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OT: Video Games VI

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Eirikrautha said:
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll wait a little while and then replace the internal drive (there are a lot of guides online that make it seem doable). I want to make sure I don't have any issues that would need an RMA before I potentially void any warrantees...
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GamersNexus has done some useful teardowns in recent months.

 
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It's on GoG. An atmospheric adventure game from 1997, with a real-time dynamic clock. Events happen on a schedule in particular locations, and you get different results on subsequent playthroughs. Massive achievement and still holds up pretty well.

www.gog.com

Blade Runner

In 1997 Westwood Studios released a title that won universal praise from gamers and criti
www.gog.com www.gog.com
 
Eirikrautha said:
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll wait a little while and then replace the internal drive (there are a lot of guides online that make it seem doable). I want to make sure I don't have any issues that would need an RMA before I potentially void any warrantees...
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If you're a tinkerer and you think it's a project you'll just enjoy doing, great. If it's about storage and performance, get a fast SD card and see if it disappoints before doing anything drastic. Faster booting and load times are definitely nice, but the advantages of faster storage in games once they're actually loaded is typically negligible.

I got to spend a few hours with one a couple weeks ago, the base model like yours, and my takeaway was that storage is likely to be one of the last things to realistically frustrate a levelheaded Deck owner. I played FC5 off the SD card and it played great.

Given the rate at which it drained the battery, I figured it would have played that game for around 2 hours on a full charge. The fan noise was louder than I would have liked, but not terrible. The sound was as good as you'd expect given the config, and the small screen made it a little weird (seeing things in the distance and periphery, definitely got surprised by wildlife more often), but it's just because it's small. The screen looks really good. The unit heats up a fair bit, but they were smart of about where and how it heats up so you don't feel it too much in your hands.

I was really impressed. The loading time didn't bug me at all. My overall takeaway is that if you're typically a PC or console gamer that doesn't use portables or game on your phone, the Deck is a series of compromises. Everything about it has a limitation associated with it that you have to adjust to, but they went to great lengths to anticipate and minimize those issues. If you're used to portables and/or phone gaming, the Deck is a dream device.

But any way you slice it, I didn't see much reason that storage would be an issue. Yes, given the space taken up by AAA titles these days, capacity is something you'll have to manage. But FC5 played perfectly off expandable storage. The load time was kinda long, but not egregious, and once it was loaded it played great.

It's not a device I would personally buy, but if I owned one I'd embrace its limitations and just let it be what it is; adjust to it rather than pouring time and money into trying to get it to adjust to me. I'm not seeing anything about the specs of the top model that would likely change my impressions of how the device performs, in other words.
 
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Jags said:
If you're a tinkerer and you think it's a project you'll just enjoy doing, great. If it's about storage and performance, get a fast SD card and see if it disappoints before doing anything drastic. Faster booting and load times are definitely nice, but the advantages of faster storage in games once they're actually loaded is typically negligible.

I got to spend a few hours with one a couple weeks ago, the base model like yours, and my takeaway was that storage is likely to be one of the last things to realistically frustrate a levelheaded Deck owner. I played FC5 off the SD card and it played great.

Given the rate at which it drained the battery, I figured it would have played that game for around 2 hours on a full charge. The fan noise was louder than I would have liked, but not terrible. The sound was as good as you'd expect given the config, and the small screen made it a little weird (seeing things in the distance and periphery, definitely got surprised by wildlife more often), but it's just because it's small. The screen looks really good. The unit heats up a fair bit, but they were smart of about where and how it heats up so you don't feel it too much in your hands.

I was really impressed. The loading time didn't bug me at all. My overall takeaway is that if you're typically a PC or console gamer that doesn't use portables or game on your phone, the Deck is a series of compromises. Everything about it has a limitation associated with it that you have to adjust to, but they went to great lengths to anticipate and minimize those issues. If you're used to portables and/or phone gaming, the Deck is a dream device.

But any way you slice it, I didn't see much reason that storage would be an issue. Yes, given the space taken up by AAA titles these days, capacity is something you'll have to manage. But FC5 played perfectly off expandable storage. The load time was kinda long, but not egregious, and once it was loaded it played great.

It's not a device I would personally buy, but if I owned one I'd embrace its limitations and just let it be what it is; adjust to it rather than pouring time and money into trying to get it to adjust to me. I'm not seeing anything about the specs of the top model that would likely change my impressions of how the device performs, in other words.
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Yeah. I've got a 512 GB fast SD card and so far the loading isn't bad. The small screen size is an issue (for these old eyes), but the image is crisp and clear. Overall, I'm very satisfied with what I got. I held off on playing Horizon: Zero Dawn until I got this, and I'm enjoying it.

Good thing, too. I dropped a chunk of change on a PC from CyberPowerPC a month back. So far, nothing but black screen crashes. They think it's the GPU, so I'm supposed to send the GPU in for an RMA, but the support guy has ghosted me (I paid for the 1-year free return shipping, it was a couple of bucks, but now that they need to pay for the return... nothing for days). I'm about ready to wipe and return the whole thing. Anybody got a suggestion for a good builder? I normally build my own, but I'd rather not play that game for this one.
 
Eirikrautha said:
Yeah. I've got a 512 GB fast SD card and so far the loading isn't bad. The small screen size is an issue (for these old eyes), but the image is crisp and clear. Overall, I'm very satisfied with what I got. I held off on playing Horizon: Zero Dawn until I got this, and I'm enjoying it.

Good thing, too. I dropped a chunk of change on a PC from CyberPowerPC a month back. So far, nothing but black screen crashes. They think it's the GPU, so I'm supposed to send the GPU in for an RMA, but the support guy has ghosted me (I paid for the 1-year free return shipping, it was a couple of bucks, but now that they need to pay for the return... nothing for days). I'm about ready to wipe and return the whole thing. Anybody got a suggestion for a good builder? I normally build my own, but I'd rather not play that game for this one.
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Wow really and here I was considering buying one…..
 
Eirikrautha said:
Good thing, too. I dropped a chunk of change on a PC from CyberPowerPC a month back. So far, nothing but black screen crashes. They think it's the GPU, so I'm supposed to send the GPU in for an RMA, but the support guy has ghosted me (I paid for the 1-year free return shipping, it was a couple of bucks, but now that they need to pay for the return... nothing for days). I'm about ready to wipe and return the whole thing. Anybody got a suggestion for a good builder? I normally build my own, but I'd rather not play that game for this one.
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Not really. They're all the same. The build quality is usually good in that it's assembled properly with the components you requested, but if you need any kind of support it's a pain. They lower their margins to compete with the big brands, and support is where they skimp. They can take the hit of some negative reviews because most systems don't have those issues. And because they do the majority of their business prefab on Amazon and NewEgg now, most of their returns are processed by others, replacements arrive quickly, and most reviews end up being positive. It's all the law of averages for them now, unfortunately. And the same is generally true for the other semi-reputable PC building companies.

So you can send it back and wait for a refund if you think the replacement component won't get to you faster. If you do that, just choose a prefab config on Amazon to reduce headaches. And if you wait for the GPU and that was the problem, the system will likely then survive the warranty window and you'll most likely be good to go. The up side with those companies is that they do use the quality, name brand components you select, so you can typically trust that they'll be just as reliable as they would be purchased from anywhere else. You just got unlucky.

I bought two systems direct from CyberPower in the mid-aughts. One was fine but the other had a power supply go up. Same exact issue you're dealing with now -- terrible communication that took days to get anything going and then zero faith that anything was actually going to happen because of how shitty they were to deal with. Because it was an $80 part and I knew the exact model, I just ordered another one, swapped it out, waited for CyberPower's replacement and returned that one. They shipped the replacement via slug, so it took them like 2 weeks. I felt bad pulling a fast one on NewEgg, but I suppose there was ultimately no real harm and I needed that issue solved.

Not sure you want to do that with GPUs still pricey and the diagnosis being iffy, but it's an option. Otherwise, the big brands are a bit easier to deal with (outsourced support that can be troublesome, but 24/7 access and solid return/shipping policies, sometimes warranty deals via Best Buy, etc.). The days of egregious bloatware are mostly over and easily remedied regardless, and their prices can be decent. Dell still has their Outlet for returned and refurbished systems with discounts and full warranties that often add up to being really good deals..
 
Jags said:
Not really. They're all the same. The build quality is usually good in that it's assembled properly with the components you requested, but if you need any kind of support it's a pain. They lower their margins to compete with the big brands, and support is where they skimp. They can take the hit of some negative reviews because most systems don't have those issues. And because they do the majority of their business prefab on Amazon and NewEgg now, most of their returns are processed by others, replacements arrive quickly, and most reviews end up being positive. It's all the law of averages for them now, unfortunately. And the same is generally true for the other semi-reputable PC building companies.

So you can send it back and wait for a refund if you think the replacement component won't get to you faster. If you do that, just choose a prefab config on Amazon to reduce headaches. And if you wait for the GPU and that was the problem, the system will likely then survive the warranty window and you'll most likely be good to go. The up side with those companies is that they do use the quality, name brand components you select, so you can typically trust that they'll be just as reliable as they would be purchased from anywhere else. You just got unlucky.

I bought two systems direct from CyberPower in the mid-aughts. One was fine but the other had a power supply go up. Same exact issue you're dealing with now -- terrible communication that took days to get anything going and then zero faith that anything was actually going to happen because of how shitty they were to deal with. Because it was an $80 part and I knew the exact model, I just ordered another one, swapped it out, waited for CyberPower's replacement and returned that one. They shipped the replacement via slug, so it took them like 2 weeks. I felt bad pulling a fast one on NewEgg, but I suppose there was ultimately no real harm and I needed that issue solved.

Not sure you want to do that with GPUs still pricey and the diagnosis being iffy, but it's an option. Otherwise, the big brands are a bit easier to deal with (outsourced support that can be troublesome, but 24/7 access and solid return/shipping policies, sometimes warranty deals via Best Buy, etc.). The days of egregious bloatware are mostly over and easily remedied regardless, and their prices can be decent. Dell still has their Outlet for returned and refurbished systems with discounts and full warranties that often add up to being really good deals..
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Thanks! That's some helpful info. Tech support finally got back in touch, so I'm going to try with the replacement GPU, but if that doesn't fix it, I may look elsewhere. I've never seen that Dell outlet, so that's good to know...
 
1ED25C96-64E8-455E-AD7D-8A54235D2536.jpeg


It is here and I'm going to wait until after work hours. Probably.
 
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Eirikrautha said:
Thanks! That's some helpful info. Tech support finally got back in touch, so I'm going to try with the replacement GPU, but if that doesn't fix it, I may look elsewhere. I've never seen that Dell outlet, so that's good to know...
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Hey I feel bad that you encountered an issue I have pimped CP for a long time really just had one issue with a problematic motherboard that slipped through because I was cheap and didn't get the system with a windows OS installed where it would have been figured out. There tech support back then was great but I realized I have not had any recent dealings. I'm talking this was back in 2002 or so, heh.

I just think you were a bit unlucky there but hope it works out.

I still need to see if I can get my 1070 intel desktop machine working again I am pretty sure the water cooling failed since the cpu overheats during bootup that it just will stop.
 
First impressions of the Alienware AW3423DW QLED after gaming for a while.

It's my first ultrawide PC monitor, my first OLED/QLED of any kind, my first 4K panel for PC, but I am seriously impressed. Colors, blacks, all a big time upgrade. I don't find the text to be too bad, but it's probably not the very best for work. Certainly it's optimized more as a multimedia and gaming monitor. I love it.

I'm upgrading from an excellent ASUS ROG Swift 27" 1440P IPS, 165Hz, G-SYNC panel. Two of them, actually, side by side and running two systems. One stays and the new panel takes the place of one of them.

I'm going to need a bigger PC gaming desk. The real estate this takes up is no joke.
 
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Drake1588 said:
First impressions of the Alienware AW3423DW QLED after gaming for a while.

It's my first ultrawide PC monitor, my first OLED/QLED of any kind, my first 4K panel for PC, but I am seriously impressed. Colors, blacks, all a big time upgrade. I don't find the text to be too bad, but it's probably not the very best for work. Certainly it's optimized more as a multimedia and gaming monitor. I love it.

I'm upgrading from an excellent ASUS ROG Swift 27" 1440P IPS, 165Hz, G-SYNC panel. Two of them, actually, side by side and running two systems. One stays and the new panel takes the place of one of them.

I'm going to need a bigger PC gaming desk. The real estate this takes up is no joke.
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Agreed about the text probably even a bit worse on my 55" mostly due to pixel size but already have two monitors for work. Right now its on an old ikea pc desk that is still pretty cool now but having a non elevating desk for it sucks compared to my other two.

I picked up this desk from amazon that is good.


These monitor arms are annoyingly expensive but top notch quality and finish. Definitely recommend the 13" versus the 8".

 
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Cappy76 said:
I went with this one last year to go with my 34” ultra wide and it fits perfectly on the monitor shelf.

Bestier L-Shaped Led Gaming... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VPWFZP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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Always like the corner desks. Unfortunately for me the one corner available there is an access panel for the shower plumbing I can't really block. Had some work done already this year was a pain in the you know what to shift things. I have basically a U shaped three desk system. The small mobile work desk that is one of the arms of the U I definitely need something more substantial. Planning on downsizing my bed from a queen..maybe even a futon just to free up room. I rarely sleep more than two hour blocks so a comfortable bed really doesn't do much for me.
 
I'd go for one of those corner desks, and recommended one to my Dad just last week, but the area I'm using doesn't really have a suitable corner. I'd go for one otherwise.
 
usiel said:
Always like the corner desks. Unfortunately for me the one corner available there is an access panel for the shower plumbing I can't really block. Had some work done already this year was a pain in the you know what to shift things. I have basically a U shaped three desk system. The small mobile work desk that is one of the arms of the U I definitely need something more substantial. Planning on downsizing my bed from a queen..maybe even a futon just to free up room. I rarely sleep more than two hour blocks so a comfortable bed really doesn't do much for me.
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Gamer priorities! Beds? Who needs beds?!

Just out of college I was living in a cubbyhole studio apartment in Rosslyn because I was working full time in Alexandria and going to GTown full time at night for my MA, and doing so carless. I managed to build a main gaming setup in one corner and then turned a closet into a secondary gaming station so a buddy and I could play Starcraft over a LAN.

Who needs clothes? For Aiur!
 
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Drake1588 said:
Gamer priorities! Beds? Who needs beds?!

Just out of college I was living in a cubbyhole studio apartment in Rosslyn because I was working full time in Alexandria and going to GTown full time at night for my MA, and doing so carless. I managed to build a main gaming setup in one corner and then turned a closet into a secondary gaming station so a buddy and I could play Starcraft over a LAN.

Who needs clothes? For Aiur!
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My queen size bed ends up being storage mostly for hard back books and tshirts, heh. Granted basically a confirmed bachelor guy at this point and full time work from home so that bed is getting deprioritized.
 
RDR2 .. on my 10th play though maybe? normally i finish the game then immediately restart bc i love the early chapters but this time im going for 100% completion and i never knew there was so much content in New Austin area.

Pretty cool to see the sunsets in the desert
 
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