Intel-Core-i5-7500/1317vs3648 Based on this latest information that you've just posted, I've changed my opinion. Personally, I would keep most things in your build except the graphics card * buy GTX 1080 Ti * sell R9 390X * buy Samsung 850 Evo 500 GB (2.5" form factor). Proceeds from the R9 390X would pay for this SSD. The BENQ XL eSports Ultimate is a 144 Hz display that is either 1080p or 1440p. If 1080p then I would upgrade display to the model below: Acer Predator XB271HU $799.99 https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824106004 This display is 1440p / IPS / g-sync / 165 Hz. I personally own one. I wouldn't consider Ryzen for more frames. I would only consider it for the quality of those frames, as it's reported that Ryzen has much better "frame pacing" in games than Intel processors do. If you're planning on continuing to game on 1080p resolution, then I wouldn't upgrade a thing, except for the SSD.

memory: That motherboard supports dual channel, but not quad. Therefore I'd suggest opting for (16 GB x 2) instead of (8 GB x 4). That would give you the option to upgrade RAM in the future. power supply: TP-1500M has four +12V rails. I'd prefer a PSU that had all power available on a single rail. Another source says that it has two +12V rails. Since it's a $300 PSU, I'd probably instead opt for a 850 or 1,000 watt unit with platinum or titanium efficiency. For example, until just recently I had two 980 Ti's reference cards in SLI powered by a EVGA P2 850 and my kill-a-watt meter would measure 515 watts consumed at the duplex (wall socket). Another thing that bothers me is that the 24 pin cable appears to be non-modular from the picture on their website. The specs page shows the word "peak" wattage twice, which is a red flag in my mind. I cannot find mention of the warranty length. HDD: I'd opt for HGST, instead of Seagate. Hitachi (HGST) has the highest HDD reliability on the market. SSD: It would be a great addition. Either a Samsung 850 EVO or 960 EVO. Whichever one, you might as well opt for the M.2 form factor. Question: What are your full specs before the upgrade?

Yes, I would make that upgrade. Would you mind listing your full specs, including your power supply's manufacturer and model number?

mariushm I believe that you misunderstood my point. If his friend attempts to connect his specific GTX 1080 with only one 8 pin PCIe connector he will receive the error " please power down and connect the PCIe power cable(s) for this graphics card". The second PCIe connector for that card is not optional. FYI: Respectfully, the Tom's Hardware review that you cited is for a reference (aka founders) card. It's not relevant to your argument.

xGUMMYx In a funny way, your question represents two separate dilemmas: GPU and Classification (for lack of a better term). GPU: I believe it would have been completely appropriate of Asus to send you a 980 Ti, or even a GTX 1070. I'm somewhat shocked that they upgraded you to a GTX 1080. The GPU upgrade alone was in my opinion a classy thing for them to do. Classification: Does Asus still sell Matrix cards for the Nvidia Pascal line of GPU's? I didn't see any listed on their site. I admit that I'm not well versed on the difference between the Matrix and the Strix lines. I honestly wonder if the reason they upgraded you to the GTX 1080 is because the Matrix was no longer available and they offered you an upgrade as a compensation. Conclusion: If you want to battle Asus, and think you can convince them to upgrade you for free to a GTX 1080 Ti, then proceed. Personally I don't think they owe you anything additional in this transaction. No offense, it's just my feeling on the matter. Were it me in this situation, I would "ask" them if they would consider letting me pay the difference in order to upgrade to a 1080 Ti. If they responded "no" then I would either keep the 1080 or sell it and use the funds to buy the card that I wanted. That's what I would do.

OnionRings Please correct me if I'm wrong, but your friend has zero options in this situation. Your friend has a PSU with two 6 pin connectors. The graphics card requires two 8 pin connectors. 1 of 2 of the 8 pin PCIe adapter will require the only two 6 pin PCIe connectors available. The GTX 1080 will not power up with only one of it's two connectors plugged in. Do not even consider daisy-chaining molex adapters -> to -> 6-to-8 pin adapters -> to the GTX 1080. Also, while I'm a fan of the Seasonic S12II 520, it's inappropriate for a dual 8 pin GTX 1080. The power supply below would be a great choice. EVGA G2 650 104.99 ($89.99 After Rebate) http://www.microcenter.com/product/457337/SuperNOVA_G2_650_Watt_80_Gold_Modular_ATX_12V_Power_Supply

Jeremiah Flores While gaming in GTA V, open your task manager and look at your CPU utilization. Is it at 80%+? If so, then check you CPU temps while in game with the utility HWMonitor: http://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/hwmonitor_1.31.exe Report back the CPU temps while gaming. I wonder if your CPU is thermal throttling. Also, please list your full specs including your power supply's manufacturer and model number. Thank you. FYI: In the future, you should add a verb to your message thread posts, so that people are more likely to respond. I'm not trolling, simply trying to be helpful. I look forward to your response to my questions above.